Bleacher Report - Articles by Keith Wozniak

Noah Welch Back to the Florida Panthers

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:16:29 -0500

Noah Welch left the game tonight with all of his sticks and equipment in tow. He has finished his conditioning stint in Rochester and will be heading back to Sunrise, Fla.

Noah played in all seven games since being assigned to Rochester. He had three assists while here. We will miss him at practices…he really brought some of the defensemen along to where they needed to be.

This only further proves that the Amerks need to sign another veteran defenseman who can really help the kids.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Noah Welch Back To The Panthers

Tanner Glass Returning to Rochester from the Panthers

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:08:51 -0500

Tanner Glass is returning to the Amerks lineup on Sunday against the Syracuse Crunch. He’s been called up to the Florida Panthers since December 8th. In 24 games played with the Amerks, he has four goals and five assists as well as 69 penalty minutes.

Cory Stillman is expected back in the lineup for the Panthers after being out over a month recovering from post-concussion symptoms, so Tanner is being sent back to make room.

In three games played with the Panthers, he averaged about seven minutes of ice time.

The most noticeable incident while he was with the Panthers was when he fought Chris Neil of the Ottawa Senators on December 8th. The two also fought last season on January 22, videos of both fights below:

December 8th, 2008

January 22nd, 2008

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Tanner Glass Returning to Rochester

Amerks-Monsters: Rochester Gives Cleveland a Scare

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:14:35 -0500

Only 13 seconds into the game, Stefan Meyer took on Nathan Smith of the Lake Erie Monsters.

Mike Caruso just gave the puck away right next to the net. Lucky, Brodeur was ready and stopped the puck before anything bad could happen.

A breakaway was stopped by Keaton Ellerby—but he also got called for hooking.

Nice job by McArdle, followed his man stride for stride and stole the puck to send it down the ice. David Brine is showing a great forecheck on the penalty kill.

Brodeur was way too far out of the net, which allowed Mike Vernace behind the net to pass to Chris Durn, who was skating in untouched and easily put it into an open net.

Second period, more of the same.. Amerks take it.. spin it off the boards behind the net and unable to set a play up to take a quality shot. Or, bring it in and take a shot.. it bounces off an opposing player and they bring it back for a two on two.

Amerks finally get a bounce.. Larman took a shot and everyone was heading to the front of the net, it trickled past Monster’s goaltender, Jason acashihua, and Mike Duco slipped in behind the goalie and put it in at 11:30 of the second period.

Mike Duco and Mark McCutcheon dropped the gloves, Duco got a few great upper cuts in. Best part about it was the Lake Erie feed showing things such as biff, kapow, boink - like an old Batman show.

Peter Aston kept the puck in three times on a great effort by the Amerks. They kept the puck in for about a minute straight.

1:48 left in the second, great shot by Sprukts. McArdle almost had the rebound but, the Monsters were a little too quick.

Kiss Cam came around to the the bench, as it always does…Keaton Ellerby and Jordan Henry were shown. Keaton gave Jordan a knowing glance and a little smirk. No kiss came from it. Too bad, I guess.

On the board for the Monsters they had this to say to their fans, “No worries Monster fans, the Amerks only average 1.96 goals per game.”

Killed off a 5-3, followed by 5-4 for another minute that they were able to kill off. Great penalty killing by Sprukts and Aston in clearing the puck.

Amerks going on a PP after Garrison was hauled down by the Monsters as he split the defense. Meyer Sprukts Micflikier Duco and Garrison on the power play.

Micflikier scores his second of the season at 7:52 of the 3rd assisted by Garrison and Sprukts.

8:59 of the third, the Amerks had another power-play opportunity. Same PP line on the ice which is working out well putting Sprukts on the point with Garrison. The team actually seems to be using a system tonight as they’ve had some puck movement on the power play.

David Brine's awesome wrist shot puts the Amerks up 3-1 at 11:05 of the third period. It was his second goal of the season. Assisted by Welch and McCardle, but it was all Brine. He held the puck for a good two seconds before releasing the shot.

After staying out of the penalty box for most of the game, the Monsters have given the Amerks their third power play of the third period. They seem to be losing their cool and getting frustrated at losing against the Amerks again. Another penalty by the Monsters is giving the Amerks a 5-3 advantage for a full two minutes.

Mueler was trying to skate past Sprukts for a short handed breakaway attempt but while doing so he pulled down Sprukts.

Kenndal McArdle blocked a shot in the final seconds with his ankle. He seems to be favoring it a bit. But, he is putting pressure on it.

Three Stars of the Game:
3. Chris Durno - One Goal
2. Mike Brodeur - 21 Saves
1. Jacob MicFlikier - Game Winning Goal

The Amerks didn’t look tired tonight and they didn’t take for granted that they have already beat the Monsters this season. Come down and watch the Amerks take on the depleted Syracuse Crunch. The game starts at 6:05 pm.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Scare the Monsters In Cleveland

Amerks-Rivermen: Mike Brodeur's Excellent Game Sabotaged by Amerks

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:44:43 -0500

Considering how badly the season has gone, it wasn’t until the 27th game of the season that the Amerks were shut out for the first time.

They lost to the Peoria Rivermen (currently in second place in the Western Conference) on Friday night, by the final score of 2-0. The Amerks sabotaged an excellent game from goaltender Mike Brodeur.

This was the Amerks fifth game in seven nights for both teams. The key difference appears to have been the Amerks not being able to overcome a full day of travel on Thursday.

Talking about the schedule, coach Benoit Groulx stated, “It's not an excuse but a fact we’ve been traveling a lot lately. We should have been able to overcome this. I expected them to have a bad first and then pick it up, but it's not the case which is too bad because we sabotaged a great game from Brodeur.

"We got a little better but had nothing in the system. Looking at the schedule we knew tonight was going to be a tough night and it's part of a schedule, we’re all facing this and you’ve got to find a way to overcome this and I am disappointed that we couldn’t find a way tonight.”

Mike Brodeur was the star of the game for the Amerks. He received possibly the largest cheers from any Amerk home crowd this season, with amazing saves every chance he had. He finished the game with 27 saves, many of them worthy of a highlight film.

“He was fantastic,” commented Groulx. Speaking of Brodeur he continued to say, “Without him this game would’ve been very painful. Obviously we had nothing tonight in the system. Really sluggish right off the start and could not turn things around.”

“I’m feeling it right now, the puck just seems to hit me and feels good,” commented Brodeur.

Brodeur has quickly become the No. 1 star of this team amongst fans, and he feeds off of that. “It’s fun when the fan gets into the game, they make us play better and stronger. It’s what we need right now,” he said.

Unfortunately he seemed to be the only one feeding off of the fans. The team only had two shots in the first period, six in the second, and nine in the third. The Amerks also had four power play chances but were not able to even come close to scoring on any.

The game was scoreless until 6:02 of the third when Tyson Strachan was finally able to beat Brodeur. The Rivermen had great puck movement and after 25+ shots at Brodeur they finally found a way to beat him.

Even though the game was scoreless after two periods of play, the game wasn’t even close. The Rivermen were getting the puck moved around, getting shots through to the goaltender, and simply put, they seemed to have a system and were able to execute.

The exact opposite of the Amerks. Groulx said it plain and simple, “We had nothing in the system, you’ve got to find a way to overcome those things when you don’t have your A game, play with more composure, be smarter, and they (the Amerks) did not do it.”

That’s a total change from the way the team has played in their previous three games. They were creating offensive scoring chances and executing.

With just over two and a half minutes left in the game and the Rivermen only having a one goal lead, the Amerks were given a power play opportunity. Delay of game penalties have been a thorn in the side of the Amerks all season; now they were given a chance to tie the game in the closing minutes because of one.

With the five-on-four advantage, the Amerks were trying to get a play setup when a pass by Jacob Micflikier was intercepted by Josh Soares, who strolled in on Brodeur and more or less put the final nail in the coffin for the night.

While newcomer Brodeur stood on his head all game, that wasn’t the case for the rest of the team. Whether it was a well-built Rivermen defense or lack of a “system,” the Amerks were not able to muster anything together.

“To me I thought the team together, the leaders of the team would come up hard in the third and take charge but obviously that was not the case, ” Groulx said about that.

Stefan Meyer on that stated, “Simple fact is we (the older guys) were horrible. We’ve been getting the bounces lately especially with my line and then take it for granted that’s going to come. Once you forget to work nothing will happen.”

The Peoria Rivermen are a good team, while the Amerks had no system, no ‘A’ game, and no offense. They still did not get blown away by a team that is tied for second in the Western Conference right now.

If it’s easy to blame tonight’s game on the travel schedule, then it’s not looking good for the rest of the weekend. The team is currently on a bus driving to Cleveland where they play the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday. After the game they’ll be heading back to Rochester to play the Syracuse Crunch on Sunday night.

This stretch of seven games in nine nights is the toughest of the season. Assuming the team can find a way to play the system and bring an ‘A’ game, it is entirely possible that we’ve climbed out of rock bottom. We have a solid goaltender. Players are improving. It’s possible things are starting to come together.

Groulx would not comment about who would be playing the rest of the weekend. He seems reluctant to name a starting goalie and typically the goaltenders don’t know who is starting until later in the day on game day.

