[truebluefan]

LW Ryan Bayda recalled by Carolina

ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats today announced that left wing Ryan Bayda has been recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes on an emergency basis. Hurricanes left wing Cory Stillman is out for tonight's game against Phoenix due to an upper-body injury.

Bayda has six goals and seven assists with a plus-7 rating in 16 games with the River Rats this season. He played five games with Carolina in October, tallying one goal and one assist. The Saskatoon, Sask., native recorded a hat trick in Albany's most recent game, a 7-3 victory at Bridgeport on New Year's Eve.

The River Rats, who have won three of their last four games and are 10-4-1-0 in their last 15, begin a three-game homestand Friday, January 5 against Bridgeport at 7 p.m. at the Times Union Center. Tickets for Friday's game, as well as all River Rats home games, are available at the Times Union Center Box Office, by calling 1-800-30-EVENT or online at Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy . For information on River Rats ticket packages, please call (518) 487-2244 or visit Albany River Rats .

 

[truebluefan]

Ottawa reassigns Josh Hennessy to Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - Following their 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, the Ottawa Senators reassigned center Josh Hennessy to the club's American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.

The 21-year-old Hennessy received his second emergency call-up of the season on Dec. 29, playing four games since then. In a total of six games with the Senators, Hennessy has recorded four shots on goal and averaged 6:13 of ice time per game.

Binghamton's next game is on Friday, Jan. 5, when they host the Marlies at 7:05 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets at the following locations: Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena box office (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.), Binghamton Senators executive office, third floor of the Arena (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on game days until the end of the second period.), The Official Site of the Binghamton Senators : or by calling (607) 722-SENS.

Catch all the action LIVE on Q107 FM (106.7 or 104.5), via webcast or B2 Networks streaming video cast at The Official Site of the Binghamton Senators :.

 

[truebluefan]

Wolves Welcome Back Mac

The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned center DEREK MacKENZIE to the Chicago Wolves.

The 25-year-old forward was held scoreless in four games with the Thrashers after being recalled on Dec. 21, averaging 4:59 minutes played per contest. Overall, MacKENZIE has dished out two assists in 28 games with the Thrashers in three seasons of action (2001-04; 2005-06).

The Sudbury, Ontario, native shares fourth on the Wolves with eight goals and ranks ninth with 17 points in 28 games this season. He also leads the squad and shares third in the American Hockey League with three shorthanded tallies.

MacKENZIE is Chicago's active leader in games played (353), goals (77), assists (87), points (164) and penalty minutes (410) and was a member of the Wolves 2002 Calder Cup Championship team. He owns a franchise record with 19 career short-handed goals.

 

[truebluefan]

Wolves Sterling Earns Second Straight Rookie of the Month Honor

Chicago Wolves left wing BRETT STERLING has been named the Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month for December, the second consecutive month he has earned the award. STERLING is the only Wolves player to garner the rookie of the month honor since the team joined the American Hockey League in 2001.

The 22-year-old forward led the league with 16 goals and posted 22 points in 14 contests during the month of December, which includes four outings with two or more goals and seven total multi-point performances. Overall, he leads the AHL with 34 markers, a franchise record for a rookie and the most by a player through 36 tilts in club history.

The Los Angeles native established a franchise record by notching a marker in nine consecutive games from Dec. 12 to Dec. 29, registering 13 during that span. He has potted two of Chicago's five hat tricks this season, which includes a three-tally outing on Dec. 21 at San Antonio. Entering this season, a Wolves rookie had only posted three goals in a game once in 12 years.

STERLING leads AHL rookies and ranks second overall in the league behind HAYDAR with 54 points in 34 tilts this season. He was named the recipient of the AHL's November Rookie of the Month award after racking up 14 goals, 10 assists and 24 points in 12 contests during that month.

This marks the sixth time the Wolves have been awarded league-wide honors this season. Along with STERLING's rookie awards, three Chicago players have been given Player of the Week honors (HAYDAR, JASON KROG and CORY LAROSE) while KROG earned the league's Milestone of the Month Award in November.

In recognition of his achievement, STERLING will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Wolves home game.

 

[truebluefan]

Wolves Off To The Races To Win Funds For Charity

The Chicago Wolves will sport commemorative racing jerseys, available for fans to purchase or win, at home games on Tue., Jan. 9; Fri., Jan. 12; and Sat., Jan. 13.

These one-of-a-kind-jerseys, designed in-house by the Wolves, will be auctioned and raffled to benefit various Chicago-area charities.

"This is a fun and unique way for us to fundraise and give back to the community," said Wolves Executive Director of Operations Courtney Mahoney. "Each year we try to find something popular that we believe our fans will enjoy and will raise as much money as possible for charity."

All but four players' jerseys will be available during a silent auction, which will take place in the East Lobby of the Allstate Arena when doors open for the game on Jan. 9, through the end of the second intermission on Jan. 13. The jerseys of four players, selected exclusively by fan voting on chicagowolves.com, will be raffled at the end of the game on Jan. 13. Fans can purchase a $5 raffle ticket for the chance to win one of the select jerseys.

The Wolves currently sponsor Turtle Soup Racing stock car driver Stevie Campbell's car, which was raced at the Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind., last summer and will be run at the Grundy County Speedway in Morris next year. The 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Late Model has the Wolves logo plastered atop, while the number 94 - which signifies the team's inception in 1994 - runs on its sides.

For more information or tickets to the games, log on to chicagowolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.

 

[truebluefan]

Griffins Prepare for Rare East Coast Swing

Head East, Young Men: Following a weekend in which they earned five of six points and shut out the top two teams in the North Division, the Griffins this week turn their attention to the East Coast. On Friday, they'll take their 0.500 record to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for their first meeting with the Penguins since their 3-1 playoff series win in the 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following their battle with the AHL's second-best team, the Griffins on Saturday will make their first-ever visit to Albany, N.Y., for a clash with the River Rats. The trip will conclude on Monday, Jan. 8 with a rescheduled game against the Philadelphia Phantoms. The contest, originally set for Sunday, was moved back one day due to logistical conflicts with the NFL playoff game between the Eagles and Giants.

