Thanks to Eric Bourgeois (frequent reader, supporter and die hard Amerks fan) who contributed to this.  There’s a couple things I disagreed with him on and noted.  You may agree or disagree yourself on a lot of things said and I’d love to hear your thoughts.  These grades are based on a lot more than just a stat sheet.

Starting with highest grade to lowest:

Jason Garrison: A-
– He’ll have a full time job in the NHL soon enough.  Eric had him listed as a B+ but I gave him an upgrade.  The Amerks defense had issues all season and without Garrison in the lineup for the post season (2g+7a) things may have been worst.  Once he masters his shot from the point and can use it more effectively he’ll have a long career ahead of him.

Mike York: B+
– He was the heart and soul of this team and his play making was dazzling.  The Amerks were a better team when he was in the lineup than when he was not.  His skill for feeding the perfect pass or stepping out from behind the net to score a goal were always highlight reel material.  Can’t give an A due to the fact that he disappeared for two months out of the lineup.  It doesn’t really matter anymore if something more than knee surgery happened but when he left the Amerks ability to win disappeared as well.

Jimmy Bonneau: B+
– It seemed like a huge mistake when the Amerks released him after the first game of the season but they quickly called him back.  Jimmy did everything that was asked of him throughout the season.  His span of four fights in x games with Jon Mirasty was a memorable moment of the season.  He proved he could stand toe to toe with anyone and also play a regular shift on the ice without being a liability.  He does not strike fear into the eyes of opponents, but they know he’s there and will have to answer to him.  When Steve MacIntyre arrived his role sort of faded, but I’d love to see him back in an Amerks uniform again.

Jordan Henry: B+
– Led team in +/- and really came into his own offensively.  However, sometimes plays too offensive.  He appeared to have a conflicting style of play this season between trying to be offensive but at times not being defensive.  He’s a bonafide NHL prospect that deserves to get a look over other players.  He’s a leader on the ice but also from the bench.  Very few players were as vocal as him on the bench.  I upgraded him from Erics score of a B to a B+ because he played in 76 regular season games and was more consistent than any other defenseman.

Chris Taylor: B
– He needs to be a player-assistant with a reduced role next season.  Maybe 40-50 games.  Looked gassed in the playoffs.  I say he gets 40 points in 40 games playing rested.  Could be more of an asset in the playoffs rested too.  Taylor was the only player other than Jamie Johnson to play in all 80 games, something Taylor would probably say he was fine with.  At the start of the season he was often making great plays at the right times to win games but that magic faded as the season went on.

Jeff Taffe: B
– Scoring 28 goals and 28 assists were a huge part of the Amerks offense all season but still less than what he produced the year before with the WB/S Penguins.  He’s more of a play maker than a goal scorer but scoring goals is what was expected of him in Rochester.  Expecting something out of a player that he is not is a great way to screw with the way he plays.  Taffe is on a one way contract with the Panthers for the 10/11 season which means unless they send him through waivers he may not be back.

Shawn Matthias: B
– The only game he’ll ever play again in Rochester should be with the Florida Panthers when they play their preseason game here in October against the Boston Bruins.  He’s an NHL player and when matched up with better players he steps his game up.  Playing on a third line in the AHL was slowing his career progression.

Jamie Johnson: B
– Played in all 80 games for the Amerks through the good times and the bad times.  He’s consistently productive and plays hard.  If he had been more of an offensive threat in the playoffs his score would have been higher.  He’s the type of player you’d love to have on your team every season if he stays as productive.  He has clearly stated he would not return next season as he pursues his goal of playing in the NHL.

David Brine: B
– He is what he is – a checking center.  He’s good on draws and the penalty kill.  He showed promise as an NHL player when he played in nine NHL games in the 07/08 season but since then has played to the calibre of being an AHL’er.  He’s not considered a veteran yet 245 career AHL+ regular season games.  He’ll earn a job somewhere but it’ll be somewhere else, not playing for the Panthers or Amerks.

