[truebluefan]

Ottawa Senators recall defenseman Tomas Malec

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The Ottawa Senators recalled defenseman Tomas Malec from Binghamton Thursday on an emergency basis for tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after defenseman Tom Preissing suffered a lower body injury during Ottawa's season opener Wednesday night in Toronto.

Malec played in 79 games for Binghamton last season, collecting one goal, 28 assists and 118 penalty minutes. Malec cleared waivers at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and was assigned to Binghamton after attending training camp in Ottawa.

Malec has two assists and 47 penalty minutes in 45 career NHL games.

Binghamton will begin the regular season on Saturday, October 7, 2006 against Syracuse at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

Ticket packages and individual tickets can be purchased at the Sens' front office on the third floor of the Arena. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 722-SENS.

 

[truebluefan]

Questions in net to start season

The Manitoba Moose goalie weather got a more cloudy yesterday, though last night's starter Drew MacIntyre sees nothing but clear skies.

MacIntyre, the 23-year-old from P.E.I. who earned the nod in last night's AHL season-opener at Wachovia Arena, hasn't likely fought his final battle on the team's depth chart after the NHL's Vancouver Canucks claimed Dany Sabourin on waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday morning, when the Pens tried to send him to their affiliate team here.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

'Tobans aplenty in AHL this year

THERE'S a bumper crop of Manitobans on AHL rosters to begin the season and Winkler's Eric Fehr headlines the group.

Fehr, one of 27 Manitobans opening the season in the AHL, and his Hershey Bears will attempt to defend the Calder Cup and the big winger is expected to play a major role in that effort.

Fehr had 25 goals and 28 assists in 70 games with the Bears last season and a huge Game 7 overtime winner in the Eastern Conference Final.

"Last year was just a great experience. We had a great group of guys and I learned so much," said Fehr, shuffling boxes into his rental home in Hershey yesterday. "To go on a long run and then get to win a championship in my first year. It was all great."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

inPlay Captain's Crazies is New Rivermen Kids Club

Peoria, IL (October 5, 2006) - Peoria Rivermen President/CEO Bart Rogers announced today that the team has developed a new Rivermen Kids Club called the "inPlay Captain's Crazies" for Kids 12 & Under. Members receive more than $75 in Captain's Crazies benefits for just a $15 membership fee.

"With our Insight Family Days, our post-game skates returning this year and our new inPlay Captain's Crazies Rivermen Kids Club, we're sharpening our focus on keeping Rivermen Hockey as the family-affordable entertainment it's always been," Rogers said. "This is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to make themselves a special part of the Rivermen at a fantastic price. Our free game tickets and exclusive autograph party at inPlay during the season are worth the price of admission alone."

Membership benefits include: 1) inPlay Captain's Crazies Membership Card; 2) FREE tickets to any two (2) Sunday Rivermen games; 3) Official Kids Club T-shirt; 4) Special invitation to an EXCLUSIVE Rivermen Kids Club autograph session & inPlay party; 5) FREE Rivermen Bobblehead; 6) FREE Rivermen keychain; 7) One (1) FREE meal certificate from inPlay; 8) Ten (10) percent off Rivermen merchandise; 9) Monthly contests for autographed puck giveaways; and 10) One (1) lucky member of the inPlay Captain's Crazies will have a chance to win dinner with a Rivermen player.

Members may choose from any one of the eight (8) Sunday Rivermen games - Sunday, November 5 vs. Iowa Stars; Sunday, December vs. Houston Aeros; Sunday, December 17 vs. Iowa Stars; Sunday, December 31 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs; Sunday, February 11 vs. San Antonio Rampage; Sunday, February 18 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins; Sunday, March 4 vs. Houston Aeros; and Sunday, March 18 vs. Manitoba Moose. All Sunday game times are 4:00 p.m., except December 31 (5:00 p.m.).

Membership applications may be downloaded from the Rivermen Web site - www.rivermen.net.

Membership for the inPlay Captain's Crazies runs from October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007.

inPlay is located in the heart of Peoria's Water Street District at the Maxam building, which also includes the Forté Banquet & Conference Center and Icons Bar (opening November 2006).

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.

