[truebluefan]

Rivermen Announce New Radio Broadcast Home

Peoria, IL (October 4, 2006) - Peoria Rivermen President/CEO Bart Rogers announced today that the team will broadcast up to 68 regular-season games LIVE and uninterrupted on the new "Official Radio Broadcast Station of the Peoria Rivermen" - Classic Country 1290 (WIRL-AM), a member of JMP Radio Group.

Fifty-eight (58) games are guaranteed to be broadcast LIVE and uninterrupted; eight (8) games are likely to be LIVE but are "To Be Announced" at present; two (2) are "Join In Progress" and 12 are tape-delayed. The team's first three games of the season will be broadcast LIVE and uninterrupted.

Please refer to the attached broadcast schedule for more information.

Over the Internet, the team will broadcast every home and road game LIVE, video/audio ($6 per game) and audio-only (FREE), courtesy of the b2 Networks.

The Rivermen open the 2006-07 AHL regular season on Friday, October 6 against the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights at Carver Arena at 7:30 p.m. It's Heritage Bank Magnet Schedule Night for the first 5,000 fans. On Saturday, October 7, Peoria welcomes the rival Chicago Wolves to Carver Arena at 7:00 p.m. on the first of two Maui Jim Sunglasses Nights, in which 25 random winners will receive a free pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses.

Rivermen season ticket plans are on sale now with 1) a Full Season package (40 games), 2) the 25th Anniversary package (25 games), 3) a 12-game package, 4) a seven-game package and 5) undated voucher books (denominations of 20 vouchers). Packages start at just $75 per seat.

For more information, please contact Director of Ticket Operations Jim Small at 309-676-1040 x 106 or via e-mail at [email protected]

 

[truebluefan]

Kings Name Solomon To Hockey Staff

MANCHESTER, NH - The Los Angeles Kings, the parent club of the Manchester Monarchs, have hired Jeff Solomon as Director of Hockey Operations and Legal Affairs, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today.

Prior to joining the Kings, Solomon, 48, served as a NHLPA Certified Agent for 20 years. During that time, he represented hundreds of NHL hockey players, including former Kings Tony Granato and Nelson Emerson and current NHL stars like Bryan McCabe and Steve Sullivan.

In his new role with the Kings, Solomon will be responsible for the negotiation of player contracts, development of strategic salary cap plans and management of all matters related to the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. Solomon has extensive experience working with the NHL Entry Level System, restricted and unrestricted free agency and all aspects of the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement and its arbitration system.

Prior to representing professional hockey players, Solomon practiced law in California where he specialized in tax and estate planning. His post-graduate experience includes work as an international tax specialist and financial consultant.

Solomon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rutgers University in 1980 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1983. He is licensed to practice law in California.

The Monarchs open their sixth AHL season with a new coach, a new team and a new attitude at home against the Worcester Sharks on Saturday, October 7 at 7:35 p.m. Individual tickets for the Monarchs 2006-07 season are on sale now and can be purchased at the Verizon Wireless Arena box office, at any TicketMaster location, by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling TicketMaster at (603) 868-7300. Monarchs Full, Half or Ten-game season ticket packages are also available. For season ticket information, visit the Monarchs on-line at www.monarchshockey.com or call (603) 626-7825.

 

[truebluefan]

'Bogey' expects to give Crunch lift

Forward Eric Boguniecki arrived in Syracuse earlier this week with an eagerness to fit in that was as clear as the hat on his head.

Boguniecki rolled in wearing the cap of his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. It was an obvious fashion statement considering the city where he now works, but one that clashes big time with the Red Sox influence that permeates his home on Cape Cod, Mass.

"I'm a Yankees fan my whole life. I will not change," he said. "I wear my hat around (Cape Cod). People look at you, they yap at you. They are an intense group."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

B-Sens moving to FM station

Binghamton Senators' American Hockey League games will be broadcast on Q-107 (WRRQ-FM 106.7) this season, a switch from WINR (680-AM), where they'd been their first four seasons.

While the new station gets up and running -- it's expected to be operational within two weeks -- games will be broadcast on COOL 100 (WCDW-FM 100.5 and 95.1). Broadcasts will begin 20 minutes before game time.

In addition, the team announced a "pre pre-game show" entitled "Hockey Night in Binghamton" that is expected to debut at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 on the FM station. It will air live from the Arena Club in the Broome County Arena before Saturday night home games.

 

[truebluefan]

Griffins fill void left by Hamilton's departure

It took the Grand Rapids Griffins less than a week to fill a void.

Forward Scott Barney, who had 32 goals and 51 points in 59 games for the Chicago Wolves last season, signed with the Griffins on Wednesday and will be available for opening-weekend games in San Antonio and Houston.