Graham Mink: B
– A back injury in a game against the Hershey Bears cost him an A, but he’s the type of guy you build this team around…not the guy you scratch for a game 7.  BIG, Plays hard, fights, scores, good around the net and in the room.  Goalies hate when Mink is in front of them because of his size.  He may not get a real chance in the NHL but he enjoys playing in the AHL and if the Amerks can continue giving him a great experience here he could stick around fora while.

Steve MacIntyre: B
- Knocked down Mirasty, Knocked OUT Yablonski, took out the Heat bench.  He is THE deterrent in Hockey.  Don Cherry says he’s the best heavyweight in hockey.  Eric said he was not appreciated here AT ALL.  I think it just took some time for fans to realize players are literally afraid of him and did not want to ever fight.  Players do feel safer knowing he’s around.  When he’s given the chance he can look somewhat decent in a semi-regular shift.

Maxime Gratchev: B
– He was inserted into the lineup and did not have the luxury of really knowing players since he only played in 13 games.  Gave us much needed speed, would be an excellent depth signing for next season.  There may not be room in the lineup every game for him but having him on standby with the Florida Everblades would be a great thing.

Daniel Steiner: B
– The guy can produce, but due to the vet rule there may not be room for him in Rochester.  When Mike York was out of the lineup Steiner was vital to this team.  If he decides to stay in North America next season he’ll likely be invited to an NHL camp somewhere and should be a leader on an AHL team.

Kenndal McArdle: B
– Will Florida re-sign him, will he be healthy?  Is he the 10-11 version of Tanner Glass?  Has to play physical to be effective, but gets injured playing that style.  Tanner Glass recovered from similar injuries and spent the season playing in the NHL, the same should happen with McArdle.  If he would’ve been healthy all season he likely would have earned an A.

John de Gray: B
– He’s going to be the “enemy” next season playing in Syracuse.  He’s a solid defensive defenseman that got better as the season went on and was reliable to not give up the puck.  He needs to learn to use his body more than just the long reach of his stick, in other words he seemed to play too nice sometimes.  He was a quality player to get on loan from the Ducks when the defense was really hurting.

Tyler Plante: B
– A solid AHL goalie.  He would make a nice veteran goalie to have around, especially with his fire.  He needs to be given the chance to play or he seems to get rusty.  He protects his crease and is not afraid to get physical or allow the physical part of the game to get to him mentally.  The Panthers have a logjam of top goalie prospects coming in (Cheverie, Markstrom and Salak) so his time may be over due to the numbers, not his skill.  Watch out for him to come back and haunt the Amerks like David Shantz did this season.

Jason Cipolla: C+
– A lot of people questioned how he became an assistant coach in the AHL but he has done a good job with what he has had to work with.  It’s been widely discussed the issues players seemed to have with Benoit Groulx but no one had any issues with Cipolla.  He was the coach on the ice with players well after practices had officially ended.  He was constantly working with players and always talked with players during games.  Eric had given him a much lower score, but I think Cipolla did the best he could do with what he had to work with and even possibly allowed to do.

Evgeny Dadonov: C+
– He becomes invisible, but was only a rookie AND in a foreign country.  He will continue to become a better player and probably needs to be put on the same line as players with more speed.  Playing with Graham Mink and Chris Taylor will teach you a lot, but those two are not the fastest.  He needs to work on his ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone.  He will be better next season and should grow into an NHL player.

Clay Wilson: C+
– He was one of the top scoring defensemen in the AHL this season and a great power play QB but his size in the defensive zone was often an issue.  He’s a small player and was never afraid to stand up to another player but was easily overpowered.  He made costly turnovers that resulted in the other team scoring, something often overlooked because he would make an offensive play to make people forget.  Even though we gave him a C+ I would have no problems seeing him in an Amerks uniform again.  The Panthers saw enough interest to offer him a two way NHL contract and he deserved the call up which he finally got at the end of the season to try and show something more.

Michal Repik: C+
– Invisible in the playoffs and down the stretch.  Can’t sustain a good game over the course of a full season.  Eric said he can’t envision him being in the NHL at this point.  I disagree.  I think he’s like Shawn Matthias and he’ll play better in a better league.  His development may have been hindered due to the number of veterans that seemed to get more ice time than he did.

