AHL American Hockey League

With another packed house at Giant Center in Hershey, PA, for game two of the Calder Cup finals, The Bears are looking to even up the series in front of the hometown crowd.

Hershey was looking to rebound in game 2 after losing game one by a 2-1 score to the Texas Stars.

It wasn't to be.

The visiting Stars beat the Bears 4-3 in game two and now lead the series 2-0, heading back to Texas. The Stars have home-ice advantage with the next three games in Austin, starting Monday night.

Texas jumped out 1-0 in the first period with a nice goal from Aaron Gagnon, who finished a partial breakaway, pulling ahead from Bears forward Andrew Gordon.

Colton Sceviour fed a beautiful lead pass to Gagnon, who slid the puck just passed Michal Neuvirth through the legs at the 1:00 mark of the opening period.

The Bears would rally back.

Texas went on a power play and Bears forward Steve Pinizzotto would pressure Stars forward Perttu Lindgren at the Bears left point, breaking out on a two on one, shorthanded with Andrew Jourdrey. Pinizzotto would make it 1-1 with a rocket of a shot that beat Stars goalie Matt Climie short side glove hand.

A little lady luck would put the Stars up 2-1, as Garrett Stafford would get the credit for the lead goal on the power play. His shot form the point was deflected in, passed Bears goalie Mihal Neuvirth and Bears defenseman Bryan Helmer, midway through the second period.

The Bears would rally back... again.

Forty-six seconds later, Francois Bouchard would score from the left point on a one-timer from Bears defenseman Patrick Wellar on the return pass.

The goal developed out of the corner, just to the right of Climie as Bears winger Ashton Rome picked up an assist on the play to make the score 2-2 at 11:49 of the second period.

Three minutes into the third period, Texas got the lead back, when Mathieu Beaudoin scored on a pass from Perttu Lindgren.

Lindgren's great individual effort, using his speed through the neutral zone, split the defense and drew Bears defenseman Patrick McNeill across the slot after going around his defense partner, Bryan Helmer. Lindgren then slipped a pass across to a wide open Beaudoin, who hit the empty net to give the Stars a 3-2 lead with 16 minutes remaining in the third.

The Bears would rally back... yet again.

Just over four minutes after the Stars took the lead, the Bears would respond. Andrew Gordon scored his 11th goal of the playoffs off a rebound from a point shot from Patrick Wellar.

Stars defenseman Garrett Stafford turned over the puck along the boards, allowing Keith Aucion to pass back to the point for Wellar. Climie made the right pad save, only to have the rebound land on Gordon's stick and he makes no mistake to tie the score at three with just under ten minutes remaining in regulation.

It was the third time in the game that the Bears rallied to tie, but the Stars would continue to have lady luck on their side.

While working hard in the remaining minutes of the third period, as the Bears were pressing the Stars, Texas winger Scott McCulloch would fire a shot from a broken play at the top of the slot with under a minute to go in regulation. Travis Morin would put in the rebound off the back boards, on his backhand, to give the Stars a 4-3 lead with 45 seconds remaining.

The Stars were outshot 15-8 in the third period.

The Stars held on to win game 2 and take a 2-0 series lead heading home for the next three games in Austin.

Game 3 is Monday, June 7th, 8:30pm Eastern time game time start. All Calder Cup games can be heard on XM radio channel 204.

You can easily count the Calder Cups the Hershey Bears have won, unless you're missing a finger or two. The Bears have won 10 Cups and are looking to win their 11th one in June.

The Hershey Bears square off against the up-start Texas Stars for the 2009-10 American Hockey League Calder Cup on June 3.

The primary Affiliate of the Washington Capitals, the Bears have a Chocolate vat full of prospects to go along with some of the American League's best vets.

It's no wonder the Bears have been successful this season. Their up-and- coming players in the organization have stepped up to play big roles for the team.

Bears Defenceman Karl Alzner, who split time between Hershey and the parent Capitals last season, has played some brilliant hockey for the Bears, not unlike rookie defenceman John Carlson who joined the club after the Capitals were eliminated in the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Montreal Canadians.

These two have been steady on the back end.

Bears Forward Chris Bourque has been one of the top leading scorers in the AHL playoffs. The son of the Hall of Famer Ray, Chris was drafted by the Capitals only to be selected on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Needless to say the Capitals used a waiver selection on him to get him back and his solid play this season could have him in line for a promotion next season.

