Stars Galore In Plymouth's Weekend Sweep

Published on November 6, 2007 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


It's a long-standing custom to award three stars for every hockey game in the Ontario Hockey League.

There were more than three stars, however, for the Whalers in three victories last weekend on the road in Niagara (4-0), Erie (3-2) and Mississauga (5-2).

The three victories move Plymouth to 10-6-1-0, good for 21 points and third place in the West Division and fourth overall in the Western Conference. The Whalers are sailing along at a 10-4-0-0 clip since the start of October. The road sweep also improved Plymouth's record to 7-2-1-0 away from Compuware Arena.

There were plenty of heroes in the Whaler victories in Niagara, Erie and Mississauga:

Andrew Fournier and Chris Terry: The Whaler co-captains had a huge weekend, with Fournier getting nominated for OHL Player-of-the-Week with five goals and three assists for eight points over the three games. Fournier figured in on eight of the Whalers' 12 goals on the weekend, including two goals and two assists in Niagara as the game's first star, an assist in Erie and the natural hat trick in the third period in Mississauga - another first star effort. Terry was nearly as good as Fournier with a goal and six assists for seven points over the weekend. After getting two assists in Niagara, Terry brought Plymouth back from a 2-1 deficit in the third period in Erie with a shorthanded goal to tie the game and then set up the game-winning goal by AJ Jenks with an outstanding play with 20 seconds left in regulation.

Jeremy Smith and Michal Neuvirth: Smith pitched a 28-save shutout in Niagara against one of the highest-scoring teams in the OHL. Neuvirth was outstanding in Erie when the Whalers struggled through a second period when they were outshot, 10-1. Neuvirth made several key stops to hold Plymouth in the game. He also played well the next day in Mississauga. Smith and Neuvirth continue to show why they are the best goaltending tandem in the Canadian Hockey League.

Whaler Penalty Killers: Plymouth penalty killers pitched a complete shutout in the victories in Niagara, Erie and Mississauga, going a perfect 24-for-24 over the weekend. The Whalers have been dominant on the penalty kill through their first ten road games this season, going 79-for-85 during that stretch for 92.9 percent.

While Joe McCann and AJ Jenks continue in last season's role as an effective duo, veteran Joe Gaynor has stepped up his play as well.

"Gaynor's done a good job for us in a defensive role," said Plymouth assistant coach Joe Stefan. "He's a big man who doesn't mind blocking shots. It's a dirty job sometimes, but he's willing to do it and that has really helped us."

What Can Brown (and Mahalak) Do For You? The Whalers are getting good play out of a forward line featuring Gaynor with two local Whaler pups, Tyler J. Brown (Westland) and RJ Mahalak (Monroe). The line doesn't score much, but doesn't allow goals against, either. The line often gives the Whalers energy and allows Brown and Mahalak to continue work into regular ice time as they learn about the OHL. Brown and Mahalak are fun to watch as they crash and bang in the offensive zone against opposing defensemen - a job they both enjoy. The goals will come.

Mike Vellucci and Joe Stefan: Vellucci was directly responsible for the Whalers' win in Erie. With the game tied a 2-2 in the third period, Erie's Anthony Peluso was assessed a match penalty for slew-footing Kaine Geldart and was ejected from the game. New Erie head coach Robbie Ftorek didn't put a player in the penalty box to serve the five-minute penalty. After the five-minute penalty expired and before there was a stoppage of play, Ftorek sent a man off the Erie bench, which is a two-minute penalty for illegal substitution.

Vellucci was quick to point out the glitch to the referee Ryan Carroll and got Plymouth a power play with 46 seconds left in regulation. The Whalers scored on the subsequent power play.

"I made a mistake at the end of the game," Ftorek told the Erie Times-News. "It's Vellucci's job to complain about it."

Stefan continues to work defensemen Leo Jenner and Jozef Sladok into the Whalers' regular six-man rotation and both have seen more ice time than at any time in their respective careers. Both have been instrumental to Plymouth's success over the last month.

Although the Whalers don't have the high-powered offense of last year's championship team, there's plenty to like about this year's team. Plymouth has to work hard for everything they get this year. You get the feeling the Whalers don't mind doing just that.

COMPUWARE ARENA GEARS UP FOR ADULT HOCKEY PROGRAM

Although the Compuware Arena is the home of the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers, Compuware Youth Hockey, Detroit-Novi Catholic Central hockey and other high school programs, the arena is ready to host another important component of the hockey community.

Compuware Arena - with association with Ed's Hockey - is offering a Winter Adult Hockey League, running on Friday evenings at 8:40 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. The league starts Dec. 7 and runs ten games through Apr. 4. Adults 18-and-older are invited to participate in the program.

"We're really looking forward to hosting this program," said Compuware Arena Manager Mike Henry. "Senior hockey players are passionate about the sport, so we're happy to have the opportunity to offer this program. It should be fun."

Cost for the program is $2,200 per team, plus insurance. Teams receive ice, referees, scorekeepers and jerseys. For more information, call the Compuware Arena at (734) 453-6400 or go online to www.compuwarearena.com.

LUNCH SPECIAL - DROP-IN HOCKEY PROGRAM EXPANDS: The Arena is now offering Drop-In hockey Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Cost for Drop-In is $8, with goaltenders playing for free. Drop-In players must be 18-years-old and older.

WHALERS/CATHOLIC CENTRAL PUBLIC SKATE SPECIAL: The Arena is also offering public skating sessions on Saturday from 9:10-11:00 p.m. The cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children under 12 and $2 for seniors. Skate Rental is $3. Check www.compuwarearena.com for alternative times.

"This is a chance for people to skate on the same ice as the Whalers and Catholic Central after their games," Henry said. "It's an opportunity for groups to have some fun."

WHALERS BACK HOME THIS WEEKEND: The Whalers (10-6-1-0) are home at Compuware Arena this weekend, hosting the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors on Friday and the Guelph Storm on Saturday. Both games start at 7:05 p.m.

Mississauga has a new goaltender on the roster, bringing in 18-year-old Anthony Grieco from the University of North Dakota. Grieco was originally selected by the Majors in the 12th round (238rd overall) in the 2004 OHL Draft.

To purchase tickets, please call the Compuware Arena box office at (734) 453-8400. For more information, please go to www.plymouthwhalers.com.

GO MINIATURE GOLFING WITH THE WHALERS: The Booster Club will be hosting a "Glow-in-the-dark miniature golf tournament with the Whalers" at the Putting Edge on Wednesday, November 14 from 7 - 9 p.m. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!

WHALERS LOOKING FOR GAME-NIGHT INTERNS: Want to learn about the sports industry and get a behind-the-scenes look on how the Whalers games operate? Intern for the Plymouth Whalers! Contact Rachel Sutton at 734-453-8400 for more information.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES GALORE WITH THE WHALERS.

Want to earn money for your group? The Plymouth Whalers have three fundraising options for you to pick from - ticket sales, 50/50 raffle, and Chuck-a-Puck. Whalers fundraising is a simple, effective, and fun way to raise money for your group, team or organization. To find out if Whalers fundraising is for you, please contact Karyl Eckerle at 734-453-8400 or karyle@plymouthwhalers.com.

IGNITION HOSTS NEW JERSEY THIS WEEKEND: The Detroit Ignition (1-0) hosts the New Jersey Ironmen in Major Indoor Soccer League action this Sunday at 4:35 p.m. at Compuware Arena. To purchase tickets, please call 1-888-436-4625 or go to www.detroitignition.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 6, 2007


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.

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