BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC - The Road Warriors saw their six-game home winning streak snapped last week as they dropped a pair of games to the Reading Royals. This week offers a chance at redemption with two home matches against South Division opponents before embarking on a 10-day road trip.

Record: 15-9-2, 32 pts., 2nd place South Division
Leaders (as of 12/26/11):
Goals - Brendan Connolly: 17
Assists - Justin Bowers: 22
Points - Brendan Connolly: 32
+/- - T.J. Reynolds/Brendan Connolly: +10
PIMs - T.J. Reynolds: 72
PPG - Jeff Prough: 7
SHG - Brendan Connolly/Marc-Olivier Vallerand: 1
Wins - Nic Riopel: 11
GAA - Jason Missiaen: 2.27
SVP - Jason Missiaen: .930

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

12/27 vs. South Carolina – 7:35 p.m., Home vs. S.C. 4-0-0, Away vs. S.C. 1-1-0

Tuesday’s game is the seventh of 16 meetings between the Road Warriors and Stingrays this season and the fifth of eight at the BI-LO Center. The Road Warriors have won five of the previous six meetings against the Stingrays this season including all four in Greenville. The Road Warriors’ defense has been the big key in those wins with a team goals-against average of one against South Carolina at home. Greenville is 9-3-0 all-time in the Battle of the Palmetto State on home ice. The Road Warriors’ win in North Charleston on Dec. 18 was the first win for a road team in the season series between the Road Warriors and Stingrays.

12/29 vs. Florida – 7:35 p.m., Home vs. FLA 3-1-1, Away vs. FLA 1-1-0

Thursday night is the final meeting of the season in Greenville for the Road Warriors and Everblades, and also the final home game of 2011 for the Road Warriors. The game begins a five-game road trip for Florida and is the end of a stretch of seven of eight games at home for Greenville. The Everblades pulled off an improbable 4-3 shootout win over Greenville the last time the teams met on December 17. Greenville surrendered a 3-2 lead with seven seconds to play on a power play goal by Rylan Galiardi and then lost 1-0 in a seven-round shootout. After Thursday only three games remain between Greenville and Florida and will be played on Jan. 25, Jan. 26, and Jan. 28 at Germain Arena.

12/31 at Chicago & 1/1 at Chicago – 7:30 CST & 4:00 CST, Home vs. CHI 0-0-0, Away vs. CHI 0-0-0

The Chicago Express were one of two expansion teams added to the ECHL in the summer of 2010 and Saturday will be the first meeting ever between Greenville and Chicago. The Express entered this week having lost three consecutive games and holding down the second spot in the North Division standings. The Express are coached by Steve Martinson who is in his 16th season as a professional coach. He has won six championships as a head coach (four with WCHL San Diego and one with UHL Rockford) and has previously coached in the ECHL with Elmira (117-76-23). The Express are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the AHL’s Springfield Falcons.

Day-by-Day Schedule:

12/26/11 - Off

“Between the Pipes” radio show at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.

12/27/11 - * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

Road Warriors vs. South Carolina, 7:35 p.m.

12/28/11 - * Practice at the BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

12/29/11 - * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

Road Warriors vs. Florida, 7:35 p.m.

Depart for Chicago from BI-LO Center immediately following game

12/30/11 - Practice at Sears Center, TBD

12/31/11 - Pre-game practice at Sears Center, Noon

   Road Warriors at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. CST

1/1/12 - Road Warriors at Chicago, 4:00 p.m. CST

* Denotes an appearance/event that is not open to the general public.

Road Warriors Broadcast Information

All Greenville Road Warriors games are broadcast live online courtesy of America One. You can listen to every game for free by clicking on the “Listen Live” link located on the Road Warriors’ home page – www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors Pre-Game Show kicks off every broadcast 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Recapping Last Week:

12/22 vs. Reading: OTL 2-3  

Box Score

Brandon Wong provided a pair of goals but it wasn’t enough offense as the Royals received two goals from Olivier Labelle, including a power play strike in OT, to skate away with their third win over Greenville this season. The Road Warriors peppered Reading goalie Mark Owuya with 39 shots in the game, but after Wong converted twice in the first period, Owuya shut Greenville down. The Road Warriors had seven chances on the power play in the game, including two 5-on-3′s but were held without a power play goal. Nic Riopel sustained the loss in net for Greenville as he stopped 22 of the 25 shots he faced.

12/23 vs. Reading: L 4-6

Box Score

Brendan Connolly recorded the second hat trick in the Road Warriors’ history last Friday, but it was not enough to overcome a Reading power play that went 3-for-6 to power the Royals to victory. Connolly’s first of the night came midway through the first to slice a 2-0 Reading lead in half, but the Royals built it up to 4-1 before the opening frame expired. Greenville out-scored Reading 3-2 over the final two periods and had tied the game at four when Justin Bowers banked home a power play goal 5:58 into the third. Reading bounced back with a 4-on-3 power play goal from Rob Kwiet to reclaim the lead then Olivier Labelle capped the scoring with his fourth goal of the week with 7:20 left in the game. Jason Missiaen played the entire game and stopped 24 of the shots he faced.

Quick Hits:

*Both hat tricks scored in the Road Warriors’ history have come in losses. Brandon Wong scored three in an 8-6 defeat against Gwinnett on January 14, 2011 and Brendan Connolly’s three weren’t enough offense in a 6-4 loss to Reading last Friday.

* Jason Missiaen has three shutouts in the month of December and is tied with Alaska’s Gerald Coleman and Gwinnett’s Jeff Jakaitis for the most shutouts in the ECHL. He has a .6 goals-against average in his wins this season and a .983 save percentage.

* Entering this week, the Road Warriors have played the fewest away games (10) of any team in the ECHL. Their six road wins, however are tied for fifth most in the league. Starting Saturday they play six games on the road over 10 days against the North Division. They are 10-2-1 on the road against the North Division since 2010.

* The Road Warriors have the fourth most power play chances in home games in the ECHL at 71, but have the 12th rated home power play at 18.3 percent. Away from the BI-LO Center the Road Warriors have the top PP at 29.3 percent.

* Greenville’s third period defense is the fifth best in the ECHL with 24 goals given up in 27 games. The Road Warriors have been nearly as stingy in the first period with 26 goals given up which are the seventh fewest in the league.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, Dec. 29: Road Warriors vs. Florida Everblades, 7:35 p.m. – Throwback Thursday Presented by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News, and New Rock 93.3. Come out to enjoy $2 draught beers, $2 fountain drinks, $2 hot dogs, and $2 pretzels. Also, any college student with a valid ID gets in for just $6.