Shutout Stories: With Saturday's 2-0 win over second-place Hamilton and Sunday's 3-0 victory against North Division-leading Rochester, the Griffins rang out 2006 with their first back-to-back shutouts in nearly three years. They last accomplished the feat on Feb. 13-14, 2004, when they blanked both Manitoba (4-0) and Houston (3-0) at Van Andel Arena...Jimmy Howard made 32 saves against the Amerks on New Year's Eve for his second shutout of the season, while Stefan Liv did the honors on Saturday with 24 stops against the Bulldogs, recording his first North American shutout and his first win at Van Andel Arena...Grand Rapids has allowed only one goal in the last 183:49 of regulation time, and two goals in the last 186:49 overall.

Punch the Clock: Josh Langfeld accomplished what is believed to be a first in Griffins history last week, playing six games in six nights. He skated for Grand Rapids last Tuesday (two assists), Friday (goal), Saturday (assist) and Sunday (goal), sandwiching a two-game callup to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday (assist) and Thursday (scoreless). On Jan. 2, following another recall to Detroit, he played his seventh game in eight nights.

Giant Killer: Three times during December the Americans brought their premier North Division ranking into Van Andel Arena, and three times Jimmy Howard and the Griffins' defense shut down one of the AHL's elite teams. His numbers against Rochester during December were 3-0 with a 1.00 goals against average, a 0.966 save percentage and one shutout.

A Cause for Celebration: By winning their 10th annual New Year's Eve home game, the Griffins broke a four-game losing streak in the event (0-3-1-0) and improved to 3-6-1-0 alltime in their annual party. With the victory, they also finished the 2006 calendar year with a 46-25-4-4 record (0.633).

Dressed to the Nines: The tuxedo-style jerseys worn by the Griffins on New Year's Eve were auctioned to fans after the game, raising $6,960 - including a high bid of $600 for Matt Hussey's sweater - for Bauer Elementary School.

Miller Time: By totaling four goals, seven points and a plus-four rating in four games last week, Kip Miller earned the Griffins' nomination for AHL Player of the Week. He had a hand in all five Griffins goals (2-3-5) in their consecutive shutouts of Hamilton and Rochester, giving him points in seven of the last nine games (5-6-11). Miller, who scored his 400th pro goal last Tuesday against Peoria and appeared in his 1,200th pro game on Saturday versus Hamilton, is currently tied for ninth in AHL scoring with a team-high 39 points (15-24-39).

Transactions: Dec. 27: F Josh Langfeld recalled by Detroit (NHL). Dec. 29: F Josh Langfeld assigned by Detroit (NHL). Jan. 2: F Josh Langfeld recalled by Detroit (NHL). D Danny Syvret reassigned by Edmonton (NHL) from the Canadian National Team. Jan. 3: D Tom Galvin assigned to Muskegon (UHL).

On Again, Off Again: Grand Rapids' penalty killers have been very streaky over the last two months. They allowed a power play goal in 11 consecutive games - one shy of the franchise record - from Nov. 4-26, before shutting out the opposition for 32 straight opportunities over five-plus games (Nov. 26-Dec. 9). The Griffins then surrendered power play goals in seven straight outings (Dec. 13-26) before denying Milwaukee, Hamilton and Rochester on 17 combined attempts last weekend.

Honor Roll: Griffins center Kip Miller has been chosen by the AHL to serve as the playing captain for the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team at the 2007 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic, Jan. 28-29 in Toronto. Miller, 37, becomes the second Griffin in four seasons chosen to captain the PlanetUSA squad, following former defenseman Travis Richards' selection for the 2004 event in Grand Rapids. He'll make his first AHL All-Star Classic appearance; he was voted to the starting lineup in 2002 as a member of the Griffins after scoring 56 points (21-35-56) in just 41 games but missed the event after signing with the New York Islanders in mid-season. Miller was chosen MVP of the 1998 IHL All-Star Game after notching three goals, including two in an All-Star record span of 18 seconds during the first period.

Vote for AHL All-Stars: Fan balloting for the 2007 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic at theahl.com will conclude this Sunday, Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The players receiving the most votes by position will earn berths in the starting lineups of both the Canadian AHL All-Star team and the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team at the 2007 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic, to be held Jan. 28-29 in Toronto. A committee of AHL coaches will select the remaining All-Stars, and all 27 clubs will be represented on the final rosters. By completing the official ballot, fans will be entered to win various prizes, including the grand prize of a team-signed authentic 2007 AHL All-Star jersey. Ten second-prize winners will each win an autographed commemorative magazine from the event, and 10 third-prize winners will each receive an official 2007 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic T-shirt.

Scouting Report

Fri., Jan. 5 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (24-6-2-2) - Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza - 7:05 p.m.

Radio: WOOD 1300 AM at 6:59 p.m. Web Cast: Video ($6 - B2 Networks) and audio (free) available through griffinshockey.com. Season Series: First of two meetings overall, first and only in Wilkes-Barre. All-Time Series (W-L-T-OTL-SOL): 2-0-0-0-0 Overall, 1-0-0-0-0 Road. NHL Affiliation: Pittsburgh Penguins. Head Coach: Todd Richards (1st season). Notes: Penguins coach Todd Richards is the older brother of former Griffins defenseman Travis...Another former GR blueliner, Wade Brookbank, now plays for Wilkes-Barre...Griffins center Matt Hussey spent his first four pro seasons with the baby Pens, totaling 107 points (51-56-107) in 269 games...Wilkes-Barre's 0.765 winning percentage is second-best in the AHL, and it possesses an impressive 12-3-1-0 mark at home...The Pens lead the league in power play at 23.1%.

Sat., Jan. 6 at Albany River Rats (18-14-2-0) - Times Union Center - 7 p.m.

Radio: WOOD 1300 AM at 6:40 p.m. Web Cast: Video ($6 - B2 Networks) and audio (free) available through griffinshockey.com. Season Series: 0-1-0-0 Overall, 0-0-0-0 Road. Second and final meeting overall, first and only in Albany. All-Time Series (W-L-T-OTL-SOL): 0-1-0-0-0 Overall, 0-0-0-0-0 Road. NHL Affiliations: Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche. Head Coach: Tom Rowe (1st season). Notes: The River Rats have not qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs since 2000, a six-year drought that is twice as long as any other AHL team's...Albany is in its first year of affiliation with the 2006 Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, following 13 seasons with the New Jersey Devils...David Gove had a 17-game stint with the Griffins in 2001-02, scoring six points (2-4-6)...The Rats' penalty killers rank next-to-last in the AHL at 76.3%...Albany won the first-ever meeting of the clubs by a 3-2 count on Nov. 11 at Van Andel Arena.

