[sharkdivmstr]

I was thumbing my way through the web pages of guys in our system. We always talk about the usual guys: Repik, Matthias, etc.

But Imber and I were talking...do you guys remember we signed Rory Fitzpatrick? Where's he at?

I have found a few guys I'd like to see up here getting a shot...

Remember Nedorost?
http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app?page=Play...mp;service=page

or Mike Duco? He's tearing up the OHL and played for DeBoer for 5 years.
Where is he? Why isn't he at least getting a shot?
http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app?page=Play...mp;service=page

Just a thread to keep up on the guys down in the system.

[Imber]

Good idea man! I may pin this.

Will definitely throw some updates when I have more time!

[sharkdivmstr]

Imber, on Jan 22 2009, 09:08 PM, said:

Good idea man! I may pin this.

It was your idea! I'm just avoiding absolutely all possible work right now.

[Imber]

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/1095...cts_spring2008/

Quote

The top five prospects in the Panthers organization remain unaltered since the fall ranking. Of note, a number of players from the college ranks have burst on the scene, including Jason Garrison. One year removed from NCAA play, he takes the biggest jump on the list -- previously unranked, all the way to the sixth spot.

Among the additions from the NCAA is the goaltending duo of Marc Cheverie and Brian Foster. Another goaltender, Sergei Gayduchenko, makes up part of a pair of increasingly prominent Russian prospects, along with Evgeni Dadonov.

It's great to see a lot of prospects doing well for us. Even Colby Robak, who was part of the Jokinen trade, is looking awesome. Three solid defenders for Jokinen, including two who may be with us for a long time. Great trade, great trade.

[tk90]

A brief update from training camp, according to amerks.com:

Quote

A lot of so called experts don’t agree, but I think Michael Caruso is one of the top defensive prospects of the Panthers. He said he’s going to spend the off season getting bigger.

Alexander Salak looks great on the ice. One of the things I noticed is that he uses his stick a lot. He’s not afraid to go after the puck.

Tyler Plante looks great as well, continuing his late season revival. If his shoulder can hold up he’ll continue to improve.

James DeLory has moved up to forward and plans to do everything he can to make the Amerks roster. He’s continuing to improve his skating and also isn’t afraid of anyone.

Jacob Markstrom is at camp but not practicing on the ice. He’s only taking part in off ice workouts as he recovers from knee surgery.

Michael Frolik sticks out above everyone else. It’s obvious why he’s secured a full time spot on the Florida Panthers roster.

Source and stuff.

[tk90]

Quote

The Panthers, parent club of the AHL's Rochester Americans, have signed defenseman Clay Wilson to a two-year contract.

“Clay is a versatile and mobile player who was one of the top defensemen in the American Hockey League last season,” said Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton. “He has played a handful of games in the National Hockey League and understands what it takes to compete at this level and will be given the opportunity to compete for a spot on our team in training camp.”

Wilson, 26, split last season between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as their American Hockey League affiliates in Chicago and Syracuse. He recorded a career-best 45 points (14 goals, 31 assists) in 70 AHL games with the Wolves and Crunch in 2008-09, and had one assist in seven games between the Thrashers and Blue Jackets.

In 280 career AHL games with Chicago, Syracuse, Portland and Grand Rapids, Wilson has totaled 47 goals and 125 assists for 172 points. He participated in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic, held in Binghamton, NY.

Source and stuff.

[Imber]

Amerks land free-agent center Taffe

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/articl...014/1007/SPORTS

Quote

Taffe was No. 1 on the list of forwards to pursue when free agency opened on Wednesday, and his contract signature will be arriving today. The Amerks are expected to make the official announcement on Monday.

[tk90]

The Amerks have a new manager of hockey operations:

Quote

The Rochester Americans announced today that the team has named Adam Winslow the Manager of Hockey Operations for the 2009-10 American Hockey League season. In his new role, he will work closely with the Amerks Senior VP of Hockey Operations, Ted Nolan, and the Director of Player Personnel, Jody Gage.

Before joining the Amerks and Knighthawks in September of 2003, Winslow interned with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. That fall, he also worked with the Rochester Rhinos soccer club and the Rochester Rattlers lacrosse team and continued to work in that capacity until 2007.

More and stuff.

[CatWoman34]

Wanted to put some life back into this thread. Rochester has had a stellar start to their season, at one point rolling on an 11 game winning streak.

They're top of the North Division, have the best record at 13-2-1-0, but sit second in the conference under the Texas Stars by one point (by virtue of the Stars having played more games, but losing more in OT & SO thus earning extra points).

I usually don't follow the AHL, but I am pretty excited about the Amerks. I'm planning to come watch them here in Toronto when they play the Marlies in January. I think it's great our young guys are playing in this environment, and I hope this continues throughout the rest of the season and beyond. I think it's a big step to helping turn the franchise as a whole around (both the Cats & Americans).

So great job to the boys in red, white, and blue so far!

[Sabrenoise.com]

sharkdivmstr, on Jan 22 2009, 08:49 PM, said:

I was thumbing my way through the web pages of guys in our system. We always talk about the usual guys: Repik, Matthias, etc.

But Imber and I were talking...do you guys remember we signed Rory Fitzpatrick? Where's he at?

I have found a few guys I'd like to see up here getting a shot...

Remember Nedorost?
http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app?page=Play...mp;service=page

or Mike Duco? He's tearing up the OHL and played for DeBoer for 5 years.
Where is he? Why isn't he at least getting a shot?
http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app?page=Play...mp;service=page

Just a thread to keep up on the guys down in the system.

Rory Fitzpatrick back to the Amerks as part of the Florida system? I thought he was still playing in Vancouver. Interesting note - He started with the Amerks back when Buffalo held them as our farm team. I hated the Amerks to start because they were part of the Boston organization - loved them while they were with us, so I guess they doubly hold a special place with me, one in my heart, and you can guess where the other is! Glad to see the organization is doing better under one club as opposed to when we shared them.

[sharkdivmstr]

Looks like Rory is still in the system...at least according to the Cats site. Guess he'll never be back in the NHL. He hasn't played an NHL game since Dec 07 with the Flyers.

[CatWoman34]

Went with my boyfriend and a friend of ours to the Toronto Marlies vs Rochester Americans game yesterday afternoon.

The Amerks won 2-0, and even though I was disappointed that Salak was riding the pine, Plante had a stellar game and got the shutout. He made some highlight reel saves during a Marlies 5 on 3, and was really solid. I was surprised.

Ellerby moves the puck really well, and is a great skater. I hope he continues to improve his game. And I can see why everyone loves Duco, dude throws his weight around well, and can contribute to the play well.

Overall, the Amerks played a great game. The Marlies aren't very good, so it wasn't too hard of a challenge, but the Amerks were all over the Marlies, controlling the play, passing very well, and creating great chances.

And interestingly enough, the Marlies don't get very good attendance numbers, and I find it amusing that their in-arena entertainment includes Ice Dancers.

I have pictures, I will post them sometime this week, I'm a bit swamped today.

[Imber]

Nice report, thanks!