River Rats to open at Pepsi this weekend

October 10, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The River Rats face-off against the defending Calder Cup champion Philadelphia Phantoms in their home opener on Saturday at 1:00pm (12:45pm, WVKZ 1240AM & www.albanyriverrats.com). The Phantoms (2-0-0-0, 2nd East) recorded a 4-2 victory over Albany at the Wachovia Center yesterday and now hit the road for seven consecutive contests. C R.J. Umberger picked up a goal and two assists, while LW Tony Voce added two markers in the win over the River Rats. The top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers will be off until their visit to Pepsi Arena on Saturday afternoon. The River Rats hold a 14-17-4-4 record in the all-time series and the two teams meet another four times this season on November 25 and January 21 in Albany and December 9 and March 24 in Philadelphia.

Albany then travels to Maine for the club's first Atlantic Division contest of the season against the Portland Pirates on Sunday afternoon at 4:05pm (3:50pm, 1160 & 1240AM - www.albanyriverrats.com). The Pirates (0-1-0-0) are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Springfield Falcons on the road Saturday night. C Ryan Shannon potted two goals and C Zenon Konopka recorded two assists in the club's first game of the season. The top affiliate of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks will skate in a home-and-home series with the Providence Bruins on Friday and Saturday. The River Rats turned in a 2-0 record against the Pirates last season, holding a 5-2 scoring advantage and stand 17-13-5-3 in the all-time regular season series. The teams meet up another seven times during the 2005-06 campaign on December 2 (A), 17 (P), 18 (P), 27 (A) and in a home-and-home set on April 1 (A) & 2 (P).

River Rats Practice Schedule:
Tues., October 11, 2005 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA
Wed., October 12, 2005 - 10:00am practice @ Pepsi Arena
Thurs., October 13, 2005 - 10:00am practice @ Pepsi Arena
Fri., October 14, 2005 - 10:00am practice @ Pepsi Arena
Sat., October 15, 2005 - Philadelphia Phantoms @ RIVER RATS, 1:00pm (Home Opener)
Sun., October 16, 2005 - RIVER RATS @ Portland Pirates, 4:05pm
Mon., October 17, 2005 - OFF DAY
* The schedule is subject to change, so please verify with the Communications Staff

Story Ideas
Barry Tallackson - The winger saw extended pre-season action with New Jersey and appears ready for a successful first full campaign. He played in four Frozen Fours with the Golden Gophers and looks to be one of the Rats' top performers as a 22-year-old.
Alex Brooks - The unheralded defender was named the 10th Captain in franchise history last week. He has risen from a quiet free agent signing to one of the most respected voices in the lockerroom. He is now the face of the team and provides a steady influence.

Rat Bites:
* C Petr Vrana recorded a goal and an assist in his AHL debut in Syracuse on Saturday. He was New Jersey's second choice (42nd overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and was the 2003 QMJHL Rookie of the Year following an 83-point campaign.
* LW Jason Ryznar scored his first AHL goal against Philadelphia on Sunday following a four-year career at the University of Michigan. RW David Clarkson also added his first points as a professional with two assists against the Phantoms.
* LW Ilkka Pikkarainen scored the first shorthanded goal of his Albany River Rat career on Saturday, while G Ari Ahonen earned third star honors with 47 saves in his first start of the season.
* The River Rats outshot the defending Calder Cup Champion Phantoms 39-30 on Sunday, including a 15-2 margin in the third period.
* RW Cam Janssen likes to score early. After hitting the net in last season's opener, he scored his first goal since October 15, 2004 in Game Two of this season on Sunday.


River Rats Rewind: Week 1 - October 3, 2005 (0-2-0-0, 0pts)

October 8 - ALB 3 @ SYR 5 - RW Barry Tallackson notched a goal and an assist, including the club's first goal of the season early in the second period. C Petr Vrana added a goal and an assist in his AHL debut, while LW Ilkka Pikkarainen netted the first shorthanded goal of his three-year career. G Ari Ahonen stopped 47 of 52 shots on the night to earn third star honors.

October 9 - ALB 2 @ PHI 4 - LW Jason Ryznar scored his first AHL goal and RW David Clarkson chipped in two assists in his first AHL contest. RW Cam Janssen added his first goal since October 15, 2004 and G Frank Doyle stopped 26 shots in his River Rats debut against the Calder Cup champions.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, October 15, 2005 - Home Opener Vs. Philadelphia @ 1:00pm!
Amusement Park Block Party featuring rides and attractions before the game at 11:00am!
Total Events presents The Concourse Carnival with Free Games & Prizes All Day!
Post-Game Party with the Players at Broadway Joe's of Albany at Pepsi Arena!
Pre-Game Fireworks!
Allstate Magnetic Schedule Giveaway!




Saturday, October 22, 2005 - Meet the Amazing Spider-Man Live @ 5:00pm!
The web-slinger will be on hand for Pictures & Autographs!
The first 1,000 children 12 and under receive Amazing Spider-Man Holograms or Magnets!



American Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2005


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