Thursday, Jan. 12: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett Gladiators, 7:35 p.m. - Throwback Thursday Presented by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News, and New Rock 93.3. Come out to enjoy $2 draught beers, $2 fountain drinks, $2 hot dogs, and $2 pretzels. Also, any college student with a valid ID gets in for just $6. 

Friday, Jan. 13: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett Gladiators, 7:35 p.m. – Spinx Family Four Pack. Fans can get four tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks, and four pretzels for just $48! The Road Warriors will also be wearing special Clemson University-themed jerseys which will be auctioned off live after the game.

BY: Bob Crawford, Voice of the Connecticut Whale

The Whale finished their pre and post-Christmas slate with two wins in three games, all against division rivals. Connecticut defeated the Adirondack Phantoms, 3-2, on Wednesday at the XL Center, but fell by the same score to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on the road on Monday night. The Whale rebounded Tuesday night with a big home win against the Albany Devils, also by a 3-2 score, putting them seven points ahead of Albany for first place in the Northeast Division. Andre Deveaux scored four times over the last three games and added an assist for five points, while Kris Newbury scored once and added five helpers over that span.

This week:

The Whale hit the road to take on the Worcester Sharks on Friday night (7:30 faceoff), before preparing for a New Year’s Eve clash with the Springfield Falcons Saturday night at the XL Center (5:00). Connecticut will wrap up a run of five games in eight days when they head to Portland to take on the Pirates Monday afternoon in Maine (1:00).

Friday, December 30 at Worcester Sharks (DCU Center), 7:30 PM

· The Whale head to Worcester Friday to meet the Sharks for the second of six games between the two clubs this season.

· Connecticut topped the Sharks in a shootout in their first meeting, 3-2, on Oct. 29, also in Worcester. Andreas Thuresson and Andre Deveaux both scored in regulation, and Sean Avery netted the winner in the tiebreaker.

· The Sharks snapped a two-game skid by defeating the Portland Pirates in overtime in their last action, 3-2, in Portland.

· Worcester currently sits third in the Atlantic Division with 34 points, six points behind division leader Manchester. John McCarthy leads the club in scoring with 21 points on the season (7-14-21).

· Radio – CT Whale “Rockin’ Hockey”, live with Bob Crawford, on “The Rock”, 106.9 WCCC-FM, and on-line at www.ctwhale.com.

Saturday, December 31 vs. Springfield Falcons (XL Center), 5:00 PM

· This game features a special Holiday start time of 5:00 PM, and the Whale will be celebrating the coming of the New Year with a special ticket discount, as all upper-level seats for Saturday’s game will be available for only $5 each at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center.

· The Hartford Parking Authority will be offering free parking Saturday night at the Morgan Street Garage, 155 Morgan Street, and $2 parking at both the Church Street Garage, 200 Church Street, and the MAT Garage, 55 S. Chapel St..

· Fans showing a First Night wristband or button at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center can take advantage of a 50% discount on lower-level end-zone seats for this game.  Also, there will be a First Night table in the XL Center atrium on Saturday, with First Night buttons available for purchase.

· I-91 rivals Connecticut and Springfield meet for the fifth time this season on Saturday, and the Whale have topped the Falcons in all four of their previous head-to-head tilts this season.

· The Whale rallied in their last meeting, using five power-play goals to defeat the Falcons, 6-3, back on Dec. 3 in Springfield.

· Jonathan Audy-Marchessault has recorded nine points in four games vs. Springfield (3-6-9), five more than any other player involved in the season series.

· The Falcons have won two straight, defeating both Albany and Worcester on the road. Martin St. Pierre is leading the team in scoring with 29 points (6-23-29 in 27 GP).

· This is the last game for the Whale’s “Holiday Hat Trick” deal.  A package of four Upper Level tickets, four Whale winter hats and four Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards is only $80, with upgrades available.  Purchase your Holiday Hat Trick package through the Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366.

· Radio – CT Whale “Rockin’ Hockey”, live with Bob Crawford and Mark Bailey, on “The Rock”, 106.9 WCCC-FM, and on-line at www.ctwhale.com.

Monday, January 2 at Portland Pirates (Cumberland County Civic Center), 1:00 PM

· The Whale face the Pirates for just the second time this season Monday afternoon, as they head to Maine for the first time this campaign.

· Connecticut defeated the Pirates in their first meeting of the season at XL Center, downing Portland by a 3-2 score in overtime November 23. Brendan Bell recorded the overtime winner for the Whale.

· Portland has lost two straight games, and four of their last five overall, although they have recorded a point in three of the four defeats (1-2-1-1).

· The Pirates have three games lined up before the Whale come to town, as they host Providence Dec. 28, head to Adirondack to meet the Phantoms on Dec. 30, and then return home to play Worcester on New Year’s Eve.

· Radio – CT Whale “Rockin’ Hockey”, live with Bob Crawford, on “The Rock”, 106.9 WCCC-FM, and on-line at www.ctwhale.com.

“Whale TV”:

· The following three special “Whale TV” selections will be available this week to Comcast Xfinity on Demand customers throughout New England, in the “Get Local” folder of Comcast’s On Demand Service:

o Howe Family Night (Whale Special Events folder) – the Whale celebrates the contributions that “Hockey’s First Family”, Gordie, Mark, Marty and Colleen Howe, have made to the game, both in Hartford and elsewhere, throughout the years, by “re-retiring” Gordie Howe’s iconic Number 9 banner and raising a new one honoring the Howe family.

o Cigna Hockey in the Streets (Whale Special Events folder) – the Whale kicks off the “Cigna Hockey in the Streets” program at the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center in Hartford.  Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra participated in the event, during which a number of local youngsters played floor hockey alongside Whale players and Head Coach Ken Gernander.

o Game Highlights (Game of the Week folder) – the featured game is a hotly-contested battle between the Whale and their then-closest pursuers in the Northeast Division, the Adirondack Phantoms, played December 21 at the XL Center.

· Every Tuesday night, CPTV Sports will air an edited re-broadcast of a Whale game from the previous week, on “Whale TV Replay”.

o This Tuesday night, January 3 at 7:00 PM, Whale TV Replay will feature a re-broadcast of the game this Saturday night, December 31 vs. the Springfield Falcons.

· The second of five live Whale TV broadcasts on WCCT-TV, Connecticut’s CW affiliate, presented by Webster Bank, is coming up Saturday, January 28, when the Whale host the Springfield Falcons at 7:00 PM.

Recent Transactions:

Stu Bickel – recalled by the New York Rangers from the Whale December 18.

Tim Erixon – recalled by the New York Rangers from the Whale December 19.

Lee Baldwin – reassigned by the New York Rangers to the Whale from Greenville (ECHL) December 19.