Mike Duco: C+
– When he plays like like Mike Duco is supposed to play he could be an energy NHL’er.  When he doesn’t play physical he isn’t worthy of an AHL roster spot.  When he did play physical he was a force on the ice and the type of player that other teams are frustrated by and fans love.  Some games he played with that force and energy, many he did not.

Rory Fitzpatrick: C
– He had a horrible end to his career but looking at the bigger picture it’ll just be a small note.  He played okay for the most part when he was healthy and could play.  Someone players relied on for assistance on and off the ice.  If anyone could predict injuries he never would have been signed but in theory it was the right decision to sign him.

Luke Beaverson: C
– A reliable defenseman when others are injured but he’s likely going elsewhere.  He’s got the size but too much depth hurt his chances to really try and move up the rankings.  Some time in the ECHL playing full time will help him try and get noticed by someone else.

Michael Caruso: C
– He was never bad but was never great either.  He struggled in the middle of season.  Definitely not a top prospect anymore.  Maybe not a prospect anymore?  You’re either a vet contributor or a true prospect.  Caruso could turn out to be the type of defenseman that suffered from not having a solid defensive coaching staff.  He’s not a player you’re worried about having in the lineup but he’s also not a game changer.

Alexander Salak: C-
– There’s two ways people will look at Salak, one way would be off of the stat sheet and the other would be for those who saw him play.  He was near the top of the league with 29 wins and only 14 losses but he needs help.  As the season went on he was not an AHL goalie.  His desire to compete gets him hot and is something to build on but that desire also seemed to have an impact on his game, unlike Tyler Plante.  Salak was new to North America and started off the season on a streak but opposing teams quickly figured him out.  He was easy to get out of position and score goals on.  If he would have had a goalie coach working with him all season instead of about 10 days total he probably would have been much better.

Victor Oreskovich: D
– Is it effort with him?  History suggests it is.  He was physical the last 2 games, and shows signs of promise, but was not consistent and not offensive at all after the first 5 games of the regular season.  After taking two years off it was probably too quick for the Florida Panthers to call him up and rely on him for half the season.  Once his productivity slowed he was sent back down and he never had that fire and passion he had at the start of the season.  If they had allowed him to continue playing in the AHL and building upon his game he may not have regressed as the season went on.

Keaton Ellerby: D
– He has regressed.  That is not arguable.  Defensively he’s a huge liability (and he doesn’t posses a Wilson type of offense).  Unless you’ve watched him play on a regular basis you’ll probably disagree with this grade.  His avoiding a hit to gain the red line on an icing in game 7 was the type of play that took momentum away from the team.  A horrible giveaway in game 6 that the Heat turned into a goal was a play that costs the Amerks the series.  It’s not entirely his fault, but it could be argued that the Amerks were worst defensively with him on the ice.  The scouting reports from Juniors questioned him, and now we have our own questions.

Peter Aston: D
– He was a warm body that knew how to play defense when someone else was called up or injured.  Players spoke highly of him in the locker room but will never be a top six defenseman in the AHL.

Andrew Sweetland: D
– One of the most baffling comments ever was when Benoit Groulx said he was the best player on the ice after a game.  It’s amazing to think he played in 51 games this season.  If the Panthers had thought so highly of him they should have had him playing in the ECHL to improve his offensive game, not playing on the fourth line in the AHL.

Benoit Groulx: F
– After what many felt was a terrific rookie season where he never made excuses, team played hard, and he said all the right things…this year everything fell apart.  After a hot start where we still were playing subpar some nights, we had many injuries and recalls and when the players came back nothing clicked.  Line juggling, no emotion (almost took a nap as Mirasty attacked the Amerks bench), getting out-adapted by an always in motion Playfair in the playoffs are all examples of why he had a terrible season.  Rumors of players not respecting him have turned out to be true as exit interviews with Johnson and Fitzpatrick indicate.  His willingness to yank a goalie is a strength, but his decision to go with Salak in game1 may have cost us a sweep.  His decision to sit a winner with proven playoff experience in Mink was as bizarre a move as I’ve ever seen by a coach.  Him not sitting down with Fitzpatrick and explaining his scratching in Game 1 was wrong.  For all this – he needs to be removed as head coach of the Rochester Americans.  His lack of awareness and poor communication aren’t helping us win a cup, sell seats….nor is it helping Florida develop players.