This Week's Games

Fri., Jan. 5 GRIFFINS at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 7:05 p.m. WOOD 1300 AM/B2 Networks

Sat., Jan. 6 GRIFFINS at Albany River Rats 7 p.m. WOOD/B2

Last Week's Results

Fri., Dec. 29 GRIFFINS 1 at Milwaukee Admirals 2 OT 13-15-4-2, 32 pts. (T4th, North Division)

Sat., Dec. 30 Hamilton Bulldogs 0 at GRIFFINS 2 14-15-4-2, 34 pts. (4th)

Sun., Dec. 31 Rochester Americans 0 at GRIFFINS 3 15-15-4-2, 36 pts. (4th)

 

[truebluefan]

Bruiser's Birthday Bash this Saturday

The Hamilton Bulldogs have some exciting community initiatives planned in the coming weeks and are also running a number of ongoing and upcoming promotions.

BRUISER'S BIRTHDAY BASH!

On Saturday, January 6th, the Hamilton Bulldogs will be celebrating Bruiser's 11th Birthday at the Dog Pound. Bruiser will be inviting all of his mascot friends to come out to the game to help him blow out his candles and cheer on the 'Dogs as they take on their division rivals, the Rochester Americans. During the second intermission, Bruiser and his mascot buddies will be taking to the ice for the annual Mascot Ball Hockey Game. This is one of Bruiser's favourite things to do to celebrate his birthday and it wouldn't be the same without this annual mascot mania. So come on out to the game on Saturday night and help the Bulldogs wish Bruiser all the best on his 11th Birthday.

BRUISER IN THE COMMUNITY

The Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club attended over 600 events last year lending support and adding excitement to a variety of fundraisers, grand openings, fairs and schools and we want to top that during our 11th season! To book Bruiser for your next community event or charity fundraiser, please contact Wes Gordon, Community Appearance Coordinator, at 905-546-8175 or via email to [email protected].

UPCOMING PROMO NIGHTS

- Swiss Chalet Night - Friday, January 5th

- Molson Night - Saturday, January 6th

- TD Canada Trust 'Smiles on Ice' - Friday, January 26th

- Tim Horton's 9th Annual Hamilton Jamboree - Sunday, February 11th

BULLDOGS ON THE RADIO

On Thursday, January 4th from 8:00-8:30 a.m. Bulldogs forward Zack Stortini returns to the Y108 studios with teammate Kyle Chipchura. Zack and Kyle join the Chris and Jodi Morning show to talk hockey, music and anything else that pops up. Don't miss Zack and Kyle on Hamilton's ONLY rock station, Y108 FM!

Derek Wills joins Jason Farr on 820 CHAM 'The Legend' at 7:55 a.m. on Friday, January 5th. Derek will review the past week, which saw the Bulldogs play three games in four nights and will tee up the 'Dogs back-to-back weekend games against the Iowa Stars and their North Division rivals, the Rochester Americans.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Complete your holiday break with a visit to the Dog Pound!! Join us and save $9.00 on each adult ticket you purchase for any of our next three games:

- January 3rd @ 7:30pm vs. Iowa Stars

- January 5th @ 7:30pm vs. Iowa Stars

- January 6th @ 7:00pm vs. Rochester Amerks

BULLDOGS FAMILY PACKS

The Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club would love to have you and your friends and family attend one of our games. Check out our monthly offers for one of the best deals going!

January Games:

- 4 Tickets

- 2 Bulldogs Water Bottles

- 2 Autographed Eric Manlow Pictures

February Games:

- 4 Tickets

- 2 Bulldogs Megaphones

- 2 Autographed Yann Danis Pictures

Order your family fun pack today for the low price of $70.00. To order your family pack, please call (905) 546-8170 or email [email protected]

BRUISER PLUSH DOLLS

They're in! New Bruiser dolls are available at all Bulldogs Home games at the Youth Fund tent located behind section 115. Dolls are $12.00, with net proceeds in support of the Hamilton Bulldogs Youth Fund.

 

[truebluefan]

This Time, Bochenski's Hat Trick Leads to Win Over Bears

NORFOLK, VA - On Saturday night in Hershey, Brandon Bochenski's hat trick could not lead the Admirals to a victory over the Bears. On Wednesday night in Norfolk, Bochenski's second and third goals of the game erased a third period deficit and won the game for Norfolk (24-8-4-1) 5-4 over Hershey (25-5-3-4).

The Admirals and Bears combined for six goals in a wild first period. Hershey jumped out to a 2-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Joey Tenute scored the first goal at 1:39 when his wrist shot from the right faceoff circle beat Norfolk netminder Corey Crawford top shelf. A bouncing puck off Jeff Schultz' stick found its way past Crawford for the second Hershey tally at 2:08.

Norfolk battled back with two power play goals to knot the score at 2-2. Cam Barker's shot through a screen at 6:12 made its way past Bears goaltender Maxime Daigneault and into the cage. Bochenski found the back of the net on a five-on-three power play five minutes later, sending a wrist shot through traffic at 11:12.

Dustin Byfuglien gave the Admirals a 3-2 lead three minutes later with an amazing individual play. He took the puck along the left half wall and deked past two defenders while making his way to the slot. He faked a shot and then ripped a shot top shelf on Daigneault at 14:51.

It looked like Norfolk would head to the first intermission with a lead. However, a costly turnover led to the Bears' third goal. An Admirals attacker tried to start a power play break out with a cross-slot pass in the Norfolk zone. Matt Hendricks picked off the pass and broke in uncontested on Crawford, scoring with 13 seconds remaining in the period.

Hershey reclaimed the lead midway through the second stanza when Alexander Giroux's wraparound shot snuck past Crawford at 6:50.

The third period belonged to the Admirals and Bochenski as Norfolk erased a third-period deficit to win the game. While on another two-man advantage, Bochenski collected a clearing attempt at center ice, skated through several defenders and sent a wrister from between the circles past Daigneault at 1:25.

Bochenski tied the AHL record at 13:24 when he tallied a hat trick in his second consecutive game. After collecting a feed from Danny Richmond, Bochenski sent a wrister through traffic from the slot past new Hershey goaltender Daren Machesney. The goal stood up as the game-winner.