Sam Klassen – reassigned by the New York Rangers to the Whale from Greenville (ECHL) December 20.

Whale Tales:

The Whale will host a top-level professional women’s hockey game prior to their home game Saturday, January 21 at the XL Center vs. the Norfolk Admirals.  The women’s game will be a Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) regular-season battle between the Boston Blades and Team Alberta.  That contest will face off at 3:00 PM on January 21, before the Whale and Admirals lock horns at 7:00.  Tickets for the Whale game will also be good for admission to the CWHL tilt.

Fans who purchase Whale season tickets, or a mini-plan, before December 31 will be entered to win a round-trip excursion via limousine to a New York Rangers regular-season home game at Madison Square Garden.  Current season seat-holders and mini-plan-holders are also automatically entered.

College students can get discounted tickets to Whale weekday games with the Whale’s “Ditch the Dorms” deal.  For Monday through Friday home games, students who show a valid student ID at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center can get $2 off Upper Level tickets and $5 off Lower Level seats.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats, mini plans and great group discounts, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr.. The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

CATCH THE WHALE AT WWW.CTWHALE.COM

FIREWORKS ON AND OFF THE ICE FOR WHALE’S DECEMBER 31 GAME

*           *           *           *

Special 5:00 PM Start, $5 Tickets and Free Parking Provide Value-packed Night

There will be plenty of “fireworks”, on and off the ice, surrounding the Connecticut Whale’s home New Year’s Eve, this Saturday night, at the XL Center against the Springfield Falcons.

The game features a special Holiday start time of 5:00 PM, as the Whale renew acquaintances with their closest regional rival in an I-91 border battle.  And the Whale will be celebrating the coming of the New Year with a special ticket discount, as all upper-level seats for Saturday’s game will be available for only $5 each at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center.

Taking in both the game and the downtown First Night festivities could not be easier, as the Hartford Parking Authority will be offering free parking at the Morgan Street Garage, 155 Morgan Street, and $2 parking at both the Church Street Garage, 200 Church Street, and the MAT Garage, 55 S. Chapel St..

“With our special 5 p.m. game start, Connecticut Whale fans can come for the game and stay for Hartford’s First Night Celebrations, complete with skating in Bushnell Park and fireworks,” said Whalers Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Howard Baldwin, Jr.. “Plus, add in $5 for all upper level tickets and free parking at the Morgan Street Garage, and First Night is truly a value-packed night.”

Fans showing a First Night wristband or button at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center can also take advantage of a 50% discount on lower-level end-zone seats for Saturday’s Whale game.  In addition, there will be a First Night table in the XL Center atrium on Saturday, with First Night buttons available for purchase.

Tickets to all 2011-12 Whale home games are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

GOALTENDER JASON MISSIAEN JOINS WHALE

*           *           *           *

Six-foot-eight-inch Backstop Reassigned from ECHL Greenville

Connecticut Whale general manager Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the parent New York Rangers have reassigned goaltender Jason Missiaen to the Whale from its ECHL affiliate, the Greenville Road Warriors.

Missiaen, who, at 6-8 and 220 pounds, is the tallest goaltender in North American pro hockey, is 5-3-1 with a 2.43 goals-against average, 92.6% save percentage and three shutouts in 10 games with Greenville.  That ties him for the ECHL lead in shutouts, and the 21-year-old rookie from Chatham, Ontario ranks fifth in the league in save percentage and eighth in GAA.  Missiaen was named ECHL Goaltender of the Week for the week of December 5-11, after stopping 69 of 70 shots in a pair of wins, and strung together back-to-back shutouts in home games December 9 vs. South Carolina (38 saves in a 3-0 victory) and December 12 against Florida (31 saves, 3-0).

Missiaen was signed as a free agent by the Rangers March 24, 2011, and played last season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.  He finished 2010-11 third among QMJHL goaltenders in saves (1,403) and fourth in minutes-played (3,026), going 10-33-8 with a 3.33 GAA, an 89.3% save percentage and one shutout.

Prior to joining Baie-Comeau, Missiaen spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Peterborough Petes.  In 131 career games with Peterborough, he was 48-65-6 with a 3.77 GAA, a 90.1% save percentage and one shutout.

Missiaen was a fourth-round selection (116^th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2008 NHL Draft.

The Whale are back in action this Friday night, December 30, when they travel to Worcester to take on the Sharks in a 7:30 PM game.  All the CT Whale Rockin’ Hockey action can be heard live on “The Rock”, 106.9 FM, WCCC, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com.  The Whale’s next home game is this Saturday night, New Year’s Eve, as they battle the Springfield Falcons.  The Whale will be celebrating the coming of the New Year with a special ticket discount, as all upper-level seats for Saturday’s game will be available for only $5 each at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center.

Tickets to all 2011-12 Whale home games are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

BY: Bruce Berlet

A month after his call-up from the Connecticut Whale to the parent New York Rangers, left wing Carl Hagelin continues to solidify his position with the big club.

The rookie speedster from Sweden had his second two-goal game in only 16 NHL starts on Monday night, as the Rangers beat the visiting New York Islanders 3-0 for their fifth straight victory, elevating them to first overall in the Eastern Conference standings.

“Obviously it was great to get two goals, and to be a plus-two; it’s always important to be a plus player,” Hagelin told the media after his third game on a top line with Brad Richards and captain and former Hartford Wolf Pack right wing Ryan Callahan. “There were just some great plays by my linemates and by (defenseman Michael) Del Zotto on the goals. I just had to get to the right spot.

“Richie just told me to play my game, use my speed and provide energy, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. I try to win battles, get the puck to Richie or Cally and let them make plays and try to find open ice, and if the puck turns over I’m trying to be one of the first guys back. … I think we played pretty good. Maybe not the best first period, but then in the second we created some chances, and in the third we had a good run. Both of those goals were just me kind of coasting toward the net while the other guys were doing a good job. I came in late and found the puck.”

Hagelin also tied for the game high of five shots and was plus-2 in 13:21 of ice time. He has three goals in the last four games and ranks 10^th among NHL rookies with six goals, despite playing in only the 16 games since he and center John Mitchell were called up Nov. 24. Hagelin, who also has three assists and is plus-11, was the No. 2 star behind Henrik Lundqvist, who had 28 saves in his third shutout of the season and 38^th of his career and was especially sharp in a 1-0 game in the second period as he improved to 15-7-4, including 13-4-1 with a 1.77 goals-against average, .941 save percentage and two shutouts in his last 18 games.

“I think each year as you’re building your team, you need a surprise, and he’s been a pleasant one,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said of Hagelin. “It’s another young kid, and not only is he helping us offensively, but he’s doing a lot of good things away from the puck. You need that, and we were hoping to have it during (training) camp and didn’t. I think the guys down in the minor leagues did a good job, and he has played very well since he’s been here.”

