Article written by Aidan Charde
Recap vs. New Hampshire Mountain Kings on Feb. 9 and 10
The Rochester Jr. Americans extended their season-best win streak to seven games and points streak to 13 in a pair of wins over the New Hampshire Mountain Kings last weekend.
In game one, despite 19 shots on net, forward Adam Gionta was the only Jr. Amerk to make it past the Mountain Kings’ goalie in the first period, starting the scoring off halfway through the first period. New Hampshire tied it up a few minutes later, but Gionta added a second goal to start the second period, giving the Jr. Amerks a 2–1 lead.
The second period was otherwise uneventful until the final four minutes when the Mountain Kings tied the game again. 18 seconds later, Jr. Amerks forward Luca Leighton took the lead right back and forward Massimo Gentile did not even wait another minute before extending the lead. New Hampshire cut back into the deficit with 19 seconds left in the frame, but the Jr. Amerks still held a 4–3 lead.
Although the Mountain Kings did score again to tie it, forward Landon Brownlee scored the game-winner and Gentile iced the game in the third period, giving the Jr. Amerks a 6–4 win.
Game two was more of a defensive effort from both teams. The Mountain Kings scored first this time and managed to hold onto the lead for around 15 minutes before Leighton tied the game in the second period. Forward Keanan Dewberry added another goal 35 seconds into the final frame, which proved to be the game-winner. Goalie Florian Wade excelled in the net, saving 39 of 40 shots en route to the 2–1 win.
Preview: Feb. 16 and 17 vs. Maryland Black Bears
WHEN: Feb. 16 at 7:45 p.m. | Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Rochester Ice Center | Fairport, NY
PROMOTIONS: Feb. 16 – Valentine’s Celebration | Feb. 17 – Whiteout
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
The Jr. Americans and Black Bears have faced each other four times this year, but the division-leading Black Bears have had the distinct edge so far. The Jr. Amerks have only managed one win, which came in a shootout on Sept. 23.
As playoffs loom, big match approaches
It has been more than two months since the Jr. Amerks have failed to score a point, but this weekend’s series may be the biggest one of the second half so far for the squad. While all of Rochester’s opponents have been tough, the Maryland Black Bears have the second most points in the league and are a formidable team. With such a small difference between third and sixth place in the division, any loss hurts the playoff odds. The Jr. Amerks sit in third with 55 points, extending their lead over the fourth place Johnstown Tomahawks with 52 after the Tomahawks split last weekend’s series. The New Jersey Titans have 45 and the Northeast Generals occupy sixth with 44 points.
Gionta exploding back onto the scene
After going 18 games without registering a goal, forward Adam Gionta has caught fire as of late to help propel the Jr. Amerks. He has scored five goals and three assists in his last six games, including his second two-goal performance of the season in game one against New Hampshire last weekend.
Unstoppable force meets immovable object
The Jr. Amerks have been one of the best scoring teams this season, especially during the recent points streak. Thanks in part to not having been shut out in any game, their 147 goals are the sixth-most in the NAHL and they have averaged nearly four goals per game over the last 13 games. Meanwhile, the Black Bears are one of the elite defensive teams, allowing the second-fewest number of goals at 94 and earning a whopping six shutouts. They have only allowed four or more goals nine times this season — two coming against the Jr. Amerks in September — and are averaging two goals allowed during the same 13-game stretch.
Whiteout night Feb. 17
The Jr. Amerks need your help to pack the Rochester Ice Center on Feb. 17 for the team’s second whiteout night of the year! Wear as much white as you can and get rowdy to support the team against the division-leading Black Bears. The game starts at 7:30 p.m., but come early to get special Jr. Amerks whiteout t-shirts and rally towels! Purchase your tickets: https://square.link/u/BZLppxTN
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.