The Carolina Hurricanes recalled goaltender Justin Peters today from the Albany River Rats, who host the Syracuse Crunch tonight at 7 at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Peters, 23, is filling in for ex-Rat Michael Leighton, who suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday night's 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. The Canes recently signed journeyman Manny Legace when No. 1 netminder Cam Ward was hurt.
This season, Peters is 6-5-2, 2.43 and .913 in 13 games for Albany. His partner is rookie Mike Murphy.
To take Peters' place in Albany, the Rats summoned veteran Mike Morrison from ECHL Florida. Morrison, 30, is 5-4-1, 2.79 and .903 in 10 games for the Everblades.
Making his return to the Rats lineup tonight will be former captain Tim Conboy. The 27-year-old natural defenseman had 22 penalty minutes in 11 games as a forward for the Canes this season. Playing on a one-way contract, Conboy has played 58 career games in the NHL and 305 in the AHL for Albany and Cleveland.
********************
The Adirondack Phantoms host the Toronto Marlies for the only time this season tonight at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
Adirondack will be without forward David Laliberte, 23, who was recalled by the parent Philadelphia Flyers for their five-game road trip which begins tonight in Los Angeles.
A right wing, Laliberte has seven points (2g, 5a) in 10 AHL games this season, and has three points (2g, 1a) in four games with the Flyers since making his NHL debut on Oct. 31.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Remembering Bobby Frankel
Mechanicville native Chad Brown worked as an assistant for Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, who died early this morning of complications from lymphoma at the age of 68.
Brown went out on his own two years ago after two years under Frankel and is now based in New York.
“He proved you don’t have to grow up on a farm or be somebody’s kid to make it,” Brown said.. “Trainers come and go, but here’s a guy who won at the highest level decade after decade. And as a horseman, a trainer, and a human being, he was so caring about his horses, and his help. There’s never going to be another Bobby Frankel.”
Here is some reaction from other New York horsemen on today's news:
“He was a tremendous horseman, his horses always looked well, and he was a great caretaker. In some ways, he developed the trend of giving horses more time between races. He was very passionate about horses and passionate about racing.”
-- trainer Todd Pletcher
“He was an excellent horseman with an impeccable record. He was great to his horses and great to his help. He went from the bottom rung of racing all the way to the top, which is a mark not only of him as a horseman, but as a person. He will be sadly missed.”
-- Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey
"Bobby was a great horseman and a fierce competitor. Over the years he won many of the most prestigious races on the NYRA calendar with some of the most talented horses that have ever been stabled in New York. His passion for thoroughbred racing will be sorely missed."
-- NYRA vice president and director of racing P.J. Campo
Brown went out on his own two years ago after two years under Frankel and is now based in New York.
“He proved you don’t have to grow up on a farm or be somebody’s kid to make it,” Brown said.. “Trainers come and go, but here’s a guy who won at the highest level decade after decade. And as a horseman, a trainer, and a human being, he was so caring about his horses, and his help. There’s never going to be another Bobby Frankel.”
Here is some reaction from other New York horsemen on today's news:
“He was a tremendous horseman, his horses always looked well, and he was a great caretaker. In some ways, he developed the trend of giving horses more time between races. He was very passionate about horses and passionate about racing.”
-- trainer Todd Pletcher
“He was an excellent horseman with an impeccable record. He was great to his horses and great to his help. He went from the bottom rung of racing all the way to the top, which is a mark not only of him as a horseman, but as a person. He will be sadly missed.”
-- Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey
"Bobby was a great horseman and a fierce competitor. Over the years he won many of the most prestigious races on the NYRA calendar with some of the most talented horses that have ever been stabled in New York. His passion for thoroughbred racing will be sorely missed."
-- NYRA vice president and director of racing P.J. Campo
Bobby Frankel 1941-2009
Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel, one of most successful and respected trainers in the history of thoroughbred racing, died today in California of complications from lymphoma. He was 68.
Frankel kept the details of his illness private during his treatments, but its severity was clear. For the first time in decades, Frankel did not attend the annual Saratoga Race Course meet this summer, leaving his string in the hands of trusted assistant Jose Cuevas.
"Bobby Frankel was one of the greatest trainers in thoroughbred racing history," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. "His outstanding horsemanship, coupled with a keen insight into the game, made him a force in the sport for the last 40 years. His immense talent, and his abiding love for his horses, will be sorely missed."
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Frankel died at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif. His horses won 3,654 races and $227,947,775 in purses from 17,657 starters during a career that began in 1966, ranking second in earnings to Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. Frankel was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs in 1995.
"Bobby Frankel was a winner at every level he competed, including in the Breeders’ Cup, where his six career wins are part of his wonderful legacy as one of the true greats of our game," Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to Bobby’s family and his many friends."
Frankel began his career as a claiming trainer based in New York, before moving his headquarters to the West Coast. There, he began a rise to prominence that saw him dominate the sport in the early 2000s, win at least one Grade 1 race from 1988 through 2009, and top $10 million in season earnings eight times.
In all, Frankel was voted the Eclipse Award as top trainer five times (1993, 2000-03), and trained 10 horses to 11 year-end championships: Aldebaran, Bertrando, Ghostzapper, Ginger Punch, Intercontinental, Leroidesanimaux, Possibly Perfect, Ryafan, Squirtle Squirt, and Wandesta. His 25 Grade 1 victories in 2003 remains a single-season world record.
Always known as a force in Saratoga's biggest races (he won four Grade 1s in 2008; the Forego, Hopeful, Go for Wand and Personal Ensign), Frankel captured the first of 30 career individual meet titles at Saratoga in 1970, his only one in New York. He won 13 at Hollywood Park, 11 at Santa Anita and five at Del Mar.
Frankel was often seen as a bit of a curmudgeon by some writers who ambled by his barn in the mornings, but could also be a warm and engaging personality. His passion for the game and his horses never wavered.
My favorite memory of Frankel came in 2003, when he publicly traded barbs in print with late Hall of Famer P.G. Johnson, trainer of Volponi, who shocked the 2002 Breeders' Cup Classic at 43-1.
Frankel and Johnson, who died in August 2004, were stabled near each other on the Oklahoma training track backstretch in Saratoga Springs. In the buildup to the 2003 Whitney Handicap, Johnson playfully mocked Frankel and his high-profile operation, the exact opposite of Johnson's.
"He'll be the favorite, but the real reason is that Bobby Frankel is the favorite," Johnson was quoted as saying. "If 'Charlie Nobody' was the trainer, they wouldn't bet him. But with Frankel, they bet his image, his ego and the horse . . . I don't even want to think about it."
Volponi finished second to the Frankel-trained Medaglia d'Oro -- a horse Johnson had said was "all hype" -- in the Whitney. Medaglia d'Oro, who won the 2002 Travers in the slop over Repent, is the sire of superfilly Rachel Alexandra.
"Well, the horse is a good horse," Frankel said after the race. "Everybody knows he's a good horse except one guy, who didn't think he was a good horse. That's the guy that finished second.
"It feels really good. To be honest with you, I wanted it a little more because of what the article was. It bothered me. It's disrespect. I don't diss anybody else's horses. I wanted to kick his [butt]. I was a little bit upset, but the best revenge is winning. I learned that a long time ago. If you win, you don't have to say anything."
