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Worcester Sharks Have Bite Heading Into The New Year

December 28, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Top 3!

#1 Benn Ferriero records four points (2-2-4) and was +3 in 7-2 win over Springfield.

#2 Mike Moore ties Sharks record with a +5 rating and adds three assists in win over Falcons.

#3 Logan Couture scores three points (1-2-3) and was +3 in victory over Springfield.

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

Sat. 12/26 W Springfield Falcons 2 @ Worcester SHARKS 7 - DCU Center

Sun. 12/27 W Lowell Devils 2 @ Worcester SHARKS 3 - DCU Center

Next Week:

Tue. 12/29 Manchester Monarchs @ Worcester SHARKS - 7:05 p.m.

Thu. 12/31 Worcester SHARKS @ Portland Pirates - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 1/2 Worcester SHARKS @ Lowell Devils - 7:00 p.m.

Sun. 1/3 Bridgeport Sound Tigers @ Worcester SHARKS - 3:05 p.m.

Rewind the Tape:

12.26.09 - Worcester 7 - Springfield 2 -DCU Center

Behind eight different multi-point scorers, the Sharks captured the Springfield Falcons in a 7-2 win on Saturday night at the DCU Center. Benn Ferriero scored two goals and two assists continuing a three game point streak, with Mike Moore compiling three assists and was +5. The Sharks set a season high with seven total goals in the game and three goals in the first period. Alex Stalock made 19 saves in net while the Sharks score two power play goals at home for the first time this season.

12.27.09 - Worcester 3 - Lowell 2 -DCU Center

Logan Couture, Andrew Desjardins, and Brandon Mashinter all score goals as the Sharks defeated the Devils 3-2 at the DCU Center on Sunday afternoon. Alex Stalock picked up his AHL leading 16th win of the season making 15 saves and stopped Stephen Gionta on a penalty shot opportunity in the 2nd period. Worcester outshot the Devils 41-17 as the Sharks picked up their 11th win at the DCU Center this season.

Sharks in the Atlantic:

The Sharks are currently swimming in 4th place with 38 points (18-12-0-2) in the Atlantic Division through 32 games trailing the first place Manchester Monarchs by 11 points. The Sharks trail the 2nd place Devils and Sound Tiger by three points and are tied with the Pirates with 38 points. Worcester has a one point advantage over the 6th place Wolf Pack (37 points) and a five point edge over the 7th place Bruins (33 points). The Falcons sit in 8th place with 28 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 four fewer games played than Bridgeport and two fewer than the Pirates.

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 912GP 411 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: 411-389-54-58.

*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 254 of the 411 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 TEN players that heave seen action to both the AHL and NHL this season (McLaren, Zalewski, Vesce, Joslin, McGinn, Couture, Callahan, Ferriero, Mitchell, and Demers). 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, Frazer McLaren, Jamie McGinn and Torrey Mitchell are all currently (Dec 28) on recall to San Jose. The Worcester Sharks have had 38 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.

*Firsts this Week... the Sharks scored SEVEN goals in a 7-2 win over the Falcons at the DCU Center on Saturday. It was the first time all season the Sharks scored THREE goals in a period and just the 2nd time the Sharks have scored SEVEN goals at home in franchise history. It was also the first time all season the Sharks had scored TWO power play goals at home.

*Tale of TWO power plays.... The Sharks boost the BEST PP in the AHL on the road with a 22% clip (13-59). However, the Sharks are 26th in the AHL at home scoring at a 9.9% clip (8-81)... overall, the Sharks are 19th in the AHL on the power play (15.0%).

*7th Heaven... the Sharks scored SEVEN goals on Saturday at home vs. the Falcons. It was just the 4th time in franchise history the Sharks had scored SEVEN goals in a hockey game and just the 2nd time at the DCU Center. The Sharks had EIGHT multiple point scorers in the hockey game; McCarthy (1-1-2), Moore (0-3-3), Couture (1-2-3), Zalewski (1-1-2), Ferriero (2-2-4), Desjardins (0-2-2), DaSilva (1-1-2), Callahan (1-1-2).

*The MAGIC number is 3... The Sharks have scored three goals in a game 15 times this season (47% of games) and is 8-6-0-1 in those hockey games.... the Sharks have allowed two goals in ten games this season (31%) and is 9-1-0-0 in those games.

*First period advantage.... Worcester is outscoring their opponents 30-25 in the first period, but has been outscored 26-30 in the 2nd and 34-39 in the third period. The Sharks are 10-2-0-1 when leading after twenty minutes of play this season.

*OT Killers.... The Sharks are 2-0 in OT this season 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).... Logan Couture has points in FIVE straight games (2-6-8)....John McCarthy has points in FOUR straight games (3-2-5)...Steven Zalewski has a FOUR game point streak (2-3-5)....Benn Ferriero has a FOUR game point streak (2-5-7)... Alex Stalock has started SIX straight games (4-2-0)... Dan DaSilva has a THREE game point streak (1-3-4)....Andrew Desjardins has a TWO game point streak (1-3-4)... Joe Callahan has a TWO game point streak (1-2-3).