Goaltending has been solid with Michael Neuvirth handling the load.

Other notable rookies getting some playing time are Stefan Della Rovere and Zach Miskovic. The AHL is a great place to start your pro career, why not during the playoffs.

Veterans like Keith Aucoin and team Captain Bryan Helmer provide the steady leadership that the Bears rely on.

The Washington Capitals have done a good job of drafting and adding great role players for their developing players in Hershey. GM Doug Yingst is one of the best in the AHL and his addition of players like Helmer and Boyd Kane have paid off.

The Bears beat a very good Manchester Monarchs hockey club to reach the Calder Cup finals, lets see how far they go against the Texas Stars.

This should be one heck of a series.

The Texas Stars will travel to Hershey to play the Bears in the final of the 2010 Calder Cup Championship, which is slated to get under way June 3.

The Stars knocked off the Hamilton Bulldogs in seven games, while the Hershey Bears outlasted the Manchester Monarchs to reach the league finals.

The Texas Stars, the top development club for the NHL's Dallas Stars, have been on a nice run this spring. The club is truly taking advantage of this opportunity to evaluate their prospects, both up-and-coming and some that are already established.

Jamie Benn played in all 82 regular season games for the Dallas Stars this past season, recording 22 goals as a rookie.

While the Dallas club failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Benn was assigned to the Texas Stars of the AHL for their playoff run at the Calder Cup, the American Hockey League Championship. Benn hasn't looked back.

As the final round is set to begin, Benn leads the AHL Playoffs in scoring with 14 goals in 18 games. He also leads the league in points with 24.

Benn, a fifth round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, has seen his stock rise—not only within the Stars organization, but around the league as well.

For Benn, having played in all 82 games for the Dallas Stars in the 2009-10 season, this run with Texas and its success should hold a lot more promise for the 2010-11 Dallas Stars season.

The AHL is the top development league for the National Hockey League. The Calder Cup Playoffs can be just as grueling and riveting. The experience that players like Benn and his Texas Stars teammates endure will help them towards their development of someday becoming everyday NHL players.

With a supporting cast that includes players with previous pro experience like Dan Jancevski, Garrett Stafford, and Landon Wilson, the Stars looked poised entering the Calder Cup finals.

Rookie Travis Morin has played some great hockey this season for the Stars. Morin, who ironically was selected in the ninth round of the 2004 Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, will play against his former organization in this series.

Morin played just over two seasons with Washington's ECHL affiliate in Charleston South Carolina along with a handful of games with Hershey over that period.

The center had seasons of 36 and 24 goals in the ECHL before cracking the Texas roster and potting 21 this season. At 26, this is his first full season in the AHL, and he is making the most of it. Morin has 13 points in 18 playoff games so far this season.

Although the Dallas Stars didn't get a chance to compete for Lord Stanley's mug, one thing is for sure: The run the Texas Stars have been on has been a great example of how the American Hockey League can contribute to the development of not only veteran players, but also young prospects and those timely signed free agents.

Without this league, I doubt many players who are NHL regulars would have realized their potential.

Good luck to the Texas Stars, and I'm sure we may hear from a few of these names in the future.

The Syracuse Crunch won their third consecutive game Wednesday night, 3-2 at Lowell. 

That marks the fifth straight game in which the club has earned a point.  They are now 3-0-1 on their current road swing, which concludes Friday night in Springfield, Mass.

As always, Chairman How's Glorious Army gave us Joe Brown's Jewel of the Game .  I remember when I produced games for the Crunch, I'd have to pick a highlight (whether it be a Syracuse goal, save or a fight won) and replay Bob McElligott's call of it in the post game as the Bradley's Jewel of the Game .  This is different:

(Ed. note: I have said I won't criticize Syracuse radio announcer Joe Brown, for fear of coming off as the bitter guy who is just angry he didn't get the job.  I did not say I would never post other people's criticisms of Joe Brown.  And honestly, I know that little prick young man at the ticket office never passed my resume upstairs.  Who leaves a demo and a resume with a ticket agent?  The same guy who has two thumbs... )

Joe Brown’s Jewel of the Game:

–”That should kill off the first period for the Lowell Devils.”