He'll take the roster spot the Griffins had reserved for Jeff Hamilton, an AHL standout who signed a one-year contract last Friday with the Chicago Blackhawks.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

He has talent; it's just a matter of time

Michal Birner knows all about time.

"I grew up in an historic old city, Litomerice," said the 20-year-old Czech Republic winger sent to the Peoria Rivermen from the St. Louis Blues.

Litomerice is more than 1,000 years old, pinned between a mountain range and the Elbe River. Many of the town's structures from the 11th-13th centuries still are standing.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Youth Rats' net result

One young goaltender made a huge impact on the Carolina Hurricanes last season. Now the organization is giving another youngster a chance to shine.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

This isn't an awkward situation

Dave Baseggio is so soft-spoken and composed, the one-word answer almost slips right by.

What is your philosophy as a coach? How do you want this Peoria Rivermen team to play?

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Canucks claim Sabourin off waivers

The Vancouver Canucks claimed goaltender Dany Sabourin off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Sabourin, the AHL goalie of the year last season, was being sent down by the Penguins despite a 1.85 goals-against average and 95.7 save percentage in his only preseason appearance, a 44-save shootout loss to Buffalo.

The Penguins already have Marc-Andre Fleury, the first-overall draft pick in 2003, and veteran goaltender Jocelyn Thibault under contract for the upcoming season.

Sabourin is expected to back up Roberto Luongo in Vancouver.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Rough ice ahead

Challenges? Alain Vigneault has seen his fair share and might be facing his toughest in his return to the National Hockey League as the new head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

Vigneault replaced local legend Randy Carlyle last season and promptly led the Manitoba Moose to its second 100-point campaign in franchise history.

This time he's replacing Marc Crawford and begins the new season guiding a club that has been retooled by GM Dave Nonis.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Moose make point

The fact he couldn't see the final shot was of little consolation to Drew MacIntyre.

Despite a valiant effort from their goaltender, the Manitoba Moose fell 3-2 in overtime to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins when Erik Christensen beat MacIntyre with a shot between the legs and through a screen late in a power play to send the sellout crowd of 8,163 at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza into a frenzy last night.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Sharks’ Iggulden surfaces in AHL

The American Hockey League, at least in its present form, was invented for players like Mike Iggulden.

At one end of the prospect spectrum are the “Can’t Miss” guys like Jason Spezza, but there are more “Can’t Find ’em” players like Iggulden, who nobody gave much of a look until they got a chance to show what they could do in the AHL.

Last season was the show ’em year for Iggulden, a rookie right wing whose 22 goals were the second most on the Cleveland Barons. Not bad at all for a player who scored exactly 13 goals in 110 college games at Cornell.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Dubielewicz will give Sound Tigers another shot

The hole opened up July 18 on the New York Islanders' roster, and Wade Dubielewicz looked like the man to fill it. Once Garth Snow retired as the Islanders' backup goaltender to become general manager, Dubielewicz was next in line in the organization after three seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. "I didn't really get my hopes up, right until the last week of the summer, I didn't," Dubielewicz said. In the last week of summer, right before camp, the Islanders brought in veteran Mike Dunham to fill that hole behind Rick DiPietro. So, Dubielewicz finds himself right back here in Bridgeport. If that's hard to handle, Dubielewicz won't say much about it. He's here, and he and a veteran defensive corps will be vital to any high hopes the Sound Tigers may have. "You've always got something to prove," Dubielewicz said. "This is almost home for me now, which is never a bad thing. Long Island was where my heart was, but this is where I'm going to be this year, and I'm excited about it."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Pirates primed for return of popular veteran center

It's not official yet, but it appears Zenon Konopka is returning to the Portland Pirates.
Team officials wouldn't confirm the return of Konopka, the veteran center who signed this summer to play for Lada Togliatti in the Russian Elite League. But the signs are all there.
A new posting on the Russian team's Web site Wednesday morning stated Konopka and the club had "dissolved their contract."
By noon, Konopka's name had been hung over his old wall locker in the corner of the Pirates' locker room.
In addition, Portland forward Pierre Parenteau said he was meeting Konopka's flight at 8:30 p.m. at Logan Airport in Boston.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

He's one bad motor scooter

t's fitting for a 20-year-old kid from a Czech Republic city more famous for its automobile factory than its hockey.