Other players worth noting but never really played enough to be given a grade…

Brady Calla
– He’s not a goal scorer, he’s not a great passer and he’s not really a physical player.  What role does that leave him to fill?

Ernie Hartlieb
– 2 stints, 10 games…represented us well.  I wanted to give both he and Andrew Lord kudos for helping out this season.  Lord took a lot of punches the week he was here, and deserves a look in September.  If guys like Carlson, King and Delory were signed for depth than players like Lord and Hartlieb deserve to be kept on speed dial in times of need.

Carl Hudson
– Just what the doctor ordered.  A young angry D not afraid to hit, punch or slash.  I want him here next season.  Florida ought to think about signing him even… not just us.  At the end of the 08/09 season I said the same thing about Matt Duffy and he never really progressed, but certainly worth keeping around as he could become one of those rare finds.

Matt Duffy
– A solid defenseman for depth in times of need but never really continued on the same path he had at the end of the 08/09 season.  He may have been another casualty of depth.

Mathieu Roy
– He’s a 7th defensemen in the NHL.  He has the toughness for the position.  He didn’t get a grade as he was really only seen in the playoffs and even then it seemed as if he was still favoring his ankle at times which may have slowed him a bit.  He seems to want to play in the NHL more than the AHL which is fine, but not the type of distraction needed from a player here next season.

Grading the 2009-2010 Amerks Player by Player is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

Currently Under Contract for 10/11:

Coaches: Benoit Groulx and Jason Cipolla

Goalies: Alexander Salak, Marc Cheverie

Defense: Michael Caruso, Keaton Ellerby, Adam Comrie, James DeLory

Forwards: Evgeny Dadonov, Michal Repik, Brady Calla, Graham Mink, Chris Taylor, Shawn Matthias, Victor Oreskovich, Eric Selleck, AJ Jenks

One Way: Clay Wilson and Jeff Taffe are signed but to one way contracts with the Florida Panthers.  If they don’t fit into their plans it’s still possible the Panthers will try and have them clear waivers to be sent to the Amerks.

***** Shawn Matthias has probably played his last game in the AHL and should be able to earn a job with the Panthers going forward.  Keaton Ellerby will be trying to earn a job as well but he has some work ahead.  It’s amazing that James DeLory is still under contract but has never been given a chance in the AHL.

Likely To Sign:

Goalie: Jacob Markstrom

Defense: Colby Robak

Forward: Scott Timmins

Restricted Free Agents:

Goalies: Tyler Plante

Defense: Jason Garrison, Jordan Henry, Peter Aston, Luke Beaverson

Forwards: Andrew Sweetland, Kenndal McArdle, Dan Collins, Mike Duco

***** It’s a no brainer that Jason Garrison will be offered a contract and likely battle for a full time job in Florida.  Jordan Henry, Mike Duco and Kenndal McArdle should be made offers as well.  The status of Tyler Plante will likely depend on what the Panthers have in store for Jacob Markstrom and if they’re going to try and trade Tomas Vokoun.  We can probably say goodbye to Peter Aston, Andrew Sweetland, Luke Beaverson and Dan Collins.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Goalies: Chris Beckford-Tseu

Defense: Mathieu Roy, Rory Fitzpatrick

Forwards: Steve MacIntyre, Jimmy Bonneau, David Brine, Jamie Johnson, Mike York

***** Jamie Johnson has made it clear he’s not coming back.  Mike York was on an AHL contract with the Amerks and said he’d love to come back.  MacIntyre had an NHL contract, Bonneau was AHL only with the Amerks.  It’d be nice to have at least one of them back into the lineup.  They both proved they could be enforcers and also play the puck as well.  Fitzpatrick is retiring and Roy will likely be looking for an organization that can offer him a real chance in the NHL.  The same can probably be said about David Brine, I imagine he’ll be chasing the dream elsewhere.  Chris Beckford-Tseu, well we all know he won’t be back.

