#BrunswickSchool

[ericjiajulee]

#soloshow at #brunswickschool #exhibitionshots #ericjiajuleestudio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ericjiajuleepaintings #installationshot #exhibition #artexhibition #artshow #galleryexhibition #greenwichct #greenwichlife #greenwichart #ericjiajuleestudio #artinsitu #ericleeart #art #fineart #abstract #painting #abstractpainting #instaart #artlife #artistlife #paintinglife #abstractart #contemporaryart #instaartwork (at Brunswick School) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3M_BpAFy-D/?igshid=1b9wrf43w8zdj

[steelyankee]

Hey @brunswickschoolathletics and @brunswickschool. It's good to be back. Basketball is coming up at 4:30 on most of the usual stations. #ctbb (at Brunswick School's Edwards Campus at King Street) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CIgXblFrT/?igshid=cjr13r7tvzq4

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QMJHL DRAFT HAS CONNECTICUT CONNECTIONS

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The last of the Canadian major junior draft for the year, the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), was held on Saturday. In the primary portion of the draft, the first US-based draftee was taken 14th overall in the first round. With their second selection, the Rimouski Oceanic selected Tyson Goguen of Moncton, New Brunswick, of the Selects Academy program's U-16 team at South Kent Prep. Then from their U15 team, another South Kent prep player, Jabez Seymour of North River, Newfoundland, was also taken in the first round with a team's second pick, 18th overall, by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. South Kent then had a third selection taken as Drew Allison, of Fall River, Nova Scotia, went in the fourth round (62nd overall) to Baie-Comeau with a pick initially held by the Saint John Sea Dogs. In the seventh round (129th overall), the Halifax Mooseheads took Michael Munro of the Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers. In the 11th round, Mike Mardula, from Weston, Connecticut, was selected from the Mid-Fairfield Rangers U-15 by the newly crowned Memorial Cup champion Quebec Remparts. Ex-Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender and AHL Hall-of-Famer, Jean-Francois JFF.) Labbé saw his 15-year-old son, Kayan Labbé, of Magog (QMAAA), taken by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the fourth round (72nd overall). The younger Labbé played in the net in the Wolf Pack alumni game instead of his father. In the Draft portion on Sunday, 11 of the 36 players selected had a Connecticut connection. Darien's Alexander Donavan, who played with Shattuck's St. Mary's (MNPREP), was taken first in the American portion. Liam Joyce of Meriden, who went to Loomis Chaffe (Windsor), was taken Blaineville-Boisbrand. Trumbull's Corbin Carkner, who attends Selects Academy program at South Kent Prep, was taken by the Charlottetown (PEI) Islanders, Mid-Fairfield's U-15 team then saw two of their players selected as Steven Luciano of New Canaan was chosen by Chicoutimi and Anthony Bongo of Ridgefield was taken by Victoriaville, and another teammate, Matt Damdrowski, from Shelton, was selected by the Halifax Mooseheads. Another Selects Academy Prep player, Kolin Sisson, was taken by Gatineau. Greenwich native Tucker Spiess, who attends Brunswick School, was selected by Cape Breton Eagles. Baie-Comeau took Cheshire's Breckin Siefker of the CT Chiefs U-16 (AYHL). The last two were Redding's Niko Tournas, from the NJ Rockets U-16 team was taken by Sherbrooke, and Luke Dow, from Orange and Halifax took the Mid-Fairfield U-15 team. The last junior draft is the NAHL-North American Hockey League on Wednesday, June 14. QMJHL HOME Read the full article

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TAFT RHINOS END REGULAR SEASON WITH 4-0 SHUTOUT OF HOTCHKISS

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings WATERTOWN, CT - Taft Rhinos goaltender Rudy Giumond (Pointe-Claire, QC) was solid between the pipes with a 35-save shutout, ending the prep school regular season with a 19-8-1 record in a 4-0 win over the Hotchkiss (Lakeville, CT) Bearcats before a packed house on Seniors Day at Odden Arena. The Rhinos battled to make the New England Prep playoffs with five other schools. They wound up with the Large Division home playoff date on Wednesday. They are the #1 seed and play at the Odden Arena at 4:45 pm against #8 seed Kent School. Guimond played like a brick wall shutting down the Bearcats on quality chances and limiting them to one-and-done chances by the CSB-ranked netminder. Guimond came out of his crease and cut angles down repeatedly. At 3:15 of the first period, Guimond turned aside Derek Tremblay (Boischatel, QC), then turned away scoring bids by Dylan Ah Now (Short Hills, NJ) and Big James Mackay (Villanova, PA) on the left wing, Jake Owens (Chittenano, NY), and D Nate Harrison (New Canaan). After a scoreless first frame, Taft tallied the first goal at 1:13 when Zave Greene converted on a two-on-one break. Late in the second, Taft's Ken Alexander (Watertown) had a solid chance, and Guimond stopped Hotchkiss' Michael Buenzow (Evanston, IL). Hotchkiss goalie Grant Kloeber (Raleigh, NC) stopped Greene, Remy Reynolds, and Aidan Foley (Southport) before they eventually scored. Hidy Preston tallied before Jackson Holl was on the left wing and converted a one-timer at 8:49 and at 12:03. Lemieux closed out the Taft scoring from the right wing. NOTES: Guimond is undecided if he will return to Taft next year. It will likely hinge on whether he gets drafted. He is currently #16 among North American goalies. Both the USHL and NAHL are options, or if he is selected in June's QMJHL Draft as a Quebec native, he won't count as a North American import are possibilities. Other Connecticut schools still in play include the Open Large Division perennial postseason contender #3 Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers. They will be hosting #7 Westminster Prep of Simsbury at 2:45. #5 Brunswick School of Greenwich takes on MA-based #4 Noble Greenough at 4:30 at Noble. In the large division, along with Taft, are the #2 Salisbury Crimson Knights, who will host #7 Loomis Chaffe of Windsor at 4 pm. In small school action, #3 Frederick Gunn School of Washington, Connecticut, hosts #6 Tilton School of New Hampshire at 5:30 at Deerfield Academy in Enfield. All games are on Wednesday. The winners will play in the semifinals on Saturday at the school of the higher seed. The championship finals will be held Sunday at NCAA Division III Sullivan Arena on the campus of St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Matt Chennette, Taft Class '84 living in MA, an Iraq war vet, is battling ALS. Donations are being made to help the family defray medical costs. TAFT SCHOOL HOCKEY HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: HARTFORD WOLF PACK OFF SEASON VOL 9

