#CalgaryHitmen

[mitchbeck]

HARTFORD WOLF PACK SIGN MAXIM BARBASHEV TO ATO, NEW YORK RANGERS REASSIGN RYDER KORCZAK

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club had signed forward Maxim Barbashev to an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) for the remainder of the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs. In addition, the Rangers have reassigned forward Ryder Korczak to the Wolf Pack from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Barbashev, 19, appeared in 67 regular season games with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats this season. He set new career highs in goals (32), assists (33), and points (65). He finished second on the club in goal-scoring and fourth in points. In 12 playoff games, Barbashev tacked on eight points (4 g, 4 a). The 6'1", 176-pound forward was named to the QMJHL's 'All-Rookie Team' following the 2021-22 season. He scored 42 points (15 g, 27 a) in his first full season in North America. The native of Moscow, Russia, was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round, 161st overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Korczak, 20, scored 69 points (28 g, 41 a) in 48 games with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors this season. He tacked eleven points (3 g, 8 a) in ten playoff games with the club. The 5'11", 171-pound forward also appeared in five games with the Wolf Pack earlier this season, making his AHL debut on October 23rd against the Bridgeport Islanders. The native of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, has scored 246 career points (82 g, 164 a) in 248 WHL games with the Warriors and Calgary Hitmen. Despite playing only 48 games, he finished fourth on the club in goals, assists, and points during the 2022-23 season. Korczak was selected in the third round, 75th overall, by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Wolf Pack continue the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs this Friday, April 28th, when they visit the Providence Bruins for Game One of their Atlantic Division Semifinals best-of-five series. Then, the series shifts back to Hartford for Game Three on Wednesday, May 3rd, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets and for the full series schedule, visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets/playoff-information. ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team's inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and plays at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers' newest faces, including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. HARTFORD WOLF PACK NEW YORK RANGERS HOME Read the full article

[charlie-conway96]

I forgot how much the CHL trade deadline hurt me until I sat down at a Giants vs Hitmen game and saw a bunch of number 2s and realized none of them were Jake Bean. Yes there were tears in my eyes at the game.

[filthiestcanadian]

Teddy bear toss! #calgaryhitmen #whl #healthy #fit #fitness #health #cardio #fitfam #strength #wellness #workouts #exercise #motivate #nutrition #beastmode #lifestyle #healthyeating #eat #iphone6 #YYC #picoftheday #instamood #photooftheday #starbucks #instagood #singlelife #motivation #likeaboss #nike #justdoit #nikeplus (at Scotiabank Saddledome) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLrzqQBaNs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lrgz4qcjdlsd

[mardibreaux-blog]

Drafted 1st overall #nhl17 #nhl #eagames #ea #gaming #gamer #sony #ps4 #playstation #calgaryhitmen #toronto #mapleleaf

[wonderwoman0001]

Hey! Down in front! @erynemu #whl #yychitmen #calgaryhitmen #penaltybox #happybirthday https://ift.tt/3bjCJmw

[djak47-tha-hustler-blog]

#NHL18 #NHLThrees #CalgaryHitmen #FridgeRaiders #DJAK47ThaHustler

[gallyarmy]

Jakey

[yarnink]

My son was given tickets to last nights hockey game for his birthday which happened to be the #teddybeartoss for the #calgaryhitmen game. My heart fluttered watching the incredible generosity of a city 💕 Thank you so much again to Stacy and Graham for the amazing gift!

[mitchbeck]

