Sports stats



Phantoms' Comeback Falls Short

November 13, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Glens Falls, NY- In front of an energetic crowd of more than 4,000 at the Glens Falls Civic Center, Derek Hamel's and Erik Gustafsson's power play goals were not enough as the Abbotsford Heat extended their winning streak to five in an Adirondack 4-2 loss on Saturday night.

The Phantoms closed a 3-1 deficit to 3-2 in the third period and were appearing to set the stage for their second late and dramatic comeback in a row but Abbotsford goalie Leland Irving withstood the charge to preserve the win and the Heat sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 8.9 seconds left.

The rookie defenseman Gustafsson appeared to score his second goal this season blasting one home from center point in the first period but the goal was later credited to Denis Hamel who deflected it on its way in. It was Hamel's 6th goal in five games since joining Adirondack a couple weeks ago. Later Gustaffson accepted a cross-ice feed from Eric Wellwood in the third period and scored what turned out to be his first of the evening.

The Kvissleby, Sweden native comes to the Flyers organization by way of Northern Michigan University where he was teammates with Phantoms goalie Brian Stewart.

Denis Hamel and Stefan Legein both had quality chances to try to tie the game in the closing minute but were denied. The Phantoms concluded their homestand with a record of 1-2-0 to begin John Paddock's tenure as interim Head Coach.

It was the Phantoms third multiple power-play goal night in their last six games. Adirondack has gone 10-for-40 (25%) in that stretch. The game was the first ever between the Phantoms and the Heat. Abbotsford is the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames and are located near Vancouver in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Heat forward Quintin Lang took a minor for hooking allowing the Phantoms to take advantage of the power play. Erik Gustaffson blasted a shot from the point tipped by Hamel past goaltender Leland Irving tying the score at 1-1.

In a fast moving first period, Abbotsford scored the lone goal on a shot by Jon Rheault, his third of the season, in between the circles that beat Johan Backlund blocker-side to give the Heat a 1-0 lead. The Phantoms were outshot in the opening frame 12-3 but Johan Backlund held strong making 11 saves.

In the middle frame, J.D. Watt gave the Abbotsford Heat a 2-1 lead on his first goal of the season on a shot from in the slot that squeaked through Johan Backlund's pads.

After the goal, Paddock pulled Johan Backlund in favor of Brian Stewart. Backlund left the game after allowing 2 goals on 18 Abbottsford shots.

The Heat tacked on a 5-on-3 goal with Kalinski sitting a double-minor for high sticking and Legein taking a delay of game penalty for clearing the puck over the glass in an attempt to clear from the defensive zone. Brian Cameron's goal at 18:59 gave the Heat a 3-1 advantage at the second intermission.

The Phantoms gained intensity and generated more scoring chances in the third period. On the power play again, Gustaffson accepted a feed from Wellwood from the right-wing corner to close the score to 3-2.

Lance Bouma closed the scoring firing in the empty-netter from the right wing in the closing seconds.

Abbotsford outshot the Phantoms 29-21. Adirondack went 2-for-5 on the power play while the Heat went 2-for-7.

Abbotsford returns to the Glens Falls Civic Center on December 18. The teams close out the season series when the Phantoms travel out west to Abbotsford on January 7 and 8. The attendance of 4046 was the Phantoms' largest crowd of the year.

Before the game, the area Guns n' Hoses representatives took on the NYPD team in the annual 9/11 Memorial Fund game. In front of a nice turnout of area fans and some traveling up from New York City, the NYPD came away with an 11-6 victory as both sides displayed some impressive skills.

The event was a big success raising thousands of dollars for the Glens Falls 9/11 Memorial project and also for the scholarship fund of the children of the victims of our 9/11 heroes. Special thanks to the many businesses and individuals who again helped make this feel-good event with the Phantoms so great!

Up next, the Phantoms hit the road for 3 games that starts in Charlotte on Wednesday night at 7 pm. Adirondack returns home on Wednesday, November 24 to face-off against the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7 p.m. It is Blades for Grades Night at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Call the Phantoms office for more information.

Don't be left out! Tickets for all Phantoms games are on sale now. Discount rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Save off the individual ticket price by asking the Phantoms about their great group rate packages.

The AHL is celebrating their 75th anniversary season and is the top development league for the NHL. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates and more than 6 million fans attend AHL games every year.

Come watch future NHL stars and up-and-coming Flyers prospects with exciting Adirondack Phantoms hockey! A variety of ticket packages for all the fast-paced action are on sale now. The Phantoms selection of discount ticket packages includes 3-packs, 6-packs, 12 and 22 Select Plans, full season plans and Flex Packs. Choose the plan that works best for you! Get your tickets at the Phantoms office inside the Glens Falls Civic Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Phantoms at 518-480-3355.



American Hockey League Stories from November 13, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Adirondack Phantoms Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central