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The New York Rangers have just four picks in this year's NHL Entry Draft. The Rangers’ highest pick this year is in the second round at No. 63 and is the only pick the Rangers have through the first three rounds. The draft was held in Montreal following a two-year absence because of the pandemic. The Rangers also have a fourth-round pick (#111), which was initially a Winnipeg Jets’ pick but made its way to New York via the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Brett Howden trade. The Rangers also have pick No. 159 in the fifth round and lastly at number 191 in the sixth round. The Rangers lost their 2022 first-round pick due to the conditions of the trade for Andrew Copp, whom President/GM Chris Drury acquired from the Jets at this year’s trade deadline in exchange for three draft picks and prospect Morgan Barron. The three draft picks were two conditional second-rounders and a 2023 fifth-round selection. The 2022 second-round pick the Rangers sent to Winnipeg became a first-round (number 30) since they reached the conference final, and Copp played in at least half of their playoff games. SECOND PICK For the other conditional second-round pick, the Jets had the option of taking the Blues’ original 2022 pick or the Rangers' in 2023. Instead, Winnipeg decided on this year’s second-rounder (number 55), which the Rangers acquired from St. Louis as part of the Pavel Buchnevich trade that also brought in the recently re-signed Sammy Blais. The Rangers' first selection in the second round (59th overall) was Adam Sykora, no relation to former NHL’er Petr. The young Slovak center showed a lot of little things in all departments, and the Rangers hope he grows into his body. Last week he was the first overall selection by the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) in the CHL Import Draft. The second pick in the third round (97th overall) of the draft, the Rangers selected LW Byrce McConnell-Barker. He's a solid 6’1 and 195-pounds with Sault Ste Marie (OHL) and had 23 goals in 68 games in the first season. FOURTH ROUND In the fourth round (111th overall), a center Noah Laba from Lincoln (USHL), a Colgate (ECACHL) commit next year, had 15 goals, 24 assists, and 39 points in 50 games. In the fifth round (159th overall), the Rangers selected a defenseman, Victor Mancini. He didn’t take the usual route. He's 6’3, 215-pounds, and was at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC). Laba played junior in Sweden for Frolunda HC and was named the team captain in his last season. His father, Bob, was all over the hockey map here and in Europe, from Michigan Tech as a head coach for four years as an assistant at Lake Superior State and Ferris State. He helped develop the fledgling hockey program nationally in South Africa. FIFTH ROUND In the fifth round (161st overall), they took Russian Maxim Barbashav, the younger brother of St. Louis Blue Ivan Barbashav from Moncton (QMJHL). At 6’1, 185-pounds, he has good size, and his first year's numbers include 15 goals and 42 points in 59 games. He was taken as the last pick of the round. The last Rangers pick has a familiar last name, defenseman Zakary Karpa. the son of former Bridgeport Sound Tiger, Hartford Wolf Pack, and Ranger David Karpa from Harvard (ECACHL). Karpa was taken in the sixth round (191st overall). In 33 games in his freshmen year, he had six goals and 12 points. He has a twin brother Jakob. None of these picks will be in Hartford/New York for some time. GEORGIEV FINALLY DEPARTS After five seasons, the Rangers finally traded goalie Alexander Georgiev. The former Wolf Pack was sent to the Stanley Cup champion, the Colorado Avalanche. Georgiev heads west for a third and fifth-draft pick and a third-round selection next year. The strategy increases their draft picks from four to six for Friday’s draft, rounds two through seven. The move came just hours before a CBA imposed the deadline of giving him a qualifying offer of $2.65M. He last played in Hartford for eleven games for the Pack in 2018-19. NHL DRAFT CONTINUED Nick Malik, the goalie son ex-Hartford Whaler, Ranger, Beast of New Haven, and Springfield Falcon, Marek Malik, was taken by Tampa Bay in the fifth round. David Spacek, the son of former Beast of New Haven's Jaroslav Spacek, was called by Minnesota in the fifth round. Landon Sim of London (OHL), the son ex-Sound Tiger Jon Sim, was taken in the sixth round. The youngest son of a former Whaler and the new scout with the Philadelphia Flyers, Sami Kapanen, Konsta Kapanen, was NOT selected. IN MEMORIAM Life intrudes at the worst times. On the eve of the draft, a sad development as former Whaler, a San Jose scout and skills development coach for their AHL team, Bryan Marchment, died suddenly in Montreal at the Sheraton Hotel next door to the Bell Centre at age 53. His son Mason is a member of the Florida Panthers. He also leaves behind his wife Kim, and daughter, Logan. Marchment played for nine NHL teams and was known as an abrasive player in his day, compiling over 2,307 PIM in 926 games and had a long-running feud with Mark Messier and Mike Gartner. QMJHL DRAFT The last of the amateur drafts took place on Monday and Tuesday before the NHL Draft by the QMJHL. The US portion of the league draft took place Tuesday after the main draft saw six members from Connecticut of the 36 players selected. The first one, taken second overall in the US portion, was Lucas St. Louis, the youngest son of current Montreal head coach, Hockey Hall of Famer, and former Ranger, Marty St. Louis. St. Louis, the youngest son of the former Ranger, is regarded as a very talented player from the Greenwich-based Brunswick School and was taken by the Victoriaville Tigres. The following selection was 13th in Stamford’s Matej Teply from the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep by the Acadie-Bathhurst Titan. CT CHIEFS U15 STUD TAKEN Then 17th overall, from Westport, was the Charlottetown (PEI) Islanders took Aryx Siefker of the CT Chiefs U-15 squad (AYHL). He is a Winchendon Prep School (MAPREP) commit next year. Then the following three selections came back-to-back. Taken 22nd was Ryan Lucarelli, from the New Milford-basedthe Val D’Or Foreurs took Canterbury Prep Saints teams. Then Spencer Morrow (Darien), one of the four hockey-playing nephews and nieces of former Whaler and Springfield Indians player Scott Morrow, was selected by the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Older brother Scott (a Carolina NHL draftee) is at UMASS, and younger sister Sydney is heading to Ohio State (Big 10) in the fall. The youngest Sophie keeps the family tradition alive by playing with the Shattuck’s St Mary’s Sabres (MNPREP). The last Connecticut player was Blake Burke of Trumbull, who went 24th to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. MORE DRAFT NEWS The first round of the general regional draft featuring selections from the Canadian territories of Quebec in the Canadian provinces that comprise the Maritimes of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland/Labrador area. Tomas Lavoie, a defenseman, was taken first overall by the Cape Breton (NS) Eagles. He is no relation to former New Haven Senator Domenic Lavoie. Four US players were selected in the first round. First went Bill Zannon, who was taken sixth by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies from Northwood Prep (NYPREP). Owen Phillips was taken by his hometown Halifax Mooseheads from the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U-15 (T1EHL) in Pennsylvania. Then Williams Shields of Nova Scotia was taken by Cape Breton at number 11, From upstate NY near Rochester, Bishop Kearney HS (NYPREP). Then the next pick from the Selects Academy program at RI’s Mt. Charles Academy program was Sacha Boisvert by Chicoutimi. The first of four taken from the team. In the later rounds Tyler Wood, a PEI native was drafted from the Selects Academy program at South Kent Prep in the sixth round and 96th overall by Rouyn-Noranda. WOLF PACK 2022-23 Twenty-six players are either under a contract to return on their current contracts for the 2022-23 edition of the Wolf Pack. Even though the team needs an overhaul, there are few roster spots. A particularly vexing issue that has plagued them the past few years is the surplus of defensemen. Zac Jones and Matt Robertson are back under the second year of their contracts for another year. Also, Zach Guittari (Loomis Chaffee) returns on a one-year AHL deal for the Rhode Island native. Another is Nils Lundkvist, who has two years to RFA status and had a less than stellar first year in NY and Hartford, both players are from Sweden. Others who played secondary roles are Brandon Scanlin, Zach Berzolla and Hunter Skinner. Louka Henault was added to the mix. The newcomer just signed from Windsor (OHL). They also just added last year’s training camp invitee among the last cuts Blake Hillman, who split last year with Toledo (ECHL) and s spell with Grand Rapids and most of the second half with Providence to an AHL contract. A question is Jarred Tinordi, a year away from UFA status will he be back reprising the mentor role after being traded at last season’s trade deadline? Up front will see the most significant number of new players. BRODZINSKI BROTHERS Captain Jonny Brodzinski is likely to start the year in Hart City as well as his younger sibling Easton on a new one-year AHL deal. Expected newcomers are Will Cullye (Windsor-OHL), Ryder Korczak (Moose Jaw-WHL), Brennan Othmann (Flint-OHL), and Matt Rempe (Seattle-WHL). From Europe draftee Karl Henrickson, free agent signees Gustav Rydahl (Farjestad BK) and Carl Berglund (who was given a training camp invite), all are from Sweden. Returning on one-year AHL deals are; Tanner Fritz, Alex Whelan and Cristiano Di Giacinto, the last two players were walk-on’s the last two seasons. Patrick Khordorenko comes back on the last year of his contract, and Bobby Trivigno from UMASS will have an entire season to marinate Add one more name to the list, Ryan Lohin, who split last year between Charlotte and Allen (ECHL). Gone is forward Anthony Greco, off to Frölunda HC (Sweden-SHL, whoo was a Group 6 UFA. On the bubble as Group 6 (have reached age 25 and not playing enough NHL games under the CBA) is Kris Merkley and Maxim Letunov (UCONN-HE) both were acquired at the trade deadline. Likely neither will be back. RONNING Reports are that Ronning may sign with the hometown Canucks and be sent to Abbottsford (AHL) nearby. The other returning question marks are forward Lauri Pajuniemi, who has one year left before RFA status and had a rocky relationship with the team in the second half while being injury-riddled. Likely gone are underperforming Justin Richards, Mike O’Leary, and fill-in James Sanchez. Three players who had minor roles have gone to three different teams in Slovakia Abbott Girduckis (HC Presov), Liam Pecararo (HC Slovan Bratislava), and defenseman Hamden’s Mike Lee (HC Nove Zamsky). In goal, expect a whole new cast of characters. Already under contract on a three-year ELC coming in Dylan Garand (Kamloops-WHL) and Olof Lindbom (Kristianstads IK Sweden-Allsvenskan) and a new veteran goalie will more than likely be acquired to shepherd them the. through their pro baptism. Likely to be gone will be Keith Kinkaid, Adam Huska (UCONN-HE), and Tyler Wall. LUKE MARTIN On Friday, defenseman Luke Martin was signed. He played a half-dozen games last year with Colorado (AHL) and most of the year with Utah (ECHL) and earned all ECHL Rookie team status. He has an interesting connection to current and past Wolf Pack and Rangers. He played under the stewardship of current Wolf Pack GM Ryan Martin at the US National Development program. Among his teammates then and is a new teammate are Patrick Khordorenko and current Rangers Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren were USNDTP teammates. He follows a long line of Michigan hockey players to suit up in Hartford from Chris Summers, Chris Brown, Steven Kampfer, Al Montoya and Director of Player Development, Jed Ortmeyer. His older brother Kenny is retired from hockey by nine years was a four-year player and senior captain at Yale. MORE CHANGES Coming in at goal under a three-year ELC deal is Dylan Grand (Kamloops (WHL) and Olof Lindbom, with a two-year ELC from Kristianstads IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Add to the training camp net menagerie now is Parker Gaghan who spent part of the year with Florida (ECHL) who went to the Kelly Cup final in a backup role and some time with Milwaukee. Then CT's own Charlie Leddy of Fairfield who spent one year at Avon Old Farms (CTPREP) from the US National Developmental Team (USHL) and played for the US WJC Team was taken by the Devils in the fourth round. He is BC (HE) bound in the fall. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: OFF-SEASON HOCKEY VOLUME 11