Others:

Daniel Steiner, Matt Duffy, Carl Hudson, Maxime Gratchev, John Scott Dickson, Andrew Lord, Corey Syvret, Scott Hotham, Ernie Hartlieb

***** These players were all either signed to AHL, PTO or ATO deals by the Amerks throughout the season.  I could see Daniel Steiner getting another look if he can’t find an NHL deal somewhere.  Carl Hudson was a tough gritty defenseman who may have earned himself a look somewhere.  Gratchev and Hartlieb could be a couple of players offered deals but spend a lot of time with the Florida Everblades.

There’s always a lot going on when it comes to the status of players and contracts.  I think I have everyone but open to feedback if anyone see’s an error somewhere.

Contract Status for Amerks Players Heading into Next Season is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

Grand Rapids has been in or near last place for most of the season but they always play hard and will not be an easy task for the Amerks. Just like every other game, if they play for 60 minutes and can stay out of the penalty box they should win. The mystery is not ever knowing which nights that will happen

The Florida Panthers called up Jeff Taffe for their game tonight against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo. Booth, Campbell, Bitz and Olesz are all out with injuries. The Panthers season is done, they are not making the playoffs, why couldn’t they have just called up Andrew Sweetland? Let’s hope that next season they can remain a healthier bunch.

Ernie Hartlieb has been called up from the Florida Everblades to play in his place. Hartlieb has played very well with the Blades this season and also when he has played in an Amerks sweater. But with three vets now out of the lineup (Taffe, Fitzpatrick, Roy) why not bring Steiner back as well? What do I know I guess.

As Kevin O mentioned on his blog, it’s strange that Jamie Johnson has not been called up once this season. Johnson is the Amerks leading scorer with 24 goals and 42 assists. He has also been a top 10 scorer in the AHL for just about the whole season as well. I have a feeling he’s this years version of Janis Sprukts. Was offered a good two way deal, expected to at least get a look in the NHL, has worked hard, but was neve given a thought.

Gameday: Amerks Make Playoffs with Win, Taffe Called Up, Hartlieb In, What about Johnson is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

The Amerks wrapped up a road trip this past Sunday night with a 2-1 win in Abbotsford to end their six game road trip where they went 3-3.  There were some ups and downs with the road trip and you can read about them here, but what’s done is done.  It’s a new day and a new game.

The team will be a little bit different than what we last saw.  Players that will not be in the lineup that were at the last home game were Mike York (personal leave), Shawn Matthias (called up), Jeff Taffe (called up), and Mike Duco (called up).  David Brine has been out with a rib injury, not sure on his status.

In their place we’ll see a new face and and some familiar faces.  The new face will be Jordan Fox who was signed to a PTO from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.  In 16 games this season Fox has 8 goals and 13 assists.  Ernie Hartlieb has also been called back up from the Florida Everblades.  Hartlieb played on Nov 7th for the Amerks and had scored the first goal of the game.  Dylan Hunter is another familiar face that is back, he had played for two seasons with the Amerks.  At practice on Thursday he looked like he was in much better shape than the last time we saw him.

Alexander Salak will be getting the start in net and should be ready to go and get back into action.  The last time he played was last Thursday when he was called up to the Panthers and was more or less tossed to the wolves in that game.

It could be an exciting night if the Amerks are able to light up the scoreboard with the help of Chris Taylor.  Taylor is three points shy of the 1,000 point plateau.  That’s just in the regular season, it does not include 98 career playoff points.

It’s also worth noting that the Amerks are undefeated in regulation at home.  The game tonight against the Heat will be a hard fought battle, I’m not expecting an easy game at all so it should be an exciting one.

The past couple of weeks are behind us, it’s a home game and I’m excited.

Promotions for tonight’s game:

The game falls on the first installment of the Amerks’ Family Four Pack Special Edition. With this game bundle, fans will receive four tickets for 200-End seating, four T-shirts, four hot dogs and four sodas for the low price of $52. Packages can be ordered by calling the Amerks office directly at (585) 454-5335 and speaking with a ticket sales representative.

