Phantoms News & Notes
Published on May 12, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
FUREY PLAYING IN KELLY CUP FINALS
Defenseman Kirk Furey has helped the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies to a 2-1 series lead over the Columbia Inferno in the ECHL's Kelly Cup Finals. Furey began the season with Atlantic City and was signed by Philadelphia to a tryout contract on Feb. 4. He remained with the Phantoms for the remainder of the regular season, compiling seven assists in 31 games, before re-joining the Bullies. Furey currently ranks third among ECHL defensemen in postseason points (10) and tied for second in assists (9). Goaltender Matthew Yeats, who appeared in two games as a Phantom this season, is also a member of the Boardwalk Bullies.
FORMER PHANTOMS STILL ALIVE IN NHL & AHL PLAYOFFS
Philadelphia's season might have come to a premature end, but several former Phantoms are enjoying success in the Stanley and Calder Cup Playoffs. Center Todd White, who played for the Phantoms in 1999-2000, is a key contributor for the Ottawa Senators as they face off with the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals. Right wing Richard Park (1998-99) is a member of the surprising Minnesota Wild, who are battling the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the Western Conference Finals.
In the Calder Cup Playoffs, former Phantoms right wing Dennis Bonvie (1998-99) and defenseman Dean Melanson (1999-2001) have led the Binghamton Senators into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Western Conference Finals feature left wing Michel Picard (2000-01) and the Grand Rapids Griffins vs. left wing Rastislav Pavlikovsky (1999-2000) and the Houston Aeros.
HEWARD HELPS CANADA CAPTURE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Former Phantoms defenseman Jamie Heward was a member of the Canadian squad that recently captured the gold medal at the 2003 IIHF World Championships in Finland. Heward played in all nine games, including Sunday's 3-2 overtime victory over Sweden that sealed Canada's first world hockey championship in six years. Heward totaled 65 points in 72 games with the Phantoms in 1997-98 and then 19 points in 20 postseason games to help Philadelphia win the Calder Cup.
VANDERMEER MAKES STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF DEBUT
After appearing in 24 regular-season games with the Flyers this season, defenseman Jim Vandermeer played in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 23-year-old, who has appeared in 122 games with the Phantoms over the past two seasons, also picked up his first career NHL postseason point with an assist on April 22 vs. Toronto.
PHANTOMS SEEKING YOUNG ARTISTS
The Phantoms are seeking young artists from across the Delaware Valley to provide drawings and paintings for the team's 2003-04 season ticket book. A total of 40 submissions from kids ages 14 and under will be chosen, with a different winner featured on season tickets for each of the Phantoms' 40 home games next year. Kids will have until July 1 to submit their drawing or painting of a Phantoms game, favorite player, mascot Phlex or any memorable Phantoms experience.
Official coloring sheets can be found on www.phantomshockey.com and entries should be mailed to Philadelphia Phantoms, attn: Coloring Contest, First Union Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. In addition to having their drawings or paintings printed in the season ticket books, each of the 40 winners will receive four tickets to the Phantoms' 2003-04 home opener and take part in pre-game festivities on the ice that night. Each winning entry will also be displayed on the concourse during opening night for everyone to admire.
COACHES CONTRACTS RENEWED
The Phantoms announced on April 24 that the contracts of head coach John Stevens and assistant coach Kjell Samuelsson have been renewed for the 2003-04 season. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed. Stevens will be entering his eighth season with the Phantoms and fourth as head coach. After serving as an assistant coach under Bill Barber in 1999-2000, he became the team's second-ever head coach on June 8, 2000, and has posted a 102-94-26-18 mark over the past three seasons. Samuelsson was named an assistant coach with the Phantoms on July 8, 2000 after beginning his coaching career as an assistant with the Trenton Titans of the East Coast Hockey League in 1999-2000.
CIRONE, McCABE & VICKERS PROMOTED
The Phantoms are pleased to announce that Zac Cirone has been promoted to director of sales, Kevin McCabe was elevated to assistant director of sales and Laurel Vickers has been promoted to marketing director. Cirone first joined the Phantoms as an account executive in October 2001 and was promoted to manager of sales last September. McCabe had been an account executive with the Phantoms since June 2002 after serving in the same capacity with the Philadelphia KiXX and Philadelphia Charge soccer teams. Vickers began her Phantoms career as a sales intern in December 1997 and has been in the marketing department since July 2000.
2003-04 SEASON TICKET DEPOSITS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The Phantoms are currently accepting season ticket and game plan deposits for the 2003-04 season. Call 215-465-4522 for more information.
American Hockey League Stories from May 12, 2003
- Griffins Fall 3-2 in Overtime - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Griffins Broadcasts Return to the Internet - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Morrison reassigned to Columbia - Manitoba Moose
- Busy Week For Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- Playoff Update on the Houston Aeros - Houston Aeros
- Sound Tigers To Hold Fan Appreciation Sale This Thursday - Bridgeport Islanders
- Phantoms News & Notes - Adirondack Phantoms
- AHL conference finals set - AHL
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
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