#SpringfieldFalcon

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WOLF PACK MAKE POTULNY TEAM'S EIGHTH HEAD COACH

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has named Grant Potulny Head Coach of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Potulny is the eighth head coach in Wolf Pack history. Potulny, 44, has spent the last seven seasons as the Head Coach of Northern Michigan University. During that time, he guided the Wildcats to a record of 128-113-17 over the course of 258 games. The Wildcats won 20 games in back-to-back seasons, posting a record of 20-16-1 during the 2021-22 campaign and a record of 21-17-0 during the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats concluded the 2022-23 season by advancing to the CCHA Finals for the second time in three seasons. Before joining the Wildcats, Potulny spent eight seasons as an Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. During his time with the Golden Gophers, Potulny helped the club capture six regular-season conference titles and qualify for the NCAA Tournament on five occasions. Internationally, Potulny was an Assistant Coach for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Team USA won the event in both 2013 and 2017. Before joining the coaching ranks, the native of Grand Forks, ND, enjoyed a six-year playing career in the AHL. He appeared in 297 games, scoring 145 points (73 g, 72 a) with the Binghamton Senators, Hershey Bears, Springfield Falcons, San Antonio Rampage, and Norfolk Admirals. Potulny was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round, 157th overall, of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning pro, Potulny played four seasons with the Golden Gophers, scoring 116 points (68 g, 48 a). In 2002, Potulny was named the NCAA Tournament’s MVP, leading the Golden Gophers to an NCAA National Championship. The Golden Gophers repeated as National Champions in 2003, with Potulny earning MVP honors in the WCHA Tournament. The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, October 18th, at the XL Center! Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, and flex plans for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit  hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details! About Oak View Group (OVG): Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues, and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues, either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since its 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 HOWLINGS Read the full article

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HARTFORD WOLF PACK ROLL TO 5-1 WIN OVER THE LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings ALLENTOWN, PA - Dylan Garand's strong effort in net and offense from Ryan Carpenter and Will Lockwood, each with a goal and an assist, paced the Hartford Wolf Pack to a 5-1 road victory over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The third period was decisive for the Pack as their counter-attack led them to score three times and pull from the Phantoms. They have won four in a row, gone 7-3-1-0 in their last 11 are five points ahead of idle Bridgeport, but they have two games in hand and have gotten themselves to within one point of the fifth-place Phantoms. Lehigh Valley plays Bridgeport tomorrow afternoon. The Wolf Pack are off until Wednesday when the Toronto Marlies, coached by Pack captain/ex-Sound Tiger/ex-Springfield Falcon Greg Moore, comes to town. They host the Islanders next Friday on Calder Cup championship celebration night at the XL Center. The playoff sprint is on. The Wolf Pack of late has shown a late-game resilience that's been absent for a part of the season. Garand started it with four solid saves on Jackson Cates, Olle Lycksell, Elliott Desnoyers, and Tyson Foerster, keeping the Phantoms from tying it. They got the two-goal lead they sought as Tim Gettinger stripped Phantoms forward Bobby Brink of the puck, pushed the puck ahead, and Tanner Fritz motored his way down on the right wing and nailed one off the back bar in the net at 7:52 for his 11th and a 3-1 lead. The Pack didn't stop there as captain Jonny Brodzinski was on fire, scoring his 19th as his pass was too far for Jake Leschysyn. Brodzinski used his speed and smarts to get to the loose puck following the play. Then at the left side of the net put in his 19th, making it 4-1. Brodzinski, clearly a Player of the Week candidate, has 19 goals and 18 assists in 26 games since being reassigned by the Rangers. The icing on the cake came as Carpenter helped force a neutral zone turnover, then headed right to the Phantoms' zone. Lockwood made an intelligent outlet pass off the boards at center ice that set him free and Carpenter made no mistake with a shot over Nolan Maier's glove and under the crossbar for a hefty 5-1 lead that stayed there. There was no third-period collapse. In the last four periods at the PPL Center, the Wolf Pack have outscored the Phantoms 10-1, and in their previous four games have outscored their opponents  19-3. Who is this team? In the second period, pushback came Garand, who did his best stopping 11 of 12 shots in various ways, and just one eluded him all evening. In the two-game total, the Pack goalies faced 70 shots, and only one went in. Emil Andrae, a defenseman for the Phantoms, cruised in the Wolf Pack zone unchecked. Andare, a second pick by the Flyers three years ago, spent the year in Sweden, took the drop pass from Tyson