HARTFORD WOLF PACK VS SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS CALDER CUP PLAYOFF PREVIEW

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack has a familiar opponent for the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. Behind three points from Chris Wagner and a four-goal third period, the Providence Bruins defeated the Springfield Thunderbirds 7-4 on Sunday afternoon. The loss locked the Thunderbirds into the fourth spot in the Atlantic division and will face the fifth-place Wolf Pack, who make their first appearance in the postseason in eight years. The Pack will now need to contend with goalie Joel Hofer who has had a fantastic season against the Wolf Pack. The series begins Wednesday in Springfield. On Friday, the two teams travel down I-91 to the XL Center for Game Two in Hartford. If Game Three becomes necessary, it will be played Saturday in Springfield. All the games have their opening faceoff at 7:05 PM. This is the second time in Hartford franchise history that the two cities have battled in a Best-of-Three series. The last time Springfield was known as the Falcons, they knocked them out in two straight in 2002. However, this is the first time the two meet with Springfield as the Thunderbirds. Hartford has the series edge over the Falcons (2-1)  and in games (6-4). This is the fourth time the two cities have met in the playoffs in 26 years. The last time the Wolf Pack was in the playoffs was May 15th, 2014. The series was against the Hershey Bears, and the Pack won Game 6, 6-3. That would be their last series win and the previous playoff series in eight years for the New York Rangers' top minor league team. In that series, the two home dates were played in Worcester because of XL Center conflicts with the circus that spring. They were then swept by the eventual Calder Cup champs Manchester Monarchs in the Conference Finals in their last season in Manchester before the Pacific Division was created. The Pack won another best-of-three when they eliminated Bridgeport beating the Sound Tigers behind two consecutive shutouts by Cam Talbot. After 14 straight seasons of making the postseason, the Wolf Pack missed the playoffs for the first time in 2009-2010. In four of the last five years with Ken Gernander behind the bench, the Wolf Pack missed the postseason, and overall it's been 13 of the previous 14 years without playoffs in HartCity. The Wolf Pack arrive in the playoffs after putting on a tremendous push over the final seven weeks of the regular season before clinching the last spot in the Atlantic Division. However, before the celebration of the achievement could even be felt, the Rangers recalled four essential cogs to the Wolf Pack machinery as forwards Jonny Brodzinski and Jake Leschyshyn, defenseman Libor Hájek, and goaltender Louie Domingue were recalled to be part of their Stanley Cup Black Aces. Leschyshyn and Hájek were healthy scratches for the games on Friday and Saturday. All four are important, but Brodzinski, the March AHL Player of the Month, is essential. Brodzinski's play, especially in third periods, willed his team out of its win-one, lose-one play. However, their play was excellent at the end of the season, winning their final eight games, the longest winning streak in two years. The streak allowed the Wolf Pack to surpass the Bridgeport Islanders and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and plant the Wolf Pack flag as the sixth entrant in their division. Brodzinski's recalls leave him numerically short of league-wide MVP consideration because of games played, but it's clear he was the MVP in Hartford. Recalling these critical components of the roster will not make it any easier on Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch. Brodzinski and Domingue have another year left on their contacts and will return. Leschyshyn has two more years on a one-way NHL money, paying him $775K yearly. Hájek has an expiring deal at the end of the season. The Rangers have decided that having these four in the stands is more important than having them play the most meaningful games in Hartford in eight years. Similarly, 31 years ago, the LA Kings airlifted seven prospects, seven weeks from the end of the season, to play for the Phoenix Roadrunners (IHL). It effectively killed off any New Haven Nighthawks chances of making the Calder Cup playoffs. With both of their parent teams out of the NHL playoffs, in Laval, the Montreal Canadiens received back Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, who scored in the two minutes in his first game back,  as well as Cayden Primeau, and Sean Farrell, making The Rocket a team to be wary of as the Calder Cup playoffs start. The Tucson Roadrunners received five players from the Arizona Coyotes. The old cliche about "next man up" and "creating opportunities for other players" comes to the forefront for the Wolf Pack. Someone must step up for those missing points with these three skaters gone. Dylan Garand will have big shoes to fill in Domingue's absence. He will need to be at his best between the pipes. The reconfigured lineup was on full display Friday with what is likely to be the lineup for the Springfield series. Will Cullye, a significant beneficiary of playing with Brodzinski this year, will likely skate with Ryan Carpenter, almost a point-a-game player, and Will Lockwood, who provided offense down the stretch. Tim Gettinger will likely stay on the second line on the left wing. He had no goals and six points last month until Friday night. Tanner Fritz and Lauri Pajuniemi will likely be pushed up to form a new troika. Anton Blidh will likely stay as the solid third-line left-wing as a net-front nemesis, along with the reliable Karl Henriksson and likely Bobby Trivigno, who added so much spark when he played alongside Henriksson. The fourth line should feature Matt Rempe, at the center, sidelined as a healthy scratch over the last eight games. His 6'8 presence plus faceoff skills will be critical in the short opening round series. Turner Elson will patrol the left side and can also take draws. He might be moved up to the first line. Anything is possible. One of the younger kids, Adam Sýkora or Bryce McConnell-Barker, may get some time on the wing. Adam Edström made a strong case for himself with his NHL move and shot on his first goal. Blake Hillman, like Rempe, saw little game activity by the end of the regular season. He could slide in for Hájek, The other pairings of Jones-Emberson and Clendening-Kalynuk will remain untouched. In net, it's Garand's from here on in. He has performed very well this season. How the defense complies? The backup in the net will be Talyn Boyko. POSSIBLE LINES: Cullye-Lockwood-Carpenter Gettinger-Fritz-Pajuniemi Henriksson-Trivigno-Blidh Elson-Rempe- Adam Sýkora or Adam Adam Edström (?) Jones-Emberson Blake Hillman-Scanlin Clendening-Kalynuk Garand Boyko SCRATCHES: Brett Berard #27 (healthy) Louie Roehl #4 (healthy) Bryce McConnell-Barker #8 (healthy) Easton Brodzinski #23 (healthy) Matt Robertson (upper body, week-to-week) Patrick Khordorenko (season-ending shoulder surgery) C.J. Smith (hip area surgery done for the season) NOTES: Media reports from Sweden speculate that Pajuniemi and his reps are conversing with several Swedish Hockey League clubs for the Finnish winger's services next year. Pajuniemi has an expiring two-year ELC deal at $925K-NHL/$70K-AHL. He has had no recalls in two years at all. One player not coming next year is junior prospect Jayden Grubbe. He's the team captain of the Red Deer Rebels (WHL). He had 67 points (18 goals,49 assists, and 71 PIM). Grubbe was drafted in the third round (65th overall) in 2021 and will be passed on. According to Eliotte Friedmann of TSN Sportsnet, the Rangers told all the other NHL organizations they would not offer him a contract and had a June 1st deadline to do so. So, as per the CBA, they will retain his rights till August 15th, then he can work out a free-agent deal with the other 31 NHL teams. The Rebels finished first in the WHL Central Division 43-19-3-3  and are currently in the WHL playoffs awaiting their second-round opponent after knocking off the Calgary Hitmen in five games in the first round. Grubbe had one goal and 10 points in the series. In four WHL seasons, the 20-year-old had 95 assists, 134 points in 194 games, and along with 195 PIM. He was a seventh overall pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft and was team captain for three of those four years. He represented Canada on the U-17 World Championship team with another Rangers prospect, Brennan Othman, with three points in five games. ROY SOMMER San Diego Gulls head coach Roy Sommer, the all-time winningest coach in AHL history (828 wins) and who coached in the most games (1,814) in a career spanning over 25 years, announced his retirement before the team's last game of the season. Sommer won a Calder Cup with the original Maine Mariners in 1984. After that, he played for two years in the AHL. During his playing days, two teammates were current Springfield GM, former Hartford Whaler player, and Rangers Director of Scouting, Kevin Maxwell. His other teammate, who would become the head coach that year after injuries, ended his career was AHL HOF John Paddock, who is now coaching Regina (WHL). Sommer won the Louis A. Pieri AHL Coach of the Year in 2016-17 in San Jose. One of the best Sommer stories is that he was one of the first true-born and bred California players in the mid-1970s. It was a generation before seeing California as a player's hometown was common. He went to play junior hockey in the rough-and-tumble WHL in Western Canada. Sommer started his hockey journey in 1978-79 as a member of the Pacific Hockey League (PHL) with the Spokane (WA) Flyers playing against the legendary Bill "Goldie" Goldthorpe. At next year's AHL All-Star game at the Tech CU Center in San Jose, he would be a fitting addition to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame. For the Oakland, CA native, it would be a home run. They should also induct Colorado resident and Wolf Pack all-time great Derek Armstrong. Sommer teamed up with ex-Ranger, New England/Hartford Whalers Nick Fotiu as a coaching tandem with the Kentucky Thoroughblades for three years. BERT MALLOY Cheshire native and former Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack player, now a dual citizen, Robert "Bert" Malloy, began playing for the Australian National Team in the IIHF Division II Group A tournament in Madrid, Spain, for what is likely his last season of pro hockey. The Mighty Roo (their national team's name) lost their opening game to Croatia 6-4. After falling behind 4-0, they made it close twice, first 4-3 and then 5-4, but couldn't overcome the early, large deficit. Former AHL'er Borna Rendulic scored twice for Croatia. Malloy was a minus-one with two shots on goal for the game. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