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]

Aeros send three to ECHL Texas

Aeros send three to ECHL Texas
10/05/06 - American Hockey League (AHL) Houston Aeros

Houston Aeros
HOUSTON, Texas - The Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League have reassigned goalie Miroslav Kopriva, left wing Riley Emmerson and defenseman Paul Albers to ECHL Texas, the teams announced Thursday. The Aeros' Opening Night roster currently stands at 25.

Houston Aeros 2006-07 Roster

Goaltenders (3): Josh Harding, Tony Quesada (injured), Steve Shields Defenseman (8): Shawn Belle, Curtis Murphy, Chris Ovington, Peter Ratchuk, Erik Reitz, John Scott, Ryan Stokes, Clayton Stoner Forwards (14): Matt Foy, Ryan Hamilton, Danny Irmen, Alex Leavitt, Bryan Lundbohm, Jason Morgan, Josh Olson, Peter Olvecky, Benoit Pouliot, Wyatt Smith, Joey Tetarenko, Ben Thomson, Roman Voloshenko, Joel Ward

The Aeros open up the 2006-07 American Hockey League season at Toyota Center on Saturday at 7:35 p.m. against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Buy tickets! The team will honor 1994-95 Aeros Mark Freer, Graeme Townshend, Al Conroy and Steve Jaques. The first 3,000 fans will receive an Aeros camouflage hat. Pre-season party outside Toyota Center begins at 5:30 p.m., featuring two of Houston 's premier mobile entertainers, Olyn D. Taylor (DJ Specialist) and Lloyd C. Lively (Lively DJs). There will be great music, games, prizes and fun in front of Toyota Center.

Sunday at 5:05 p.m., the Aeros take on the Iowa Stars. "Mr. Hockey" ® Gordie Howe returns to Houston to have his No. 9 raised to the Toyota Center rafters. Buy tickets! It's also an Aeros Family Day. Get four tickets, four Aeros pucks, $20 in Toyota Bucks and free parking, all for just $67. Or call 713.974.PUCK to order your Family Day. It's also magnetic schedule night, compliments of FramesDirect.com. The pre-game party Sunday begins at 3 p.m.!

 

[truebluefan]

Iowa adds to roster

DES MOINES, IA - Iowa Stars Director of Hockey Operations Scott White today announced that the Dallas Stars have loaned left wing Loui Eriksson and right wing Vojtech Polak to the Iowa Stars.

The Swedish-born Eriksson joins Iowa after making his National Hockey League debut on Wednesday, October 4th at Colorado. The 6-1, 183-pound winger notched the game-tying goal at 1:56 of the third period against goalie Jose Theodore. Drafted by Dallas with their first choice in 2003, he paced all Iowa Stars with 31 goals last season. Named the AHL Rookie of the Month for March, he finished 10th among AHL rookies in scoring, 60 points, and fifth in goals. The 21-year old was 22nd in the entire AHL in goals scored and 34th overall with 12 power-play goals. He was second overall on Iowa's Inaugural Season team in total points with 60: (31/29/60). Eriksson holds the Iowa Stars franchise record with an eight-game points-streak. In last season's Calder Cup Playoffs, he posted two goals and five assists in seven games: 7(2/5/7). He will wear his familiar number 21.

Also 21 years old, Polak skated in 60 games for the Iowa Stars last season. His first North American professional season saw him garner 12 goals, 22 assists, and 41 penalty minutes: 60(12/22/34)41. He also skated in three games for the Dallas Stars but failed to record a point. The Czech-born forward stands 6-0 tall and weighs 183 pounds and was loaned to Iowa following a brief stint on the NHL injured reserve list.

With these additions to the roster, the team now has 14 players on their roster that wore the Iowa Stars sweater either during the regular season or playoffs last year.

IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars Opening Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 12th against Houston. Wells Fargo Arena game time is 7:05 PM, however fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Opening Night festivities. Season ticket packages are on sale now at the Stars office, located at 833 5th Avenue in Downtown Des Moines. Full season packages begin at only $336, with 12-game mini-plans as low as $168. Discounted group tickets are available for all 40 home dates. For more information, please contact an Iowa Stars ticket representative at 515-23-STARS

 

[truebluefan]

Bears announce roster for opening night

HERSHEY - The 2006 Calder Cup Champion HERSHEY BEARS announced today the club's 2006-07 opening night roster. The announcement was made today by BEARS President/GM Doug Yingst.