Crawford (20 shots, 16 saves) became the first AHL netminder with 20 wins in the victory. Daigneault (33 shots, 29 saves) played through the middle of the third period before and did not receive a decision. Machesney (3 shots, 2 saves) was saddled with the loss.

The Admirals were 3-11 on the power play. The Norfolk penalty kill had yet another perfect night (4-4) to run its stretch of not allowing a power play goal to eight games. The Admirals PK is 40 for 40 in that stretch and is 46-47 (97.9%) in their last nine games.

The Admirals and Bears will meet again at Scope on Friday at 7:15 p.m. The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a free Admirals tee shirt, courtesy of Liberty Tax Service.

Three Stars:

1. Brandon Bochenski - NOR

2. Martin St. Pierre - NOR

3. Matt Hendricks - HER

 

[truebluefan]

Falcons' Boutin named Rbk X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ... The American Hockey League announced today that Jonathan Boutin of the Springfield Falcons has been named the Rbk X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month for December.

The 21-year-old netminder was 5-1-1 in nine appearances last month, with a 1.77 goals-against average, a .942 save percentage and one shutout as the Falcons moved up into a tie for second place in the AHL's tight Atlantic Division.

Boutin earned his first victory of the season on Dec. 1, stopping 33 shots in a 3-2 overtime win at Manchester. The next night, he made 29 saves and was 6-for-8 in the shootout as Springfield edged Providence, 3-2. Boutin turned in a 32-save shutout at Worcester on Dec. 9, and made a season-high 36 saves in a 3-1 win over Bridgeport on Dec. 30.

In recognition of his achievement, Boutin will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Falcons home game. A third-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003, Boutin is in his second professional season in 2006-07. In 12 games with Springfield this year, he is 5-3-1 with a 2.13 GAA and a .930 save percentage. The native of Granby, Que., was 8-12-2 in 22 AHL appearances for the Falcons last season.

Other nominees for the Rbk X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month award include Justin Peters of Albany, Fred Brathwaite of Chicago, Al Montoya of Hartford, Josh Harding of Houston, Frank Doyle of Lowell, Jason LaBarbera of Manchester, Karl Goehring of Milwaukee, Corey Crawford of Norfolk, Marek Schwarz of Peoria, Dov Grumet-Morris of Portland, Jordan Sigalet of Providence, Craig Anderson of Rochester, Josh Tordjman of San Antonio, Tomas Popperle of Syracuse, Andrew Penner of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Thomas Greiss of Worcester.

 

[truebluefan]

Bulldogs rally for overtime win

HAMILTON, ON - The Hamilton Bulldogs overcame a pair of two-goal deficits and got back in the win column with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Iowa Stars on Wednesday night at Copps Coliseum. With the win, Hamilton's record improves to 22-13-1-1.

The Stars opened the scoring when Scott May fired a shot in the slot past Bulldog goaltender Yann Danis at the 3:22 mark of the first period. Nicklas Grossman and Marius Holtet assisted on May's second goal of the season.

Iowa then scored just 1:15 into the second period for a 2-0 lead when Janos Vas took a pass from behind the net and got away a quick shot for his fourth goal of the season.

Hamilton responded just 26 seconds later to cut Iowa's deficit to 2-1. Duncan Milroy tipped in Andrew Archer's shot from the right boards near the top of the circle. Corey Locke also earned an assist on Milroy's team-leading 16th goal of the season.

The Bulldogs went down by two goals again at 6:20 of the middle frame when an errant pass by Iowa's Mark Fistric deflected off a Hamilton defenseman and behind a surprised Danis to give the Stars a 3-1 lead. The unassisted shorthanded goal was Fistic's first of the season.

Andrei Kostitsyn then notched his 12th goal of the season at the 14:55 mark of the second period to bring the 'Dogs within a goal at 3-2. After taking a pass from Mikhail Grabovski, Kostitsyn snapped a shot past former Bulldog goaltender Dan Ellis, scoring his 100th career AHL point.

The Bulldogs tied the game at 3-3 with 6:04 left in the third period when Mikhail Grabovski scored on a breakaway after fending off an Iowa defender and slipping the puck along the ice on the glove side for his 10th goal of the season. Kostitsyn sprung Grabovski at the blueline to earn one assist, while Eric Manlow also registered a helper on the game-tying scoring play.

The game went to overtime when Maxim Lapierre scored the game-winning goal at 2:29 of the extra frame with a hard wrist shot from the right side off a two-on-one break after using Francis Lemieux as a decoy on the play. The unassisted game-winner was Lapierre's ninth goal of the season.

Danis stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced for Hamilton, recording his 11th win of the season, while Ellis made 21 saves on 25 shots for Iowa and suffered the loss.

Game Notes: Duncan Milroy played his 238th contest, passing Jason Chimera for the Bulldogs' franchise lead in all-time games played. Milroy's first period goal tied him for 10th all-time in Bulldog goals.

The Bulldogs next game is on Friday, January 5th at 7:30 p.m. against the Iowa Stars at Copps Coliseum. Tickets for all 'Dogs home games (except home game #32) are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster outlet, online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more, or through charge-by-phone at 905-527-7666. Fans can listen to the game on the flagship station of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Network, 820 CHAM "The Legend," beginning with the Park's Furniture Pre-Game Show at 7:10 p.m. Fans can also listen or watch at Hamilton Bulldogs by clicking on the 'B2 Networks' or '820 CHAM' icon on the 'Dogs website.

 

[truebluefan]

Bears raise curtain on 2007 Wednesday in Norfolk

HERSHEY kicks off 2007 with the most points of any team in the American Hockey League. The club looks to further cement its hold on first place Wednesday in Virginia against the Admirals.

Coming off a stretch of five wins in six nights to close out 2006, the BEARS sport a 25-4-3-4 record and 57 points to lead the East Division. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is in second place with 52 points entering play tonight, while Norfolk sits in third place with 51. The Penguins have the night off Wednesday.

Joey Tenute enters play Wednesday on an incredible hot-streak. The second year HERSHEY centerman from Hamilton, Ontario scored four consecutive game-winning goals last week to conclude December. Tenute totaled six goals, four assists for ten points for the week ending December 31. Alexandre Giroux finished 2006 with a team-high 26 goals. In roster news, Washington assigned center Dave Steckel to HERSHEY late Monday night. He is expected to play Wednesday for HERSHEY. The BEARS also assigned goaltender Jeff Pietrasiak to Reading (ECHL) on Monday. Goaltenders Maxime Daigneault and Daren Machesney each made the trip to Hampton Roads for the two-game series with the Admirals.