The Peoria Rivermen rookie is from Mlada Boleslav, a central-Bohemian town of 43,000 that sits on the Jizera River about 30 miles from Prague.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Penguins waddle past Moose

Erik Christensen's power-play goal with 17 seconds left in overtime gave Wilkes-Barre/Scranton a 3-2 win over the Manitoba Moose in the AHL season opener Wednesday night.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Opening day Rivermen roster

TRENT WHITFIELD

CENTER 5-11, 204

Born: 6-17-77 in Alameda, Saskatchewan. Yr pro: 9th. Contract: NHL Blues thru 2006-07. NHL Draft: Boston 4th in 1996. Peoria's captain candidate. Played 174 NHL games for Washington, N.Y. Rangers and St. Louis. Had 44-game stint with Caps in '03-04. AHL Portland's 4th all-time leader in goals (104). Two-time WHL All-Star for Spokane in 1997, 1998. Was Peoria's best all-around player (19g, 34a in 41 games) in '05-06 and earned 30-game stint with Blues. Gritty, smart, careful with his defense. Could play for a lot of NHL teams in checking role. NHL projection: 4th-line center. NHL scout says: "A star in the AHL, he wears guys down with work ethic and combines skill with effort."

PETER SEJNA

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Boston Assigns Kalus to Providence

Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, member of the American Hockey League, announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned right wing Petr Kalus to Providence. The P-Bruins now have 27 players on their roster, including 16 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

Kalus, 19, begins his first professional season after three years of junior hockey with Vitkovice in the Czech Republic and another year with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. Last season with Regina, the forward led all WHL rookies in goals with 36 and paced his team with 58 points (36g, 22a) in 60 games. In four junior seasons, Kalus produced 105 points (64g, 41a) in 151 contests. The native of Ostrava, Czech Republic, was selected by Boston 39th overall (second round) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The P-Bruins begin regular season play Saturday night, October 7, when they travel to the Cumberland County Civic Center to take on the Portland Pirates at 7:05 p.m.

The Providence Bruins' home opener for the 2006-07 season is October 13 versus the Worcester Sharks at 7:05 p.m. at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Information on tickets for the home opener and Providence Bruins season ticket packages for the 2006-07 regular season can be obtained by calling the team ticket office at (401) 273-5000 or by logging onto the team website at www.providencebruins.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Rampage weekly

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Friday, Oct. 6 vs Grand Rapids Griffins

@ AT&T Center-7:00 p.m.

The Rampage open the season hosting last year's North Division champion Griffins. New to the Rampage this season are Bryan Helmer and Don MacLean who spent the 2005-06 season with Grand Rapids. The Griffins had the best record in the league last season while the Rampage ranked last in the league. This marks the first of four contests between the two clubs.

Saturday, Oct. 7 vs Iowa Stars

@ AT&T Center-7:00 p.m.

The Rampage finish the back-to-back home opener against the Iowa Stars as the Stars begin their second season in the AHL. The Dallas Stars' affiliate finished the 2005-06 season ranked fourth in the West Division and clinched a playoff spot. This game will be the first of a 10-game series throughout the season.

All games can be viewed through B2 Networks' live video web cast for $6 to anyone with a high-speed internet connection, through a link at sarampage.com.

SHOTS FROM THE POINT

DROP THE PUCK: The Rampage are one of seven teams that make up the West Division within the Western Conference. They will play a total of 80 games (40 home, 40 away) with the home schedule featuring 27 weekend dates (9 Fridays, 10 Saturdays and 8 Sundays).

NEW BEGINNINGS: The Rampage went 1-1 in their home-and-home preseason series against the Houston Aeros over the weekend. The Rampage suffered a 5-4 shootout loss on Saturday in Houston but came back to San Antonio the next day for a 4-2 win over the Aeros. Houston revisits the Alamo City Oct. 15 for their first of 12 games in the 2006-07 regular season.

FOLLOW THE LEADER: The Rampage have four veterans which makes up 14% of their opening day roster and an overwhelming 10 rookies making up 36% of the roster. Veterans Pascal Rheaume, Bryan Helmer, Don MacLean and Travis Roche combine to bring experience from over 490 games in the AHL and over 1,800 games in the NHL.

Ice Chips

- HOME SWEET HOME: The Rampage have a 3-1-0-0 record from over the past four season's home openers.

- FAMILIAR FACES: The Rampage have 10 returning players from last season: Joe Callahan, Jeff Taffe, Jakub Koreis, Randall Gelech, Pascal Rheaume, Yanick Lehoux, Daniel Winnik, Matt Jones, Matthew Spiller and David LeNeveu.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

- Back in Black-Oct. 6 & 7: The Rampage will officially unveil their new black, silver and white colored jerseys this Friday and Saturday as they open the 2006-07 season. They will don their home (white) jersey on Friday against Grand Rapids and on Saturday they will sport their away (black) jersey against Iowa. The first 2,500 fans will receive a 2006- 07 Rampage magnet game schedule on Friday and Saturday. There will also be autographs following the game Friday and a postgame skate on Saturday.

Ticket Info: Tickets start at just $9.50. To order tickets by phone call 210.444.5554 or go on-line at sarampage.com or ticketmaster.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Moose lose 3-2 in OT

Drew MacIntyre did his best to keep his team in it making 30 saves but even though the Moose were able to score a last minute goal to send the game into overtime, a penalty in that overtime period sealed their fate as the Penguins cashed in the only power play goal of the game for either team. The overtime victory gave the Penguins the extra point in the AHL standings.

