Game Day 11-19-2008: Brighter Ice Surface!

Tonight, the Rochester Americans and Toronto Marlies face off at 7:05pm EST at Blue Cross Arena.  This will be the second of eight games between the two North Division teams.  The Amerks look for their first win of the season against the Marlies.  Rochester dropped a 5-2 decision in the previous meeting with Toronto back on Halloween night to fall to 0-1-0-0 on the season and 10-17-0 all-time against the Toronto Maple Leafs’ affiliate.

The biggest difference at this point between the two teams seems to be goals against. The Marlies have only allowed 42 goals, the Amerks a whopping 72.  Looking at goals for, the Amerks have 33 goals this season, the Marlies have 32.

The only thing to really report from practice this morning is that they appeared to replace the lights in the arena over the ice surface, it seems much brighter!  From talking with some fans of the team, they would probably wish they just shut them off for the season.

No word on whether David Shantz or Chris Beckford-Tseu will be starting in net.  It’s a coaches decision, as of this morning that decision hadn’t been made yet.

Luke Beaverson appears to be moving up to forward full time, that’s where he was practicing again.

Karl Stewart participated in the entire practice this morning with the team, but still without any contact.  He said that his knee is starting to feel better, now he is just working on getting his legs and lungs back into shape.

Janis Sprukts, Michal Repik, and Andrew Sweetland were the only players not on the ice this morning.  We’re assuming (forgot to ask) that Repik had the morning off as he was fine on Tuesday.  Sweetland is out with an injured hand.  It doesn’t sound like Sprukts is expected back anytime soon.

Game Day Promotions: The game falls on a clevermethod Business Persons’ Special, where fans can turn in their business cards at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office and receive any 100-premium seat for just $10.00. Offer is valid for all Amerks home games Monday through Thursday. Contact the Amerks Office at (585) 454-5335 for more information. It’s also a RARES Discount night. All RARES members can also bring their RARES ID card or business card to the box office to get a $22.25 ticket for $10.00. Lastly, fans have a chance to take home a Thanksgiving turkey by participating in Turkey Bowling during the first intermission. Contestants will bowl a turkey from center ice in an attempt to knock over inflatable pins. Each contestant will win a turkey for their participation.