Phantoms Weekly

Published on October 24, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Phantoms Results

Friday, Oct 21 (Portland) Adirondack Phantoms 3 - Portland Pirates 0

Saturday, Oct 22 (Albany): Adirondack Phantoms 2 - Albany Devils 5

Sunday, October 23 (Rochester): Adirondack Phantoms 3 - Rochester Americans 1

Phantoms Upcoming Games

Wednesday, October 26, 7:00 -Adirondack Phantoms vs. Norfolk Admirals

Friday, October 28, 7:00 - Adirondack Phantoms vs. Connecticut Whale

Saturday, October 29, 7:00 - Adirondack Phantoms vs. Hershey Bears

Northeast Division Standings (As of 10/24/11)

1.Adirondack Phantoms (10 pts)

2. Connecticut Whale (10 pts)

3. Bridgeport Sound Tigers (6 pts)

4. Springfield Falcons (6 pts)

5. Albany Devils (6 pts)

Phantoms in First Place

The Adirondack Phantoms enter the final week of October in first place in the Northeast Division with a 5-2-0 record. Completing a successful weekend in which they went 2-1-0 and also posting a winning record for their five game road-trip at 3-2-0, the Phantoms are tied for the top spot with the Connecticut Whale heading into an early-season first-place showdown game on Friday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

The coming week brings three difficult opponents to the GFCC in Norfolk (4-2-1), Connecticut (4-1-2) and Hershey (5-1-1). It will be a huge test for Joe Paterson's crew.

Wednesday night is $1 hot-dog night at the game. Friday night features $2 draft Bud Light and Labatt Blue. Saturday is the Kids Halloween costume parade on ice and post-game open-skate with the Phantoms players courtesy of Glens Falls Hospital.

10/21 - Leighton's 35th-Career Shutout Leads Adirondack past Portland

Michael Leighton racked up 35 saves in a sparkling shutout and led the Adirondack Phantoms to a 3-0 win at the Portland Pirates on Friday night. Garrett Roe and Tyler Brown both scored their first professional goals to lead the attack.

For Leighton, the shutout was his first of the season and the 35th in his 10-year AHL career. Leighton sits sixth in the 76-year history of the league, 10 back of Hockey Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bower for the top spot in AHL history.

Leighton's shutout was the first against the Pirates at Cumberland County Civic Center in nearly five years, as Portland hadn't been shut out on its home ice since Jason LaBarbera (Manchester) turned the trick on January 17, 2007. The Pirates fell to 2-2-1 with the loss in their first season as the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Harry Zolnierczyk also scored for the Phantoms, three days after he scored his first NHL goal in highlight-reel fashion for the Flyers in Ottawa. Zac Rinaldo played his first game of the year for the Phantoms after being assigned by the Flyers earlier in the week.

As a result of allowing three goals on 23 shots, Curtis McElhinney was the losing goaltender for the Pirates.

10/22 - Hamel Strikes Twice, But Albany Strikes First In TWCC Rivalry

Denis Hamel tacked on two more goals in his pursuit of former Adirondack Red Wing great Glenn Merkosky on the AHL's all-time goal-scoring list, but the Devils Devils rallied from an early deficit and scored four power-play goals to take Round 1 of the Time Warner Cable Cup series, 5-2.

For Hamel, his goals were the 320th and 321st in The Hammer's brilliant 15-year career. Moving into a tie with Bruce Cline (1955-68) for 13th on the AHL's all-time goal-scoring list, the native of Lachute, Quebec got to within four goals of Glenn Merkosky for 12th place.

Eric Gelinas' first pair of professional goals spearheaded the comeback for Albany, which also got goals from Mike Sislo, Peter Harrold and Matt Anderson. The Devils' power-play unit also played a major role, going 4-of-5.

Michael Leighton took his first loss of the season despite making 25 saves. Jeff Frazee stopped 28 of 30 shots to get his first win of the season for Albany.