The following players are listed on HERSHEY'S opening night roster:

Goaltenders: Frederic Cassivi, Maxime Daigneault.

Defensemen: Trevor Byrne, Jamie Hunt, Tyler Sloan, Jeff Schultz, Lawrence Nycholat, Sasha Pokulok, Dean Arsene, Timo Helbling, Deryk Engelland.

Forwards: Petr Taticek, Joey Tenute, Eric Fehr, Alexandre Giroux, Tomas Fleischmann, Chris Bourque, Matt Hendricks, Dave Steckel, Chad Wiseman, Stephen Werner, Jonas Johansson, Louis Robitaille, Quintin Laing, Pete Vandermeer, Matt Stefanishion.

Following a season-opening four-game road trip that begins Saturday in Wilkes-Barre, HERSHEY will play its regular season home opener on Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Pre-game ceremonies that night will honor the 2006 Calder Cup Champions prior to face-off. Tickets are available at the GIANT Center box office or by calling (717) 508-BEAR.

 

[truebluefan]

'Dogs live on Cable 14 tomorrow night

The Hamilton Bulldogs are excited to announce that 16 Friday night 2006-2007 regular season home games will be televised live on Cable 14. The first game on Cable 14 will be on Friday, October 6th, when the Hamilton Bulldogs play their home and season opener versus their North Division rival the Manitoba Moose at Copps Coliseum. Bulldogs fans can catch all the action beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The remainder of the Cable 14 broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

Fans can listen to every 'Dogs game this season on the flagship station of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Network, 820 CHAM "The Legend". Fans can also listen to or watch every home and away game online at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com. To watch or listen online, click on the 'B2 Networks' or '820 CHAM' icon on the 'Dogs website. Ellery Award-winning broadcaster Derek Wills will provide the play-by-play call of all 80 regular season games, while Al Craig will provide the colour commentary for all home games and select road games.

"B2 Power Play" packages are now available for purchase. They provide fans with a chance to watch every game of their favourite team, free access to the AHL Game of the Week and exclusive weekly highlights. And in addition to broadband viewing on personal computers, B2 Power Play will also be available on the new B2toGO network, allowing fans to watch American Hockey League games on cell phones and other wireless devices. A full season package costs $160 billed monthly at $20 per month or fans can pay for the season in full for $150. Any fan purchasing "B2 Power Play" before October 1 will receive a rate of only $140, a savings of more than 67% off the individual game price. B2toGO, a service delivering live games and highlights to cell phones and hand held Pads, will be available for purchase today (Oct. 2nd) for a full season price of $56 over 8 instalments or $50 if paid in full. Fans who purchase "B2 Power Play" will be eligible to add "B2toGo" for only an additional $25.

In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League is the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. Over 80 percent of NHL players are AHL graduates, and more than 350 AHL players were recalled to the NHL during the 2005-2006 season alone.

Tickets for all 'Dogs home games (except home game #32) are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or through charge-by-phone at 905-527-7666.

You can see tomorrow's NHL stars develop their skills in the AHL by purchasing 2006-2007 Hamilton Bulldogs season tickets today! Prices start at just $11 per game. For more information, please call 905-529-8500, or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Sens opening weekend includes annual block party and silent auction

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The Binghamton Senators opening weekend festivities get underway on Saturday, October 7, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., outside the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena with the fifth-annual Block Party. A silent auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity will be held on the main concourse from 6:00 p.m. through the end of regulation.

The annual Block Party will feature live music from the band Odd Man Out. Other attractions at the block party include face painting, B-Sens slap shot den, bounce house for kids, various game, food and drinks. Local radio stations will be broadcasting live from Block Party.

The Habitat for Humanity auction will include hockey sticks used and signed by the B-Sens on opening night. Each player will autograph his stick prior to it being auctioned. Each B-Sens stick will have a Habitat for Humanity Flood Relief sticker.

The auction will also include memorabilia from the NFL, NHL, NBA, AHL and local businesses. All the money raised at this auction will be used by Habitat for Humanity to aid in local flood relief and clean up.