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The 2021-2022 hockey season is inching closer with each passing moment, and more and more activity is happening as teams look to complete their rosters. The AHL released the playoff format for this coming season, and 23 of the 31 teams will make the chase for the Calder Cup. Making the playoffs until recently was the benefit to a team's and a player's hard work. Now, it's being handed out to just about everyone. Also, the three-game playoff series makes its return allowing for more playoff revenue by trying to attract the marginal hockey fan but at the same time further dilutes the AHL product and makes the regular season meaningless. Read more about it HERE. RANGERS AND WOLF PACK NEWS The Hartford Wolf Pack search for a new assistant coach to replace Gord Murphy, elevated to the New York Rangers staff as an assistant to new coach Gerard Gallant last month, has been sourced and selected. However, an announcement should be coming shortly, according to head coach Kris Knoblauch. He declined to name the chosen candidate. Meanwhile, up in the Big Apple, the Rangers announced the hiring of John Lilly as the new Director of Amateur Scouting and Player Development. Lilley went to Boston University for a season-and-a-half in the early 1990s. He played in the NHL and spent the last 14 years in the same role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lilley, a Massachusetts native, played on the 1994 US Olympic Team with current Rangers President/GM and Wolf Pack GM, Chris Drury’s older brother, ex-Hartford Whaler, Ted Drury. How this hire affects Jed Ortmeyer and Tanner Glass remains to be seen in the new organizational scheme. Forwards Tim Gettinger, Ty Ronning, and goaltender Adam Huska all received new contracts. The trio each get one-year, two-way deals. Huska will make $750K in the NHL and $80K for his season in the AHL. Gettinger and Ronning will earn the same $750K as Huska in the NHL but will get $75K in the AHL. Ex-Wolf Pack Sean Day re-signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a one-year, two-way deal at $750K for playing in the NHL and $100K to play in the AHL. The Rangers' new Double AA affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), lost their head coach, Jason Christie. He is no on the Buffalo Sabres' coaching staff as an Assistant Coach. Christie is the only coach in the team's franchise history and is the all-time winningest coach in ECHL history. Jacksonville team president, former CT Whale front office executive Bob Ohrablo, said a search for a new bench boss has begun. According to various reports, a new coach should be announced in about three weeks. MOVEMENT Six more AHL’ers are packing for Europe with their training camps starting in the next two weeks. Ben Street leaves the Binghamton Senators and signs with EHC Munich (Germany-DEL). Adam Mascherin departs the Texas Stars for Skellefteå AIK (Sweden-SHL). Theodor Lennestrom no longer flies with the Bakersfield Condors. He will join the Torpedo Novgorod (Russia-KHL). Skyler McKenzie of the Manitoba Moose signs with Västerviks IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Nathanael Halbert who played two games for the Laval Rocket goes to the Coventry Blaze (England-EIHL) and Keegan Kanzig, who played eight games for the San Diego Gulls, heads to EC Salzburg (Austria-IceHL). That makes 63 total players heading overseas. Six are off to Austria, while eleven go to Germany, which is second to Russia at 17, and nine go to Sweden. Former QU Bobcat Chase Priskie signs a one-year, two-way deal with the Florida Panthers. He'll earn $750K in the NHL and$70K for play in the AHL. Greg Printz (Selects Academy at South Kent Prep) signs the same deal with San Diego, and ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger, Mason Jobst, signs an AHL deal with the Rochester Americans. KOWALSKY JOINS BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS The New York Islanders have named Rick Kowalsky the new assistant coach for the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders and their tenured head coach, ex-Wolf Pack, Brent Thompson (Milford). Kowalsky had been with the New Jersey Devils coaching staff the past three seasons, following eight years as head coach of the Devils’ AHL affiliates in Albany and Binghamton. He guided the AHL Devils to three Calder Cup Playoff appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2017. In 2015-16, Kowalsky earned the Louis A.R. Pieri Award as the AHL’s outstanding coach. He replaces the assistant coach of the last ten years, Eric Boguniecki (West Haven/Gunnery Prep-Westminster Prep). Boguniecki played for Bridgeport. Matt Carkner was the assistant for five years. Kowalsky served four seasons as Head Coach of New Jersey’s ECHL affiliate, the Trenton Devils and Trenton Titans.  He received the 2009 John Brophy Award as the league's top coach. The Simcoe, ON native, was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in January 2017. The Bridgeport Islanders signed their first minor league free agent. He is the sharp-shooting, swift-skating Chris Terry, who comes back from Torpedo Novgorod (Russia-KHL). He has 552 career AHL points under his belt and led the AHL in scoring with 71 points in 2017-18 in Laval’s first season at Place Bell. In addition, the Islanders re-signed five other players from last year’s squad. They include; Jeff Kubiak, Erik Brown, Felix Bibeau, Cole Coskey, and Kyle MacLean. DINEEN IN THE NEWS Former Whalers great Kevin Dineen was named the new head coach for the Utica Comets, now the New Jersey Devils affiliate. Dinneen’s contract wasn’t renewed by the Anaheim Ducks in San Diego, coaching the Gulls.  The irony is that Utica is now the new ECHL affiliate of the Adirondack Thunder. Dineen played for the Binghamton Whalers for half a season. The Dineen family has been a part of Glens Falls AHL hockey and upstate New York hockey history. As a head coach, Bill Dineen, Kevin's father, won two Calder Cups in seven years with the Adirondack Red Wings, the second coming over the New Haven Nighthawks. He was the last WHA New England Whalers head coach and a scout for two years for the NHL Whalers. Gord Dineen, Kevin's brother, coached in Rochester and was a volunteer assistant at D3 Hobart College last year. A pair of ex-Nighthawks, Peter and Shawn Dineen, played in Adirondack, and Kevin's brother Jerry was the Rangers video coach for 17 years. He was let go this summer. In his playing days, he played at SUNY-Plattsburgh, a Division III school. MORE MOVEMENT Larry Pleau, the New England Whalers (WHA) great and a one-time Hartford Whalers head coach, was also a Rangers assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel in the mid-1990s and a senior advisor to the St. Louis Blues for the last 23 years, becomes a 76-year-old “free agent” and takes a job as the new senior advisor for the Arizona Coyotes. Former Rangers head coach and New Haven Nighthawks assistant coach John Tortorella signs to be a part of ESPN's new NHL coverage team as an in-studio analyst. Ex-Wolf Pack captain/Sound Tiger Greg Moore, the current head coach with the Toronto Marlies, has added a new assistant coach, in former head coach from the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL), John Snowden. This leaves Newfoundland-native and current resident, former New Haven Nighthawk, and Rangers assistant coach Darryl Williams, the team's assistant coach, as the only staff member left. The new AHL coaching parade sees long-time AHL assistant for eight teams, Scott Allen, named the Hershey Bears' new head coach. The Iowa Wild names Nate Dicasmirro and Nolan Yonkman as the team’s new assistant coaches. Andy Chiodo was hired as the goalie coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. AND THE CHANGES KEEP POURING IN Former Ranger Rick St. Croix, the father of two ex-Wolf Pack in Chris and Michael St. Croix, retired from the Manitoba Moose. The Moose is also in the news for hiring recently retired goalie Drew MacIntyre as the new goaltending coach and scout. He finished his career last season, winning the Japanese Hockey title with the Oji Eagles. Ex-Pack and Ranger Gordie Dwyer was hired as the new head coach of the Saint John Seadogs (QMJHL). Ex-Wolf Pack Dave MacIsaac comes back to Danbury for the third time. He was named the new head coach of Danbury Hat Tricks (FPHL). He played for the infamous UHL Trashers from 2004-2006 and was head coach of the Danbury Mad Hatters (EPHL) in 2008-09. He has coached in Louisiana (ECHL), Björninn in Iceland for two years, and was the GM of St. Jerome (LNAH). His assistant coach Adam Blanchette (Berlin/CT Clippers-MetJHL/Danbury Titans-FPHL), was hired last week. Hamden’s Mike Lee (Gunnery/Sacred Heart University) re-signs with the Indy Fuel (ECHL). Former UCONN captain Miles Gendron signs a one-year AHL two-way deal (AHL-ECHL) with the Colorado Eagles-AHL/Utah Grizzlies-ECHL for the 21-22 season. Ex-CT Whale Mike Pelech, who split last season between the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) and Indy (ECHL), signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) for the 2021-22 season. Ex-Sound Tiger Justin Taylor returns to the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) after playing last season for the Tulsa Oilers (ECHL). Nick Hutchison (Avon Old Farms) goes from Indy (ECHL) to Adirondack (ECHL). AND THE SIGNING JUST KEEP COMING Greg Harney (East Haven/ND-WH) signs with Port Huron (MI) Prowlers (FPHL) after playing for four years at Framingham State (MASCAC). Ex-Pack Eric Selleck will play Canadian senior hockey for Gananoque Islanders (EOSHL) Eastern Ontario Senior Hockey League. Ex-Sound Tiger David Quenneville leaves the Rapid City Rush (ECHL) for IK Oskarshmamn (Sweden-AHL). Former Whaler/Ranger Dave Barr leaves the Canada U-18 hockey program and becomes the head coach with the Vienna Capitals (Austria-IceHL). Brandon Whistle, the nephew of former Nighthawk Rob Whistle, returns to play after a year off with the Leeds Knights (England-NIHL), whose Head Coach/GM is his father, David. Brother Jackson is playing for Belfast (Northern Ireland-EIHL) this season. UCONN hockey released their full 2021-22 schedule. The first two games will be at home at the XL Center on October 2nd against Sacred Heart University (AHA), a non-conference matchup. The school's first Hockey East contest is October 8th against Boston University. Read more HERE. Jason Fortier, a long-time Junior-A coach who was head coach/GM of the Odessa (TX) Jackalopes (NAHL) last year, was named the new assistant coach with the University Maine Black Bears (HE), replacing ex-Sound Tiger Ben Guité. Guité was named the new head coach of the ECHL Maine Mariners as Riley Armstrong is heading to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to be an assistant coach. Guide’s, father Pierre, played in all seven years of the WHA. Ex-Wolf Pack Daniel Paille was upgraded from a volunteer assistant coach to a full-time assistant coach with Canisius College Golden Griffins (AHA). MORE SIGNINGS? J.D. Greenway completed his four years at Maine after transferring from Wisconsin. He signs with the Providence Bruins.  After four years at Denver University (NCHC), Jack Doremus signs with the Tulsa Oilers (ECHL), and Quin Foreman Dartmouth College (ECACHL) signs with Indy (ECHL). These signings make 26 players from Hockey East schools who signed a pro deal and 16 from the NCHC. The breakdown for the other conferences is; Big 10 has 21, AHA and ECACHL seven each, WCHA (CCHA) four, and Division I Independent Arizona State two. Ludwig Stenlund of Niagara University (AHA) heads home to play for HC Vita Hasten (Sweden-Allenesque). Ashton Stockier from Mercyhurst University (AHA) and Division III Adrian College's (NCHA) Mike Finger are both going to HCB Ticino (Switzerland-LNB). Now 82 college players have signed in North America, 33 in Europe. 118 total college players from Division I and Division III are signed to pro deals in Europe and North America. 34 underclassmen have left school early. TRANSFERS 10 more college transfers for a hectic college hockey off-season. Grant Hebert transfers from the Robert Morris University (AHA) program canceled to the University of Maine (HE). Minnesota-Mankato (CCHA) gets David Silye from Clarkson University (ECACHL) and Josh Groll from Michigan (Big 10). Tyler Ghirardosi of Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) heads to Worcester and Holy Cross (AHA). Then after his freshmen year at Bentley University (AHA), Christian Felton heads up I-90 to Merrimack College (HE). Canisius College (AHA) gets Jake Witkowski from Boston University (HE) and Randy Hernández from Robert Morris University (AHA). Miami (OH) (NCHC) gets Thomas Daskas from the Air Force Academy (AHA) and Michael Regush of Cornell University (ECACHL). Garrett Clegg goes from Robert Morris heads to D3 SUNY-Oswego (SUNYAC). 76 players have transferred this off-season. There are also 51 grad transfers for an amazing 127 players moving this collegiate off-season. RICHTERS MAKING MOVES William “Beanie” Richter, the youngest son of former Ranger goalie great Mike Richter of Greenwich, has committed to New Haven's Yale University (ECACHL) for 2023-24. The 16-year-old is currently enrolled in Brunswick School in Greenwich. Last year, Richter played just one game with the Penticton Vees (BCHL). He was also a 2020 QMJHL US Draftee by the Cape Breton (Nova Scotia) Eagles. Richter's oldest son, Tom (Greenwich/Brunswick School), also a forward, played at Penticton (BCHL) last year and will be a freshman at Union College (ECACHL) in the fall. Goalie Edvard Nordlund of the Danbury Jr Hat Tricks (NAHL) commits to UMASS-Lowell (HE). Ryan Colwell (Taft School) from the Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC) commits to Albertus Magnus College (NCAA Division III Independent). Sam Mitchell (New Fairfield) commits to Western New England University (CCC) in the fall. Michael McCosh, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk/Senator Shawn McCosh, finishes juniors with the New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) and commits to D3 Buffalo State (SUNYAC). COACHING MOVES The 2022 US WJC coaching staff named head coach Nate Leaman (Providence College-HE) returns for another shot at gold. Joining him are ex-Wolf Pack/Sound Tiger Ted Donato (Harvard University-ECACHL) and Kris Mayotte (Michigan-Big 10). And add traditional rival of Michigan, Steve Miller of Ohio St. (Big 10). In addition, Theresa Feaster (Providence College-HE) returns as their video coach. The 45-player roster at the Canada Junior Development camp held at the Seven Chiefs Sports Complex in Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary features several Rangers prospects, starting with goalie Dylan Garand of the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), who's coming into his final junior year. Last year, he played two games in Hartford and the recently drafted Brennan Othmann from the Flint Firebirds (OHL). Other notables include Cole Sillinger, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), who played in Sioux City Stampede (USHL) last year and is the son of former Sound Tiger Mike Sillinger. Ridley Greig, the son of former Whaler Mark Greig, invited but not attending this camp, is giant forward 6’6 Jack Finley Spokane Chiefs (WHL) who played in Syracuse for ten games last year and is the son ex-Wolf Pack, Jeff Finley. EVEN MORE The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) and Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL), which are members of the Junior-A Canadian Junior Hockey League, announced its schedule for the 2021-22 season that will feature all 12 teams NOJHL playing a 56-game schedule and the MHL playing a 52-game schedule. Fellow junior A league member, the Ligue de Hockey Junior AAA du Quebec (QJAAAHL), which canceled its entire 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 pandemic, announced its 2021-22 season would feature 12 teams in three four-team division set-ups will play a 48-game regular season schedule. The Chambly Forts team is the only team in the league to drop out. Only nine of the NOJHL's 12 teams participated in the pandemic shortened 2020-21 season. The schedule dates remain tentative pending approval from the Canadian government and health officials because of the coronavirus. Hartford Wolf Pack HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: CT HOCKEY OFF-SEASON VOLUME 3

