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February 13, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The Albany River Rats earned three of a possible six points (1-1-0-1) last week during their three-game road trip against the top two teams in the American Hockey League, Norfolk (SOL, W) and Hershey (L). News, notes and storylines heading into this week's action:

- With 30 regular-season games remaining, the River Rats trail Bridgeport by seven points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. Albany has five games remaining with Bridgeport, including two games next week (February 20 at Bridgeport; February 23 at Albany).

- Center Keith Aucoin has been suspended for one regular-season game by the American Hockey League as a result of his actions during the River Rats game February 10 at Hershey. He was assessed an instigator penalty within the final five minutes of the third period, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension under AHL Rule 47.21. Aucoin will miss the River Rats' game Friday against Norfolk. He leads Albany and is tied for ninth in the AHL in scoring with 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists).

- The Carolina Hurricanes have lifted their suspension on defenseman Anton Babchuk. The 22-year-old blueliner will report immediately to the River Rats and will practice with the team for the first time Tuesday at the Bethlehem YMCA (1:00-2:15 p.m.). The Hurricanes suspended Babchuk after he initially refused to report to Albany after being assigned February 6. A first-round pick by Chicago in 2002, Babchuk had two goals and 12 assists with 30 penalty minutes in 51 games with Carolina this season. He ranked second on the Hurricanes in blocked shots (95) and scoring among defensemen (14 points) at the time he was assigned to Albany.

- Head coach-GM Tom Rowe needs two more wins for 100 as an AHL head coach. He won 76 games in two seasons as head coach of the Lowell Lock Monsters from 2004-2006 to go with 22 wins so far this season behind the River Rats' bench.

- Several River Rats players will serve as celebrity bartenders Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at Jillian's on North Pearl Street. 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 participate in the event. 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.

COMMUNITY APPEARANCES (VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES):

February 13: Jeff Finger and Mark Flood, Reading with Rowdy, Duanesburg Area Community Center (165 Chadwick Road, Delanson), 4 p.m.

February 15: Brett Carson and Cody McCormick, Reading with Rowdy, School 16 (40 Collins Avenue, Troy), 1 p.m.

February 15: Pat Dwyer, Dave Gove and Matt Murley will be available to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photographs at Legends Sports Bar (286 Lark Street), 5-7 p.m.



American Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2007


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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