Sharks Head North Of Border For First Time In Franchise History With Four Games This Week

March 2, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Top 3!

#1 Captain Ryan Vesce scores twice in his return to the Sharks lineup in a 3-1 win over the Pirates on Wednesday!

#2 Danny Groulx ties Sharks record with four assists in 5-4 shootout loss to Heat on Friday!

#3 T.J. Trevelyan extends point streak to three games with two goals and assist in 4-3 loss to Heat on Saturday!

Last Week: (1-1-0-1) 3pts, 3gp

Wed. 2/24 W Portland Pirates 1 @ Worcester SHARKS 3

Fri. 2/26 SOL Abbotsford Heat 5 @ Worcester SHARKS 4

Sat. 2/27 L Abbotsford Heat 4 @ Worcester SHARKS 3

Next Week:

Tue. 3/2 Worcester SHARKS @ Manitoba Moose - 8:30 p.m (EST)

Wed. 3/3 Worcester SHARKS @ Manitoba Moose - 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Fri. 3/5 Worcester SHARKS @ Abbotsford Heat- 10:30 p.m. (EST)

Sat. 3/6 Worcester SHARKS @ Abbotsford Heat - 9:00 p.m. (EST)

Rewind the Tape:

2.24.10 - Worcester 3 - Portland 1 - W - DCU Center

Needing a win to fend off the hard-charging Portland Pirates, Worcester looked to its captain for assistance and he delivered. Ryan Vesce scored twice and the Sharks defeated the Pirates, 3-1, at the DCU Center Wednesday night. The game was the first one of the New Year for Vesce who last saw action December 19, 2009 against Adirondack. Dan DaSilva chipped in with an insurance goal in the final period to cap the victory. Alex Stalock was terrific in net making 31 saves and also added his first pro point with an assist.

2.26.10 - Worcester 4 - Abbotsford 5 - SOL - DCU Center

The Abbotsford Heat scored three unanswered goals in the second period and hung on to defeat the Worcester Sharks, 5-4, in a shootout on "Be A Leader" night presented by Abigail Williams and Associates at the DCU Center Friday night in the first-ever meeting between the two organizations. Benn Ferriero had a goal and two assists, including a shootout tally and Danny Groulx added four assists, but it was Radek Smolenak's shootout goal in the eight-round that sealed the deal for the Heat. Logan Couture had a goal and an assist in his return to the Sharks' lineup and T.J. Trevelyan forced overtime with a super coast-to-coast goal in the third period.

2.27.10 - Worcester 3 - Abbotsford 4 - L - DCU Center

Goaltender Frank Doyle started his first game in a Worcester Sharks uniform, but the Sharks were unable to come from behind for a 4th time as the Heat swept the Sharks, 4-3, at the DCU Center Saturday night. J.D. Watt's third period goal proved to be the game-winner as the Heat concluded a nine-game with an 8-1-0-0 record. T.J. Trevelyan continued his strong offensive play scoring twice and adding an assist. Mike Moore chipped in with two assists for the Sharks and Ryan Vesce extended his goal scoring streak to five games with his 10th goal of season.

Sharks in the Atlantic:

The Sharks are currently swimming in 2nd place with 77 points (36-18-2-3) in the Atlantic Division through 59 games, trailing the first place Pirates but just one point (Sharks have two games in hand). Worcester has a four point edge over the third place Monarch, a five point advantage over the 4th place Devils, and a 14 point lead over the 5th place Sound Tigers. The 6th place Wolf Pack and Bruins (61 points) trail Worcester by 16 points. The 8th place Springfield Falcons (52 points) round out a very choppy Atlantic Division.

400 WINS!

*400 WINS!....With the 4-1 victory vs. Springfield on November 1st, head coach Roy Sommer became just the 4th coach in AHL history to reach the 400 win plateau.

AHL COACHING WINS - ALL-TIME

1. Fred "Bun" Cook 1937-56 19seasons 1,171GP 636 WINS

2. Frank Mathers 1956-85 18seasons 1,256GP 610 WINS

3. John Paddock 1981-2009 15seasons 1,107GP 585 WINS

4. Roy Sommer 1998-current 12th season 939GP 429 WINS

*Worcester Sharks Head Coach Roy Sommer, who plays a major role in developing players for the San Jose Sharks, is currently the longest-tenured coach (12th season) in the American Hockey League. His current regular season record after the win is now: 429-395-56-59.

*In Coach Sommer's first AHL victory.... The Kentucky Thoroughblades defeated the Albany River Rats 6-4 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on October 17th 1998. Coincidentally, Assistant Coach David Cunniff recorded an assist as a member of the River Rats in the hockey game.

