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Phantoms Time Warner Cable Cup Champs

April 6, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Michael Ryan racked up the team's third hat trick in the last four games as Adirondack clinched the Time Warner Cable Cup over the Albany Devils in the last home game of the year. 3,795 at the Civic Center rose to their feet for a deafening send-off as the final seconds ticked away in the Phantoms' 4-1 triumph.

Adirondack outscored their opponents by an amazing 22-6 over a four game homestand that could not have been drawn up any better in advance.

The Time Warner Cable Cup series finished even at six games apiece but Adirondack won the coveted piece of hardware based on points in the series 14-13 which was presented to Phantoms Captain Dan Jancevski in a post-game ceremony as most of the crowd stayed to cheer and celebrate.

It was a bittersweet moment for the Phantoms and their fans who wish there could be more home games to cheer for their tremendous play. But excitement and enthusiasm for the future remains a motivator.

Michael Ryan was the third Phantom of the week to record a hat trick in what has suddenly become a regular occurrence for the team. It took the team nearly two full seasons to score their first ever home ice hat trick when Mike Testwuide accomplished the feat Friday in a 9-5 win vs. Albany. Denis Hamel had the three goal performance Monday night in a 6-0 win over Rochester. And now it was Michael Ryan's turn for the hats to be tossed to the ice in salute to his performance.

Ryan was overshadowed on the two previous hat trick nights but had two goals of his own in each of those games. The 30 year old from Boston has now scored seven goals in the four games of the homestand.

Adirondack has won seven straight home games to finish with a flourish on the Civic Center portion of the schedule. The Phantoms finished 19-15-6 on home ice this year including 10-1-1 in their last 12 home games of the season.

The Phantoms passed the Devils in the East Division standings by one point and now trail Syracuse by a point for the next spot up the ladder.

Andy Thomas gave the Devils the lead midway through the first period on a shot that glanced off Johan Backlund's left leg-pad into the net for just his second goal of the year.

Michael Ryan's first goal came during a 5-on-3 power play early in the 2nd period on a perfectly placed shot from the right circle over Mike McKenna's left shoulder.

Ryan broke the 1-1 tie early in the 2nd period as Holmstrom muscled through the slot and kept the puck in the zone. Ryan cut to the backdoor where the puck arrived on his stick for the tap-in and the 2-1 lead.

Ryan picked up an Erik Gustafsson slapshot rebound in the right side of the crease with 2:26 remaining in the game for the hat trick and a 3-1 lead.

That moved Ryan into a tie for the team lead in goals with Denis Hamel with 25 apiece with just three games remaining in the regular season.

Rob Bordson rushed across the line and fired it dead-center for an empty-net tally with 1:23 remaining for his 8th of the year to close the scoring.

Adirondack outshot Albany on the night 33-20. The Phantoms went 1-for-9 on the power play while the Devils were just 0-for-2 although one of their power plays in the first period was a five minute major which the Phantoms did a commendable job of killing.

Earlier in the first period, Zac Rinaldo blasted Albany's Darcy Zajac on a hit and the two promptly dropped the gloves. Rinaldo took a game misconduct as he also took over the AHL lead in total penalty minutes on the year now with 341.

The game featured a Phantoms team poster giveaway courtesy of Glens Falls Printing. And many fans won great giveaway items including autographed Phantoms jerseys and certificates to many Phantoms sponsors and area businesses.

Thanks to you fans all season long! You have been terrific through the tough first half and into the great second half. Our team in Glens Falls wouldn't be possible without your support. You have been especially tremendous through this amazing stretch of home games to close the season. The players can't help but notice the noise and passion and they feed off your energy. It's been a lot of fun all season long and we look forward to seeing you back at the Civic Center beginning next October for more great Phantoms wins in our exciting future.

Adirondack finishes the season the same way they began it; with a three game road trip. The Phantoms will play three straight likely playoff-bound teams on the swing. The trip begins Friday night at Manchester, NH against the Monarchs and then heads down to Binghamton on Saturday against the Senators. The last game of the year is Sunday at 3:00 against the AHL leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins whom the Phantoms have defeated three consecutive times.

Phantoms notes:

Scratches for the Phantoms included Stefan Legein, Luke PIther and Mike Matczak as well as Matt Walker, Oliver Lauridsen, Tom Sestito and Logan Stephenson.

Lots of roster moves preceded the game. Goalie Michael Leighton cleared re-entry waivers and was recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers. The Phantoms added Yale standout Ryan Rondeau to serve as Backlund's backup goalie for the remainder of the year. Marc-Andre Bourdon returned to the Phantoms after helping Greenville to a Game 1 victory in their playoff series at Elmira. Bourdon may get back to Greenville for ECHL playoff action in the future. Garrett Klotz was added the Phantoms after playing most of this season with Bloomington (Ill.) of the CHL. Klotz was seeing his first action with the Phantoms since November.

UPCOMING GAMES

Friday, April 8, 7:00 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Manchester Monarchs

Saturday, April 9, 7:05 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Binghamton Senators

Sunday, April 10, 3:05 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Phantoms Season Tickets for 2011-12 are on sale now! Full season ticket holders get an Adirondack Phantoms stadium blanket while supplies last and also will be in the Phantoms mug club for $1 sodas and coffees in Heritage Hall all season long.

Join us at the Glens Falls Civic Center for exciting Adirondack Phantoms hockey, the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. 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 and flex-packs.

Come watch future NHL stars and up-and-coming Flyers prospects. 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 April 6, 2011


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.

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