Greg Classen has decided to head overseas and play with the Iserlohn Roosters (DEL) rather than accept a contract from the Rochester Americans.  The Amerks were the third team he was a part of this season, the Providence Bruins and San Antonio Rampage being the other two.

At least one positive thing can be said, management has made efforts to improve the team since around the 20 game mark when they said they would.

Here’s the official press release:

For Immediate Release

December 19, 2008

AMERKS RELEASE CLASSEN FROM PTO

FORWARD TO PLAY OVERSEAS WITH ISERLOHN ROOSTERS (DEL)

(Rochester, NY)… Rochester Americans General Manager Jody Gage announced today that the Amerks have released forward Greg Classen from his 25-game professional tryout (PTO) and has signed with the Iserlohn Roosters of the DEL.

“It’s unfortunate to lose a player like Greg, but it’s also extremely difficult to hold a player back from making a career decision,” said Gage. “We did offer him a standard player contract, but what it came down to was Greg making a career decision that he believed to be within the best interests of his future as a player.”

Classen began the 2008-09 season with San Antonio Rampage, where he scored two goals and five assists for seven points in 19 games.

A native of Aylsham, Saskatchewan, the 31-year-old veteran centerman has skated in 321 career American Hockey League contests with Milwaukee, Manitoba, Providence and San Antonio, collecting 184 points (77+107) and 318 PIM. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward had his best season in 2005-06, collecting a career-high 24 goals and 50 points with Milwaukee. He also captured the Calder Cup in 2003-04 with the Admirals.

The nine-year pro made his National Hockey League debut with the Nashville Predators in 2000-01 and has since appeared in 90 games, picking up seven goals and 10 assists.

Amerks Release Classen from PTO is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.

The Peoria Rivermen are in town today to play the Amerks at Blue Cross Arena, game time is 7:35pm.  The Amerks are 3-3-1 in their past seven games making for the best stretch of the season so far.  They’ve already tallied more points and wins this December compared to last years dreadful month.  Tonight will mark the teams third game in four nights with games on Saturday (in Cleveland against Lake Erie) and Sunday (home against Syracuse Crunch).

The Rivermen will be just as tired, they are on a similar four games in a five night stretch and also on a hot streak as well.  They are 4-1 in their past five following a win in Hamilton last night.

Mike Brodeur will be getting the start again tonight for his fourth consecutive start.  He is 2-1 with a 1.31 goals-against average and .953 save percentage.

With Tanner Glass on recall to the Panthers, Michael Caruso was named the teams alternate captain in Texas.  Caruso has played in all 25 games so far this season and only has one goal and one assist.

“Michael has been one of our top defensemen the last seven or eight games,” Groulx said. “He reads the play well and he plays with composure.”  (source: Democrat and Chronicle)

Two other players currently on a hot streak are Stefan Meyer who has netted a goal in two of his last three games (2-1-3), and Janis Sprukts shows a point in four of his last five games (4-2-6).

Noah Welch is still in town for his conditioning stint and expects to be through the end of the weekend.  Welch being on the ice has really impacted the defensemen on the team.  He does different drills with them to keep them on their toes and hone their skills.  They are shooting cleaner and harder.  Today they played a “game” where Noah offered to pay the winner $5.  He was the winner with Franklin MacDonald close behind…I guess he doesn’t have to pay anyone anything.

The Panthers still have five players on the injured list which means the Amerks will again be without the services of Tanner Glass, Michal Repik, and Shawn Matthias.  A few of the injured Panthers could return to play tonight so we may see Repik and Glass back by Sunday.

Greg Classen is still on the ice working with goaltenders David Shantz and Chris Beckford-Tseu.  Because Greg Classen went home to Regina, SK and wasn’t working in the United States, he has to get a work permit again and be cleared to play here.  That is the hold up on his playing…immigration.  He should just not get paid, then we don’t have to worry about work permits.  So, he will not be playing tonight.  Fun fact: Rory Fitzpatrick played a few games with him with the Milwaukee Admirals.

Janis Sprukts took the morning practice off.  He usually does on gamedays, so it is nothing unusual.  He said it’s just to get a little rest, but Rory Fitzpatrick said it’s because he is “grumpy and old.”  It just seems to be a part of his pre-game routine.  He never practices on gameday, but he certainly has been coming out more than prepared to play.

Tonight’s game starts at 7:35 and is the 12 Days Of Christmas giveaway night.  Don’t miss the fun.  The Amerks are on their hottest streak of the season, no one knows when it will end.

Game #27: Amerks vs Peoria Rivermen at Blue Cross Arena is a post from: Let's Go Amerks!. For discussion visit the forums at LetsGoAmerks.com/Forums.