…But not the Syracuse Crunch, apparently. They still have to play.

Also, his excuse that he didn’t see the Devil’s first goal because he was “too busy” watching a scrap between two players is so bogus. If you can’t figure out the important things to pay attention to, then you need a new job. I wish I could only pay attention to 10 percent of my job, but if I did that I’d probably be in jail.

And please, for the love of all that is holy, stop getting so fucking excited when the OTHER TEAM has a scoring chance. If I’m doing something else and you throw a fit all of the sudden, I should be able to tell immediately by the sound of your voice which team you work for and who actually has the puck. 

That can’t happen when you make a big deal in the same tone no matter what. Voice control is a part of good broadcasting. Figure it out.

 

Photo: Pascal Rheaume (Flint Generals, C)

 The Flint Generals won back-to-back games for the first time all year when they pulled themselves out of a three goal hole to beat the Muskegon Lumberjacks, 4-3, at the Perani Arena last Sunday. 

 Pascal Rheaume netted the game winner in the shoot-out and the Generals were officially on a winning streak. 

 The Bloomington Prairie Thunder came to town as they met up with the Generals on Friday night. 

 The Generals wouldn't waste any time scoring the first goal.

 Two minor penalities on Bloomington set the Gens up for a 5 on 3 advantage in the early goings of the first period. 

 John Mori netted his eighth goal of the season on the first Flint Generals power play, putting the G-Men up 1-0.That goal marked the fifth consecutive contest in which Mori netted a puck, which happens to be a team-high scoring streak.  

 Former Michigan State Spartan Tony Tuzzolino found the back of the twine twice (4,5) in the second frame, once on the power play, his second goal came by way of a Jamie Schaafsma assist.  

 The Generals' solid showing defensively, accompanied with their two successful power plays gave them a three goal edge going into the first intermission.

 John Ronan's (Rheaume) short-handed goal, his fourth of the season, gave the Generals a three goal cushion once again early in the third period as they continued to cruise.

 The third period became chippy as Flint's Steve Silver and John Mori were both served with five-minute majors for fighting. Mori would also be assessed a game misconduct, ending his his night with less than six minutes to play.

 Flint's young defenseman Brandon Gentile made several visits to the sin-bin during the extremely physical third frame.

Brandon was called for multiple minors, but his tough play helped set the tone for Generals: they weren't going to be pushed around by Bloomington.

 Jamie Schaafsma gave the G-Men their fifth goal of the night and tallied his ninth overall on the year. 

 The Generals were only able to muster two shots on the net in the final 20 minutes, but they made them count -both were goals.

 Flint's 5-2 routing of Bloomington gave them their third consecutive win of the season, improving their record to 6-12-0-2. Rookie goaltender Rob Nolan impressed with his second straight win as a starter, he stopped 34 of the 36 shots fired at him.

 Something happened at the Perani Arena on Friday night. Not only did the Gens put together three solid periods of hockey, won their third straight, but there is a certain feeling that they emit. It's visible on the bench, in the locker room, and all the guys' faces.

 Both Tony Tuzzolino and Rob Nolan feel the same way when it comes to their team.

 "We have a long way to go", said Rob Nolan, "we're beginning to trust each other more and more. We win as a team, lose as a team."

 "Three wins in a row feels better than losing seven (consecutive games)," explained the veteran Tony Tuzzolino.

 Generals fans can now be optimistic for the future of the 2009 season as they see a "new" Flint Generals squad develop.

 Stars of the game, Nolan, Mori, and Tuzzolino.

Photo: Head Coach, Jason Muzzatti, Italian Pro League.

The winning streak has now reached two games for the Flint Generals. The Generals currently sit in the 6th position in the IHL, and have not won consecutive games in the 2009-10 campaign until now.

It's not just a matter of stringing wins together, it's become an issue of putting together three solid periods of hockey, something that the Flint Generals have struggled to do all season.

If there's a silver lining to this otherwise dark cloud, the Lumberjacks are a team that the G-Men have defeated this year. (Dayton, Quad City, and Muskegon).

The league-leading Muskegon Lumberjacks paid the Flint Generals a visit on Sunday, riding a healthy nine game winning streak, with the intent of stretching the win-streak to an unprecedented 10 games.

