News release
23 December 2005
Jackals Forward Sam Paolini Playing For Rochester Thursday Night
Elmira, NY Elmira Jackals call-ups Sam Paolini and Chris Mann both made an impact in their first AHL game of the year Thursday night against the Syracuse Crunch.
Paolini and Mann, who were reassigned to the Rochester Americans of the AHL around mid-day Thursday, both got into last nights Amerks lineup. Even though Rochester lost in overtime to division rival Syracuse 5-4, both players were quite involved in the game. Mann earned the first penalty minutes of the game at 11:26 of the first period.
Reports from Rochester describe his actions as this: almost instantly after Syracuses heavyweight Brandon Sugden (95 PIMs in 22 games) had given a cheap shot to another Rochester player, Mann immediately stood up for his teammate and went after Sugden and wrestled him to the ice. Mann received a 4-minute double minor for roughing, while Sugden was given two minutes for roughing as well. Mann received a regular shift for most of the game, the first two periods and several in the third period in his AHL debut.
Paolini, who was appearing for his third stint with Rochester, also played a regular shift. The Rochester, NY native had two shots on goal, not including one that came within inches of deciding the game. Paolini reportedly hit the post in overtime, nearly winning the game for the Amerks; yet ironically it does not count as a shot on goal. Mann returned to Elmira and rejoined the Jackals for their pre-game skate Friday morning. Paolini will remain with Rochester through the Christmas holiday; the Americans are in Ontario tonight as they face off with the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:30 pm.
The Jackals will be back home at the First Arena tonight, Friday December 23rd as they host the Danbury Trashers for a 7:05 pm face-off, their first home game after 6-straight games on the road.