Amerks Add Rob Bordson to the Lineup from Trenton; Gameday Notes

The Amerks have been in need of players and offense and they’ve acquired Rob Bordson on loan from the Trenton Titans in hopes he could be that guy.  Bordson is a 23yr old 2nd year pro who plays left wing.  In his short career he’s already been traded from the Ducks to the Flyers (along with Danny Syvret for David Laliberte and Patrick Maroon) and then to the Kings (was bundled in the Mike Richards trade).  The Kings didn’t offer him a qualifying contract this past summer at which pointed he signed in the fall with the Trenton Titans of the ECHL.

The Amerks will be losing a player, Paul Szczechura has been called up.  He was on the ice for the Amerks morning skate but it sounds like someone (maybe Gaustad?) isn’t ready to play in Buffalo.

(gameday notes below)

He’s player that was on the list that Ron Rolston had talked about on Thursday and they’re going to give him a look.  Rolston said he looks to have some skills up front that they need and that he’ll be playing.  Bordson has been putting up some numbers with Trenton scoring goals and making plays, two places this Amerks team needs assistance.  Bordson has a chance to make his mark on the lineup in the same way that Evan Rankin has and stick around longer.

You can’t really tell how a player will be in a game based on practice but watching him during practice this morning he has some speed.  If he puts that speed to use and can make some plays he’ll be a positive addition to the lineup.

Here’s an armchair scouting report from Anaheim Calling:

 But the kid really showed his chops and playmaking ability on the man advantage, where he and UMD’s plethora of small forwards put together one of the most dangerous power plays in the country.

And that’s where Bordson is most valuable.  In open space with great finishers, he’s a skilled playmaker.  His talent otherwise, at least at this weight and confidence level, is largely untested, but as a player who has recently recommitted himself to improving his game, you can’t assume he’s done improving.

Read the rest on Anaheim Calling.

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM +/- GP G A Pts PIM
2006-07 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders USHL 47 6 29 35 26 4 5 0 1 1 2
2007-08 U. of Minnesota-Duluth WCHA 27 1 6 7 6
2008-09 U. of Minnesota-Duluth WCHA 15 0 0 0 6
2009-10 U. of Minnesota-Duluth WCHA 40 12 28 40 18
2010-11 Syracuse Crunch AHL 15 1 2 3 4 -3
2010-11 Adirondack Phantoms AHL 61 7 14 21 28 13
2011-12 Trenton Titans* ECHL 17 9 12 21 16 6

Hockey DB stats

Gameday notes:

Drew MacIntyre will be starting in net for the Amerks.

Travis Turnbull and Dennis Persson are back in the lineup returning from injuries.

Joe Finley wasn’t at Sabres practice this morning so it’s likely he’s on his way back and could play tonight.  Nothing official has been announced but if he wasn’t there he has to be on his way back.

TJ Brennan is not playing but did participate in a full practice with the team which is a good sign in regards to his “upper body injury” or simply UBI as they’re being referred to now.

The Devils will be without Matt Taormina and Alexander Urbom who were called up by the New Jersey Devils this morning.

Pack the barn, see you at the game!  For any more updates throughout the day stay bookmark or follow Twitter.com/LetsGoAmerks.