Phoenix RoadRunners

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"Phoenix Roadrunners" redirects here. For other uses, see Phoenix Roadrunners (disambiguation).
Phoenix RoadRunners
City: Phoenix, Arizona
League: ECHL
Conference: National Conference
Division: West Division
Founded: 2005
Home Arena: US Airways Center
Colors: Carolina Blue, Black, Sunflower Gold
Owner(s): Robert Sarver
General Manager: Brad Church (Director of Hockey Operations)
Head Coach: Brad Church
Media: Arizona Republic
East Valley Tribune
Affiliates: San Jose Sharks (NHL), Worcester Sharks (AHL)
Franchise history
2005 to Current: Phoenix RoadRunners
Championships
Regular Season Titles: none
Division Championships: none
Conference Championships: none
Kelly Cups: none

The Phoenix RoadRunners are a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They play in the ECHL, and began play in the 2005–2006 season. The team is affiliated with the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AHL's Worcester Sharks.

Contents

[edit] Season recaps

[edit] Inaugural season

In 2005, after 4 years without a minor league hockey team, the RoadRunners were revived as an ECHL franchise by Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and former Phoenix Coyotes star Claude Lemieux. In their first season, the 2005–2006 season, the RoadRunners began the season well but dropped throughout the year because of injuries and finished with the league's worst record.

[edit] Second season

In the off-season, the RoadRunners cemented an affiliation deal with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. The RoadRunners once again started very well, staying above .500 for a good portion of the year. The team climbed up the National Division, topping out at fifth place. However, due to several trades which were lackluster to say the least, the team ended up with a 27–40 record. Furthermore, with 8 games left in the regular season, Head Coach Ron Filion and General Manager Ray Delia resigned, Filion being replaced by assistant coach Brad Church.[1]

One bright spot to the season was that the RoadRunners qualified for their first trip to the ECHL's Kelly Cup Playoffs. This was the first time since the 1995–1996 team lost in the conference quarter finals that the RoadRunners had made it to the Playoffs. However in the first round, the team was swept 4–0 against rivals Las Vegas Wranglers.

[edit] Third season

After the season ended, the RoadRunners decided to keep Church on, and also extend to him a managerial role as well. His duties include, but are not limited to: Contract preparation, immigration, and other administrative duties.[2] Brad Church also decided on an assistant coach, that being Brian O’Leary. In the front office, Claude Lemieux chose not to hold the title of President. Claude has stated that he will continue to act as a consultant to the team.

The Phoenix Coyotes chose not to renew their affiliation agreement for the 2007–2008 season. The Coyotes chose instead to go with the other minor league hockey team in Arizona, the Arizona Sundogs. The RoadRunners signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the San Jose Sharks and its AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks on October 19, 2007.

The season started off well for the Roadrunners, with a sweep of their three game series against the Utah Grizzlies. The end of the month of October brought good news for the Roadrunners, as they learned that Daniel Sisca had won the CCM TACKS ECHL Player Of The Month Award.[3]

In November, the team was only able to win 3 of their 13 scheduled games, taking the team lower into the standings. As the calendar turned to the month of December, the same losing ways continued, with the team going 4–7, although the team was finally able to muster a win against the Wranglers in their annual Midnight game. It was also announced on December 21st that both Peder Skinner and Brian Yandle were added to the All-Star Team.

From January through February, the Roadrunners were able to win an accumulative amount of 8 games, and included a stretch of 8 consecutive losses. Despite the low amount of wins, the team, as of March 1st, still was in the running to make the playoffs, coming in tied for 8th place.

In March, as the playoffs started coming into the picture for the Roadrunners, the team faced a tough schedule, with the remaining slate of teams averaging a .617 winning percentage.[1] The team for the month of march went 5–6, and by the end of the month, was still in contention for the playoffs despite the tough schedule.

In April, the Roadrunners fell short of making the playoffs, and finished with a record of 24 wins, 39 losses, 5 overtime losses, 4 shoot-out losses, and 57 points. The team finished in 5th place in West Division.

