Thursday, December 31, 2009

Marlies Sink Rivermen 3-2

December 30, 2009
Marlies End Losing Streak with 3-2 Win over Peoria Rivermen
Greg Scott and Ben Gordon’s Two-Point Nights Propel Marlies to Victory

(TORONTO) – The Marlies ended the 2009 calendar year with a 3-2 victory over the Peoria Rivermen on Wednesday night. Joey MacDonald snapped a seven-game losing streak in the win and was named the game’s third star.

After shutting out the Rivermen through two periods, MacDonald allowed a pair of goals late in the third period, but then made key saves in the final minutes of the game for Toronto.

“MacDonald had a big game for us tonight and made some massive saves to keep us in the game,” head coach Dallas Eakins said after the game. “He deserves a lot of the credit in the win we got tonight.”

MacDonald’s last win came on October 30 against Adirondack.

Greg Scott opened the scoring early in the first period on a power play goal. Ben Gordon had the puck behind Peoria’s net and fed a pass to Scott who beat Rivermen starting goalie Hannu Toivonen glove-side. Ashton Rome, who signed with the Marlies earlier in the day, registered an assist on Scott’s second goal of the season.

Ben Gordon netted his second goal of the season with a wrist shot that went top shelf on Toivonen’s glove-side. Boyce carried the puck down the ice from the Marlies zone and passed it to Gordon who was streaking down the wing. scoring the game's second goal.

Juraj Mikus made it a 3-0 game in the second period with a phantom goal from the red-line. Mikus dumped the puck into Peoria’s zone on a power play and it hit the partition with Toivonen out of position and it bounced into the empty net.

The Rivermen scored two late goals but the Marlies held on and improved their record to 8-0-2 when taking a lead into the third period.

The Marlies open the 2010 year with a home game on Saturday afternoon against the Milwaukee Admirals at 4:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Marlies Mauled 5-2 By Bulldogs

December 28, 2009
QEW Series Now Even After Four Games

(HAMILTON, ON) - The Marlies and Bulldogs took the intensity level up another notch in the QEW rivalry series on Monday night at Copps Coliseum.

David Desharnais had two goals to help pace the Bulldogs to a 5-2 win over the Marlies. P.K. Subban, Andrew Conboy and Yannick Weber had the other markers as Hamilton scored three times on the man advantage.

Stefano Giliati had his first of the season while Ben Gordon netted his first career AHL goal for Toronto.

After a close first period, which ended 1-1, Hamilton was able to take advantage of the power play as Weber fired a one-timer past Adam Munro midway through the second period to make it a 3-2 game.

Desharnais would add two more in the third to seal the game.

Cederick Desjardins made 20 saves for the win. Munro was solid with 36 stops in the losing cause. There was a heated battle that boiled over in the third period where 46 minutes in penalties were handed out.

The Marlies will return to action for their final game of 2009 on Wednesday night against the Peoria Rivermen at Ricoh Coliseum. Game time is 7:00pm

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Monday, December 28, 2009

Monster Slay Marlies 7-0

Lake Erie matched a season high with seven goals and rolled to a 7-0 road win over Toronto on Sunday at Ricoh Coliseum, giving the Monsters a sweep of the teams’ home-and-home set this weekend.

The suddenly surging Monsters have won four straight games overall, outscoring opponents 20-6 over that span. Lake Erie’s winning streak is its longest since a five-game run from Feb. 20-28, 2009.

Darren Haydar paced the Monsters’ offense with two goals, an assist, and seven shots on goal. Ryan Stoa (1-2-3) and T.J. Hensick (0-3-3) joined Haydar with three points on the day, Cedric McNicoll also scored twice, while defenseman Ray Macias and captain Brian Willsie rounded out the offense.

Defenseman Tom Preissing chipped in two assists, and Lake Erie goaltender Tyler Weiman made 32 saves to earn his second shutout of the season.

The Marlies dropped their third straight game and fell to 1-5-1-0 in their last seven outings.

SOURCE: theahl.com

Marlies Sign Ben Gordon to PTO

December 27, 2009
Marlies Sign Forward Ben Gordon to PTO Contract

Jeff Jackson, General Manager of the Toronto Marlies, announced today that the club has signed forward Ben Gordon to a professional try-out contract.

Gordon, 24, skated in 28 games this season with the Reading Royals, registering a team-high 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) and 25 penalty minutes. The International Falls, MN native ranks first on the Royals in points, goals and assists.

Gordon was named the Sher-wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for December 14-20.

