Saturday, February 27, 2010

Thrashers Reassign Goaltender Peter Mannino to Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned goaltender Peter Mannino to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Mannino, who was recalled on Feb. 24, has appeared in 24 games this season with Chicago, posting an 18-3-0 record with a 1.97 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage, ranking second in the AHL in both categories. The 6-1, 190-pound goaltender, who has set a new career-high in wins this year, is unbeaten in his last 10 decisions and has earned a 15-1-0 mark in his last 17 games overall. Mannino was named the AHL Goaltender of the Month for January after posting a 6-1-0 record with a 1.28 goals-against average and a .958 save percentage.

The Farmington Hills, Mich., native has appeared in 58 career AHL games over two seasons with Bridgeport and Chicago, posting a 35-15-12 record with two shutouts, a 2.40 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. Mannino has also appeared in three National Hockey League games, all coming in the 2008-09 season with the New York Islanders, earning a 1-1-0 mark.

Prior to his professional career, Mannino earned a 63-32-5 record with 15 shutouts, a 2.36 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 103 career games with the University of Denver from 2004-05 to 2007-08. He helped lead the Pioneers to the 2005 NCAA National Championship and left as the school’s all-time leader in shutouts.

Mannino, 26, was signed by the Thrashers as a free agent on July 6, 2009.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Bobsled Teams Prepare for Weekend Events

Photo: Bobsled pilot Army Sgt. Mike Kohn of the Virginia National Guard, front right, leads his four-man squad at the start of a U.S. World Cup team trials race in this 2009 file photo. Each of the three U.S. Olympic bobsled teams competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics is piloted by former or current National Guard members. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps

The three men's U.S. Olympic bobsled teams -- all to be piloted by a current or former National Guard member -- are ready for action this weekend.
Army Sgt. John Napier of the Vermont National Guard, Army Sgt. Mike Kohn of the Virginia National Guard and Steven Holcomb, a former member of the Utah National Guard, resumed their training at Whistler Sliding Center here Feb. 17.

"This is amazing," said Napier, who is scheduled to drive USA II with Steve Langton aboard. "It feels great to be sliding again, especially on this track. It's so fast and so fun. I love driving here. It's one of the most incredible feelings to guide a sled down this course. I can't wait to do it again tomorrow."

Napier arrived in Canada on Feb. 8 and spent several days in Vancouver, where he attended the opening ceremonies for the XXI Olympic Winter Games. He said it made him yearn to become a lifelong Olympian.

On the eve of his return to a bobsled track, Napier discussed the pre-competitive Olympic experience.

"Fifteen years of hard work to get here," he said. "I told a lot of people I would go through 10 times the troubles and sufferings to make it to this point, now that I know what it's about. I was fighting for something before I really knew what it was and didn't know what it was for. But now I know.

"Now I've witnessed it, and I'm like, 'Man, I'm hungry to keep going more, too,'" Napier continued. "I want four more Olympics after this. Being here all week and seeing the atmosphere and all the help of the volunteers, and just to see how large of an operation it is and how small a piece of the puzzle we are, is kind of cool. The ceremony was the big point that really stood out and said, 'Wow, you've made it.'"

His brief time out of the sled, however, made Napier itch to get back to work.

"We need to be on ice; we're bobsledders," Napier said. "Being here and having to wait for several days was difficult, so it feels amazing being [at the track] tonight."

Kohn will drive USA III. "I love this track," he said. "I really feel like this track suits my driving style well. I'll be honest; I was a little nervous, but we're from the U.S., and we don't back down from a challenge.

"I had a lot of help from the coaches and the other drivers," Kohn added, "plus, Todd Hays shared some of his lines with me. This track isn't nearly as difficult as I thought. I just need to dial it in and iron a few things out."

Holcomb, the reigning four-man world champion, will drive USA I with Curt Tomasevicz aboard.

"This is fantastic," Holcomb said. "The ice is smooth and in great condition. It's what you expect Olympic ice to be. It feels so nice to be back on ice again, because we've been waiting around for 10 days for this moment. It's nice to get after it again."

The bobsledders will make two more training runs down the track today. Competition is set for two heats each tomorrow night and the afternoon of Feb. 21. The medal ceremony is scheduled at 7 p.m. PST Feb. 21.

(Special to American Forces Press Service. Author Tim Hipps works in the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command public affairs office.)
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FLW Tour to Visit Table Rock Lake Where Temperatures Expected to be Cold, but Bite Hot

Fish Should be Plentiful at First Stop of FLW Tour

After last week’s cancelation due to severe weather conditions on the Red River FLW will visit Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., March 3-6 for what is now the first of five stops on the FLW Tour circuit. Hosted by the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tournament will feature as many as 300 top bass anglers casting for top awards up to $125,000 cash in the Pro Division and up to $25,000 cash in the Co-angler Division.

“I am looking forward to this stop,” said Chevy pro Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, S.C., who won the 2009 event on Table Rock Lake. “Having won here last year I have a lot of confidence going into this tournament, I would rather be going here than anyplace else.”