But developing youngsters is nothing new for Whale coach Ken Gernander and assistant coaches J.J. Daigneault and Pat Boller. Callahan, who became an AHL All-Star with the Wolf Pack when Gernander was an assistant coach, had two assists, three hits and was plus-2. He has five goals and 10 assists in the last 16 games and is now tied for second on the team in scoring with Richards with 26 points, seven behind wing Marian Gaborik, who scored an empty-net goal Monday to extend his goal-scoring streak to five games and increase his total to a NHL-high 22 goals, matching his output in 2010-11 after he had 42 in his first season on Broadway. Earlier in the day, Gaborik was named the NHL’s No. 2 star of the week after getting four goals, including two winners, and an assist in three games. Boston Bruins wing Brad Marchand was the No. 1 star, and Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, the Hartford Whalers’ first-round pick (15^th overall) in 1995, was the No. 3 star.

Del Zotto, who began to revive his career with the Whale in the second half of last season, made brilliant moves to set up Hagelin’s goals and extend his point streak to three games (one goal, four assists) while being plus-3 in 21:25 of ice time to earn the No. 3 star and the celebratory Broadway Hat. He has two goals and 13 assists in the last 15 games and is tied for second in the NHL (first among defensemen) with a plus-25 rating.

But it was Del Zotto’s toe-drag move that set up Hagelin’s first goal and left Frans Nielsen grasping at air that had drew the most attention.

“You don’t think about it when you’re making the play, it’s just going on instinct,” Del Zotto said. “It’s one of those where you’re going to get an earful from the coaches back on the bench if it doesn’t work out. I didn’t, but they warned me to be prepared for that if it doesn’t work out the next time.”

But Tortorella also said he was “happy” for Del Zotto after an injury-plagued, up-and-down – in play and location – sophomore season in 2010-11 after being on the NHL All-Rookie Team.

“I think he has really applied himself in the things that he needs to do to be a pro,” Tortorella said. “He has been a very important part to our back end, especially with everything going on with it (with injuries). He keeps improving, and as long as he handles himself off the ice the way he should as far as staying within himself and still learning as far as what it is to be a pro, he’ll keep growing.

“So I’m happy for him because last year was a tough year for a very young kid in a very tough position. I think he learned from it and continues to grow.”

Del Zotto, who has been on the ice for 54 of the Rangers’ 101 goals, talked again about his comfort and confidence and received plenty of plaudits from teammates.

“Obviously, he’s playing really good, he’s very good offensively,” said Del Zotto’s partner, Anton Stralman, who also was plus-3. “Right now, everything is going for him. That first goal was pretty amazing. I think, as a team, a lot of players are going right now. That’s what you want, everybody to chip in and do their job.”

“(Del Zotto) made big-time plays at big times in the game,” said center Brian Boyle, who had several black-and-blue marks after blocking five shots though credited for only one. “He’s turning into a stud for us.”

“He’s been outstanding in all areas right now,” Lundqvist said. “He’s still young (21). For a defenseman, he’s so young. You forget that.”

In more feel-good news that could affect the Whale, wing Wojtek Wolski skated hard in the morning skate and could be coming off injured reserve and returning to the lineup by the end of the week after being sidelined since Oct. 27 with a sports hernia that required surgery Nov. 7. And All-Star defenseman Marc Staal, out all season with the after-effects of the concussion he sustained Feb. 22 when hit by brother Eric in a game against Carolina, took another significant stride toward his season debut as he finally has been cleared for contact and took hits during the morning skate, the final major hurdle for a return.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this was the right thing to do,” said Staal, who consulted with Boston-based specialist Dr. Robert Cantu last week. “I did some battle drills, took some hits. I don’t feel great after two days off, but I feel good enough physically to do it. It feels really good. It’s been a long time. It’s the next step to get back to playing. … We’ll see how the next few days go with the hitting. I wasn’t hitting very hard. I still need some more work (on conditioning), I don’t feel like I’m ready to play 25 minutes a night like last year.

“Obviously, getting more contact, getting more hits, that’s the best way to tell if I’m ready to take it into a game, getting hit and getting into the grind of the season. I haven’t talked to (trainer Jim Ramsey), I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring. I totally felt fully confident going on the ice to take some hits. I knew they (my teammates) weren’t going to run me into the glass. It feels like I’m a step behind, knowing where they’re going and what they’re going to do.”

Staal acknowledged he needs to work on his conditioning before he’s ready to play.

“I’ve been working hard in the weight room, but I lost seven pounds (while shut down from mid-October through mid-November) and I need to get strength back in my legs and make sure they’re ready to go so I don’t pull a groin (muscle),” Staal said. “I could tell I was a step behind the corners, with the way guys roll off you on hits and in my positioning.

“I need to get my timing back, No matter how hard you work out, when you’re in the corner pushing and hitting, it drains you.”

Staal, Wolski and defenseman Jeff Woywitka (foot) skated again Tuesday and accompanied the team to Washington for a game against the Capitals on Wednesday night. Though Woywitka is ready to play again, Tortorella said he doesn’t plan to change a successful lineup unless defenseman Stu Bickel, who has four assists in four games since being called up Dec. 18, isn’t able to go because of a swollen eye from a fight with the Islanders’ Michael Haley that prevented him from practicing Tuesday. Tortorella also gave strong props to Mitchell, who has been on a dynamic checking line with Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky, especially Monday night against the Islanders’ top line of John Tavares, Matt Moulson and former Wolf Pack right wing P.A. Parenteau.

Meanwhile, another former Wolf Pack defenseman, Michael Sauer, sidelined since Dec. 5 with post-concussion symptoms after a collision with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf, is improving, but the Rangers have issued no updates concerning his health. He and defenseman Steve Eminger, expected to be for two more months with a separated right shoulder, didn’t go to Washington.

The Rangers are at the 23-player limit, so the return of Wolski, Staal and Sauer will force them to make roster moves. Wing Sean Avery has been a healthy scratch for eight straight games and center Erik Christensen for four in a row.

The Rangers will shoot for a sixth straight win Wednesday night, and then in their final warm-up for 2012 NHL Winter Classic on Friday night, they visit the surprising Southeast Division-leading Florida Panthers and first-year coach Kevin Dineen, the former standout right wing and captain of the Hartford Whalers. … Wing J.T. Miller, the Rangers’ first-round pick (15^th overall) in June, scored a goal as Team USA routed Denmark 11-3 in their opener in the World Junior Championships on Monday night. The Americans’ next game is against Finland on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. (EST) on the NHL Network.