The Marlies host the Lake Erie Monsters, AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, today at 4:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum. For 2009-10 Marlies ticket information, including season ticket packages and group seats, visit www.torontomarlies.com or call the team’s ticket line at 416-597-PUCK

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Marlies Best Wolves 5-4 in Big Shootout Win

December 11, 2009
Marlies Win 5-4 in Shootout Over Chicago
Toronto Wins Second Straight Game in Thrilling Fashion at Ricoh Coliseum

(TORONTO) – The Marlies downed the Chicago Wolves in the 10th of the shootout on Friday night, 5-4 to push their winning streak to two games and improving their home record to 9-3-2-0.

After allowing a soft goal which tied the game at 4-4 mid-way through the third period, Andrew Engelage redeemed himself in the shootout. Engelage, appearing in his first AHL shootout, made plenty key saves to give the Marlies a chance for the win. Toronto’s rookie goalie made 18 saves, including eight in the shootout, for his second consecutive win.

“It was really good to see Andrew play so well for us in the shootout,” Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins said after the game. “You don’t realize how big of a goalie he is until you are coming down on him one-on-one.”

After a scoreless first period, the two teams combined for seven goals in the second period.

Tyler Bozak, Josh Engel, Viktor Stalberg and Jonas Frogren all netted goals for the Marlies in a four-goal second frame.

Engel’s goal, which came on a Toronto power play ,was his first of the season and second of his AHL career.

Anthony Stewart tied the game at 4-4 for the Wolves with a shot from the side boards at the 11:55 mark of the third period.

The Marlies had two 5-on-3 advantages in the extra frame, but failed to score on Chicago’s starting goalie Drew MacIntyre.

Juraj Mikus netted the shootout winner in the 10th round.

Bozak finished the night with a goal and an assist for his second multi-point game of the season.

Chicago has now dropped five of their past six games overall.

The Marlies are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they host the Grand Rapids Griffins at 5:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Viktor-y For Marlies in OT

December 5, 2009
Marlies End Three-Game Losing Streak by Downing Bulldogs 6-5 in OT
Stalberg’s Big Night Helps Pave Way for Marlies Win

(TORONTO) – Viktor Stalberg’s second goal of the night at the 4:39 mark of overtime lifted the Marlies to a 6-5 victory over the Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Ricoh Coliseum. The win ended Toronto’s three-game losing streak, which saw them score only one goal during that span.

The Marlies got on the board early in the first period with a goal by Andre Deveaux on the power play. Viktor Stalberg carried the puck into the Bulldogs zone and past the puck back to Juraj Mikus, who fired the shot on goal. Deveaux redirected it past Hamilton’s starting goalie Curtis Sanford.

Stalberg added to the Marlies lead while shorthanded when he stole the puck and beat Sanford on a breakaway.

After the Bulldogs made it 2-1 early in the second period, Troy Bodie ripped a wrist shot just under the cross bar to extend the Marlies lead to 3-1. Ben Ondrus collected an assist on the goal.

The Bulldogs tied the game with goals from David Desharnais and Michael Glumac.

Greg Scott scored his first career American Hockey League goal mid-way through the third period. Scott banged home a loose puck in front of the Bulldogs goal for his first of his career. Bodie picked up his second point of the night with an assist on the goal.

The Bulldogs outshot the Marlies 17-7 in the second frame, but Toronto took a 4-3 advantage into the third period.

Hamilton tied the game seven minutes into the third period, but Deveaux netted his second of the night when he fired a shot past Sanford.

Ryan Russell tied the game at 5-5 at the 14:04 mark of the third period.

In overtime, Stalberg, who had just finished serving a two minute penalty, ripped a wrist shot past Sanford to give Toronto the 6-5 victory.

Andrew Engelage won his first career AHL game, making 42 saves.

The Marlies continue their four-game homestand on Friday night when they host Chris Chelios and the Chicago Wolves at Ricoh Coliseum at 7:00 p.m.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Heat Sends Shivers Down the Marlies' Spines

December 1, 2009
Abbotsford Halts Marlies Points Streak at Four Games
Colin Stuart’s Two-Goal Performance Too Much for Marlies

(TORONTO) – The Marlies dropped their second straight game on Tuesday night, 3-0, to the Abbotsford Heat at Ricoh Coliseum. The loss snapped the Marlies four-game points streak, as they went 3-0-1-0 during that stretch.

Colin Stuart scored his first of two goals in the game five minutes into the opening frame with a wrist shot that beat Marlies starting goaltender Andrew Engelage.

Stuart was briefly part of the Maple Leafs organization over the summer before being traded to Calgary.

Engelage made his first start at home for the Marlies after being recalled from the Reading Royals of the ECHL over the weekend. The 6’5, 206-pound goaltender won the Memorial Cup with the Windsor Spitfires last season.

Abbotsford added to their lead mid-way through the second period with a goal from Garth Murray.

Stuart banged home a loose puck in front of the Marlie net for his second goal of the night on a Heat power play. Abbotsford’s leading point scorer, Jason Jaffray, collected an assist on Stuart’s seventh of the season.

