Toronto Loss, Jakaitis Injury, Equip Manager, Rolston’s Wife and More

Welcome to a post with a few links to get caught up!  A lot of these things are posted on Twitter @LetsGoAmerks but I realize not everyone stays caught up with or even uses Twitter.  Here’s seven bits of information and links that are worth checking out and getting caught up on if you’ve missed them.

The Toronto Marlies beat the Amerks by the score of 4-3 on Wednesday morning in a kids school day game.  The score makes it look like a close game but the 3rd goal by the Amerks was scored with just under 3 seconds left in regulation.  Zack Kassian scored two goals in the game, Maxime Legault scored the other.  The Amerks spent too much time killing penalties which took away energy and momentum to try and get anything going.  Prior to the game the Marlies had a four point lead in the standings but after the win they increased that to six points. (Link: Read More from Kevin O )

Paul Szczechura was named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 5, 2012.  Szczechura notched an assist in Rochester’s 3-0 win over Abbotsford on Feb. 2, and scored the game-tying goal in the third period as the Amerks earned a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Heat the next night. Finally, Szczechura scored both the game-tying and game-winning goals in a 5-4 overtime win at Syracuse on Feb. 4, capping a four-point night and his first career hat trick. (Link: Read More from The AHL )

The Amerks have lost their third goalie due to a season ending injury.  At the start of the season Jeff Jakaitis was signed to a one year American Hockey League contract in case of an injury or call up to Drew MacIntyre or David Leggio.  Jakaitis suffered a leg injury after being run into by Road Warriors forward Brandon Wong.  If the season were to have concluded this past Tuesday, Jakaitis would finish tied for third in wins (17), first in shutouts (5), second in goals against average (2.03), and second in save percentage (.930) in the ECHL.  Tough loss for the Gladiators.  Based on his numbers I’d expect the Sabres to give him another look next season as a backup to David Leggio in Rochester.  (Link: Read more from the Gwinnett Gladiators )

There’s a great article in herRochester (part if the D&C) that introduces Shannon Rolston, wife of Amerks head coach Ron Rolston.  (Link: Read more from herRochester.com )

Every time a player breaks a stick, needs his skates sharpened, his gloves dried or any other equipment adjustment it’s the responsibility of Ben Laing, equipment manager for the Rochester Americans.  (Link: Read more from the D&C )

The 2013 American Hockey League All-Star Game is headed to Providence, Rhode Island.  The game will be hosted by the Providence Bruins at the Dunkin Donuts Center.  All-Star weekend is a great time to hang out with a lot of hockey fans, see some mediocre hockey and go on a road trip.  (Link: Read more from The AHL )

The Syracuse Crunch have a new goaltender, veteran Antero Niittymaki.  He has been limited in playing time with the Worcester Sharks due to a hip injury and was loaned to the Crunch.  (Link: Read more from Syracuse.com and here )