That night, the Amerks are also kicking off their “Toys for Tots” toy drive campaign. The team will once again collect toys for the United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive in an effort to provide Christmas gifts to the needy children of the Greater Rochester Area and the surrounding communities. This year marks the eighth consecutive season the Amerks have been affiliated with the program. Fans can donate new, unwrapped toys during two Amerks games in December, beginning on Friday, December 11th. The team will also collect toys on Friday, December 18th. Fans who bring in a new, unwrapped toy on those nights will receive $5.00 off 100 and 200 Premium seats or $4.00 off seats in the 100 and 200 Ends at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office.

GDT: Finally, A Home Game; Amerks vs Heat Friday Tonight is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

Hartlieb was returned to the Florida Everblades today.  He was called up to fill a void in the roster with Luke Beaverson out injured.  On his first shift and first shot as an Amerk he scored a great goal with the assists going to Clay Wilson and Shawn Matthias.

The veteran forward played a solid game and should the need come again I can see him being one of the first to get a phone call.  He was no longer needed with Taffe and Repik back in Rochester.

Ernie Hartlieb Returns to Everblades is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

Last season Curt Styres had promised two 10 game winning streaks during the 2008/2009 season, at the time it was an absurd statement.  I wasn’t present for the comment but I think the part left off was him saying, “next season.”

Saturday nights game was another great team performance.  It’s really hard to believe at this point that they played this weekend without four key players.

The 10 game winning streak is now one game shy of tying the franchise record of 11 wins set during the 1984-1985 season.  It’s probably no coincidence that was the same season that Jody Gage and Ted Nolan played together, two guys responsible for the success of putting this current team together.

Rochester now improves to 11-1-1-0 with 23 points to stay in first place in the American Hockey League.  One game at a time.

“It’s hard to stay on top,” Chris Taylor said  “It’s hard to keep winning and winning and everyone wants to beat us.  It’s good for us, puts us into a little bit of a challenge.”

The Amerks are playing the right amount of players but it didn’t look good that Brady Calla cut his forehead wide open on his first shift of the game and left the ice bleeding.  I didn’t catch the play but it sounded like a hard hit by the boards and his helmet is what cut him.  He eventually returned to the game and on his first shift blocked a hard shot at the blue line, it was one Calla’s better games.  Maybe he should bleed some more?

Todd Perry put the Marlies at an early 1-0 lead only 1:58 into the game.  Jiri Tlusty fired a wide shot off the back boards and as Perry took control of the puck he fired a shot and was layed out by Mike Duco.  Unfortunately the puck found its way past Salak.

Ernie Hartlieb, newcomer to the Amerks but not to hockey, tied the game 1-1 at 7:20 of the first assisted by Clay Wilson and Shawn Matthias.  Matthias started the play by hitting two and knocking two Marlies players to the ice in the Amerks zone.  He was then able to get the pass up to Hartlieb who passed it to Wilson but Wilson quickly gave it back to Hartlieb to take the shot and score.

“When I gave it back to him I was  just going to go to the net hard for a back door or maybe a rebound,” Hartilieb said describing the goal.  “When he gave it back to me I was like ya know what I’m just going to shoot it and when i looked up I saw the little corner up top and it went post post and in.”

It only took Mike Duco just over five minutes into the second period to score what would become the game winning goal.  Marlies goaltender Joey MacDonald made the initial save on Garrisons shot and as MacDonald looked over his left shoulder for the puck Mike Duco took the rebound and scored on MacDonalds right side.

I was critical recently of Duco for his play but he seems to finally be back.  He’s playing hard, hitting, finishing his checks, chirping the opponent, and finally scored a goal.

A mere 16 seconds later David Brine entered the Marlies zone in the middle, skated to the left and around the face off circle before his wrist shot scored high past MacDonald to make it a 3-1 game.

“Everyones chipping in and that’s what we’ve got to do to keep winning,” Mike Duco said.