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The NHL Draft is set for July 23-24, with the Buffalo Sabres holding the first overall pick. The expansion Seattle Kraken, with their General Manager being the former Hartford Whaler great, Ron Francis, picking from the number two spot in Wednesday’s NHL Lottery drawing. The New York Rangers, who had the first overall pick last season, will select 15th this year. The Rangers inked the highly-touted and regarded defenseman Nils Lundkvist to a standard NHL three-year entry-level deal of $925K-NHL/$70K-AHL. Lundqvist played last year with Lulea HF (Sweden-SHL) and played in 52 games registering 14 goals and 18 assists (32 points) won the Borje Salming award as the league’s best defenseman. He will get a very long look by the Blueshirts in training camp for a top-six position. Should he be ready for that, he will play in Hartford with the Wolf Pack.

HARTFORD SCHEDULING

The Wolf Pack secured five home dates for the 2021-22 season. They will start on Friday, October 15th, and end on April 24, 2022, the latest the AHL regular season has ever ended. The team announced on Twitter other dates, Friday, December 17th, Saturday, January 29th, Saturday, February 12th, Saturday, February 19th, and Saturday, March 29th. Other dates, starting times, and opponents will be announced in July when the league releases the 2021-22 schedule. As reported by Cantlon's Corner, a unified 72 game schedule has been agreed to but will start with the 2022-23 season when the league's 32nd team, Palm Springs, debuts. The yet-to-be-named team has trademarked six names: Firebirds, Dragons, Sun, Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons. This season's Atlantic Division will comprise Hartford, the recently renamed Bridgeport Islanders, the Charlotte Checkers, and the Providence Bruins. They'll play a 72 game schedule.

76 GAMERS

The remainder of the division will play a 76 game schedule. Those teams are the Hershey Bears, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Springfield Thunderbirds, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Seventy-six games will be played by the Chicago Wolves, Cleveland Monsters, Grand Rapids Griffins, Milwaukee Admirals, Rochester Americans, and the Syracuse Crunch. The other teams playing 72 games will be the Belleville Senators, Laval Rocket, Manitoba Moose, Rockford, Texas, Toronto, and the new Utica Comets affiliated with New Jersey. The teams playing 68 games in 2021-22 all in the Pacific Division are Abbotsford (no name yet) returning to the AHL as the Vancouver Canucks affiliate, Bakersfield, Colorado, Henderson, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose, Stockton, Tucson. The Wolf Pack has hired two new front office people out of nearby Springfield College, the new marketing Manager is Emily Vance, and the new Ticket Manager is Brendan Halloran.

USHL DRAFT

Phase I of the Draft is ten rounds of “Futures” age players only, U-17 players for next year’s season (2005 birth year players only for the 2021 Draft). Phase II of the Draft is open to players of all ages eligible to play junior hockey and are not currently protected by another USHL team. Teams will fill their roster to a total of 45 players on this date; this includes players that were previously on a team’s Affiliate List. The total number of players that a team will draft will vary depending on the number of Affiliate players a team may have. All veteran roster players from the 2020-21 season are automatically protected by their current team, separate from 45 players. This year it was 21 rounds. The following are the CT connected draftees;

PHASE 1

Lucas St. Louis (Riverside/Brunswick School) went in the second round (20th overall) by the Dubuque (IA) Fighting Saints. He is the youngest son of former Ranger and NHL Hall-of-Famer, Marty St. Louis. Ben Poitras (Salisbury School) went in the ninth round (121st overall) by the Youngstown (OH) Phantoms. Brendan Giles (Ridgefield/ Mid-Fairfield U-16) went in the ninth round (134th overall) to the Madison (WI) Capitols.

PHASE II

Liam Lesakowski (Salisbury School) went in the fourth round (60th overall) Cedar Rapids (IA) Roughriders, Dean Bauchiero (Southington/Salisbury School), who also played at Cheshire High two years ago, was taken by the Sioux City (IA) Musketeers. He is a Brown University (ECACHL) commit for 2022-23. He was taken 23rd by the Wichita Falls (TX) Warriors in Wednesday’s NAHL Supplemental Draft. Goalie Gibson Homer was the first selection of the sixth round (77th overall), and he is the son of former New Haven Knights Kenzie Homer. He was taken by the Chicago Steel and is a commit to Miami (OH) for 2022-23. Homer was taken first in the seventh round (93rd overall) was another goalie with Connecticut lineage on Sutter Muzzatti, the son of ex-Whaler and Wolf Pack, and current Carolina Hurricanes goalie coach Jason Muzzatti. He is an RPI (ECACHL) commit for 2022-23 and played this year for the Austin (MN) Bruins (NAHL). He went in the eighth round (113th overall). Brendan Holahan (New Canaan/Brunswick School) and selected by the Des Moines (IA) Buccaneers. Staying in the eighth round, five picks later, goalie Austin McNicholas (Salisbury School) was taken by the Green Bay (WI) Gamblers.

MORE PICKS

In the ninth round (131st overall), forward Chase Dafoe, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk and NHL’er Byron Dafoe, was taken by the Omaha (NE) Lancers and skated last year for Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL). In the 11th round (195th overall), the oft-drafted Jason Marsella (Stamford) was taken by the Chicago Steel for the second year in a row. Marsella is a Yale University (ECACHL) commit scheduled for this fall that could be pushed back a year. He was drafted by Kansas City Scouts (NAHL) (formerly Topeka Scarecrows) last year and by the QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads in 2018. He was the first overall selection by the expansion El Paso (TX) Rhinos in Wednesday’s NAHL Supplemental Draft. Ryan Sanborn (Brookfield/Mid-Fairfield U-15) was taken in the sixteenth round (225th overall) by the Youngstown Phantoms. Then in the sixteenth round (232nd overall), Gabe Dombrowski Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL) was taken by Dubuque (IA) Fighting Saints. In the 18th round, 263rd Chase Ramsay (Avon Old Farms/Mid-Fairfield U-18) was selected by Des Moines.

EVEN MORE PICKS

In the NAHL Supplemental Draft, he was selected 50th by Wichita Falls (TX) Warriors. The 18th round (264th overall) saw Mikael Petersen (Stamford/CT Jr. Rangers-NCDC) selected by the Muskegon (MI) Lumberjacks. When the 21st round (314th overall) came around, Joe Connor (Avon Old Farms) was taken by Muskegon. One of the last three players in the entire draft was Luke Drury (Brunswick School-CTPREP), taken in the 22nd round (323rd overall) by Des Moines. He is the son of current Rangers President/GM, Hartford GM, Chris Drury (Trumbull/Fairfield Prep). Other selections in the NAHL Supplemental Draft include two picks by the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks 12th overall Roberts Anderson from HS Riga (Latvia-LHL) and 53rd Fredrik Schlyter from Sollentuna HC (Sweden HockeyEttan Division-1) and AIK J-20 (Sweden J-20 League). Going 62nd was John “J.P.” Turner from Avon Old Farms (CTPREP) by the New Jersey Titans. The 77th pick by the Corpus Christi (TX) IceRays, who return to play, took Springfield, MA native Kennedy O’Connor from Loomis Chaffe School (Windsor), who played last year for Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL). He was drafted by two other NAHL teams, the Minnesota Magicians (Richfield, MN), in 2020, now coached by ex-Wolf Pack/Ranger, Stu Bickel, and in 2019 by the Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs. He is committed to national champion UMASS-Amherst (HE) for the fall.

NAHL

The NAHL Draft will be held the week before the NHL Draft, on July 14th. The WHL announced their draft order, which won‘t be held until December 9th, with their US player draft coming the next day. The OHL Priority Draft will be held on June 4th with rounds 1-thru-3. On Saturday, June 5 will see rounds 4-thru-15. The QMJHL has set June 25-26, with its US player selections on the 27th. The Q did release their final Central Scouting List, and a few CT players made a list and are eligible to be drafted. Charles Andriole-(Branford/Loomis Chaffe School) Ryan Bradley-Darien John Burdett-(Greenwich/Brunswick School) Nick Capasso-(Northford/Avon Old Farms) Ben Carfora-(West Haven/ND-WH) Tanner Duncan-Ridgefield Sloan Farmer-(Greenwich/Brunswick School) Brandon Giles-(Ridgefield/Mid-Fairfield U-16) Kurt Gurkan-Darien Brendan Hill-Woodstock Academy (CT) Nicholas LeClaire-Colchester Noah Melanson-(West Simsbury/Danbury-NAHL) Patrick (P.J.) Neal-(Fairfield/Avon Old Farms) Ronan O’ Donnell-Fairfield Alex Pelletier-Manchester William Richards-(Stamford/Deerfield Academy) Ryan Sanborn-(Brookfield/Mid-Fairfield U-16) Hunter Spiess-(Old Greenwich/Brunswick School/Mid-Fairfield U-15) Lucas St. Louis-(Riverside/Brunswick School) Wesley Zolin-Greenwich

PLAYER & COACHING MOVEMENT

The Vegas Golden Knights have evened their series with Colorado in the Stanley Cup playoffs because of some important CT connections. In-Game 4, former CT Whale Jonathan-Audy Marchessault recorded his first playoff hat trick in a 5-1 win. The game's first goal was scored was tallied by Max Pacioretty (New Canaan/Taft Prep). In-game 3, they scored two goals 45 seconds apart late in the game, first by Marchessault and the game-winner by Pacioretty. The winner will likely face the Montreal Canadiens up amazingly 3-0 on the Winnipeg Jets. The best in-season hire was former Whaler Marc Bergevin, the Canadiens GM making his Western pro scout his goalie coach in former teammate Sean Burke who has revitalized goalie Carey Price.

