It’s game day in Rochester and the Amerks are on the ice for their morning skate getting warmed up. It’s an exciting day for one big reason, “the record.” That’s something that matters to just about everyone but the players and coaches. That’s something you can believe.
Until it’s been mentioned to the team about the record for longest winning streak they had no idea. It’s one game at a time. They’re not satisfied until the game is over and they’ve won. At that point it’s time to correct mistakes that were made and move on to the next game. It’s an exciting time to be an Amerks fan.
Tyler Plante finished practice today but will likely sit out tonights game. Chris Beckford-Tseu will likely be the backup on the bench again.
Alexander Salak has been consistent and is ranked 6th in the AHL of all goaltenders. I’m holding off on saying he’s been on a “hot streak” because even though he is, the more accurate description I think is consistent. He’s become a hot topic in the world of goaltenders with his unique style.
The only player not on the ice was Shawn Matthias is just under the weather.
There’s no school tomorrow so get the kids ready and head out to the game! It sounds as if the party deck will be full tonight. The team will have some corporate guests who are going to help spread the word in the business community about the Amerks. It’s also Veterans Day tomorrow so the team has a buy one get one special, scroll to the bottom for info on tonights promotion.
Some expected lines tonight:
Mink, Taylor, Dadonov
York, Johnson, Duco
Taffe, Brine, Repik
Bonneau, Sweetland, Calla (if Matthias can play swap him with Sweetland)
Here’s some links and news from elsewhere worth noting:
** Channel 8/FOX will be LIVE from the arena at 5:45 and 6:20pm tonight. Pretty good prime coverage finally. Unless it’s the Buffalo Bills you have to be a winner to make headlines.
** “Enthusiasm, Commitment, Attention to detail, Pride, Redemption” are words that are a part of the teams mission statement. It’s on the back of blue Amerks tshirts the team wears to have an identity. It’s something the players came up with, not just the coaches. (Source: Hockey O-Zone)
** “Nolan rooting for Rochester Americans repeat of 25 years ago” is a great column by Bob Matthews in the D&C looking back at the Rochester Americans 1984/1985 season.
** The AHL Weekly is a great weekly read to keep up with teams around the league.
** Mike Brodeur was named Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending November 8, 2009. Brodeur stopped 94 of 96 shots in three appearances last week, good for a 0.67 goals-against average and a .979 save percentage. (Source: TheAHL.com)
** Trevor Gillies was suspended for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers game on November 8, 2009. Gillies received an automatic one-game suspension under AHL Rule 23.3 for accumulating his third game misconduct in the general category this season. Gillies plays hard.. I know a lot of us had wanted Gillies or Sgroi signed to this time it’s appearing as if Jimmy Bonneau will be just fine and does not have the other “baggage” those guys apparently come with.
**We talk about the Amerks being hot but the Texas Stars and Hamilton Bulldogs are not too far behind. The Amerks do not play any Western Division teams so if they ever have to play Texas it’ll be in the post season.
Promotions: Tonight’s game falls on a Veteran’s Day Special. In conjunction with the United States Marine Corps, the Amerks are offering a buy one, get one ticket special to all active military members and veterans. The buy one, get one offer is good for any seating area and can be purchased at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office with the presentation of a Military ID, VA Card or an American Legion or VFW membership card.
In honor of Veteran’s Day (November 11th), the Amerks will have a United States Marine Corps Color Guard present the colors for the singing of the American National anthem. Additionally, the Marines will have a table setup in the upper atrium lobby where fans can pick up information and promotional items. Fans can also watch a video during the game of The Amerks’ Moose completing training exercises with members of the Marine Corps.
