Sharks Hit All-Star Break In Fine Fashion

Published on January 18, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Top 3!

#1 The Sharks enter the 2010 AHL All-Star break with their best record at the break in franchise history 26-14-1-2 with 55 points!

#2 Logan Couture is tops in AHL rookie scoring and Danny Groulx is tops in AHL defensemen scoring at the All-Star break!

#3 Alex Stalock is tops in the AHL with 23 wins and first in minutes played at the break!

Last Week: (2-1-0-0) 4pts, 3gp

Wed. 1/13 OTL Springfield Falcons 4 @ Worcester SHARKS 3

Fri. 1/15 L Worcester SHARKS 1 @ Portland Pirates 7

Sat. 1/16 W Manchester Monarchs 2 @ Worcester SHARKS 5

Sun. 1/17 W Worcester SHARKS 4 @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2

Next Week:

Sat. 1/23 Worcester SHARKS @ Syracuse Crunch - 7:30p.m.

Rewind the Tape:

1.13.10 - Worcester 3 - Springfield 4 - OTL - DCU Center

Mike Moore, Andrew Desjardins, and T.J. Trevelyan scored for the Sharks but Taylor Chorney scored with four seconds left in overtime as the Worcester lost for the first time against the Falcons. Tyson Sexmith made 20 saves for Worcester and Dwight Helminen made two assists in the Sharks first overtime loss of the season.

1.15.10 - Worcester 1 - Portland 7 - Cumberland County Civic Center

Six different goal scorers found the back of the net for Portland, and the Sharks allowed seven goals for the third time this season, as Worcester fell 7-1 to the Pirates in Portland on Friday night. Brandon Mashinter scored his 11th goal of the season for the Sharks and Mike Moore extended his point streak to two games (1-1-2) as the Sharks began the second half of the season on a sour note. Frazer McLaren and Derek Joslin each dropped the mitts in a frustrating loss.

1.16.10 - Worcester 5 - Manchester 2 -DCU Center

The Worcester Sharks crushed the first-placed Manchester Monarchs 5-2 in front of a hefty crowd during their seventh meeting of the season on Saturday night at the DCU Center. Worcester's Steven Zalewski and Brandon Mashinter both tallied a goal and assist, while Danny Groulx and Jason Demers recorded two assists a piece. Alex Stalock made 27 saves in net for the Sharks for the victory while Worcester scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded.

1.17.10 - Worcester 4 - Bridgeport 2 -Arena at Harbor Yard

The Worcester Sharks grabbed their 10th road win of the season in another complete team effort in a 4-2 victory over the Sound Tigers in Bridgeport on Sunday afternoon. Worcester's Danny Groulx had three assists, Jamie McGinn a goal and two assists, and Logan Couture scored his AHL leading 8th game winning goal of the season as the Sharks took over 2nd place in the Atlantic Division heading into the All-Star break. Alex Stalock made 30 saves in the win.

Sharks in the Atlantic:

The Sharks are currently swimming in 2nd place with 55 points (26-14-1-2) in the Atlantic Division through 43 games trailing the first place Manchester Monarchs by two points (Sharks have one game in hand). The Sharks lead the 3rd place Devils by one point and the 4th place Wolf Pack and Pirates by five points. Worcester has a seven point advantage over the 6th place Sound Tigers (47 points) and a 12 point edge over the 7th place Providence Bruins (43 points). The Falcons sit in 8th place with 38 points to round out the eight team division in a very choppy Atlantic Division. The Sharks have played the fewest games in the division with one game fewer than the Monarchs and two games fewer than the Devils.

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 923GP 419 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: 419-391-55-58.

*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 262 of the 419 victories (62%).

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 ELEVEN players that heave seen action to both the AHL and NHL this season (McLaren, Zalewski, Vesce, Joslin, McGinn, Couture, Callahan, Ferriero, Mitchell, Demers, and McCarthy). 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. Torrey Mitchell is currently (Jan 18) on recall to San Jose. The Worcester Sharks have had 45 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), and Dean Strong (10/30) have all scored their first professional regular season goals this season.

