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AHL Rochester Americans

Rochester hosts Iowa tonight; Hall of Famer Doug Gibson returns

November 24, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


Tonight's Game
Tonight, the Rochester Americans (14-1-1-0, 29 points) look to rebound against the visiting Iowa Stars, following a 4-3 overtime-loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. It will be the first of two meetings between the Amerks and Stars this season. The Amerks are 2-0-0 against the hockey club from the Hawkeye State, winning both of the contests between the two teams last season. The game is also a "College Student Discount Night." Any student showing their college ID at the box office can purchase a $15.00 ticket for $8.00. The contest will be broadcast on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 Networks. The game will also air on Time Warner Cable Channel 98 on Friday, November 24th at midnight and on Saturday, November 25th at 3:00 p.m.

Doug Gibson returns
Rochester Americans Hall of Famer Doug Gibson returns to The Blue Cross Arena tonight. The Amerks' legend will participate in the ceremonial faceoff prior to the game. In only three seasons in Rochester (1974-77), Gibson turned in some remarkable offensive numbers, including a pair of 40-plus goal seasons, and was one of the most honored players to ever wear an Amerks uniform. The center won the Les Cunningham Plaque as the AHL's MVP in 1974-75 and 1976-77, and is still the only Amerk to win the award twice. He was First Team AHL All-Star both seasons. Gibson also earned the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as the AHL's leading scorer in 1974-75 and was named the Minor League Player-of-the-Year by the Hockey News. He was inducted into the Amerks Hall of Fame in 1989 and was named to the franchise's 50th Anniversary team in 2005-06.

Last Game
Rochester enters tonight's game after being upended by the Milwaukee Admirals on Wednesday night. Anthony Stewart's goal with 39 seconds remaining in regulation erased a 3-2 deficit for Rochester and sent the game to sudden-death overtime. Sheldon Brookbank, however, netted the game-winner for Milwaukee at 4:20 of the extra period to ruin the Amerks' perfect record at home (9-0-1-0). Drew Larman and Janis Sprukts added goals for Rochester and Craig Anderson made 24 saves in only his second start since suffering an injury on October 20th.

Rochester Notes

- The Amerks have the best winning percentage in the AHL at .906. Rochester is also tied with the Norfolk Admirals for the most points in the league with 29.

- Rochester is one of three teams that have yet to give up a shorthanded goal this season. Hershey and Bridgeport are the other two teams.

- Brandon Smith is currently on a five-game assist streak (0+8).

- Martin Lojek's plus-13 is good enough for second in the league behind Boris Valabik (plus-14) of Chicago.

- Craig Anderson and Adam Dennis are second and third in the league in goals against with a 1.95 GAA and 2.00 GAA respectively... Dennis leads the league in save percentage with a .944 mark.

- Brandon Smith is third among league defensemen with 12 assists.

Player Moves
Rochester Americans center Drew Larman received his second recall to the NHL today by the Florida Panthers. This season, he has appeared in one game with the Panthers and 14 with the Amerks. In Rochester, he has six goals and two assists. Right wing Greg Jacina has been sent back to the Amerks after playing one game with Florida. Left wing Michael Ryan was returned to Rochester Thursday, but was recalled by Buffalo today. Ryan made his NHL debut Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Upcoming Milestones
Randy Cunneyworth is quickly approaching the 500 game and 250 win milestones as Amerk head coach. In his seven seasons behind the Amerk bench, Cunneyworth has coached 496 games and has collected 248 wins. He is currently third in wins behind Joe Crozier who coached the team to 260 wins and three Calder Cup Championships during his five complete seasons at the helm from 1963-1968, and brief interim stints during the 1983-84 and 1987-88 seasons. John Van Boxmeer leads all Amerk coaches with 333 wins. Van Boxmeer coached Rochester from 1984-90 and 1992-95, and led the Amerks to a Calder Cup Championship during the 1986-87 season.

Iowa Notes

- The Stars (12-7-0-0, 24 points) are in third place in the West Division and are only three points out of first.

- Iowa brings a two-game winning streak into The Blue Cross Arena.

- The Stars have given up seven shorthanded goals this season, the most in the AHL (tied with Albany).

- They are alongside Rochester as one of the least penalized teams in the league, averaging 17.8 PIM per game.

- Tonight's game is the third of a six-game trip for the Stars.

Next Game
After tonight's game, the Amerks will embark on a six-game trip that begins Saturday with a North Division showdown against the Hamilton Bulldogs at Copps Coliseum. The meeting will be the first of 10 between the two teams this season. The Amerks own a 50-38-8 all-time record against Hamilton. The 7:00 p.m. contest will be broadcast on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 Network.

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