River Rats Notebook

Published on February 5, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The Albany River Rats begin a three-game road trip Wednesday at Norfolk. News, notes and storylines heading into this week's action:

* The River Rats are 21-23-2-1 (.479) for 45 points after 47 games and trail fourth-place Bridgeport by two points in the East Division. Albany has 33 games remaining, including five against Bridgeport (three home, two away).

* The River Rats begin a stretch Wednesday, February 7 that sees them play five straight games against either Norfolk (three) or Hershey (two) - teams they are a combined 1-7-0-0 against this season. Ten of the River Rats next 12 games will be played against East Division opponents.

* The River Rats have out-shot their opponents 152-104 over the past four games but are just 1-3-0-0 in that stretch.

* Center Keith Aucoin has points (1-6-7) in five straight games and 12 of his last 14 (3-18-21). He has 21 points since December 31, second most in the AHL. The native of Waltham, Mass., has the fourth most assists (93) and the sixth most points (134) in the AHL over the last two seasons.

* Right wing Jesse Boulerice returned to the lineup February 3 vs. Worcester after missing 27 games due to injury. He has four goals and two assists with 36 penalty minutes in 12 games this season.

* Right wing Shane Willis will be sidelined for a minimum of six to eight weeks after having surgery for a hernia that had bothered him all season. He ranks first on the team in goals (14) and second in points (33) with a plus-6 rating in 33 games.

* All AHL teams will follow the NHL's decision to switch to a new uniform next season. The new uniforms, made by Reebok, were unveiled at the NHL all-star game January 24 in Dallas.

* Mike Angelidis, Keith Aucoin, Jesse Boulerice, Johnny Boychuk, Brett Carson, Dan DaSilva, Scott Kelman, Mitch Love, Cody McLeod, Justin Peters, Jakub Petruzalek and Tyler Weiman will serve as celebrity bartenders Wednesday, February 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Jillian's (51 N. Pearl Street). Select players from the group will be raffled off for dates. All tips generated by the players and donations from the event will benefit the American Heart Association.

* River Rats players, coaches and Rowdy the River Rat (team mascot) have combined for 98 community appearances so far this season.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 5, 2007


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