*24.... Since a 3-1 loss in Portland on November 20th, the Sharks are 18-4-1-1 in their last 24 games with 38 of a possible 48 points.

*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.

*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 7-2-0-1 in their last ten road games.

*Home Cooking!.... the Sharks are 11-2-1-0 in their last 14 games at the DCU Center.

*Sharks rule the Atlantic... the Sharks have 23 WINS in Atlantic Division games (23-12-1-2) to lead all AHL clubs with wins against their own division.

*4th BEST in AHL... the Sharks have the 4th best winning percentage in the AHL with a.640 clip; trailing the Bears (.767), Bulldogs (.670), and the Monarchs (.648).

*Firsts this Week... Derek Joslin picked up his first AHL fighting major of the season with a third period bout against Turnbull of Portland.... Mike Moore scored his first goal of the season vs. Springfield on Wednesday... the Sharks lost for the first time in overtime this season on Wednesday vs. Springfield.

*Desjardins likes going FIRST... Andrew Desjardins leads the Sharks with SIX first goals this season... Andrew has 11 goals this season to surpass his eight goal total last season, his first in the AHL.

*Point per game.... The Sharks have FOUR players averaging a point per game.... Couture (1.35pts per game), Benn Ferriero (1.14), Ryan Vesce (1.14), and Jamie McGinn (1.00).

*First period advantage.... Worcester is outscoring their opponents 40-31 in the first period, but has been outscored 42-47 in the 2nd and 49-51 in the third period. The Sharks are 14-2-0-1 when leading after twenty minutes of play this season.

*OT Killers.... The Sharks are 3-1 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 which includes 13 rookies, five 2nd year players and two third year players. At the age of 28, Danny Groulx is the oldest while Nicholas Petrecki at 20 years old and five 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)

*Everyone is Streaking... Ryan Vesce has a FIVE game point streak (3-6-9)....Steven Zalewski TWO games (2-2-4)...Logan Couture TWO games (2-1-3)....Groulx TWO games (0-5-5).... Stalock TWO game win streak.

*Logan is the MAN... The Sharks have scored 112 goals in 31 games with Couture in the lineup (3.61 goals per game), but have scored just 23 goals in 12 games without him (1.91 goals per game).... Logan leads the AHL with EIGHT game winning goals in just 31 games played. Couture leads the AHL in rookie scoring with 42 points (16-26-42).

*Logan is the MAN part 2... Couture is 6th in the AHL in points scored (16-26-42) and 1st amongst the top twenty scorers in points per game (1.35 pts per game). If Logan had played in all 43 games for Worcester he would possibly have 58 points to lead the AHL.

*Between the pipes.... Rookie Alex Stalock leads the AHL with 23 wins and 1st in minutes played with 1990 and 4th in saves with 805.

*Need to score 1st... Worcester is 19-3-0-1 in 23 games they have scored the first goal of the game... the Sharks are just 7-11-1-1 when allowing the first goal.

*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 36.35 shots per game, including a franchise record 55 shots on goal against the Bruins on Saturday, January 9th.... Danny Groulx is 2nd among AHL defensemen with 127 shots on goal....Worcester has outshot their opponents in 20 of their last 22 games straight games.

*Keep it close... the Sharks are 15-3-1-2 in one-goal hockey games good for 33 of their 55 points... the sharks are 11-11-0-0 in games decided by two or more goals.... The Sharks lead the AHL with 15 one-goal victories with six of those coming on the road.