Tonight's game is the beginning of a five-game road trip, the longest of the season for the BEARS. Following games Wednesday and Friday in Virginia, the BEARS head to Wilkes-Barre to face the Penguins this Saturday before single games at Binghamton and Bridgeport next weekend. All the games can be heard via the BEARS Radio Network (100.1 FM, 1490-AM and 960-AM). You can also watch the games via B2 Networks through HersheyBears.com. John Walton has the call of the action from Hampton Roads beginning with the pregame show at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday.

 

[truebluefan]

Admirals rally to sink Bears 5-4 Wednesday

Two of the best teams in the AHL went head-to-head Wednesday with the Norfolk Admirals rallying to defeat the BEARS 5-4 at Norfolk Scope.

The game started in wild fashion, and most certainly in HERSHEY'S favor Joey Tenute scored a goal at 1:39 of the first period on the club's first shot of the game. Jeff Schultz would then add his first goal of the season, and his first professional regular season goal at 2:08. On three shots, the BEARS took a 2-0 lead. Norfolk would come roaring back with three straight lamp-lighters to take the lead late in the period. Cam Barker started the run with a five-on-four power play goal at 6:12, followed by Brandon Bochenski's 26th of the season at 11:12. The Admirals would then take their first lead of the game when Dustin Byfuglien scored an unassisted goal at 14:51. Trailing 3-2, and down a man in the final minute of the first period, Matt Hendricks forced a turnover deep in the Norfolk zone and scored an unassisted short-handed goal at 19:47. Despite only six shots in the first 20 minutes, the BEARS went to the dressing room all tied up at 3-3.

The BEARS would open the scoring in the second when Alexandre Giroux scored his 27th goal of the season. The wrap-around tally came from Hendricks, as the Blaine, Minnesota native earned his second point of the game. It turned out to be the only goal of the period, despite the fact that Norfolk outshot HERSHEY 16-7. Maxime Daigneault stopped every shot he faced in the middle period, and the BEARS took a 4-3 lead to the dressing room after two.

With a holding call against Jamie Hunt at 19:51 and a boarding call against Quintin Laing at 20:00 of the second, the Admirals began the third period with an extended run at five-on-three. Bochenski would score at 25 seconds to tie the game, and later finish the hat trick at even strength at 13:24. Daigneault left the game at 10:01 of the third period due to injury and did not return. Daren Machesney came on in relief to absorb the defeat. The loss was just the fifth in regulation for the BEARS this season, as the Admirals moved into second place, four points back of first place HERSHEY.

Notes: The BEARS on Wednesday were honored by the American Hockey League for playing the club's 5000th regular season game on December 20. The team was bestowed the CCM/AHL Milestone of the Month award for December. HERSHEY will be presented with an etched crystal trophy prior to an upcoming home game. Dean Arsene was an injury scratch for the game, while Pete Vandermeer and Chad Wiseman were healthy scratches. The game was the first of five away from GIANT Center. HERSHEY will stay in Norfolk to play Friday night at Scope before facing Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Saturday night at Wachovia Arena. The short-handed goal by Hendricks was HERSHEY'S 16th of the season, the most in the AHL. It was also the 13th allowed this season by Norfolk, also a league high. Trevor Byrne was injured in the first period, and remained on the bench but did not continue.

 

[truebluefan]

Aeros top first-place Wolves, 5-3

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Erik Reitz and Mattias Weinhandl posted a goal and an assist and Josh Harding made 31 saves in his return to the lineup, as the Houston Aeros shook off a pair of one-goal deficits for a 5-3 victory over the first-place Chicago Wolves at Allstate Arena. Danny Irmen, Benoit Pouliot and Peter Olvecky also scored for Houston (15-17-0-3), which has won two straight in Rosemont. The Aeros, who lost their previous two games while Harding was out of the lineup due to illness, snapped a two-game skid and climbed within five points of fifth-place Milwaukee.

Darren Haydar scored two goals to extend his AHL-record point streak to 37 games, Jordan LaVallee also scored and Michael Garnett made 27 saves for (25-9-1-2), which is 1-2-0-1 in its last four, including a 4-3 home shootout loss to Houston seven days ago.

The Aeros return home to play three games in four nights, beginning Thursday at 7:05 p.m. against Peoria. It's a Maple Leaf Pub Happy Hour Game. Call 713.974.PUCK beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday to order or for more details.

In 14 games since November 19, Reitz has posted 11 points (2-9=11). He had just a goal and an assist in the season's first 16 games. Reitz' current run leaves him with 98 career points (21-77=98) in 271 games with the Aeros. Weinhandl, meanwhile, has 11 points (5-6=11) in just eight games since getting assigned by the Minnesota Wild last month. Harding, who began the season 0-5-1, improved his mark to 14-13-1.

Garnett foiled Pouliot's breakaway less than a minute into the game.

Haydar and the Wolves struck first, with 3:57 remaining in the opening period. Haydar banked a pass off Aeros defenseman Peter Ratchuk's skate to Joey Crabb behind the net. Crabb sent the puck towards the net, and it deflected off Haydar's stick - Haydar wasn't even facing the net - and into the cage for his 23rd goal of the season.

Weinhandl's fourth of the season evened things up just 22 seconds into the second, with the teams skating 4-on-4. Roman Voloshenko stole the puck from a trio of Wolves behind the goal line and fed Weinhandl, who poked the puck in the net before Garnett could recover.

LaVallee put Chicago back on top 2-1 with a shorthanded goal at the 4:23 mark of the middle period. The tally came just seconds after a Curtis Murphy point blast hit the post. On the other end, LaVallee powered himself around Ratchuk and onto the doorstep, where he slipped the puck by Harding.

But Irmen's ninth goal, only 62 seconds later, got Houston even again, after the Aeros power play expired. Reitz backhand the puck to Bryan Lundbohm, who one-timed a pass across the crease to Irmen, who touched the puck into an open net.

The AHL's leading goal scorer, Chicago's Brett Sterling, beat Harding midway through the second, but his shot rang off the post.

Garnett then stopped Ratchuk's 2-on-1 attempt from Joel Ward.