Frankel kept the details of his illness private during his treatments, but its severity was clear. For the first time in decades, Frankel did not attend the annual Saratoga Race Course meet this summer, leaving his string in the hands of trusted assistant Jose Cuevas.
"Bobby Frankel was one of the greatest trainers in thoroughbred racing history," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. "His outstanding horsemanship, coupled with a keen insight into the game, made him a force in the sport for the last 40 years. His immense talent, and his abiding love for his horses, will be sorely missed."
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Frankel died at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif. His horses won 3,654 races and $227,947,775 in purses from 17,657 starters during a career that began in 1966, ranking second in earnings to Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. Frankel was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs in 1995.
"Bobby Frankel was a winner at every level he competed, including in the Breeders’ Cup, where his six career wins are part of his wonderful legacy as one of the true greats of our game," Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to Bobby’s family and his many friends."
Frankel began his career as a claiming trainer based in New York, before moving his headquarters to the West Coast. There, he began a rise to prominence that saw him dominate the sport in the early 2000s, win at least one Grade 1 race from 1988 through 2009, and top $10 million in season earnings eight times.
In all, Frankel was voted the Eclipse Award as top trainer five times (1993, 2000-03), and trained 10 horses to 11 year-end championships: Aldebaran, Bertrando, Ghostzapper, Ginger Punch, Intercontinental, Leroidesanimaux, Possibly Perfect, Ryafan, Squirtle Squirt, and Wandesta. His 25 Grade 1 victories in 2003 remains a single-season world record.
Always known as a force in Saratoga's biggest races (he won four Grade 1s in 2008; the Forego, Hopeful, Go for Wand and Personal Ensign), Frankel captured the first of 30 career individual meet titles at Saratoga in 1970, his only one in New York. He won 13 at Hollywood Park, 11 at Santa Anita and five at Del Mar.
Frankel was often seen as a bit of a curmudgeon by some writers who ambled by his barn in the mornings, but could also be a warm and engaging personality. His passion for the game and his horses never wavered.
My favorite memory of Frankel came in 2003, when he publicly traded barbs in print with late Hall of Famer P.G. Johnson, trainer of Volponi, who shocked the 2002 Breeders' Cup Classic at 43-1.
Frankel and Johnson, who died in August 2004, were stabled near each other on the Oklahoma training track backstretch in Saratoga Springs. In the buildup to the 2003 Whitney Handicap, Johnson playfully mocked Frankel and his high-profile operation, the exact opposite of Johnson's.
"He'll be the favorite, but the real reason is that Bobby Frankel is the favorite," Johnson was quoted as saying. "If 'Charlie Nobody' was the trainer, they wouldn't bet him. But with Frankel, they bet his image, his ego and the horse . . . I don't even want to think about it."
Volponi finished second to the Frankel-trained Medaglia d'Oro -- a horse Johnson had said was "all hype" -- in the Whitney. Medaglia d'Oro, who won the 2002 Travers in the slop over Repent, is the sire of superfilly Rachel Alexandra.
"Well, the horse is a good horse," Frankel said after the race. "Everybody knows he's a good horse except one guy, who didn't think he was a good horse. That's the guy that finished second.
"It feels really good. To be honest with you, I wanted it a little more because of what the article was. It bothered me. It's disrespect. I don't diss anybody else's horses. I wanted to kick his [butt]. I was a little bit upset, but the best revenge is winning. I learned that a long time ago. If you win, you don't have to say anything."
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ex-Rat Hughes returns to new team
Forward Bobby Hughes is back with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers after being away from the team following his Nov. 4 arrest on two sexual-act charges dating back to his time with the Albany River Rats.
According to Mike Fornabaio of the Connecticut Post, Hughes took part in Friday's morning skate at BST's practice facility in Shelton, Conn., and declined comment when approached afterward.
"It's good for him to be with his teammates," coach Jack Capuano said. "It's the best place for him right now."
Hughes was expected to accompany Bridgeport to road games in Springfield on Friday and tonight against the Adirondack Phantoms at the Glens Falls Civic Center (7 p.m.). The Sound Tigers host Portland on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Hughes was arraigned Thursday in Albany on charges he sexually attacked a victim in Bethlehem last October. Hughes, who posted $50,000 bail and was forced to temporarily give up his passport, has denied through his lawyers having sexual contact with the alleged victim.
According to Mike Fornabaio of the Connecticut Post, Hughes took part in Friday's morning skate at BST's practice facility in Shelton, Conn., and declined comment when approached afterward.
"It's good for him to be with his teammates," coach Jack Capuano said. "It's the best place for him right now."
Hughes was expected to accompany Bridgeport to road games in Springfield on Friday and tonight against the Adirondack Phantoms at the Glens Falls Civic Center (7 p.m.). The Sound Tigers host Portland on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Hughes was arraigned Thursday in Albany on charges he sexually attacked a victim in Bethlehem last October. Hughes, who posted $50,000 bail and was forced to temporarily give up his passport, has denied through his lawyers having sexual contact with the alleged victim.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Senators shut out Phantoms
Binghamton scored three first-period goals and never looked back in a 5-0 road win over the Adirondack Phantoms tonight before a crowd of 3,404 at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
Denis Hamel and Derek Smith had two goals apiece for the Senators (7-7-2-0), and reigning AHL Player of the Week Mike Brodeur stopped all 21 shots he faced for the shutout.
Johan Backlund finished with 24 saves for Adirondack (6-6-1-0), which now sits alone in last place in a tight East Division with points, five behind second-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, a 3-1 winner in Albany tonight.
Binghamton 3 1 1 -- 5
Adirondack 0 0 0 -- 0
First period -- 1, Binghamton, Condra 2 (Hennessy), 5:03. 2, Binghamton, Smith 3 (Hennessy, Condra), 6:57 (pp). 3, Binghamton, Hamel 4 (Bass), 16:19. Penalties -- Baier Bng (tripping), 2:00; Klotz Adk (hooking), 6:11; Curry Adk (interference), 17:28; Karlsson Bng (high-sticking), 19:57.
Second period -- 4, Binghamton, Hamel 5 (Karlsson, Kudelka), 8:54. Penalties -- Karlsson Bng (fighting), 3:10; Clackson Adk (fighting), 3:10; Keller Bng (tripping), 11:43; Keller Bng (holding), 18:42.
Third period -- 5, Binghamton, Smith 4 (Karlsson, St. Pierre), 15:37 (pp). Penalties -- Stephenson Adk (cross-checking), 1:08; Klotz Adk (elbowing), 8:59; Maroon Adk (elbowing), 15:11; Mormina Adk (delay of game), 17:51; O'Brien Bng (hooking), 19:08.
Shots on goal -- Binghamton 12-6-11 -- 29. Adirondack 9-6-6 -- 21.
Power-play opportunities -- Binghamton 2 of 6. Adirondack 0 of 5.
Goalies -- Binghamton, Brodeur 5-3-0 (21 shots-21 saves). Adirondack, Backlund 5-4-0 (29-24).
A -- 3,404.
Referee -- Geno Binda. Linesmen -- Mike Emanatian, Steeve Lemay.
