Roadrunners face Wolves, Amerks

Published on December 8, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Edmonton Road Runners News Release


The Toronto Roadrunners play two games this week, including their final road game before they begin an eight game home stand. The Roadrunners first action this week takes place on home ice as they host the Chicago Wolves for the first time on Thursday, December 11th. The Roadrunners then travel to Rochester on Saturday, December 13th to battle the Americans.

The Toronto Roadrunners earned five of a possible six points last week as they played three games in three nights. The Roadrunners began the week by splitting a home-and-home series against the Syracuse Crunch. On Friday, December 6th, the Roadrunners defeated the Crunch 2-1 at Ricoh Coliseum. The Roadrunners earned a point on the back end of the home-and-home series as they were defeated 3-2 in overtime by the Crunch. The Roadrunners wrapped up the week by defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs 2-0 at Copps Coliseum on Sunday, December 8th.

Roadrunners Earn Point in 6 of last 7 games

The Roadrunners have earned at least one point in six of their last seven games, all of which have been against North Division rivals. Toronto has a record of 4-1-0-2 during that stretch, recording victories over Hamilton (2), Syracuse, and Manitoba.

Roadrunners Record First Ever Shutout

The Toronto Roadrunners recorded their first shutout in franchise history on Sunday, December 7th, defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs 2-0 at Copps Coliseum. Stephen Valiquette made 20 saves to earn his fifth career AHL shutout.

Rita on Point Streak

Roadrunners forward Jani Rita has recorded a point in each of his last three games, earning two goals and one assist during that stretch.

Roadrunners Season Individual Leaders

Goals: Jamie Wright (10)
Wins: Michael Morrison (4)
Assists: Jani Rita, Chad Hinz (9)
Appearances: Stephen Valiquette (10)
Points: Jamie Wright (17)
GAA: Michael Morrison (2.30)
PIM: Rocky Thompson (89)
Save Percentage: Michael Morrison (0.915)
+/-: Michael Henrich (+6) TEAM W L T OTL P

The Week Ahead

Roadrunners vs. Wolves - Thursday, December 11th - Ricoh Coliseum - 7:00 PM

The Toronto Roadrunners host the Chicago Wolves for the first time on Thursday ... this game marks the third meeting of the season between these two clubs ... the Wolves won the first two meetings, earning a 3-1 victory on October 25th and a 5-4 win on October 27th ... Doug Lynch, Tony Salmelainen, and Mike Bishai have lead the way offensively for the Roadrunners against the Wolves, recording one goal and one assist each ... Eric Healy(2g-1a), Derek MacKenzie (2g-1a), and Brad Tapper (3 assists) have led the Wolves offensive attack against the Roadrunners ... Forward Steve Maltais leads the Wolves in scoring with 9g-11a-20pts in 27 games ... Chicago has the 8th best penalty killing unit in the league operating at 88.1% (118 penalty kills in 134 short- handed situations)

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, January 4th, at Toronto

Roadrunners vs. Americans - Saturday, December 13th - Blue Cross Arena - 7:35 PM

The Toronto Roadrunners will look for their first victory over the Rochester Americans this season as they travel to Rochester on Saturday, December 13th ... this game marks the fifth meeting of the season between these two clubs, with the Americans winning all three games in Rochester and the teams skating to a draw in their only meeting in Toronto ... Amerks forward Jason Pominville is second in the AHL with seven power play goals ... the Americans have the third lowest goals against average in the league, giving up an average of 1.87 goal per game ... Rochester possesses the league's fourth best penalty killing unit, operating at 90.4% (94 penalty kills in 104 short-handed situations) NEXT MEETING: Saturday, December 27th, at Toronto

Roadrunners' Schedule This Week

Thurs. Dec. 11 Chicago Wolves at Toronto Roadrunners - Ricoh Coliseum - 7:00 PM

Sat. Dec. 13 Toronto Roadrunners at Rochester Americans - Blue Cross Arena - 7:35 PM

Last Week's Results Date Opponent Score GWG Roadrunners/ Opponent Goaltending ATT.

Dec 05 Syracuse W 2-1 Bishai Morrison (1GA, 23 SV)/ Leclaire (2GA, 42 SV) 3,742

Dec 06 at Syracuse OTL 2-3 Morrison (3GA, 23 SV)/ Goehring (2GA, 26 SV) 4,306

Dec 07 at Hamilton W 2-0 Salmelainen Valiquette (0GA, 20 SV)/ Fichaud (2GA, 25 SV) 4,019

Roadrunners Tickets

Fans can purchase tickets for Roadrunners home games at the Ricoh Coliseum Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (416) 872-5000 or on the Internet by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. For group or season tickets, please call the Roadrunners' office at (416) 263-3900.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2003


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