[charlie-conway96]

Yo does anyone have pictures of Jake bean wearing glasses because that was hot

[mardibreaux-blog]

NHL 17 was on sale today so I started a career #nhl #nhl17 #ea #eagames #sony #playstation #ps4 #calgaryhitmen

[charlie-conway96]

Going to a WHL game tomorrow and my friends and I are making a sign. Are we gonna regret it? No, but the people behind us might get mad lol.

[mitchbeck]

KEELEY: SECOND ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR TOSS IS DECEMBER 7TH

Stuffed animal donations will benefit local fire departments BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – November 27, 2019 – The fur will fly at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday, December 7th in the second annual “Teddy Bear Toss,” presented by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. Fans are invited to bring stuffed animal donations to toss onto the ice following the first Mariners goal. All collected stuffed animals will be donated to local fire departments. The Teddy Bear Toss is a famous holiday tradition that is held throughout all levels of hockey, collecting teddy bears and other stuffed animals for people in need. The spectacle of stuffed toys flying onto the ice after the home team’s first goal has been well documented in places like Calgary, Alberta (WHL’s Calgary Hitmen), and Hersey, Pennsylvania (AHL’s Hershey Bears). Mariners forward Greg Chase played in Calgary from 2011-15, where the Hitmen averaged over 20,000 stuffed animals in each year’s toss, and previously held the world record of 28,815 before being bested by the Hershey Bears in 2018. “It was a crazy sight to be a part of,” said Chase. “Bears literally raining from the sky. The anticipation is different than any other game, you know it’s the first goal that sets off the chaos. The energy is different. I think it’s almost an advantage for the home team. You come out with that extra jump.” Chase also gave his thoughts on the charitable component of the toss – which is at the core of the event. “There’s no better feeling than seeing those kids' faces when you hand them a bear,” he said. “This is a really special event for a lot of people. To be able to give back especially around the holidays is awesome. We get to do it in such a fun and cool way for the fans, that’s what makes our game unique.” The Mariners held their first Teddy Bear Toss last November, with Riley Bourbonnais scoring the sacred goal midway through the second period. He was later overshadowed by Ty Ronning’s third-period hat trick, leading the Mariners to a 6-4 comeback win over the Manchester Monarchs. The Mariners collected 1,153 stuffed animals last season, and are hoping to top that mark this year. “Donated teddy bears are used by local fire and rescue services to comfort children during difficult times and stressful situations,” said Captain Robb Couture of the South Portland Fire Department. “Many of these bears will find their way onto our fire trucks and ambulances for just that reason.  We will also be using the bears to supplement the South Portland Christmas Toy Drive for local children in need of a special gift this holiday season.  Special thanks to the Mariners organization for supporting us and our local communities!” The South Portland fire department will also have staff and a vehicle on hand at the game to help clean up the toss. The Mariners will take on the Adirondack Thunder at 6:00 PM. The game also features a mini-stick giveaway for the first 2,000 fans through the door, courtesy of Jobs In ME. Families of four can take advantage of the “Family Four Pack,” which includes four tickets, four food, and drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies for as low as $80. Family Four Packs are available for all Saturday and Sunday home games but must be purchased in advance. After Thanksgiving, the Mariners are home on Friday and Saturday, hosting the Indy Fuel and Newfoundland Growlers. Friday features Black Friday discounts at the Mariners merchandise stand: 20% off all Mariners pucks during the first intermission and 15% off all Mariners hats during the second intermission. Both promotions are limited to five items per customer and must be purchased with a credit or debit card. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday with $1 Aquafina water, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light drafts through the start of the second period. The puck drops at 7:15 PM. Saturday night will feature specialty Aquaman jerseys as part of the league’s partnership with DC Comics. Jerseys will be up for auction through the ECHL. A balloon artist will also be on hand on the concourse. Groups of 10 or more can call 833-GO-MAINE to get tickets at a discounted price. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, in person at the Trusted Choice Box Office at the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. Read the full article