Forester, and in just his third game with Phantoms, fired a perfect bar down shot for his first-ever AHL goal at 7:30 to cut the lead to just one goal. The Pack had early offense when Will Cullye hit the post at 2:02 off a pass from the left-wing wall from Brodzinski. Garand was sharp, stopping Ronnie Attard, Elliott Desnoyers, and Max Willam in one burst of shots at the net. Then with 4:56 left, Brodzinski, on the right wing, tried to set up Jake Leschyshyn. Nearly a minute later, Andrae almost tied the game on virtually the same play but hit the crossbar this time. Then with 59 seconds remaining in the period saw ex-Pack Alex Kile got around Adam Clendening and tested Garand down low, but the door remained closed with his paddle down on the ice. The Wolf Pack had a strong road game to start the hockey game. The Pack struck gold first. Anton Blidh fired a perfect outlet pass and found Lauri Pajuniemi open behind the defense. Then screaming in Nolan Maier, bear him on the breakaway for his 19th at 2:18. The Pack kept the foot on the gas pedal depressed and took advantage of a poor icing call by the officials that infuriated Phantoms coach Ian Laperriere and Carpenter won the ensuing offensive zone faceoff and alerted Gettinger on the forecheck got there first. His pass hit some skates and bounced to Carpenter in the left-wing circle, zipped a high shot that  Lockwood deflected perfectly over Maier's shoulder for a 2-0 lead at 5:38. Carpenter has nine points in the last nine games in this latest Pack surge. Then Brandon Scanlin threw an excellent hard, legal in the neutral zone on Max Willam, crushing him into the right-wing boards, and sadly, customarily, he had to battle ex-Pack Alex Kile. Still, the Pack was firing on all cylinders as he got into his second fight in as many games. They got help in the net as Garand made nine saves, including a big save, and then Elliott Desnoyers and Garrett Wilson were denied. The Pack got a four-minute powerplay on a high stick-on Wyatt Kalynuk by Jordie Bellerive. Zac Jones got plenty of ice with eight minutes of the 20 were on the man advantage. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: MAXIM LETUNOV SIGNS IN RUSSIA

BY: Gerry Cantlon: Howlings HARTFORD, CT - As training camp nears its opening, Maxim Letunov has followed through and returned to Russia and will play for Torpedo Novgorod (Russia-KHL), where he joins last year's Hartford Wolf Pack and former UCONN teammate, goaltender, Adam Huska. He became the 100th AHL player (now 102) to sign overseas and the 20th player to sign with Russia for next season. He also becomes the eighth former Wolf Pack to sign with Russia/Belarus, despite their supposedly being an international pariah due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is the ninth heading to the KHL. Letunov will play for his ninth team in his short professional career.  Only two Wolf Pack players have unknown destinations, goalie Tyler Wall and forward Matt Lorito. Former Danbury Trasher, Jon “Nasty” Mirasty, 40, has resurfaced and signed with the Binghamton (NY) Black Bears (FPHL) for next season. He played a season and a half in the Hat City before he was cut by then-coach for Danbury and former New Haven Knights coach, Paul Gillis, for his unwillingness to play some hockey at the Danbury Ice Arena. He played just 36 games and racked up 259 PIM. He is a well-known fighter in minor league circles. He is a native Canadian of Cree heritage and has been playing senior club hockey over the last three years in his native Saskatchewan. He hasn’t played competitive hockey in five years. Mirasty last played competitively with the Trois-Rivieres Draveurs (LNAH), where he had 991 PIM in just 100 league games. He had 677 PIM in 176 AHL games with Syracuse (AHL), and in the ECHL with three teams accrued 405 PIM in 66 games. In the KHL, he played 40 games and had 214 PIM.  He has played the last three years for his hometown Meadow Lake Broncos (SASHL). In 22 games, he had just 56 PIM.  He also played 14 games with other senior clubs and had just 26 PIM according to the Mitch Menick afternoon drive show Former Nighthawk and Springfield Falcon Oleg Mikulchik is the new assistant coach for Avangard Omsk (Russia-KHL) after being the head coach last year for SK Sokol Kyiv (Ukraine-UHL) and we all know why he is no longer there. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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PRE-GAME REPORT: HARTFORD WOLF PACK AIM FOR REBOUND IN GAME FOUR VS. PROVIDENCE BRUINS

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack will look to bounce back following their first loss of the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs tonight when they host the Providence Bruins in Game Four of their Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The Wolf Pack lead the series 2-1. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m., and coverage is available on both AHLTV and Mixlr. Tale of The Tape: The Wolf Pack and Bruins met ten times during the 2022-23 season, with Hartford winning the series 6-4. Both teams collected points in seven of the ten meetings, with the Wolf Pack going 6-3-1-0 and the Bruins posting a record of 4-3-3-0. However, the Wolf Pack won each of the final three regular season meetings and extended the winning streak to five games after victories in Games One and Two. In Game Three, however, the Bruins found their way back into the win column with a 6-3 decision that kept their season alive. Justin Brazeau jammed a rebound 15:54 into the game on the powerplay, giving the Bruins a lead they would never lose. Oskar Steen made it 2-0 with just .2 seconds left in the stanza, tipping a shot home for his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal. Luke Toporowski made it 3-0 14:03 into the second period, snapping home his second goal of the playoffs. Zac Jones got Hartford on the board at 19:35 with a four-on-three powerplay goal, while Tim Gettinger struck 2:18 into the third period with a shorthanded marker to make it a 3-2 game. Jack Ahcan buried a breakaway goal at 5:58, however, restoring the two-goal lead. It would also stand as the game-winner. Lauri Pajuniemi tipped home a goal at 13:34, but the Bruins cemented the win with empty-net goals from Brazeau and Vinni Lettieri in the final 92 seconds. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Hartford. The Wolf Pack will advance to the Atlantic Division Finals with a victory tonight. Wolf Pack Outlook: The Wolf Pack had their four-game winning streak in the Calder Cup Playoffs and five-game winning streak against the Bruins broken on Wednesday night. The loss also snapped a six-game winning streak for the club at the XL Center. Gettinger's shorthanded marker on Wednesday night was the 20th shorthanded goal in Wolf Pack playoff history. He is the 14th player to record a shorthanded goal in the playoffs in club history. Anton Blidh finished the night with one assist and a +1 rating. His playoff +/- of +10 leads the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs and is tied for sixth in Wolf Pack history for all-time playoff +/-. Ty Emberson is also a +10 during the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, tied with Blidh for the league lead and sixth all-time in club history. Tanner Fritz leads the club in playoff scoring with seven points (1 g, 6 a) through five games. Pajuniemi, meanwhile, paces the club in goals with three. Bruins Outlook: The Atlantic Division champion Bruins snapped a six-game losing streak in the Calder Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night. It was the club's first playoff win since a 4-2 victory on April 21st, 2019, against the Charlotte Checkers. Ahcan's game-winning goal on Wednesday night was the first goal of his Calder Cup Playoff career. Four of the five Bruins to score goals during the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs scored their first career playoff goals. In addition to, Ahcan, Brazeau, Toporowski, and Steen have all scored their first goals in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Brazeau leads the Bruins in scoring with three points (2 g, 1 a) through three games. He and Toporowski are tied for the team lead in goals with two during these playoffs. Game Information: WATCH: AHLTV LISTEN: Mixlr Play-by-play voice of the Wolf Pack, Alex Thomas, will have 'Wolf Pack Pregame' starting live at 6:45 p.m. on both AHLTV and Mixlr. Should the Wolf Pack win tonight, the club will advance to the Atlantic Division Final. A Bruins victory, however, will force a Game Five. Game Five, if necessary, will occur at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Sunday, May 7th, at 7:05 p.m. For playoff ticket information, please visit HERE. 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 HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON'S CORNER: WOLF PACK BACK AT PRACTICE

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack start the second half of their season at their secondary training facility, Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, CT, over the next two days as they prepare for Friday's game with the Springfield Thunderbirds. The taxi squads have been a significant roster disruption for the last two months, but they appear to be gone now. Only one present roster issue remains up in the air. Jarred Tinordi was reassigned by the New York Rangers, as is Zac Jones. They are still with the Pack, who have nine defensemen. As expected, Zach Berzolla was shipped back to the Jacksonville Icemen, the Wolf Pack, and Rangers' ECHL affiliate to get ice time. With the NHL trade deadline approaching next month, it is likely that if the organization makes trades, they will deal from their logjam presently on the backline. The Pack host Springfield and Rochester and Friday and Saturday as they return to action with a full roster of players. NOTES The Bridgeport Islanders saw Austin Czarnik get picked up on waivers by the Seattle Kracken. Ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger captain Ben Holmstrom will be with the Rochester Americans on Saturday after signing a PTO yesterday from the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). Former Wolf Pack Nikalas Jensen was part of Danish hockey history as they won their first Olympic game in 75 years. Denmark won 2-1 over the Czech Republic. Across the way was ex-Pack Tomas Kundratek. He hit the crossbar in the waning seconds for the Czechs as they sought to tie the game. After just one game with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), former QU goalie Keith Petruzzelli was sent back to Newfoundland (St. John's) Growlers (ECHL). Former Wolf Pack Shawn St. Amant plays under his full name Shawn Ouellette St. Amant with the Trois-Rivieres Lions (ECHL). It's common among French players to include either your middle name or your mother's maiden name. Team USA defeated China 8-0 as Sean Farrell had a hat trick and five points in their opening game of