Chuck Weber and the Amerks took their gritty lineup into LeafLand this afternoon, riding out an increasingly dangerous Toronto Marlies squad with a final score of 4-2 before 3,500 at Ricoh Coliseum.
The game marked a professional-career first for a number of Florida prospects, including Jacob Markstrom, Colby Robak, and Scott Timmins, among others.
Bill Thomas, Nathan Paetsch (yes, he’s on loan from Vancouver), Michael Nylander, and Clay Wilson each hit the back of the net, with helpers from Robak (2), Timmins, Scott Reynolds, Brady Calla, Michal Repik, and Chris Clackson. Paul Baier and Robak each finished with a +3.
Alen Foster (SH) and Simon Gysbers (goalie pulled) scored for Toronto.
Markstrom stopped 21 shots in his North American pro debut, while the Marlies’ James Reimer held off 31 Rochester attempts.
A solid start; precursor of better times ahead? Any observations from those who watched the game?