Denis Hamel and Derek Smith had two goals apiece for the Senators (7-7-2-0), and reigning AHL Player of the Week Mike Brodeur stopped all 21 shots he faced for the shutout.
Johan Backlund finished with 24 saves for Adirondack (6-6-1-0), which now sits alone in last place in a tight East Division with points, five behind second-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, a 3-1 winner in Albany tonight.
Binghamton 3 1 1 -- 5
Adirondack 0 0 0 -- 0
First period -- 1, Binghamton, Condra 2 (Hennessy), 5:03. 2, Binghamton, Smith 3 (Hennessy, Condra), 6:57 (pp). 3, Binghamton, Hamel 4 (Bass), 16:19. Penalties -- Baier Bng (tripping), 2:00; Klotz Adk (hooking), 6:11; Curry Adk (interference), 17:28; Karlsson Bng (high-sticking), 19:57.
Second period -- 4, Binghamton, Hamel 5 (Karlsson, Kudelka), 8:54. Penalties -- Karlsson Bng (fighting), 3:10; Clackson Adk (fighting), 3:10; Keller Bng (tripping), 11:43; Keller Bng (holding), 18:42.
Third period -- 5, Binghamton, Smith 4 (Karlsson, St. Pierre), 15:37 (pp). Penalties -- Stephenson Adk (cross-checking), 1:08; Klotz Adk (elbowing), 8:59; Maroon Adk (elbowing), 15:11; Mormina Adk (delay of game), 17:51; O'Brien Bng (hooking), 19:08.
Shots on goal -- Binghamton 12-6-11 -- 29. Adirondack 9-6-6 -- 21.
Power-play opportunities -- Binghamton 2 of 6. Adirondack 0 of 5.
Goalies -- Binghamton, Brodeur 5-3-0 (21 shots-21 saves). Adirondack, Backlund 5-4-0 (29-24).
A -- 3,404.
Referee -- Geno Binda. Linesmen -- Mike Emanatian, Steeve Lemay.
Penguins 3, River Rats 1
Luca Caputi had two goals to back a 38-save effort from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton rookie goaltender Brad Thiessen as the Penguins edged the Albany River Rats, 3-1, tonight at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Ex-Rats forward Ryan Bayda sealed the game on an empty-net goal with 8.5 seconds to play for Wilkes-Barre (8-4-1-1), which has won three in a row.
Defenseman Zack FitzGerald had the lone goal for Albany (7-7-0-2), which was 2-0-0-1 in its last three games. Rookie netminder Mike Murphy had 28 saves and fell to 2-3 this season; both his wins had come on home ice.
"They've given up, I think, 11 goals in the last seven games, so we knew it was going to be a strong defensive battle," Albany head coach-GM Jeff Daniels said. "They don't give up a whole lot. We had more than enough chances to win the game, and we just didn't score.
"Their goalie played well. He played real well. We had a lot of Grade A chances, a lot of quality chances. At the end of the game, (Stefan Chaput)'s all alone in the slot; on the power play we hit the post; he makes another save on (Jay) Harrison sliding across. We had more than enough chances to win that game, but their goalie was first star, and he deserved to be."
Actually, on the official game sheet, Thiessen was somehow named the third star, behind Caputi (No. 1) and FitzGerald (No. 2), even though on the two submitted media ballots, he was listed first on one and second on the other.
It was only the third pro start for Thiessen, an undrafted free agent signing by the Pittsburgh Penguins after three college seasons at Northeastern University. His last appearance came on Nov. 1.
"I thought he played well his first two starts, but he didn't get the result he was looking for," Wilkes-Barre head coach and former Rats defenseman Todd Reirden said. "He does a nice job for a younger guy in terms of composure outside the net. He challenges shooters and he's a confident kid. Our guys knew he was trying pretty had for that first win. I'm happy for him."
WB-Scranton 0 2 1 -- 3
Albany 0 1 0 -- 1
First period -- None. Penalties -- Caffaro, Wbs major (fighting), :04; Goertzen, Alb major (fighting), :04; Brookbank, Wbs major (fighting), 2:29; FitzGerald, Alb major (fighting), 2:29; D'Aversa, Wbs major (fighting), 12:12; Blanchard, Alb major (fighting), 12:12; Guenin, Wbs (cross-checking), 15:09; Guenin, Wbs (interference), 19:20.
Second period -- 1, WB-Scranton, Caputi 6 (Lee, Jeffrey), 3:11 (pp). 2, Albany, FitzGerald 2 (Bellemore, Dwyer), 9:56. 3, WB-Scranton, Caputi 7 (Tangrady, Smith), 12:10. Penalties -- Angelidis, Alb (hooking), 2:52; Pushkarev, Wbs (hooking), 3:39; Boulerice, Wbs major (fighting), 6:00; Herauf, Alb major (fighting), 6:00; Smith, Wbs (roughing),14:49; Herauf, Alb double-minor (roughing, served by Terry), 14:49; Caputi, Wbs (roughing), 19:41; Terry, Alb (roughing), 19:41.
Third period -- 4, WB-Scranton, Bayda 8 (Jeffrey, Strait), 19:51 (en). Penalties -- Smith, Wbs (delay of game), 12:56.
Shots on goal -- WB-Scranton 11-12-8 -- 31. Albany 14-11-14 -- 39.
Goalies -- WB-Scranton, Thiessen 1-2 (39 shots-38 saves). Albany, Murphy 2-3(30-28).
Power-play opportunities -- WB-Scranton 1 of 2. Albany 0 of 4.
A -- 5,141. T -- 2:31.
Referee -- Chris Cozzan. Linesmen -- Jim Briggs, Frank Murphy.
Ex-Rats forward Ryan Bayda sealed the game on an empty-net goal with 8.5 seconds to play for Wilkes-Barre (8-4-1-1), which has won three in a row.
Defenseman Zack FitzGerald had the lone goal for Albany (7-7-0-2), which was 2-0-0-1 in its last three games. Rookie netminder Mike Murphy had 28 saves and fell to 2-3 this season; both his wins had come on home ice.
"They've given up, I think, 11 goals in the last seven games, so we knew it was going to be a strong defensive battle," Albany head coach-GM Jeff Daniels said. "They don't give up a whole lot. We had more than enough chances to win the game, and we just didn't score.
"Their goalie played well. He played real well. We had a lot of Grade A chances, a lot of quality chances. At the end of the game, (Stefan Chaput)'s all alone in the slot; on the power play we hit the post; he makes another save on (Jay) Harrison sliding across. We had more than enough chances to win that game, but their goalie was first star, and he deserved to be."
Actually, on the official game sheet, Thiessen was somehow named the third star, behind Caputi (No. 1) and FitzGerald (No. 2), even though on the two submitted media ballots, he was listed first on one and second on the other.
It was only the third pro start for Thiessen, an undrafted free agent signing by the Pittsburgh Penguins after three college seasons at Northeastern University. His last appearance came on Nov. 1.
"I thought he played well his first two starts, but he didn't get the result he was looking for," Wilkes-Barre head coach and former Rats defenseman Todd Reirden said. "He does a nice job for a younger guy in terms of composure outside the net. He challenges shooters and he's a confident kid. Our guys knew he was trying pretty had for that first win. I'm happy for him."