the Olympics. A former Yale Bulldog is a brand new father, Brian O'Neill (Jokerit Helsinki Finland-KHL), the only US player with Olympic experience, scored a power play goal. FAMILIAR NAMES A plethora of familiar names on both lineups. Ex-Sound Tiger named an alternate captain, Aaron Ness, now with the Providence Bruins. He was paired with ex-Pack Steven Kampfer who plays with AK Bars Kazan (Russia-KHL) in the opening lineup. He had a gorgeous primary assist on Farrell's second goal. Former Yale Bulldog Ken Agostino (Torpedo Novgorod Russia-KHL) was among the forwards selected by former Rangers coach David Quinn. China had goalie ex-Sound Tiger Jeremy Smith (Kunlun China-KHL) starting in net. The game's first penalty was the one-time Ranger draftee who was traded, Ethan Werek (Kunlun China-KHL). The Chinese assistant coach is former Ranger Alexei Kovalev. Ex-Pack Adam Cracknell (Bakersfield-AHL) and ex-Sound Tiger David Desharnais (HC Fribourg-Gotteron Switzerland-LNA) assisted on Canada's third goal in their opening 5-1 win over Germany. Ex-Pack Adam Tambellini (Rogle BK Sweden-SHL) had the primary assist on their last goal. Ex-Sound Tiger for Germany Tom Kuhnhackl (Skelleftea AIK Sweden-SHL) was held scoreless. Slovakia lost 6-2 to Finland as ex-Pack Marek Hrivik and ex-Springfield Falcons Tomas Jurco, Marko Dano, and ex-Springfield Thunderfield Martin Mancini were held pointless. Another ax-QU goalie Andrew Shortridge is recalled by the Stockton Heat from the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL). Ivan Nikolishin, the son of the former Hartford Whaler Andrei Nikolishin, heads to his third team and league as he's loaned from Amur Khabarovsk (Russia-KHL) to Ilves Tampere (Finland-FHL). HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON'S CORNER: (1/14) WEEKEND NEWS

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The New York Rangers West Coast and five-game road swing produced a shutout, and it was a Hartford “im-Pack-ful” win with three ex-players making contributions against the San Jose Sharks. Ex-Pack forward Chris Kreider scored twice, including his first-ever shorthanded NHL goal, his 20th of the season (empty-net), and the 200th of his career. This year, Ex-Pack defenseman Braden Schneider scored his first goal in either the NHL or AHL, a one-timer after coming off the bench into the offensive zone. Ex-Pack goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who was fresh off the COVID protocol list, pitched his fifth shutout stopping 37 shots. Ex-Pack, Anthony Greco made his Rangers debut. Greco is from Queens, New York. COVID KEEPING BUSY IN RANGERSLAND Four Rangers forwards remain in COVID protocol as the team heads east to play the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night, ending their mini-road trip under acting head coach Kris Knoblauch. They play the Toronto Maple Leafs at home next Wednesday. Monday, Knoblauch will likely be returned to Hartford. OLYMPIC INVITEES Ex-Wolf Pack, Steve Kampfer, playing with the AK Bars Kazan Snow Leopards in the Russian-based KHL, was selected to represent the US on the Olympic team. Unfortunately, the entire KHL is currently taking a COVID pause in play because of a severe team outbreak. Kamfer has had a remarkable season and was named a KHL All-Star. In addition, he played in the first-ever KHL regular season game in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Because there will not be NHL players in the Olympics, Kamfer is on the US Olympic team. Aaron Ness, a former Bridgeport Sound Tiger currently with the Providence Bruins, ironically Hartford’s next opponent Friday night, was sent a ticket to the dance. Two former Yale Bulldogs, Ken Agostino, with the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (Russia-KHL), and Brian O’ Neill, who is skating for Jokerit Helsinki Jokers (Finland-KHL), were also invited. The Czech Republic announced their squad. Among the names is David Spacek, the son of former Beast of New Haven defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. He was selected and played for the Czechia team at the aborted WJC tournament and is rewarded with an Olympic invite. The forward is currently with Frölunda HC Indians (Sweden-SHL). One ex-Pack is among their 24 invites in defenseman  Tomas Kundratek (HC Ocelari Trinec Czech Republic-CEL). MORE INVITATIONS The referees and linesman crews were named for the men’s side. For the US refs, Andrew Bruggeman and two US linesmen, William Hancock II and Brian Oliver, are among the 26. On the women’s side, there are two US refs. Kelly Cooke, who has done some AHL games, and Chelsea Rapin were invited. In addition, Lineswoman Jacqueline Spresser and Sara Strong are among the 22 officials selected. MOVEMENT Brandon Fortunato was released by the Hartford Wolf Pack from his PTO and heads back to Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL). The New York Islanders recalled Bridgeport Islanders Austin Czarnik and Grant Hutton. The Rochester Americans released defenseman Dallas Drake (UCONN). Goalie Alex Lyon (Yale University) was returned to Chicago Wolves (AHL) by the Carolina Hurricanes. Ex-Pack Phil DiGuiseppe was recalled from the Abbotsford Canucks to the Vancouver Canucks. Another former Wolf Pack, Daniel Wolcott, was recalled from the Syracuse Crunch by the parent Tampa Bay Lightning. A former emergency goalie who never got to play, Brandon Kasel is loaned by the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL) to the Utica Comets (AHL). Charles Williams, an ex-Pack goalie, moves from the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL) to the Rochester Americans on a PTO. Another ex-Pack, Alex Kile, heads from the Maine Mariners (ECHL) on loan to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Mike McKee (Kent School) heads from the Tulsa Oilers (ECHL) on loan to San Diego Gulls on a PTO. Ex-Sound Tiger Steve Olesky was suspended by the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) after 16 games and was removed from the roster. Wolf Pack Liam Pecararo was selected to represent the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the ECHL All-Star Classic, held in Jacksonville on Monday (7 PM NHL Network) for the second time in his young career. By design, Josh Nicholls was released by the Kunlun Red Star (China-KHL). Nicholls signs with Storhamer IL Dragons (Norway-NEL) with the Beijing Olympics approaching. Matej Baca, the nephew of former Hartford Whaler and Springfield Indian Jergus Baca, is traded to his third Slovak team this year. He goes from HK Dukla Michalovce to HC Banska Bystrica (Slovakia-SLEL). HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: (1/12) PACK DROP OT GAME TO CHECKERS

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - Grigori Denisenko scored his second goal of the game 1:17 into overtime on a three-on-one to the short side on goalie François Brassard to help the Charlotte Checkers escape with a 2-1 road win over the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center. Denisenko scored his ninth goal of the season off an outlet pass from Logan Hutchko. The only Pack defending on the three-on-one was forward Patrick Khordorenko. “We ran out of gas at the end, and we coulda’, shoulda’ won the game. We had the chances we had and should have capitalized on them,” said interim Pack Head Coach Steve Smith. Checkers goalie Joey Daccord made the important saves and got help from the goal post as well. BREAKAWAY CHANCE FOR THE PACK IN OT Just prior to the game-winner, and with 3:45 remaining, the Wolf Pack had a glorious chance. Khordorenko hit Rueschoff with a stretch pass that sent him in all alone. “I tried the first move and (Daccord) just covered it well,” remarked Rueschoff. It looked like Austin Rueschoff’s late second-period goal might have been enough, but Denisenko had other ideas. Denisenko tied the game off a lead pass by Max Zimmer. His initial shot off his break-in hit the post, but the puck bounced off the back of Brassard's leg and went into the net. PACK GET FIRST GOAL The Pack’s Michael O’Leary set the tone for the third period by drilling Luke Henman into the Wolf Pack bench. The game's first goal was scored when Tanner Fritz received a short pass from defensemen Nils Lundkvist, who was back playing in his first AHL game after being sent back to Hartford by the parent New York Rangers. Fritz was at the blue line and weaved his way in on the left-wing side. Fritz found Rueschoff, in full flight and the 6’7 forward whistled his fourth goal of the season past Daccord with 1:04 left in the period. “It just starts me playing simple. First part of the season was tough for me (being in-and-out of the lineup) and the coaches said I’ve been doing well behind the net, playing physical, keeping pucks down low. It's starting to click,” Rueschoff said. COACH ASSESSMENT OF RUESCHOFF The second-year forward’s overall performance impressed Smith. “His play is really coming along. He had the puck on his stick. Tonight was the best game I’ve seen him play so far, and it all turned around a couple of weeks ago when his puck protection got better," Smith continued, "Early in the year he was exposing himself too much. Now he has found a nice little niche for himself on that line (with Mike O'Leary and Alex Whalen).” The first period was scoreless as each team had their chances. The Wolf Pack had the edge in shots. Just past the midway point, they had their most effective offensive zone possessions. DACCORD STRONG Daccord is a product of Arizona State University. He who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the seventh round two years ago and who is now the property of the expansion Seattle Kraken. He made several saves including Cristiano Di DiGiacinto twice, Ty Ronning, and Zach Giutarri, all in a two-minute span. “I thought we were dominant there. We gave up too many chances. We weren’t particularly good defensively, but we were creative offensively. We protected the puck well and got quality shots on net. We got pucks behind their net and made their D turn and gave us opportunities.” On the other end of the ice, for the Wolf Pack, Brassard made several stops including on Zac Dalpe, Henry Bowlby, and did so in a very economical, well, constructed effort. “He works hard when the others (goaltenders) are called up. He’s been unreal for us. Like the other guys, he kept us in games. He got some time in camp, now he is getting chances. It's good to see him getting time in net,” Rueschoff stated. BRASSARD Several things about Brassard leap out at Smith. “There are a couple of things he does very well. One or two things stand out. He handles the puck around the net so well and secondly, he continues to compete. There were some real Grade-A opportunities on the other side tonight. Obviously, we had some good chances ourselves, and their guy (Daccord) was sharp. I would like less of those chances, but he battles for us and gives us a chance,” remarked Smith. The Wolf Pack battled the Charlotte