All those players have been immensely influential during their time with the Marlies, but all were absent for a variety of reasons heading into Hershey on Saturday evening.
While putting extra emphasis on those left to step up their game, the holes in the roster have given opportunities to others on the periphery.
Playing their ninth game in 16 days, six of those on the road, the Toronto Marlies once more dug deep into their reserves to come up with a performance that will see them enjoy their Christmas break all the more.
Ray Emery was making his Marlies debut and made a positive start with a good right pad save a minute in.