WB-Scranton 0 2 1 -- 3
Albany 0 1 0 -- 1
First period -- None. Penalties -- Caffaro, Wbs major (fighting), :04; Goertzen, Alb major (fighting), :04; Brookbank, Wbs major (fighting), 2:29; FitzGerald, Alb major (fighting), 2:29; D'Aversa, Wbs major (fighting), 12:12; Blanchard, Alb major (fighting), 12:12; Guenin, Wbs (cross-checking), 15:09; Guenin, Wbs (interference), 19:20.
Second period -- 1, WB-Scranton, Caputi 6 (Lee, Jeffrey), 3:11 (pp). 2, Albany, FitzGerald 2 (Bellemore, Dwyer), 9:56. 3, WB-Scranton, Caputi 7 (Tangrady, Smith), 12:10. Penalties -- Angelidis, Alb (hooking), 2:52; Pushkarev, Wbs (hooking), 3:39; Boulerice, Wbs major (fighting), 6:00; Herauf, Alb major (fighting), 6:00; Smith, Wbs (roughing),14:49; Herauf, Alb double-minor (roughing, served by Terry), 14:49; Caputi, Wbs (roughing), 19:41; Terry, Alb (roughing), 19:41.
Third period -- 4, WB-Scranton, Bayda 8 (Jeffrey, Strait), 19:51 (en). Penalties -- Smith, Wbs (delay of game), 12:56.
Shots on goal -- WB-Scranton 11-12-8 -- 31. Albany 14-11-14 -- 39.
Goalies -- WB-Scranton, Thiessen 1-2 (39 shots-38 saves). Albany, Murphy 2-3(30-28).
Power-play opportunities -- WB-Scranton 1 of 2. Albany 0 of 4.
A -- 5,141. T -- 2:31.
Referee -- Chris Cozzan. Linesmen -- Jim Briggs, Frank Murphy.
River Rats trail after two periods
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Luca Caputi scored twice in the second period to give the Penguins a 2-1 lead over the Albany River Rats after 40 minutes.
Caputi netted his sixth goal of the season at 3:11, and added his seventh at 12:10 for Wilkes-Barre. Defenseman Zack FitzGerald tied the game at 1-1 for Albany on his second goal in 16 games this season at 9:56.
Rookie goaltenders Mike Murphy of Albany (21 saves) and Brad Thiessen of Wilkes-Barre (24 saves) have both been sharp. The Rats are 0-for-3 on the power play; the Pens are 1-for-2.
Wilkes-Barre is 6-0-1-0 when leading after two periods this season; Albany is 1-6 when trailing after two.
Former Union College defenseman Lane Caffaro, playing his second game for Wilkes-Barre in the absence of the recalled Deryk Engelland and Ben Lovejoy, fought Albany's Steve Goertzen just four seconds into the game. There have been four fights overall, three of them in the first period.
Caputi netted his sixth goal of the season at 3:11, and added his seventh at 12:10 for Wilkes-Barre. Defenseman Zack FitzGerald tied the game at 1-1 for Albany on his second goal in 16 games this season at 9:56.
Rookie goaltenders Mike Murphy of Albany (21 saves) and Brad Thiessen of Wilkes-Barre (24 saves) have both been sharp. The Rats are 0-for-3 on the power play; the Pens are 1-for-2.
Wilkes-Barre is 6-0-1-0 when leading after two periods this season; Albany is 1-6 when trailing after two.
Former Union College defenseman Lane Caffaro, playing his second game for Wilkes-Barre in the absence of the recalled Deryk Engelland and Ben Lovejoy, fought Albany's Steve Goertzen just four seconds into the game. There have been four fights overall, three of them in the first period.
River Rats in early East Division battle
The Albany River Rats and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, two of the three teams tied for second place in the AHL's East Division, face off tonight at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Each team has 16 points: Albany is 7-6-0-1 and shows two wins and a shootout loss in its last three games. Wilkes-Barre has won two in a row after losing three straight and is 7-4-1-1. Norfolk (8-7-0-0, 16 points) visits the Rats tomorrow night.
Albany continues to be without defenseman and alternate captain Bryan Rodney, who was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes this week. His spot was filled by alternate captain Brett Carson, who played Wednesday night in Syracuse after breaking his wrist on Oct. 9.
Former Albany captain Tim Conboy, who hasn't played in two weeks, was placed on waivers today by Carolina, and could return to the Rats if he clears. He is on a one-way NHL contract this season.
Rookie goaltender Mike Murphy is making his fifth start of the season and first since Nov. 6. He's opposed by the Pens' Brad Thiessen, who is playing only his third game (Oct. 24, Nov. 1).
Linemates Stefan Chaput (1g, 4a) and Jerome Samson (2g, 3a) are both on three-game point streaks for the Rats. Dustin Jeffrey (1g, 6a) has a five-game streak for Wilkes-Barre.
Wilkes-Barre has several players with local ties on the roster. LW Ryan Bayda had 71 points (36-45) in 76 regular-season games for the Rats from 2006-08. RW Jesse Boulerice (16 games, 2006-07), LW Wade Brookbank (25 games, 2007-08) and D Chris Lee (3 games, 2006-07) each had short AHL stints with Albany, as did Pens head coach Todd Reirden (2 games, 1994-95) ..... With D Deryk Engelland and Ben Lovejoy on recall with Pittsburgh, rookie Lane Caffaro skated in his second game for the Pens. Caffaro played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady.
Here are tonight's lineups:
Albany line combinations: Zach Boychuk-Stefan Chaput-Jerome Samson; Nicolas Blanchard-Mike Angelidis (A)-Pat Dwyer (C); Chris Terry-Nick Dodge-Steve Goertzen; Brad Herauf-Harrison Reed-Matt Pistilli.
Defense pairings: Jay Harrison-Jamie McBain; Zack FitzGerald-Brett Carson (A); Jonathan Paiement-Brett Bellemore.
Scratches: D Benn Olson, RW Drayson Bowman.
Wilkes-Barre line combinations: Ryan Bayda (A)-Dustin Jeffrey-Keven Veilleux; Konstantin Pushkarev-Joe Vitale-Tim Wallace; Wade Brookbank (A)-Zach Sill-Jesse Boulerice; Eric Tangradi-Wyatt Smith (C)-Luca Caputi.
Defense pairings: Jon D'Aversa-Lane Caffaro; Brian Strait-Nate Guenin; Chris Lee-Robert Bortuzzo.
Scratches: C Mark Letestu, RW Chris Conner, RW Nick Johnson, RW Aaron Boogard.
Each team has 16 points: Albany is 7-6-0-1 and shows two wins and a shootout loss in its last three games. Wilkes-Barre has won two in a row after losing three straight and is 7-4-1-1. Norfolk (8-7-0-0, 16 points) visits the Rats tomorrow night.
Albany continues to be without defenseman and alternate captain Bryan Rodney, who was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes this week. His spot was filled by alternate captain Brett Carson, who played Wednesday night in Syracuse after breaking his wrist on Oct. 9.
Former Albany captain Tim Conboy, who hasn't played in two weeks, was placed on waivers today by Carolina, and could return to the Rats if he clears. He is on a one-way NHL contract this season.
Rookie goaltender Mike Murphy is making his fifth start of the season and first since Nov. 6. He's opposed by the Pens' Brad Thiessen, who is playing only his third game (Oct. 24, Nov. 1).
