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Sports Blogs
 
Rats-Syracuse pregame
By Phil Janack
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Shortly before opening faceoff at the Glens Falls Civic Center, and kudos to everyone who made the trip through snowy conditions to get here. Michael Leighton is starting in goal for the River Rats, against Dan LaCosta for Syracuse. Karl Goehring, who had his Albany mojo shattered in the last meeting, is backing up. Defenseman Noah Babin and injured rookie center Bobby Hughes did not skate in warmups. Right wing Joel Rechlicz, who did, was also scratched. With captain Keith Aucion in Carolina, the Rats are dressing three alternates: Tim Conboy, Pat Dwyer and Jamie Johnson. It is likely to remain that way for the duration of Aucoin's absence because, as assistant coach Geordie Kinnear is fond of saying, "That 'C' isn't put on with velcro." Translation: Aucoin is the captain, whether he's here or not. Line combinations, left to right, were Brandon Nolan-Johnson-Jerome "Ooh-La-La" Samson, Ryan Bayda-Greg Rallo-Jakub Petruzalek, Mike Angelidis-Nicolas Blanchard-Pat Dwyer, and Joe Jensen-Angelidis-Trevor Gillies. Defense pairings were Casey Borer-Conboy, Joe Mormina-Brett Carson, and Bryan Rodney-Mark Flood. Borer-Conboy are in the starting lineup, along with a combination of Jensen-Blanchard-Dwyer at forward. Bayda, who hasn't played since Dec. 14 with concussion-like symptoms, was flying during warmups, looking ready and eager to go. He will be a welcome addition to the lineup. It will be interesting to see the two-referee system in action. Former NHL linesman Kevin Collins is here for the league to supervise. Two things I miss from my days here as a fan: the $2.50 draft beer and the Super Red Wing Dog. I guess Super Rat Dog doesn't have the same cache.
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July 18, 2008
11:18 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
I think we're now 0-5 while playing at 'home' in Glens Falls over the past two seasons. Any idea if they have plans to play any games in GF next season?
7:40 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Maybe they could get someone else in the division to play some of their "home" games at GFCC.
10:41 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
I couldn't agree more with previous posters. It makes no sense for Rats to play 'home' games on the road. GF has proven they cannot support a team so why should the Rats be forced to play in that glorified high school rink?
12:41 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
GF has proven they cannot support a team? They had the AHL there for 20 seasons and at the time of their departure, the Wings were one of the most storied franchises the league had ever seen. Detroit's committment to Glens Falls waned in later years and cite the UHL if you must, but nobody ever cared about the UHL. Can't blame them. Beyond that, the game up there drew 5,000 - 1,200 more than the Rats' average. Sure it was a Saturday night, but the weather wasn't inviting either. With some modern adjustments to the GFCC, coupled with a dedicated parent club, the AHL is worth another go around up there. Binghamton got back into the AHL - why can't Glens Falls?
I'd much rather watch a game up in Glens Falls than at the TU Center. The hockey feel in the GFCC is off the charts and the TU Center is too big for the AHL - not much fun sitting in a 17,000 seat building with less than 4,000 a night.
10:20 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
george4005 -- I was only commenting on their lack of success in GF, not saying they shouldn't play any games there.
rdf8585 -- That said, it's tough to watch hockey at the GFCC when you have to spend the whole intermission and half a period in line to use the bathroom.