MESSIER, LEETCH AMONG RANGERS IN CLASSIC ALUMNI GAME

Hockey Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Cheshire native Brian Leetch, Glenn Anderson and Mike Gartner will be among the former Rangers participating in the NHL Winter Classic alumni game against the Flyers on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the same Citizens Bank Park rink in Philadelphia as the NHL teams will use Monday.

Messier, the NHL’s second-leading all-time scorer (1,887 points), and Leetch, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994. Messier was scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery this month and was uncertain if he’d be ready to play, but he postponed the surgery and says he’s good to go after running the New York City Marathon for the first time last month.

Other Rangers scheduled to compete include former Wolf Pack players Dale Purinton, Dan Blackburn and Darius Kasparaitis and former Whalers Nick Fotiu, Darren Turcotte and Nick Kypreos, along with Adam Graves, John Vanbiesbrouck, Brian Mullen, Ron Duguay and commentator Dave Maloney, whose son Dave Jr. now works for the Whale. Coaches will be Mike Keenan, Colin Campbell and former Whalers general manager Emile Francis. The Rangers’ off-ice ambassadors will be Rod Gilbert, Ed Giacomin and Harry Howell, all of whom have had their numbers retired. For ticket information on the alumni game, call 212-465-6080.

The Rangers are offering special one-day and three-day NHL Winter Classic Road Trip packages presented by Amtrak. Packages include round-trip transportation to Philadelphia, game tickets, access to a pregame tailgate party with Rangers alumni, passes to watch practice and much more. For more information, visit www.newyorkrangers.com.

Fans can vote at www.Blueshirtsunited.com for the starting lineup for the Rangers team in the alumni game. By casting a vote by Thursday, fans will be entered to win a host of prizes, including Winter Classic jerseys and tickets to the alumni game and Winter Classic.

A third AHL outdoor game will be played at Citizens Bank Park on Jan. 6, when Adirondack, formerly based in Philadelphia and the Flyers’ top affiliate, will host the Hershey Bears. That will be two days after a collegiate exhibition game between Penn State and Division III Neumann University.

The third of four episodes of HBO’s “24/7 Flyers-Rangers: Road to the 2012 NHL Winter Classic” debuts Wednesday night at 10 with the first encore an hour later. It should include something on the Boyle family Christmas in Hingham, Mass., as Brian is one of 13 children and his parents have 15 grandchildren. That would make for some fun TV, much like Callahan and his 95-year-old grandmother in Episode I celebrating the captain scoring in a 4-1 victory at Buffalo, not far from where he grew up in Rochester.

WHALE AT WORCESTER FRIDAY NIGHT, HOME AGAINST SPRINGFIELD SATURDAY

After hosting the Albany Devils on Tuesday night, the Whale is off until Friday night when they travel to Worcester to face the Sharks, whom they rallied to beat 3-2 on Avery’s shootout goal Oct. 29. The Sharks (14-8-3-3) ended a three-game losing streak Monday night with a 3-2 victory over Portland on an overtime goal by left wing and leading scorer John McCarthy (seven goals, 14 assists). McCarthy is followed by Tommy Wingels (12, 8), defenseman Matt Irwin (7, 9) and forward Mike Connolly (5, 10).

Rookies Tyson Sexsmith (8-5-3, 1.85 goals-against average, .932 save percentage) and Harri Sateri (5-4-0, 2.94, .895) have done most of the goaltending for Roy Sommer, 52, the AHL’s longest-tenured coach who is in his 13^th season behind the bench of San Jose’s top development affiliate and his 15th season overall with the Sharks organization. He is 456-410-60-62 in the regular season and has reached the postseason seven times, including advancing to the Atlantic Division finals the last two seasons.

The Whale close out 2011 with a Hartford First Night game on Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Springfield Falcons (14-14-1-0), whom they have beaten four times by a combined 16-6 score. The Falcons are led by former All-Star center Martin St. Pierre (six goals, 23 assists), followed by Greenwich native and former Avon Old Farms and Boston College standout right wing Cam Atkinson (15, 9), center Nick Drazenovic (5, 15) and former Wolf Pack wings Alexandre Giroux (9, 7) and Dane Byers (7, 9), who returned from a three-game stint with the parent Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday but was recalled again Monday and then didn’t play in a 4-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Former Wolf Pack center Ryan Garlock (3, 8) had his first two-goal game in the AHL and an assist in the Falcons’ last game, a 6-3 victory at Worcester last Tuesday. Manny Legace (7-9-0, 2.23, .923), 38, the Hartford Whalers’ eighth-round pick in 1993, has started the last seven games for the Falcons since a 6-3 loss to the Whale on Dec. 3. The Falcons’ other goalie is Allen York (1-1-0, 3.94, .871), who has spent much of the season with the ECHL’s Chicago Express (seven games) and Blue Jackets (four games).

The Whale begins the 2012 segment of their season at Portland on Monday at 1 p.m. against the new top affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. In the teams’ only previous meeting this season, the Whale rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Pirates 3-2 on defenseman Brendan Bell’s goal at 3:29 of overtime. The Pirates (13-12-2-2) are led by rookie center Andy Miele (eight goals, 15 assists), who won the Hobey Baker Award as collegiate hockey’s top player last year with Miami of Ohio. He is followed by center Brock Trotter (6, 12 in 19 games), who has four goals and seven assists in 14 games since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 23, defenseman Nathan Oystrick (6, 11) and right wing Brett MacLean (11, 6). Captain and former Wolf Pack defenseman Dean Arsene has one goal and seven assists, and former Wolf Pack wing Mike Hoffman, who played at UConn, is scoreless in five games since signing a free-agent deal with the Coyotes on Dec. 8 after starting the season with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers. Veteran Curtis McElhinney (9-11-0, 2.95, .910) has done the brunt of the goaltending for the Pirates, but he and right wing Patrick O’Sullivan (two goals, five assists in six games) were recalled by the Coyotes on Monday, while Justin Pogge (3-3-2, 3.18, .890) was reassigned. Marc Cheverie, on his third call-up from the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators, was Pogge’s backup in a 3-2 overtime loss to Worcester on Monday night.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS, GIVEAWAYS

To celebrate the holiday season, the Whale is offering a “Holiday Hat Trick” package of four upper-level tickets, four Whale winter hats and four Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards for $80, with upgrades available. To purchase a package, call the Whale ticket office at 860-728-3366.

College students can get discounted tickets to weekday games with the Whale’s “Ditch the Dorms” deal. For Monday through Friday games, students who show a valid student ID at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center can get $2 off upper-level tickets and $5 off lower-level seats.