*Follow the leaders.... Danny Groulx is 1st in the AHL among d-men with 26 assists, 2nd in shots with 127, and 1st in points (4-26-30).... Logan Couture leads the AHL with eight game winning goals, 1st in rookie scoring (16-26-42), 2nd among rookies with 16 goals scored, and 6th in the AHL point scoring race in just 31 games played... Rookie Alex Stalock is 1st in the AHL with 23 wins and 1st in minutes played (1990).... Benn Ferriero leads all AHL rookies with TWO shorthanded goals and is 10th in rookie scoring with 25 points (10-15-25) in just 22 games played, and John McCarthy is 3rd among rookies with a +14 rating... Steven Zalewski is 12th in the AHL point scoring race (16-24-40) in 42 games... Brandon Mashinter is 6th among AHL rookies with TEN fighting majors and 6th among rookies with 82 pims.

*Mr. Dependable.... Sharks defenseman Danny Groulx has played in 151 straight games... he dressed in all 80 games last season in Rockford.... Andrew Desjardins has dressed in 117 straight games for Worcester breaking the record held by Derek Joslin (114 games).

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

*Five for fighting...The Sharks have 40 fighting major penalties this season through 42 games... (Brandon Mashinter 11, Dennis McCauley 7, Frazer McLaren 5, Nicholas Petrecki 5, Joe Loprieno 3, John McCarthy 1, Mike Moore 1, Steven Zalewski 1, Joe Callahan 1, Andrew Desjardins 1, Dan DaSilva 2, Jamie McGinn 1, and Derek Joslin). The Sharks had 78 fighting majors last season, 68 fighting majors in 2007-08 and 54 in 2006-07.

*All-Stars!....

Logan Couture, Danny Groulx, and Alex Stalock have been selected to play for the 2010 AHL All-Star Team in the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic being held January 18th and 19th at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. Couture was named a starter for the Canadian All-Star Team.....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:

01/15/2010

Benn Ferriero (C)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

01/15/2010

John McCarthy (LW)

Worcester

ADD Returned on loan from San Jose (NHL)

01/14/2010

John McCarthy (LW)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

01/13/2010

John McCarthy (LW)

Worcester

ADD Returned on loan from San Jose (NHL)

01/12/2010

Jason Demers (D)

Worcester

ADD Returned on loan from San Jose (NHL)

01/12/2010

Mitch Versteeg (D)

Worcester

DEL Returned on loan to Kalamazoo (ECHL)

Top Worcester Sharks:

o Goals Couture and Zalewski (16)

o Game Winners Couture (8)

o Assists Couture, Groulx (26)

o Points Couture (16-26-42)

o Power play Points Zalewski (6-7-13)

o Shots Groulx (127)

o PIM Mashinter (82)

o Fighting Pen. Mashinter (11)

o Plus/Minus McCarthy (+14)

o Wins Stalock (23)

o G.A.A. Stalock (2.50)

o Save % Stalock (.907)

o Shutouts Stalock (1)

Sharks in the Pacific:

The San Jose Sharks are 31-10-8 with 70 points this season and are currently in 1st place in the Pacific Division and 2nd overall in the Western Conference.

Brad Staubitz has two goals and two assists along with 49 penalty minutes through 21 games.... Former Worcester Shark Devin Setoguchi has 17 points (12-5-17) through 37 games... Torrey Mitchell has a goal and an assist in 23 games... Thomas Greiss is 5-3-0 with 2.58 GAA and a.915 save%.

Sharks in the ECHL:

The Kalamazoo Wings are 21-12-4-1 with 47 points this season in the ECHL and currently in 3rd place in the North Division, just three points behind the first place Toledo Walleye.

Matt Jones has 22 points (15-7-22) in 25 games along with two hat tricks.... Louis Liotti has five points (0-5-5) in 24 games.... Will Colbert has four points (2-2-4) in 16 games.... Mitch Versteeg has nine points (1-8-9) in 29 games...

Coming Up:

The Sharks enjoy the 2010 AHL All-Star break Monday through Thursday!

On Saturday, the Sharks travel to Syracuse for their first ever encounter with the Crunch with a 7:30p.m. battle.

Now midway through their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 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 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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central