10/23 - Cash Is Golden For The Phantoms In Rochester

The Phantoms were perfect on the penalty kill and Jason Bacashihua was a spendid stalwart in goal in a 3-1 victory at the Rochester Americans on Sunday night.

Finishing with 33 stops overall, Bacashihua got his first win in a Phantoms uniform, and the 131st victory in his 10-year professional career.

In addition Bacashihua's solid play, the Phantoms killed all eight Rochester power plays and got a shorthanded goal from Harry Zolnierczyk, which was the game-winning goal. Eric Wellwood and Zac Rinaldo also scored for the Phantoms, while Marc-Andre Bourdon, Oskars Bartulis and Dan Jancevski contributed assists. For Jancevski, the assist was his 199th in the AHL.

All of Adirondack's offense came on goalie Drew MacIntyre, who allowed three goals on 16 shots in the loss. Marcus Foligno scored the Americans' only goal.

Phantoms Transactions

October 18 - Andy Bohmbach assigned to Trenton (ECHL)

October 18 - Cullen Eddy assigned to Greenville (ECHL)

October 19 - Harry Zolnierczyk recalled by Philadelphia (NHL)

October 20 - Brayden Schenn recalled by Philadelphia (NHL)

October 20 - Harry Zolnierczyk loaned from Philadelphia to Adirondack (AHL)

October 21 - Zac Rinaldo loaned from Philadelphia to Adirondack (AHL)

Phantoms Day-by-Day

Monday, Oct 24 - Off.

Tuesday, Oct 25 - Practice at the GFCC (10:00am)

Wednesday, Oct 26 - Practice at the GFCC (10:00am). Game vs. Norfolk Admirals (7:00 p.m.)

Thursday, Oct 27 - Practice at the GFCC (10:00am).

Friday, Oct 28 - Practice at the GFCC (10:00am) Game vs. Connecticut Whale (7:00pm)

Saturday, Oct 29 - Practice at the GFCC (10:00am) Game vs. Hershey Bears (7:00pm)

Sunday, Oct 30 - Off

Be Here! Phantoms Tickets are On Sale Now!

Adirondack Phantoms game tickets are on sale now. Starting at just $12.25 for adults and $10 for kids it's the best entertainment value in town. Season tickets offer great savings and outstanding perks and benefits. 22 game and 12 game plans give the fans flexibility to choose the games that work best for their schedule while also saving big compared with purchasing the tickets individually. Call the Phantoms at 518-480-3355 for tickets.

Phantoms Key Stats

-- Adirondack enters the week as just one of four teams with at least 10 points. The Phantoms are one point back of the Hershey Bears for the league's best record. The other three teams with at least 10 points are the Hershey Bears (11 pts), Houston Aeros (10 pts) and Connecticut Whale (10 pts).

--The Phantoms' 10 points tie them with the Connecticut Whale for first place in the Northeast Division.

-- Adirondack has scored at least one power-play goal in six of its first seven games-10-of-21, 24.4%. In the only game the Phantoms didn't score a power-play goal, Oct. 23 at Rochester, the game-winning goal by Harry Zolnierczyk was a shorthanded goal.

--The Phantoms are third in the AHL in goals with 27. Only Norfolk (31) and Hershey (30) have scored more. With eight more goals than their opponents, Adirondack has the second-best goal differential in the league. The Hershey Bears have the best differential at +11.

--Michael Leighton is tied with Leland Irving of the Abbotsford Heat for the league's lead in wins with four.

--Garrett Roe leads AHL rookies with six assists.