Tickets are still available for opening weekend. Fans can purchase tickets at the Senators front office on third floor of the Arena. That office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fans can also purchase tickets by calling 722-SENS.

 

[truebluefan]

"Musicpalooza" Highlights Griffins Opening Night

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 vs. Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights

Time: 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena (doors open at 6 p.m.).

Tickets: Available at The Zone and all Star Tickets Plus outlets, including West Michigan Meijer stores. Charge by phone at (616) 222-4000 / (800) 585-3737 or visit griffinshockey.com.

Prices: $5 (advance purchase only), $13, $15, $17, $20 and $25.

T-Shirt Giveaway: Everyone in attendance will receive a "Rockin' the Rink" concert-style T-shirt which will include a "tour" schedule of the entertainment series' 14 Rockin' nights printed on the back.

Musicpalooza: Fans will be treated to different genres of music as local favorites perform throughout Griffins Opening Night, presented by Comcast:

- The Rockit King - 6-7 p.m. on arena plaza

- Lukas D. - 6-7 p.m. in arena lobby

- Jason Eller - 6-7 p.m. on arena concourse

- Pop Evil - 6-7 p.m. in West Nest of arena bowl; first intermission

- La Famiglia - Second intermission and post-game skate

Pre-Game Festivities: A special pre-game fireworks display will accompany Griffins players when they take the ice for introductions. The Griffins' 2005-06 regular season championship banner will be raised to the rafters before the first puck is dropped on the Griffins' home schedule.

Post-Game Autographs: Griffins players will sign autographs in the stands for 15 minutes.

Post-Game Skate: Fans can skate around the Van Andel Arena ice for 45 minutes after the game while enjoying an encore performance by La Famiglia.

 

[truebluefan]

Petiot Undergoes Successful Surgery

MANCHESTER, NH - Los Angeles Kings defenseman Richard Petiot today underwent successful surgery on his right knee, it was announced by Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi.

Petiot, 24, suffered a sprained knee on September 9 during a Kings game as part of the 2006 Pacific Division Shootout rookie tournament. He was placed on the injured reserve list by the Kings on October 3 as the club set its 23-man roster.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound native of Daysland, Alberta, made his NHL debut last season and played in two games with the Kings. He also played in 63 regular season games with the Manchester Monarchs, where he had 14 points (4-10-=14) and 52 penalty minutes. He was originally selected by the Kings in the fourth-round (116th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

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]

Players sent to Charlotte

Hartford, October 5, 2006: Hartford Wolf Pack general manager/head coach Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the parent New York Rangers have reassigned forwards Rick Kozak and Bruce Graham to the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL effective yesterday, along with goaltender Chris Holt, effective today. Additionally, the Wolf Pack have loaned defenseman Ryan Constant to Charlotte effective today.

In 28 games with Charlotte last season, Kozak had seven goals and nine assists for 16 points, along with 68 penalty minutes. Kozak played in three games with the Pack last season and registered four penalty minutes.

Graham split his time between the Wolf Pack and Charlotte last season. While skating with the Pack, the forward registered two goals and five assists for seven points in 25 games and had six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 23 games with Charlotte.

Holt played in 23 games with the Charlotte Checkers during the 2005-06 season, where he went 7-11-1 with a 4.10 goals-against average, and a 88.7% save percentage. In addition, he went 3-2-1 in nine games with the Wolf Pack last season, with 225 saves and a 87.9% save percentage. Holt made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers on December 13th, playing 10 scoreless minutes with two saves.

Constant spent last season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, where he played with the OCN (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) Blizzard. In 57 games of action, the 21-year-old, 5-11, 200-pound blueliner scored 13 goals and posted 45 assists for 58 points, while totaling 253 penalty minutes.

The Wolf Pack drop the puck on their tenth-anniversary 2006-07 season this Saturday night, October 7th at the Hartford Civic Center against the Springfield Falcons (7:00 face-off). The night will feature a pre-game block party on Hartford's Trumbull Street (5:00 - 7:00 PM), and guests of honor will be the Wolf Pack's first head coach, E.J. McGuire, and fan favorite P.J. Stock. Also, all fans will receive a free magnetic season schedule, sponsored by The Hartford, and the first 5,000 fans will receive a special 10th Anniversary commemorative ticket giveaway, sponsored by Verizon Wireless. The night will feature a pre-game ceremony highlighted by a retrospective game-opening video and a laser and pyrotechnics show.

