Phantoms Weekly

Published on December 19, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Upcoming Games

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 - Adirondack Phantoms at Connecticut Whale

Wednesday, December 28, 7:00 - Binghamton Senators at Adirondack Phantoms

Phantoms Results

Friday, December 16, 7:00 - Binghamton Senators 3 - Adirondack Phantoms 1

Saturday, December 17, 7:30 - Adirondack Phantoms 4 - Syracuse Crunch 3

Sunday, December 18, 3:00 - Binghamton Senators 4 - Adirondack Phantoms 1

The Week That Was

Happy Holidays Phantoms fans!

The Adirondack Phantoms picked up a valuable win against the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday night sandwiched by a couple of hard-luck losses against the Binghamton Senators and red-hot goalie Mike McKenna.

Denis Hamel scored his 326th career AHL goal on Saturday night to move past Adirondack Red Wing great Glenn Merkosky on the AHL goal scoring leaderboard. Hamel's achievement was announced at Sunday's home game and the 11th highest goal-scoring player in AHL history received a nice ovation from the GFCC crowd.

Andrew Rowe scored his first goal in just his third game of the season after missing the first couple of months with injury.

Adirondack stands four points behind Connecticut in the Northeast Division race. The second place Phantoms finished the week with a record of 15-11-2 for 32 points while the Whale have 36 points at 16-8-4. The Phantoms currently hold the number eight spot in the conference standings. The top eight Eastern Conference teams qualify for the playoffs in April while the division winners secure the top three seeds.

Tom Sestito and Ben Holmstrom were both called up to the Philadelphia Flyers getting well-deserved opportunities with the big club. Marc-Andre Bourdon scored his first career NHL goal last Tuesday in his 10th game with the Flyers. He and fellow third-year Phantoms blueliner Kevin Marshall have been doing a terrific job in their extended stays with Philadelphia. And Zac Rinaldo got involved in a spirited fight with Nathan Horton of the Boston Bruins on Saturday while Harry Zolnierczyk scored his second NHL goal of the season while falling forward in an acrobatic lamplighter earlier in the week. Congratulations to all the Phantoms on all their success with the Flyers!

Coming Up

The Phantoms have just one game this week before breaking for the holidays. But the lone game is a big one! Adirondack travels to Hartford, Connecticut to take on the Whale at 7:00. The first place Whale have 36 points to pace the Northeast Division. But the second place Phantoms are close on their heels with 32 points entering this opportunity to pull closer to the top. Following Wednesday's game, the team will go on a short break for the holidays. Players will be allowed to head home to visit family and friends. The team returns for practice on the evening of Monday, December 26.

After the Holiday Break

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year Phantoms Fans!

The Phantoms have a big four-game homestand with some more great promotions to close out 2011 and carry the team into 2012. It begins on Wednesday, December 28 on Pucks and Paws Night with fans bringing their pets to the game to enjoy Phantoms hockey live at the arena. During New Year's Eve Weekend the Phantoms have a couple more home games on Friday, December 30 with $2 draft beer specials (through the first intermission) and Saturday, December 31 with a big New Year's Eve rivalry game against the Albany Devils in the battle for the Time Warner Cable Cup. Adirondack's first game of 2012 will also be at home when the Phantoms host the Binghamton Senators on Wednesday, January 4.

Northeast Division Standings

1. Connecticut Whale (36 pts)

2. Adirondack Phantoms (32 pts)

3. Albany Devils (29 pts)

4. Springfield Falcons (27 pts)

5. Bridgeport Sound Tigers (26 pts)

Friday, December 16 (Binghamton 3 - Adirondack 1) - Sens Take Weekend Opener

Ben Holmstrom scored early in the Friday night road contest but the Binghamton Senators got the bounces after that in defeating the Adirondack Phantoms 3-1 on Friday night. Adirondack hit the post three times and had several chances in close but Sens goalie Mike McKenna stood tall in turning away 33 of 34 Phantoms drives.

An early third-period goal by Rob Klinkhammer broke a late 1-1 tie with the shot deflecting of Michael Leighton and then up into the air before falling just across the goal-line behind him. Adirondack keptcoming with more chances down low trying to tie the score but Binghamton picked up a goal from Stehpane Da Costa with 2:33 left for some late breathing room to provide for the final score.

36-year-old veteran defenseman Andreas Lilja arrived from Philadelphia on a conditioning stint to make his Phantoms debut and was paired with 21-year-old rookie Brandon Manning for much of the game.

Saturday, December 17 (Adironack 4 - Syracuse 3) - Bacashihua Excels in Saturday Night Thriller

Jason Bacashihua's first start in 10 games was a spectacular one as the 29-year-old goalie turned in a 39 save performance in a heart-stopping 4-3 victory at the Crunch on Saturday night.

The Phantoms took a 4-1 lead early in the third period on Ben Holmstrom's penalty shot goal. Adirondack's captain converted on the team's first penalty shot after he was hauled down on a shorthanded breakaway opportunity.

J.F. Jacques recorded a hat trick while igniting the Syracuse comeback attempt. Syracuse closed to within a goal with 9:40 left but the Phantoms defenders stepped up in front of Bacashihua to block a number of shots from the offensive surge of Syracuse. And Bacashihua made several tremendous saves to preserve the lead right down to the finish.

Denis Hamel scored in the first period straight off a faceoff win by Ben Holmstrom. The 34-year-old veteran Hamel leads the team with 11 goals and 23 points and picked up his career AHL 326th goal to pass Glenn Merkosky on the all-time goal-scoring leader-board.

Andrew Rowe scored in just his third game of the season after missing the first two months with injury. The second-year pro from Muskegon, Michigan had seven goals for the Phantoms last year and also six goals in the ECHL with Greenville. Garrett Klotz scored his second goal of the season as well.

The Phantoms took a three games to two lead in the spirited season rivalry against the Crunch. Adirondack has won three straight against Syracuse after the Crunch had taken the opening two contests.

Sunday, December 18 (Binghamton 4 - Adirondack 1) - Rare Home Setback for Phantoms

Adirondack took a rare loss at home, only their second in their last seven games, as Binghamton came away with a 4-1 win on Sunday afternoon. The Phantoms blasted away for 40 shots on Senators goalie Mike McKenna but the St. Lawrence University product and former Albany Devil came through big again with 39 saves for the win.

Mike Testwuide picked up his second goal of the season with three minutes remaining to pull the Phantoms to within a couple at 3-1. Adirondack kept charging forward with an extra-attacker late in the game but eventually Wacey Hamilton was able to score a long empty-netter with a few seconds left for the 4-1 final.

Trailing only 2-0 heading into the third period, the Phantoms blasted away on McKenna outshooting the Senators 9-1 in the opening minutes of the frame. But Binghamton took advantage of a power play a few minutes in as captain Mark Parrish deflected Stephane Da Costa's slapper for a valuable third goal.

Andy Bohmbach returned to the Phantoms lineup from Trenton (ECHL) to step in for Ben Holmstrom who was called up to Philadelphia earlier in the morning. It was the University of Wisconsin product's third game with Adirondack. He had racked up eight goals and 21 points in 21 games with Trenton this season.

The players returned to the ice after the game to participate in a post-game skate with the kids and fans sponsored by Glens Falls Hospital. Lots of autographs and photos with all the kids.

Phantoms Breakdown

-- Denis Hamel has played in 996 professional games on his career including 192 in the NHL and 804 in the AHL. He is slated to play in his historic 1,000th game of his career on New Year's Eve against the Albany Devils.

--The Phantoms penalty kill has been especially strong this season an rates 5th in the AHL at 84.6%. Adirondack has held the opponents to 4-for-45 for a 91.1% proficiency rating in the last 12 games since November 24 including a streak of 34 consecutive power play extinguished.

--Adirondack's power play rates 15th in the AHL at 18.0%

--Michael Leighton is second in the AHL in total saves with 608. He is tied for fifth in wins with 11. His 20 games played are second in the league.

--Denis Hamel leads the Phantoms with 11 goals and 23 points. He is fourth in the league in total shots with 110. Four of his goals have come on the power play as well as seven of his assists.

--Adirondack is 3rd in the Eastern Conference and 10th in the AHL (out of 30) in total defense allowing just 2.6 goals per game. Adirondack is 13th in total offense at 2.9 goals per game.

--The Phantoms are 11-1-1 when leading after two periods and are 4-3-1 when tied after two.

--The Phantoms are 13-4-1 when they score first.

--Adirondack is 8-4-1 at home this year and now stands at an amazing 15-4-1 since mid-March of last season. The Phantoms have just three regulation losses in their last 29 home games going an impressive 19-5-5 since last February.