Reitz' third goal of the season gave Houston its first lead, with 1:47 remaining in the second. Reitz fired off a pass from Ryan Stokes, and Chicago defenseman Mark Popovic blocked the shot. But it came right back to Reitz, who settled the puck with his skate, then fired a shot by Garnett.

Reitz completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist and fighting major) by duking it out with Alex Bourret in the waning seconds of the middle stanza.

Pouliot avenged for the early breakaway miss with his 13th goal, with 6:46 gone in the third period and Houston on the power play. Harding made a long headman pass from out of the net to Matt Foy. Foy hit Pouliot, whose strong move and shot beat Garnett.

Haydar's second of the game and 24th of the season got Chicago within 4-3 with 10:32 remaining in regulation. With Houston's Chris Ovington in the penalty box for cross checking, Haydar floated a shot through traffic. The puck clanked off Harding's stick and into the net, just nine seconds after Ovington's penalty started

Less than a minute later, Harding stoned Haydar on a breakaway, and then somehow covered up former Aero Cory Larose's rebound shot. Haydar was called for slashing on the play.

Weinhandl set up Olvecky's third of the season, with Haydar in the penalty box, for a 5-3 lead with 9:16 left. Garnett made the stop on Weinhandl, who collected his own rebound and slid the pass to Olvecky at the other side of the crease.

Garnett headed to the bench for the extra attacker with 90 seconds left, but Chicago couldn't solve Harding again.

Houston finished 2-for-7 on the power play, while Chicago went 1-for-5. The Aeros are 8-for-36 with the man advantage versus the Wolves this season.

Notes:

Not dressing for the Aeros were Dieter Kochan, Shawn Belle, Josh Olson, Ben Thomson and Joey Tetarenko.

Voloshenko has four points (2-2=4) in a four-game point streak, his longest since a seven-game run November 30-December 17, 2005 - just before he left for the World Junior Championships. In his last six games, Voloshenko has seven points (3-4=7).

Stokes' assist gave him a new career-best six points (2-4=6) this season. He had five (2-3=5) in 75 games last season.

Garnett had won each of his last four starts.

Foy played in his 200th game with the Aeros.

Aeros winger Joel Ward, who spent most of the last month with NHL Minnesota, was a plus-two in his return to Houston.

The Aeros improved to 14-6-0-2 when scoring three or more goals. They are 1-11-0-1 when scoring two or fewer.

Olvecky didn't score a goal in his first 26 games this season. He has all three of his scores in the last seven games - all since Weinhandl was put on his line.

Houston improved to 7-16-3-2 in its last 28 trips to Allstate Arena.

The Aeros have been outscored 7-1 in the first period of their last four games.

Seven of Houston's 15 victories have been in come-from-behind fashion.

Chicago lost in regulation against a West Division opponent for just the fourth time this season (21-4-3-0).

 

[truebluefan]

Shorthanded Stars lose in OT

HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Iowa Stars and the Hamilton Bulldogs kicked-off the 2007 portion of their AHL schedule with a game on Wednesday night at Copps Coliseum. For the first time in four overtime games, the Stars were unable to obtain the victory, ultimately falling 4-3 in the extra session. They did pick-up a point in the standings by going to overtime. Iowa played the game without five of their six leading scorers (three injured, two recalled to Dallas).

Iowa's Scott May gave the Stars an early 1-0 lead with his second goal of the season. May collected the puck in the high slot, and fired a turnaround shot that beat Hamilton netminder Yann Danis at 3:22. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman and Forward Marius Holtet registered the assists on the lone goal of the first period.

Janos Vas spotted the Stars a two-goal lead early in the second period. With the puck behind the Hamilton goal, Jamie Johnson directed the puck to John Lammers. Lammers sent the puck back behind the net to a waiting Vas. Vas collected on the right side and caught Danis leaning to the left side of the net. The power-play goal was Vas' fourth goal of the season. Twenty-six seconds later, Duncan Milroy cut the Stars lead in half with his 16th of the season. With the Bulldogs on the power-play, the Stars regained the two-goal lead. Rookie Mark Fistric skated down the right wall and sent the puck towards the Hamilton goal. The puck glanced-off a Bulldogs player and found its way to the back of the net, and gave Fistric his first professional goal. The Stars ninth shorthanded goal of the season came at 6:12. Collecting the rebound and going nearly coast-to-coast, Andrei Kostitsyn wristed a shot glove-side and over the shoulder of Iowa netminder Dan Ellis. The goal at 14:55 pulled Hamilton to within one goal.

Fistric had his bid for his goal to be the game-winning goal when Hamilton evened the score with 6:04 left in the third period. Mikhail Grabovski split the Iowa blueliners and evened the score when his shot sailed past Dan Ellis. The score remained deadlocked and went into the five-minute sudden-death overtime.

The Stars applied plenty of pressure on the Hamilton goal, with Yann Danis making a key save. The rebound went to Maxim Lapierre who went end-to-end on a two-on-one, faked a pass, and gave the Bulldogs the 4-3 overtime win with 2:24 gone in the five minute overtime.

It was the first time in four overtime games the Stars failed to register the win. Dan Ellis finished with 21 saves in between the pipes for Iowa.

Shots: IOWA: 22; HAMILTON: 25; Attendance: 3,742

Game Sheet - theahl.com: Home

IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars remain on the road for another game in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday and in Toronto on Saturday. Iowa returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Friday, January 12th for a 7:00 PM face-off with the Houston Aeros. Friday's game is KCWI Date Night and will have a 7:00 PM face-off. One lucky couple will win round trip airfare to Las Vegas courtesy of Allegiant Air and couples can purchase two tickets, two hot dogs, and two cokes for just $23! The following evening, the Toronto Marlies make their only trip to Des Moines. The first 1,500 fans through the turnstiles will receive a FREE Iowa Stars stocking cap! Doors open for all home games one hour before face-off. Bring a group or hold your child's birthday at a Stars game! All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Moose Assign Bernier to Victoria

The Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, announced they have assigned forward Marc-Andre Bernier to the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL.

Bernier, 21, has appeared in 22 games with the Moose this season where he's scored one goal and one assist for two points and collected 16 penalty minutes. On 38 career games with Manitoba, the Laval, PQ native has the one goal and two points, along with 23 penalty minutes. Last season, Bernier played in 44 games with the ECHL's Columbia Inferno. In that time, he scored six goals and 17 assists for 23 points and 34 penalty minutes.

