"Phantom's Menace "

While a bunch of millionaires NHL people bicker over spiliting millions and millions of dollars for a game that middle class hard working people pay out the nose for, the AHL (American Hockey League) still actually has hockey games. Not only that, but hockey starved fans in the area are in as about as much luck as you can be with a lockout. The Philly Phantoms are in the Calder Cup Finals against the Chicago Wolves who belong to both Flordia and Atlanta of the NHL. Friday Night Micheal Richards (Giddy Up) scored the loan goal to put the team up one game to none.


Last night long time Phantoms defense man (and one of your's truelys fav AHL journeymen) scored in regulation which was tied at one after 3 periods of play. The teams needed double overtime to determine a winner. Partrick Sharp scored early in the 2nd OT. Of course, he waited untill I had my back to the tv screen to do so,during a rare Phantoms telecast. So, now the men in purple are up 2 games to zip. In a bizzarre set-up, despite not having "home ice advantage" the Phantoms get to play 3 straight game on home ice with 2-0 lead. They may have been happy with a split, but now they have the wolves backs against the walls. Depite the close games, the Wolves have been seemingly flat in the two games mustering only one goal.

Games 5,6, and 7 if they are even needed will be broadcast. However, Rick and I are considering going to see game 3 which would be Weds. night at 7pm in the Watch Over You center. Perhaps getting club box seats which run between 20 and 30 bucks, to see this game. Anyone, interested in going?

Oh yeah and props to the Trenton Titans (the level below the Phantoms) of the ECHL on winning the kelly cup!



Quick Random AHL facts:

The Hershey Bears who used to be the Flyers affilate hooked up with the Colorado Avalanche when the Phantoms were born. This past month the Lanche dumped them, and the Washington Capitials scooped them up.

Neil Little is the only remaining player from the 1998 Calder Cup Champs on the Phantoms


John Slaney, despite being one of the best defensmen in the AHL for a number of years, has never won a professional championship. Slaney, may be famliar to NHL fans since he had stints with the Flyers, and Penguins.

The Calder Cup is named after Frank Calder, the first NHL president who if credited for bringing hockey to major US cities. He held that job from 1917- 1943. A trophy named after him is also given to the NHL's rookie of the year. Currently the active team with the most cups is the Hershey Bears who have won 8, with their last cup in 1997. The Calder Cup has been around for 68 years.