Home
»
Posts tagged 'AHL All-Star Classic'

Posts Tagged ‘AHL All-Star Classic’

2012 AHL All-Star Game Coverage; Joe Crozier Hall of Fame Induction

January 28, 2012 - By
2012 AHL All-Star Game Coverage; Joe Crozier Hall of Fame Induction

The 2012 American Hockey League is holding it’s All-Star festivities this Sunday and Monday in Atlantic City and I’ll be travelling down there to cover the event.  I’ll have news on everything from the skills competition, the All-Star game itself, the state of the league address and also the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.  I’ll also talk to Zack Kassian who is representing the Rochester Americans.

Keep LetsGoAmerks.com bookmarked, follow me on Twitter @LetsGoAmerks, on Facebook.com/LetsGoAmerks and also through my Android and iPhone applications.

One of the highlights will be Joe Crozier being inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame on Monday morning.  The Rochester Americans have won six Calder Cups in the history of the team and out of those six Joe Crozier has won three.  Crozier coached the Amerks to Championships in the 1964/1965, 1965/1966 and 1967/1968 seasons.  He also returned to coach the Amerks during the 1983/1984 season and coached that team to the finals.  Ask a long time Amerks fan and Joe Crozier is one of the first names they’ll mention.

More on Joe Crozier from The AHL:

One of the most identifiable figures in the annals of the Rochester Americans, [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι Categories: Amerks

Brayden McNabb Picked for the AHL All-Star Game.. Why Whitmore Was Not

January 5, 2012 - By
Brayden McNabb Picked for the AHL All-Star Game.. Why Whitmore Was Not

It was somewhat surprising when the American Hockey League announced the playing roster for the AHL All-Star Game later this month in Atlantic City and Brayden McNabb was listed as representing the Amerks.  That’s not meant to take anything away from McNabb.  The obvious choice was Derek Whitmore but that was without looking at statistics around the league.  McNabb has been playing with the Sabres since November 26th and is making a big case for himself to stay up there as long as possible.

Brayden McNabb played in the first 19 games of the season for the Amerks scoring one goal and putting nine assists on the scorecard.  There’s a reason the rookie was called up to the Sabres and has stayed up there, he’s a good defenseman.  Well, the other reason was that no one else was ready so he got the call and he proved himself.  TJ Brennan was already called up and Joe Finley didn’t have an NHL deal at the time.

Will McNabb play in the game?  If he’s back in Rochester by January 28th, yes he will.  If he’s still with the Sabres he will not.  Well, that’s my guess at least.  It’s doubtful a [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι Categories: Amerks

Listen to the AHL State of the League Address

January 22, 2010 - By

I posted a recap of the 2010 AHL State of the League Address on Tuesday that gave the general idea of what was discussed but here’s the audio you’d like to listen to the whole thing.  I know it’s just what you were looking for to listen to at the gym over the weekend.

I recorded the audio into mp3′s during the All-Star game and will be honest in saying I did not listen to the whole thing but the quality should be pretty good the whole way through.

Andrews goes into a lot more detail about what was discussed and you may even be able to “read between the lines” on some things talked about.

Thanks to Bob and Jason over at The Power Play Post Show for hosting the files.

Listen Part 1: MP3
Listen Part 2: MP3

Tags: ι Categories: Amerks

AHL Mascots Help Clear Snow and Entertain Fans

January 21, 2010 - By

One aspect of the AHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition that probably doesn’t get all that much air time is the impact that the mascots have on the crowd.  They entertain fans inside and outside of the building on both days.

Yes, I am writing an article about people wearing costumes.  As I talked to a lot of people at the event it seemed like everyone enjoyed them but they (adults) were not sure if they should admit to it or not.

The Portland Pirates have two mascots, Crackers and Salty Pete.  The city of Portland received over a foot of snow the night before the skills competition so of course there was a lot of digging out to do.  On his way to the arena we caught Crackers helping out a local business with clearing snow off of the sidewalk.

You can view a full gallery of pictures of the mascots we took during the two day event below.

