The Rock Report - IceCaps Secure Atlantic Division Crown

Published on April 2, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
St. John's IceCaps News Release


The 2011-12 tlantic Division title belongs to the St. John's IceCaps after the club defeated the Hershey Bears 3-2 Saturday night. Two tough losses in Norfolk were not enough to deter the injury-riddled club, which is now assured a top three seed in the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs as a result of division winners being seeded one through three.

WEEK IN REVIEW:

Wednesday, March 28 - Norfolk Admirals 2 St John's IceCaps 0 The Scope Arena - Norfolk, VA St John's Goals None Norfolk Goals: Palat (8), Panik (19) Goaltending: STJ - David Aebischer (L - 27 shots, 25 saves) / NOR - Dustin Tokarski (W - 32 shots, 32 saves) Power Play: STJ 0-5 / NOR 1-4 Three Stars: 1) NOR - Dustin Tokarski 2) NOR - Tyler Johnson 3) STJ - David Aebischer Mary Brown's HWP Jason DeSantis Attendance: 3,549

With a chance to clinch a playoff spot and potentially the Atlantic Division as well, the IceCaps took on a Norfolk Admirals club that had won 20 straight games coming into the contest. Despite outshooting the Admirals 32-27 overall, the IceCaps were unable to solve goaltender Dustin Tokarski, who recorded his fifth shutout of the season in a 2-0 win. Ondrej Palat scored a backbreaking shorthanded goal midway through the second period and Richard Panik converted on the powerplay five minutes later.

David Aebischer kept the visitors around by making 25 saves in the loss.

Friday, March 30 - Norfolk dmirals 2 St John's IceCaps 1 The Scope Arena - Norfolk, VA St John's Goals Gagnon (13) Norfolk Goals: Palat (9), Devos (6) Goaltending: STJ - David Aebischer (L - 27 shots, 25 saves) / NOR - Jaroslav Janus (W - 21 shots, 20 saves) Power Play: STJ 1-3 / NOR 0-6 Three Stars: 1) NOR - Philip-Michael Devos 2) NOR - Ondrej Palat 3) NOR - Jaroslav Janus Mary Brown's HWP Aaron Gagnon Attendance: 7,348

The IceCaps had another chance to nail down the Atlantic Division Friday in a rematch against the first place Admirals but ran into another hot goaltender in Jaroslav Janus. Aaron Gagnon staked the visitors to an early 1-0 lead with a power play goal just 2:11 into the opening frame, but the dmirals' netminder stood tall the rest of the way, stopping 20-of-21 shots. Palat scored his second in two games with a second period marker and Philip-Michael Devos potted the game-winner at 10:41 of the third period. Aebischer was once again sharp, making 25 saves but ultimately dropping his second straight decision against the conference leaders.

Saturday, March 31 - St John's IceCaps 3 Hershey Bears 2 Giant Center - Hershey, PA St John's Goals Cormier (16, 17), Kulda (6) Hershey Goals: Carman (9), Potulny (28) Goaltending: STJ - Chris Carrozzi (W - 26 shots, 24 saves) / HER - Dany Sabourin (L - 25 shots, 22 saves) Power Play: STJ 0-3 / HER 0-6 Three Stars: 1) STJ - Patrice Cormier 2) STJ - Arturs Kulda 3) STJ - Chris Carrozzi Mary Brown's HWP Carl Klingberg Attendance: 10,080

With one more shot at clinching before heading back home, the IceCaps were determined to leave Hershey with two points and a division crown. The team put in a complete 60-minute effort in securing its first-ever playoff berth - and Atlantic Division title - with a tidy 3-2 win over the Hershey Bears. Mike Carman got the home side on the board first with a deflection past goaltender Chris Carrozzi, who was making his first start for the IceCaps. After that, it was all St.

John's. Patrice Cormier sniped his 16th just 3:48 later to tie it at one, and Arturs Kulda pulled the IceCaps in front with a breakaway goal at 10:26 of the middle frame. Cormier added his 17th at 8:34 of the third for a 3-1 lead, and despite a late goal by newly- minted Reebok/AHL Player of the Week Ryan Potulny, the IceCaps hung on for the 3-2 victory, ensuring a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The IceCaps wrap up the home portion of their 2011-12 regular season schedule with four games in six nights, beginning with a pair of contests version Atlantic Division rival Portland Tuesday and Wednesday. St. John's holds a 3-2-0-1 edge against the Pirates this season and won their last meeting 3-0 on Jan. 28 in Portland.