Phantoms Leaders

Goals: Denis Hamel (6)

Assists: Garrett Roe (6)

Points: Denis Hamel (8)

Penalty Minutes: Tom Sestito (14)

Plus/Minus: Garrett Roe (+5)

Wins: Michael Leighton (4)

Goals-Against Average: Michael Leighton (2.51)

Save Percentage: Michael Leighton (.926) Shutouts: Michael Leighton (1)

Upcoming Opponents

Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightning) - The Phantoms return from a five-game road trip when they host the Norfolk Admirals on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Although they'll get to Glens Falls having lost two straight, the Admirals are 4-2-1 for the season and have scored more goals (31) than any team in the league. The top-scoring Admirals are Trevor Smith (3g, 6a), and rookies Carter Ashton (5g, 4a) and Cory Conacher (4g, 4a). Ashton, a power forward who is considered one of the Tampa Bay Lightning's top prospects, is the son of Brent Ashton, a veteran of 998 NHL games with Vancouver, New Jersey, Minnesota, Quebec, Detroit, Winnipeg, Boston and Calgary. Wednesday is the first of eight meetings for the Phantoms and Admirals this season. Norfolk took the season series, 3-1, last season.

Connecticut Whale (New York Rangers) - On Friday, the Whale swim up to Glens Falls for the second time in the season's first three weeks. After racing out to a 3-1 win on Opening Night at Glens Falls Civic Center, Connecticut allowed five-straight goals as the Phantoms started their season with a 6-3 win. However, Connecticut enters the week as winners of three straight and start Monday tied with the Phantoms for first place in the Northeast Division. Since their last appearance in Glens Falls, the Whale have picked up 5-foot-7 Norwegian Mats Zuccarello (3g, 1a) from the New York Rangers, as well as the infamous Sean Avery, who has yet to appear in a game for the Whale.

Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals) - The Phantoms finish the week by hosting the Hershey Bears at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Entering the week, the 11-time Calder Cup champion Bears have the league's best record (5-1-1), best goal differential (+11) and second-highest scoring offense (30 goals). The Bears' leading scorer is Chris Bourque (4g, 6a), who is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque and brother of Connecticut Whale forward Ryan Bourque. Hershey has also gotten high-level contributions from 10-year pro Keith Aucoin (2g, 7a), and goaltender Dany Sabourin and Braden Holtby. Both Sabourin and Holtby have notable NHL experience. Sabourin won a Stanley Cup as Marc-Andre Fleury's backup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, and Holtby posted a 1.79 goals-against average and .934 save percentage in 14 games with the Washington Capitals last season.

Denis Hamel's Chase of Glenn Merkosky

Entering the week, Denis Hamel leads the Phantoms with eight points (6g, 2a). The 34-year-old scored two goals in three games this past weekend, which gives him 321 AHL tallies in his illustrious 14-year pro career. Hamel is now tied with Bruce Cline for 13th place in league history, just four markers behind former Adirondack Red Wing great Glenn Merkosky (1980-91) for 12th all-time.

AHL Leaders - Goals Scored

1. Willie Marshall 1952-72 523

2. Fred Glover 1948-68 520

3. Jody Gage 1979-96 504

4. Dick Gamble 1954-70 468

5. Jimmy Anderson 1954-70 426

6. Harry Pidhirny 1948-66 376

7. Mitch Lamoureux 1982-99 364

8. Jim Bartlett 1955-73 360

9. Tim Tookey 1980-95 353

10. Alexander Giroux 2001-present 340

11.. Brad Smyth 1994-06 326

12. Glenn Merkosky 1980-91 325

13. Denis Hamel 1997-present 321

14. Bruce Cline 1955-68 321

The Affiliate of Brotherly Love

The Phantoms roster features four players who have older brothers currently in the NHL or with NHL experience. Blake Kessel, Tye McGinn, Tom Sestito and Eric Wellwood are all the younger siblings of NHL'ers. Additionally, Brayden Schenn who was called up to Philadelphia last week is the younger brother of Toronto's Luke Schenn.

Blake Kessel is the younger brother of Toronto's Phil Kessel who is one of the NHL's top scorers and notched a hat trick against the Ottawa Senators on October 8. Blake Kessel got his first professional point on the same night by stealing the puck and assisting on Luke Pither's game-winning goal against Connecticut . Phil Kessel has scored 30 or more goals in each of the last three seasons with Toronto. Blake's sister, Amanda, is a star forward at the University of Minnesota and played on the USA Olympic team at the 2010 Vancouver gamees.

