The Springfield Falcons have certainly been a team everyone that follows AHL hockey talks about this season. When the NHL season did not start on time, the Falcons benefited from a few talented players that would have been playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets otherwise. Although the NHL season has picked back up, the Springfield Falcons are still finding success. A big part of that connects back to the season that second year pro, Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, has been having.
Although you won’t be noticing him for his size, you can’t miss the skill that the 22 year old Quebec City native displays on the ice. The puck seems to follow him around the ice and he always seems to know just what to do with it. That is probably a big part of the reason that Audy-Marchessault has found himself on the AHL All-Star roster for both of his professional seasons. JAM, as he’s known in Springfield, answered some questions for us here at The Pink Puck.
Pink Puck: You were named to the AHL All-Star Classic for the second straight year. How does that feel?
Jonathan Audy-Marchessault: Obviously it’s a good feeling. To go to the All-Star the second year in a row, you’re probably doing something good. So I think I’m on a good path and I’m pretty honored to get to go back there. It’s pretty good.
Pink Puck: Having taken part in the All-Star Classic last year as well, are you planning on approaching the weekend any differently?
JAM: Not differently, but I know what to expect and what we’re going to do. So, it’s cool knowing that going in. It’s a fun weekend to get to go there and see some of the other guys from the league.
Pink Puck: Given the choice, would you want to do the same events as last year or switch it up for the Skills Competition?
JAM: I think I did good last year and I was happy with it. Obviously I would like to be shooting the puck. Maybe it would be good to showcase some of my other game as well and try out different events.
Pink Puck: Going back to your time in juniors with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL is there one moment that really stands out?
JAM: Probably my playoff run during the last season. We had a good run and made it to the semi-finals. My last game, we lost and it was sad. But it was a good moment for me and to say goodbye to the fans.
Pink Puck: How did you enjoy playing there overall?
JAM: I grew up in the area, it was my hometown. So I got to live at home still for most of the time. My family was able to at almost every game and that was really special.
Pink Puck: How would you describe your style of play?
JAM: Obviously I’m not a big player, but I think I’m a fast skater and I have a good shot. I’m able to produce offensively and make my teammates better on the ice.
Pink Puck: Who has been your biggest influence in your career?
JAM: Patrick [Roy] was a good coach for me. I played for him for four years with the Remparts and he was a good influence. He was a good winner. He was a really passionate about the game. I think the assistant coach from the Remparts and the assistant coach in first pro year with the Whale helped me really develop my game. They were really there for me and there for my confidence in times I was doing badly as well as times I was doing well. They were good for me.
Pink Puck: Playing in New England, you don’t have a lot of long road trips, but what do you absolutely have to have with you on the road?
JAM: I need my cell phone and iPad the most. I don’t go out at all really, so I stay in the hotel room with those and just relax.
Pink Puck: If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing?
JAM: I think I would be a teacher. I like kids and I always liked physical education in school. When I was young, I liked history and geography a lot too. So maybe I would teach one of those three.
Pink Puck: Last, but not least, everyone in Springfield seems to have taken to abbreviating your name to JAM. Is that something new or has it been following you around?
JAM: It actually started when I was 16 or 17 years old. The radio guy from the Remparts just pulled that name out one game and it really stuck. Last year in Connecticut it started dying a little and nobody really used it. But this year with Springfield, our trainer Ralphie has really been bringing it back and everyone is calling me JAM again.
Make sure you check out the action from the AHL All-Star Classic this weekend if you get a chance. Also, big thanks to Jonathan Audy-Marchessault (@AMarchessault18) for answering our questions.
Photo Credit: Springfield Falcons
Too bad there’s more than 20 minutes in a hockey game. Toronto’s 3-1 first period lead vanished with 5 unanswered goals as the Leafs drop their second home game to the New York Islanders 7-4. Toronto came out hard following their road win in Pittsburgh but ran dry in the second allowing the Islanders to dominate.
The Leafs started the scoring with Carl Gunnarsson beating NY’s netminder, Evgeni Nabokov, 2:12 into the first. Gunnarsson recorded a goal and two assists in the loss. Matt Moulson answered for the Islanders to tie the game 1-1 sliding the puck past Toronto goalie Ben Scrivens. Scrivens was pulled in the third after giving up five goals on 25 shots. The kids put Toronto ahead with Nazem Kadri and Mikail Grabovski each beating Nabokov and ending the first up 3-1.
The next period was a different story. Momentum quickly swung in New York’s favour with Mark Streit and Brad Boyes scoring 1:26 apart to even the match. With the flood gates open, New York took to the ice on fire in the third scoring their 4th and 5th goal 72 seconds apart. Moulson upped the lead to three with his second goal of the night.
There was a glimpse of hope for the boys in blue with Matt Frattin scoring late in the third but an empty netter put out Toronto’s flame.
On the bright side, Kadri was hot with a goal and an assist and Frattin showed some serious potential in his first game call up from the Marlies covering for injured winger Jofferey Lupul.
Toronto gets a rest and heads to New York to play the Rangers on Saturday.