This coming weekend, the IceCaps welcome the Springfield Falcons for their first visit to Mile One Centre. The clubs have met just once this season, back on Oct. 29 at Springfield, with the Falcons coming away victorious 4-3 in overtime.

ICECAPS NOTES:

Giving it the Old College Try: The IceCaps once again dipped into the college ranks in bringing in D Will O'Neill on an amateur tryout contract last Tuesday. The University of Maine alum made his pro debut Wednesday in Norfolk and played all three games last week, recording one shot and four penalty minutes with a plus-1 rating.

Maxwell, Carrozzi return: Offensive C Ben Maxwell was reassigned to St. John's Saturday and will join the team for the upcoming home stand. G Chris Carrozzi was recalled from Ontario (ECHL) last Tuesday and made his season debut Saturday in Hershey, winning the division clinching game to earn his first professional victory.

Injury Update: D Derek Meech and C Marco Rosa continue to progress as they have returned to the ice for practice. D Paul Postma and F Jason Jaffray remain out indefinitely, as does F Max Macenauer and C Eric O'Dell.

D Brett Festerling is the most likely of the group to return this week.

Another First: With the division title wrapped up, the IceCaps became the first team since the 2002-03 Binghamton Senators to win a division in its inaugural season.

Going, Going, Gone: With 34 straight sellouts to date, the IceCaps can become the first team since the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins to record a full season of sellouts (both the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons).

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

March 31, 2012 Winnipeg (NHL) reassigns C Ben Maxwell to St. John's ( HL)

March 27, 2012 St. John's ( HL) recalls G Chris Carrozzi from Ontario (ECHL)

March 27, 2012 St. John's ( HL) releases F Trent Daavettila from PTO

March 27, 2012 St. John's ( HL) signs D Will O'Neill to an ATO

NEXT HOME ACTION

Tuesday, April 3 (7:30 p.m.) St. John's IceCaps vs. Portland Pirates

Wednesday, April 4 (7:30 p.m.) St. John's IceCaps vs. Portland Pirates (Rogers Special Event Night)

Saturday, April 7 (7:30 p.m.) St. John's IceCaps vs. Springfield Falcons (Capital Motors Special Event Night)

Sunday, April 8 (4:00 p.m.) St. John's IceCaps vs. Springfield Falcons (The Telegram Special Event Day)

LISTEN TO EVERY ICECAPS GAME LIVE

Fans can listen to every IceCaps game this season online at www.stjohnsicecaps.com by clicking the 'Listen Live' link on the homepage. Play-by-play broadcaster Brian Rogers brings you all the action on the ice, including a pregame show that starts 30 minutes before the drop of the puck.

Statoil and the St. John's IceCaps are teaming up to salute the Heroes of the Community, and we want your help! We're calling on YOU to nominate a 'community hero by describing (in 250 words or less) why he or she should be recognized at the IceCaps' home game on pril 4th versus the Portland Pirates.

The nominated community heroes should exemplify dedication and commitment to the local community, whether through volunteering, donating or other charitable causes. Successful applicants will be awarded a pair of tickets for the April 4th home game.

All nominations should be sent to heroes@stjohnsicecaps.com and should include a reference and his or her affiliation to a community organization. Photos and videos can also be sent and may be used in game on April 4th.

Fans can purchase official St. John's IceCaps merchandise during all home games at IceCaps Alley, located just inside Gate 2 at Mile One Centre. IceCaps fans can purchase jerseys, hoodies, hats, foam fingers and other paraphernalia to show their support of the newest team in the American Hockey League. Store hours are 12 noon to 4 PM on game days.

Season ticket holders are entitled to a 15% discount on merchandise at IceCaps Alley. To receive this discount, bring the season ticket holder discount card along with proof of identification.

ICECAPS HOCKEY CARDS ON SALE NOW!

Get your inaugural season IceCaps hockey cards ($12.95 plus HST), available at the following locations:

IceCaps Alley (Mile One Centre), That Pro Look (Avalon Mall), Maverick Collectables (Water Street), and North Atlantic Orange Stores.

Set features 24 IceCaps player cards plus two special inaugural season inserts, including a team photo and an opening night feature card!

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American Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2012


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