Fans who purchase Whale season tickets, or a mini-plan, before Saturday will be entered to win a round-trip excursion via limousine to a Rangers regular-season game at MSG. Current season seat holders and mini-plan-holders are also automatically entered. … Upcoming Whale giveaways start with Wade Redden Bobblehead Night, sponsored by Click It or Ticket, on Jan. 21, when there will be a doubleheader as the Whale hosts the Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m. after a Canadian Women’s Hockey League game between the Boston Blades and Team Alberta at 4 p.m. A Legends poster, sponsored by Supercuts, will be given out on Jan. 28 (Springfield); a Whale TV poster, sponsored by Webster Bank, on Feb. 18 (Worcester); Green Koozie, sponsored by Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, on March 17 (Springfield); and green bracelets, sponsored by Xfinity, for home season finale April 13 (Manchester). … The Whale’s annual Tip-A-Player Dinner and Sports Carnival, presented by Aetna, is Jan. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the XL Center. Whale players will serve dinner for the benefit of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford. Adult tickets are $30, and tickets for children 12 and under are $20. To purchase tickets, visit a table outside Section 101 at Whale games.

WHALE-FALCONS FANS SERIES TICKETS AVAILABLE

Tickets for the next two games in the seven-game series between the Whale and Falcons fans are on sale.

Game 4 is on Jan. 7 in Hartford at 4 p.m., and Game 5 is Jan. 8 in Springfield at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the final two games on Feb. 10 in Springfield at 5 p.m. and March 17 in Hartford at 4 p.m. will be available in the near future. Tickets must be purchased at least 10 days in advance of a game and include admission to the AHL game. A portion of ticket sales benefits Defending the Blue Line, an organization that helps children of military families play hockey. The first three games raised about $600.

Tickets are available for games in Springfield by contacting Damon Markiewicz at dmarkiewicz@falconsahl.com. Advance tickets in Hartford are available by contacting Dussault at whalefalconsfangame@gmail.com. Information on all the games and the series is available at www.facebook.com/WhaleFalconsFanGame.

The Falcons fans have won 10-6, 14-4 and 8-4 in the first such series originated by Seth Dussault of Easthampton, Mass. Matt Marychuk of Glastonbury created a Facebook page to see if there were any interested players, and he and Dussault managed the social media page as interest grew. They used the page to sign up fans to play and communicate between the players and managed to fill rosters for each fan team. The idea caught the attention of the Falcons and then Whale front office, leading to players of all ages and skill levels participating in the series.

NEW YORK RANGERS at WASHINGTON CAPITALS

TODAY’S GAME:

The Rangers will face-off against the Washington Capitals today at Verizon Center (7:30 p.m.), to begin a three-game road trip culminating in the 2012 Bridgestone Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blueshirts currently rank first in the Atlantic Division standings, and first in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 22-8-4 (48 pts). The Rangers enter the contest having defeated the New York Islanders, 3-0, on Monday at Madison Square Garden to extend their winning streak to five games, and are 7-2-0 in their last nine. The Blueshirts have now registered at least one point in 21 of their last 26 games (19-5-2). The Capitals enter the contest with a 17-15-2 (36 pts) record to rank 11th in the Eastern Conference, and have lost four of their last six games (2-3-1). Following tomorrow’s contest, the Rangers will face-off against the Florida Panthers on Friday, Dec. 30, at BankAtlantic Center (7:30 p.m.), in their final game of 2011.

BROADCAST INFORMATION:

* TV: Versus
7:30 p.m. – Rangers at Capitals

* Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio and newyorkrangers.com
7:00 p.m. – Rangers Pre-Game Show
7:30 p.m. – Rangers at Capitals
Broadcasters: Kenny Albert (Play-By-Play), Dave Maloney (Analyst)

RANGERS vs. CAPITALS:

* All-Time: 84-84-18-5 overall (46-37-9-2 at home; 38-47-9-3 on the road)
* 2011-12: Tonight is the second of four meetings this season, and the second of two on the road. The Rangers are 1-0-0 following a 6-3 win on Nov. 25 at Verizon Center. Ryan Callahan tallied a team-high, three assists/points and Ruslan Fedotenko notched two goals in the contest. Henrik Lundqvist made 18 saves for the win.
* Last Season: New York was 3-1-0 overall, with a 2-0-0 mark on the road. The Rangers out-scored the Capitals, 17-6, in the season series. New York tallied four goals in 13 power play attempts (30.8%), and successfully defended 14 of 15 shorthanded situations (93.3%) in the four games. Brian Boyle led the team in scoring with three goals, four assists and seven points in four games. Henrik Lundqvist posted a record of 2-1-0 with a 1.34 GAA, .955 Sv% and two shutouts in three games, while Martin Biron won his only meeting against the Capitals in the shootout, stopping 22 of 23 shots and two of four shootout attempts.
* The Rangers have won four of their last five games at Verizon Center, having out-scored the Capitals, 18-9, over the span
* New York ranks second with an 11-5-2 (24 pts) record on the road; Washington is tied for 10th with an 11-5-1 (23 pts) mark at home
* The Rangers have posted a 7-1-1 record vs. Southeast Division opponents; the Capitals are 3-4-2 vs. the Atlantic Division
* Henrik Lundqvist has posted a 12-6-2 record with a 2.75 GAA and three shutouts in 20 career regular season contests vs. Washington; Martin Biron is 11-8-1-2 with a 2.50 GAA and one shutout in 22 career regular season games vs. the Capitals
* Brad Richards leads the Rangers with 26 assists and 34 points in 47 career regular season contests vs. Washington; Ruslan Fedotenko has tallied a team-high 12 goals in 49 career regular season games vs. the Capitals
* New York lists one former Capital on their roster: Steve Eminger (2002-03 – 2007-08)
* Washington lists two former Rangers on their roster: Mike Knuble (1998-99 – 1999-00); Tom Poti (2001-02 – 2005-06)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Rangers are 12-58 (20.7%) with the man advantage in the last 16 games. The Blueshirts’ penalty kill has held their opponent scoreless in seven of their last 10 games (28-32, 87.5% over the span), while tallying four shorthanded goals during the stretch. New York is tied for third in the NHL with five shorthanded goals. The Blueshirts have posted a record of 14-1-2 in games when tallying a power play goal, and are 14-3-2 when holding their opponent scoreless on the power play.
* Power Play: The Rangers did not tally a goal in three power play attempts (4:45) on Monday vs. Long Island. New York ranks 20th overall (21-132, 15.9%) and 27th on the road (7-62, 11.3%). The Rangers are 2-12 (8:51) in five-on-three situations (last – 12/23 vs. PHI), and 0-4 (3:46) when four-on-three (last – 11/3 vs. ANA). Shorthanded goals allowed (3): 12/5 vs. TOR (Steckel); 12/8 vs. TBL (Moore); 12/17 at PHX (Korpikoski).
* Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts held the Islanders scoreless in three shorthanded situations (4:45) on Monday at MSG. New York ranks seventh overall (105-123, 85.4%) and is tied for 12th on the road (58-69, 84.1%). The Rangers are 5-6 (3:26) in three-on-five situations (last – 12/17 at PHX), and 0-1 (1:17) when three-on-four (last – 10/7 at LAK). Shorthanded goals for (5): 10/20 at CGY (Prust); 12/8 vs. TBL (Anisimov); 12/10 at BUF (Hagelin); 12/10 at BUF (Callahan); 12/20 at NJD (Hagelin).
* Four-on-Four: New York did not tally/yield a goal in two four-on-four situations (1:15) on Monday vs. Long Island. The Rangers are plus-three in 36 four-on-four situations (63:36), and even in one three-on-three situation (0:01). Four-on-four goals for (3): 10/18 at VAN (Gaborik); 10/20 at CGY (McDonagh); 10/27 vs. TOR (Girardi). Four-on-four goals allowed (0).

