Article written by Aidan Charde
Recap: Danbury Hat Tricks on Dec. 15 and 16
The Rochester Jr. Americans ended the first half of the season with a series split against the Danbury Hat Tricks. The Jr. Amerks could not get much going in game one, falling 2–1 despite outshooting the Hat Tricks 35–22 and not allowing more than 10 shots on goal in any period. Game two, though, could not have gone more differently. Forward Matteo Disipio notched two goals in the first period and added on two more assists to take a 6–1 win and go into the holiday break with momentum.
For more on the first half of the season, read our midseason roundup here.
Preview: Jan. 5 and 6 vs. New Hampshire Mountain Kings
WHEN: Jan. 5 at 8:00 p.m. | Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Rochester Ice Center | Fairport, NY
PROMOTIONS: Jan. 5 – $1 Hot Dogs | Jan. 6 – Post-Game Skate
WATCH: NAHLTV.com
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
This will be the first time the Mountain Kings have visited the Rochester Ice Center. The teams matched up at the beginning of December and split the two games. New Hampshire won the first game 3–1 after the Jr. Amerks lost goalie Cole O’Donnell to injury early in the game. New reserve goalie Aries Carangi helped Rochester to a 7–1 victory in game two. Luca Leighton also added the first hat-trick in Jr. Amerks history.
Rochester looking for a sweep
With the playoffs drawing closer, the Jr. Amerks are looking to stay alive in a tight East Division where the third seed and seventh seed are separated by just seven points. Rochester has not swept an opponent since Oct. 27 and 28 against the Northeast Generals, but the Mountain Kings are coming in losers of six straight — a perfect opportunity to pounce.
Disipio continues to impress
Forward Matteo Disipio tallied 10 points in just six games in December to keep pace with the best scorers in the league. The Jr. Amerks hope he stays hot because in games where Disipio is held without a point, the Jr. Amerks’ record is just 2–9.
Goalie facing another tough test
Mountain Kings goalie Aiden Wright has been a workhorse for the team this season, totalling over 1,000 minutes but holding a goals allowed average of 2.89. While that rank is not near the top of the standings, Wright has had to do it on a ridiculously high number of shots faced — 686. He has played at least five fewer games than each of the six goalies with more shots faced this season and has not seen fewer than 30 shots in a game since October.
Be a part of the action and help create a rowdy atmosphere by getting your tickets here. For fans and folks around the organization, the hope is the team can continue striving towards a playoff berth in the new year.
Stay connected during the season by following the Jr. Amerks @JrAmerksNAHL on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at rochesterjramerks.com.
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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. The NAHL is also 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.