Sunday's match-up would feature one of the IHL's better power play units (Muskegon, 17.7%, 4th) against one of the worst penalty killing platoons, (Flint, 79.5%, 6th). There's no question that the lack of special teams production have hindered the Generals thus far, their penalty killing has made matters worse. The Generals have lost seven of 14 contests by one goal. If this doesn't stress the importance of penalty killing/power play success, I don't what does.

Muskegon's Right Winger Robin Bouchard put the 'Jacks on the board first, netting a power play goal early in the first frame. Bouchard lit the lamp twice in the opening set, leading to his league best 14th and 15th goals.

The Lumberjacks would quickly show the Generals why they're the IHL's top scoring unit, Muskegon was able to able to net three pucks on just six shots in the first period. Flint's Head Coach Jason Muzzatti was forced to pull J.F. Labbe, opting for rookie net-minder Rob Nolan to defend the net instead.  

Flint's John Mori continued to enjoy his three game scoring streak, his goal helped to bring the Generals within two against the Lumberjacks Sunday night. Mori has now scored in four consecutive games, a team high in that regard.

Rick Smith got his first goal as a Gen, cutting the Lumberjack lead to just one, sparking the offense and giving fans something to cheer about.

Generals net-minder Rob Nolan looked more like a third baseman than a goaltender in the second period. Nolan was flashing the leather like the Detroit Tigers' Brandon Inge, snagging every puck within glove's reach.

The second stanza was one of the better periods of hockey that the G-Men have played all year. They were able to out-shoot the Lumberjacks, which in-turn resulted in more opportunities to score goals, and they were able to do just that. The Gens played a faster-paced-physical-style of hockey, which has often worked to their advantage.

The General power play came to life in the third period, Brandon Gentile rocketed the puck past Muskegon's Matt Lundin to knot it up at three a piece with just under two minutes remaining.

Flint out-played Muskegon for the nearly the entirety of the game, with the exception of 3:14 in the first period, the span in which the 'Jacks were able to put three shots past Generals net-minder J.F. Labbe.

The Generals' valiant fight through 60 minutes to overcome a three goal deficit earned them an overtime frame, a chance for the home-towners to right the ship. Three hundred seconds of bonus hockey wasn't enough to decide the Muskegon/Flint matchup, this one would come down to the fan favorite shoot-out.

Pascal Rheaume would net the game winning goal via shoot-out, giving the Generals their 5th win of the year.

After the game, I spoke with rookie goaltender Rob Nolan. I asked him how it felt for the team to win two consecutive games for the first time in the young season, "It feels good. It's only two out of seventy-something games, it's an up-hill climb, that's for sure."

Now that the Generals have gotten the back-to-back win monkey off their back, they can now focus on just playing solid hockey from here on out. The G-Men will take on Bloomington's Prairie Thunder at home, Friday December 4th, at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to come out to the Perani Arena and support your Generals, the grittiest guys in the business!

Here's the brightside, Generals fans: Flint now extends their advantage on the season against Muskegon, winning two of three match-ups, while winning back-to-back games for the first time all season.  

Stars of the Game: Rob Nolan, Flint, Goaltender. Robin Bouchard, Muskegon, LW. Pascal Rheaume, Flint, C.

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced that Worcester Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock will wear a specially designed W6 Tribute Mask to raise money and awareness for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect Alex Stalock has agreed to wear and autograph a specially designed W6 Tribute Mask for games in late November through December 6 while playing for the Worcester Sharks in the American Hockey League.

The Worcester Sharks will host Heroes Night—A Tribute to the Worcester 6, on Sunday, December 6 at the DCU Center at 3pm.

On December 3, 1999 a five-alarm fire began in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse in Worcester, Massachusetts and raged for six days. Six brave firefighters lost their lives, Firefighters Paul Brotherton, Jeremiah Lucey, Timothy Jackson, James Lyons, Joseph McGuirk and Lieutenant Thomas Spencer.

On this tenth year anniversary, the Worcester Sharks have partnered with the Worcester Fire and Police Departments to honor these six individuals and to raise funds for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“The Worcester Sharks are very proud to be associated with Worcester Police and Fire Departments,” said Lehr. “Alex was very gracious to offer to wear the mask in hopes of raising money and awareness for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

The W6 Tribute Mask will be worn through December 6 and be auctioned off on NHL.com and SharksAHL.com beginning on Tuesday, December 2nd at 12pm (EST) through Wednesday, December 9 at 3pm (EST).