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.

 

[truebluefan]

Guard's role grows after year of learning

The call came down in late February. Monday the 27th, to be exact.

After three seasons in the American Hockey League, Binghamton Senators goaltender Billy Thompson was headed to Ottawa for the first time.

It was a pivotal time. A springboard moment.

But not for Thompson.

With the veteran backing up Ray Emery in Ottawa, rookie Kelly Guard seized the No. 1 goaltending duties in Binghamton and never let go.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Just one prediction before the puck drops

Many more years ago than I guess I realized, I was covering the Big Red football team for the student paper at Cornell.

After watching my fair share of 6-0 losses, I was finally sure the Red had turned a corner. They had just rallied from an impossible halftime deficit to beat Brown, and their schedule from there suddenly seemed to be setting up well.

They were sitting pretty. Rolling, even.

I wrote that.

They lost the next weekend.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Iowa Stars add Eriksson, Polak to roster

The Dallas Stars sent left wing Loui Eriksson to their American Hockey League affiliate in Iowa today, one day after he scored his first NHL goal. Dallas also activated left wing Vojtech Polak from the injured reserve list and assigned him to the Iowa Stars.

Eriksson, 21, was Iowa’s rookie of the year last season. Polak, 21, suffered a concussion during training camp and missed all of Dallas’ preseason games as a result. Both players join Iowa in time for Saturday’s season-opener at San Antonio.

 

[truebluefan]

Goalie Anderson may start with Amerks Friday

Craig Anderson made his practice debut with the Rochester Americans today, and will very likely be the starting goalie in Friday's night's 7:35 season opener.

Defenseman Alexei Semenov is expected to arrive tonight and could also play when the Amerks play the Albany River Rats.

Anderson spent all of last season with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, posting a 6-12-4 record with a 3.32 goals-against average in 29 games.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Sharks announce "Skate with the Sharks"

The Worcester Sharks will be holding their first "Skate with the Sharks" event on Monday, October 9th from 7-9 p.m. at the Horgan Skating Arena in Auburn. The event is the first of four "Skate with the Sharks" during the 2006-07 hockey season.

The Sharks will have a regular team practice from 7-8 p.m. Following practice, fans will have the opportunity to skate with the team and FINZ from 8-9 p.m.

The event is free of charge, so come down to the Auburn Rink and watch your Sharks practice for the first hour and then skate with them the second hour!

A free Sharks ticket voucher will be given to all children 12 and under. Helmets are required.

The Sharks will begin their inaugural season in Central Massachusetts with a road game at Portland October 6th. On Saturday, October 14th at 7pm the Sharks will play host to the Pirates at the DCU Center for Opening Night, powered by the US Army. Limited seating is still available at the DCU Center Box Office. For more information, fans can Crash the Net at the team's official web site, www.sharksahl.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Falcons big on Fritz

If Springfield Falcons fans think winger Mitch Fritz is a big guy, they should see his big brother.

"I'm tall (6 feet 8), but he's the BIG one," Mitch said yesterday as he spoke lovingly of his older brother, Luke.

Big Luke (6 feet 6, 300 pounds) is in his fifth season as a starting offensive tackle for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Cameron, players determined to put B-Sens back in playoffs

Summer didn't sit well with the Binghamton Senators.

"Oh, man ... way too long," forward Grant Potulny said after practice Tuesday at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

"You're home, and you take a couple weeks off. And then it's time to start working out," Potulny added. "By the end of the summer, I think every guy is so sick of that weight room that they can't wait to get here and get going again."

Nearly six months after missing the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's brief history, the B-Sens will finally, and officially, emerge from their summer of discontent this weekend.

On the heels of a 35-37-4-4 season, the Senators will open their fifth season with home games Saturday night against Syracuse and Sunday against Bridgeport.

And thus begins, what they hope will be, the long road back to the postseason.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Sens recall Malec after Preissing suffers lower-body injury in season opener

The Ottawa Senators recalled
Tomas Malec on an emergency basis Thursday to replace fellow defenceman
Tom Preissing, who was hurt in the team's season opener.

complete article