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON: WOLF PACK OFF SEASON VOLUME 15

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - Another week closer to the start of the 2019-20 hockey season. While the bulk of the hockey news has already happened with the draft, free-agent signings, and buy-outs, there's still plenty of news to share. The Hartford Wolf Pack are bringing back Greg Chase for the upcoming season after signing him to a one-year AHL deal. Chase enters his fifth professional season, after skating in five games with the Wolf Pack in 2018-19. He went scoreless with four penalty minutes and two shots on goal. The 6-0, 190-pound Edmonton, Alberta native also logged a total of 64 ECHL games with three different teams last season.  In 41 contests with the Wolf Pack’s ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners, the 24-year-old Chase notched 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points, as well as 72 penalty minutes.  He also suited up for ten games with the Wichita Thunder (1-5-6, 12 PIM) and 13 games with the Allen Americans (1-2-3, 19 PIM). Chase was taken in the seventh-round draft pick (188th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in 2013 and has seen action in 102 AHL games in his career. He's played with the Wolf Pack, the Oklahoma City Barons, Bakersfield Condors and Springfield Thunderbirds and has tallied seven goals and 20 assists (27 points) and amassed 55 penalty minutes. In 124 career ECHL contests with the Mariners, Thunder, Americans and Norfolk Admirals, he has totaled 48 goals and 57 assists for 105 points, as well as 159 PIM. Prior to turning pro, Chase played five seasons junior hockey action in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen and Victoria Royals.  In 265 career WHL games, he registered 78 goals and 143 assists for 221 points, along with 247 penalty minutes. Chase is the nephew of former Hartford Whalers forward Kelly Chase. Kris Knoblauch and Gord Murphy start their first full week as the Hartford coaching tandem as they prepare for the Traverse City Prospects tournament. Looking at the WJSS in Plymouth, Michigan, two defensemen for the US squad really stood out. They are two Ranger draft picks, K’Andre Miller (University Wisconsin - Big10) and Zac Jones (Tri-City - USHL). Ex-Pack Layne Ulmer is not done yet. He left Cardiff Devils (Wales-EIHL) and signed with Manchester Storm (England-EIHL) for next season. Nice update on ex-Pack/CT Whale goalie Cam Talbot now in Calgary now on the other side of the Battle of Alberta, by Luke Fox of Rogers Sportsnet. Read it HERE Ex-Pack Shane McColgan was named Head coach and GM of the Valencia Flyers (WSHL) an AAU Tier III junior level league. The San Antonio Rampage announced Jim Johnson was let go in Edmonton. Johnson has a long NHL background with Tampa Bay, San Jose, and Washington as a head coach and assistant. He is the Rampage's new assistant coach to replace former Wolf Pack assistant coach JJ Daigneault, Daigneault took a head coaching job with Halifax (QMJHL). The other Rampage assistant is ex-Sound Tiger Daniel Thaczuk and the head coach is ex-Wolf Pack Drew Bannister. Great piece from the Sunday Toronto Sun column from long-time hockey writer columnist Steve Simmons and a great line from Ray Ferraro. A WHALE OF A STAFF The 1984-85 Hartford Whalers were not a very good team, finishing with 69 points, last in what was then the Adams Division, 14th in a 21-team NHL with a load of lousy teams. But here we are, 35 years later and the Whalers leading scorer, Ron Francis, was recently hired as the general manager of the expansion Seattle franchise, a week before, former teammate Paul Fenton was fired surprisingly as GM in Minnesota. From that forgettable Whalers team, there are coaches such as Joel Quenneville (Florida-NHL), Dave Tippett (Edmonton-NHL), Mark Johnson (University Wisconsin Big 10-W) and Kevin Dineen (San Diego-AHL), who have done quite well for themselves. There are broadcasters such as Ray Ferraro (TSN), the best in the game, and the long-serving Hockey Night in Canada color man, Greg Millen. There’s even career assistant coaches or minor league coaches like Ulf Samuelsson (presently not in coaching), Dean Evason (Minnesota-NHL) and Kurt Kleinendorst (Nuremberg Germany-DEL) from that team and a prominent player agent in former goalie, Mike Liut. Pretty amazing that ordinary NHL team could produce so many hockey lifers in prominent positions. “When I look back, we had Joel, Kevin Dineen, Dave Tippett, Doug Jarvis (Vancouver-NHL), John Anderson (Retired), Dean Evason — a lot of guys who became coaches on that team,” Ferraro said. “Maybe that was our problem with the Whalers. We had too many coaches, not enough players !!” Kevin Shattenkirk (Greenwich/Brunswick Prep) after just being bought out of his deal with the New York Rangers last Wednesday, officially signed a one year $1.75 million deal with Tampa Bay Monday. Another AHL'er leaves North America for Europe. Jonathan Dahlen, the son of former Ranger, Ulf Dahlen, gets loaned to Timra IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) by the San Jose Sharks. Dahlen had been playing for the Sharks affiliate, the Utica Comets That makes 64 AHL’ers have signed in Europe and Asia