PACK RELATED

Expected incoming Wolf Pack defenseman Braden Schneider, who played the first two games with the Wolf Pack and went back to the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), was named to the East Division All-Star team. He is now eligible to be in the mix for the WHL Defenseman of the Year Award. Ex-Pack Adam Cracknell, a UFA this year, has signed a one-year AHL deal with the Bakersfield Condors for the 2021-22 season. His deal last year was to be $350K-AHL. Former UCONN Husky captain of two years ago, Wyatt Newpower, signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings ($800K-NHL/$70K-AHL). The AHL’s 32nd team is underway. After a tumultuous two years, Palm Springs broke ground on their $250 million nearly 10,000 seat Coachella Valley Arena scheduled to open in October 2022. The team will likely now start to be a part of the AHL league affairs, beginning with the BOG and then assembling a staff. Then get sponsorships and starting a season-ticket drive to coincide with an unveiling of the team’s name and colors for the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. Read a superb piece from the Palm Springs Desert Sun about all that has transpired to bring the arena and team to life.

BRIDGEPORT

Bridgeport sent goalie C.J. Motte back to the Allen Americans (ECHL) to get some playoff time in. Joining him from the Iowa Wild is Tyler Sheehy. Ken Agostino (Yale University) leaves the Toronto Marlies and signs with Torpedo Novgorod (Russia-KHL). Ex-Sound Tiger and QU Bobcat, Travis St. Denis, leaves Binghamton (AHL) for EHC Straubing (Germany-DEL). Now 15 AHL players have signed for Europe for next season. Ex-Pack, Vinny Saponari, gets an upgrade going from EC Kassel (Germany DEL-2) to Augsburger (Germany-DEL). Now former Wolf Pack defenseman Yegor Rykov, as expected, will stay in Russia. He departs CSKA Moscow (Russia-KHL) to Severstal Cherepovets for next season. Another ex-Pack defenseman, Julius Bergman, leaves Lahti (Finland-FEL) and returns home to IF Bjorkloven (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Former UCONN Husky, Max Kalter, retires after playing with HC Cergy-Pontoise (France-FREL) for the last two years.

MORE MOVES

In the college ranks, two more grad transfers.  Cory Thomas Vermont (HE) heads to Canisius College (AHA), and Christopher Berger graduates from Brown University (ECACHL) and heads to the Michigan State Spartans (Big 10), making 49 college grad transfers this offseason. Nick Gravina, Castleton College (NEHC), signs with HC Reims (France FFHG Division-2) for the fall. He is the 12th college player to sign overseas, and 89 college players total Division-I and Division-III have signed North American and European deals for next season. Forward Sasha Teleguine of the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) has committed to UCONN (HE) for 2022-23.

IIHF CHAMPIONSHIP

In the IIHF World Championship, Canada captured gold with a 3-2 overtime win over Finland. It was their third title in five years, but easily the most improbable. They lost their first three games and scored just two goals. They then lost a fourth in overtime but won seven of their last eight games to become the first team to win gold with four losses. The US captured the bronze medal with a 6-1 over Germany. Tage Thompson (Milford/UCONN) had three assists aiding Connor Garland, who had a goal and two assists. Ryan Donato, the son of former Wolf Pack/Sound Tiger, Ted Donato, had a goal and an assist.

DRURY

Jack Drury, the son of former Whaler Ted Drury and the nephew of current Hartford GM, the Rangers President/GM, Chirs Drury, the Team USA GM, scored a nifty backhander in a three-goal second period for the US. Drury was originally a Carolina Hurricanes draft choice. He was low-balled by the team when he left Harvard and went to Sweden. His Växjö Lakers HC team won the LeMat trophy as champions. He could become a free agent, so don’t be surprised his uncle offers him a deal or makes a deal a la Adam Fox when he was a Carolina prospect. Fox played with Drury at Harvard. Brady Shaw, the son of former Whaler, Brad Shaw, departs Esbjerg (Denmark-DHL) and signs with Fehérvár AV19 (Hungary-IceHL). Logan Roe (Kent School), a Florida native, who played for the Florida Everblades (ECHL) signs with Västerås IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Derek Army (Hotchkiss Prep) was upgraded from interim to the new head coach for the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL). Ex-Pack Matt Register (Allen-ECHL) was named to the ECHL Second team All-Star team.

NEWS APLENTY

Former Wolf Pack Jeff Toms' son, Connor, signed his junior tender contract with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) and joining him is another offspring of Wolf Pack, Tyler Savard, the son of Marc Savard. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: BRUINS BEAT PACK 6-3 WIN DIVISION TITLE