*Assistant Coach David Cunniff has joined Coach Sommer in 272 of the 429 victories (63%).

Shark Bites:

*Captains for the 2009-10 season: Captain Ryan Vesce (2nd year), Assistant Captains Derek Joslin (2nd year) and Mike Moore (1st year).... T.J. Trevelyan, Joe Callahan, Steven Zalewski, Frazer McLaren, and Dwight Helminen have also worn the "A" on their jerseys.

*From east to west..... The Sharks already have TWELVE players that have seen action to both the AHL and NHL this season (McLaren, Zalewski, Vesce, Joslin, McGinn, Couture, Callahan, Ferriero, Mitchell, Demers, McCarthy, and Helminen). The Sharks had 11 players accomplish that feat last season. Logan Couture, Ryan Vesce, Benn Ferriero, Jason Demers, and Frazer McLaren have each recorded their first NHL goals this season. Jason Demers, Dwight Helminen, Jamie McGinn, and Torrey Mitchell are currently (March 1) on recall to San Jose. The Worcester Sharks have had 63 CALL-UPS this season to San Jose.

*You always remember your first..... Dennis McCauley (10/10), John McCarthy (10/9), Brandon Mashinter (10/9), Logan Couture (10/10), Dean Strong (10/30), and Nick Petrecki (1/23) have all scored their first professional regular season goals this season.

*40.... Since a 3-1 loss in Portland on November 20th, the Sharks are 28-8-2-2 in their last 40 games with 60 of a possible 80 points. (.750)

*Quickest to 31 wins... the Sharks hit the 31 win plateau in game #49 this season on February 5th. The Sharks hit 31 wins on March 6th last season in game #61, on April 12th in game #79 in 2007-08, and on March 16th in game #67 in 2006-07.

*55 shots... the Sharks set an AHL high this season with 55 shots on goal vs. the Bruins on Saturday, January 9th... the highest total in Sharks history... The Sharks had 21 shots in the 1st, 15 in the 2nd, and 19 in the 3rd...Danny Groulx had ten shots in the game and Benn Ferriero had eight.

*8 goals.... The Sharks scored eight goals for the first time in franchise history in Springfield in an 8-4 victory over the Falcons on Wednesday, February 3rd. Dennis McCauley had three goals, Danny Groulx 2, while Benn Ferriero, T.J. Trevelyan, and Nick Petrecki also scored goals for the Sharks. Worcester fired 38 shots on goal and scored three power play goals in the game.

*The Comeback.... The Sharks trailed 5-1 with just over 23 minutes left against the Pirates on Sunday, January 10th before scoring FIVE unanswered goals to win in overtime.... The four goal deficit victory tied a Sharks record.

*Road Warriors!.... the Sharks are 13-4-0-1 in their last 18 road games....7-2-0 in their last six road games averaging 4.66 goals scored per game and 10-for-41 on the power play (24.3%).

*Best PP on Road... the Sharks boost the best power play on the road this season at a 22.0% rate. Overall, the Sharks power play ranks 5th in the AHL (19.8%).

*PK climbing the ladder!... Worcester has killed off 21-of-23 penalties in their last eight games as the penalty kill is now 80.5% good for 23rd in the AHL.

*These Sharks know how to score!... Worcester is 3rd in the AHL averaging 3.41 goals per game! The Sharks have 9 players with over 10 goals this season.

*Home Cooking!.... the Sharks are 15-4-2-1 in their last 22 games at the DCU Center...the Sharks are 20-10-2-1 at the DCU Center this season good for the 5th most home wins in the AHL this season.

*Kick off the New Year!... the Sharks finished January with a 9-2-2-0 record... good for their best month in franchise history!

*Sharks rule the Atlantic... the Sharks have 29 WINS in Atlantic Division games (29-15-2-2) the most wins in the AHL against their own division.

*4th BEST in AHL... the Sharks have the 4th best winning percentage in the AHL with a.653 clip; trailing the Bears (.783), Bulldogs (.705), and Chicago (.664).

*Firsts this Week... The Sharks played host to the Abbotsford Heat for the first time in franchise history... Alex Stalock recorded his first pro point with an assist vs. Portland on Wednesday... Danny Groulx had his first four assist game on Friday vs. the Heat.... Frank Doyle made his first start in a Sharks uniform vs. the Heat on Saturday.... The Sharks allowed 0 power play chances against vs. the Heat on Saturday.

*Desjardins likes going FIRST... Andrew Desjardins leads the Sharks with SEVEN first goals this season... Andrew has 13 goals this season to surpass his eight goal total last season, his first in the AHL.

