It’s a Monday in January in the American Hockey League which means a bunch of player movement. The biggest news out of the Amerks was that Bates Battaglia was released from his PTO. Sometimes it can be said that a guy fit a role filling in where needed and at least kept the bench warm but not in this case. Battaglia did nothing. One goal and two assists in 20 games. Ouch.
Great way to compare things from Kevin O:
To put in perspective what Battaglia accomplished, it’s best to look at production for other players. Brady Calla scored 2-2-4 in 17 games. Chris Clackson had 2-2-4 in 16 games. Ryan Del Monte scored 3-3-6 in 21 games. David Marshall had 2-0-2 in nine games. Those four are all in the ECHL.
The Panthers also sent Jacob Markstrom and Clay Wilson back to the Amerks. Markstrom was tagged with a loss yesterday against the Devils in Florida after coming in during the second period to relieve Clemmenson. Dmitry Kulikov is expected back in the lineup so Clay Wilson was no longer needed.
With the return of Wilson the Amerks sent Brian O’Hanley back to the Cyclones. O’Hanley scored the only goal for the Amerks on Saturday against the Hershey Bears.
Ben Gordon will be added to the lineup tomorrow from the Reading Royals. In 39 games with the Royals he has 19 goals and 23 assists. As with any ECHL callup, we’ll hope he can produce in the AHL as much as he is in the ECHL.
The Amerks are back home on Wednesday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins and again Friday night against the Mantioba Moose.