BACK-TO-BACKS:

The Rangers completed a sweep of their fifth of 14 back-to-back sets this season with a 4-2 win vs. Philadelphia on Friday at Madison Square Garden. New York has posted a record of 4-0-1 (2-0-0 at home, 2-0-1 on the road) in the first game of the set, and are 4-0-1 (4-0-0 at home, 0-0-1 on the road) in the second game. Since 2009-10, New York is 25-8-3 in the second game of back-to-back sets, with a 13-3-1 mark at MSG and 12-5-2 on the road over the span. Henrik Lundqvist has started on consecutive days 56 times in his career, posting a record of 35-14-7 with a 1.82 GAA, .935 Sv% and six shutouts in the second game. The Rangers next back-to-back set begins Jan. 5 vs. FLA, and ends Jan. 6 at PIT.

2,500 WINS CLUB:

The Rangers registered their 2,500th win in franchise history with a 4-1 victory at Buffalo on Dec. 10, becoming the fifth franchise in NHL history to reach the milestone along with Boston, Detroit, Montreal and Toronto.

WORLD JUNIOR UPDATE:

Rangers’ prospects J.T. Miller (USA) and Peter Ceresnak (Slovakia) are currently competing at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship in Alberta, Canada. Miller notched a power play goal and posted a plus-two rating in the USA’s opening game, an 11-3 win vs. Denmark on Monday. Ceresnak registered two shots on goal and a plus-one rating in Slovakia’s 3-1 win over Latvia yesterday.

RANGERS LEAGUE RANKINGS:

* 2nd in win% (.706)
* 1st in fewest regulation losses (eight)
* T-4th in wins (22)
* T-2nd in regulation/overtime wins (21)
* 2nd in fewest goals against (69)
* 2nd in GAA (2.03)
* 3rd in hits (909)
* 3rd in +/- rating (plus-29)
* 4th in goal differential (plus-30)

QUICK HITS:

* The Rangers enter the contest with a five-game winning streak, and are 7-2-0 in the last nine contests
* This is the latest the Rangers have been in first place of the Eastern Conference standings since the 1995-96 season, when New York held the top position through games played on Mar. 15, 1996 (game #68). *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau
* The Blueshirts’ 11-3-2 (24 pts) mark at MSG is their best start at home through 16 games since 1995-96 (12-2-2, 26 pts)
* New York has registered a point in 21 of their last 26 games (19-5-2), and has out-scored their opponent, 86-54, during the stretch
* New York is 6-1-1 when leading after the first period and 14-0-2 when leading after the second
* New York leads the NHL with an .846 win% when out-shooting their opponent (11-2-0)
* The Rangers rank second in the NHL when scoring first, posting a 17-1-1 mark (.895 win%) in those contests, and their 17 wins are tied for second in the league

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

* Henrik Lundqvist has held opponents to two or fewer goals in 17 games this season, and is 13-4-1 with a 1.77 GAA, .941 Sv% and two shutouts in his last 18 games
* Lundqvist ranks third in the NHL in Sv% (.936), is tied for third in GAA (1.95) and fourth in shutouts (three)
* Martin Biron has held opponents to two or fewer goals in six of his eight starts this season, and has posted a 2.00 GAA and .929 Sv% during his current four-game winning streak
* Marian Gaborik enters the contest with a five-game goal/point streak, tallying seven goals, one assist and a plus-eight rating over the span
* Gaborik is tied for first in the NHL with 22 goals
* Michael Del Zotto has tallied 15 points (2 G, 13 A) in the last 15 games
* Del Zotto is tied for second in the NHL with a plus-25 rating
* Stu Bickel has tallied four assists in four games since being recalled on Dec. 18
* Anton Stralman enters the contest with a three-game assist streak (four assists over the span), has posted a plus-nine rating in the last four and has logged 20:00+ of ice time in five of the last six contests

MILESTONES IN SIGHT:

* Artem Anisimov: 2 games from 200th NHL career
* Brandon Dubinsky: 5 points from 200th NHL career
* Marian Gaborik: 1 assist from 300th NHL career
* Dan Girardi: 3 assists from 100th NHL career

MILESTONES RECENTLY ACHIEVED:

* Stu Bickel: 1st career NHL game & 1st career NHL assist/point (12/20 at NJD)

INJURIES:
* Marc Staal (concussion, IR on 10/5) – 34
* Wojtek Wolski (groin, 11/3) – 23
* Michael Sauer (concussion, 12/5) – 10
* Steve Eminger (shoulder, 12/17) – 4
* Jeff Woywitka (ankle, 12/17) – 4
Total Man-Games Lost: 107

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
* None

      VERSUS     

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC - Greenville goalie Jason Missiaen blanked South Carolina for the second straight game at home as the Road Warriors picked up a 2-0 win on Tuesday night. The victory improved the Road Warriors to 16-9-0 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

The Road Warriors had the benefit of three power play opportunities in the first period, but against the ECHL’s second rated penalty kill they found some tough sledding. Greenville did manage to out-shoot South Carolina nine to six in the frame, but Daren Machesney and Jason Missiaen turned away all comers. Brendan Connolly and Connor Shields generated a solid shorthanded chance within the final minute of the period, but Machesney made a blocker save on Connolly’s wrist shot.

In the second period the Road Warriors got into some penalty trouble, but the goaltending of Missiaen helped them get out of the woods. The Stingrays had a five to none advantage in power play chances in the second, but 19 saves by Missiaen prevented them from taking the lead. Of those penalties killed, the most impressive was a full two minute 5-on-3 advantage for the Stingrays in the final minutes of the period. The Road Warriors did have some scoring chances of their own, but Machesney fended off breakaways by Kale Kerbashian and Brett Robinson.

