Amerks come from behind at Manchester

The Rochester Americans came from behind tonight to beat the Manchester Monarchs 5-3 at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The contest was the second and final meeting between the two teams as they split 1-1 this season. It was also the second of a three game road trip for the Amerks as they take on the Providence Bruins on Sunday night. Center Janis Sprukts helped lead the team to victory tonight with his first hat trick for the Amerks this season. His three goal game and one assist gave him a team lead in points (23) and a tie with forward Stefan Meyer for goals (11). The performance was also enough to earn him first star honors. Jason Garrison posted a four point night assisting on each of Sprukts goals and one of Kendall McArdle nearing the end of the contest to earn him second star. Mike Brodeur played well having 33 saves on the night. The Monarchs were led by Brad Richardson who posted two points (1+1) earning the third star. Other goals were scored by Matt Moulsen and David Meckler. Jonathan Bernier posted 14 saves on the night. In the first period Amerks Sprukts scored the only goal for the red, white, and blue making him tied with Meyer for a team lead in points with 21. Jason Garrison and Drew Larman both had an assist on the goal. Manchester opened the game with two powerplay goals as they finished the first period one up on the Amerks. Goals were scored by Moulson and Meckler who both posted their ninth goals of the season.