Checkers at the XL Center with several new faces on the bench. Leading the team were Steve Smith, Casey Torres, and Rangers Assistant Director of Player Development, Tanner Glass. There were two new players including Nils Lundkvist on defense and forward Jacob Hayhurst. They were also minus two players in Braden Schneider and Justin Richards. The Pack begins a busy stretch of four games in eight days. They play the Providence Bruins on Thursday. LINES Ronning-Fritz-Luchuk Rueschoff-Khordorenko-DiGiacinto Whalen-O'Leary-Hayhurst Skinner-Elmer-Pecararo Zach Berzolla-Bitetto Lundkvist-Robertson Guittari-Reunanen François Brassard Wall SCRATCHES Brandon Fortunato Sanchez Taylor LUNDKVIST The Lundkvist arrival was warmly greeted by Smith. “It’s tough to come in and play 23 or 24 minutes as he did tonight. He made some NHL quality-like plays. He has the ability to grab the puck and carry the puck through the neutral zone, like none of the other guys can. He was hungry, defensively. He was sound and offensively he did some good things. He did some nice things offensively in bringing the puck up. He can really snap a pass. He defends well by having the puck.” The Wolf Pack got the first year Lundkvist from Sweden. After not playing a ton in New York, he's been sent to Hartford to get some playing time in. He may only be with the Pack for a few games, much like Libor Hajek and Jarred Tinordi did before him. NOTES Wednesday's announced crowd of 1,699 was the 17th worst in team history, and 31st of 44 under 2,000 attendees under the Global Spectra/Spectra banner. Charlotte had Quinnipiac grad Craig Martin on a Professional Try-Out deal. They also have fellow Bobcat, Chase Priskie back from the Florida Panthers (NHL), ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger, Christopher Gibson, ex-Springfield Falcon, and Canadian Olympic hopeful, Devan Dubnyk in the net. The Pack exchanged righty rearguards as Braden Schneider with Matt Robertson, who flew cross-country to possibly make his NHL debut in San Jose against the Sharks tomorrow night (MSG 10 pm) as the Rangers continue their road trip. It's likely D-man Brandon Fortunato (QU) will be sent back to the Packs' ECHL affiliates, the Jacksonville Icemen to get needed ice time. MORE NEWS Defenseman Hunter Skinner was dressed as an extra forward and got into an early good scrap with Serron Noel. Jacob Hayhurst was wearing #95 and on his third ECHL team in three years. He did a four-game recall stint in Springfield in December. He comes from the Worcester Railers (ECHL) where he's coached by ex-Pack David Cunniff, the son of the late New England Whaler great John Cunniff. Hayhurst played collegiately for RPI (ECACHL) and did a pandemic-shortened grad transfer year at the University of Michigan (Big 10) two years ago. The timetable for Kris Knoblauch’s return as head coach is expected to be Monday when the team finishes up its road trip in Philadelphia on Saturday. It's also where he finished up last year. This is his second COVID coaching relief experience. He was an assistant coach in Philadelphia three years ago. MISCELLANEOUS Ex-Pack Mike Lee (Hamden/the Gunn School) signs a PTO with the Rockford IceHogs closer to where he is playing currently, the Indy Fuel (ECHL). The Wolf Pack have used 29 players so far this season. Goalie Tyler Wall was returned for his paper transaction from the Rangers taxi squad to keep the numbers up before he was returned yesterday with Tarmo Reunanen and Lundkvist. However, Justin Richards, who was recalled midday, now makes seven players from Hartford off to New York. One of those seven, Jonny Brodzinski, nearly had a late goal against LA, but goalie Cal Peterson made a right shoulder save. The Providence Bruins are Friday’s opponent. They returned Steven Fogarty, Troy Grosenick from Boston, but took Tyler Lewington to the taxi squad and Urho Vaakanainen, who will skate for them against the Montreal Canadians in their first game in two weeks. Thankfully, Tuukka Rask was released from his PTO deal and did not to face the Wolf Pack. Rask signed with the Boston Bruins and will play tomorrow night. They did send Jeremy Swayman instead. Jake Lechyshyn, the son of former Hartford Whaler Curtis Lechyshyn, left Henderson and is off to Las Vegas,  then Casey Fitzgerald, nephew of former Whaler Keith Primeau heads to Buffalo from Rochester, then ex-Sound Tiger Kevin Czucman heads from Iowa to Minnesota and Odeen Tufto (Quinnipiac University) goes from Syracuse to Orlando (ECHL). Mike McKee (Kent School) goes from Tulsa Oilers (ECHL) to the San Diego Gulls. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: (1/7) PACK LOSE AGAIN TO AMERICANS

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings ROCHESTER, NY - Arttuu Ruotsalainen picked up a goal and an assist as the Rochester Americans downed the Hartford Wolf Pack 5-2 on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. The Pack, who play in Utica tomorrow, have dropped into third place behind the Hershey Bears. The Bears have a winning percentage of .593 compared to the Pack's .577 ahead. However, the Pack remains ahead of the fourth-place Providence Bruins. The Wolf Pack power play was powerless. They went 0-7 couldn't score after Rochester was assessed a late double minor and on the subsequent five-on-three. DOUBLE MINOR The double minor was Lukas Cragg, who clipped Austin Rueschoff coming in the Rochester end of the ice. Five-on-three after, Ruotsalainen was sent to the box for an extra-curricular scuffle with Anthony Bitetto. Pack Head Coach Kris Knoblauch was creative. He pulled starting netminder Tyler Wall to favor an extra attacker and gave his team a six-on-three advantage. Rochester goaltender, Aaron Dell, stopped a blast from the point by Bitetto and bids by Lauri Pajuniemi, Anthony Greco. However, Ty Ronning missed the net. PACK INCH CLOSER The Pack pulled within two goals as Greco's short pass from the left wing to Ronning, who was coming in alone on the right-wing side. He went to his backhand and flipped his eighth of the season into the net at 4:18 of the third period. The second period started unkind to the Pack. Rochester benefitted from a generous rebound on an early power play. Anthony Bitetto, in his first game in three weeks, coughed up the puck just past the Pack blue line. The biscuit went right to Jack Quinn, who went to the backhand. Wall denied his shot, but the rebound was left out in front, and Ruotsalainen buried it for just his second goal of the year at 2:15. The goal gave Rochester a 4-1 lead. FIRST GOAL The Americans scored a goofy first goal. Anthony Greco had a turnover in the Pack end of the ice forced by former Springfield Falcon Ethan Prow. Just back from his recall to the Buffalo Sabres and playing his third hockey game in four days, Ryan MacInnis chipped at the puck. It popped up in the air and amazingly fluttered over the shoulder of the 6'4 Pack netminder and into the back of the net at 3:36. The Wolf Pack answered back at 5:31 as Tanner Fritz was behind the Americans net. He found Aaron Luchuk at the top of the left-wing circle. He whistled his first goal as the newest member of the Wolf Pack going went to the far side of the cage, just inside the left post. Luchuk's goal came on his first shot in his first game. Rochester retook the lead as Jack Quinn pounced on a rebound right point shot by Ruotsalainen. A wide-open Quinn, just back after spending the last three weeks battling mono, was right there to bury his 12th at 11:46. The Americans Linus Weissbach found a loose biscuit off a rebound that Wall couldn't control, put it into the back of the net for his sixth season, and established a two-goal lead at 3-1 at 16:55 if the first. LINES Fritz-Ronning-Pajuniemi Khordorenko-Liam Percararo-Aaron Luchuk O’Leary-Whalen-Rueschoff Greco- DiGiacinto- Richards-Whalen Guittari-Bitetto Schneider-Robertson Taylor-Skinner Tyler Wall Adam Huska SCRATCHES Zach Berzolla Brandon Fortunato James Sanchez François Brassard NOTES Pecararo wore #81 Luchuk #10 Ruotsalainen had six points in two games against Hartford. Steve Fogarty, the ex-captain of the Wolf Pack, was called up to the Boston Bruins on Friday. Goalie Tuukka Rask signed a Professional Try-Out (PTO) contract during his post-hip surgery rehab. He would play against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but both games were postponed this weekend. His next opportunity comes Friday against Hartford. P.C. Labrie scored a goal and fought just 2:57 into the game with ex-Pack Dylan McIlrath in the game between the Syracuse Crunch and Hershey Bears. The Wolf Pack signed ex-Springfield Thunderbird (F) Liam Pecararo of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL). He registered 24 points in 19 games. This is his second AHL loan of the season. He spent four games with the Charlotte Checkers earlier this season. After two games with the Belleville Senators, former C.T. Whale Michael Del Zotto was called up to the Ottawa Senators taxi squad and was sent right back. Craig Martin (Quinnipiac University) signs a PTO with Charlotte. He was with the Pack's ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL). Ex-Pack/Bridgeport Sound Tiger goalie Jean-Francois (J.F.) Berube goes from the Cleveland Monsters to the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) taxi squad. Ex-Pack Darren Raddysh is returned to Syracuse (AHL) by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Matt Foley (Yale) gets his third AHL recall and his fourth city this season. This recall is to the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL). Nick Hutchison (Avon Old Farms) goes from the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Alexander Nylander, the son of former Hartford Whaler Michael Nylander, was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Sam Lafferty, a one-time Deerfield Academy (MAPREP) product. Ex-Pack Peter Holland leaves Djurgårdens IF (Sweden-SHL) and signs for the second half of the year with the Iserlohn Roosters (Germany-DEL). Coming to Djurgårdens IF (Sweden-SHL) from the Abbotsford Canucks is Cam Schilling. He becomes the sixth AHL'er to go to Europe mid-season thus far. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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CHAIMOVICH: AHL CANCELS ALL-STAR GAME

BY: Jason Chaimovich, AHL SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson announced today that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 AHL All-Star Classic, scheduled for February 6-7 in Laval, Que., will not be held. “The Laval Rocket and Place Bell have done an outstanding job preparing to host our All-Star Classic festivities this year,” said Howson. “But with the event only six weeks away and faced with ongoing challenges pertaining to health and safety, international travel, and group gatherings, the League and the Rocket organization feel it is in everybody’s best interests to postpone the event. We remain committed to bringing the All-Star Classic to Laval in the future.” “Postponing the All-Star Classic for a second year is disappointing, but unfortunately unavoidable in the circumstances,” said France Margaret Bélanger, President, Sports, and Entertainment at Groupe CH. “This is one of the most prestigious events in the AHL and we look forward to hosting this major event at Place Bell. We are very grateful to our fans and partners for their loyalty during this difficult time. We also want to thank the American Hockey League for their confidence and their collaboration on this project.” AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE HOME Read the full article