Getty Images
Coach Carlyle called his boys out and they answered handing the Pens their first loss of the season 5-2. James van Riemsdyk proved his worth jamming in two goals for Toronto and goalie James Reimer stopped 28 shots in the win. Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tyler Bozak also scored for the Leafs spoiling Pittsburgh’s home-opening night.
Evgeni Malkin, reigning MVP, scored the first goal for the Pens past a shaky Reimer late in the first. Pittsburgh, coming off two big road wins against the Rangers and Philly, looked poised to dominate. Toronto came back with two quick goals in the second only to witness Sidney Crosby break away and tally his first goal of the season to tie the game 2-2. After the Kid’s goal it was Toronto’s show with JVR’s second goal of the night giving the Leafs a 3-2 edge. Toronto kept the pressure on with Grabovski adding to the lead and Bozak sealing the deal with a power play goal in the third.
With the win however, Toronto lost winger Joffery Lupul who left in the second after taking a shot from teammate Dion Phaneuf in the arm. The Leafs see action again tonight looking for their first at home victory.
A successful hockey player brings many components to the ice: speed, strength, and endurance to name just a few. Though often overlooked, perhaps the most pivotal component of all is a passion for the game and the work it takes to succeed in a professional arena. Binghamton Senators Eric Gryba brings just that to the AHL; it’s easy to see why this 24-year-old Saskatchewan native has been a solid line of defence for the past three years. With a genuine personality, it’s clear that Gryba is appreciative of those that surround him on and off the ice.
A late addition to the 2012-13 AHL All-Star roster, Gryba will be taking the place of teammate Andre Benoit, who is currently playing in the NHL.
“Its an honor, it’ll be a good experience I’m sure,” said Gryba of his All-Star bid. “It’s nice to be able to take Benoit’s spot on the roster, he’s a great player and it shows, as he’s in the NHL right now.”
With an exciting weekend ahead, Gryba will join other AHL elite in an east versus west match up on Monday. Prior to Monday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to see possibly the most entertaining moments of the weekend during the skills competition held Sunday. “I sure hope they put me in hardest shot, I don’t want to do puck handling,” laughs Gryba. “My shot’s gonna be harder than my hands are.”
As a versatile, physical defenceman, it’s no surprise that Gryba has reached this point in his career. A product of a collegiate powerhouse, Gryba won a national championship with Boston University during the 2008-09 season. While the transition from college to professional play can be tricky, it proved successful for the 6’3″ Canadian. The transition and each individual season can hold lasting memories for a player, one memory in particular came during his first professional season.
“Winning the Calder Cup has been the highlight of my career so far,” said Gryba. “We had a great season my first year, I was able to contribute and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
As with any line you skate, success stems from hard work and for most professional hockey players it begins at a young age. Getting a feel for the ice around the age of 3, Gryba began lacing the skates and playing the game by the time he was 5-years old. While fond memories surround anyone with a love for the game, other memories stick with a player as well.
“Growing up playing weekend tournaments and games at small town Saskatchewan rinks, you’ve never been quite so cold,” said Gryba. “Your parents have to come during intermission and rub your toes to get back the feeling,” he continued. “It makes Saskatchewan kids a little bit tougher than the rest.”
While that Saskatchewan toughness earned as a child computes to the ice, he lends a different attitude to the locker room.
“I’m somewhat of a loud voice in the locker room,” he laughs. “Between pranks and little jokes- it keeps the atmosphere light.”
Being a prankster is just one component that characterizes his off-ice demeanor and earned him a fan base in Binghamton. Another could be the respect he garners for his family, “My family has always been extremely supportive in everything I’ve done,” he said. “They’ve been my biggest supporters and toughest critics.”
Enduring criticism is all part of the game, as a player you skate for a dream that may never come, but for the lucky few it does. Gryba thoughtfully shares advice given to him long ago.
“Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do something,” he continued. “If you think you can do it and you work hard, well it’d be a shame if you stopped short.”
Obviously heeding his own advice, Gryba’s All-Star bid is just an exciting moment of proof that hard work both on and off the ice proves successful in building a lasting professional hockey career.
It’s ODR (outdoor rink) season and for most of us, that means practically arctic temperatures. Whether you’re lacing the skates up yourself, or cheering from the sidelines—looking cute while staying warm is a priority. Layering is key and that’s what we’ve done with our ODR Penguins look. T-shirt, sweater, socks, boots, jacket and all the winter accessories. Mix and match patterns in the same color scheme and you’ll be ready to beat all the elements. Make sure to pick a bag that will fit not only your skates but all the extra winter necessities.
We went with a penguin theme, but feel free to mix and match the colors to support your team. Love the Bruins, use a bear, support the Canucks, killer whales would make an adorable substitution. Get creative and be sure to send us pictures on how you’ve made the look your own!
Bundle up and play some hockey, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Today the American Hockey League announced some changes to rosters for the upcoming All-Star Game and Skills Competition. As in the case with any All-Star games, some players are just physically unable to participate due to injuries that they have sustained. Other players that were slated to participate in this All-Star Game for the AHL are currently playing in the NHL. There were seven changes to the Eastern Conference roster and three changes to the roster from the West.