*Throw the Hats! The Sharks have two hat tricks in a six game span! Dennis McCauley in Springfield on Wednesday, Feb 3 and Dan DaSilva in Manchester on Feb 14. Worcester had gone 68 games without a hat trick (P.J. Fenton) between hat tricks before McCauley found the back of the net three times on the 3rd.

*Point per game.... The Sharks have THREE players averaging a point per game.... Couture (1.34pts per game), Benn Ferriero (1.13), and Ryan Vesce (1.17). Steven Zalewski (.913) and Danny Groulx (.830) are close behind.

*First period advantage.... Worcester is outscoring their opponents 56-44 in the first period, ahead 67-66 in the 2nd, and lead 73-64 in the third period. The Sharks are 21-2-0-1 when leading after twenty minutes of play this season.

*Extra, Extra.... The Sharks are 3-2 in OT this season (McGinn, Couture, and Helminen) after going 7-1 last year in the overtime period.

*Young Guns....The average age of the Sharks roster is 23 (Currently the youngest team in the AHL as of Feb 25) which includes 12 rookies, five 2nd year players and two third year players. At the age of 29, Frank Doyle is the oldest while Nicholas Petrecki at 20 years old and seven months is the youngest.

*Massachusetts... The Sharks have FIVE players born and raised in Massachusetts (John McCarthy - Andover, Corey Quirk - Brockton, Dennis McCauley - Billerica, Joe Callahan - Brockton, and Benn Ferriero - Essex)

*Streakers... Ryan Vesce has a EIGHT game point streak (7-6-13) and a Sharks season high FIVE game goal scoring streak... Matt Jones has a THREE game point streak (3-2-5)....T.J. Trevelyan a THREE game point streak (3-2-5).

*Logan among rookies... Despite only playing 35 games, Couture is 2nd in the AHL in rookie scoring with 47 points (19-28-47)... 1st among rookies with 19 goals....5th among rookies with 28 assists.

*Logan among everyone... Logan leads the AHL with EIGHT game winning goals in just 35 games played.

*Who's your BF?.... Benn Ferriero currently ranks 3rd in the AHL among rookies with 43 points (19-24-43) in just 38 games played this season... he is tied with Logan for a share of the top spot in goals for among rookies... and leads all rookies with three shorthanded goals.

*Between the pipes.... Rookie Alex Stalock leads the AHL with 32 wins and 1st in minutes played with 2788 and 4th in saves with 1182...only 11 goalies have won 40 games in the AHL and just once in the last 45 years (Ryan Miller won 40 with Rochester in 2004-05)... Stalock has surpassed Thomas Greiss (30 wins in 2008-09) for most wins by a Sharks goaltender in a season in franchise history.

*Need to score 1st... Worcester is 25-4-0-2 (.839) in 31 games they have scored the first goal of the game (6th best win % in AHL)... the Sharks are just 11-14-2-1 when allowing the first goal... the AHL average winning percentage is.745% when scoring the first goal of the hockey game.

*All four years....Defenseman Derek Joslin is the only Sharks player to suit up in all four seasons in Worcester.

*Can't score if you don't shoot.... The Sharks are 1st in the AHL with 35.98 shots per game, including a franchise record 55 shots on goal against the Bruins on Saturday, January 9th.... Danny Groulx is 1st among AHL defensemen with 184 shots on goal.

*Keep it close... the Sharks are 17-4-2-3 in one-goal hockey games good for 39 of their 77 points... the Sharks are 19-14-0-0 in games decided by two or more goals.... The Sharks are 4th in the AHL with 17 one-goal victories with eight of those coming on the road.

*Follow the leaders.... Danny Groulx is 1st in the AHL among d-men with 41 assists, 1st in shots with 184, and 1st in points (8-41-49).... Logan Couture leads the AHL with eight game winning goals, 2nd in rookie scoring (19-28-47) and 1st among rookies with 19 goals scored. Rookie Alex Stalock is 1st in the AHL with 32 wins and 1st in minutes played (2788).... Benn Ferriero leads all AHL rookies with THREE shorthanded goals and is 3rd in rookie scoring with 43 points (19-24-43) in just 38 games played, and John McCarthy is 3rd among rookies with a +23 rating... Steven Zalewski is 14th in the AHL point scoring race (20-33-53) in 58 games...

*Mr. Dependable.... Sharks defenseman Danny Groulx has played in 167 straight games... he dressed in all 80 games last season in Rockford.... Andrew Desjardins has dressed in 133 straight games for Worcester breaking the record held by Derek Joslin (114 games).

