October 2, 2009

GLENS FALLS, NY – Jamie McGinn scored the game-winning power play goal with 11.3 seconds left in the third period as the Worcester Sharks beat the Adirondack Phantoms 3-2 Saturday night in front of a sell out crowd of 5,411 fans at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

With much anticipation and fan fare, including a ceremonial puck drop with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, the Phantoms made their Adirondack debut with a packed house at the Civic Center. Worcester quieted the crowd early as Andrew Desjardins’ slap shot from the top of the right circle squeezed past the catching glove of a screened Nic Riopel just 3:08 into the game. The Sharks out-shot Adirondack 12-8 in the opening frame, but Riopel was outstanding in his professional debut, keeping the Phantoms close.

Adirondack answered back midway through the second period as Jon Kalinski fired a hard pass to the slot to Andreas Nodl who banged home the Phantoms first goal of the season at 9:09. The momentum had clearly shifted to the home team, as the Phantoms out-shot the Sharks 11-7 in the second.

Early in the third period the Phantoms grabbed the lead when Patrick Maroon scored at 2:27 to go up 2-1, assisted by David Laliberte, who set up the play on a quick counter-attack. But the Sharks would answer back on the power play; Stephen Zalewski tied the game at 2-2 by knocking in a rebound from close range with nine seconds left on the advantage. The game seemed headed for overtime, but Jon Kalinski was called for hooking at 18:55 and Worcester pounced on the opportunity. With a mere 11.3 seconds left in regulation, Jamie McGinn tipped a Danny Groulx shot from the point up into the top corner of the net, shocking both the Phantoms and the home fans. Adirondack mounted one last charge with their net empty, but Sharks goalie Alex Stalock made one final glove save with 5.5 seconds left to persevere the 3-2 Worcester win.

Stalock recorded the victory by stopping 28-of-30 shots helping Worcester to a 1-0-0-0 record. Adirondack starter Nic Riopel finished with 26 saves on 29 shots as the Phantoms start the year 0-1-0-0. Adirondack out-shot Worcester 30-29 in the game, but went 0-for-6 on the power play; the Sharks were 2-for-4 with the man-advantage.

The Phantoms will look to rebound next Friday, October 9th as they host the Springfield Falcons for a 7:30 pm face off at the Civic Center.

The Time Warner Cable Cup Four-Pack is now on sale at the Phantoms office, starting as low as $56. 2009-10 Phantoms full and partial season ticket packages are still available for the 2009-10 season presented by Bud Light. For more information please contact the Adirondack Phantoms at (518) 480-3355 or online at www.phantomshockey.com.