Greenville finally broke through against Machesney 6:24 of the third period with Connolly’s team-leading 18th goal of the season. Off of a faceoff win by Shields, Sean Berkstresser fed Connolly in the high slot and ripped a wrist shot top shelf for the goal. Brandon Wong provided a measure of insurance at 17:23 as he beat his defenseman in the left wing corner, carried to the net front, and lifted a shot top shelf as well. Missiaen made sure Connolly’s goal stood as the winner as he turned in 13 saves to keep the Stingrays at bay.

Missiaen’s 38 saves in the game were good for his fifth win of the season. The Road Warriors were 0-for-3 on the power play and 6-for-6 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home to face the Florida Everblades on Thursday, December 29 at 7:35 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Come out for a Throwback Thursday which features $2 draft beers, fountain drinks, hot dogs, and pretzels. Throwback Thursdays are sponsored by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News, and New Rock 93.3. You can also save on your tickets by bringing out a group of 10 or more! The Road Warriors offer discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability to groups who book in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) for more info or to book your group.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC - When the Greenville Road Warriors host the Gwinnett Gladiators on Friday, January 13, 2012 they will look more like Tigers than Road Warriors as they will wear special Clemson University-themed jerseys.

Clemson University is a pillar of the Upstate, South Carolina community, and the success of Clemson’s football team this fall is something that should be celebrated. In that spirit the Road Warriors will wear the Tigers’ orange and purple for one night only,” said Road Warriors president and general manager Neil Smith.

The special Clemson-themed jerseys are modeled after the Road Warriors’ standard jerseys, except that it is a solid orange with purple trim on the elbows, wrists and waistline, and features the Clemson Tiger paw as a patch on each shoulder. The Road Warriors will also wear orange socks with purple trim to match the jerseys.

Immediately following the game against Gwinnett, there will be a live jersey auction at which fans can bid on their favorite player’s jersey. The winning bidders will get to take the jersey home with them that night, have a chance to meet the player whose jersey they win, and get it autographed. A portion of the proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to charity.

Fans can save on their tickets to that night’s game by purchasing the Spinx Family Four Pack which features four tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks, and four bags of chips for just $48! Fans can also save off the box office price and get preferred seating based on availability by booking a group outing. Group pricing is available to any group of 10 or more. You can book your group by calling 864-674-PUCK (7825).

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC - The Greenville Road Warriors announced today that they have added defenseman Brent Cornelius and goaltender John Nauta, and that goaltender Nic Riopel has been loaned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.

Cornelius comes to Greenville from the Idaho Steelheads to complete the future considerations portion of the transaction that saw goalie Jerry Kuhn sent from Greenville to Idaho. A 6-1, 185-pound defender, Cornelius is in his first season of professional hockey. He began the season with HC Dornbas of Russia’s second-tier professional hockey league before signing with Idaho on December 16, 2011. In six games with the Steelheads Cornelius earned two assists and a +6 rating. Prior to turning pro, he played four seasons at Iowa State University, an American Collegiate Hockey Association team, and split two seasons of United States Hockey League play between Cedar Rapids and Tri-City.

Nauta, a rookie from Rancho Bernardo, California, was added as an emergency backup goalie. He has four games of major junior experience with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League‘s Chicoutimi Sagueneens in 2008-09. Last season he skated with the New Jersey Hitmen of the Eastern Junior Hockey League and went 23-2-2.

The roster spot became available to Nauta after Riopel received his first promotion of the season to the AHL. He joins the Sound Tigers after building an 11-3-1 record with the Road Warriors. The second-year pro was the ECHL Goalie of the Week for the week ending November 13, 2011 after going 2-0-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average and a .954 save percentage. He is 7-13-0 in the AHL over parts of two seasons with the Adirondack Phantoms.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home to face the Florida Everblades on Thursday, December 29 at 7:35 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Come out for a Throwback Thursday which features $2 draft beers, fountain drinks, hot dogs, and pretzels. College students can also get in for $6 with a valid college ID. Throwback Thursdays are sponsored by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News, and New Rock 93.3. You can also save on your tickets by bringing out a group of 10 or more! The Road Warriors offer discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability to groups who book in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) for more info or to book your group.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC - Tonight the Greenville Road Warriors host the South Carolina Stingrays for the final time in 2011. Faceoff is set for 7:35 p.m. at the BI-LO Center.

The Road Warriors (15-9-2) host South Carolina (15-11-2) tonight for the seventh of 16 scheduled meetings between the clubs. Fans can follow the action by watching live on  America One or listening at www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com. Greenville is looking to shake off back-to-back losses against the Reading Royals last week while the Stingrays are playing the second of three away games in three days following a 4-0 loss in Gwinnett last night. The Road Warriors have won five of six prior meetings this season including a 4-3 overtime triumph at the North Charleston Coliseum on Dec. 18.

Tonight the Road Warriors are offering the Two-for Tuesday presented by BI-LO. Fans can show their BI-LO Bonuscard at the Breakaway Honda Ticket Office at the BI-LO Center to receive one free ticket with the purchase of another ticket of equal value.

Who: Greenville Road Warriors vs. South Carolina Stingrays
What: Home Game #17, Season Game #27
When: 7:35 p.m.
Where: BI-LO Center, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville, SC 29601

NOTEWORTHY:

• Brendan Connolly scored the second hat trick in Road Warriors’ history on Dec. 23, 2011 against Reading. Both hat tricks have come in losses – Brandon Wong scored three in 8-6 loss to GWT on Jan. 14, 2011.
• South Carolina has the league’s second-best defense at 2.45 goals against per game, but the Road Warriors have scored 18 in six prior meetings with South Carolina.
• The Road Warriors are fifth in the ECHL with 32.7 shots per game. Marc-Olivier Vallerand leads the team with 92.
• At .792 (9-2-1) the Road Warriors have the fifth-best win percentage in the league when scoring first. South Carolina is first at .958 (11-0-1).
• Defenseman Jeff Caister has four assists in his last four game after posting two in his previous 14 games. He is second among team defenseman with six helpers.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home to face the Florida Everblades on Thursday, December 29 at 7:35 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Come out for a Throwback Thursday which features $2 draft beers, fountain drinks, hot dogs, and pretzels. Throwback Thursdays are sponsored by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News, and New Rock 93.3. You can also save on your tickets by bringing out a group of 10 or more! The Road Warriors offer discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability to groups who book in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) for more info or to book your group.