The Amerks wrapped up training camp this morning at the always freezing cold ESL Centre in Henrietta. The team will also finish there preseason with a game tonight in Syracuse against the Crunch at the On Center. The puck drops just after 7pm and I’ll be there. Tickets are $5, no idea if they’ll charge more at the door.
The Florida Panthers today placed Jeff Taffe on waivers. There’s very little chance he’ll be claimed off of waivers based on his current contract. He’s signed to a two way deal this season and a one way NHL deal in 2010/2011. I doubt an NHL team see’s that much value in him, or at least we can hope. I’ll try to find out tonight if there’s any chance he’ll fly back on his own to join the Amerks.
Tonight’s game is an opportunity for the first two lines to try and continue building some chemistry on the ice. It’s also a game for a few players to get a last look by the team prior to either being released or offered deals to go play with the Everblades.
The line of Dadonov, Taylor, and Mink looks to be our top line again. They skate fast, pass the puck often, and go to the net.
McArdle, Johnson, and York on line 2. Sweetland, Morrison, and Oreskovich on the third line.
Jimmy Bonneau and Trevor Gillies will be looking for some more fights tonight against the Crunch to guarantee themselves a spot on the roster. They’ll be joined by Benjamin Breault.
Jon Mirasty is expected in the lineup for the Crunch. Hopefully he has the green light to drop the gloves.
Tyler Plante and Ryan Mior will be in net.
On defense we’ll see Clay Wilson, Mike Caruso, Keaton Ellerby, Jordan Henry, Jon Landry, and Matt Duffy.
For live scores and stats visit: http://ahltraining.leaguestat.com/stats/schedule.php