and now 25 of 31 teams have lost at least one player. Former UConn Husky, Derek Pratt, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk, Tom Pratt, was involved in a two-for-one trade. He and Garrett Cecere were sent by the Maine Mariners to the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) for Jordan Klimek. Ex-Sound Tiger, Josh Holmstrom, signs with Norfolk (ECHL). Evan Wiscocky transfers out of UConn (HE) after two years to attend and play at Sacred Heart University (AHA). At age 21, he can play immediately this season and not sit out a full year. Wisocky, will meet his former school on opening night of the college hockey season in Bridgeport at the Webster Bank Arena October 5th. Five more collegians sign professional deals. John Marino leaves Harvard (ECACHL) a year early and signs and an entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will likely start the season with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). Anthony Crosten, of Arizona State, the NCAA Division I independent, signs with Adirondack (ECHL). Brendan Robbins of the University Maine (HE) signs with Reading (ECHL) and Devin Campbell, of Division III SUNY-Oswego (SUNYAC), signs with Wichita (ECHL). C.J. Stubbs departs Morrisville State College (SUNYAC) and signs a one-year deal with Roanoke (SPHL) and a try-out deal with Utah (ECHL) making 191 Division I players to have signed, and 258 overall college players to sign pro deals. Patrick Mullen, the nephew of ex-Nighthawk, Tom Mullen, and the son of former NHL great, Joey Mullen, moves from Vienna (Austria-EBEL) to Belfast (Northern Ireland-EIHL). Ex-Sound Tiger, Kirill Kabanov, goes from Krefeld (Germany-DEL) and heads back to Aalborg (Denmark-DHL). Brian Flynn (Pomfret Prep) goes from EV Zug (Switzerland-LNA) and goes to HC Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland-LNA). Steven Seeger (Stamford/Brunswick Prep/CT Oilers-EHL) leaves EHC Freiburg (Germany DEL-2) and heads to EC Kassel (Germany DEL-2). Matej Baca, the nephew of former Whaler, Jergus Baca, goes from HC Liptovsky (Slovakia-SLEL) to HC Bratislava (Slovakia Division-2) Former Ranger, Josh Green, goes from Winnipeg Blues (MJHL) in Junior A hockey to the just relocated Winnipeg Ice (WHL) in the same role as an assistant coach under ex-Ranger, James Patrick, the team’s heads coach. Ty Pochipinski, the son of former Nighthawk, Trevor Pochipinski, played four games with Colorado College (NCHC) and then the rest of the year with Penticton (BCHL), commits to Air Force (NCAA Independent) next year. David Bell leaves Ontario to take the same position as an assistant coach with Belleville, leaving only Springfield and Hartford without a second assistant coach. On the heels of seven schools announcing they're leaving the WCHA conference to form their own new hockey conference in two years, the University of Alaska's two programs; the Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks and the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves may become a combined program in the very near future because of serious state budget cuts. Read a story from the  Anchorage Daily News HERE. The Nutmeg State has another Division III hockey program as the Post University Eagles (Waterbury) have officially joined the Northeast-10 for hockey. Other schools in the program include St. Anselm (Manchester, NH), Assumption College (Worcester, MA), Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH), Franklin Pierce (Rindge, NH), Saint Michael’s College (Colchester, VT), and Stonehill College (Easton, MA). The seven teams now comprise the only Division II college hockey conference in the nation. Presently five Division III level programs exist in the state. The Eagles head coach in his second season is Pete Whitney, who spent 11 years coaching at Gunnery Prep of Washington, CT. He also spent two years at Central Connecticut State University (ACHA Division-2). One of his three assistant coaches enters his third season, Tim Richter (Naugatuck). Richter played junior hockey with the CT Clippers and the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack. He then spent two years with the Danbury Whalers (FHL) and played six games with the Danbury Titans. The Eagles’ home arena is The Sports Center of Connecticut, formerly known as the Twin Rinks of Shelton. Read more about it HERE. The Carolina Hurricanes dysfunctionality is an open case study of poor ownership and Tom Dundon seems not to care. Cantlon's Corner has not had one pro source spoken with that has a positive word to say about how he is handling the Hurricanes. Read that HERE The Danbury Colonials (N3HL) the newest junior team in the state has added its first four players to its roster. Goalie Shane O’Brien from the Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) and CT Chiefs (Newington) (EHL) last season was their first signee. Nate Mastrony (Trumbull) is the first CT signee played last season with Notre Dame - Fairfield.  He was also coached the past two seasons in Spring HS hockey by Howlings Editor-In-Chief, Mitch Beck. Kolby Donovan was just signed from the Boston Jr. Bruins (USPHL - Premier) and Wesley Westendorf, who comes from a very non-traditional hockey market, Little Rock, Arkansas. Read the full article