Linemates Stefan Chaput (1g, 4a) and Jerome Samson (2g, 3a) are both on three-game point streaks for the Rats. Dustin Jeffrey (1g, 6a) has a five-game streak for Wilkes-Barre.
Wilkes-Barre has several players with local ties on the roster. LW Ryan Bayda had 71 points (36-45) in 76 regular-season games for the Rats from 2006-08. RW Jesse Boulerice (16 games, 2006-07), LW Wade Brookbank (25 games, 2007-08) and D Chris Lee (3 games, 2006-07) each had short AHL stints with Albany, as did Pens head coach Todd Reirden (2 games, 1994-95) ..... With D Deryk Engelland and Ben Lovejoy on recall with Pittsburgh, rookie Lane Caffaro skated in his second game for the Pens. Caffaro played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady.
Here are tonight's lineups:
Albany line combinations: Zach Boychuk-Stefan Chaput-Jerome Samson; Nicolas Blanchard-Mike Angelidis (A)-Pat Dwyer (C); Chris Terry-Nick Dodge-Steve Goertzen; Brad Herauf-Harrison Reed-Matt Pistilli.
Defense pairings: Jay Harrison-Jamie McBain; Zack FitzGerald-Brett Carson (A); Jonathan Paiement-Brett Bellemore.
Scratches: D Benn Olson, RW Drayson Bowman.
Wilkes-Barre line combinations: Ryan Bayda (A)-Dustin Jeffrey-Keven Veilleux; Konstantin Pushkarev-Joe Vitale-Tim Wallace; Wade Brookbank (A)-Zach Sill-Jesse Boulerice; Eric Tangradi-Wyatt Smith (C)-Luca Caputi.
Defense pairings: Jon D'Aversa-Lane Caffaro; Brian Strait-Nate Guenin; Chris Lee-Robert Bortuzzo.
Scratches: C Mark Letestu, RW Chris Conner, RW Nick Johnson, RW Aaron Boogard.
OTB raises $750 for injured jockey
From Capital OTB:
Albany -- Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation president John Signor announced that the Breeders’ Cup day campaign to raise money for local fallen jockey Michael Straight garnered $750, which will be donated to the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund, earmarked to Michael Straight. Race fans in attendance at the Albany Teletheater on Breeders’ Cup Saturday voluntarily donated $5 apiece to the charitable cause.
“Once again, Capital Region racing fans have demonstrated their generosity and dedication to the athletes who make this sport so great," Signor said. "On behalf of Capital OTB and all the Capital Region donors that made this possible, we want to wish Michael a quick recovery.”
Originally from East Greenbush, Michael Straight was seriously injured in an Aug. 26 spill at Arlington Park, and continues to recover at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
“Thank you to Capital OTB and the Capital District for their continued support," said Matthew Straight, Matthew's brother and fellow rider. "The fundraising during the Breeders Cup was a great indication of how not only the local but the entire racing community can come together in these difficult times. We appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers for our family, and for a full and speedy recovery.”
Albany -- Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation president John Signor announced that the Breeders’ Cup day campaign to raise money for local fallen jockey Michael Straight garnered $750, which will be donated to the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund, earmarked to Michael Straight. Race fans in attendance at the Albany Teletheater on Breeders’ Cup Saturday voluntarily donated $5 apiece to the charitable cause.
“Once again, Capital Region racing fans have demonstrated their generosity and dedication to the athletes who make this sport so great," Signor said. "On behalf of Capital OTB and all the Capital Region donors that made this possible, we want to wish Michael a quick recovery.”
Originally from East Greenbush, Michael Straight was seriously injured in an Aug. 26 spill at Arlington Park, and continues to recover at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
“Thank you to Capital OTB and the Capital District for their continued support," said Matthew Straight, Matthew's brother and fellow rider. "The fundraising during the Breeders Cup was a great indication of how not only the local but the entire racing community can come together in these difficult times. We appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers for our family, and for a full and speedy recovery.”
Dominguez's amazing year continues
Jockey Ramon Dominguez won today's second race at Aqueduct to give him 341 victories in New York in 2009, the second-most by a rider in any single year.
Dominguez, 32, passed retired Hall of Famer Angel Cordero Jr. aboard Freight Forward, giving him 341 wins in 1,417 mounts in New York, with more than $14 million in purse earnings. Cordero won 340 races in 1982.
Another Hall of Famer, Steve Cauthen, holds the all-time single-year record for wins in New York with 433 in 1977. Dominguez would have to average nearly four wins a day in the Aqueducts final 26 scheduled racing days of 2009 to surpass Cauthen.
“I’m very happy that I have been able to do so well in New York,” Dominguez said. “Like I always say, it’s nothing but a reflection of the type of horses that I ride and the support that I get from horsemen and owners. It’s overwhelming, especially with such a colony of great riders here.”
This year in New York, Dominguez has recorded four victories in a day seven times and five victories twice, and has reached three victories 40 times.
Four riders have scored more than 300 wins in a single year at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, two of them twice: Cordero in 1982 (340) and 1983 (309) and Hall of Famer Mike Smith in 1991 (330) and 1993 (313). Eibar Coa won 303 races in 2006.
Earlier this year, Dominguez set a modern-day record for victories at Belmont’s spring/summer meet with 98, six more than Cordero's previous mark dating back to 1982. This year, Dominguez won riding titles at Saratoga Race Course for the first time, Aqueduct Racetrack’s inner track and spring meets, and Belmont's fall meet.
Dominguez, 32, passed retired Hall of Famer Angel Cordero Jr. aboard Freight Forward, giving him 341 wins in 1,417 mounts in New York, with more than $14 million in purse earnings. Cordero won 340 races in 1982.
Another Hall of Famer, Steve Cauthen, holds the all-time single-year record for wins in New York with 433 in 1977. Dominguez would have to average nearly four wins a day in the Aqueducts final 26 scheduled racing days of 2009 to surpass Cauthen.
“I’m very happy that I have been able to do so well in New York,” Dominguez said. “Like I always say, it’s nothing but a reflection of the type of horses that I ride and the support that I get from horsemen and owners. It’s overwhelming, especially with such a colony of great riders here.”
This year in New York, Dominguez has recorded four victories in a day seven times and five victories twice, and has reached three victories 40 times.
Four riders have scored more than 300 wins in a single year at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, two of them twice: Cordero in 1982 (340) and 1983 (309) and Hall of Famer Mike Smith in 1991 (330) and 1993 (313). Eibar Coa won 303 races in 2006.
Earlier this year, Dominguez set a modern-day record for victories at Belmont’s spring/summer meet with 98, six more than Cordero's previous mark dating back to 1982. This year, Dominguez won riding titles at Saratoga Race Course for the first time, Aqueduct Racetrack’s inner track and spring meets, and Belmont's fall meet.
Friday, November 6, 2009
River Rats work overtime to end losing streak
Rookie defenseman Jamie McBain scored a power-play goal 62 seconds into overtime to lift the Albany River Rats past the Lowell Devils, 5-4, tonight at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Former Rats forward Stephen Gionta was penalized for holding 23 seconds into the extra session, setting the stage for McBain's heroics. Rookie goaltender Mike Murphy finished with 25 saves.
