Pro Hockey Notes (AHL)

In a few weeks former Clarkson defenseman Grant Clitsome will take part in an outdoor game, provided he's not called up to the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the contest.

The Syracuse Crunch will face the Binghamton Senators at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The game will be televised on the NHL Network.

Clitsome will also be part of two public appearances, including one tomorrow night.

A few Crunch players will be celebrity bartenders tomorrow at Nibsy's Pub, which is located at 201 Ulster Street in Syracuse. Clitsome's "shift" is scheduled from 5-7 p.m.

If you miss that outing, you can also catch Grant at the Dunkin Donuts on 7645 Oswego Road in Liverpool from 3-5 p.m. on Feb. 16 for an autograph session.

Dodge an Iron Man

The Albany Times-Union recently ran a feature story about former Clarkson captain Nick Dodge and his durability so far in his professional career.

As of Feb. 3, Dodge had not missed a game yet in his professional career, which began towards the end of the 2007-08 regular season.

"I feel good about having played every game, but sometimes it's just the breaks," Dodge told the Times Union. "I sprained my ankle a couple of weeks ago playing soccer. Fortunately I was able to play."

Dodge also ended his Clarkson career playing in 50 straight games.

"It's impressive," Rats coach Jeff Daniels said to the Times-Union. "He deserves all the credit on that one, just the way he looks after himself. He's very low-maintenance. He's very professional. He just shows up and works, and leaves and he's ready for the game."

Ups and Downs

Clarkson still has four players in the American Hockey League, though it briefly had five. Shawn Weller was called up to Abbotsford from the Bakersfield Condors of the East Coast Hockey League, but defenseman Matt Nickerson was recently sent from Springfield to the ECHL's Stockton Thunder, where he will be a teammate of ex-Golden Knight Chris D'Alvise.

The Stats

Steve Zalewski (Worcester) 18-32 50

Nick Dodge (Albany) 9-11 20

Grant Clitsome (Syracuse) 4-10 14

Matt Nickerson (Springfield) 0-1 1

Shawn Weller (Abbotsford) 4 games 0-0 0 (at Bakersfield - 18-28 46)

Coach Mark Morris (Manchester) 29-17-2-2 (second place, Atlantic Division)