Proceeds from the W6 Tribute Mask auction will go to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and Shriners Hospitals for Children via Sharks Charities.


Charity Information: Worcester Fire Scholarship Program

Established in 1989, Local 1009 Scholarship Program has given over $250,000 to first year college students in 20 years of existence. Started by union leaders, the Scholarship Program and all involved are proud to give our children a start towards their college education and hope to continue this in the future.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.

Every year, the Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care for thousands of kids with burns, orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, in a family-centered environment at no charge. It's how Shriners Hospitals has been helping kids defy the odds since 1922.


About the W6 Tribute mask:

The W6 Tribute mask has the names of the six fallen firefighter; the W6 logo on the top front; the words “Never Forgotten” written across the brow in gold leaf; the Worcester FD logo in center of chin with dates marking the 10-year anniversary; on each side a fully geared firefighter is on a bended knee; a official Sharks logo is located on the back; and “Stalock” is written across the bottom back plate in gold leaf. 

The majority of the mask is painted as red sky with a black silhouette of the Worcester skyline.

The W6 Tribute mask was designed and painted by the Worcester Sharks Director of Youth Hockey and Community Relations, Michael Myers. Myers has designed and painted several masks, including Conn Smythe Winner Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

For more information about the W6 Tribute Mask Auction or Heroes Night—A Tribute to the Worcester Six presented by Charter Communications please visit www.SharksAHL.com or call the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500.

Schedule of Events for Heros Night on December 6th:

    * 12:00p.m. DCU Center doors open (one ticket for all events)
    * 12:15p.m. Worcester Fire and Police vs. Providence Fire hockey game
    * 1:30p.m. Rescue vehicles on the DCU Center plaza for kids to explore
    * 2:45p.m. Special on-ice pregame ceremony hosted by Charter TV3’s Kevin Shea which includes a honorary banner raised to the DCU Center rafters by a representative from each of the Worcester 6 Firefighters families.
    * 3:05p.m. Worcester Sharks vs. Portland Pirates
    * 2:00 -5:00p.m Free Child ID program available presented by Charter Communications
    * 5:15p.m. Game worn jersey auction

Portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, jersey auction and goalie mask auction will be donated to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500.

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced today that the Worcester Sharks will host Heroes Night—A Tribute to the Worcester 6, on Sunday, December 6th at the DCU Center. 

The entire event is presented by Charter Communications and funds will be raised for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

On December 3, 1999 a five-alarm fire began in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse in Worcester, Massachusetts and raged for six days. Six brave firefighters lost their lives, Firefighters Paul Brotherton, Jeremiah Lucey, Timothy Jackson, James Lyons, Joseph McGuirk and Lieutenant Thomas Spencer.

On this tenth year anniversary, the Worcester Sharks have partnered with the Worcester Fire and Police Departments to honor these six individuals and to raise funds for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.   In addition, the Sharks will celebrate the many heroes in our daily lives.

One ticket will allow admission to the entire afternoon of the many special events and activities, including:

• Worcester Fire and Police Department team up for a hockey game against the Providence Fire Department.
• A special on-ice pregame ceremony hosted by Charter TV3’s Kevin Shea.
• A banner will be raised to the DCU Center rafters by representatives of the families.
• Worcester Sharks take on Atlantic Division rivals, Portland Pirates.
• Worcester Sharks players will wear commemorative, W6 themed jerseys to be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
• Sharks goalie, Alex Stalock, will wear a commemorative W6 themed mask to be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

• Rescue vehicles will be on the DCU Center plaza for kids to explore including a fire engine, the SWAT rescue vehicle, police cars and more.
• Free Child ID program from Digikids and Charter Communications.

