AMHL Goalie Called Up to the Show

If all you saw was the final score at AMHL.com, you’d think Anthony Bonfiglio didn’t have his “A” game going for the Capitals this morning. You'd be wrong. He made several NHL-caliber stops against the Avalanche, but two open-net goals at the end of the game still count against his Goals Against Average (GAA). And the 2–5 loss goes on his record. Despite his stellar performance, “Fig” will not get the call to play for the NHL Bruins.

Mike Edwards will play for the Black and Gold. And not the AMHL Bruins. No, the Bruins. If you’re from New England and love hockey, you know the names: Chris “Knuckles” Nilan, Kenny “the Rat” Linseman, and Rick “Nifty” Middleton. These are some of Edwards's teammates tomorrow night.

Okay, so the AMHL goaltender with the career 5.00 GAA won’t play at the TD Banknorth Garden, and Zdeno Chara won’t clear the crease for him, but Edwards will play in nets for the Boston Hockey Legends squad tomorrow night in Newburyport, MA.

You may wonder why Edwards was selected. I do, too. You may ask yourself, “Will he survive the warm-up session?” So does Mike. So do I. That’s why the AMHL media contingent will be at the game to cover the story.

In case you can’t make it to the game, which starts at 7:00 p.m. at Graf Rink, check back here this weekend to get the whole story on Edwards’ shutout performance—or maybe his obituary.


Update, January 27, 2007
A reader wrote to point out that empty-net goals do not count count against a goalies GAA or save percentage. This is true in respect to the NHL statistics. So if you're not familiar with the AMHL and wonder, "Man these goalies aren't that good," go easy on them. Keep in mind that in our little league, empty-netters do count against a goalie's GAA. I'd tell you why, but it's a complex issue that I don't quite understand: A different subject for another blog entry.


Update, January 28, 2007
The Boston Bruins Alumni Assocation and the Boston Hockey Legends are confused with each other because some former Bruins are affiliated with both organizations. I apologize for having proliferated any confusion.