Phantoms Weekly

Published on December 12, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


WEEK IN REVIEW

Wednesday, Dec. 7: Manitoba 3, PHANTOMS 1 - Manitoba found the bounces they needed to take a 3-1 win over the Phantoms in the annual School Day Game at the Wachovia Spectrum. Over 4600 kids from 52 Delaware Valley schools were part of the 6,189 on hand. Jason Jaffray started the scoring with just one minute left in the first period, and Josef Balej made it a two-goal advantage with just over three minutes left in the second period. Pat Kavanagh scored 90 seconds later to pull the Phantoms back within a goal, but Prestin Ryan closed out the scoring at 2:34 of the third frame. Philadelphia fired 32 shots at Manitoba goaltender Maxime Ouellet, who stopped 31 of them.

Friday, Dec. 9: PHANTOMS 6, Albany 1 - The Phantoms turned in their best offensive performance of the year so far, setting season highs for goals and shots in a 6-1 thumping of the River Rats. Philadelphia turned in 51 shots on the night, just nine short of a franchise record. Stefan Ruzicka registered two tallies for the Phantoms, who never looked back after going up 3-0 in the first period. John Slaney and Eric Chouinard each added a goal and an assist, while Brent Kelly and Tony Voce also found the back of the net. Martin Houle was nearly perfect with 21 saves on 22 Albany opportunities.

Saturday, Dec. 10: PHANTOMS 3, Hartford 2 (SO) - Philadelphia came from behind a total of three times to take two points from the Hartford Wolf Pack at the Hartford Civic Center. The Phantoms went down by a goal twice in the second period, only to come back to tie the game each time. The first deficit was erased by Triston Grant, while John Slaney tied the game on the second occasion. Philadelphia also dug itself out of a hole in the shootout after going down 2-0 through the first two rounds. Dan Cavanaugh, Tony Voce and Slaney were successful in the final three rounds, while Jamie Storr locked the gates on the final three Hartford snipers. Storr made 24 saves to take the win.

SLANEY CHASING HISTORY THIS WEEKEND

John Slaney heads into Friday's game with Hamilton needing just two points to become the AHL's all-time leading scoring defenseman. The Phantoms captain has 452 career points and is chasing Steve Kraftcheck, the current leader at 453 career points.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

Friday, Dec. 16: Phantoms vs. Hamilton, 7:05, Wachovia Spectrum - Philadelphia will look to extend its winning streak to three games when the Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens) come to town on Friday. The Bulldogs are 10-17-0-2 for 22 points and are in seventh place in the Western Conference's North Division. The Phantoms have won their last four games against Hamilton, with the last loss coming on Feb. 28, 2003 in Hamilton (4-2). Corey Locke is the top scorer for the Bulldogs with nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Phantoms at Syracuse, 7:30, War Memorial at Oncenter - The Phantoms will look to avenge a 4-2 loss to the Crunch on Dec. 4 when they visit Syracuse (Columbus Blue Jackets) on Saturday. The Crunch are 12-9-1-1 for 26 points, which puts them in fourth place in the North Division. Syracuse has had a close relationship this year with the Blue Jackets and with their ECHL affiliate in Dayton, Ohio - the team has recorded over 80 transactions already this year for players moving to and from Columbus and Dayton.

THIS WEEK AT THE SPECTRUM

This Friday's game is Superhero Night with the Phantoms. The Phantoms will select five Community Superheroes to be honored at the game, and each individual will receive four tickets to the game, a recognition certificate and a photo commemorating the event. During one of the intermissions, two groups of local heroes will face off in a spirited game of broomball as the Upper Darby, PA Police Department takes on the Vineland, NJ Fire Department on the Spectrum ice. In addition, Phlex and his superhero friends will be roaming the stands during the game. Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero, and those who do will be able to participate in the on-ice parade during intermission.

RUZICKA NOMINATED FOR PLAYER OF WEEK

The Phantoms nominated Stefan Ruzicka for CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week honors this week. Ruzicka had two goals and an assist in the 6-1 win over Albany on Saturday. Ruzicka now has four of his five goals on the year against Albany - he also scored two goals against the River Rats on October 9. Ruzicka also added an assist in the 3-1 loss to Manitoba on Wednesday.

PHANTOMS CONTINUE TO SUPPLY BIG CLUB

Eric Chouinard is expected to become the eighth member of the 2005-06 Phantoms to be called to duty for the Philadelphia Flyers when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Chouinard will fill in for Donald Brashear, who will miss the game with a strained left shoulder. The veteran winger has three goals and seven assists for ten points in 22 games this season for the Phantoms. Chouinard is expected to be one of four 2005-06 Phantoms in tomorrow's game, along with Ben Eager, Freddy Meyer, and R.J. Umberger. Ryan Ready, Randy Jones and Wade Skolney have previously skated for the Flyers this year, while Jamie Storr has dressed for three games but has not seen game action.

HOLIDAY BREAK

With just two games this week, it's the lightest week of work for the Phantoms since the third full week of October. The team has had at least three games in a week for the past seven weeks, and has played four games in four of those seven weeks. With just one game next week because of the Christmas holiday, Philadelphia has just three games in the next two weeks.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

The Phantoms made their annual team visit to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia today. Players canvassed the entire hospital to greet patients and sign autographs.

PHANTOMS TO SPOON SPECIAL CEREAL FROM CALDER CUP

Philadelphia Phantoms players Charlie Cook and Triston Grant are scheduled to join team mascot Phlex with the Calder Cup this Thursday for a cereal tasting at Cereality Cereal Bar and Café, located at 3631 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. A special cereal has been formulated in honor of the AHL champions and will be available for consumption with the players. The first 10 people to order the Phantoms blend during the appearance will receive a Cereality T-shirt and two tickets to the Phantoms home game on Friday, Dec. 16.

SANTA SACKS GROWING SCARCE

The ever-popular Phantoms Santa Sacks are back again for the holiday season, but if you haven't picked up yours yet, you're running out of time! This year's Santa Sacks feature four tickets to a Phantoms game and an autographed stick by your choice of Jeff Carter or Mike Richards, two of the catalysts in last year's Calder Cup run who are now with the Flyers. Visit www.phantomshockey.com for more info!

A HOCKEY LOVER'S DREAM

The Phantoms have teamed up with the Philadelphia Flyers for a one-of-a-kind ticket package. With The Hockey Lover's Package, you can see seven Phantoms games and three Flyers games for just $200 for adults or $100 for kids! Availability is limited, so call 215-465-4522 today for more information or to buy yours!

PHANTOMS MEDIA GUIDES ARE IN

The 2005-06 Philadelphia Phantoms media guide is now available! The 132-page, full-color guide is packed with information on the current team, last year's team, and every team before it. Media members can obtain their complimentary copy by contacting the Phantoms PR office. Fans can order the guide for $12 plus shipping and handling by calling the Phantoms at 215-465-4522 or can pick up the guide at any home game.

PHANTOMSHOCKEY.COM

Don't forget to check out www.phantomshockey.com every day for the latest news on the Philadelphia Phantoms! In addition to press releases, player bios and schedules, you can download wallpaper featuring your favorite player, try your hand at several games, and much more!

TICKET INFORMATION

All kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8. To purchase, go to www.phantomshockey.com and click tickets. To charge by phone, call (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2005


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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