“Everyone is going to be catching fish, there just won’t be as many big ones caught,” added Gagliardi. “The fish will bite; the cold is probably going to impact the fisherman more than the fish.”

“I was disappointed in the fact that the Red River event got canceled last week, but I believe it was 100% the right decision that FLW made, it was what needed to be done. However, that being said, with only five tournaments to qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup there will be less room for error, it’s going to be a game of points and the one thing you don’t want to have is a really bad finish.”

With water temperatures expected to be between 40 – 50 degrees anglers should expect a slow retrieve according to FLW pro Kathryn Ealey, who will be fishing Table Rock Lake for the first time, patience will be key. She will be looking for bait fish in hopes of getting a reaction bite from the bass.

Anglers will take off from Table Rock State Park Marina located at 380 State Park Marina Road (Highway 165 South) in Branson at 7 each morning. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday weigh-ins will also be held at the marina beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Branson Convention Center located at 200 West Main Street in Branson beginning at 4 p.m.

The fish will definitely be biting, according to pro Ish Monroe.

“The fish are used to cold weather,” he said. “I think it is going to take 65 – 70 pounds to win this tournament. Anglers will be catching all varieties of bass, smallmouth, bigmouth, and spotted. The key is going to be taking advantage of opportunities in order to reel the big ones in. I am excited to fish Table Rock, this is my third time fishing it competitively; my first time I finished in the top-20, my second the top-10, and this time I expect to do even better.”

Fans will be treated to a Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Expo at the Branson Convention Center on Friday from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday prior to the final weigh-in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a drawing for a Can-Am ATV and rod and reel combos will be given to the first 300 kids under 14 in attendance on Saturday. The Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events, additional information and to register for the ATV, visit FLWOutdoors.com/branson.

In FLW Tour competition, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2010 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. This year’s Cup will be in Atlanta Aug. 5-8 on Lake Lanier.

Coverage of the Table Rock Lake tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS. “FLW Outdoors,” will air April 18 from 12:30 to 1:30 ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Thrashers Place Defenseman Boris Valabik on Injured Reserve

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed defenseman Boris Valabik on the Injured Reserve list, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Valabik, 23, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on Feb. 5 at Washington and will require surgery at a future date.

The 6-7, 245-pound defenseman has appeared in 23 games with the Thrashers this season, posting two assists and a plus-two rating. He missed the first 16 games of the season with an ankle injury.

The Nitra, Slovakia, native has earned seven assists in 80 career NHL games, all with Atlanta, and 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 119 American Hockey League games with the Chicago Wolves. He has also appeared in 32 AHL post-season contests, helping the Wolves capture the 2008 Calder Cup Championship.

Valabik was selected by the Thrashers in the first round, 10th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Batter Up! Teams are forming now!

Softball Tournament to benefit Fayette County’s Homebound Seniors

To raise awareness and funds for programs that help Fayette County's homebound seniors remain independent and improve their quality of life, the community is invited to participate in Fayette Senior Services “Hit One for the Homebound” softball tournament on April 10, 2010 at Mead Fields in Peachtree City. The games are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.

The tournament will have two divisions, one for men's teams and the other will be co-ed play. Awards will be given for the top three teams in both divisions. The tournament will follow USSSA rules, which allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the games.

Dawn Davis, FSS Health & Wellness Coordinator and Tournament Director states, “We are challenging local businesses, churches, and individuals to assemble teams and help us “Hit One for the Homebound”. The in-home services we provide such as personal care, light housekeeping, and Meals On Wheels help hundreds of homebound senior citizens with their basic needs so they can live independently in their own home. The Hit One for the Homebound Softball Tournament is a fun way for us to raise awareness for the specialized needs of the homebound.”

Space is limited to 24 teams so sign up early! A minimum 10-person team is required to play but teams may have as many players as they like on their roster. Applications and tournament guidelines are available online at www.fayetteseniors.org or at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. The application fee is $300 per team ($400/team after April 2, 1010). For more information contact Dawn Davis at 770-461-0813 ext. 124 or at ddavis@fayss.org.

Fayette Senior Services, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. This past year, Fayette Senior Services delivered more than 40,000 Meals on Wheels to hundreds of Fayette County seniors. Other services include Transportation, Adult Day Care Referral Service, Information & Assistance, In-Home Personal Care/Homemaker Services, Case Management, and Tool Team Home Repair Service.
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Monday, February 8, 2010

Postponed Hawks at Wizards Game Rescheduled

The National Basketball Association announced today the rescheduling of the Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards game that was postponed on Saturday, Feb. 6. The Hawks and Wizards will make up that game on Thursday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Verizon Center in Washington D.C.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Run for the Gold / Bear Tracks

Oak Grove & Burch Elementary School
5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Fun Run
March 6, 2010

Lace up your shoes for a great morning of running in Peachtree City’s quiet neighborhoods and paths. Oak Grove Elementary’s Seventh Annual Run for the Gold 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk will take place on March 6, 2010, beginning at 8 am. This year, we are teaming with Burch Elementary’s Bear Tracks Run

Early registration is $15.00 for participants with a $60 cap for all families. Phantom runners - those who wish to support Run for the Gold but are unable to run - may purchase a T-Shirt for $10.00. Registration after February 26, 2010 is $20.00. Applications are available online at www.oges.org.

