Valiquette Less Than 30 Minutes From League Record

January 27, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Connecticut Whale News Release


HARTFORD, January 27, 2005: With his third straight shutout last night, Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender Steve Valiquette is less than 30 minutes away from breaking an AHL record held by goaltending legend Johnny Bower. Back in 1957, Bower played 249:51 without allowing a goal. As of today, Valiquette has played 220:24 of shutout hockey.

His streak dates back to the Pack's 5-1 loss to Albany, where he played 2:29 without a goal being scored. He then shutout Bridgeport 4-0 on January 15 and Springfield 5-0 on January 19. He relieved Jason LaBarbera versus Lowell on January 22 with 33:20 played, and then last night shut down the Norfolk Admirals.

This is the first time a Hartford Wolf Pack netminder has had three shutouts in a row. The longest franchise shutout streak is held by Milan Hnilicka, who played 242:23 minutes back in March of 2000 before allowing a goal.

The Wolf Pack's next game is Friday night in Philadelphia, then on Saturday the team faces Hershey. The team does not return home until Saturday, February 12, when they will host a special fundraising night for the Tsunami Relief efforts of the Red Cross. A number of special fundraisers will take place during the game and a portion of ticket sales will go to the Red Cross. The Pack face off against the Portland Pirates at 7:35 p.m. It's Torpedo Bobblehead Night and Cox Communications presents Jimmy Neutron at the game.

Tickets start as low as $8.00 for youth 16 and under in advance and can be purchased at the Hartford Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, including Filene's at the Buckland Hills Mall and at the Westfarms Mall. Tickets may also be charged by phone at (860) 525-4500, (203) 744-8100, (203) 624-0033 or (413) 733-2500 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Groups can call (860) 548-2000 for tickets.

The AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack hockey club is part of Madison Square Garden LP. Cablevision Systems Corporation owns a controlling interest in MSG LP, which also includes the New York Rangers (NHL), New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Liberty (WNBA), the MSG Network, Fox Sports Net and the Madison Square Garden arena complex.



American Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2005


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