Niittymaki named Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month
Published on December 1, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1, 2004) - The Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League announced today that goaltender Antero Niittymaki has been named the Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month for November. Niittymaki will receive his award in a pregame presentation this Saturday, Dec. 4 when the Phantoms host the Norfolk Admirals at the Wachovia Center.
"We went undefeated through 13 games (in November), so we had lots of choices," said Phantoms head coach John Stevens. "Antero had key saves at key moments and was a big factor for our success last month."
Niittymaki was a huge part of the Phantoms' AHL-record 17-game winning streak with nine victories in November, tops among AHL goaltenders during the month. He allowed two goals or less in nine of his 10 starts, giving him a minuscule 1.66 goals against average. The 24-year-old was 2-0 in games decided by a shootout, including stopping all six attempts against Binghamton on Nov. 17 in the team's 2-1 victory.
Overall, the Turku, Finland native allowed just 17 goals on 245 shots for a .931 save percentage.
Currently in his third season with the Phantoms, Niittymaki is tied for first in the AHL in wins (12), fourth in GAA (1.71) and fifth in minutes (912:12). He won 12 straight starts from Oct. 22 - Nov. 26 while leading the Phantoms to first place in the East Division.
The Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month award is in its second season, as a Phantoms player will be honored each month through the end of the regular season for his contributions on the ice. Tony Voce was the winner for the month of October.
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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