Schedule of Events:

    * 12:00p.m. DCU Center doors open (one ticket for all events)
    * 12:15p.m. Worcester Fire and Police vs. Providence Fire hockey game
    * 1:30p.m. Rescue vehicles on the DCU Center plaza for kids to explore
    * 2:45p.m. Special on-ice pregame ceremony hosted by Charter TV3’s Kevin Shea which includes a honorary banner raised to the DCU Center rafters by a representative from each of the Worcester 6 Firefighters families.
    * 3:05p.m. Worcester Sharks vs. Portland Pirates
    * 2:00 -5:00p.m Free Child ID program available presented by Charter Communications
    * 5:15p.m. Game worn jersey auction
 
Portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, jersey auction and goalie mask auction will be donated to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Charity Information:

Worcester Fire Scholarship Program

Established in 1989, Local 1009 Scholarship Program has given over $250,000 to first year college students in 20 years of existence. Started by union leaders, the Scholarship Program and all involved are proud to give our children a start towards their college education and hope to continue this in the future.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.

Every year, the Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care for thousands of kids with burns, orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, in a family-centered environment at no charge. It's how Shriners Hospitals has been helping kids defy the odds since 1922.

Looking ahead…

On Friday, the Sharks travel to Portland for a 7p.m. tilt vs. the Pirates and then travel to the Dunkin Donuts Center to battle the Bruins in Providence on Saturday night.
 
On Sunday, the Sharks host the Norfolk Admirals at 3:05p.m. Join us after the game for the 4th annual for the Hat & Mittens Holiday Skate presented by BayState Savings Bank! 

Fans are encouraged to bring new winter hats, mittens, and scarves and then skate with the Sharks during a postgame skate!  (skate rentals are not available) It's $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s!  Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket!

With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE X-Large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino’s locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

• Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center
• Significant savings off box office ticket prices
• Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

The previous story is excerpted from a Press Release by the Worcester Sharks for the AHL. What's News is the alternate profile of Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin and is used to repost Press Releases for the AHL, The WPS and the NY-PENN baseball League. Civin is a supporter of the award winning children's book A Glove of Their Own , which promotes Pay It Forward through baseball.

Ryan Vesce and Dan DaSilva gave Worcester an early 2-0 lead, but the Sharks could not hold on and dropped their sixth straight game in a 5-3 loss to the Portland Pirates on Wednesday night at the DCU Center.

Mark Mancari scored the game winner, and his second goal of the game, at 14:30 of the third period on the power play off a great pass from Nathan Gerbe to give the Pirates their first lead of the game. 

The Sharks led 2-0 and 3-1, before the Pirates scored the final four goals of the game.

The first period was a strong one for the Sharks as Ryan Vesce put them ahead early when he came streaking across the blue line and fired a snapshot by Pirates goaltender J.P. Lamoureux.

Dennis McCauley fired up the bench at 8:24 when he fought Hans Benson, landing several strong punches. Later in the period, Dan DaSilva extended the Sharks lead to 2-0 when he finished on a 3-on-2 break down the ice. Final shots in the period were 11-8 in favor of the Sharks.

Early in the second period, Portland cut into the lead when Alex Stalock lost the puck behind his own net, which led to Tyler Ennis’s seventh goal of the season at 45 seconds.

Less than a minute later at 1:41, Benn Ferriero extended the lead to 3-1 scoring his first goal in a Worcester Sharks uniform after Logan Couture maneuvered around the Pirates netminder. The assist for Couture extended his point streak to seven games (5-8-13).

The Pirates trimmed the lead to 3-2 when Mark Mancari fired a slap shot from the right circle off the far post past goaltender Alex Stalock at 6:44. The Sharks lead the period in shots 18-7, and took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.

The Pirates dominated the third period as Derek Whitmore tied the score at 3-3 at 9:44 firing a centering feed by Kyle Wanvig, past Stalock. The Pirates took their first lead of the game when Mark Mancari blasted home a one-timer from the slot at 14:30 after a terrific feed by Gerbe on a 4-on-3 power play.

Jeff Cowan capped off the scoring when he found the empty net with less than five seconds left in the game. Portland outshot Worcester 15-3 in the third period and took home a 5-3 victory

With the loss, the Sharks fall to 8-9-0-1 (17 points) on the season, and 5-6-0-0 at the DCU Center.

Notes: Three stars: (3) Derek Whitmore (1-1-2), (2) Ryan Vesce (1 goal), (1) Mark Mancari (2 goals)...

Benn Ferriero, Jamie McGinn, and Logan Coutue arrived at the DCU Center just before game time after being loaned from San Jose…

Tonight’s game marked Steven Zalewski’s 100th regular-season game in a Worcester uniform, he is the 16th Shark to reach that milestone...

