Niittymaki named Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month
Published on April 2, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(PHILADELPHIA, April 2, 2004) - The Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League today announced that goaltender Antero Niittymaki has been named the Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month for March. Niittymaki, who also won the award in January, went 7-3 with a 1.21 goals-against average in 12 appearances last month.
Niittymaki tied for the league lead in wins during March and stopped 246-of-259 shots for a .950 save percentage. He also posted three shutouts, making 31 saves in a 4-0 win in Providence on March 12; 23 saves in a 1-0 overtime victory in Binghamton on March 27; and 26 saves in a 3-0 triumph over Norfolk on March 31. Niittymaki's seven shutouts on the season is a new team record.
Entering Philadelphia's final six games of the regular season, Niittymaki owns a 22-11-6 record with a 1.98 GAA and .924 save percentage over 45 games. The 23-year-old currently ranks tied for seventh in the AHL in GAA, tied for fourth in shutouts and tied for sixth in wins.
"I think Antero had another outstanding month and has risen his level of play to be considered a solid No. 1 goaltender," said head coach John Stevens. "He has really been leading the team down the stretch."
The Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month is new during the 2003-04 season, as a Phantoms player are honored each month through the end of the regular season for his contributions on the ice. Mark Murphy received the award for the month of October, Kirby Law won in November, Randy Jones was the honoree in December, Niittymaki was the recipient for January and John Slaney won in February.
Tickets to all Phantoms home games are $19, $18 and $14 for adults, and $8 for all children 14 and under, and are available now at the Wachovia Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations throughout the Delaware Valley. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Contact the Phantoms office at 215-465-4522 or log on to www.phantomshockey.com for information on group discounts, birthday packages and the Family Four Pack.
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