In the Eastern Conference, the AHL announced today that Andre Benoit (Binghamton Senators), Alexandre Bolduc (Portland Pirates), Chris Bourque (Providence Bruins), Peter Holland (Norfolk Admirals), Tim Kennedy (Worcester Sharks), Tomas Kundratek (Hershey Bears), and Zach Redmond (St. John’s IceCaps) will all be unavailable. Instead, taking their places will be Emerson Etem (Norfolk Admirals), Eric Gryba (Binghamton Senators), Radko Gudas (Syracuse Crunch), Bracken Kearns (Worcester Sharks), Derek Meech (St. John’s IceCaps), Jamie Tardiff (Providence Bruins), and Jeff Taffe (Hershey Bears).
In the Western Conference, the AHL announced the following three players would not able to participate in the All-Star Classic: Brendan Gallagher (Hamilton Bulldog), Mike Kostka (Toronto Marlies), and Brett Sterling (Chicago Wolves). Instead, fans will see Gabriel Dumont (Hamilton Bulldogs), Matt Frattin (Toronto Marlies), and Brad Hunt (Chicago Wolves) compete for the West instead.
Each of the 30 AHL teams still have at least one player representing them at the games with the replacements announced today. The AHL plays games through Saturday, January 26th. The All-Star Classic kicks off in Providence, RI with the Skills Competition on Sunday, January 27th and concludes with the All-Star Game on Monday, January 28th. Normal play will resume for the AHL on Thursday, January 31st.
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
The Philadelphia Flyers are 0-3 on the season and now they’re down one of their most versatile forwards. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren announced Wednesday night that Scott Hartnell will be out indefinitely with a left foot injury. Hartnell earned himself a six-year $28.5 million contract extension over the summer after posting 37 goals and 30 assists for the Flyers last season. The Flyers are certainly finding themselves on rough ice to begin the season, but look to change the tides tomorrow night when the Rangers skate into Philadelphia for a 7 pm start.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our interview with Hartnell: Hartnell Has Heart
The Vancouver Giants partnered with several schools throughout the Lower Mainland and hosted an Acceptance Flash Mob in honour of Anti-Bullying Day. The flash mob happened during the second period in the game against the Everett Silvertips Sunday night.
There were just under 2,000 school children, from the various elementary and secondary schools, who took part in the choreographed number to One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful, unveiling pink shirts as a part of their routine.
Anti-Bullying Day, also known as Pink Shirt Day, takes place on the last Wednesday of February. This year’s Anti-Bullying Day will take place on Wednesday February 27, 2013 and all participants of Anti-Bullying Day are encouraged to wear pink, which symbolizes a stand against bullying.
The Vancouver Giants would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in helping support acceptance and spreading awareness against bullying.
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For the 13th season running, Hockey Night in Canada’s Ron MacLean and Don Cherry will be hosting “Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada” from this years location of Peterborough, ON, on February 9th. All seven Canadian NHL teams will be featured in action throughout the day.
Fans and players alike have a passion for the sport, “Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada connects Canadians to the game they love with stories from communities across the country and live looks at local celebrations taking place from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Heart’ and throughout the day CBC will present viewers with stories that demonstrate the passion that brings people and communities together through the game of hockey, and life lessons learned by being involved in grassroots hockey.”
Many might recall the overwhelming success of last year’s Hockey Day in Canada, which was broadcast from the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island (PEI). To get Canadian’s excited for the event, CBC will be hosting on-ice clinics and school visits with none other than Lord Stanley’s Cup. On February 9th, the day will kick off with a 2 pm ET puck drop as the Edmonton Oilers visit the Detroit Red Wings, while the Winnipeg Jets play host to the Ottawa Senators.
For up to date events and information, be sure to check out Scotiabank Hockey Day or follow @CBCHockeyDay on Twitter.
Hockey was back at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Monday night after a 113-day lockout. Other than that, not much has changed. The Leafs dropped their home opener 2-1 to the Buffalo Sabres in front of an anything but rowdy crowd. For the 12th time in 14 games, Toronto can’t seem to capitalize on its home-ice advantage.
Sabres goalie, Ryan Miller, was nothing short of spectacular stopping 34 shots and allowing only one goal late in the third. Despite multiple power play advantages the Leafs could not get the puck past the Buffalo netminder. With the win Miller improves his all-time record to 28-14-0 against Toronto. Leafs rookie goalie, Ben Scrivens, had 18 saves in the loss.
Buffalo, coming off their home opener win against Philly on Sunday, went ahead midway through the first when Christian Ehrhoff’s shot went off Cody Hodgson’s upper body scooting past Scrivens. Buffalo captain, Jason Pominville, added to the Sabres lead later in the second with a pass from Thomas Vanek. The two forces combined for a stellar home game last Sunday with Vanek boasting 2 goals and 3 assists and Pominville following suit with 3 assists.
Toronto’s Nazem Kadri gave the Leafs a glimmer of hope with the lone Toronto goal 1:42 left in the third. Home fans finally began to cheer when 25 seconds later Joffrey Lupul appeared to tie the game. The goal was reviewed and waived off as a hand puck.
Toronto heads to Pittsburgh on Wednesday hoping to repeat their winning away performance in Montreal.
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