River Rats season-high homestand underway

Published on January 17, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The Week Ahead:

The Albany River Rats host the Norfolk Admirals in a 7:00pm face-off at Pepsi Arena on Wednesday night (6:45pm WABY 1160AM & WVKZ 1240AM; B2 Networks @ www.albanyriverrats.com). The Admirals (19-14-2-2, T-3rd East) posted a 4-3 road victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers yesterday. C Martin St. Pierre, who was recently named to the Canadian AHL All-Star Team, leads the club and is tied for eighth among AHL rookies with 33 (12-21) points for the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The River Rats hold a 6-13-2-2 all-time record against Admirals, including a 3-6-1-0 home mark. Albany shows a 1-2-0-0 record against Norfolk this season, having been outscored 9-7 in three games played at Scope Arena earlier this season.

Albany next hosts the Portland Pirates for the third of four home ice meetings on Friday night at 7:00pm (6:45pm WVKZ 1240AM; B2 Networks @ www.albanyriverrats.com). The Pirates (26-9-3-2, 1st Atlantic) posted a 5-4 road victory over the Hartford Wolf*Pack Saturday night and will visit Lowell on Wednesday. LW Dustin Penner ranks sixth in the league with 46 (20-26) points in just 30 games as a member of the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The River Rats have a 19-16-5-3 record in the all-time regular season series against the Pirates, which includes an 11-6-4-0 record at home. Albany hold a 2-3-0-0 mark against Portland this season, winning the most recent match-up 7-6 in overtime at Pepsi Arena on December 27th.

The River Rats close out the weekend in a 7:00pm face-off against the Philadelphia Flyers on KIDS NIGHT this Saturday evening (6:45pm WVKZ 1240AM; B2 Networks @ www.albanyriverrats.com). The Phantoms (15-22-0-3, 6th East) are coming off a 2-0 road loss to the Manitoba Moose on Saturday and host the Hershey Bears on Friday. RW Pat Kavanagh continues to lead the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers with 12 goals and 23 points during the 2005-06 campaign. The River Rats have a 15-19-4-4 record in the all-time regular season series against the Phantoms, which includes a 10-7-2-2 home mark. Albany has a 1-3-0-0 record against Philadelphia this year in the first four of six regular season meetings.

River Rats Practice Schedule: * The schedule is subject to change, so please verify with the Communications Staff

Tues., January 17, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Pepsi Arena

Wed., January 18, 2006 - 10:00am Game Day Skate @ Pepsi Arena; Norfolk Admirals @ RIVER RATS, 7:00pm

Thurs., January 19, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA

Fri., January 20, 2006 - 10:00am Game Day Skate @ Pepsi Arena; Portland Pirates @ RIVER RATS, 7:00pm

Sat., January 21, 2006 - Philadelphia Phantoms @ RIVER RATS, 7:00pm

Sun., January 22, 2006 - TBD

Mon., January 23, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA

Story Ideas

Frank Doyle - He leads the league in saves and appearances during his first full AHL campaign. He has grown into his role as the club's dependable Number One goaltender, a position that may have been unexpected coming into the season.

Nicklas Bergfors - The youngest player in the AHL had a successful trip to the U20 World Junior Championships. He seems more comfortable in the lineup since his return, exhibiting the confidence and patience he was showing earlier this year.

Rat Bites:

* RW Alexander Mogilny scored the game-winning goal just 15 seconds into the third period in his first game with the club on Friday night in Rochester. His 473 NHL goals are the most by any skater to participate in an AHL contest.

* C Chris Minard scored the first two AHL goals of his career on Wednesday night against Providence. He led the ECHL with 49 goals during the 2004-05 campaign.

* The River Rats posted their first third period, come-from-behind victory on Wednesday night after going 0-19-0-0 when trailing into the final period. The club also won Friday after falling behind 1-0 in Rochester.

River Rats Rewind: Week 15 - January 9, 2006 (2-1-0-0, 4pts)

January 11 - PRO 2 @ ALB 3 - C Chris Minard scored his first two AHL goals, including the game-winner midway through the third period. D Matt DeMarchi added the other River Rats marker and D Bobby Allen chipped in two assists, while G Frank Doyle stopped 28 of 30 shots for his 10th victory.

January 13 - ALB 2 @ ROC 1 - RW Alexander Mogilny scored the game-winning goal 15 seconds into the third period of his first game with the club. D Dan McGillis posted a power play goal earlier in the game and G Frank Doyle stopped 36 of 37 shots to earn first star of the game honors.

January 14 - MCH 1 @ ALB 0 - RW Lauri Tukonen scored the game's only goal 3:14 into the third period to spoil Albany's 1,000th regular season game. G Frank Doyle stopped 34 of 35 shots in goal as the River Rats kicked off a season-high seven game homestand.

Upcoming Promotions:

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 @ 7:00pm - Kids In Free Wednesday!

All Children 12 & Under Get In FREE With A Paid Adult!

Friday, January 20, 2006 @ 7:00pm - Radio Disney's Family Fun Friday!

Radio Disney Fun Zone with Games, Music and Prizes!

Get 4 Tickets, 4 Hot Dogs, 4 Sodas & a Family Portrait for Just $44!

Saturday, January 21, 2005 @ 7:00pm - Kids Night!

Hannaford Supermarkets Kids Club Post-Game Skate with the Players!

For further information on 2005-06 season and flex ticket packages contact (518) 487-2244 or visit www.albanyriverrats.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 17, 2006


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