As the third period rolled along there was the sense of wanting to get excited but also the memories of Friday nights game and blowing a lead in the third period.  That would not be the case against the Marlies.

“Yesterday I said we had to learn from the game last night,” Benoit Groulx said.  “I thought we played a strong third period.  Very focused.  For 60 minutes we didnt give them much.  The work was well done today.”

Brine also scored an empty net goal with 37 seconds left in the game off a back hand from center ice.

David Brine has been through a lot.  He’s played on the previous two horrible teams.  He’s been given different line mates every week, yet he continues to play hard every night.

“I’m being put in a position where i’m getting the chance to excel.  I’m playing with great players and the pucks are going in,” David Brine said.  “Everyone loves scoring  goals.  It’s fun, a great feeling.  Especially when you’re winning.”

Last year at this time I wrote on November 5th wondering if the team had “hit rock bottom.”  On November 8th I wrote about “throwing in the towel” following a loss to the Manitoba Moose.  Amazing the difference a year makes.

“It’s a little different from 10 losses,” Mike Duco said.  “A big change from last year.  Everyone is.  The dressing room is a completely different mindset.  Everyone is excited to come to the rink, excited to come play games, we’ve just got to keep going.”

The next game is Tuesday evening against the Hamilton Bulldogs who just lost their first game in regulation on Friday night.  The Bulldogs have been playing well and could be the first real challenge for the Amerks.

When asked about the Bulldogs, Chris Taylor said, “I have no idea what they’re doing, I only worry about this team”  Taylor went on to say, “Every game we play, especially at home we have got to be at our best, try not to lose any points at home.”

———————-

Toronto Marlies 1 At Rochester Americans 4 – Status: Final
Nov 7, 2009 – Blue Cross Arena

Toronto 1 0 0 – 1
Rochester 1 2 1 – 4

1st Period-1, Toronto, Perry 1 (Tlusty, Deveaux), 1:58. 2, Rochester, Hartlieb 1 (Wilson, Matthias), 7:20. Penalties-Taylor Rch (interference), 12:11.

2nd Period-3, Rochester, Duco 2 (Garrison, Johnson), 5:07 (pp). 4, Rochester, Brine 6 (Wilson, Ellerby), 5:23. Penalties-Deveaux Tor (goaltender interference), 4:02.

3rd Period-5, Rochester, Brine 7   19:23 (en). Penalties-Taylor Rch (cross-checking), 6:13; Mikus Tor (hooking), 13:14; Oreskovic Tor (cross-checking), 14:32.

Shots on Goal-Toronto 8-9-8-25. Rochester 11-10-10-31.
Power Play Opportunities-Toronto 0 of 2; Rochester 1 of 3.
Goalies-Toronto, MacDonald 2-1-0 (30 shots-27 saves). Rochester, Salak 8-0-0 (25 shots-24 saves).
A-4,069
Referees-Chris Brown (86).
Linesmen-Jeff Walker (28), Justin Prusak (70).

Amerks 10 Game Winning Streak, One of Two Styres Promised is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

Beaverson was injured Friday night when Kevin Harvey “finished his check” with an elbow that took Beaverson out of the game.  There’s no timeframe at this time for his return.

Ernie Hartlieb has scored three goals and two assists in 11 games for the Florida Everblades this season.  Last season he had 21 goals and 33 assists in 70 games with the Everblades.  The 6’2″ veteran player has played in a total of 131 AHL games split between Grand Rapids and Worcester.  He has played nine seasons of professional hockey, most of which has been spent with in the ECHL.

He’s a bigger player and is a veteran, someone that fits the profile of players that Amerks like this year.

It’s interesting to note, but not unexpected that Dan Collins was passed over.  Anyone who has read this site often will know that I’ve rarely had anything good to write about Collins.

James DeLory could have been another possible option but he has only played in two games for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in the ECHL.  They’re still “evaluating him” for their roster.

Jacob Micflikier has been on a hot streak with the Everblades but he is currently signed to a contract with the Albany River Rats.  If there was a long term need I could possibly see the Amerks trying to get him on loan, but not for the short term.

Amerks Sign Ernie Hartlieb to a PTO is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.