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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
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.
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