Article Written by Aidan Charde
Recap: Philadelphia Rebels on Nov. 1 and 2
The Rochester Jr. Americans extended their season-long win streak to four games last weekend with a pair of wins over the Philadelphia Rebels, including the first overtime winner and hat trick of the season.
Forward Hugo Branthsson got the scoring started in the first game with just under six minutes gone. 10 minutes later, the Rebels were able to tie the game with a shot that got by goalie Danick Leroux, but Rochester took the lead back with a strike from defenseman Jordin Palmer in the final minute.
New acquisition Nicholas Reif, a forward whom the team landed via trade with the Aberdeen Wings two weeks ago, notched his first point in the red, white and blue with a lightning-fast goal in the second frame, 41 seconds after the puck dropped. It was the last mark on the scoresheet on either side for the next 35 minutes, though, as the offenses went quiet and both goalies went to work.
Philadelphia began to claw their way back with five minutes left, tightening the score to 3–2 but still trailed with two minutes to play. Coming into the weekend, Rochester had a record of 7–0–1 when leading with two minutes left, the only loss coming in overtime to the St. Cloud Norsemen. However, despite history on their side, Rochester conceded the tying goal with one minute left and the game went to overtime.
It was a back-and-forth affair in the extra frame, but ultimately forward Adam Gionta found paydirt with a snipe that got just past the goalie’s glove for the team’s first overtime winner of the season.
In game two, it took Rochester over six minutes to find the back of the net for the first time, but they exploded for the rest of the period, ending the first frame with a strong 4–0 lead. Forward Calle Karlsson quickly scored twice before forwards Gabe Randel and Wyatt Stefan padded the lead.
Randel and Stefan’s goals proved important as the Jr. Amerks went cold in the second period, allowing Philadelphia to bring the game back within reach 4–2. Although neither team scored on the powerplay during the game, the penalty box was packed during the second period with 10 penalties being handed out.
In the end, it did not matter. Philadelphia could not get any closer and the Jr. Amerks iced the game with another goal in the third period, again from Karlsson, giving him the first hat trick of his NAHL career and of the season for Rochester.
The Jr. Amerks have now won four straight, their longest stretch of the season and the longest points streak since the opening six-game stretch. They face a tough test this weekend, heading to face the Maryland Black Bears in Odenton, MD.
Preview: Nov. 8 and 9 vs. Maryland Black Bears
WHEN: Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Piney Orchard Ice Arena | Odenton, MD
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
The Rochester Jr. Americans have only defeated the Maryland Black Bears three times across 10 meetings, but no game has ever been decided between the two teams by more than two goals. Last time they met was in Rochester on Oct. 11 and 12, a series that saw Rochester shut out the Black Bears for all but a five-minute stretch in game two. Unfortunately, that five-minute stretch was long enough to give Maryland one win and take the series split. The two teams are also currently tied for second place in the East Division.
Have a day, Calle
Forward Calle Karlsson officially etched his name in the Jr. Amerks history books on Saturday with a dominant three-goal performance. It was the first time this season a Jr. Amerk had a hat trick, joining the ranks of Luca Leighton, Michael Sandruck, Massimo Gentile and Adam Gionta, each of whom had one last season.
Dyke quietly putting together a solid season
Behind the likes of Hugo Branthsson, Adam Gionta, Owen King and Calle Karlsson, Jaden Dyke has quietly been one of the top contributors on the team. Though his four goals on the year are the sixth-most, his 10 assists are just one behind Gionta for the team lead. He is riding a five-game points streak, all with assists, and the team has a record of 8–1–0 when he notches an assist.
Leroux bolsters reputation as one of NAHL’s top goalies
Goalie Danick Leroux has been elite as of late and is among the top goalies in the league despite a bad start to the season. In his first three games, Leroux allowed 12 goals and saved south of 87% of the shots he faced. Since then, across six starts and a 30 minute relief appearance, he has allowed just 10 goals, notched one shutout, and saved over 90% of shots in every single game. Among qualified goalies, he is 13th in the league in goals allowed average (2.286) and 17th in save percentage (91.88%).
Motew struggles, but is still formidable
Last time these teams matched up, Maryland goalie Benji Motew was the best goalie in the NAHL by a large margin, but his trajectory has been the exact opposite of Leroux’. He played both games against Rochester and played well — although below his standards — but since then, he has fallen down the rankings significantly. He has allowed 21 goals in his last six games compared to seven in his first six games. The result? He is now 14th in the league in GAA (one behind Leroux) and 16th in the league in save percentage (one ahead of Leroux).
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The Rochester Jr. Americans are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non pay-to-play model. Celebrating its 50th season, the NAHL is one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. All league games are viewable via NAHLTV. For more information, visit rochesterjramerks.com.