Albany, which hosts the rival Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night at 7, had lost four in a row and six of seven games.
The Rats trailed, 3-0, after one period before getting goals from Nicolas Blanchard and Drayson Bowman in the second and Nick Dodge in the third to tie it at 3-3. Lowell took a 4-3 lead with 12:53 left, but Chris Terry forced overtime on an even-strength goal with 5:58 remaining.
Defenseman Jay Harrison, making his River Rats debut after being sent down by the parent Carolina Hurricanes this week, had two assists and was a plus-3. McBain was plus-2 with the winning goal and the primary assist on Terry's equalizer.
Albany alternate captain Mike Angelidis returned to the lineup after missing 11 games with a shoulder injury, suffered in the season opener Oct. 3. He had one shot and a second-period fight with Lowell's Rob Davison.
Attendance was 2,646.
Former Rats forward Stephen Gionta was penalized for holding 23 seconds into the extra session, setting the stage for McBain's heroics. Rookie goaltender Mike Murphy finished with 25 saves.
Albany, which hosts the rival Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night at 7, had lost four in a row and six of seven games.
The Rats trailed, 3-0, after one period before getting goals from Nicolas Blanchard and Drayson Bowman in the second and Nick Dodge in the third to tie it at 3-3. Lowell took a 4-3 lead with 12:53 left, but Chris Terry forced overtime on an even-strength goal with 5:58 remaining.
Defenseman Jay Harrison, making his River Rats debut after being sent down by the parent Carolina Hurricanes this week, had two assists and was a plus-3. McBain was plus-2 with the winning goal and the primary assist on Terry's equalizer.
Albany alternate captain Mike Angelidis returned to the lineup after missing 11 games with a shoulder injury, suffered in the season opener Oct. 3. He had one shot and a second-period fight with Lowell's Rob Davison.
Attendance was 2,646.
Former River Rat arrested
Here is a story from the Connecticut Post, first appearing Thursday night, regarding former Albany River Rats forward Bobby Hughes, who was traded to the New York Islanders organization this summer.
Sound Tiger player charged with sex assault
By Daniel Tepfer
STAFF WRITER
Updated: 11/05/2009 08:03:55 PM EST
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A player for the Sound Tigers hockey team was in custody Thursday after being arrested on sexual assault charges filed in New York.
Robert Hughes, 21, a Canadian citizen, was arrested Wednesday by members of the U.S. Marshal Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force at the Arena at Harbor Yard following a hockey game.
"We waited until the game was over and then walked him out without incident," said police Detective Robert Martin, a member of the task force.
Hughes was arrested on a warrant issued from Bethlehem, N.Y., on charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree criminal sexual act.
He was later brought before Superior Court Judge Joseph Doherty where Hughes agreed to waive extradition to New York.
Assistant State's Attorney Marc Durso urged the judge to order Hughes held on a high bond until New York police come to get him, citing the seriousness of the charges. The judge agreed and ordered Hughes held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Hughes was indicted on the charges last month. The indictment has been sealed and New York law-enforcement officials declined to comment on it.
Hughes, who plays center with the Sound Tigers, was acquired in an Aug. 31 trade by the New York Islanders, the Sound Tigers parent organization, from the Carolina Hurricanes.
"It's a personal issue," Bridgeport Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan said. "There are a lot of unknown entities. This occurred in Albany. We don't have all the information, unfortunately."
Hughes did not practice Thursday with the Sound Tigers. He has played in only four of Bridgeport's first 14 games.
Sound Tiger player charged with sex assault
By Daniel Tepfer
STAFF WRITER
Updated: 11/05/2009 08:03:55 PM EST
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A player for the Sound Tigers hockey team was in custody Thursday after being arrested on sexual assault charges filed in New York.
Robert Hughes, 21, a Canadian citizen, was arrested Wednesday by members of the U.S. Marshal Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force at the Arena at Harbor Yard following a hockey game.
"We waited until the game was over and then walked him out without incident," said police Detective Robert Martin, a member of the task force.
Hughes was arrested on a warrant issued from Bethlehem, N.Y., on charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree criminal sexual act.
He was later brought before Superior Court Judge Joseph Doherty where Hughes agreed to waive extradition to New York.
Assistant State's Attorney Marc Durso urged the judge to order Hughes held on a high bond until New York police come to get him, citing the seriousness of the charges. The judge agreed and ordered Hughes held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Hughes was indicted on the charges last month. The indictment has been sealed and New York law-enforcement officials declined to comment on it.
Hughes, who plays center with the Sound Tigers, was acquired in an Aug. 31 trade by the New York Islanders, the Sound Tigers parent organization, from the Carolina Hurricanes.
"It's a personal issue," Bridgeport Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan said. "There are a lot of unknown entities. This occurred in Albany. We don't have all the information, unfortunately."
Hughes did not practice Thursday with the Sound Tigers. He has played in only four of Bridgeport's first 14 games.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Breeders' Cup eve
Friday begins the two-day Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, being held for the second straight fall over the artificial Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
This, of course, cracks me up. The Breeders' Cup created a Dirt Mile race three years ago at Monmouth Park, but the configuration of the track forced it to be run at a mile and 70 yards. This year and last, it was run on a fake track. It won't be until next year at Churchill Downs that the race will actually be contested on dirt, at one mile.
Friday's races:
1. 1 1/16 miles, $75,000 allowance optional claiming
2. 6 1/2 furlongs, $75,000 allowance optional claiming
3. 1 3/4 miles, $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon
4. 1 mile, $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
5. 1 1/16 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
6. 1 1/4 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
(race includes Maram, last year's BC JFTurf winner, trained by Mechanicville native Chad Brown)
7. 7 furlongs, Grade 1 $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
8. 1 1/8 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic
9. 1 mile, Grade 2 $200,000 Las Palmas Handicap (turf)
Saturday's races:
1. 7 furlongs, $100,000 Damascus
2. 1 mile, Grade 2 $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
3. About 6 1/2 furlongs, $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
(race includes Silver Timber, trained by Brown)
4. 6 furlongs, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint
5. 1 1/16 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile
6. 1 mile, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (turf)
7. 1 mile, Grade 1 $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (see above)
8. 1 1/2 miles, Grade 1 $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf
9. 1 1/4 miles, Grade 1 $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic
10. 1 1/8 miles, Grade 2 $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (turf)
********************
Though superfilly Rachel Alexandra will be absent on the weekend, it should be a tremendous show, highlighted by the Classic, which should more than live up to its name.
The race features 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird; 2008 Travers winner Colonel John; 2009 Jockey Club Gold Cup, Travers and Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird (the first horse to sweep all three in 20 years); undefeated 5-year-old mare Zenyatta, who is 13-0 lifetime and taking on the boys for the first time; Group 1 winner Twice Over; Grade 1 winner Richard's Kid; Gio Ponti, a multiple Grade 1 winner on turf; Einstein, a Grade 1 winner on turf and synthetics; Girolamo, a winner of three straight including the Grade 2 Jerome; multiple Group 1-winning English import Rip Van Winkle; Grade 2 Super Derby and UAE Derby winner Regal Ransom; record-setting Florida Derby (G1) and Amsterdam (G2) winner Quality Road; and California-based stakes winner Awesome Gem, making his 31st career start.
