ROCHESTER (LGS) — The Rochester Americans ran their losing streak to six games after dropping three road contests last weekend to Chicago, Rockford and Peoria.
The weekend started with a Thursday night contest in Chicago against the Wolves. Patrick Kaleta's three points (1g, 2a) were not enough as the Amerks dropped the contest 5-3 at the Allstate Arena.
David Brine netted a pair of goals for the Amerks in the loss, while David Shantz allowed 4 goals on 27 shots.
Things didn't get any better for the Amerks the next night in Rockford against the IceHogs. The Amerks were beaten both on the scoreboard, and physically, when they dropped the Friday night contest 5-1.
Clarke MacArthur's ninth goal of the year opened the scoring, but it was all Rochester would get. Marc-Andre Gragnani and Marek Zagrapan assisted on the tally.
The end of the game was marred with violence when Rockford's Prestin Ryan and Adam Berti jumped Patrick Kaleta from behind in retaliation to Kaleta's check on Ryan. The sneak attack triggered an all out brawl that saw a combined 128 minutes in penalties to Rochester's Kaleta, Mark Mancari, Randy Cunneyworth, Mike Funk, and Rockford's Berti, Ryan, Troy Brouwer and Danny Richmond.
Randy Cunneyworth was livid following the contest, saying, "It's a disgrace. Gutless. Absolutely gutless.
"He (Rockford coach Mike Haviland) sends three guys out to tee up Kaleta.
"All I know is that it better be dealt with properly."
Adam Dennis allowed 5 goals on 33 shots to pick up the loss between the pipes.
The losing streak reached six on Saturday night in Peoria, losing to the Blues farm club 4-3. Marek Zagrapan, Kendall McArdle, and Marc-Andre Gragnani each potted goals for the Amerks, but it was not enough to beat the Rivermen. Stefan Meyer assisted on two goals.
David Shantz took his second loss of the road trip, allowing all four goals while facing 31 shots.
The Amerks play three more games this coming weekend. They take to the road on Wednesday night to take on the Albany River Rats in the Times Union Center in the state capital. The contest is slated for 7:00 pm. They then return home on Friday night for a 7:35 contest against the Toronto Marlies, before returning to the road on Saturday to face the Binghamton Senators in the Broome County Arena.
Amerks News & Notes
♦ The Rockford IceHogs' attack on Patrick Kaleta is perhaps one of the more gutless acts you will see in the game of hockey. However, while Kaleta is known for hitting hard, he is equally known for not dropping his gloves when challenged. Opponents have viewed him as sort of a playground bully in the sense that he will hit someone, and then run. In the few instances last season when he "fought," he had the tendency to "turtle" and drop to the ice before punches were even thrown. Adam Berti will most certainly be suspended for his cheap-shot attack on Kaleta, but I have to assume players around the American Hockey League were applauding him for getting a few shots in on Kaleta.
♦ On Friday night, game ushers will be collecting toys for the Pirate Toy Fund, courtesy of Gary the Happy Pirate. Fans can bring a new, unwrapped to the Blue Cross Arena Box office and receive $3.00 off any premium seat to Friday night's game.
♦ Clarke MacArthur is 32nd in the American Hockey League scoring race with 24 points (9g, 15a) while Mark Mancari also cracks the top 50 with 23 points (6g, 17a). Mancari is currently 45th in scoring.