Bernier was originally selected in the second round by the Vancouver Canucks with the 60th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

 

[truebluefan]

Americans Visit MTS Centre as Moose Honour Hockey Canada

The Manitoba Moose are pleased to announce the organization will recognize the efforts and excellence of Hockey Canada during their game against the Rochester Americans on Friday, January 5th at the MTS Centre. Gametime is 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, the Moose will wear a special third jersey similar in style and colour to the current jerseys worn by the National Junior Team at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Leksand, Sweden and by the men's and women's National Teams at the most recent 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Please see the attached rendering for more detail. Six of these jerseys will be auctioned at the game on the main concourse level.

Prior to the game, two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner and Winnipeg native Jennifer Botterill will be on hand to help to unveil and raise a special banner recognizing the 2007 World Women's Hockey Championships to be held at the MTS Centre from April 3rd to 10th, 2007. Teams from Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and China will compete for gold in Winnipeg and Selkirk. The U.S. won the most recent World Women's Hockey Championships in 2005 in a shootout over Canada in Linkoping, Sweden. Tickets for all games are available at Ticketmaster at 204-780-3333 or by going online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more

The Hockey Hall of Fame will also have a display of many international hockey items and memorabilia set up in the concourse that night, including such things as the Canada Cup and the World Cup trophy, among others.

There will also be numerous World Women's Hockey Championships giveaways throughout the course of the game between the Moose and Amerks.

To get any Manitoba Moose Tickets, please contact the Moose Ticket Office at (204) 987-PUCK (7825) or call Ticketmaster at 780-3333.

 

[truebluefan]

Admirals Ink Pair

Milwaukee, WI-The Milwaukee Admirals announced today that they have signed forwards Chaz Johnson and Arpad Mihaly to professional try-out contracts.

Johnson has 17 points on 10 goals and seven assists and 103 penalty minutes in 31 games for the Rockford IceHogs (UHL) this season. The Quebec, PQ native saw action in two stints with the Admirals last year, combining for a goal and 12 PIMs in eight games. He posted 45 points (23g-22a) and 248 penalty minutes in 66 games with Rockford in 05-06.

Mihaly comes to the Admirals after picking up 28 points (16g-12a) in 25 games with the Reading Royals (ECHL) this year. He has also played in a combined five games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Binghamton Senators this year. In 2005-06 the Miercurea, Romania native split time between Wilkes-Barre and the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL).

The Admirals take on the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights this Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Bradley Center before hosting the Chicago Wolves at 7:30 on Saturday night. For tickets fans can call Ticketmaster at (414) 276-4545 or log on to Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

 

[truebluefan]

Rivermen Sneak Past Omaha 3-2 in Overtime

Peoria, IL (January 3, 2007) - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights equaled victory for the Peoria Rivermen for the 12th straight time in a 3-2 home overtime win in front of a crowd of 2,890 on Wednesday night at Carver Arena.

Peoria goaltender Chris Beckford-Tseu started his third game in a row, earning wins in all three games. During this stretch, Beckford-Tseu has stopped 70 of 74 shots faced, for a 0.946 save-percentage and a 1.33 goals-against-average.

After a scoreless first frame, Omaha (20-12-3-0, 43 pts) got on the board at 9:57 of the second stanza, as right wing Carsen Germyn stepped on the ice on a line change. Germyn received a pass from left wing Eric Godard along the left-wing boards in the neutral zone and skated to the left slot, where he snapped a shot between the legs of Rivermen goaltender Chris Beckford-Tseu. The goal was Germyn's 10th of the season.

The Rivermen (19-12-1-2, 41 pts), who participated in their first game that went beyond regulation in 18 chances, responded just less than a minute and a half later at 11:17 of the middle session. Defenseman Doug Lynch dished the puck to right wing Mike Glumac along the left-wing boards of the Knights blue line. Glumac skated down the boards, crossed in front of Omaha netminder Curtis McElhinney, and while falling down, Glumac slid the puck around the right leg of the goalie for his 10th tally of the year. The assist by Lynch was his first point in 29 games.

Peoria grabbed its first lead of the game at 16:21 of the second on the power play and Glumac notched his second of the contest and 11th of the 2006-07 campaign. Defenseman Jeff Woywitka began the play at the left point and fed the puck to left wing Charles Linglet along the left-wing boards, where he backhanded it back to the left face-off circle for Glumac, who took a couple strides toward the net and sent a shot above the right shoulder of McElhinney off the left post and into the net.

Omaha tied the game 2-2 on left wing Cam Cunning's fifth marker of the year at 15:09 of the final period. Defenseman Tim Ramholt tried to send the puck around the left-wing corner boards, but it took a favorable bounce for the Knights as it kicked out of the corner to the left face-off circle, where Cunning stepped up and punched a shot that hit Beckford-Tseu's jersey and trickled through his armpit and into the net.

The game was sent to overtime, and the Rivermen wasted little time winning, as center Trent Whitfield registered his team-leading 17th goal of the season just 11 seconds into the extra period. Right wing Jon DiSalvatore flipped a shot from the bottom of the left face-off circle that was initially saved by McElhinney. The rebound landed in front of the net, where Whitfield was able to gather the puck and backhand it past McElhinney for the decider.

The Rivermen will be on the road for the next four games, starting Thursday, January 4 in Houston. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

 

[truebluefan]

Phantoms Mascot Wraps Up Record-Setting 2006

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Phantoms all-star mascot Phlex completed a record-setting year at the Phantoms game on Dec. 30. The evening wrapped up a year that saw the affable super hero make a total of 404 public appearances in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.

Philex's extremely busy schedule encompassed all sorts of visits and tasks. He helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, he drove a Mister Softee ice cream truck, and he even went international, making the trek to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the 2006 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic.

Besides appearing at all Phantoms home games and selected Flyers home games in 2006, Phlex visited communities across the region. He stopped at over 110 schools throughout the Delaware Valley as part of the Flyers & Phantoms School Assembly Program, spreading the message of teamwork and sportsmanship. He took part in over 40 charity events, including fundraiser walks for the March of Dimes, Relay for Life, the American Heart Association, and walks to benefit many other causes.