Mine That Bird will be seeking to become the fifth Kentucky Derby winner and first since Unbridled in 1990 to win the Classic. The other three were Ferdinand, Alysheba and Sunday Silence, although Ferdinand and Alysheba were both 4 when they won.
Zenyatta is attempting to become the first female to win the Classic. She is the fourth to try it, and the first to be installed as the program favorite (she's 5-2).
The best finish for a Classic filly came courtesy of Jolypha, who was third in 1992.
This, of course, cracks me up. The Breeders' Cup created a Dirt Mile race three years ago at Monmouth Park, but the configuration of the track forced it to be run at a mile and 70 yards. This year and last, it was run on a fake track. It won't be until next year at Churchill Downs that the race will actually be contested on dirt, at one mile.
Friday's races:
1. 1 1/16 miles, $75,000 allowance optional claiming
2. 6 1/2 furlongs, $75,000 allowance optional claiming
3. 1 3/4 miles, $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon
4. 1 mile, $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
5. 1 1/16 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
6. 1 1/4 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
(race includes Maram, last year's BC JFTurf winner, trained by Mechanicville native Chad Brown)
7. 7 furlongs, Grade 1 $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
8. 1 1/8 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic
9. 1 mile, Grade 2 $200,000 Las Palmas Handicap (turf)
Saturday's races:
1. 7 furlongs, $100,000 Damascus
2. 1 mile, Grade 2 $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
3. About 6 1/2 furlongs, $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
(race includes Silver Timber, trained by Brown)
4. 6 furlongs, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint
5. 1 1/16 miles, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile
6. 1 mile, Grade 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (turf)
7. 1 mile, Grade 1 $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (see above)
8. 1 1/2 miles, Grade 1 $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf
9. 1 1/4 miles, Grade 1 $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic
10. 1 1/8 miles, Grade 2 $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (turf)
********************
Though superfilly Rachel Alexandra will be absent on the weekend, it should be a tremendous show, highlighted by the Classic, which should more than live up to its name.
The race features 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird; 2008 Travers winner Colonel John; 2009 Jockey Club Gold Cup, Travers and Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird (the first horse to sweep all three in 20 years); undefeated 5-year-old mare Zenyatta, who is 13-0 lifetime and taking on the boys for the first time; Group 1 winner Twice Over; Grade 1 winner Richard's Kid; Gio Ponti, a multiple Grade 1 winner on turf; Einstein, a Grade 1 winner on turf and synthetics; Girolamo, a winner of three straight including the Grade 2 Jerome; multiple Group 1-winning English import Rip Van Winkle; Grade 2 Super Derby and UAE Derby winner Regal Ransom; record-setting Florida Derby (G1) and Amsterdam (G2) winner Quality Road; and California-based stakes winner Awesome Gem, making his 31st career start.
Mine That Bird will be seeking to become the fifth Kentucky Derby winner and first since Unbridled in 1990 to win the Classic. The other three were Ferdinand, Alysheba and Sunday Silence, although Ferdinand and Alysheba were both 4 when they won.
Zenyatta is attempting to become the first female to win the Classic. She is the fourth to try it, and the first to be installed as the program favorite (she's 5-2).
The best finish for a Classic filly came courtesy of Jolypha, who was third in 1992.
River Rats roster shrinks; facial hair grows
Albany River Rats rookie forward Zach Boychuk was recalled by the parent Carolina Hurricanes today, and is expected to be in the lineup for his NHL season debut on Friday against Toronto.
Boychuk, 20, has nine points (4g, 5a) in 12 games for Albany in his first full pro season. He made his AHL debut with an assist in two games for the Rats last spring, after making his NHL debut for the Canes.
Both Tuomo Ruutu and Ray Whitney suffered upper body injuries in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Florida, and are listed as day-to-day, along with forward Eric Staal. The Canes summoned center Brandon Sutter from Albany last week.
”(Boychuk) has played well there,” Rutherford told the team's 'Tracking the Storm' blog. “There are a few guys that have played well and deserve the opportunity, but this is a good time for him to get some experience here. He’s a guy that has a chance to score, and for the most part he’s played pretty well down there.”
The Canes are winless in 10 games. Albany, which has lost four in a row and six of seven, hosts the Lowell Devils on Friday and the rival Adirondack Phantoms on Saturday at the former Knickerbocker Arena. Game time for both is 7 p.m.
********************
Albany players and staff are taking part in the 3rd annual "Movember" campaign all this month to raise for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Participating team members will don mustaches for the cause, and the team is asking fans to join in by growing out their lip fur and then making a donation via a team-imposed “Moustache Tax” through the Movember website at http://us.movember.com/mospace/323750/.
Follicly challenged fans can still support the campaign by purchasing a fake moustache, courtesy of The Party Warehouse, at the Time Warner Cable Fan Relations Center on the former Knickerbocker Arena concourse during all November home games.
Boychuk, 20, has nine points (4g, 5a) in 12 games for Albany in his first full pro season. He made his AHL debut with an assist in two games for the Rats last spring, after making his NHL debut for the Canes.
Both Tuomo Ruutu and Ray Whitney suffered upper body injuries in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Florida, and are listed as day-to-day, along with forward Eric Staal. The Canes summoned center Brandon Sutter from Albany last week.
”(Boychuk) has played well there,” Rutherford told the team's 'Tracking the Storm' blog. “There are a few guys that have played well and deserve the opportunity, but this is a good time for him to get some experience here. He’s a guy that has a chance to score, and for the most part he’s played pretty well down there.”
The Canes are winless in 10 games. Albany, which has lost four in a row and six of seven, hosts the Lowell Devils on Friday and the rival Adirondack Phantoms on Saturday at the former Knickerbocker Arena. Game time for both is 7 p.m.
********************
Albany players and staff are taking part in the 3rd annual "Movember" campaign all this month to raise for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Participating team members will don mustaches for the cause, and the team is asking fans to join in by growing out their lip fur and then making a donation via a team-imposed “Moustache Tax” through the Movember website at http://us.movember.com/mospace/323750/.
Follicly challenged fans can still support the campaign by purchasing a fake moustache, courtesy of The Party Warehouse, at the Time Warner Cable Fan Relations Center on the former Knickerbocker Arena concourse during all November home games.
Capital OTB Breeders' Cup events to benefit injured jockey
The Capital District Off-Track Betting Corp. is offering several promotions for Friday and Saturday's Breeders' Cup program at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., including a benefit for injured East Greenbush jockey Michael Straight.
Fans in attendance on Saturday at the Albany Teletheater can donate $5 to the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund to go to Straight. The first 200 will get a free copy of superfilly Rachel Alexandra.
Straight was critically injured on Aug. 26 at Arlington Park and is continuing his recovery at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Here are the OTB's Breeders' Cup promotions for fans:
Steven Crist’s $6,000 Ultra Pick 6 Bet Giveaway
DRF’s own Steven Crist will be given a $6,000 bankroll by the six New York State OTBs to take on the Breeders’ Cup Ultra Pick 6. Five (5) Capital Bets account holders, and twenty-five (25) more from New York’s regional OTBs will win a share of Mr. Crist’s $6,000 Ultra Pick 6 bet! Thirty (30) horseplayers will share in any winnings from Mr. Crist’s Pick 6 wager. Interested patrons may log on to www.otbpick6.com for details on how to participate.