[edit] Battle of the Desert

During the 2006–2007 offseason, the Arizona Sundogs of the CHL and the Phoenix RoadRunners came to an agreement on an annual two game pre-season hockey contest. The games showcase the talent of Arizona's two minor league hockey teams, and help the two teams evaluate their current talent and who will and will not make the upcoming season's roster. Due to there being two games instead of an odd number, the two teams have decided that in case of a tie, there will be a shoot out immediately following the second game. The winner of the two game series will get the "Glass Cactus".[4]

[edit] 2007 Battle of the Desert

The Roadrunners won the first ever Battle of the Desert, with the team sweeping the two game series. The RoadRunners outscored the Sundogs 11–7, and won the first ever "Glass Cactus" Award.

[edit] Battle of the Desert results

Year Game 1 Result Game 2 Result Series Result
2007 RoadRunners Win 4–1 RoadRunners Win 7–6 RoadRunners Sweep Series 2–0, win Glass Cactus

[edit] Rocky RoadRunner

Rocky RoadRunner is the mascot of the RoadRunners. Rocky, who has been with the team for decades, is a mainstay from the early years in the desert. His service dates back all the way to 1967.[5] The recent ECHL move brought a major change of the entire costume, most notably the skin, which has turned a bright yellow compared to a shade of brown in previous years. [6] Furthermore, rather than continuing the more lifelike version of previous years, the ECHL's version chose to make a more cartoonish version of Rocky. The 2007–08 ECHL Season coincides with Rocky's 40th year of service, which is by far the oldest mascot in the history of any pro sports team in Arizona. [7]

[edit] Active roster

[edit] Current roster

Goaltenders
# Player Catches Height Weight Age Place of Birth
31 Flag of the United States David McKee L 6'1 190 24 Irving, Texas
39 Flag of Canada Taylor Dakers R 6'1 175 21 Langley, British Columbia
Defensemen
# Player Shoots Height Weight Age Place of Birth
7 Flag of Canada Reagan Rome – C L 6'0 210 26 Nesbitt, Manitoba
17 Flag of Canada Ian Turner – A R 6'1 190 26 Belleville, Ontario
10 Flag of the United States Chris Murray ^ R 6'2 185 23 Dover, Massachusetts
22 Flag of the United States Bryan Nathe R 6'0 190 25 Elk River, Minnesota
23 Flag of Canada Brett Angel L 6'6 230 26 Kingston, Ontario
6 Flag of Canada Taylor Christie L 6'3 210 25 Toronto, Ontario
19 Flag of the United States Tom Sawatske R 6'0 197 24 Duluth, Minnesota
28 Flag of the United States Gerard Miller * R 6'0 205 25 Cold Spring Harbor, New York
11 Flag of the United States Matt Burke R 6'0 190 23 Milton, Massachusetts
5 Flag of Canada Rob Dmytruck R 5'10 195 24 Scarborough, Ontario
Forwards
# Player Shoots Height Weight Age Place of Birth
9 Flag of Canada Daniel Sisca – A L 5'9 160 24 Woodbridge, Ontario
11 Flag of Canada Cam Paddock # R 6'1 185 25 North Vancouver, British Columbia
25 Flag of the United States Gino Guyer L 5'11 192 24 Coleraine, Minnesota
14 Flag of Canada Thatcher Bell L 5'11 190 26 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
12 Flag of Canada Peder Skinner L 5'8 160 21 Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland and Labrador
27 Flag of Canada Chris Stevens L 5'10 200 21 Dawson Creek, British Columbia
18 Flag of Canada Jeff Smith L 6'6 225 27 Regina, Saskatchewan
11 Flag of Canada Mathieu Melanson L 6'0 200 22 Shediac, New Brunswick
15 Flag of Canada Matt Carter L 6'2 215 20 Mississauga, Ontario
20 Flag of Canada Dusty Jamieson L 6'2 195 26 Forest, Ontario
21 Flag of Canada Mitch Carefoot L 6'2 210 23 Dauphin, Manitoba
13 Flag of Canada Sean O'Connor R 6'3 220 26 Victoria, British Columbia
24 Flag of Canada Ryan Walsh R 6'0 170 28 Orleans, Ontario
07 Flag of the United States David Michael R 6'5 250 23 Northridge, California
16 Flag of Canada Nathan Gillies R 5'10 195 27 Mississauga, Ontario