The only injury I know of was Karl Stewart who left halfway through the third period after taking a shot to the wrist. He said that nothing is broken and doesn’t anticipate missing any playing time.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Sabotage an Excellent Game For Brodeur

Game #27: Amerks vs Peoria Rivermen

Keith Wozniak — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:01:31 -0500

The Peoria Rivermen are in town today to play the Amerks at Blue Cross Arena, game time is 7:35pm. The Amerks are 3-3-1 in their past seven games, making for the best stretch of the season so far. They have already tallied more points and wins this December compared to last year's dreadful month. Tonight will mark the teams third game in four nights with games on Saturday (in Cleveland against Lake Erie) and Sunday (home against Syracuse Crunch).

The Rivermen will be just as tired, they are on a similar four games in a five night stretch and also on a hot streak as well. They have four wins and one loss in their past five games following a win in Hamilton last night.

Mike Brodeur will be getting the start again tonight for his fourth consecutive start. He is 2-1 with a 1.31 goals-against average and .953 save percentage.

With Tanner Glass on recall to the Panthers, Michael Caruso was named the team's alternate captain in Texas. Caruso has played in all 25 games so far this season and only has one goal and one assist.

“Michael has been one of our top defensemen the last seven or eight games,” Groulx said. “He reads the play well and he plays with composure.”

Two other players currently on a hot streak are Stefan Meyer who has netted a goal in two of his last three games (2-1-3), and Janis Sprukts shows a point in four of his last five games (4-2-6).

Noah Welch is still in town for his conditioning stint and expects to be through the end of the weekend. Welch being on the ice has really impacted the defensemen on the team. He does different drills with them to keep them on their toes and hone their skills. They are shooting cleaner and harder. Today they played a “game” where Noah offered to pay the winner $5. He was the winner with Franklin MacDonald close behind…I guess he does not have to pay anyone anything.

The Panthers still have five players on the injured list which means the Amerks will again be without the services of Tanner Glass, Michal Repik, and Shawn Matthias. A few of the injured Panthers could return to play tonight so we may see Repik and Glass back by Sunday.

Greg Classen is still on the ice working with goaltenders David Shantz and Chris Beckford-Tseu. Since Classen went home to Regina, SK and was not working in the United States, he has to get a work permit again and be cleared to play here. That is the hold up on his playing… immigration. He should just not get paid, then we do not have to worry about work permits. So, he will not be playing tonight.

Fun fact: Rory Fitzpatrick played a few games with him with the Milwaukee Admirals.

Janis Sprukts took the morning practice off. He usually does on gamedays, so it is nothing unusual. He said it is just to get a little rest, but Rory Fitzpatrick said it is because he is “grumpy and old.” It just seems to be a part of his pre-game routine. He never practices on gameday, but he certainly has been coming out more than prepared to play.

Tonight’s game starts at 7:35 p.m. and is the 12 Days Of Christmas giveaway night. Do not miss the fun. The Amerks are on their hottest streak of the season, no one knows when it will end.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Game #27: Amerks vs Peoria Rivermen at Blue Cross Arena

Amerks Sign Greg Classen

Keith Wozniak — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:28:57 -0500

The first thing I noticed today when I sat down to watch practice was a new face on the ice. Greg Classen is here! I am not sure if he is a PTO for the Amerks or if he is a Panthers’ signing for the year but, he is a vet that is severely needed on the front lines.

Classen has played 90 NHL games with the Nashville Predators. He has also played in over 350 AHL/IHL games. This season he played one game with the Providence Bruins and 19 games with the San Antonio Rampage.

He could be the veteran presence the Amerks have needed up front. We will see what he can do tonight against the Peoria Rivermen.

* Update: He has not yet been cleared to join the active roster while work visa issues are resolved, but he can practice as he did this morning.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Sign Greg Classen

Amerks-Aeros: Rochester Picks Up First Road Win in Houston

Keith Wozniak — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:53:01 -0500

The Amerks were able to mess with Texas.

They picked up their first road win of the season tonight in a 2-1 shootout against the Houston Aeros.

Jacob Micflikier scored the winning goal in the shootout, and Mike Brodeur had another stellar game in goal.

Brodeur saved 26 of 27 shots through the end of overtime and then three of four Houston shots in the shootout.

Could he be the answer we have been looking for to try and salvage the season? After playing in three games it sure does seem that way.

Having a goalie the team can count on may give the defense some more confidence. Now, if only the offense can put the pack past opposing goalies, we may start—dare I say it—a winning streak!

Dan Collins scored the Amerks' only goal of the game and his fifth of the season at 17:30 of the first period, assists to Mike Duco and David Brine.

The power-play goal by Maxim Noreau was the only goal of the game for the Houston Aeros. The Aeros were one for six on the power play.

On the flip side, the Amerks had seven power-play opportunities, including a five on three, yet they were not able to score. That is a spot where Michal Repik may have helped. Repik has six goals this season with the Amerks, five of which are on the power play. Repik is currently on a call up to the Florida Panthers.

In order, Janis Sprukts, Jacob Micflikier, and Karl Stewart all scored for the Amerks in the shootout. Krys Kolanos was the only Aero out of four to put a puck past Brodeur.

At the end of the game, Micflikier was announced as the first star, the but score sheet lists Brodeur.

The Amerks are leaving Texas with a win and a loss. They lost on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Rampage by the final score of 3-2, goals credited to Stefan Meyer and Kenndal McArdle. Mike Brodeur had 28 saves during the game. For more on the game, check out the writeup on Amerks.com.

The Amerks will return home on Friday to play the Peoria Rivermen. The Rivermen will be ending a three game in three night stretch, should be something the Amerks can take advantage of.

The Amerks hit the road again on Saturday, December 13 to take on the Lake Erie Monsters in a North Division showdown. The 7:30 p.m. faceoff is the second of six meetings between the two teams as Rochester looks to add another win against its Cleveland-based foes. The Monsters (7-11-1-2) are currently sixth in the North Division, with their 17 points just above the Amerks.

Rochester closes its busy weekend on Sunday, December 14 as the Amerks return home to face their longtime rivals, the Syracuse Crunch. The 6:05 p.m. matchup between the I-90 neighbors is the fourth of 12 meetings between the teams this season, with Syracuse ahead in the season series with three consecutive victories over the Amerks. The Crunch presently are in fourth place in the North Division standings with a 14-9-0-1 record and 29 points.

Other Notes:

The second win this month makes December 2008 more successful than December 2007, and we are only 10 days into the month! Last years team only had one win which came on December 30th against the Hamilton Bulldogs.

It is not likely we will get Michal Repik, Tanner Glass, or Shawn Matthias back from the Panthers before Fridays game. The Panthers currently have six top players out with injuries, all have returned to practicing but the chances of them returning to the Panthers lineup on Friday are “remote,” which probably makes it a very “remote” chance anyone will be sent back down.

The team has a travel day tomorrow and will be back on the ice Friday for a game day skate, we will see what we can muster up to report.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

When Was the Last Time The Amerks…

Keith Wozniak — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:00:49 -0500

Here’s some “fun facts” I guess you could call them about the last time certain things were achieved by or against the Rochester Americans.

A few items that stick out more than others: The last Amerk to get a hat-trick at Blue Cross arena was Stefan Meyer on December 16, 2006, nearly two years ago. Scott McCrory was the last Amerk to score four goals in one game over 18 years ago on November 3, 1990. It’s been less than a year since an opposing player has scored four goals against us.

One item I’ll add of my own: The Amerks have not been shutout yet this season!

Amerks had a shutout:

Home: Mike Brodeur vs Albany River Rats, 12/07/08 (game No. 24), 4-0
Away: Adam Dennis @ Toronto, 2/2/08 (game No. 51), 3-0

Amerks were shutout:

Home: Karl Goehring, Syracuse, 4/11/08 (game No. 78), 0-4
Away: Dan LaCosta @ Syracuse, 3/14/08 (game No. 365), 0-3

Amerks win in overtime:

Home: vs Albany, 2/20/08, (game No. 58), 2-1 (Anthony Stewart)
Away: @ Lake Erie, 3/20/08, (game No. 67), 5-4 (David Brine)

Amerks lose in overtime:

Home: vs Chicago, 11/14/08, (game No. 14), 2-3 (Brett Sterling)
Away: @Binghamton, 3/15/08, (game No. 66), 3-4 (Greg Maulding)

Amerks win in shootout:

Home: vs Binghamton, 3/30/08 (game No. 73), 4-3 (GWG: Clarke MacArthur, Goalie: Adam Dennis)
Away: @Hamilton, 11/9/07 (game No. 16), 5-4 (GWG: Mark Mancari, Goalie: Adam Dennis)

Amerks lose in shootout:

Home: vs Lake Erie, 1/25/08 (game No. 48), 3-4 (Goalie: Tyler Plante)
Away: @ Toronto, 11/30/08 (game No. 22), 3-4 (Goalie: Justin Pogge)

Amerks player to scoreless tie:

Home: Martin Biron (Rochester) vs Norm Maracle (Adirondack), 11/10/97 (game No. 12), 0-0
Away: Dave Littman (Rochester) @ Stephan Fiset (Halifax), 11/20/91 (game No. 16), 0-0