T-Bone from the San Antonio Rampage was clearly the fan favorite during the event as he performed around the arena.  At one point during the game a section chanted his name [...]Read More

Tags: ι Categories: Amerks

It's the Little Things; Graham Mink Makes a Fans Day

January 20, 2010 - By

Sometimes all you need is a picture and no other words need to go along with it, check out the smile on the face of that girl as Graham Mink was handing out pieces from the accuracy shooting contest.  It’s a moment the girl and those other kids will probably never forget.

Tags: ι Categories: Amerks

Higlights from the Annual State of the League Address

January 19, 2010 - By

On the second day of the All-Star event the President and CEO of the AHL David Andrews stands in front of the media to talk about the league and answer questions everyone has.  It was a smaller group of the media this year than last year.  That was one of the first things Andrews commented on was the lack of beat writers and a sign of the times with print media.

Edit: Thanks for checking out the site, this was a rough draft of everything covered.  If you would like to listen to the entire state of the league address you can download it here:

Listen Part 1: MP3 // Listen Part 2: MP3

I’ll run down just about every topic covered, starting with a few things that could directly impact Amerks fans.

– There are no plans right now to move Rochester to the East.  That could obviously change if a new team comes into the league and depending where they are but as of right now the layout of teams next year will be the same as this year.

– There will not be a reduction [...]Read More

Tags: ι Categories: Amerks

Live from the Heavily Sponsored AHL Skills Competition

January 18, 2010 - By

The skills competition is an interesting event to watch as players try and show off their best moves and skating abilities.

Somehow these All-Star events are able to sell a million sponsorship deals for every event and announcement but I’m yet to sell a single ad here (although I have never tried).

Heading into the Reebok Fastest Skater competition Bobby Sanguinetti of the Hartford Wolfpack was asked What’s they key to winning this?  He answered, “Don’t fall!”

Bobby Sanguinetti followed up his comment by going out and setting a new AHL record with 13.677 seconds in the competition.  The previous record was set by Ralph Intranuovo with 13.683 seconds in 1996.

Alexandre Salak allowed 4 goals in the and the posts made 2 key saves in the Rapid Fire competition.  To be fair, the goalies have everything going against them in this competition.  They have to quickly go from side to side as each player fires pucks at them.  Top corner glove side was weak for each goalie.

Keaton Ellerby is about to participate in the Reebok Hardest Shot competition.  It’s unlikely he’ll beat any sort of record here but maybe we’re in for a surprise.

[...]Read More

Tags: ι ι Categories: Amerks

Graham Mink is Playing; Exchanges Words with Ellerby

January 18, 2010 - By

The “Insert Sponsor Name Here” skills competition is set to begin soon and to answer the number one question of Amerks fans, yes Graham Mink is going to be taking part in at least the skills competition.  So now you’re asking, how is he able to play in what many consider a silly exibition event but not with his team that needs him?  Easy, he doesn’t have to worry about anyone hitting him tonight.  He said he’ll see how it goes tonight and make a decision for tomorrow.

As for the fun words exchanged with Keaton Ellerby, I asked him about having to skate against Ellerby and Mink replied with, “that’s easy, I dominate him during every practice.”

So I headed over to the Team Canada locker room and told Ellerby what Mink had said.  Keaton replied with, “tell Mink that if he comes near me I’m going to hit him hard into the boards.”

And then I walked back over to PlanetUSA’s locker room to tell Mink.  “Yea if by hit me you mean give me a kiss, no problem,” Mink replied.

Keaton Ellerby replied with, “Tell Mink that he’s going to get fined by [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι Categories: Amerks

Amerks in the Skills Competition

January 18, 2010 - By

The 2010 Ducks Unlimited Skills Competition is tonight at 8pm and all three Amerks are set to play.  The biggest question is whether or not Graham Mink is going to play with his sore back.  He’s on the scorecard so I expect he is, I’ll know more around 6pm when the locker rooms open.