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings MARLBOROUGH, MA - Providence scored six goals over the second half of the hockey game and defeated the Hartford Wolf Pack 6-3, and captured their second consecutive Atlantic Division title Thursday afternoon The Wolf Pack closed out the abbreviated AHL 24 game regular season with a record of 16-9-1-0 for 29 points, and Providence concluded the year with a 15-6-2-2 record for 34 points. Just before the game the Wolf Pack lost two-thirds of their top line in Justin Richards and Tim Gettinger and top forward Jonny Brodzinski because of injuries and suspensions. So, head coach Kris Knoblauch had to creates several new line combinations for their all-important regular season finale. The Wolf had built a 2-0 lead nearly halfway through the second period before the Bruins rallied on Hartford. The Wolf Pack in the first period as defenseman Zach Giuttari took a pass from Anthony Greco launched a shot at the net that was blocked in front. Still, the puck went right to Patrick Khordorenko, who whistled a hard wrist shot from 30 feet out that sailed over Bruin’s goalie Dan Vladar blocker pad and into the back of the net at 13:49 for his fourth goal of the season. The Wolf Pack had solid chances in the first period Mason Geersten early in the period and Ty Ronning had three quality chances early, a powerplay bid midway through the period and late in the period that Dan Vladar denied each one. Ryan Dmowski (Old Lyme/Gunnery prep) is playing just his fifth game of the year, and first, since his birthday was denied with 2:55 left in the first. Adam Huska did his best in stopping all shots he faced, including Robert Lantosi twice, Urho Vaakanainen, and Jack Studnicka. In the second period, the Pack went up 2-0 as captain Vincent LoVerde too raced in from the right point, took Patrick Khordorenko’s backhand pass off Paul Thompson’s rebound, and caught Loverde perfectly in stride as he fired his first of the season into the net at 6:17 The Bruins rallied as first Pavel Shen at the right point sent a tape-to-tape pass to Ian MacKinnon, the Bruins heavyweight who zipped a hard wrister short side past Adam Huska at 12:36 for his first goal of the year. Providence struck 60 seconds later and tied the game at two. The Pack’s Zach Giuttari wraparound clearing attempt on the right-wing boards went past Auston Rueschhoff, and rookie Edwards Tralmaks stopped it at the left point sent a low, accurate shot toward the net Huska made the save. The puck was at Huska’s feet, and the Bruins Oscar Steen had inside position on and jammed home his s goal of the season. The momentum had shifted like the wind of a Texas-sized thunderstorm. The wind carried Providence the rest of the game. The Wolf Pack had a chance to take the lead late and deflate the Bruns balloon, but Ty Ronning hit the post with 2:44 to go on the right-wing from 10 feet out, falling backward. A goal there might have made a difference. The ensuing play back up ice the Bruins scored the dagger shorthanded goal. Tommy Cross (Simsbury/Westminster Prep) made perfect outlet to Samuel Asselin who dished a pass to Jack Studnicka who then maneuvered through center ice entered the Wolf Pack zone. Then fed Vaakanainen the puck and he fired a low wrister stick side past Huska at 18:02 for his first of the year and a 3-2 Bruins lead they never lost. In the third period, the Bruins scored three more and pulled away from the Wolf Pack. James Sanchez made an early clear of a puck in the blue paint area, but persistent Providence Edwards Tralmarks worked the puck off the apron of the back of the net to keep the play alive. The Bruins expanded the lead to a two-goal margin just 2:03 into the period as Tralmarks put a solid shot on net Huska made the first save Oskar Steen skating by tap the loose puck underneath Huska for his fifth goal at 2:03. Then Curtis Hall Yale Bulldog was the recipient of a pass by Pavel Shen, who had stripped the puck from rookie Will Cullye and Hall used Patrick Sieloff as screen and fired his first pro goal by Huska at 9:47 for a 5-2 lead and the Wolf Pack could start warming up the bus. Then Samuel Asselin completed the second half of the game Bruins power surge smacking in a rebound of a Jack Studnicka shot in front and for his eighth goal at 14:38. The Wolf Pack last goal of the season came off the stick of Quinnipiac grad Alex Whalen with his second of the season shorthanded at 18:48 as Paul Thompson forced a turnover and Whalen had an empty net to shoot at as Vladar was stuck behind his net. NOTES: --Due to injuries suffered last night in the Rangers brawl filled loss to Washington and the Rangers playing in Boston tonight 40 minutes from Marlborough Tim Gettinger, Justin Richards and Jonny Brodzinski were recalled by the Rangers. Sadly, no Wolf Pack player day/night doubleheader. -Tyce Thompson (Milford/Salisbury School), after a two-point game against Wilkes Barre/Scranton, is recalled by New Jersey. LINES: Newell-Sanchez-Ronning Thompson-Khordorenko-Greco Rueschhoff-O’Leary-Geersten Dmowski-Whalen-Cullye Raddysh-Taylor LoVerde-Skinner Giutarri-Sieloff Huska Wall THREE STARS Jack Studnicka Providence Dan Vladar Providence Samuel Asselin Providence HONORABLE MENTIONS Patrick Khordorenko Hartford Pavel Shen Providence Urho Vaakanainen Providence SCRATCHES: Francois Brassard was the lone scratch for the game Gabriel Fontaine (upper-body injury season-over) NOTES: -The Wolf Pack scoring race the recalled Morgan Barron, who scored his first NHL goal last night against Washington, finishes top with 21 points as the 8th best in AHL rookie scoring, tops among rookies in powerplay goals with six, which is second-most in the AHL, where he is tied with multiple players. Tim Gettinger with 19 (9-10) and Ty Ronning with 10 goals and 18 points in 18 games were the Wolf Pack’s top three scorers. Tarmo Reunanen also on recall finished with 17 points currently sixth among AHL rearguards and was just outside the Top 20 field among overall rookie scorers. Goalie Adam Huska dropped out of the top 10 goalies list, He played 13 games with 734:38 in net with a record of 9-4-0-1 a 2.70 GAA and a .890 save percentage. Ex-Pack in the Top 10 of AHL scoring Danny O’ Rega is sixth and has 30 points in 33 games leading the expansion Henderson Silver Knights in scoring, Adam Cracknell of Bakersfield is in a five-way tie at 29 points. Trevor Zegras (Avon Old Farms) is 7th with 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists and is on recall to Anaheim. Former Ranger Cody MacLeod of the Iowa Wild leads the AHL with 91 PM in 28 games and is currently serving a two-game suspension. Ex-Pack Vinni Lettieri of the San Diego Gulls second in game-winning goals in the AHL with five. Lias Andersson of the Ontario Reign is tops with three shorthanded goals. NOTES: -As expected, the AHL Board of Governors (BOG) in a conference Zoom call approved Vancouver’s relocation of its AHL team to Abbotsford, BC starting in the fall, and New Jersey relocates Binghamton to Utica and will play as the Utica Comets in October at the Adirondack Bank Center not as the Devils as expected. Utica announced a new 10-year agreement with New Jersey and planned to open their season on October 17th, marking the 34-year anniversary of the first time AHL hockey was played in Utica. According to Abby News, the Vancouver Canucks have entered into an agreement in principle on a five-year agreement to run the Abbotsford Centre. They will be paid a $750K-C to run the building, with the city be responsible for capital maintenance and repair costs. The first AHL Abbotsford team, the Heat affiliated with Calgary, had a supply fee deal and, after five years, was paid by the city $5.5. million to exit the deal halfway through. Expect Binghamton to play in either the ECHL, FPHL or go dormant in the fall. -The league did not deal with the potential of the name and logo change in Bridgeport to become the Bridgeport Islanders. They may drop the Sound Tigers name and logo as their original 20-year lease and marketing setup expires; that was done by the late owner Roy Boe. Boe purchased the dormant Beast of New Haven franchise 30 days after it was mothballed, paying the Carolina Hurricanes the 2 million dollar franchise fee they required. He also signed a 20- year 20 million dollar lease in which he reneged on. Then was forced to turn the franchise over to the late Islanders owner Charles Wang instead of the non-compliance with non-payment of his required affiliation fee and numerous commercial debts with local vendors and sponsors plus employees that had accumulated in the first three years of ownership. The franchise values are now between $10-$12 million dollars. No news on a new lease arrangement at the Webster Bank Arena now run by OVG, but the team will likely stay there and a new deal will more than likely be announced sometime later this summer. -UCONN men's hockey head coach Mike Cavanaugh announced the team captains for the 2021-22 season. Seniors Carter Turnbull (Nanaimo, British Columbia) and Jachym Kondelik (Budejovice, Czech Republic) have been elected the team's captains for the upcoming season. At the same time, classmates Marc Gatcomb (Woburn, Mass.) and junior Roman Kinal (Waterford, Mich.) will be alternate captains. “I am so honored to have been chosen as Captain this year by my teammates. I believe this is the best group of talented guys we have had yet, and I am excited for the opportunity to lead this team to a championship this year,” said Turnbull in a press release. This will be the second consecutive season the Turnbull will wear a letter on his jersey for the Huskies.  The senior served as an alternate captain in 2020-21.  Turnbull played in all 23 games last season and was second on the team with nine goals.  He finished the season with 13 points (9g/4a) and generated a team-best 95 shots.  During his three seasons in Storrs, he appeared in 86 games with 23 goals and 21 assists on the ledger. Jachym Kondelik expressed his gratitude for the announcement. “I think being named a captain is a huge responsibility and an honor, especially because it is something that is being chosen by my teammates and coaches.  I think we have a great group and that everyone on this team will be a leader in certain ways.” Kondelik, the big 6-5 forward, is UConn’s top-returning career scoring leader, having piled up 71 points in 91 career games as a Husky.  He has scored 16 career goals with 55 assists and is a +7 over his three seasons.  This past year Kondelik was second on the team in scoring with 22 points coming on four goals and a team-best 18 assists in 23 games, and after the season, he was named to a Hockey East Third Team All-Star. Marc Gatcomb, a versatile big forward, will be a big part of the leadership quartet for a full college hockey season next season. “I am honored my coaches and teammates have given me the opportunity to represent the University of Connecticut at this high standard. I’m grateful to be alongside three great leaders and excited to get things started this fall.” Gatcomb, like Turnbull, took the ice for all 23 games this past season, finishing the year fifth on the team in scoring with 12 points, posting six goals and six assists.  Over his three seasons, Gatcomb has played 88 games and has 25 points on 14 goals and 11 assists. Roman Kinal, who has battled through injuries twice in his collegiate career at UCONN, seems a perfect fit to have a letter on the left side of his jersey. “It’s a huge honor to be chosen as one of the captains by the coaching staff and my teammates. With a team full of leaders, we have something extremely special here at UConn. I’m looking forward to getting back on campus to compete for a national championship.” After being forced to miss all of the 2019-20 season due to an injury, Kinal made his return to the Huskies defensive unit this year and finished with six points (1g/5a) in 16 games and was a +6 for the season.  His lone goal on the season provided the game-winner in a 2-1 win on the road at New Hampshire.  He has played in 50 games in two seasons with 13 career points (2g/11a) and 49 blocked shots. -In other state college hockey news, long-time Quinnipiac assistant coach for the last 13 years Bill Riga was named the new head coach of the Holy Cross Crusaders (AHA). Former head coach David Berard stepped down in April and was named the associate athletic director for men’s and women’s hockey at Providence College (HE) on Monday. Berard, a Rhode Island native, is a PC alum academically and athletically was a UCONN assistant in 2012-13 during their AHA years under the late. A year before, Mike Cavanaugh was hired. Berard’s son Brett plays at Providence College and is a NY Rangers draft pick. His other son Brady plays for the US National U-17 Team is a PC commit for 2022-23. -Quinnipiac will play host to a long-time national collegiate powerhouse, North Dakota, on October 22-23 at the People United Center. -Junior goalie Strauss Mann (Greenwich/Brunswick School) is forgoing his last year at Michigan (Big 10) and going pro to a yet unnamed team. That makes 69 players from Division I to sign North American pro deals and a total of 74 players Division I and III to sign. -Scott Morrow (Darien) de-commits from North Dakota (NCHC) and graduates from the Shattuck’s St. Mary’s Sabres (MNPREP) and will be at the newly crowned national champions UMASS-Amherst (HE) in the fall. The right-handed shot is expecting to go in the first two rounds of this summer’s NHL Draft. -Three more college transfers, two school transfers in Griffin Loughran from Northern Michigan (WCHA) to Michigan St. (Big 10) and Trevor Zins from St. Cloud St. (NCHC) to the brand-new Division I program, St. Thomas (MN) University (CCHA). Then a grad transfer Sam Sternschein heads from Penn State (Big 10) to Boston College (HE).  He is the fourth grad transfer for the Eagles. That makes 56 school transfers and 45 grad transfers. -Bad news for the University Alabama-Huntsville, who fought off program elimination last year with the help of its most famous graduate, ex-Pack/CT Whale, goalie Cam Talbot had their conference application to the new CCHA conference turned down. So, now they are waiting to hear about their AHA conference application. In the meantime, the program is shutting down till they find out their conference status. -Ex-Pack Marek Mazanec makes it official and switches Czech Republic teams leaving HK Hradec Kralove heads to HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech Republic-CEL). -Former Sound Tiger David Ullstrom, who played for three Swiss League teams this year, EHC Biel/Bienne (NLA), HC La-Chaux-de-Fonds (LNB), and HC Davos (LNA), is close to returning to his native Sweden and signing with HV71 (Sweden-SHL). -Another ex-Sound Tiger Jamie Fraser was talked out of retirement and signed another one-year deal with ESV Villacher SV (Austria-IceHL) and will again be the team captain. -Ex-Sound Tiger Olivier Labelle switches teams in France from GHC Bordeaux in the French Elite Magnus League to HC Mulhouse next season. -Ben Smith, (Avon/Westminster Prep) is going from Adler Mannheim (Germany-DEL) to EHC Munich (Germany-DEL) next season. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: (SAT) PACK DROP SOUND TIGERS 5-2

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack won for the second straight game on Saturday afternoon at the XL Center, 5-2, over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The line of Justin Richards, Tim Gettinger, and Ty Ronning powered the Pack with six points on six shots. Gettinger and Ronning had two assists each, while Richards scored his first pro goal and added a helper. The Wolf Pack record improves to 5-6-1-0 (11 points). Bridgeport’s record drops to 3-8-0 (6 points) and remains in last place in the Atlantic Division following a nine-day layoff. Associate Head Coach, Gord Murphy, was back behind the bench running the game with Kris Knoblauch still in Philadelphia with the Rangers. “I’m very proud of the team the last two games. The club played for each other, playing better individually and collectively," an ebullient Murphy said.

THIRD PERIOD

Early in the third period, the Sound Tigers made it interesting, drawing within 3-2, but the Wolf Pack regained control and posted two goals to pull away for the win. The puck was dumped into the Wolf Pack zone by Samuel Bolduc. Richards chased it down and won a battle with Jeff Kubiak for control of the puck. However, his outlet pass was swiped by Cole Bardreau, who was at the right side of the net, and slipped a backhander, surprising netminder Adam Huska, who was making his second consecutive start and playing in just his sixth game of the season. The puck went between Huska's arm and body just 12 seconds into the period and made it a 3-2 lead for the home team. “We didn’t panic. We didn't let it get us down. We stuck to what we did in the first two periods, and we came out with a win,” said winger Anthony Greco. The Wolf Pack counter-attacked the rest of the period as Ronning and Gettinger's combo made some magic.