[mitchbeck]

CRAWFORD: WOLF PACK SIGN FORWARD GREG CHASE

Has Played in 102 Career AHL Games in Four Pro Seasons BY: Bob Crawford, Hartford Wolf Pack  HARTFORD, August 6, 2019:  Hartford Wolf Pack general manager Chris Drury announced today that the Wolf Pack has signed forward Greg Chase to an AHL contract. Chase, who is entering his fifth professional season, skated in five games with the Wolf Pack in 2018-19, going scoreless with four penalty minutes and two shots on goal.  The 6-0, 190-pound Edmonton, Alberta native also logged a total of 64 ECHL games this past season with three different teams.  In 41 contests with the Wolf Pack’s ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners, the 24-year-old Chase notched 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points, as well as 72 penalty minutes.  He also suited up for ten games with the Wichita Thunder (1-5-6, 12 PIM) and 13 games with the Allen Americans (1-2-3, 19 PIM). A seventh-round draft pick (188th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in 2013, Chase has seen action in a total of 102 AHL games in his career, with the Wolf Pack, Oklahoma City Barons, Bakersfield Condors and Springfield Thunderbirds, tallying seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points and amassing 55 penalty minutes.  In 124 career ECHL contests with the Mariners, Thunder, Americans, and Norfolk Admirals, he has totaled 48 goals and 57 assists for 105 points, as well as 159 PIM. Prior to turning pro, Chase played five seasons of WHL action with the Calgary Hitmen and Victoria Royals.  In 265 career WHL games, he registered 78 goals and 143 assists for 221 points, along with 247 penalty minutes. Chase is a nephew of former Hartford Whalers forward Kelly Chase.

The Wolf Pack open their 2019-20 regular season Saturday, October 5, with a home-ice contest vs. the defending Calder Cup-champion Charlotte Checkers.  Faceoff is 7:00 PM.  To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.  To visit the Wolf Pack online, go to hartfordwolfpack.com Read the full article