The Sharks scored the first goal tonight for the first time in the past seven games...

Ryan Vesce’s goal in the first period was the first time the Sharks led in the past 370 minutes...

Alex Stalock made 24 saves in net for Worcester...

Jean-Phillippe Lamourex made 29 saves in net for Portland...

Worcester went 0/4 on the power play...

Portland went 2/5 on the power play.

On Friday, the Sharks travel to Portland for a 7 p.m. tilt againsy the Pirates, and then travel to the Dunkin Donuts Center to battle the Bruins in Providence on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Norfolk Admirals at 3:05 p.m. Join us after the game for the fourth annual Hat & Mittens Holiday Skate presented by BayState Savings Bank!

Fans are encouraged to bring new winter hats, mittens, and scarves and then skate with the Sharks during a postgame skate! (skate rentals are not available) Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket!

With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE X-Large cheese pizza coupon to be used a participating Papa Gino’s locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

• Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center
• Significant savings off box office ticket prices
• Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

The previous story is excerpted from a Press Release by the Worcester Sharks fo the AHL. What's News is the alternate profile of Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin and is used to repost Press Releases for the AHL, The WPS and the NY-PENN baseball League. Civin is a supporter of the award winning children's book A Glove of Their Own , which promotes Pay It Forward through baseball.

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced today that the Sharks will begin their quest for the Unum Cup on “Dollar Dog Wednesdays” on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:05p.m. vs. the Portland Pirates. 

With every Wednesday game, Sharks fans that have lost their jobs will receive up to four tickets for their family with proof of unemployment and valid state ID.  Hot dogs will cost just $1.00 dollar all game for the remaining five Wednesday night games at the DCU Center.

The 4th Annual Unum Cup Challenge between the Portland Pirates and the Worcester Sharks will take place over the eight game AHL 2009-10 regular season series. At each game in each city, one lucky fan will be chosen from those who have entered as the Unum Challenge Fan of the Game. Each fan will win a replica jersey and receive five (5) tickets to a future game.

From November 18th through January 10th (during the first five games of the series), fans will have the opportunity to guess how many total shots would be taken throughout the eight games of the Worcester-Portland series.

At the end of the series, all the fans who guess the correct shot total will receive a co-branded Unum/Pirates/Sharks hat. Last season, the correct number of shots was 535.

Eight Game Series Schedule:

• Wed., Nov. 18 at Worcester - 7:05 p.m.
• Fri.,    Nov. 20 at Portland - 7:00 p.m.
• Sun.,  Dec.  6 at Worcester - 3:05 p.m.                           
• Thu.,  Dec. 31 at Portland – 5:30 p.m.
• Sun.,  Jan. 10 at Worcester - 3:05 p.m.
• Fri.,    Jan. 15 at Portland - 7:00 p.m.
• Wed., Feb. 24 at Worcester - 7:05 p.m.
• Fri.,   Apr. 11 at Portland - 4:00 p.m.

Last season, the Sharks and the Pirates split the Unum Challenge with a 5-5-0-0 record. As part of the challenge, Unum donated $2,500 dollars to Sharks Charities and the Portland Pirates Foundation.

The Sharks look forward to capture the Unum Cup title again this season!

On Wednesday, The Sharks host the Portland Pirates in Game One of the annual Unum Cup Challenge! With every Wednesday game, Sharks fans that have lost their jobs will receive up to four tickets for their family with proof of unemployment and valid state ID.  It’s also Dollar Dog Wednesdays…. Hot dogs are only $1.00 dollar!!!  Puck drop is 7:05p.m.

On Friday, the Sharks travel to Portland for a 7p.m. tilt vs. the Pirates and then travel to the Dunkin Donuts Center to battle the Bruins in Providence on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Norfolk Admirals at 3:05p.m. Join us after the game for the 4th annual for the Hat & Mittens Holiday Skate presented by BayState Savings Bank! 

Fans are encouraged to bring new winter hats, mittens, and scarves and then skate with the Sharks during a postgame skate!  (skate rentals are not available)  Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s!  Kids 12-and-under are just $5 dollars with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket!

With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE X-Large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino’s locations. The $5 Dollar Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices!

Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

• Significant savings off box office ticket prices
• Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com .

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by  The Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 dollars from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .