Phantoms Weekly
December 27, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, Dec. 23: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 3, Phantoms 0 - Philadelphia was shut out for the third time this season on Friday, falling to the Penguins 3-0 at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. Konstantin Koltsov had a goal and an assist for the Baby Pens, who led 1-0 after two periods before scoring two third period goals. Noah Welch and Maxime Talbot had the other goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Martin Houle stopped 23 of 26 shots, while Dany Sabourin took the shutout by stopping 16 Phantoms opportunities, a season-low for Philadelphia, The game was a chippy affair, with the teams combining for 139 minutes in penalties - 79 to Philadelphia and 60 to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
UPCOMING OPPONENTS
Wednesday, Dec. 28 - Phantoms at Norfolk, 7:15 - Philadelphia travels to the Virginia coast to take on the Norfolk Admirals. Barring transactions, it will be the first game for Phantoms center Matt Ellison and Admirals winger Eric Meloche against their former clubs. The two were involved in a Dec. 5 trade between the Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks that also sent former Phantoms center Patrick Sharp to Chicago. Meloche has a goal and four penalty minutes in five games for Norfolk since the deal, while Ellison initially saw action with the Flyers before making his Phantoms debut at Wilkes-Barre last Friday. Norfolk enters the week with a record of 14-11-2-2 for 32 points, putting them four points ahead of the Phantoms for third place in the East Division. Philadelphia is 3-1 in four meetings with the Admirals this year.
Friday, Dec. 30: Phantoms vs. Bridgeport, 7:05 - The Phantoms welcome the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to the Wachovia Spectrum on Friday night. Bridgeport starts the week in fifth place in the East Division with a record of 12-18-2-1 for 27 points, two behind Philadelphia. Rob Collins leads the Sound Tigers in scoring with eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points. This game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet, the first of four Phantoms telecasts slated for this season.
Saturday, Dec. 31: Phantoms at Hershey, 5:00 - Philadelphia will ring out 2005 with a trip to Hershey to play the Bears. Hershey has done well in the first year of a new affiliation agreement with the Washington Captials, entering the week with a record of 20-7-2-4 for 46 points. That's good for second place in the East Division, as well as the Eastern Conference, and ties Grand Rapids for the fourth-highest point total in the league. The Phantoms are 1-2 in three meetings with the Bears this season.
SLANEY'S CHASE FOR HISTORY CONTINUES
Due to the shutout circumstances, John Slaney was held without a point in Friday's loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Phantoms captain remains two points away from establishing a new AHL record for career points by a defenseman. Slaney will take another go at the record on Wednesday at Norfolk.
EAGER MAKING MARK WITH FLYERS
Left wing Ben Eager has taken full advantage of the injuries to Philadelphia Flyers personnel over the past few weeks. Monday night's game at Florida was Eager's 11th in the Orange and Black, and he provided both regulation goals - his first two career NHL tallies - to send the game to the shootout. Flyers head coach Ken Hitchcock praised his rookie afterwards, saying "I think what's sneaking up is the fact that he's got good skill. I think he's been labeled as a role player, but his skill level is excellent. He does some good things with the puck. He's patient in the right areas, and he was at full value today. He didn't just score two goals; he controlled the tempo of the game at times. It was really good to see."
WHAT'S GOING ON
Phantoms fans who watched last week's Flyers games vs. Buffalo and Ottawa may have had flashbacks to last season at times. One of Ken Hitchcock's regular lines for the two games had R.J. Umberger centering Jon Sim and Ben Eager. Freddy Meyer and Dennis Seidenberg formed one of the main defensive pairings, while Antero Niittymaki was in goal for both games. Those six players were on the ice at the same time on several occasions, giving the Flyers a number of shifts where their entire on-ice personnel consisted of players who were part of the Phantoms 2005 Calder Cup championship team.
LOOK MA, I'M ON TV
Friday night's game vs. Bridgeport marks the first of four Phantoms telecasts on Comcast SportsNet scheduled for the 2005-06 season. Mick Moninghoff and Orest Kindrachuk will have the call on Friday when the two teams face off at the Wachovia Spectrum at 7:05. The three remaining TV games are set for Jan. 27 vs. Manitoba, Feb. 12 vs. Springfield, and Feb. 17 vs. Chicago. CSN will also broadcast the 2006 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic on Feb. 1 at 8pm.
PHANTOMS ANNOUNCE ALL-DECADE TEAM
Last Thursday, the Phantoms announced their All-Decade team, as voted by fans
during the summer months. The first team consists of center Patrick Sharp, left
wing Frank Bialowas, right wing Mark Greig, defensemen John Slaney and John
Stevens, and goaltender Neil Little. Comprising the second team are center Peter
White, left wing Mike Maneluk, right wing Kirby Law, defensemen Freddy Meyer and
Dennis Seidenberg, and goaltender Antero Niittymaki. Bios and comments from the
team members are available at the Phantoms website, www.phantomshockey.com
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! The site also includes complete details on the
newly-announced Phantoms All-Decade Team.
TICKET INFORMATION All kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8. To purchase, go to
phantomshockey.com and click tickets. To charge by phone, call (215) 336-2000,
(856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000.
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.
American Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2005