[edit] Season-by-season record

  • Updated daily
  • Ties were changed with Over time losses and Shoot-out Losses following the 2005–2006 ECHL Season.
Year Games Wins Losses Ties OTL SOL Points Result
2005–2006 72 20 47 5 0 0 45 Missed playoffs
2006–2007 72 27 40 0 2 3 59 Lost in Division Semi-finals, 0–4
2007–2008 72 24 39 0 5 4 57 Missed playoffs

[edit] Head coaches

[edit] Team rivals

[edit] Retired numbers

  • #3 Adam Keller WHL Roadrunners defenceman, former Roadrunners manager
  • #4 Sandy Hucul WHL Roadrunners defenceman, former Roadrunners head coach
  • #8 Robbie Ftorek WHA Roadrunners forward, member of United States Hockey Hall of Fame

[edit] Team records

[edit] Season records

[9]

Game Played: 72 TIE- Dean Tiltgen (2005–06), Peder Skinner (2007–2008)
Goals: 27 TIE- Justin Aikins (2006–2007), Sean O'Connor (2007–08)
Points: 60 Daniel Sisca (2007–2008)
Assists: 42- Daniel Sisca (2007–08)
Penalty Minutes: 271- Brent Henley (2005–06)
Wins: 15- Mike Mole (2005–06)
GAA (Min. 10 games): 2.34- Taylor Dakers (2007–08)
SV % (Min. 10 games): .930- Taylor Dakers (2007–08)
Shutouts: 2- Mike Mole (2005–06)

[edit] Career records

[10]

Game Played: 132- Dusty Demianiuk (2005–2007)
Goals: 27 TIE- Justin Aikins (2006–2007), Sean O'Connor (2007-?)
Points: 60- Daniel Sisca (2007-?)
Assists: 42- Daniel Sisca (2007-?)
Penalty Minutes: 271- Brent Henley (2005–06)
Wins: 19- Cody Rudkowsky (2006–08)
GAA (Min. 10 games): 2.24- Taylor Dakers (2007-?)
SV % (Min. 10 games): .930- Taylor Dakers (2007-?)
Shutouts: 2, Tie- Mike Mole (2005–06), Cody Rudkowsky (2006–08)

[edit] NHL alumni

(Must have played in National Hockey League after playing with team, not prior to playing with team)

[edit] References

  1. ^ phxroadrunners.com: Recent Headlines
  2. ^ phxroadrunners.com: Recent Headlines
  3. ^ ECHL - Premier 'AA' Hockey League
  4. ^ phxroadrunners.com: Recent Headlines
  5. ^ Rocky Roadrunner - Phoenix Roadrunners Mascot
  6. ^ Google Image Result for http://www.mascotstalker.com/rocky/rocky.jpg
  7. ^ phxroadrunners.com: Rocky RoadRunner
  8. ^ phxroadrunners.com: Home
  9. ^ The Internet Hockey Database - Hockey Statistics, Logos, and Trading Cards
  10. ^ The Internet Hockey Database - Hockey Statistics, Logos, and Trading Cards

[edit] External links

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ECHL (2008-09)
American Conference North Cincinnati Cyclones · Dayton Bombers · Elmira Jackals · Johnstown Chiefs · Reading Royals · Trenton Devils · Wheeling Nailers
South Augusta Lynx · Charlotte Checkers · Columbia Inferno · Florida Everblades · Gwinnett Gladiators · Mississippi Sea Wolves · Pensacola Ice Pilots · South Carolina Stingrays
National
Conference		 Pacific Bakersfield Condors · Fresno Falcons · Las Vegas Wranglers · Ontario Reign · Stockton Thunder
West Alaska Aces · Idaho Steelheads · Phoenix Roadrunners · Utah Grizzlies · Victoria Salmon Kings
Future teams Myrtle Beach, SC · Toledo Walleye
Related articles: List of ECHL seasons  · Kelly Cup  · Brabham Cup  · All-Star Game  · Awards  · Timeline  · Defunct teams  · Hall of Fame  · Arenas  · Other Professional Hockey leagues
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