Despite the Marlies out-shooting the Heat, 9-3, Toronto failed to beat Abbotsford’s starting goalie Matt Keetley who earned his first shutout of the season.

Toronto’s power play went 0-for-4; while their penalty killing unit was 6-for-7.

The Marlies had only been shutout once entering tonight's game this season.

The Marlies travel down the QEW to face their division rivals, the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday evening for a 7:30 p.m. contest. On Saturday, the two teams play each other again at 4:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

TeamUp Foundation Launched by MLSE

Four Teams - One Focus
December 1, 2009

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) officially launched its new charitable arm, the MLSE Team Up Foundation on Tuesday. Building on the past success of the Raptors Foundation and the Leafs Fund, the MLSE Team Up Foundation will combine the philanthropic activities of all four MLSE-owned teams — the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies — into one organization committed to making an even greater difference for disadvantaged youth across Ontario.The MLSE Team Up Foundation helps disadvantaged youth in priority neighbourhoods. By giving, building, teaching and growing, everyone wins. “Being leaders in our community is one of our core values at MLSE. Our vision is for a city where kids are more active, healthier and have the ability to participate in sports and in turn help foster their development as future leaders,” said Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

The MLSE Team Up Foundation’s mandate is to BUILD by restoring and refurbishing community and recreational facilities in Ontario, as well as to GIVE resources to other charitable organizations in the Province that administer programs supporting disadvantaged youth. Through these activities, it will provide community leaders with safe, modern facilities where they can TEACH, coach and mentor their youth and provide them with opportunities to GROW and develop.

“We have a unique situation that allows us to put the power of four professional sports teams into making a real difference in the lives of kids in our province,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “For close to two decades the Raptors Foundation and Leafs Fund did some amazing work, but our organization has grown (to include two more teams) and the city’s needs have evolved and we feel this is the right move at the right time.”

It was also announced on Tuesday that Canadian Sports Hall of Famer and Lou Marsh winner Dr. Bruce Kidd will lead the Foundation. Kidd, currently the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto, will lead the foundation on a volunteer basis.

“I consider myself lucky to have lived a life in sport and over the years I have seen time and time again how sport can make a difference in the lives of all Canadians regardless of your socio-economic background,” said Kidd.

“We will raise the bar on our fundraising efforts, to grow the funds that can be devoted to facility renewal and grants. And we will say to everyone—the teams' loyal fans, players, governments, other foundations and agencies—that the status quo is unacceptable. It is simply not good enough for so many children and youth to go without safe places to learn and play.”

Dr. Kidd will report to a volunteer board that includes General Rick Hillier, former chief of defence staff, Aris Kaplanis, who will serve as vice chair of the Team Up Foundation, Joe Halstead, former Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Joel Rose, partner, Aird and Berlis, LLP, Vijay Kanwar, president, KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres and Leafs Legend Wendel Clark. Maple Leafs Hall of Famer, Darryl Sittler will join the board in 2010. Former Raptors Foundation chairman, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, will serve as Chair Emeritus.

In the last 15 years, the Leafs Fund and Raptors Foundation have raised close to $30 million for disadvantaged kids. Over the past four years alone, MLSE has invested approximately $1.6 million in building and refurbishing 13 rinks, six courts and three soccer pitches through its legacy program.

The Team Up Foundation will be at work Tuesday, December 8 at the Ramsden Park rink in Toronto. The refurbishment, funded by the MLSE Team Up Foundation and Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department, will include the installation of new rink boards, renovated dressing rooms, new benches and a fresh coat of paint for many areas of the facility.

For more information, visit http://www.mlseteamupfoundation.org/.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com

Slaney and Scott Recalled

December 1, 2009
Marlies Host Abbotsford Heat Tonight at Ricoh Coliseum

Jeff Jackson, General Manager of the Toronto Marlies, announced today that forwards Robert Slaney and Greg Scott have been recalled to the Marlies from assignment to the Reading Royals.

Slaney, 21, appeared in four games with the Royals, totaling one assist and two penalty minutes. The 6’2, 203-pound forward skated in 11 games with the Marlies this season, registering three assists and seven penalty minutes. The Upper Island Cove, NF native made his American Hockey League debut on October 16 at Rochester.

Scott, 21, recorded one goal and two penalty minutes in four games with Reading. The 6’0, 188-pound forward played in 14 games with the Marlies this season and collected one assist and 15 penalty minutes. He made his AHL debut in the Marlies home opener on October 4 versus Hamilton.

The Marlies finish their six game homestand tonight at 7:00 p.m. against the Abbotsford Heat, AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, at Ricoh Coliseum. Fans can listen to all Toronto Marlies regular season games on THE FAN 590 or fan590.com. For ticket information, including season ticket packages and priority seating, visit www.torontomarlies.com or call the team’s ticket line at 416-597-PUCK.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com