August 23, 2012

A former Phantoms great is returning to his roots. Veteran AHL goalie Scott Munroe has signed to play with the Phantoms for 2012-13.

The 30 year old Munroe played for the Philadelphia Phantoms for slightly more than three seasons from 2006-09. Munroe comes to Adirondack from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins where he played in 38 games in 2011-12 posting a 19-10-3 record with a 2.52 goals against average and .907 saves percentage.

His name can be found in several statistical categories in the Phantoms record books among the best goalies in franchise history. Munroe's career stats in a Phantoms jersey include an overall record of 64-48-8, 2.62 goals against average and .918 saves percentage. His is third all-time in Phantoms history in career wins (64), games played (134) and shutouts (10) trailing only Neil Little (1996-2005) and Antero Nittymaki (2002-05) who rate first and second in those categories.

Munroe was the winning goalie in one of the most famous games in AHL history on April 24, 1988. He outlasted Michael Leighton of the Albany River Rats for five exhausting overtimes in a spectacular marathon playoff encounter that is the AHL's longest game ever. His 65 save performance led the Phantoms to the win at Albany while Leighton took the loss despite a league-record 98 saves.

The two would meet again in Wilkes-Barre for another memorable goaltenders' duel on March 23, 2012 in a Munroe vs. Leighton rematch. Munroe was beaten only one time in the Penguins' net but that was enough for Leighton who pulled out a 1-0 thriller for the Phantoms.

Munroe's third and last year with the Phantoms in 2008-09 was his best statistically as he played in a career-high 56 games and went 31-19-4, 2.46, .926. Munroe's terrific season ties him with Neil Little and Michael Leighton for the Phantoms' record for saves percentage at .926. His 31 wins that year are second most in Phantoms history.

Munroe also finished among the AHL leaders in several statistical departments that season. He was fourth in wins (31), third in games (56), third in total saves (1,678) and third in saves percentage (.926) while placing 12th in goals against average (2.46). In 2007-08 Munroe was eighth in goals against average (2.29).

The Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan native played in the KHL in 2010-11 in Nizhnekamsk, Russia and with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) in 2009-10.

He played collegiated for the University of Alabama-Hunstville from 2002-06. He holds the all-time career record for the Chargers in save percentage (.918) and holds the single season record for games played (31) and most saves (993). He was the co-Player of the year in the College Hockey America conference for his senior season and was CHA Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

Phantoms Record Book:

Most Wins (Career)

1. Neil Little - 177
2. Antero Nittymaki - 71
3. Scott Munroe - 64
4. Brian Boucher - 60
5. Michael Leighton - 42

Most Games (Career, Goalie)

1. Neil Little - 351
2. Antero Nittymaki - 147
3. Scott Munroe - 134
4. Brian Boucher - 114
5. Michael Leighton - 91

Most Wins (Season)

1. Antero Nittymaki (2004-05) - 33
2. Scott Munroe (2008-09) - 31
2. Neil Little (1997-98) - 31
2. Neil Little (1996-97) - 31

Most Games (Season, Goalie)

1. Antero Nittymaki (2004-05) - 58
1. Neil Little (2000-01) - 58
3. Scott Munroe (2008-09) - 56
3. Michael Leighton (2011-12) - 56

Saves Percentage Season

1. Neil Little (2000-01) .926
1. Scott Munroe (2008-09) .926
1. Michael Leighton (2010-11) .926

Opening Night is coming! The Adirondack Phantoms season opener will be Saturday, October 13 at the Glens Falls Civic Center featuring great retro-style red jerseys that will be auctioned to the fans following the game.

Get great savings with the Phantoms when you purchase a season ticket PLUS never waste a ticket. Your unused game tickets can be redeemed for future Phantoms games. 22-game and 12-game packages available as well.

I'm In! We need 1,756 season ticket holders for next season to conclusively prove the viability of Glens Falls as a great hockey market. The league and other teams are watching! We're already off to
a great start. Keep it up, fans! To join the "I'm In" campaign, contribute your $50 down-payment to a season ticket for 2012-13 or ask about a 22-pack or 12-pack ticket plan. Together we can do this. Call
the Adirondack Phantoms at (518) 480-3355.