The skills competition is the most interesting part of the event since the game is a soft scoring fest.  If you’re watching online or TV be prepared for every shot to be sponsored by someone or some company.  I should have found someone to sponsor ever post I make from Portland.

Alexander Salak will go first in the RBC Rapid Fire against Sean Sullivan (SA) and Nathan Gerbe (POR).

Keaton Ellerby will be taking part in the Reebok Hardest Shot as he tries to break Mark Mancari’s record of 102.8mph set two years ago at the 2008 Skills Competition in Binghamton.

Graham Mink is scheduled to a part of the McDonald’s Pass and Score event along with Dan Fritsche (SYR) and Ivan Vishnevskiy (TEX) as they try and score against goalie Cedrick Desjardins (HAM).

Keaton Ellerby will also be in the [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι Categories: Amerks

MicFlikier Hat Trick and At the AHL All-Star Game

January 17, 2010 - By

It only took us five states and 643 miles to arrive in Portland, ME for the AHL All-Star Classic and it will be well worth it.  You probably ask, why five states?  On the way we took a detour to Providence to see the Providence Bruins take on the Albany River Rats for a 4pm game.  The purpose of the trip was to watch former Amerks Drew Larman and Jacob MicFlikier play against each other.

(Scroll down for AHL All-Star Info….)

Jacob MicFlikier led the Albany River Rats to a 4-1 win on the road by scoring a hat trick in the game.  MicFlikier has come a long way since last season and is a real asset to the River Rats.  His second goal of the game was hard work as he went hard to the net and caused Bruins goalie Kevan Regan to lose the puck.  After the puck bounced free to another Bruins played MicFlikier went back to the front of the net and was able to tip in the goal.  He’s worked hard for every point and is likely staying with Albany for the rest of the season.  I’m sure the Florida Everblades [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι Categories: Amerks

Graham Mink All-Star Captain; Vote Amerks into All-Star Game

December 4, 2009 - By

Graham Mink was named a playing Captain on Thursday for the 2010 AHL All-Star game and with that honored he joins a distinguished group of current and former Amerks.  Previous Amerks honored as AHL All-Star Captains include Jody Gage, Randy Cunneyworth, Denis Hamel, and Rory Fitzpatrick.

All you have to do is look at Mink’s resume and watch him play to understand why he was honored.  Two Calder Cup championships.  Leadership.  Scoring.  Play’s hard every game.  He has fun.  He’s smart.  Involved in the community.  The list goes on.

I’ll be traveling to the All-Star Game again this season and will have full reports again.

You can vote for players, plenty of Amerks on the list, into the AHL All-Star Game here – http://theahl.com/forms/ahl-all-star-ballot-f1

Here’s the complete press release from the American Hockey League:

For Immediate Release
December 3, 2009

MINK TO CAPTAIN PLANETUSA ALL-STARS AT 2010 TIME WARNER CABLE AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC

(Rochester, NY)… American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that Nolan Baumgartner of the Manitoba Moose and Graham Mink of the Rochester Americans will serve as playing captains for the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic, to [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι ι ι Categories: Amerks

Rochester to host AHL All-Star Game in 2011?

January 28, 2009 - By

In two years the American Hockey League will be having it’s 75th anniversary of the All-Star Classic and the league still needs a home for the event.  The President and CEO of the AHL stated at the annual state of the league address that he would like to have it in a city that has some history in the league.  The general consensus amongst others seemed to narrow that down to either Hershey or Rochester.

The Rochester Americans last hosted the All-Star game on January 17, 2000 at Blue Cross Arena.  The Hershey Bears last hosted the event on January 16, 1996.  The four year difference would not really make that much of a difference with one city deserving it more than the other.

As we spent the weekend in Worcester for the 2009 All-Star Classic events it was amazing to talk to so many people about the Amerks and Rochester in general.  The one comment that seemed to be made by most was about wanting to see the Amerks get back amongst the elite of the league.

Lewis Staats also commented that it had been brought up in discussions, but nothing more than in general conversation.

When I mentioned [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι Categories: Amerks