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March 3rd is the only time this season that Kris Versteeg will get the chance to play against his former NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. He only played 53 games with the Maple Leafs, before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 14. In the few games he has played with the Flyers so far, his performance has been lackluster.

He has just 1 goal-an empty netter-and 1 assist in his first seven games with the Flyers. Still, Coach Peter Laviolette said he's happy with how Versteeg has played, especially in their last game, a 4-1 loss to Ottawa. The coach said he was impressed with the nine attempts Versteeg made at the net, and thinks it's just a matter of him getting settled in and more comfortable with his teammates.

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The American Hockey League Rochester Americans and the NHL Florida Panthers are reportedly both unhappy with their current affiliation, so if general manager Ted Nolan is still running the Americans next year, it will probably be under the wings of a different NHL hockey parent club. Conflicts over roster makeup have undermined the teams' relationship, and both seem ready and willing to call it quits when the 2010-2011 season draws to a close.

The conflicts arose because the Panthers desired to retain total authority over the Amerks' roster, and this was unacceptable to Nolan. He tried, unsuccessfully, to get approval to add free-agent veterans as a remedy for the Amerk's tough year, which will likely see them finish last in the AHL's North Division. There are many local hockey observers who believe that Nolan will depart Rochester to lead the Soo Greyhounds next year.

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If you're visiting New York in order to watch an NHL game featuring the New York Rangers, you may want to explore New York too. When one thinks of holidays to New York, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the big city. Some tourists prefer the city because it offers plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants and other tourist attractions. But there is much more to New York state than that. Outside of the city, in Chautauqua county, one can find beautiful natural retreats on a holiday to New York. From summer camps to nature trails to bird watching, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors here. If you're a tourist who prefers nature than the big city, then going to Chautauqua in New York may be ideal for you.

For example, at Camp Onyahsa there are pre-planned programs throughout the year for kids, teens and parents that include activities like fishing, sports, crafts, boating, campfires, entertainment, and cooking. You can take kayak lessons at Evergreen Outfitters and learn how to Eskimo roll, different strokes and surfing techniques, rescues, and more. Guided tours of Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake and the Conewango River are also available.

Watching NHL hockey games in New York can be filled with excitement and intensity. You can get very involved in the game, particularly with the highs and lows of of your winning or losing NHL team. So, why not combine the excitement of an NHL game with a retreating little trip to N.Y. Chautauqua.