Peachtree Road Race Applications will be available; this is one of the first opportunities to register. Please read the application for complete details.

For more information, contact runforthegold@fcboe.org.
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Thrashers Recall Goaltender Kari Lehtonen from Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled goaltender Kari Lehtonen from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Lehtonen, who was assigned to the Wolves for conditioning on Jan. 22, posted a 1-1-2 record with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in four outings with Chicago. His stint with the Wolves marked his first game action since April 11, 2009, when he made 33 saves in a win vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Helsinki, Finland, native has posted a 94-83-17 record with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage in 204 NHL games, all with the Thrashers. Lehtonen holds Thrashers franchise records by a goaltender in games played (204), wins (94), save percentage (.912) and shutouts (14).

The 6-4, 215-pound goaltender set single-season team records and career-highs during the 2006-07 season in games played (68), starts (66), wins (34), shutouts (four), save percentage (.912), minutes (3,934), shots (2,075) and saves (1,892).

Lehtonen was selected by the Thrashers in the first round, second overall, of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards Game Postponed

The National Basketball Association game scheduled for this evening between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center has been postponed due to severe weather conditions in the Washington, D.C. area. As a result of those conditions, neither the Hawks nor Wizards were able to fly to Washington after their respective games last night. The date for the rescheduled game will be announced at a later time.

Start Time for Tonight’s Thrashers Game at Philips Arena Changed to 7:30 p.m.

Due to inclement weather in the Washington, D.C. area, which caused travel delays for the Thrashers return to Atlanta, tonight’s game vs. Florida Panthers at Philips Arena will be pushed back to 7:30 p.m. Philips Arena doors will still open at 6 p.m.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Atlanta Teen, the 'Next Tiger Woods,' Gets Dream Shot to Compete Against the World's Best Female Golfers

/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta teen golf prodigy, Mariah Stackhouse, can now say sometimes dreams do come true. The 15-year-old golf phenom was surprised today by her favorite golfer, top LPGA player, Christina Kim, who showed up at her North Clayton High School to personally invite her to compete in the first-ever Mojo 6 (www.themojo6.com), a unique golf tournament being held in Jamaica, April 15-16, 2010. Stackhouse, believed to be the youngest player ever to win the Georgia Women's Amateur Championship in its 80-year history, will compete against the world's leading female golfers, including Christina Kim, Suzann Pettersen and Paula Creamer.

Stackhouse, who has been playing golf since she was two, has already been compared by many familiar with the game as being the "next Tiger Woods." Stackhouse also was the 2007 Atlanta Junior Golf Grand Champion and won the 2007 Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) Girls Championship; and two years ago, scored a 65 in a Southeastern Junior Tour event.

"I'm thrilled to surprise Mariah with the invitation to compete against the world's best female golfers at The Mojo 6," said Christina Kim. "The Mojo 6 is poised to start a new era in golf. It was already exciting to participate because of the new format being unveiled. Now, with the addition of Mariah, it'll truly be a special event. She's already quite a golfing talent, and is a fantastic representative of the future of women's golf. I'm sure she has a long career ahead of her, and I can't wait to see her in action at The Mojo 6."

Creators of The Mojo 6, Joy Stephenson & Olympic champion Ed Moses offered Stackhouse one of the tournaments highly coveted sixteen (16) spots, stating "When we launched Mojo last year, we wanted it to be about more than creating compelling content, we wanted to create a platform to inspire people to reach for their dreams, and help others do the same. Inviting Mariah to join The Mojo 6 is certainly part of that mission, and we can't wait to see her play Raceway Golf."

Stackhouse and 15 top LPGA golfers will be the first to play Raceway Golf (TM) airing on CBS on May 1st and 2nd. Raceway Golf is a new, innovative golf format introduced by Mojo designed to draw out the competitive personalities of LPGA pros through intense showdowns. At The Mojo 6 this spring, the participants will battle Raceway Golf style as they try to knock each other out of the running for the $1 million purse. (*note: Ms. Stackhouse's winnings, as an amateur, will be donated to charity).

"It's an honor for Mariah to be invited to compete against some of the world's top female golfers," said Ken Stackhouse, Ms. Stackhouse's father and primary coach. "When the Mojo team contacted us with this idea, the hardest part was not to tell Mariah before the surprise! We just always tell her to do the best she can, and we're looking forward to going to Jamaica this spring to give Mariah the opportunity to play with the sport's best athletes."

Played over two days, this LPGA sanctioned tournament pits 16 players against each other to battle out a series of six-hole matches to crown a winner. "Mojo is working closely with the government of Jamaica, through its Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, and Ministry of Tourism, as well as with the LPGA, to make Raceway Golf exciting for the golfing world as well as those who may not have watched golf in the past," noted Mojo co-founder and president, Joy Stephenson.

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