RONNING, GETTINGER, AND RICHARDS

“That line the last three or four games has come together with Richards in the middle. They're complementing each other well with Richards winning draws. You see the confidence and the contributions they're making," said Murphy of Ronning, Gettinger, and Richards. Tarmo Reunanen tallied his third goal of the season after Ronning broke down right-wing and snapped a shot that Gettinger redirected. Sound Tiger goalie, Jakub Skarek, made a pad save but left a big rebound. Reunanen came in from his defensive position at the left perch and zipped the puck into the net at 13:41. “That play wasn’t a fluke or accident," Murphy said. "Tarmo read the play and reacted, and for players coming from Europe, there is that adjustment period to get used to the ice (size of the rink) and how to play the puck and the game. He is a solid hard worker and has shown a lot of determination to get better, and he showed that on that goal which came at a great time for us.”

THE FINAL TALLY

On the game's final tally, Patrick Khordorenko slipped a short pass to Paul Thompson coming from left-to-right. Thompson had good speed for his zone entry and drove deep into the Sound Tigers' end. At the lower right-wing circle, Thompson fired a shot that went high over Skarek’s left shoulder and just under the crossbar at 16:06. It was his first goal since the season opener and sealed the 5-2 win.

SECOND PERIOD

The Wolf Pack expanded their lead with two more goals in the second period. The Pack tallied on their second power play via Yannick Turcotte being sent to the box for charging Zach Giuttari at 4:29. Thompson was on the left-wing and led a hard-charging Austin Rueschhoff with a pass. Rueschhoff deftly deflected the puck through Skarek's five-hole for his second goal of the season. The Wolf Pack added a shorthanded goal after coming so close three times in the last game against the Providence Bruins. Richards tallied at 9:58 and made it 3-0, benefiting from Anthony Greco’s high-octane speed. Greco sped down the left wing was able to launch a shot at Skarek, who stopped, but the rebound came off the pads, and Richards deposited that puck quickly into the net, “Sometimes on a power play, a team can get a little lackadaisical, and I try to catch them and create some offense, and Justin put it away,” remarked Greco.

SOUND TIGERS STRIKE BACK

The Sound Tigers did get one back with an intense rush into the Wolf Pack end, with Bardreau sniping in the goal. He cut in from the right-wing after a Thomas Kuhnhackl dump in came right off the backboards to Bardreau, who slipped it by Huska at 12:26. Parker Wotherspoon further ignited his bench by picking a fight with the much taller Gettinger, who was not known as a fighter. For Gettinger, it was just his second fighting major in three years. In the first one, he was TKO’d. The Sound Tigers came close to scoring again when, on the rush, Mitchell Vande Sompel took Otto Koivula’s backhanded pass and zinged one over Huska’s glove and hit the crossbar at 15:22.

FIRST PERIOD

The first period started slowly but ended with the Wolf Pack holding a 1-0 lead on another power play goal, their third in the last two games. Darren Raddysh was parked dead center just inside the blue line. He took a pass from the right-wing pass and sent a rocket of a shot that beat Skarek high to the glove side at 12:28. “The powerplay is just generating better shots and simplifying things and getting rewarded. Darren, like most of the players, especially veterans, it’s been very difficult with the schedule getting into a rhythm when you’re playing just one or two games a week spaced out. Getting several together is making a difference,” said Murphy. The Wolf Pack had the best chances over the last seven minutes of the period and held the Sound Tigers to just two shots the rest of the period.

LINES:

Newell-Barron-Greco Richards-Gettinger-Ronning Khordorenko-Thompson-Whelan Sanchez- Rueschhoff-Geersten Raddysh-Crawley LoVerde-Reunanen Giutarri-Sieloff Huska Wall

THREE STARS

1. Tim Gettinger, HWP 2, Ty Ronning, HWP 3. Cole Bardreau, BST

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Justin Richards, HWP (goal and an assist getting better each game) Taro Reunanen, HWP (goal and strong D zone work) Paul Thompson, HWP (goal and an assist, his best game thus far as a Wolf Pack) Mason Geersten, HWP (strong two-way play shifted to D from LW for PK situations)

SCRATCHES

Gabriel Fontaine - (Upper-Body - Likely done for the season) Jonny Brodzinski  - (Upper-Body - 3-4 weeks) Jeff Taylor Will Cullye Michael O’Leary Ryan Dmowski Zach Bezzola (Just signed) Hunter Skinner (Recalled, Assigned #20) Francois Brassard

NOTES

Pack goalie Michael Lackey was released on Sunday. Yannick Turcotte, playing his second game of the season for the Sound Tigers, tried to entice Geersten to fight him off the draw late in the game was hit with a penalty. He then stayed on the ice after the penalty expired and, in the last 15 seconds, tried to run Reunanen as time expired. The referees made no call on the play after the brief scrum. Vincent LoVerde, came to Reunanen's aid, as did the rest of the Wolf Pack. Defenseman, Hunter Skinner, signed a three-year, entry-level deal on Monday. The contract starts in the fall. He will stay in Hartford for the rest of the season on a PTO contract. Peter Diliberatore (Cos Cob/CT Oilers/Brunswick School) from Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) also signed. He puts his name to a contract on a standard NHL three-year, entry-level deal for the same package as Skinner paying $925K in the NHL and $70K for play in the AHL.

BRODZINSKI BROTHERS

With Jonny Brodzinski out with an injury, his youngest brother Easton, of St. Cloud State University, and the team's leading goal scorer, tallied two goals to lead the team to a 6-2 win over BU. However, he suffered a devasting broken left leg injury on a collision in the first minute of the second period in Sunday's 4-1 win over BC to reach the Frozen Four. His other younger, Bryce, picked up an assist in the Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-2 win over the University Nebraska-Omaha on Friday at the NCAA Regionals. They lost to another Minnesota-based team, Minnesota State, 4-1 on Sunday. They were led by the superb goaltending of Dryden McKay, named for the NHL great Montreal Canadiens goalie, Hall-Of-Famer, Ken Dryden. McKay is the son of former Hartford Whaler, Ross McKay. He played one game with the Whalers in relief of ex-Whaler and Wolf Pack, Kay Whitmore, on March 30, 1991, a 5-5 tie against the Buffalo Sabres. The Minnesota roster is forward Darian Gotz, the nephew of ex-Pack Head Coach and one-time captain Ken Gernander.

PROSPECTS

The Rangers have a few prospects in UMASS defenseman Zac Jones. The Minutemen played big in their 4-0 shutout win over Bemidji State and will play two-time defending national champion,  Minnesota-Duluth, on Thursday. Minnesota-based schools fill three-of-the-four slots in the Frozen Four.

LEMIEUX TRADED

The Rangers traded forward Brendan Lemieux to the Los Angeles Kings for a 2021 fourth-round draft choice. The move frees up a roster spot for Vitali Kravtsov, who completed his quarantine and is cleared to play. Ex-Wolf Pack, Kodie Curran, and Vinni Lettieri were sent down by the Anaheim Ducks to the San Diego Gulls.

UCONN

UCONN got a grad transfer from Yale University (ECACHL) for next season. Forward Kevin O’ Neil didn’t play this season. Junior goalie Tomas Vomacka had successful surgery on his torn meniscus in his left knee. Expect him to turn professional and sign with the Nashville Predators in the coming days. Despite a seeming nasty left knee injury in their season-ending loss to Providence College, winger Kale Howarth did not require surgery and has headed back to Red Deer, AB, for off-season rehab. He should be back in the Huskies lineup next year.

OTHER NEWS

Current contracted Wolf Pack defenseman Yegor Rykov played Game 7 of the KHL Gagarin Cup Conference Semifinals on Monday. His CSKA Moscow club won 2-0 over Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and will advance to play in the KHL semifinals against SKA St. Petersburg, where their goalie is ex-Pack, Magnus Hellberg. One of Rykov’s current teammates is an ex-Pack, defenseman, John Gilmour. The Sound Tigers reassigned goalie Francois Marrotte to the Allen (TX) Americans (ECHL) last week. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: CT HOCKEY OFF SEASON VOLUME 2

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - With the completion of the 2020-21 AHL season,  it's time for hockey teams to begin the process of summer reflection, accounting, and planning for the future at all levels of the sport. The accounting ledger will be plenty red across the board from the NHL to Junior A hockey. How each organization and league will adjust to the post-pandemic world, one thing is for certain; it will contain more reduced staffing organization-wide. At the junior level, the Everett Silvertips' (WHL) Garry Davidson was relieved of his GM position strictly for financial concerns and not from any hockey issues. In addition, the Robert Morris University Colonials (AHA) canceled its men’s and women’s programs last week unexpectedly.

AHL GETTING YOUNGER

The AHL will become even younger than it ever has and likely will have a more homogenized schedule, a goal since the Pacific Division was born. The likely scenario is a regular season in the 70-72 range. Also, the number of independently-owned AHL teams will continue to shrink with the sale of the Rockford Ice Hogs to the Chicago Blackhawks just before the end of the regular season.

SPORTS GAMBLING IN CONNECTICUT

In Hartford, the hope for the recently signed sports gambling law by Governor Ned Lamont is that it is a savior of the XL Center preserving AHL and college hockey in Hart City, but the devil is the details of the law. What percentage of the new sports gambling entity, which will be run by the Indian casinos, sub-contracted to the CT Lottery division, and licensed to 15 individual contractors, will be responsible for the 64 million dollar installment? A quarter, half, or all of it? The new sports betting entity will have five entities to deal with the State of Connecticut. the Indian casino’s, Connecticut Lottery, the independent licensee’s, and Spectra/Northland, who have operational responsibility at the XL Center plus the CRDA, which oversees the building owned the city of Hartford. What are the chances of conflicts with that many chefs in the kitchen?

BONDING

This comes despite the bonding of $64 million, $10 million more than was asked for, passed by the General Assembly just a week before the shutdown caused by the pandemic. The Governor controls the Bond Commission, and he has been clearly reluctant to grant it, not putting it on the bond agenda since January. Moreover, there is no real sign that he will do so before the General Assembly session ends in June. The reasons seem obvious. The long-term state borrowing is running against the Governor’s “debt diet” and the significant legislative opposition, despite its passage to keep pouring money into the XL Center. Despite all the hurdles over the last eight years and the interminable negotiations with Northland Corporation regarding the title to the atrium at the XL Center, they still hold and acquire the Trumbull block for three years resolution in sight.