*Logan is the MAN... The Sharks have scored 70 goals in 20 games with Couture in the lineup (3.50 goals per game), but have scored just 23 goals in 12 games without him (1.91 goals per game).... Logan leads the AHL with SIX game winning goals in just 20 games played. Couture leads the AHL in rookie scoring with 29 points (11-18-29) in 20 games; he is one point ahead of 2nd place point getter Tyler Ennis despite playing in 14 fewer games.

*Logan is the MAN part 2... Couture is 12th in the AHL in points scored (11-18-29) and 2nd amongst the top twenty scorers in points per game (1.45 pts per game). If Logan had played in all 32 games for Worcester he would possibly have 46 points to lead the AHL.

*Between the pipes.... Rookie Alex Stalock leads the AHL with 16 wins and 4th in minutes played with 1482. Alex is 17th overall in the AHL with a 2.38 save %.

*Need to score 1st... Worcester is 13-2-0-1 in 16 games they have scored the first goal of the game... the Sharks are just 5-10-0-1 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.... He is currently in San Jose.

*Can't score if you don't shoot.... The Sharks are 1st in the AHL with 35.72 shots per game.... Danny Groulx leads all AHL defensemen with 94 shots on goal... Worcester has outshot their opponents in 11 straight games (416-283)... the Sharks have 403 total shots in the 2nd period this season (an average of 12.59 shots per 2nd period).

*Keep it close... the Sharks are 12-3-0-2 in one-goal hockey games good for 26 of their 38 points... the sharks are 6-9-0-0 in games decided by two or more goals.... The Sharks lead the AHL with 12 one-goal victories with six of those coming on the road.

*Follow the leaders.... Danny Groulx is tied for 4th in the AHL among d-men with 18 assists, 1st in shots with 94, and tied for 8th in points (3-18-21).... Logan Couture leads the AHL with 6 game winning goals, 1st in rookie scoring (11-18-29), 1st among rookies with 11 goals scored, and 12th in the AHL point scoring race in just 20 games played... Rookie Alex Stalock is 1st in the AHL with 16 wins and 3rd in minutes played (1482).... Benn Ferriero leads all AHL rookies with TWO shorthanded goals, and John McCarthy is 4th among rookies with a +12 rating.

*Mr. Dependable.... Sharks defenseman Danny Groulx has played in 140 straight games... he dressed in all 80 games last season in Rockford.... Andrew Desjardins has dressed in 106 straight games for Worcester... Derek Joslin holds the record dressing in 114 straight Worcester Sharks games.

*Five for fighting...The Sharks have 29 fighting major penalties this season through 32 games... (Brandon Mashinter 8, Dennis McCauley 5, Frazer McLaren 4, Nicholas Petrecki 4, Joe Loprieno 3, John McCarthy 1, Mike Moore 1, Steven Zalewski 1, Joe Callahan 1, and Andrew Desjardins 1). The Sharks had 78 fighting majors last season, 68 fighting majors in 2007-08 and 54 in 2006-07.

Coming and goings from the shark tank:

12/26/2009

Frazer McLaren (LW)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

12/26/2009

Jamie McGinn (LW)

Worcester

DEL Recalled from loan by San Jose (NHL)

12/23/2009

Frazer McLaren (LW)

Worcester

ADD Returned on loan from San Jose (NHL)

12/23/2009

Jamie McGinn (LW)

Worcester

ADD Returned on loan from San Jose (NHL)

Top Worcester Sharks:

o Goals Couture (11)

o Game Winners Couture (6)

o Assists Couture and Groulx (18)

o Points Couture (11-18-29)

o Power play Points Couture (3-5-8) and Zalewski (4-4-8)

o Shots Groulx (94)

o PIM McLaren (66)

o Fighting Pen. Mashinter (8)

o Plus/Minus McCarthy (+12)

o Wins Stalock (16)

o G.A.A. Stalock (2.39)

o Save % Stalock (.909)

o Shutouts Stalock (1)

Sharks in the Pacific:

The San Jose Sharks are 23-8-7 with 53 points this season and are currently in 1st place in the Pacific Division three points ahead of the 2nd place Phoenix Coyotes.

Frazer McLaren has three points (1-2-3), 54 penalty minutes and seven fighting majors (Dorsett, Carcillo, Parros X2, Jacques, Carkner and McGratton) in 20 games....Brad Staubitz has two goals and an assist along with 47 penalty minutes through 15 games.... Former Worcester Shark Devin Setoguchi has 13 points (9-4-13) through 26 games... Torrey Mitchell has no points in 12 games... Goaltender Thomas Greiss is 3-3-0 with 2.79 GAA and a.910 save%.

Sharks in the ECHL:

The Kalamazoo Wings are 16-8-4-0 with 36 points this season in the ECHL and currently in 3rd place in the North Division, three points behind the first place Toledo Walleye.

Matt Jones has 15 points (11-5-16) in 15 games.... Louis Liotti has three points (0-4-4) in 14 games.... Will Colbert has three points (2-1-3) in eight games.

Coming Up:

On Tuesday, the Sharks close out their five game home stand with a battle against the 1st place Manchester Monarchs at the DCU Center at 7:05p.m.

On Thursday, the Sharks close out 2009 with a 5:30p.m. tilt against the Pirates in Portland.

On Saturday, the Sharks kick-off the new year and travel to Lowell and face the Devils at 7:00p.m.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 3:05p.m. Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino's! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket! With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE X-Large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino's locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Now in 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.

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