The Rochester Americans opened their 2002-03 season with a tie at home against
the Albany River Rats. Both teams lasted through a scoreless third period and
overtime to earn the tie. Albany drew first blood as Max Birbraer scored at
9:06 of the opening period, assisted by Jason Lehoux and Daryl Andrews.
Rochester came back a minute later with a short-handed goal by Denis Hamel at
10:36, assisted by Peter Ratchuk. Craig Darby then scored a power-play goal for
Albany at 7:13 of the 2nd period to give the Rats a one-goal lead, but Ratchuk
tied things up again with a little over 5 minutes to play in the period.
Assisting on Rochester's second goal of the game were Norm Milley and Doug
Houda.

Goaltending standout Ryan Miller stopped 19 shots by the Rats to earn the game's
First Star. Scott Clemensen of the River Rats took home the Second Star and
Denis Hamel was the contest's Third Star. The Amerks boarded a bus right after
the game to head out to Philadelphia, where they will face the Phantoms in a
7:05pm contest. It will be Philadelphia's first game of the new season. Look
for more news to come from amerks@yahoogroups.com!

Jon LeRoy, Moderator
amerks@yahoogroups.com
Go Amerks!