FREIMUTH

Could the proposed sports betting setup at the XL Center be a part of the recent discussions with Northland to resolve their impasse? Maybe. CRDA Executive Director Mike Freimuth stated two weeks ago, the effort to get the XL Center re-boot across the finish line was ongoing, but time was working against them. “This all is critical to the future of the XL. Right now, there is a lot of re-write going on in the legislature, but we're nearing the end of the session. I’m confident something will get done, what that will be; I really don’t have an answer right now. We’re monitoring things right now, so much of it is out of our control." When asked if any deal has to be approved by the casinos and the General Assembly and then signed by the Governor, Freimuth replied, "I’ve said it before, the longer this goes on, the harder the stresses will be on the overall systems of the building as time goes by.” It's doubtful, however, that sports betting will be the Hail Mary that will finally get the more than obviously needed re-boot of the XL done.

HOCKEY DRAFT

This summer, hockey will be an adventure post-COVID. The NHL Entry Draft will see the selection process be much more complicated with truncated seasons or no seasons altogether, so players' rankings are essentially a major crapshoot this year. Of the 228 North American skaters listed and ranked, just four come from the US college ranks, and they primarily played conference-only regular season schedules. Among the first six players, three are from Michigan, and one from the Vermont Catamounts (HE). The Central Scouting Bureau (CSB) released their last list before the July 23-24 event, which will be held remotely via video-conferencing, and a month later than usual.

CONNECTICUT NAMES

A few Connecticut names are among the list of eligible skaters and goalies. Cole Sillinger, the son of ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger, Mike Sillinger, is in the CSB tenth spot. He played this year for Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) and was slated to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) this year, but dual citizenship allowed him to play US junior hockey. Matthew “Mackie” Samoskevich (Newtown), who played for the Chicago Steel (USHL), is slotted by CSB at #26. He is a University Michigan Wolverines (Big 10) commit for the fall. Chase Stillman, the grandson of former Hew Haven Nighthawk, Bud Stefanski, is ranked 35th by CSB. He was to skate for the Sudbury Wolves (OHL), but their season was canceled. So instead, he skated for Esbjerg (Denmark-DHL) and Esbjerg-2 (Denmark second division) on loan this season. He also skated for Canada at the World Under-18 tourney in Plymouth, Michigan. Darien defenseman Scott Morrow, who played for the Shattuck’s St. Mary’s Sabres (MNPREP), one of the top prep programs in the nation, de-committed from North Dakota (NCHC) and instead will be attending UMASS-Amherst (HE), the defending national champions, in the fall. He is ranked 39th on the CSB list.

MORE NAMES

Matt Fusco, the son of former Hartford Whaler, Mark Fusco, finished up at Dexter School (MAPREP) and joined his brother John in the fall at Harvard University (ECACHL). His entire family, including uncles and cousins, are Harvard alumni. He is ranked 97th on the CSB list. Shane LaChance. The son of Bristol-raised former NHL’er, Scott LaChance, and his uncle ex-Sound Tiger/Danbury Trasher Bob LaChance, played for the Boston Junior Bruins (NCDC) and is ranked 110th by CSB. His grandfather is former BU coach Jack Parker. Ryan St. Louis (Riverside/Brunswick School), the eldest son of NHL Hall-of-Famer and former New York Ranger, Marty St. Louis, is heading to Northeastern (HE) in the fall. He was ranked 125th by CSB. He played for the USNDTP (USHL) team and the U-18 team this year. Matt McGroarty, (Westport/Brunswick School) and a Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) commit in the fall is ranked 205th.

GOALIES

Just 32 North American goalies are listed. One of them is incoming UCONN (HE) Husky freshmen Logan Terness from the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL). His CSB ranking is 13th. Among the 150 skaters internationally includes Simon Robertsson, the son of former Hartford Wolf Pack, Bert Robertsson. He skated for the recent Swedish World U-18 team. During the season, he split time playing for Skelleftea AIK (J-20/SHL) and is ranked 11th by CSB. Oliver Kapanen is the nephew of former Whaler, Sami Kapanen. He ranked 22nd by CSB and skated for KalPa Kuopio (Finland U-20) and joKP (Finland- Mestis Division-2). He also played for the Finnish U-18 team in the recent tournament. David Spacek, the son of former Beast of New Haven player Jaroslav Spacek, is ranked 75th by CSB and played for the HC Plzen (Czech Republic U-20).

INTERNATIONAL

In international goalies, there are just 13 players ranked. Nick Malik, the son of former Whaler, Ranger, and Beast of New Haven defenseman, Marek Malik, is in the tenth spot by CSB. He was slated to return to play with the Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Greyhounds this season. Instead, he skated for the team his father is an assistant coach for, HC Frydek-Mistek (Czech Republic Division-2) and the Czech Republic WJC team. He has signed a provisional contract with KooKoo (Finland-FEL) for the upcoming season.

AHL PACIFIC DIVISION

The championship series went to a third and decisive game. A late third-period wrister by the Bakersfield Condors' Tyler Benson went through to the short-side on Henderson goalie Logan Thompson ended it. The win allowed the Condors to knock off the Henderson Silver Knights at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 3-2 before a crowd of 7,420 fans. The Condors won the John Chick trophy as the Pacific Division winner and concluding the truncated 2020-21 AHL season. Bakersfield featured Luke Esposito (Greenwich/Brunswick School), the nephew of former Rangers and NHL great Mark Messier. It also featured former Yale defenseman Phil Kemp, who scored in Game 3, and ex-Wolf Pack, Adam Cracknell. Henderson's roster included ex-Wolf Pack Danny O’Regan and Jake Leschshyn, the son of former Hartford Whaler Curtis Leschyshyn.

AHL ATLANTIC DIVISION ALL-STARS

Morgan Barron and Tarmo Reunanen were named to the Atlantic Division All-Star squad. The pair were among the most consistent performers in the shortened season, and both earned some NHL time at the end of the season. Barron was among the top rookie scorers, and Reunanen top rookie defenseman in scoring.

2020-21 AHL Atlantic Division All-Stars

G - Jeremy Swayman, Providence Bruins (8-1-0, 1.89 GAA, .933 save %, 1 SO) D - Samuel Bolduc, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (24gp, 6+8=14pts., +5, 1 PPG) D - Tarmo Reunanen, Hartford Wolf Pack (21gp, 4+13=17pts., 2 PPG) F - Morgan Barron, Hartford Wolf Pack (21gp, 10+11=21pts., +8, 6 PPG) F - Cameron Hughes, Providence Bruins (25gp, 5+16=21pts., 1 PPG, 1 SHG) F - Jakub Lauko, Providence Bruins (23gp, 5+14=19pts., +11, 2 PPG)

PLAYER & COACHING MOVEMENT

Scott Pooley leaves the Toronto Marlies and signs with Lukko Rauma (Finland-FEL). His father, Paul, and his twin brother Perry played for five years in minor pro hockey between Sherbrooke (AHL) and Ft. Wayne (IHL). Former Wolf Pack, Hubert Labrie, leaves Belleville (AHL) and signs with Iserlohn (Germany-DEL). His last AHL goal was scored in Hartford three years ago. He is the 14th player to sign for Europe, with 10 of the league's 31 teams have seen a player leave. Ex-CT Whale, Casey Wellman, departs Kunlun (China-KHL) for Kärpät Oulu (Finland-FEL). Another CT Whale, Blake Parlett, departs Tappara (Finland-FEL) to Nuremberg (Germany-DEL). Former Wolf Pack and Ranger Dale Weise signs a one-year contract with IK Oskarshamn (Sweden-Allsvenskan). It was officially announced Monday by the team. Former Wolf Pack/Sound Tiger, Chris Langkow, signs with  Fehérvár (White Castle) AV19 (Hungary-IceHL). -Former Sound Tiger Mark Louis, after a year with HK Dukla Michalovice (Slovakia-SLEL), returns to play with the Cardiff Devils (Wales-EIHL), who resume playing in the fall. According to Swedish hockey media, Ex-Wolf Pack Carl Klingberg is close to signing a deal with Örebro HK (Sweden-SHL) departing EV Zug (Switzerland-LNA). The contract being offered is said to be 300K Swedish Kroner, a month or over a six-month regular season period that’s 1.8M Swedish Kroner, which is about $215K in US currency for the season.

URQUHART RETURNS TO HIS ALMA MATER

Ex-Pack defenseman, David Urquhart, leaves the San Diego Gulls after three seasons and returns to Montreal to become the head coach of his alma mater, the McGill University Redbirds (OUAA). He is ninth in all-time for a defenseman in points in school history. He's tied with former NHL head coach Mike Babcock. Drayson Pears of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) signs with HC Cholet (France FFHG Division-2), making 74 collegians signed in Europe and 87 total collegians to sign pro deals in North America and Europe. Goalie Dixon Grimes, the son of former New Haven Senators center Jake Grimes, signs his junior contract with the Guelph Storm (OHL), who drafted him two years ago. He played with the Listowel Cyclones (GOJHL). The ECHL Coralville, Iowa expansion team, affiliated with the Minnesota & Iowa Wild, announced its nickname as the Heartlanders. The Trois-Rivieres team is likely waiting for the end of the Canadiens playoff run before making the announcement. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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KUHN: FORMER QUINNIPIAC CAPTAIN NICK JERMAIN SIGNS WITH SWAMP RABBITS

BY: Jordan Kuhn, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have agreed to terms with Quinnipiac University captain Nick Jermain on a Standard Player Contract for the 2020–21 season. Jermain, 24, enters his first professional season on a high note. As captain of the Bobcats, Jermain finished tied for fourth on the team in points (21), and led the way to a 21-11-2 overall record, and a 14-6-2 record in ECAC play, good for third place. Across four seasons and 123 games at QU, Jermain scored 26 goals and 25 assists. "I was really excited to sign my first professional contract. My conversation with Coach Lord made me feel that it would be the best opportunity for me and my future," Jermain said. "It's just a bonus that Greenville is a great city. I can tell they have great fans and a great organization." The native of Cos Cob, Connecticut was a reliable player on the ice, with a +3 career rating and eight career game-winning goals, and he was also a standout off the ice. He finished his collegiate career as a three-time ECAC Hockey All-Academic selection, and the co-recipient of the Coaches' Award at the conclusion of his senior season, in recognition of his contributions on ice and as a team leader. "Nick is an exciting signing for us, ticking a number of boxes overall. First off, Nick's character is off the charts, with great reports from everyone we spoke to, including his coaching staff at Quinnipiac," said head coach Andrew Lord. Read the full article