First Period

The penguins came out with heavy pressure in the Manitoba Moose zone as they dominated the first two minutes of the period.

The Moose scored on only their second shot of the night as Alex Edler carried the puck into the Wilkes-Barre zone and then fed the puck to Yannick Tremblay who made a nice move and put a shot on net that took the Penguin's net minder Andrew Penner out of position and Brad Moran jumped all over the rebound to pot the first goal of the AHL season at 3:30 of the first period.

The first penalty of the game was taken by Sistito of Wilkes-Barre for holding at 9:42 of the period. The Moose had a few opportunities but the Penguins successfully killed it off.

Nathan Smith and Wade Skolney got into a scuffle at centre ice at 12:58. Skolney got the better hand on Smith and had Smith's jersey over his head, the linesmen jumped in shortly after to break it up. Both players were assessed 5:00 minutes for fighting.

Tremblay gave Wilkes-Barre their first power play of the season at 13:30 of the first period. On that penalty Drew MacIntyre was bowled over by Carcillo of the Penguins. Prestin Ryan took exception and jumped in to defend his goaltender. Ryan received 2:00 minutes for roughing while Carcillo received the extra 2:00 minutes for goalie interference and roughing.

The Moose got a 5 on 3 advantage when Nasreddine took an interference penalty while Carcillo was still in the box. The Moose gave up the best chance on the man advantage as Yannick Tremblay was forced to hook the Penguins player who was on a near breakaway on Drew MacIntyre. The fans booed as they felt a penalty shot should have been called.

The first period ended with six seconds remaining in Tremblay's hooking penalty.

Second Period

Nathan McIver took the first penalty of the second period with a holding the stick penalty at 1:12.

Alex Edler broke up a great 2 on 1 opportunity for the Penguins as Bonvie and Christensen broke in on net. Edler was able to poke the puck off of Christensen's stick, looking more like a wiley veteran than an AHL rookie.

Some of the lights went out in the Wachovia Arena which caused a delay early in the second period. Both teams were sent to their respective dressing rooms as the problem needed some time to solve. The problem was caused by a severe lightning storm in the Wilkes-Barre area.

After a lengthy delay the two teams finally returned to the ice to resume the second period.

Jannik Hansen just missed on a cross ice pass from Brad Moran. Moran had made a nice rush up the wing and passed the puck cross crease but Hansen fired the one time attempt wide.

Carcillo took his third penalty of the night for Wilkes-Barre with a holding penalty at 8:18 of the second. But the Moose fell asleep on the power play and gave away what seemed like a 3 on 0 for the Penguins shorthanded. Jonathan Filewich streaked down the wing and fed a nice one-time pass to Erik Christensen who blasted the shot on MacIntyre who was able to stop the first shot but the rebound fell right to the stick of Alain Nasreddine who made no mistake as he slapped the puck into the yawning cage for the shorthanded marker.

The Moose weren't able to generate much on the remainder of their power play opportunity, as the Penguins began to take charge of the period. The Penguins were all over the Moose in the last half of the second period.

The Moose did get some life at the end of the second as the Penguins took a roughing penalty late which carried over to the start of the third.

Third Period

The Moose were unable to capatilize on the remainder of the penalty from the second period, leaving the Moose 0 for 6 on the power play for the game.

The Penguins quickly took advantage as Penguins defenceman Noah Welch scored on a hard shot from the point through traffic on the 25th shot of the game at 2:43 of the third.

Moose defenceman Prestin Ryan took the first penalty of the third period for interference at 6:04. The Moose had the best chance on that power play however as Mike Brown broke in on a partial breakaway but just fired the puck wide of the top corner.

MacIntyre kept the Moose in it, and his team-mates started to pick up the pace late in the third as they tried to notch the game tying goal, and tie the game they did as with 1:24 remaining Prestin Ryan fired a shot over Andrew Penner's left shoulder to tie the game at 2.

The Moose outshot the Penguins 9-3 in the third period.

Overtime

The Penguins had the first good scoring chance in overtime but MacIntyre made a nice save through traffic.

The Moose had a glorious opportunity on the counter attack as Goren, Reid, and Moran all had quality chances.

Jannick Hansen took a tripping penalty late in overtime as the Moose were scrammbling in their own zone.

The Penguins took full advantage as someone finally capitalized on a powerplay. Drew MacIntyre made several excellent saves as the Penguins applied immense pressure on the Moose net minder, but with only seventeen seconds remaining in the overtime period the Penguins were finally able to solve MacIntyre for the game winner.

22 year old Erik Christensen scored the power play goal on an assist from Ryan Stone to give the home squad the extra point for the overtime victory.