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON: NHL DRAFT REVIEW

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The New York Rangers got the player some say they were hoping for, Kaapo Kakko, who cames from TPS Turku (Finland-FEL) with the second overall selection bringing his 6'2, 200-pound stature, speed, and scoring to Broadway at just age 18. A remote possibility exists that Kakko could start the season in Hartford as a part of his adjustment to playing on the smaller North American ice surfaces. Kakko had a strong year in the Finnish Elite League with 22 goals, tops for rookies, and 38 points in 45 games. He was also named FEL Rookie of the Year. He was also superb at the World Junior Championships tallying five points in seven games for the Finns who won the gold medal. Kakko capped off his year with another gold medal with the Finnish National Team at the World Championships where he was playing against many players who were ten years or more, older than he scoring six goals in 10 games including one of the gold medal clinching-game. Connecticut prep school hockey was well represented at the NHL Draft in Vancouver. Two former Avon Old Farm products were drafted in the first round. The first was forward, Trevor Zegras, who was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks ninth overall. He played for the US National Development team in the USHL this past season. The second Winged Beaver that was taken went 13th overall. He's a goaltender from Darien Connecticut, the 6'2 goalie, Spencer Knight, was taken by the Florida Panthers, whose new head coach is former Hartford Whaler, Joel Quenneville, who was all smiles. As kids, Knight played with Zegras with the Mid-Fairfield program, the USNDTP (USHL) and at Avon Old Farms. The two will be playing against one another in the fall as part of one of college hockey's strongest rivalries. Knight will be matriculating at Boston College (HE) while Zegras will be part of the Boston University Terriers (HE). The other first-round CT connection is Samuel Poulin. He's the son of former Whaler, Patrick Poulin, and was taken 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL). Poulin wasn’t the only son of an NHL’er taken in the first. The first overall pick in the draft was Jack Hughes. His father Jim Hughes played for the Springfield Indians. He was Director of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs for six years. Hughes' older brother, Quinn, was drafted last year in the first round, seventh overall, by Vancouver and signed in March out of Michigan (Big 10). The 4th overall pick went to the Colorado Avalanche who took Bowen Byram from Vancouver (WHL). His father Shawn Byram played for the Springfield Indians and got in four of his five NHL games with the Islanders. The first player with CT DNA was Shane Pinto by Ottawa with the first pick in the second round 32nd overall. Pinto played with the Selects Academy at South Kent (USPHL) for three years and split last season with Lincoln and Tri-City (USHL) and is expected to be at the University North Dakota (NCHC) in the fall. Another of the eight total players taken from the USNDTP was Alex Turcotte. He is bound for the University of Wisconsin (Big 10) in the fall was taken fifth overall by the Los Angeles Kings. He joins his father Alfie, a first-round pick of Montreal (17th overall) in the 1983 Draft. His father played just 112 NHL games had a strong 395 game AHL career with Baltimore, Moncton, Sherbrooke, and Nova Scotia. The hockey connections don’t end there, as his uncle and cousins are located in the LA area. His uncle Jeff was one of the first head coaches of youth hockey in LA, first with the Los Angeles Selects and the first LA Jr. Kings teams. His cousins play hockey collegiately, Tanner plays junior hockey with the Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) and Tara Turcotte plays college hockey at New England College (Henniker, NH) (NEHC-W). The last connection is his grandfather Real played college hockey at Michigan State in the early 1960s and coached his father Alfie when he played with the Nanaimo Islanders (WHL) where he was the owner and GM and traded his son to Portland (WHL) mid-season. The 27th overall was defenseman Nolan Foote from Kelowna Rockets (WHL) who was selected by Tampa Bay following his father Adam’s footsteps who had a 1,154 game NHL career and his brother selected by Tampa Bay two years ago in the first round 14th overall. The elder Foote played with the Quebec Nordiques who selected him in the second round in 1989 moved with the team to Colorado won a Stanley Cup and also played three years with Columbus before he being traded back to Colorado to finish his career. He was his son’s head coach in Kelowna and now he and his older brother Cal became just the fourth brother combination in NHL history to be drafted by the same team. Dave and Mark Hunter (Montreal), Duane and Brent Sutter (N.Y. Islanders) and the host city this year Vancouver selected twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin who helped open the draft with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and it was announced their jerseys will be retired next season by the Canucks. Ryan Suzuki was taken 29th overall by Carolina who played with the Barrie Colts (OHL). His brother Nick was taken in the first round 13th overall in 2017 by the Las Vegas Golden Knights and his rights were traded to Montreal in the Max Pacioretty deal and will play in Laval in the fall. The last player with NHL family connections was the last pick of the first round 31st overall as Ryan Johnson was taken by the Buffalo Sabres, who's bound for the University of Minnesota (Big 10) in the fall. He played California parochial school hockey and with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks program. Father Craig is presently a development coach with Los Angeles and played 557 NHL games and played at the University of Minnesota as well. RANGERS DRAFT DAY 2 The Rangers set about filling in the hockey cabinets with some better products of players that will start out in Hartford in the next few years and try to build an NHL team that compete for the Stanley Cup. In the second round 49th overall, the team went for some backline size with 6’4, 210lb. Matt Robertson from the Edmonton Ice (WHL). He played in 52 games with seven goals and 25 assists. With their second pick in the second round, they took center Karl Henniker from Frolunda HC J-20 squad (Super Elite). He had solid numbers with 13 goals and 36 assists (49 points) in 45 games and was a plus-35. He's a left-handed shooting 18-year-old. In the third round (68th overall), the Rangers showed they were looking beyond goals and assists in drafting a player. They took defenseman Zachary Jones from the Tri-City Storm (USHL). Jones played for the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep (USPHL) program prior to that. Jones was captain in 2017-18, the team was the USPHL champions in two of his three years there in 2015-16, and 2017-18. At Tri-City, he was named the USHL Rookie of the Year and made the All-Rookie team and played on the US Gold medal WJAC U-19 team. The Rangers are looking for players who have done some winning and collecting some hardware and been a team leader. He will be at UMASS-Amherst (HE) in the fall. In the fourth round, (112th overall) the Rangers selected Hunter Skinner, who split last season between the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Lincoln Stars (USHL) where the righty shooting defenseman had five goals and 22 points in 52 games. The only blemish on his record was a plus-one in 24 games in Muskegon through 24 games and was a minus-13 in 28 games in Lincoln following the trade. The 6’3, 175-pound rearguard has some growing to do and the Michigan native is a commit to Western Michigan (NCHC) in 2020-21. In the 5th round, (130th overall) they went back to Finland for a forward in Leevi Aaltonen, who played for the KalPa J-20 team (Super Elite) with 12 goals and 36 points in 29 games for the 5’9, 170lb forward. He had a strong WJC tournament contributing five points