*Mr. 1000! On Friday, February 19th in Binghamton, Worcester Sharks Head Equipment Manager Vinny Ferraiuolo suited up for his 1000th game as an Equipment Manager in Professional Hockey. Vinny is in his 13th season as an equipment manager, his 5th as head equipment manager with the San Jose Sharks top affiliate in the AHL.

*10-10 Vision.... Sharks rookie forward Brandon Mashinter has 16 goals and 12 fighting major penalties.... The only Sharks player ever to have double digits in both categories over the course of a season.

*8 and 8.... After setting a Worcester Sharks record last season with 21 fighting major penalties, Frazer McLaren has eight fights in the AHL and eight fights in the NHL this season... he and Mashinter are the only Sharks players to have over 100 penalty minutes this season in Worcester.

*Hey Shorty it's your birthday!... the Sharks have scored the 7th most shorthanded goals this season with NINE (Ferriero 3, Zalewski 2, Couture 1, Desjardins 1, McGinn 1, Wilson 1)

*Five for fighting...The Sharks have 55 fighting major penalties this season through 59 games... (Brandon Mashinter 12, Dennis McCauley 9, Frazer McLaren 8, Nicholas Petrecki 6, Joe Loprieno 4, John McCarthy 2, Mike Moore 3, Steven Zalewski 2, Joe Callahan 1, Andrew Desjardins 4, Dan DaSilva 2, Jamie McGinn 1, and Derek Joslin 1). The Sharks had 78 fighting majors last season, 68 fighting majors in 2007-08 and 54 in 2006-07.

*Olympics... FOUR former Worcester Sharks played in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Thomas Greiss and Dmitri Patzold for Germany, Doug Murray for Sweden, and Joe Pavelski for USA.

*All-Stars!....

Logan Couture, Danny Groulx, and Alex Stalock represented the Sharks in the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic held January 18th and 19th at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. Former AHL All-Stars for the Worcester Sharks include: Mathieu Darche (2007), Mike Iggulden (2008), Derek Joslin (2009), and Ryan Vesce (2009).

Coming and goings from the shark tank:

03/01/2010

Dwight Helminen (C)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

03/01/2010

Jamie McGinn (LW)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

03/01/2010

Jason Demers (D)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

03/01/2010

Will Colbert (D)

Worcester

DEL Loaned to Kalamazoo (ECHL)

02/26/2010

Frank Doyle (G)

Worcester

ADD Loaned from San Jose (NHL)

Top Worcester Sharks:

o Goals Zalewski (20)

o Game Winners Couture (8)

o Assists Groulx (36)

o Points Zalewski (20-33-53)

o Power play Points Zalewski (8-14-22)

o Shots Groulx (184)

o PIM McLaren (105)

o Fighting Pen. Mashinter (12)

o Plus/Minus McCarthy (+23)

o Wins Stalock (32)

o G.A.A. Stalock (2.56)

o Save % Stalock (.909)

o Shutouts Stalock (2)

Sharks in the Pacific:

The San Jose Sharks are 40-13-9 with 89 points this season and are currently in 1st place in the Pacific Division and have the 2nd most points in the NHL. The Sharks have a 10 point lead over the 2nd place Phoenix Coyotes in the Pacific. The Sharks will not play again till March 2nd vs. New Jersey.

Brad Staubitz has three goals and three assists along with 76 penalty minutes through 32 games.... Former Worcester Shark Devin Setoguchi has 25 points (14-11-25) through 50 games... Torrey Mitchell has a goal and three assists in 36 games... Thomas Greiss is 6-4-0 with 2.47 GAA and a.918 save%.

Sharks in the ECHL:

The Kalamazoo Wings are 31-17-4-3 with 69 points this season in the ECHL and currently in 2nd place in the North Division trailing the first place Cincinnati Cyclones by 6 points.

Mitch Versteeg has 14 points (3-11-14) in 46 games... Dean Strong has six goals and ten assists in 17 games played... Louis Liotti has a goal and seven assists in 38 games... and Will Colbert has 7 points (3-4-7) in 20 games played.

Coming Up:

The Sharks head north of the border for four games this week with two matches against the Moose and two more vs. the Heat. The road trip kicks off at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba with 8:30p.m. (est) starts vs. the Moose on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Worcester then travels to Abbotsford, BC for two games with the Heat on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Sharks are already taking deposits for their 5th season in Worcester! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! Find out how to get the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs for FREE by calling the Sharks front office 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

- Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

- Significant savings off box office ticket prices

- Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 and season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.



American Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2010


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