Tye McGinn made his professional debut for the Phantoms on October 8, as his older brother, Jamie, was playing for the San Jose Sharks against the Phoenix Coyotes. Jamie McGinn scored the game-winning goal in the first game in Adirondack Phantoms history. As a member of the Worcester Sharks, Jamie lit the lamp for the game winner at the Glens Falls Civic Center on October 3, 2009.

Tom Sestito's older brother Tim played in 36 games with the New Jersey Devils last year. Tim is beginning this season with New Jersey's AHL affiliate in Albany.

Eric Wellwood's older brother is Kyle Wellwood who is with the Winnipeg Jets this season. Kyle played for San Jose last year and played for several seasons with Vancouver and Toronto before that.

Come Boating with The Phantoms

The entire Adirondack Phantoms team will be appearing on the Adirondac boat on Lake George on Sunday, October 30 in an event sponsored by the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation. And you can join us for all the fun! The cruise boards at 1:30 and sails from 2:00 until 4:00. The cruise will also feature Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Thanks to the GFCC Foundation for putting together this great event. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids (16 and younger) and are available at the Glens Falls Civic Center box office and at Achenbach Jewelers.

On the Air!

All Adirondack Phantoms games are carried live on the flagship home of the Phantoms Hockey Network, Classic Hits Q101.7 FM. Each broadcast begins with a 30 pregame show. Also featured is an extended post-game show including audio replay highlights of the big goals so be sure to tune in as you driving home after the game. Bob Rotruck returns for his second season has the Voice of the Phantoms.

Fans can also listen on the Phantoms Hockey Network on the internet at phantomshockey.com and on the team's alternative audio link, ustream.tv/channel/phantomsradio . Games can also be seen on www.ahllive.com. The presenting sponsor of the Phantoms Hockey Network is Curtis Lumber.

Jimmer Bobbleheads and More!

The first ever bobblehead of local sports icon Jimmer Fredette highlights a great schedule of promotional giveaways, events and bargains and fun. Even more post-game skates with the players and lots of other opportunities for fans to interact with the team. Magnet Schedules, Youth Jerseys, T-Shirts, Youth Knit Caps and that's just to name a few.

Every Sunday home game is Sunday Family Fun Pack Day when $39 gets you an amazing value with three tickets, three hot dogs, three sodas, bucket of popcorn and a program. All Wednesday games are Dollar Hot Dog Nights.

Don't forget other fun and special events like Pucks and Paws on December 28 when fans can bring their dog to the game. And the On Ice Halloween Costume Parade on October 29.

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 24, 7:00 - "Phantoms Power Hour" LIVE from McGinney's Tavern, 193 Glen Street. Special guests #11 Shane Harper and #16 Tye McGinn.

Wednesday, October 26, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Norfolk at the GFCC. $1 hot dogs.

Friday, October 28, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Connecticut. Sean Avery playing on the Connecticut Whale now. $2 draft Bud Light and Labatt Blue through first intermission.

Saturday, October 29, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Hershey at the GFCC. Kids Halloween Costume Parade. Postgame open-skate with the Phantoms players presented by Glens Falls Hospital.

Sunday, October 30, 1:30-4:00 - Cruise with the Phantoms presented by the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation. All Phantoms players appearing! Hor d'oeuvres and cash bar. Tickets $25 for adults, $15 for kids: Available at GFCC Box Office and Achenbach Jewelers.

Get great savings and have fun with your friends, family or co-workers by bringing your group of 15 or more fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355 and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.

Catch all the action of Phantoms hockey all season long on the team's flagship station, Classic Hits Q101.7 and on phantomshockey.com. Bob Rotruck has the broadcast coverage 30 minutes prior to game-time with Countdown to Faceoff.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2011


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