Breeders Cup ONLINE Fantasy Showdown
Interested Capital Bets account holders may log on to www.CAPITALOTB.com and participate in the FREE two-day handicapping showdown. Handicappers will go head-to-head on Friday and Saturday’s 14 Breeders’ Cup races, with accumulative points awarded for contestants’ individual win/place/show selections. Prizes include a Dell Laptop, a Breeders’ Cup Gift Pack, and a $150 gift card to Prime at Saratoga National.
Fans in attendance on Saturday at the Albany Teletheater can donate $5 to the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund to go to Straight. The first 200 will get a free copy of superfilly Rachel Alexandra.
Straight was critically injured on Aug. 26 at Arlington Park and is continuing his recovery at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Here are the OTB's Breeders' Cup promotions for fans:
Steven Crist’s $6,000 Ultra Pick 6 Bet Giveaway
DRF’s own Steven Crist will be given a $6,000 bankroll by the six New York State OTBs to take on the Breeders’ Cup Ultra Pick 6. Five (5) Capital Bets account holders, and twenty-five (25) more from New York’s regional OTBs will win a share of Mr. Crist’s $6,000 Ultra Pick 6 bet! Thirty (30) horseplayers will share in any winnings from Mr. Crist’s Pick 6 wager. Interested patrons may log on to www.otbpick6.com for details on how to participate.
Breeders Cup ONLINE Fantasy Showdown
Interested Capital Bets account holders may log on to www.CAPITALOTB.com and participate in the FREE two-day handicapping showdown. Handicappers will go head-to-head on Friday and Saturday’s 14 Breeders’ Cup races, with accumulative points awarded for contestants’ individual win/place/show selections. Prizes include a Dell Laptop, a Breeders’ Cup Gift Pack, and a $150 gift card to Prime at Saratoga National.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Harrison joins Rats; Phantom suspended; AHL monthly awards
Defenseman Jay Harrison, who earned a spot on the Carolina Hurricanes roster out of training camp, was assigned to the Albany River Rats today.
The 27-year-old former Maple Leafs farmhand had played in 10 of the Canes' first 13 games, averaging 12:05 of ice time with three points (1g, 2a) and 27 penalty minutes.
A veteran of 376 AHL games with the St. John's Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies, Harrison will help fill the void left by injured alternate captain Brett Carson on the blue line. Harrison is expected to make his Albany debut when the Rats host Binghamton on Wednesday at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Also today, Albany returned forward Jacob Micflikier to ECHL Florida. The small and speedy winger had a goal and was plus-2 in three games for the Rats, scoring 24 points (10g, 14a) in just 10 games with the Everblades.
********************
Adirondack Phantoms defenseman Logan Stephenson was handed an automatic one-game suspension by the AHL today for being assessed an instigating minor in the final five minutes of the third period on Sunday vs. Syracuse.
Stephenson fought Crunch forward Tom Sestito with 3:33 remaining in a 5-0 Phantoms victory at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Both were given minor penalties (Sestito's for interference), fighting majors and ejected; Sestito's game misconduct came under rule 47.5 for persisting in a fight.
Hours before the suspension became official, Adirondack recalled rookie defenseman David Sloane from the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings. Sloane, 24, had two points (0g, 2a), four penalty minutes and was plus-4 in five games.
The Phantoms play at Bridgeport on Wednesday.
********************
The AHL announced its monthly award winners for October. They are:
Top rookie: Rochester's Alexander Salak went 6-0, 1.66 and .947 in his first seven AHL games after making his NHL debut for the Florida Panthers on Oct. 9. Salak, 22, was AHL player of the week on Oct. 26.
Also nominated for top rookie were Adirondack defenseman Kevin Marshall and Albany forward Zach Boychuk.
Top goalie: Manchester's Jonathan Bernier went 6-1, 1.29, .963 with two shutouts in seven appearances, including 35 saves in a season-opening 6-3 win at Albany on Oct. 3.
Johan Backlund of Adirondack, Justin Peters of Albany and ex-Rat Tyler Weiman of Lake Erie were also nominated.
Top player: Hershey's Alexandre Giroux had 14 points (7g, 7a) and was plus-9 in seven games for the defending Calder Cup champions. Despite missing four of Hershey’s first 11 games, Giroux leads the team in assists (7), points (14) and plus/minus (+9) and is tied for the club lead in goals (7) and game-winners (2) heading into November.
Phantoms center Jon Matsumoto, Rats winger Jerome Samson, and ex-Albany forwards Chris Minard of Springfield and Ryan Bayda of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton were also nominated.
The 27-year-old former Maple Leafs farmhand had played in 10 of the Canes' first 13 games, averaging 12:05 of ice time with three points (1g, 2a) and 27 penalty minutes.
A veteran of 376 AHL games with the St. John's Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies, Harrison will help fill the void left by injured alternate captain Brett Carson on the blue line. Harrison is expected to make his Albany debut when the Rats host Binghamton on Wednesday at the former Knickerbocker Arena.
Also today, Albany returned forward Jacob Micflikier to ECHL Florida. The small and speedy winger had a goal and was plus-2 in three games for the Rats, scoring 24 points (10g, 14a) in just 10 games with the Everblades.
********************
Adirondack Phantoms defenseman Logan Stephenson was handed an automatic one-game suspension by the AHL today for being assessed an instigating minor in the final five minutes of the third period on Sunday vs. Syracuse.
Stephenson fought Crunch forward Tom Sestito with 3:33 remaining in a 5-0 Phantoms victory at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Both were given minor penalties (Sestito's for interference), fighting majors and ejected; Sestito's game misconduct came under rule 47.5 for persisting in a fight.
Hours before the suspension became official, Adirondack recalled rookie defenseman David Sloane from the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings. Sloane, 24, had two points (0g, 2a), four penalty minutes and was plus-4 in five games.
The Phantoms play at Bridgeport on Wednesday.
********************
The AHL announced its monthly award winners for October. They are:
Top rookie: Rochester's Alexander Salak went 6-0, 1.66 and .947 in his first seven AHL games after making his NHL debut for the Florida Panthers on Oct. 9. Salak, 22, was AHL player of the week on Oct. 26.
Also nominated for top rookie were Adirondack defenseman Kevin Marshall and Albany forward Zach Boychuk.
Top goalie: Manchester's Jonathan Bernier went 6-1, 1.29, .963 with two shutouts in seven appearances, including 35 saves in a season-opening 6-3 win at Albany on Oct. 3.
Johan Backlund of Adirondack, Justin Peters of Albany and ex-Rat Tyler Weiman of Lake Erie were also nominated.
Top player: Hershey's Alexandre Giroux had 14 points (7g, 7a) and was plus-9 in seven games for the defending Calder Cup champions. Despite missing four of Hershey’s first 11 games, Giroux leads the team in assists (7), points (14) and plus/minus (+9) and is tied for the club lead in goals (7) and game-winners (2) heading into November.
Phantoms center Jon Matsumoto, Rats winger Jerome Samson, and ex-Albany forwards Chris Minard of Springfield and Ryan Bayda of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton were also nominated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)