Phantoms Leaders (Goals - Assists - Points):

Denis Hamel - 11-12-13

Jason Akeson - 7-12-19

Ben Holmstrom - 8-8-16

Garrett Roe - 3-12-15

Tom Sestito - 8-6-14

Mike Testwuide - 2-10-12

Michael Leighton - 11-10-0, 2.37, .923

Jason Bacashihua - 4-2-1, 3.31, .909

Upcoming Opponents

Connecticut Whale (New York Rangers) - The second place Phantoms tangle with the Northeast Division leaders Wednesday night with a golden opportunity to cut the Whale's four point advantage in half. Adirondack is 1-1 against Connecticut this year. This is Adirondack's first visit to Hartford of the 2011-12 season.

Joanthon Audy-Marchessault has dazzled in his debut professional season and leads the team in scoring with 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points which places him third among all AHL rookies.

Norwegian talent Mats Zuccarello has done well in his time with the Whale when he hasn't been up with the New York Rangers. The speedy winger has eight goals and 22 points.

Kris Newbury had a hat trick against Adirondack on October 8 in the Phantoms' Opening Night but the Phantoms took that debut encounter 6-3. Newbury is third on the team with nine goals and 11 assists.

Ryan Bourque, son of NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque and younger brother of Hershey Bears forward Chris Bourque, is two goals and four assists in 21 games.

Chad Johnson and Cameron Talbot have split the goaltending duties. Johnson is 9-4-3, 2.42, .916. University of Alabama-Huntsville product Talbot is 7-5-0, 2.89, .894.

Transactions

December 6 - Andrew Rowe loaned to Adirondack (AHL)

December 12 - Tom Sestito called up to Philadelphia (NHL)

December 16 - Andreas Lilja from Philadelphia on conditioning assignment

December 18 - Ben Holmstrom called up to Philadelphia (NHL)

December 18 - Andy Bohmbach called up from Trenton (ECHL)

Phantoms in the Community

The Phantoms are getting out to area kids and fans all season long. Call Director of Fun and Community Relations Andrew Hill to find more at 518-480-3355.

Wednesday, December 14 - Celebrity Guest Servers at Uno's in Queensbury, Luke Pither, Shane Harper and Tye McGinn ready to take your order!

Thursday, December 15 - Cosmo Night at Scoville Jewelers. Guest celebrity bartenders Mike Testwuide and Ben Holmstrom serving delicious Champagne Cosmos.

Monday, December 19 - Phantoms Power Hour at McGinnys with Jon Kalinski and Andy Thomas

Monday, December 19 - Dax joins the Glens Falls Octate for Christmas Caroling!

Tuesday, December 20 - Dax at the big Rutland Blood Drive.

Outdoor Game Ticket Pickup and Bus Trip Info Announced

Phantoms Season Ticket Holders can now pick up their tickets for the team's upcoming outdoor game at the Phantoms office. Adirondack will take on the Hershey Bears at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Friday, January 6 at 7:00pm. Be a part of history!

Upstate Transit is arranging a day trip to Philadelphia for the game as well. Get bus transportation only ($45 adult, $40 child) OR bus transportation and a game ticket ($70 adult, $65 child)

It will be a ton of fun as you travel with excited Phantoms fans ready to make noise in the huge outdoor venue. Pick up your order forms at the Adirondack Phantoms office located downstairs at the Glens Falls Civic Center during the week and also at upcoming Adirondack Phantoms home games. For more information, call Upstate Transit at 518-584-5252.

Upcoming Events

Monday, December 19, 7:00 - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE at McGinny's on Q101.7. Player guests Jon Kalinski and Andy Thomas and also Tim McManus from the Post-Star.

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 - Phantoms at Connecticut Whale

Wednesday, December 28, 7:00 - Binghamton Senators at Phantoms. Pucks and Paws! Bring your leashed pet to the game. $1 hot dogs.

Friday, December 30, 7:00 - Portland Pirates at Phantoms. $2 draft beer specials through first intermission

Saturday, December 31, 7:00 - Albany Devils at Phantoms. Big New Year's Eve game! Time Warner Cable Cup Rivalry game.

Wednesday, January 4, 7:00 - Binghamton Senators at Phantoms. $1 hot dogs.

Friday, January 6, 7:00 - Outdoor Classic! Hershey Bears vs. Adirondack Phantoms at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Phantoms Holiday Socks are on sale now. $49 package for 4 tickets to a premium Phantoms game, an autographed puck, a program, all in a game-worn Phantoms hockey sock. $59 for an autographed stick with the 4 premium game tickets and game-worn Phantoms hockey sock.

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 December 19, 2011


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