Phlex also made the rounds among other pro sports teams in the area. He visited the Phillie Phanatic and Swoop when he performed at Phillies and Eagles games. Phlex also made visits to the Camden Riversharks, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Trenton Titans, Reading Royals, Temple University, Princeton University and others. And he hit the airwaves on several occasions, helping CBS-3's Bob Kelly with his morning traffic reports and joining a "Wednesday's Child" experience with Vai Sikahema on NBC-10. He also had a part in the filming of "Phanatic Goes Hollywood," the Phillie Phanatic's summer blockbuster.

Of the 365 days in 2006, Phlex was out and about for more than 275 of them. He was in parades, visited youth hockey practices, hosted a bowling party for the Phantoms Kids Club, and even stopped by a Bennigan's restaurant. He also visited several area hospitals, including St. Christopher's and the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. Overall, literally thousands of fans, young and old, have had their day brightened by Phlex this year.

For more information about Phlex and his role with the Phantoms, please contact Mike Thornton or Brian Smith in the Phantoms PR department.

Phlex will start a new year of entertaining Phantoms fans this Friday, January 5 when the Phantoms host the Lowell Devils at 7:05 PM. The first 5,000 fans through the doors will receive a Phantoms fleece blanket courtesy of Dodge. Individual tickets for all Phantoms games, including $8 tickets for children 14 and under anywhere in the building, are on sale now at phantomshockey.com or by calling 800-298-4200.

 

[truebluefan]

Phantoms Weekly

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

Friday, Jan. 5 - Phantoms vs. Lowell, 7:05: The Lowell Devils (New Jersey Devils) visit the Phantoms for the second consecutive weekend, this time coming in for a Friday tilt at the Spectrum. Lowell beat the Phantoms 3-1 in last Saturday's outing, the last of 2006 for Philadelphia. The Phantoms will be looking to neutralize Chris Minard, who had two goals in last Friday's contest.

Saturday, Jan. 6 - Phantoms at Binghamton, 7:05: Philadelphia makes another trek north to visit the Binghamton Senators (Ottawa Senators) at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The Senators start the week just one point behind the Phantoms in the East Division standings with a record of 11-21-1-2 for 25 points. Jeff Heerema leads the Senators in scoring with 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 35 games. Former Phantoms defenseman Charlie Cook has four points and eight assists in 30 games for Binghamton this season.

Monday, Jan. 8 - Phantoms vs. Grand Rapids, 7:05: The Phantoms and Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings) will get together a day later than originally planned when they face off on Monday night. The game was originally scheduled for Jan. 7, but was moved due to the Eagles-Giants playoff game. Grand Rapids starts the week in fourth place in the North Division with a record of 15-15-4-2 for 36 points. Leading scorer Kip Miller has 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 36 games. All tickets for January 7 will be honored for January 8, or can be exchanged for any remaining regular season game.

Tickets for all Phantoms regular season games are now available! As always, kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8.00. Purchase online at phantomshockey.com or to charge by phone, call 1-800-298-4200.

STAY WARM AND GET SOME EXERCISE THIS WEEK WITH THE PHANTOMS

The Phantoms have another weekend stuffed with great hockey, a great giveaway, and a great postgame event! On Friday, the first 5,000 fans through the doors for the Phantoms tilt with Lowell will receive a Phantoms Fleece Blanket courtesy of Dodge. Then on Monday, fans under 14 can bring their skates to the game and skate with their favorite Phantoms after the game.

LITNETS RETURN

Like seeing your goals up in lights? Then this weekend is for you, when the Phantoms welcome the Litnets lighted net back for a return engagement. The special net, which is outfitted with 1500 LED lights in the posts and crossbar, was used in several games earlier this season. When the Phantoms score, the net lights up, adding a whole new twist to the excitement of a goal. Don't miss it!

CHUCK YOUR PUCKS

Phantoms Charities continues this Friday with its Chuck O' Puck promotion in the second intermission. The Phantoms Wives are sponsoring the event, which will happen at every Friday game over the rest of the season. Pucks are $2 apiece or three for $5, and fans can use their skill to toss those pucks on the ice in the second intermission. The puck closest to the target will win half of the monies raised on the evening, while the other half will go to Phantoms Charities.

GET THE CROSS-CHECK PACKAGE

The Phantoms are offering a new Cross-Check package with the new year! The new deal gets you eight Phantoms tickets to use in any combination you wish to any home game this year, plus two Flyers tickets to your choice of the Feb. 15 game against Toronto or the March 6 game vs. New Jersey. The package is just $150, and supplies are limited! Call the Phantoms at 215-465-4522 for more details.

PHANTOMS NOTABLES

Through 33 games this season, the Phantoms have seen 103 player transactions. A year ago, the Phantoms had 162 transactions for the entire season... 36 players have appeared in a game for the Phantoms this season. A 37th, goaltender John DeCaro, has dressed but has not played. The Phantoms used 38 players through all of last season... The Phantoms played Hershey on Dec. 27 and play Norfolk on Jan. 21. The 11-game span between those two contests is the longest the Phantoms will go this season without playing either Hershey, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton or Norfolk, which start 2007 as the top three teams in the Eastern Conference and as three of the top four teams in the entire league. The Phantoms play those three teams a total of 32 times during the season, which represents 40 percent of the team's overall schedule.

B2 RETURNS

Every Phantoms game this season is being broadcast with streaming video through the league's partnership with B2 Networks. A ticket for the game is $6, which allows fans to watch the game via a broadband Internet connection from their own homes! B2 is offering the new Power Play package this season, which offers fans the opportunity to purchase a season pass to all 80 games for as little as $150, a savings of almost 70 percent off the regular price. Visit Phantoms Hockey - A Spirited Website for more details.

TICKET INFORMATION

All kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8. To purchase, go to phantomshockey.com or call 1-800-298-4200.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

Date Opponent Site Time

Friday, Jan. 5 Lowell Devils Wachovia Spectrum 7:05

Saturday, Jan. 6 Binghamton Senators Broome County VMA 7:05

Monday, Jan. 8 Grand Rapids Griffins Wachovia Spectrum 7:05 (date change)

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

Date Opponent Site W-L Score

Tuesday, Dec. 26 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Wachovia Arena W 3-1

Wednesday, Dec. 27 Hershey Bears GIANT Center L 4-1

Friday, Dec. 29 Providence Bruins Wachovia Spectrum L 4-3 (SO)

Saturday, Dec. 30 Lowell Devils Wachovia Spectrum L 3-1

RECORD: 12-19-1-1, 26 pts, 6th, East Division