in five games and played for the Gold Medal winning Finnish team and on KalPa in 2017-18 where he won the Finnish Super Elite junior championship. He is slated to play for the KalPa Finnish Elite League team in the fall. In the sixth round, (161st overall) the Rangers picked a 6’6’, 210lb. center from Mora IK (Sweden), Adam Edstrom. He had a split-season playing for the J-20 team. He played 20 games and had 11 goals and 16 points. He played with the big boys, age-wise, on the Swedish Elite squad of Mora IK for 15 games with just one assist. He also was loaned to Malungs IF a Division I team for two games scoring twice. He is slated to play for Rogler BK team J-20 and SHL next season. The Rangers final pick came in the seventh round (205th overall) was Eric Ciccolini from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) who led his Junior-A squad in scoring 27 goals, 35 assists (62 points) which was 19 points ahead of his next teammate and had 58 PIM. The right-handed shooting right-wing is a University of Michigan (Big 10) commit for 2020-21. The Rangers announced their Chelsea Piers Stamford Development camp squad that brings primarily the last two draft classes for an early peak for coaches, fans and media. Only five of the 37 players invited are from the Wolf Pack all from the end of the season lineup in Ryan Dmowski, Jake Elmer, Adam Huska, Nick Jones, Patrick Newell, and Lewis Zerter-Gossage. Seven players were given free agent invites and two of them are Ty Amonte, son of former Ranger, Tony Amonte, and Alex Whelan from Quinnipiac University (ECACHL). UCONN DRAFTEES The other big winner at the NHL Draft was the UCONN Huskies Hockey East squad which saw three its incoming freshmen selected in the draft. The first to be selected was in the second round 42nd overall by the Minnesota Wild was center Alexander Firstov from Yaroslavl, Russia played for the Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) where he tallied 26 goals and 58 points in 62 games and was named to the USHL All-Rookie team. Then in the fourth round, (100th overall) the Edmonton Oilers picked Czech native, Matej Blumel, and Firtotv’s Waterloo teammate who had 30 goals and 30 assists in 58 games. Blumel was Waterloo’s second-leading point getter and Firstov finished third. The last UCONN player taken was defenseman Carter Berger. He went six picks later by the Florida Panthers from the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) where he had an outstanding season. In 54 games he led all BCHL rearguards in goals with 27 and points 63 and made the league’s first All-Star team. Combined with a solid returning class of freshmen and sophomores with a year of college play under their sweaters there is a reason for optimism in Storrs that this year’s edition of the hockey Huskies might make the postseason, win a playoff round and might crack the Top Four in Hockey East this year. PLAYER MOVEMENT Classy move at the draft as Winnipeg GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff, allowing retiring Chief Amateur Scout former New Haven Nighthawk head coach, Marcel Comeau to make the announcement of the Jets first round selection. There were some family affairs and CT connections as well to celebrate as well. The first was the selection of 6’1, 185lbs right-handed shooting Matt Steinburg, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk, Trevor Steinburg, was the first pick of the third round and 63rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche. He played last season for St. Andrews College (CISAA/CAHS) had 33 goals 42 assists and 75 points and was their team captain. He played three games for Sioux City (USHL) picking up and assist and 15 PIM pushing over the century mark at 113 for the year. He will be attending Cornell University (ECACHL) in the fall in starting his college career. A happy Dad texted from Vancouver that he was there and had the chance to go to the team table and don the Colorado jersey, good for him! Dad Trevor was a first round 15th overall pick of the Quebec Nordiques in 1984. Then Tyce Thompson (Orange/Salisbury Prep) was taken in the 4th round 96th overall by the New Jersey Devils. The Providence College (HE) right winger is the son of ex-Pack defenseman and current Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Brent Thompson. His older brother of course is former UCONN Husky Tage Thompson who was selected in the 1st round 26th overall in 2016 by the St. Louis Blues and now plays for the Buffalo Sabres. Father Brent was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round 39th overall in 1989 and played 121 NHL games and 635 in the AHL. In the 4th round (141st overall) Mason Primeau, the nephew of former Whaler, Keith Primeau, was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights and split last season with Guelph and North Bay (OHL). In the 5th round (125th overall), the Ottawa Senators selected Mark Kastelic from the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) where was the team captain and he is the son of former Whaler, Ed Kastelic. Father was selected in the 6th round 110th overall by Washington in 1983. In the 5th round, (129th overall) defenseman Cooper Moore (Cos Cob/Brunswick Prep) was selected by the Detroit Red Wings. This season with Brunswick Prep he had 13 goals, 18 assists, and 31 points in 28 games. Next year he will play for the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) and in 2020-21 will be enrolled at University North Dakota (NCHC). The last family tree selection was Harrison Blaisdell by the Winnipeg Jets in the 5th round (134th overall) from the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) and is set to head to the University of North Dakota (NCHC) in 2020-21. He had 33 goals to lead his team much like his father Mike who is an ex-New Haven Nighthawk who was a first round (11th overall) pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 1980. Several trades yesterday had ex-Pack ties to them. J.T. Miller was moved by the Tampa Bay Lightning for cap reasons to the Vancouver Canucks goalie, Marek Mazanec, another ex-Pack. Mazanec has already signed a contract with HK Hradec Kralove (Czech Republic-CEL), but a deal could be coming and he could playing for Syracuse next year. The Canucks dealt ex-Pack and former Ranger, Tom Pyatt, to San Jose along with a sixth-round pick for the Sharks seventh-round pick and AHL All-Star, Francis Perron, who with Utica will be playing for his fourth different AHL team in the last four years. The Chicago Blackhawks traded former Yale Bulldog, John Hayden, to New Jersey for John Quenneville. Hayden gets to reunite with former Yale teammate, Ken Agostino. Nolan Stevens, the son of former Whaler, John Stevens, signs a one year two-way deal ($700K-NHL/$70K-AHL) with the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. Adam Musil, the nephew of former Whaler and Ranger, Robert (Bobby) Holik, was released from his contract as is a UFA. In other hockey moves, Adam Plant Milwaukee/Laval departs the AHL for Vasteras IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) making it 44 AHL players off to Europe or Asia next season. Ex-Pack, Mike Pelech, re-signs with Greenville (ECHL) for his eleventh pro season. Ex-Pack, Corey Locke, goes from EHC Linz (Austria-EBEL) HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Republic-CEL). Ex-Sound Tiger, Kurtis Mclean, moves from HC Devta (Slovakia-SLEL) to SC Csikszereda (Romania-EBEL) and another former Sound Tiger RW Robin Figren leaves HV 71 (Sweden-SHL) to EHC Kloten (Switzerland-LNA). Closer to home, Thomas Richter, the son of Ranger great, Mike Richter, and a one-time Yale (ECACHL) assistant coach, will head out west to Prince George (BCHL) from Salisbury Prep before the Greenwich resident plays collegiately in two years Union College (ECACHL). Cantlon's Corner wrote earlier that former Providence College (HE) forward Jay O’Brien, will play for Penticton (BCHL) next season. He announced he is transferring to Boston University (HE) and can play in 2020-21 and maintains his NCAA eligibility by playing in the BCHL. Read the full article