Binghamton players striding for a cure

by Danielle Catalano || AHL On The Beat Archive Six years ago while playing for the Cleveland Barons, Matt Carkner decided it was time to grow out his auburn hair. The 6-foot-4 defenseman was steadfast in this decision, shunning all shearing tools and barbershops along Lake Erie’s coastline while his crimped mane redefined the laws […]

Moose set to host military appreciation night

by Christina Caligiuri || AHL On The Beat Archive The Manitoba Moose will show their support for Canadian Forces Members with their annual Military Appreciation Night when the Providence Bruins visit the MTS Centre on Saturday, March 7, 2009. About 1500 service members and their families are expected to be in attendance for the 7:30 […]

Rookie blueliners find common ground in Syracuse

by Laura Mitchell and John Neenan || AHL On The Beat Archive Grant Clitsome At the end of every American Hockey League season, it is commonplace for top junior and college players who have been drafted and/or signed by an NHL team to be sent to that club’s respective AHL team. This gives them their […]

Q&A with Rampage’s Brett MacLean

by Joe Dominey || AHL On The Beat Archive San Antonio Rampage radio announcer Joe Dominey recently sat down with rookie forward Brett MacLean. The 20-year-old rookie was the Rampage’s representative at the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic playing for the Canadian All-Star team, recording an assist. Joe talks to Brett about growing up, hockey, life […]

Szczechura made the most of his time in Norfolk

by Keith Phillips || AHL On The Beat Archive When you think of the best players on the ice in a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the names Lecavalier, Crosby, St. Louis and Malkin quickly spring to mind. But on Dec. 23, 2008, it was Lightning forward Paul Szczechura with […]

All-Star Syvret a surprise for Phantoms

by Kaitlin Santanna || AHL On The Beat Archive When looking at the Philadelphia Phantoms scoring list, a curious name is found near the top of the inventory. The player who’s tied for the team lead in points – and who has been near the top of the scoring page all season – is not […]

Looking up to Yonkman is no problem for Admirals

by Peter Shannon || AHL On The Beat Archive The primary leadership role of the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2008-09 season has been filled by a man who talks softly and carries a big stick. Known by his teammates as Yonkers, The Big Rig, or The Unit, Nolan Yonkman wears the captain’s "C" proudly and […]

Twenty miles to go

by Kimber Auerbach || AHL On The Beat Archive Matt Stieglitz with Sound Tigers head coach Jack Capuano. It’s about a quarter of a mile walk for Matt Stieglitz, or Mattie as the players call him, from his seat in Section 105, Row AA on the glass to Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Jack Capuano’s […]

Sharks stay smart on the blue line

by Justin Lafleur || AHL On The Beat Archive Brett Westgarth played four seasons at Princeton before turning pro in 2007. Hockey players own a special knowledge of the game, but for many, their knowledge transcends the hockey world. For Worcester Sharks defensive partners Mike Moore and Brett Westgarth, that is certainly the case. Moore […]

Petruzalek and Ryan leading the offense in Albany

by Jesse Eisenberg || AHL On The Beat Archive Michael Ryan will represent the River Rats at this month’s AHL All-Star Classic. Albany River Rats points leader Michael Ryan has never set foot in a rink outside of North America, but don’t tell his Czech-born linemate Jakub Petruzalek. "It’s unbelievable," said Petruzalek. "It’s good to […]