Amerks player scored a hat-trick:

Home: Stefan Meyer vs Binghamton, 12/16/06 (game No. 27)
Away: Mike Ryan @ Syracuse, 2/17/07 (game No. 53)

Opposing player scored a hat-trick:

Home: Brad Richardson, Lake Erie, 4/13/08 (game No. 80)
Away: Corey Locke, @ Hamilton, 4/9/08 (game No. 77)

Amerks player scored four goals:

Home: Scott McCrory vs Adirondack, 11/3/90 (game No. 12)
Away: Ken Priestlay @ Newmarket, 3/10/89 (game No. 70)

Opposing player scored four goals:

Home: Grant Potulny, Binghamton, 12/30/08 (game No. 34)
Away: Grant Stevenson, Quad City, 1/20/08 (game No. 45)

Amerks player scored five goals:

Home: Jason Pominville vs Cleveland, 10/21/05 (game #5)
Away: Never

Amerks player scored on a penalty shot:

Home: Thomas Vanek vs Hershey (Tom Lawson), 3/25/05 (game #70)
Away: Jason Pominville @ Hamilton (Dan Ellis), 2/12/05 (game #54)

Opposing player scored on a penalty shot:

Home: Tomi Maki, Quad City, (Adam Dennis), 1/23/08
Away: Chirs Bourque @ Hershey, (Tyler Plante), 10/26/08

Amerks player failed on a penalty shot:

Home: David Brine vs Toronto (Scott Clemmensen), 12/21/07
Away: Kenndal McArdle @ Grand Rapids (Jimmy Howard), 11/29/08

Opposing player failed on a penalty shot:

Home: Carl Corazzini, Grand Rapids (Adam Dennis), 3/21/08
Away: Alexandre Bolduc @ Manitoba (Tyler Plante), 1/4/08

Amerks scored 10 or more goals:

Home: vs Binghamton 12/16/06, 10-4
Away: @ Baltimore, 3/3/97, 10-6

Amerks allowed 10 or more goals:

Home: vs Syracuse, 4/6/08, 3-10
Away: @ Syracuse, 11/5/94, 4-10

Amerks goalie scored a goal:

Home: Never
Away: Robb Stauber @ PEI, 10/9/95

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

When Was the Last Time The Amerks…

Michal Repik A Good Match For The NHL

Keith Wozniak — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:12:02 -0500

Michal Repik quickly became one of my favorite players for the Amerks. He has been a star on a team that hasn’t seen much light. He is the Amerks’ scoring leader with six goals and eight assists in 24 games.

Only 23:53 into his NHL debut and he scored his first goal on a rebound shot from Ballard. In only five minutes and thirty three seconds of ice time he already has shown he can make an impact at the NHL level.

He is really having a good debut game with two shots on goal with 6:44 of ice time with 10:00 left in the third period.

Tanner Glass is also playing in tonight’s game in Ottawa. He had a “fight” with Neil. I wouldn’t really call it an all out fight. It was a pretty lame attempt on Tanner’s part. But, at least he tried.

I hope to see Repik back in the Amerks’ lineup soon. I want to see him go to the AHL All-Star game so I can see what he has to offer in that game.

As far as I am concerned, the Panthers can keep Tanner Glass. He has been mostly invisible through the majority of the season unless the Florida Panthers’ brass is in the stands watching, then he suddenly has energy and wants to fight people.

The Panthers are now going into overtime with the Senators. They didn’t play Repik at all but the Panthers won when Micheal Frolik stole the puck at center ice and got it to Weiss who connected with a great shot with under a minute left in overtime.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Repik A Good Match For The NHL

Amerks Send the River Rats Back to the Sewer with Win

Keith Wozniak — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:52:33 -0500

Mike Brodeur made his first start in goal with the Amerks last night when he shutout the Albany River Rats. He made the Rats (who just beat the Norfolk Admirals 8-1 on Friday night) look like a mess on the ice. But, he wasn’t the only player who really stepped up to show what they can do.

Tanner Glass, who has been invisible most of the season, stepped up to grab a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. He tried to fight Dwyer right off of the opening faceoff, but was just handed a slashing penalty, which really didn’t do anyone any good.

He scored the Amerks’ fourth goal in the third period and got into a fight basically right after coming out of the box for his first penalty. It’s really too bad that it takes the Florida Panther’s GM being in attendance to get something out of Glass.

He was rewarded for last night’s play with a call up to the Panthers to play in tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Also, getting a deserved call-up for tonight’s game in Ottawa is Michal Repik, the Amerks' points leader.

The Amerks certainly all played their best game of the season last night.

They came right out of the gate in charge of the game and never let down. The shots are misleading, with the Rats only having one less (28 to the Amerks’ 29). The Amerks’ defense stayed on top of things the whole game, leaving the Rats with many shots from the point that were rushed and off.

The Amerks were 100 percent on their penalty kill last night and it wasn’t by accident. They looked amazing out there. They killed off each penalty with ease…proving that their hard work during practice on their special teams’ skills is starting to pay off.

And what a difference playing with the lead makes. The Amerks left the first period up 2-0 and they never looked back.

Another player who had a great night was Janis Sprukts. He had two solid goals and almost got the hat trick, but his stick broke in half on the shot. He clearly had the goalie beat; it’s really too bad. We haven’t had a hat trick since Feb. 2, 2007 when Mike Ryan scored a hattie in Syracuse.

Speaking of Mike Ryan, he plays for the Rats now and didn’t do anything to help them last night. In fact, he was horrible. People complained that the Amerks didn’t pick him up when he was a free agent this year, but he is no better than what we have. Let’s keep looking elsewhere though.

The only thing I hope is that the Florida Panthers don’t think that this game shows that we are fine. We are not fine. We need more help.

Mike Brodeur may be a spark, but he isn’t the answer. Noah Welch is only going to be here for a few more games at most and Rory Fitzpatrick is out until at least Christmas.

Add that up with all the Panthers’ current injuries and it spells disaster.

The three stars of the game last night were Stefan Meyer (three), Janis Sprukts (two), and Mike Brodeur (one)…I wouldn’t have put it any other way.

And, let’s all look on the bright side...we only need one more win this month to make it better than last December. Keep it going in Texas boys.

The Amerks are currently on their way to Texas, where they will play the San Antonio Rampage (tomorrow) and the Houston Aeros (Wednesday night). The Amerks beat the Aeros once already this season and are better now than they were then.

Come on Amerks. I know you can get a road win in warm and sunny Texas. Go there and mess with it.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Send The River Rats Back To The Sewer; Win 4-0

Rochester Americans: Glass and Repik Called Up, Fitzpatrick Out

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:53:41 -0500

Tanner Glass earned his first call up of the season to the Panthers, following a strong performance with a Gordie Howe Hat Trick in Sundays win against the Albany River Rats.

Glass is currently seventh on the team in scoring with four goals and five assists. Hopefully he’s not gone for too long for our sake, up until tonight he may not have shown he was ready for the NHL, but he’s been a big part of the Amerks.

Michal Repik will also be joining him in Ottawa in the morning for his NHL debut. He got the nod less than 24 hours after I mentioned he should represent the Amerks at the AHL All-Star Classic. Repik leads the team in points with six goals and eight assists.

They say everything happens in threes, and that’s the case tonight as well. We learned that Rory Fitzpatrick will be out until at least Christmas recovering from surgery to repair torn meniscus in his right knee. He suffered a knee injury in Grand Rapids on November 29.

Rather than play injured, which he could have done, he’s making the smart decision to get his knee fixed.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Glass and Repik Called Up; Fitzpatrick Out

Rochester Americans: Mike Brodeur to Start Against River Rats

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 09:00:32 -0500

On Saturday morning at the end of practice, Benoit Groulx let newcomer Mike Brodeur know that he would be getting his first start tonight at home against the Albany River Rats.

Brodeur was signed to a 25-game PTO on Thursday from the defunct Augusta Lynx.

The distant cousin of Devils goalie Martin Brodeur could be our only hope at this point.

On Friday night, the Amerks lost 4-1 against the Iowa Chops. The team was slow out of the gate and it cost them big time. The Iowa Chops scored only 28 seconds into the game.

Less than seven minutes later with Jordan Henry in the pently box the Chops scored a power-play goal to make it a 2-0 game. This threw the whole first period into a downward spiral. They just couldn’t keep up with the Calder Cup Finalists (the Iowa Chops were the Portland Pirates of last season).

Thankfully, the Amerks will have two of our top points leaders in Janis Sprukts and Kenndal McArdle back in the lineup after short call ups to the Florida Panthers.

Sprukts had been called up on Saturday morning, he played in the Panthers loss against the Bruins on Saturday and had 12:19 of ice time with one shot on goal. Kenndal McArdle put in 11:08 of ice time during the same game as well as one shot along with a tripping penalty.

It appears as if Mike Duco will still be out of the lineup with a groin injury. He’s been one of our hardest working forwards, too bad others have not been able to play the same way.

Let’s hope some players who have not been scoring find a way to do so and newcomer Brodeur is just like his distant cousin and stops just everything fired his way.

The River Rates are currently 6-2-1-1 in their past 10 games.

The Amerks are 1-7-02 during their last 10 games.

Randall Gelech has yet to produce. When he was signed a week and a half ago, this quote was in Kevin O’s blog:

“I was playing good minutes, playing a lot, and then in one game against Rochester I played a realy strong game but I took three penalties that cost us,” Gelech recalled. “The next day I was on the fourth line and it went downhill from there.”

Sounds like he was the guy really needed to improve things!

Let’s just hope the team doesn’t take on a 10-game losing streak like they did last December. If we can squeeze out two wins this month, it would be considered an improvement!

If anything, you’re almost guaranteed to see Riley Emmerson drop the gloves during the game. As we were promised early in the season, “they guaranteed at least one rollover on race nights,” and we’ve been getting it.

I’ve tried to paint a good picture for tonights game but am not finding a way, let’s hope I’m completely wrong and things turn out much different than expected.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Game Day 12/7/08: Brodeur to Start Against River Rats

2009 AHL All-Star Classic Voting; Which Amerk Should Represent the team?

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:11:06 -0500

The American Hockey League has announced that 2009 AHL All-Star Classic Fan Balloting presented by Reebok will begin tomorrow (Monday, December at noon EST, exclusively on the official Web site of the AHL, theahl.com

Fans will have the opportunity to vote for the most deserving AHL players by visiting theahl.com and completing the official Reebok AHL All-Star Fan Ballot. 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 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications, to be held Jan. 25-26 in Worcester, Mass.

A committee of AHL coaches will select the remaining All-Stars, and all 29 clubs will be represented on the final rosters.

Which raises the question, who from the Rochester Americans should be represented at this years All-Star Classic?

The top two choices at this point would be Michal Repik, Janis Sprukts, or Jason Garrison. Repik would probably be the top choice since he currently leads the team with 14 points (six goals, eight assists). Janis Sprukts isn’t too far behind with 10 points (four goals, six assists).

Depending on the rest of the roster, if they’re short on defense the pick would go to Jason Garrison. He has 10 points as well (two goals, eight assists). He’s currently ranked 38th amongst defenseman in scoring, and his -14 rating probably won’t work in his favor.

If it were not for the fact that every team gets represented, many would argue that the worst team in the league doesn’t have any “all-stars.”

So, who do you think should represent the Amerks at the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic?

Clarke MacArthur had been picked last season to represent the Amerks but was replaced by Mark Mancari. MacArthur was called up to the Sabres at the time of the game. That worked out in favor of Mancari who entered the record books and Hockey Hall of Fame with his hardest shot in the skills competition.

We have our tickets for the festivities already, hopefully others are as well so we’re not the only two fans cheering on our player(s).

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

2009 AHL All-Star Classic Voting; Which Amerk Should Represent the team?

Panthers-Rangers: Michael Frolik Picks Up Two Points as Florida Blanks New York

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:03:11 -0500

The Florida Panthers blanked the Eastern Conference first place Rangers today.

Craig Anderson made 37 saves, only further showing that he is the No. 1 goaltender in Florida. He also made 43 saves in Friday’s shootout loss, also against the Rangers. He will be starting again on Tuesday when the Cats make a trip to Washington.

Stephen Weiss and Gregory Campbell scored 12 seconds apart in the second period.

Rookie Michael Frolik had a goal and an assist in the Panthers’ winning effort today.

This was the first time the Rangers were shut out all season. Nice work, Cats.

The Panthers are currently without forwards Richard Zednik, Cory Stillman, and Nathan Horton. David Booth left the game in the second period with a shoulder injury and is questionable for Tuesday’s game. Do not expect Shawn Matthias back this week.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks—Rochester Americans

Frolik Picks Up Two Points: Panthers Blank Rangers

Shawn Matthias Recalled By Florida Panthers

Keith Wozniak — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:16:22 -0500

Shawn Matthias has been recalled by the Florida Panthers. Although Shawn hasn’t been playing exceptionally well with the Amerks, he also hasn’t had much talent on his wings to help him at all. Shawn has played all 19 games with the Amerks this season but only has four points (3 goals, 1 assist).

Shawn likes to give the opposing team the old razzle dazzle but hasn’t really been able to finish his plays as of yet. Hopefully, this trip to Florida is just what he needs to get back on track. He has so much talent, and I want to see him be able to play to his ability.

In his last game with the Amerks (Wednesday against the Toronto Marlies), Shawn played extremely well. As another Amerks’ fan who was in attendance pointed out, there were many plays he was a part of that could have ended much better with more talent beside him.

He made one defensive play that really stood out for me. He came all the way from behind the Marlies’ net to pick up a guy in the slot just as a pass was coming to that guy. It would have been a solid scoring opportunity if he didn’t tie up that player as well as he did.

He also cycled the puck very well in the Marlies’ end. He also consistently found “the open ice” in the offensive zone when he didn’t have the puck. Too bad that he didn’t receive many cycled or setup passes while in those positions. Can’t blame him for that.

I really hope the Panthers aren’t going to keep him all season like they are doing with Frolik. Really, if Frolik were in Rochester with Matthias, I believe they would be lighting it up together.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Shawn Matthias Recalled By Panthers

Amerks Continue Their Losing Streak: Lose to Manchester

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:35:04 -0500

The Amerks put up a good fight, but couldn’t get past the Manchester Monarchs tonight. They lost 4-2 to the Manchester Monarchs in a hard fought game.

Chris Beckford-Tseu started the night in goal even though I would have liked to see Shantz in from the beginning. Chris was pulled in the first period after allowing two goals. Once Shantz was in net, it was a whole different game.

I am not going to say the first two goals were completely Chris’s fault. The first goal was scored when Jordan Henry took his 56,723rd hooking penalty of the season. He was shortly joined in the box by Rory Fitzpatrick when he shot the puck out of the park while in the defensive zone for a delay of game penalty.

I don’t understand why Jordan Henry isn’t being penalized by the team for what he is doing. He has played in only eight games and has already gotten 18 penalty minutes.

If these penalties weren’t so stupid, I wouldn’t be so angry about it. But, they are always hooking penalties (aside from the wonderful cross-checking penalty he took during Wednesday’s game…also brilliant).

Peter Aston could be playing in his spot. I know some of you don’t think Peter would be a good addition to the roster right now, but let’s get serious here, Jordan is putting us shorthanded at least twice a game.

I digress…

The Amerks were out-shot 20 to 5 in the first period. What a wreck. We were shorthanded for just about half of the first period. So, that certainly wasn’t helpful to anyone. The penalty kill can only do so much before they are so tired they can’t move anymore.

In the second period, things really picked up. Dan Collins showed he really doesn’t want to be moved to the ECHL just yet by scoring back-to-back goals for the Amerks. He was named the second star of the game for the night.

In the third period, the Monarchs took the lead once again when Shantz let in his only goal of the night. It was once again scored when the Monarchs were on a 5-on-3 powerplay again. Franklin MacDonald took a pretty bad hooking call, followed once again by a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck out of the defensive zone.

This time it was Keaton Ellerby who got the second penalty. He was close to hitting the glass at least.

The Monarchs were once again on the powerplay later in the period when Mike Duco caught a breakaway. He absolutely had the goalie eating out of his hands but dinged it off the post. An inch to the left and it would have been tied. I’m sure he is hating himself about that one now.

The last goal was a crazy empty net goal scored while the Monarchs were shorthanded. Garrison was covering the whole blue line by himself while Rory pinched up to the net. Monarchs’ goaltender Jonathan Quick made a save and Andrew Campbell flung it up the ice where he got lucky and it landed just inside the right post.

The Amerks have a few days off now to get themselves into shape for the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday morning at the Riccoh Centre. Our family will be going up for the game, so expect a good report. I say good because I plan to see the Amerks win with the return of Karl Stewart.

Never in my life did I think I would want a Stewart to return, but Karl is no lazy Anthony.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Continue Their Losing Streak…Lose To Manchester

Rochester Americans: This is What Two Million Dollars in Scouting Gets You

Keith Wozniak — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:01:45 -0500

So, the Rochester Americans lost to the Toronto Marlies tonight at Blue Cross Arena by the final score of 5-2, in front of one of the smallest crowds that anyone could remember.

After the teams were done warming up, I was able to count just over 200 people in seats around the arena. On my way to spend money on concessions I asked a few ushers as well as some old timers if they had ever seen the arena like this. Everyone either shook their head in disbelief, and a couple said, “At least not in the new building.”

I feel sorry for all of the players. While a few of them have made bad mistakes, I’m not going to blame them for this season. During the post-game show, Stefan Meyer made a comment about the coaching staff being terrific, and said if they all continue to work hard like they have been, eventually something has to happen.

The players had been giving a solid effort, trying really hard and doing their best—until last night. Against the Marlies they just could not seem to get it all together. The Marlies are a team that isn’t doing too well either, so last night the game should have been different.

Talking to players, many of them say they’ve never been through anything like this in their lives.

During the post game show Stefan Meyer also said, “This is affecting everybody. Away from the rink it’s starting to affect our everyday lives.” He’s not the only player to make comments like that.

Meyer also commented about hearing a fan yell about hating all of them.

As I stated recently, the players only have themselves to blame.

But you have fans sitting in the balcony heckling our own players. You could hear boos after the Marlies scored, but I’m not quite sure if that was aimed at them, or our own team for screwing up.

Only one out of the three local news stations had video highlights of the game on broadcasts at 11 last night.

Lewis Staats has said that it’s up to the fans to support this team. What he should have said was that they’re working hard to improve the team, so fans will want to watch.

The Amerks are tied for dead last with the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL. Each team has five points, and each team has only won two games.

Is it a coincidence that the Panthers used to be a sole affiliate of the Rampage?

And this is only 17 games into the season.

All of this led to me introducing myself to the director of player personnel for the Florida Panthers, Jack Birch. He is the guy who brought us our team from Florida.

Here is his short bio on the Panthers site:

Since joining the organization in 2004, Birch has served the club in several capacities that included both pro scout (2007-08) and director of hockey operations (2004-07). Prior to joining the Panthers organization, he served as president of J.B. Scouting Service. His worldwide scouting service specialized in the evaluation and rankings of players at the professional and amateur levels throughout North America and Europe.

The Peterborough, Ontario native began his career in the National Hockey League when he served as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers from 1985-87. Birch joined the NHL Central Scouting Bureau in 1989 as a scouting consultant to the director of CSB and several NHL teams, and developed a computerized scouting program for the selection of professional hockey players. He spent three years with the CSB before joining the Canucks organization.

I walked up during the second intermission tonight to introduce myself and ask what’s being done to improve the team. I approached expecting to hear the company line about “trying,” but instead spoke to someone who appeared annoyed, defensive, and almost argumentative. Which I could understand, sort of.

There’s a number of possibilities going on here, all of which I’m speculating upon.

Jack Birch is simply the guy taking the heat. It could be that his hands are tied by Jacques Martin (Panthers GM) and Alan Cohen (Panthers owner).

He is clueless.

I’ll admit, I’m not the smartest person, especially in memorizing tons of hockey players names. I asked him why no one has been brought in to try and improve this team. He asked me to name some players, I wasn’t able to, to which he replied I have no right running a web site writing about a hockey team because of “bad comments that can’t be backed up.”

I’m not a professional journalist. Maybe someday I will be. I read the news as players get released, or are available, and then signed within 24 hours by another team. I’m passionate about the Amerks. I guess I should have had names ready and able to rattle off the top of my head, and I apologized for not being ready. But I’m not a scout—he is.

Jack Birch said that he does the same thing, looking for players, and no one has been available—which leads me to believe that players and agents have no desire to work with the Florida Panthers organization.

I took a moment to explain to him how dedicated we are as fans to not only the Amerks, but also taken to supporting the Panthers. I told him to come read our web site and we’re not just some “bloggers” trashing the team making up hogwash.

I approached again with another Amerks fan who was able to name a number of players, Alyssa also brought him a list of players names.

The response back was, “we spend two million a year on scouting.”

How do you reply to a comment like that when your team has only won two games and is on the verge of losing its 14th game in regulation?

We then proceeded to throw names back and forth of Amerks who probably aren’t at the AHL level, none of which I’ll name because it’s not fair to them. Jack Birch defended them saying, either they’ve only played in X amount of games, or it’s their first season.

The point is, we have a team of young players and rookies that have talent—but not enough to compete and win games.

Over the summer we were told by a previous owner, current owners, and Jack Birch that they’d be active in free agency in building a competitive team. We were also told that if that didn’t turn out to be the case, changes would be made.

One change that has been made was signing Riley Emmerson (which was a good one) to help keep our team from getting pushed around like they did last year. We havn’t been pushed around one game.

Another change was swapping David Shantz for Tyler Plante.

Maybe it’s not fair to single out Jack Birch. Maybe he’s in a horrible position, just as the players are to fans taking the heat. I’m not sure.

I expected to have a nice discussion where someone would say thanks for being here, thanks for supporting, we’re doing everything we can, but we just can’t agree to terms with anyone that can possibly fill any voids. Instead I got the complete opposite, and it almost made me want to leave. Less than 1,000 people in the building, people are asking the person responsible for providing a competitive team, and he more or less says to get lost.

People think attendance is bad now. I can’t wait until a Wednesday-night game over the winter, when a snow storm is predicted and it’s 10 degrees out.

It’s going to get worse before it gets any better.

All it would take is for someone in Amerks’ or Panthers’ management to acknowledge what is going on, and tell people they are working together to try and figure something out.

That hasn’t happened.

I’m an Amerks fan, and I always will be. But this team is being driven into the ground and no one seems to be doing anything about it.

Jody Gage, you’ve been an Amerk for basically your whole life. You know the pride and tradition that goes along with this team and it’s disappearing. Doesn’t that break your heart?

Americans-Marlies: Brighter Ice Surface

Keith Wozniak — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:45:22 -0500

Tonight, the Rochester Americans and Toronto Marlies face off at 7:05pm EST at Blue Cross Arena. This will be the second of eight games between the two North Division teams.

The Americans look for their first win of the season against the Marlies. Rochester dropped a 5-2 decision in the previous meeting with Toronto back on Halloween night to fall to 0-1-0-0 on the season and 10-17-0 all-time against the Toronto Maple Leafs’ affiliate.

The biggest difference at this point between the two teams seems to be goals against. The Marlies have only allowed 42 goals, while the Americans have allowed a whopping 72. Looking at goals for, Rochester has scored 33 goals this season, compared to the Marlies 32.

The only thing to really report from practice this morning is that they appeared to replace the lights in the arena over the ice surface, it seems much brighter! From talking with some fans of the team, they would probably wish they just shut them off for the season.

No word on whether David Shantz or Chris Beckford-Tseu will be starting in net. It’s a coaches' decision, as of this morning that decision hadn’t been made yet.

Luke Beaverson appears to be moving up to forward full time, that’s where he was practicing again.

Karl Stewart participated in the entire practice this morning with the team, but still without any contact. He said that his knee is starting to feel better, now he is just working on getting his legs and lungs back into shape.

Janis Sprukts, Michal Repik, and Andrew Sweetland were the only players not on the ice this morning. We’re assuming (forgot to ask) that Repik had the morning off as he was fine on Tuesday. Sweetland is out with an injured hand. It doesn’t sound like Sprukts is expected back anytime soon.

Game Day Promotions

The game falls on a clever method Business Persons’ Special, where fans can turn in their business cards at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office and receive any 100-premium seat for just $10.00.

Offer is valid for all Amerks home games Monday through Thursday. Contact the Amerks Office at (585) 454-5335 for more information. It’s also a RARES Discount night. All RARES members can also bring their RARES ID card or business card to the box office to get a $22.25 ticket for $10.00.

Lastly, fans have a chance to take home a Thanksgiving turkey by participating in Turkey Bowling during the first intermission. Contestants will bowl a turkey from center ice in an attempt to knock over inflatable pins. Each contestant will win a turkey for their participation.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Game Day 11-19-2008: Brighter Ice Surface!

Rochester Americans Practice 11-18-2008: A Veteran That Needs to Get on the Ice

Keith Wozniak — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:40:18 -0500

Why in the world isn’t Jason Cipolla on the ice for the Amerks? I watch him practice at least twice a week with the boys and I always wonder why he doesn’t still play.

He is barely older then Rory Fitzpatrick and it’s time to suit up. When he is doing skating drills with players, he is always faster than almost all of them. I want to see him signed to a PTO and get in a game or two. Would it hurt anything? No.

It hasn’t been that long since he was laced up and on the ice. He was with the Hannover Scorpions until the 2005-06 season.

Jason could be a player that the fans here in Rochester can really get on board with. He has always been a favorite of mine. I wanted him to play last year when the going was tough (the whole year), and now I only want to see him back in the Red, White, and Blue even more.

OK, enough about my obsession with Jason coming back to play. I’m sure it’s never going to happen no matter how many times I ask him to suit up.

edit: There goes Cipolla out doing skating drills with Peter Aston and Karl Stewart and he is killing them. Come on Cippy…what’s the hold up?

They are buffing the glass at the arena again today. They should really just get new glass…that would be better seeing as ours is un-buffable. But, at least they are doing it more than once. It does make it a bit hard to see the practice going on in front of me though.

Beaverson is still practicing as a forward. I like him in this position. He has been playing pretty well there during games. He can block shots that are coming from the point and that is great to have out there. Even if it is just on the fourth line.

Benoit just had a nice little talk with all of the defensemen. I am pretty sure he was explaining to them how to skate backwards and be able to stay between their man and the net. Things people should know before playing professional hockey but, alright.

Shawn Matthias is still playing with the 4th line with Beaverson and Emmerson. I don’t find him to be lazy like some fans do, but he needs to start producing. Of course, right now, he isn’t going to be able to produce very well being on a line with a defenseman and a kid who doesn’t get around very fast or far.

Why do I always think Michal Repik is like 25-years-old? He doesn’t even turn 20 until December 31st. He is a shining star on a team without many. And the fact that he is so young only makes it better. He improves every game too. He is a kid who can develop no matter what kind of horrible team he is on. Can’t say that for most kids.

They are buffing out the glass in front of me so I can finally see most of the ice.

The rest of the lines look like this today:

Duco - Larman - Repik
McArdle - Brine - Glass
Micflikier - Meyer - Collins (clearly filling in for Sprukts)
Emmerson - Matthias - Beaverson

Now the first and second powerplay lines are practicing on one end of the ice.

Duco - Meyer - Repik
Garrison - Fitzpatrick

Micflikier - Matthias - McArdle
Henry - MacDonald

On the other end the rest of the team was taking shots from all over the ice on Shantz. I want to see Shantz start tomorrow night. He played great against Hamilton on Sunday night. The Hamilton fans around me were giving him complements and were mad we didn’t put Beckford-Tseu back in goal again.

Get him in there. He is here to give us a shot at winning right? So, let’s do it. He got all new equipment today! He is very excited about it.

Injury Update:

Janis Sprukts is not practicing. He pulled his groin during Saturday night’s game against the Hamilton Bulldogs. Hopefully, it isn’t too bad. He had a pretty good limp going on Sunday night after the game though.

Karl Stewart is getting on the ice now in full gear. The team is done practicing, but he is coming out. He is obviously getting better seeing as this is the first time I have seen him in full gear since his injury. We could sure use him back. He’s got on the red no contact jersey still though. Come back Stew, we miss you (I never thought I would hear that out of my mouth…or head).

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Practice 11-18-2008: We Have A Veteran That Needs To Get On The Ice

Looking Back at the First 20 Percent of the AHL Season

Keith Wozniak — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:29:17 -0500

The Amerks loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday evening ended the first 20 percent of the season. The team has won two games, at this pace they’ll win eight more through the rest of the season.

So, anyone have anything positive to look back on?

While the Amerks have only won two games and are in the basement, some other teams are in similar positions. The Albany River Rats, Manchester Monarchs have each won three games, and the San Antonio Rampage have only won two as well.

Unless you haven’t been following the team, they’re basically last in every stats category. If you want more stats, check out theahl.com and amerks.com, talking about them in detail is pointless.

The one thing that has been positive is that the players on the team are working hard. Even though the team is in the basement statistically, they haven’t quit the season (yet).

They have lost confidence at times during some games, but they’ve continued to put forth an effort.

They’re a young team put into a bad situation. During the 2007-08 season the Amerks team was one that seemed to stop caring completely and rarely put in a solid effort.

Typically in sports when a team is doing poorly the coach is the first person to get fired (Barry Melrose in Tampa), that is not the case here with the Amerks. Benoit Groulx has done what he can with the team.

As expected with a poor record, attendance has been bad. The team is averaging 3,810 people through nine home games. Halloween night was the worst with around 800 people. Some other games have had around 1,000. This coming Wednesday against the Toronto Marlies will be interesting.

The only roster changes that have been made since the season began was swapping Tyler Plante for David Shantz, sending Doug O’Brien to the Florida Everblades, and bringing Jacob Micflickier back from the Everblades. Certainly not changes that would turn the season around.

Which leads us to this recent comment in an R News story:

“In terms of the Rochester Americans being here for another 50 years, it’s really up to the fans of Rochester. It’s plain and simple,” Staats said.

Well Lewis Staats, you are right in that it is up to the fans to support the team, but it’s also up to ownership to provide a quality product that people will want to see. Kevin O wrote a great blog entry about the topic.

Last season was the worst in team history, this year the team could be on the pace to be one of the worst in AHL history. This early in a new season with new ownership and the questions about the team surviving in Rochester have already started. None of this seems real.

With 31 home games left on the schedule, it’s now up to ownership and management to improve the product on the ice or the remaining 800 regulars will continue to drop.

During the initial press conference back in June of the Panthers and Amerks being official, Jack Birch had said that the goal was winning and they (Panthers) were going to be active in free agency. Neither of which has happened.

Let’s hope Curt Styres, Lewis Staats, and Jody Gage are able to get something accomplished to salvage this season, it’s our only hope.

Jacques Martin and Jack Birch are useless.

If this is only one-fifth of the way into the season, I can’t even imagine half way through.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Looking back at the first 20% of the Season

Amerks Weren’t Thrown to the Wolves…Pick Up One Point

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:40:37 -0500

For some reason, no matter how bad the Amerks are. They can always get a point or two out of the defending Calder Cup champions. Tonight was no exception.

Although in real life the Amerks won this game 4-2…the score the officials gave them was a 3-2 shootout loss. The officiating tonight made me want to vomit. I almost threw my soda bottle at the guy but, then I thought about not wanting to be asked to leave.

The first goal taken away came in the first period. The Amerks scored first…to take the lead. The wonderful referee…Chris Brown…said it was in…it was clearly in on all accounts. But, after the Wolves told him it wasn’t in, he asked a linesman (who was no where even near the play) and he changed his mind and took it off. I wonder if Mr Brown had money riding on this game.

In the third period, Janis Sprukts had a nice breakaway. He took it in, had a nice shot, it dinged off the post…but over the goal line. The red light went on, the goal horn was sounded…it was in. Then it was taken off the board again.

Can the Amerks catch a break? They played amazing tonight on all accounts. Everyone was into the game. They didn’t allow the two false goals get them down. And Beckford-Tseu came up with some big saves to keep the team alive.

Scoring for the Amerks tonight was Michal Repik (who also scored the first taken away goal) and Stefan Meyer…who was boarded right before getting up to score (no call…of course).

Beckford-Tseu was the 3rd star of tonight’s game and Stefan Meyer was the 1st. Well deserved. They played their hearts out.

The Wolves won the shootout when none of the Amerks shooters could produce. But, I am not complaining. This game was probably the best game I have seen all year. And I certainly hope they carry this over when they travel to Hamilton for tomorrow and Sunday.

I am making the trip, so expect updates on how the guys are doing.

I want to see fire this weekend. Fire.

Post from: Lets Go Amerks - Rochester Americans

Amerks Weren’t Thrown to the Wolves…Pick Up One Point

Amerks’ Practice 11-03-2008: Back To The Grind

Keith Wozniak — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:02:23 -0500

Jody Gage was just on the bench talking first to Jacob Micflikier and then to Andrew Sweetland. I don’t know what that was about, but if they are going to send Micflikier away it would be a crying shame. He is a bright spot on this team. Andrew Sweetland I often forget exists, so if he is going to the ECHL or something, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Jordan Henry is out with the team for a full practice today. He is expected to return to the ice for Friday’s game if he makes the lineup. Personally, I would like to see more of Luke Beaverson on the ice.

Janis Sprukts is also on the ice today. He is wearing a red jersey though, so he is probably not playing full contact just yet. It will be good to have him back on the ice for games though. Although some fans don’t think he has been living up to his signing yet, he is a player who can calm things down when they are getting a bit out of hand. And he was gelling well with Matthias and Repik before his injury. Well, that was a quick practice for Sprukts, he is already off the ice, just checking out how his leg feels I guess. Get well soon Spruktzy.

Not on the ice is Karl Stewart.

There is someone here on the ice in Panthers’ warmups. I can’t really see his face but, I am going to try to figure out who he is. It looks like he is Panthers’ strength and conditioning coach Andy O’Brien. A little about him.

Andy O’Brien enters his second year with the Panthers after being named strength and conditioning coach in August, 2005.

O’Brien, founder of Kinetic Performance and the Atlantic Sport Science Institute in Canada, will be responsible for conducting and supervising the customized conditioning programs for the Florida Panthers. Since 1999, O’Brien has developed and implemented conditioning programs, offseason workouts and nutritional research for professional and elite-amateur athletes.

Professional players have readily sought out O’Brien for his expertise and knowledge. Most recently, O’Brien worked with the 2005 NHL’s Entry Draft’s No. 1 pick Sidney Crosby. O’Brien has trained Crosby for the last five years, spending more than 1000 hours with him devoted to strength and conditioning programs.

After a good showing on Sunday night, the Amerks are right back into practice. Tyler Plante looks confortable in net today as he should. If this weekend was any indication of what’s to come, Plante is (and should be) our #1 goaltender for the season. He looked solid all weekend. There were no 5-on-5 goals on Friday night, and on Saturday when Chris Beckford-Tsue couldn’t handle the pressure, Plante came in and allowed no more goals. If Plante had started on Saturday, I am almost possitive the Amerks would have walked away from the game with at least one point.

Am I dissapointed that Beckford-Tseu was signed by the Panthers? Yeah, a bit. I don’t think he was anywhere near ready to be considered a #1 goalie at the AHL level. The Panthers made a bit of a blunder there. Hopefully, he can shape up during the season. He seems like he has the skill to be a good goaltender, he just isn’t there yet.

Riley Emmerson has a great work ethic. He knows he is only on this team to fight, he isn’t stupid but, he works harder than almost everyone else to improve. He never slacks and although it takes him a few extra strides to get his gigantic body going, once inertia takes over he is pretty fast. He can stick handle pretty well and he never gives up on a drill until he gets the puck in the net. I like his motivation. Hopefully, it starts to spread like wildfire (not that the rest of the team is lacking motivation, they are very motivated…but, Riley puts everyone to shame with the way he works).

Something that Franklin MacDonald is quite good at…forechecking. We need to see more of it during the games Franklin. No one who goes against him even gets the chance to shoot. He takes the puck away everytime. Where is this MacDonald when gametime rolls around?

Kenndal McArdle is looking faster and better everyday I see him. I know I must say this all the time, but I can’t help it. Last year people were so dissapointed in him. I don’t think they can be this year. He is playing his butt off and it shows. His wrist shot is just amazing. He can put it anywhere in the net he wants to. For anyone who was at the Hershey game or watched it on AHL Live, you got to see that he has amazing aim. I want Kenndal to get more playing time. He really deserves it.

Stefan Meyer is working extra hard today. He is on point and working well with Micflikier and Matthias. They all seem to be at the same speed level (Micflikier a little faster than the other two) and they communicate well. They aren’t afraid to get dirty in the corners.

Plante just keeps denying everyone today. He must be feeling pretty good about himself, as he should. He is a brick wall out there. Maybe all he needed was a bit of confidence. Let’s see how it plays out on Friday night when we take on the superior Manitoba Moose for the 3rd time this season.

The Moose just added left wing James Neil and defenseman Mark Fistric. They are on loan from the Dallas Stars who have their prospects all over the league this year as they wait for their new arena to be build in Texas to put their AHL team in.

Just a random little improvement about the arena that I noticed to end today’s practice. The toilet paper this year is actually useable. Last season it was like a half-ply toilet paper that turned into dust when you would rip some off. As a female, I am very excited about this improvement.

Amerks-Bears: Amerks Lose Second Straight on the Road (8-3)

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:16:14 -0400

The Bears and Amerks were supposed to renew their rivalry tonight in Hershey. And if they did, the Bears came out on top big time.

I really don’t even have words to show my disappointment in tonight’s game. I would like it if Curt Styres or someone from the Amerks would give me back my $6 I paid to watch this game on my computer.

The first period and a half wasn’t too bad. The Bears scored, then the Amerks tied it up. Then the floodgates broke open and the Bears scored three extra goals by the end of the second, making the score 5-2.

The third period was just sad. The Bears scored three more goals while the Amerks managed to squeeze one more in.

Tyler Plante was in goal. He really didn’t look as bad as it may sound. Hershey had 50 shots on goal while the Amerks only put up 16 all together. I mean seriously, the Bears had 23 shots in the second period alone.

Goals for the Amerks were as follows:

Mike Duco (Micflicier, Ellerby) 19:23 in the first period.

Jacob Micflikier (Duco, Brine) 4:52 in the second period

Kenndal McArdle (Garrison, Micflikier) 10:41 in the third period.

That is all I am writing about this game. I don’t want to say anything I am going to regret later.

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Beat ‘Em: Amerks Lose 6-1 to the Crunch

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:41:24 -0400

The Rochester Americans lost to the Syracuse Crunch Saturday night by a sad final score of 6-1. This, of course, is better than last year on the Crunch’s “Pink Out” night when the Amerks were creamed, 9-2.

Riley Emmerson made his AHL debut tonight and did a good job. But, more on that later.

The first period started out with a quick epic fail when Starkov scored for the Crunch only 17 seconds into the game. That was only the tip of the iceberg that was to come.

The Amerks went on the power play when Vigalante went to the box for tripping at 3:18. That chance was short lived, as Ellerby decided to get a penalty of his own at 4:02. To add insult to injury, Drew Larman took yet another penalty, giving the Crunch a 4-on-3 power play. The outcome of that situation is easy to imagine. The Crunch scored their second goal of the night easily.

For the next ten minutes, the Amerks fought off a few more penalty killing problems. But it wouldn’t last forever. Wilson tallied his second goal of the night at 14:15 to put another nail in the coffin before the end of the first period.

The second period wasn’t any better, except for one moment. Before the good, of course, had to come the bad…the Crunch scored their fourth goal of the night only 3:57 into the period (once again on the power play).

But, then came something Rochester fans could get on board with. Mike Duco dropped the mitts at center ice with Ryan Garlock. Duco dropped Garlock with one swift punch to the jaw. A job well done by the “rat.”

Speaking of rats…only a few minutes later, Jon Mirasty was on the ice with Emmerson and the moment we had all been waiting for began. Emmerson dropped the gloves and tangled with Mirasty. He held his own. He got a few punches on the top of Mirasty’s head (seeing as he towers over him by about 25 feet), but Mirasty got a few in on his chin. Mirasty then pulled Emmerson down and wrapped his legs around his back. Round one over.

Amerks fans couldn’t celebrate much longer. The Amerks were shorthanded once again when Tanner Glass wanted to get a good fight in but couldn’t find anyone to drop the gloves with him. Instead he got a roughing penalty, leading to another power play goal by the Crunch.

It wasn’t long until Tanner was out of the box and trying to fight with someone else. Andrey Plekhanov was more than willing to fight, but he is just an idiot. He was thrown out of the game for giving Tanner the finger. Way to be, guy.

The second period ended with the Crunch ahead 5-0. At this point, the Amerks’ fans in attendance were just hoping not to get shutout.

The third period started and I started to drift off to sleep. Glass once again tried to take on someone…this time looking to Syracuse’s captain Smith. Smith wouldn’t fight him because he has a hand injury so they just both took unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties.

Not long after getting out of the box for not fighting Glass, Smith thought it would be cute to hold on to MacDonald’s stick for a while. Off to the penalty box again for the mighty Crunch captain.

Karl Stewart scored his third goal of the season on the power play. Assists went to Repik and Matthias.

Vigilante (Best name in the AHL? Possibly.) thought he would throw the last nail in the coffin when he scored the Crunch’s sixth goal of the evening shortly after Stewart made the Amerks look less like fools.

Just as I was about to take a cat nap, Emmerson and Mirasty were ready for round two. Emmerson looked more ready this time, knowing what to expect from “nasty.” He stayed in the fight much longer and got a few good hits in on Mirasty’s face. The fight still went to Mirasty.

I would say Emmerson is going to do just fine for himself in this league. This was his first game in this league and he had to take on the fighter with the worst reputation. And he did it twice. He was more than willing and probably wanted to have one more go at him. He said “Mirasty is a tough little guy.”

I want to see more of Emmerson.

Oh yeah…did I mention Billy Baldwin was at the game tonight? Cause he was…

The Americans clearly missed the presence of their best defenseman (Garrison), their veteran defenseman (Fitzpatrick), their fearless leader (Sprukts), and the boy who should be their top goal-scorer for the year (Meyer). I mostly just miss Meyer.

Get Amerks News and Scores Via Text Message!

Keith Wozniak — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:52:15 -0400

Want to receive Rochester Americans news, scores, updates, and more via text message?

Simply click on over to Twitter (www.twitter.com), follow the steps to sign up, add your mobile phone number, make sure to check the box to allow Twitter to send you updates, follow the steps to verify your device, and then either navigate to Twitter.com/LetsGoAmerks and choose to “follow us.” Or AFTER you sign up for Twitter you can easily send a new text message to 40404 which simply says follow letsgoamerks.

How often will I get updates? Often on game nights depending on how much action is happening on the ice. Otherwise anytime there’s new news, we’ll update you.

What will be sent out? Near real time scores and updates from all home games. We’ll try our best with away games. As well as any news, roster changes, injuries, call ups, etc..

How much does it cost? NOTHING! It’s just a standard text message. If you have an unlimited plan than you have nothing to worry about.

Will I receive spam? No. You’ll simply get Amerks updates from us, nothing else. I’ve used twitter for well over a year and never received unwanted messages.

Will we have access to your phone number? No. Phone numbers are not public.

You can also subscribe to the twitter RSS feed for our updates if that’s your preferred method.

All updates are also be displayed on the right hand side of the home page of Lets Go Amerks.

How can I unsubscribe? Simply send a new text message to 40404 and in the body of the message write off letsgoamerks and you’ll stop receiving updates.

Rochester Americans’ Fun Fest a Success

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:17:21 -0400

Today, the Amerks held their first Fun Fest at Blue Cross Arena. My husband and I brought our son down to see what was going on. It was a great time for all of us.

At 1:00 when the doors opened, there were plenty of kids getting their skates on who were very excited to skate with the players. They had to wait a little while longer because the team was going to be announced at center ice.

The whole team came out one by one to fans cheering for them. Stefan Meyer and Drew Larman got the loudest cheers from kids and adults alike.

Then Lewis Staats came out to tell the fans how much he appreciates them, and how proud he is to be the owner of the Rochester Americans. After that, Benoit Groulx came out to introduce himself and say how he is more than happy to be coaching the Amerks this year.

Last but not least, Rory Fitzpatrick came to the mic to speak on behalf of the players.

Then the doors were opened, and all the kids and adults (big kids) were let onto the ice. All the players had their own signing pads to give people proper autographs. They all have a nice picture with the Amerks' logo, and also the logo of the Panthers if the player is property of Florida.

It’s great to see the team having a really nice way to get people autographs who aren’t card collectors and would like something more than just a piece of paper. I will scan a few of them later tonight so everyone can see what they look like.

The Amerks had a team picture taken after their first practice on Tuesday. Those were available at the Amerks tent/booth that was set up in the attrium. They were very nice pictures for a preseason photo shoot.

We signed our son up for the Mooseketeers Kids Club, which seems like just another great addition to the Amerks this season. For those of you who have children, you get a lot for your money when you sign them up for this club. Just in the welcome package alone you get a Mooseketeer Certificate, I.D. with lanyard, t-shirt, antlers, song lyrics, a 32-oz. cup, a schedule with special events, the Amerks’ schedule roster, a team photo, and a letter from the Amerks’ team. That doesn’t even include the discounts you get throughout the year. All of this is only $20.

Yhe main entrance had a big blow up maze for the kids, and a dunking booth where members of the Amerks’ staff were being dunked. That was a good time. There were also clowns making balloon animals and face painters.

After that, we headed up to the atrium to once again meet the players, who were all walking around talking to the fans. Unlike last season, the boys were all very open to talking to everyone. They didn’t huddle around in groups talking to each other closed off to what was going on around them. They all seemed to be having a good time too—which is always nice to see at an event like the Fun Fest, seeing as it was supposed to be fun.

There was a professional photographer taking pictures of fans with players and the new dance team in front of an Amerks’ backdrop. The pictures were instantly printed out. They were good quality and nice to have signed by whoever was in the picture with you immediately.

There were a lot of great things about today’s Fun Fest, and I personally hope this turns into a yearly tradition. All the fans seemed to be having a good time, and I hope the players did too. They should know they made a lot of kids very happy today.

Ryan Hand and Nine Others Cut from Rochester Americans

Keith Wozniak — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:05:00 -0400

Today the Amerks cut down the roster by ten players. Most of the players everyone thought were going to be gone but, one stands out as a shocker for a lot of fans—Ryan James Hand.

Hand was the player all the fans wanted to keep around. He was kind to people and just a generally nice guy. But, more than anything—he was a fighter.

“I’m pretty rattled.” Hand said when asked how he is. “[They told me] this a.m....I’m okay now.”

Last season, the Amerks were pushed all over the ice by whoever felt like it, because there was no one opposing enforcers would have to go toe-to-toe with afterwards. Teams looked at us like we were weak, and they were right. And now it’s starting to look like we won’t have that strong authority figure we have all been hoping for.

Maybe the Amerks brass think that Neil Clark will be able to handle the team’s problems. I hate to tell them, but just because he got into two fights in one night—with non-fighting players—doesn’t mean he can take care of anything when a real enforcer comes calling.

I don’t think it is going to take long for another team to sweep up Ryan Hand. Let’s just hope it isn’t the Syracuse Crunch, seeing as heavyweight fighter Mike Sgroi will be out of their lineup for two months thanks to a broken hand from his fight with Ryan on Thursday.

The other players cut today: Goaltender David Shantz (Florida Everblades-ECHL), forward Danick Bouchard (Everblades-ECHL), forward Kevin Cooper (Bossier-Shreveport -CHL), forward Ryan Smyth (Dayton-ECHL), forward Tyler Donati (Elmira-ECHL), forward Benoit Doucet (Elmira-ECHL), forward Ryan Davis (Unsigned), forward Mark Johnson (Unsigned), defenseman Dominic D’Amour (Dayton-ECHL).

Rochester Americans' 53rd Season to Start October 10th

Keith Wozniak — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:34:55 -0400

The Rochester Americans will start the 2008/2009 season at home on Friday October 10 at Blue Cross Arena. Our guess is that the home opener will be against the Syracuse Crunch, considering the two teams will be playing each other 12 times.

This will be the first of the three year affiliation agreement between the Rochester Americans and the Florida Panthers. The team will have essentially a similar level of talent as last year, but without all of the other off-ice garbage going on things should be much better. They really can’t get any worse (or at least we hope not).

Apologies about the news that is already a few days old, we’re back from summer vacation and getting caught up on everything that’s been going on.

A Chance to Watch The Florida Everblades

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:42:32 -0400

If you’re like us and start planning hockey road trips early, you may be interested in marking your calendar for Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 when the Florida Everblades will be nearby to play the Elmira Jackals.

It’s the only game scheduled between the two teams.

Elmira is a roughly two-hour drive south from Rochester, NY.

The Florida Everblades are affiliated with the Florida Panthers, who are affiliated with Rochester.

Typically if the Panthers are required to call a player up from the AHL they will replace that player with a prospect they have with the Everblades. Early in the 07/08 seasons the Panthers called Tyler Plante up from the Everblades and sent David Schantz down.

Also towards the end of the season players Kenndal McArdle, Peter Aston, Franklin MacDonald, and Adam Taylor had been reassigned to the Blades to assist with their playoff run.

We’ll be keeping an eye on players with the Everblades in the ECHL more during the coming season.

The Everblades are also affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Albany River Rats (AHL), and the Plymouth Whalers (OHL).

The Everblades are thought of to be model franchise for the ECHL, as they have not missed the playoffs in each of their nine seasons, and making two appearances in the Kelly Cup Finals.

The Everblades’ fan base is also considered to be one of the best in the league, as many games at Germain Arena sell out, especially Saturday night games.

Many fans of different NHL and minor-league teams, as well as international fans come out to watch the Everblades.

Florida Panthers Trade of Olli Jokinen Affects Rochester Americans

Keith Wozniak — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:22:15 -0400

The NHL held its 2008 entry level draft on Friday night in Ottawa, and the night did indirectly impact the Rochester Americans.

Olli Jokinen has been on the chopping block in Florida almost every season for the past eight years. This year, it actually happened.

The Florida Panthers traded Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Keith Ballard (21 points in 82 games in the 2007-08 season with Phoenix), defenseman Nick Boynton (12 points in 79 games last season) and the 49th overall pick.

The Florida Panthers still didn’t have a first-round draft pick this season. So, the first draft day was only truly interesting to major Amerks’ fans through any trades the Panthers made.

This lowers the possibility that Panther prospect Shawn Matthias will ever see time in a Rochester Americans uniform. The Panthers will be in desperate need of some scoring and Matthias has the potential to fulfill that role.

In four games with the Panthers last season, he scored two goals. It does open the door even further for the Panthers to sign a veteran center to lead the Amerks.

With the Panthers trading for two defensemen, the chances of current defensive prospects making the jump to the show are greatly diminished. The Amerks' defensive roster will most likely consist of Keaton Ellerby, Franklin MacDonald, Jordan Henry, Peter Aston, Luke Beaverson, and Michael Caruso.

These kids show promise, but they also show the Panthers' need for a veteran defenseman and goalie to get through the tough times.

Here is a rundown of the rest of the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft:

There were 13 trades in the first round this year. This is an outstanding amount, considering between 2003-2007 there were never more than five trades that took place in any of the first rounds.

The first round trades from this year are as follows:

Cammellari was traded to the Flames for their 17th pick overall in the first round.

Pick No. 25 (Montreal) and second round in 2009 to Calgary in exchange for #138 pick (Flames) and Alex Tanguay.

Leafs traded picks No. 7 this year and either (pick No. 60 this year and Toronto’s 3rd round pick in 2009) or (No. 68 this year and second round from 2009) to the Islanders for their No. 5 pick.

Columbus Blue Jackets trade Pick No. 19 and third round this year to Philly for R.J. Umberger and a fourth round pick this year.

Islanders trade No. 7 pick to Nashville for the No. 9 pick and the No. 40 pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded pick No. 13 this year and third round pick in 2009 for Kings’ pick No. 12.

Nashville trades No. 15 to Ottawa for No. 18 and third pick in 2009

Devils traded pick No. 21 to Washington for Nos. 23 and 54

Devils trade No. 23 pick to Wild for pick No. 24 and third pick in 2009

Flyers trade No. 27 pick to Capitals for Steve Eminger and pick No. 84 this year

Ducks trade pick No. 28 to Phoenix for Nos. 35 and 39 this year

Here are the first 30 picks in the 2008 Draft:

1. Lightning: Steve Stamkos
2. Kings: Drew Doughty
3. Thrashers: Zach Bogosian
4. Blues: Alex Pietrangelo
5. Leafs: Luke Schenn
6. Blue Jackets: Nikita Filatov
7. Nashville: Colin Wilson
8. Coyotes: Mikkel Boedker
9. Islanders: Josh Bailey
10. Canucks (RIP Luc): Cody Hodgson
11. Blackhawks: Kyle Beach
12. Sabres: Tyler Myers
13. Kings: Colten Teubert
14. Hurricanes: Zach Boychuk
15. Senators: Erik Karlsson
16. Bruins: Joe Colborne
17. Ducks: Jake Gardiner
18. Nashville: Chet Pickard (first goaltender selection)
19. Flyers: Luca Sbisa
20. Rangers: Michael DelZotto
21. Capitals:- Anton Gustafsson
22. Oilers: Jordan Eberle
23. Wild: Tyler Cuma
24. Devils: Mattias Tedenby
25. Flames (RIP Mickey): Greg Nemisz
26. Sabres: Tyler Ennis
27. Capitals: John Carlson
28. Coyotes: Viktor Tikhonov
29. Thrashers: Daultan Leveille
30. Red Wings: Thomas McCollum