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CANTLON: (11/20) PACK SMASH HERSHEY

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack more than just recovered from a dreadful, defensively after a garish second period, they erupted, scoring a season-best five goals in a 7-3 win over the Hershey Bears before 3,699 at the XL Center. The Pack onslaught began with 3:32 left after Hershey’s third goal and 14-shot second period. Goalie Keith Kinkaid was visibly disgusted after ex-Pack Dylan McIlrath’s goal. The next shot forced a glove save on a wide-open Mason Morelli on the right-wing, who was another clean entry facing no checking or stiff opposition. He went to the bench on a commercial time-out - a goalie rarity, but just prior, he’s chucked the puck to the corner rather than hand it over to the linesman. His disgust at the play of his teammates was clear. “We realized when we were in the locker room after the second period. He’s building a wall for us, one save at a time. I heard guys saying it. He has done so much for us (this season), we’ve got to play better for him,” said veteran P.C. Labrie. KNOBLAUCH SEES THE HUMOR “We had the same thing happen with Shesty (Igor Shesterkin) once came to the bench, but nobody understood him because he was muttering in Russian,” Knoblauch said with a smile. “He would bark at people. Everybody knows because they have a lot of respect for him (Kinkaid). He’s done a lot for us in lots of games. We shouldn’t have won. Obviously, we responded well in the third.” The third-period onslaught was ignited by the stick of Lauri Pajuniemi, who scored twice his fourth and fifth goals in 64 seconds, starting at 2:53. The first one came off a redirection of a Ty Ronning shot. The second was a two-pass masterpiece that gave him his first multi-goal game.  The second goal started in the defensive zone with a Tanner Fritz outlet pass, finding Ronning, who then sent a lead pass for Pajuniemi, who outraced three Bears to the puck. Once gaining control, Pajuniemi fired it past goaltender Zach Furcale, a former #1 pick of the Montreal Canadiens. “I didn’t have time to (process) that he had two goals,” Labrie said. “Boom, he got one. Boom he gets another. We’re in control here. That’s the strength of this team. (Goals) can come from any side of the ice or line for the team and when we defend against a team it’s the combo we have.” PAJUNIEMI Knoblauch complemented his rookie forward. “He did the same thing in Providence with a guy draped all over his back. There isn’t a lot of room to score goals out there, but he’s starting to find them.” Labrie completed his three-point night with the Pack’s third goal in a 1:51 timeframe. Labrie jammed home his second goal of the year in front of the Hershey net. His excitement and exuberance were on full display as he banged on the glass behind the net afterward. “We’re working smart in practice, and it paid off (tonight),” Labre said in his French-accented English. “We’re putting in five 10-minute drills in front of the net. Anybody we put on the fourth line is playing the right way. We’re fighting and battling to stay there, and I like the chemistry we have. It doesn’t matter who is on that line; nothing feels out of place. Everyone wants to chip in. MORE PAJUNIEMI His head coach spoke of and thought highly of him, not as a spare part in returning to North America from Germany after two years at the last minute. “He has a good shot and protects the pucks well. P.C. has brought a lot. He has played more than we expected. We knew he was a tough guy and had skills. We knew he could play. He played in the NHL before. It’s been a nice surprise for us. He is by far one of the most popular guys in the dressing room. “I love the way he plays and the energy he brings to the room,” remarked Knoblauch. “As a fourth liner, he doesn’t get that much ice time. Sometimes players get out of a game, can get out of focus. He doesn’t. Some guys can get lulled by the game; He knows when his shift is. He is encouraging his teammates. He’s making sure his linemates are ready for their shift. He’s another coach on the bench.” BRODZINSKI Captain Jonny Brodzinski scored two goals on special teams. The first was the team’s first power play goal in ten tries, and they added a shorthanded goal to complete Labrie’s prophecy from three weeks ago when he said, “When it cracks for us, it will crack.” “He is working the wall so well for us. He wins like 90% of the puck battles he’s in. That’s why he’s our captain he gets rewarded.” The first period was all Hartford. The second all Hershey as they tallied three goals to take an albeit brief lead. “We had a good effort in the first and third period, not the second. We’ve been down numerous times like in Providence. There is no quit on this team and we stick with a game plan, and it works. We have had good leadership and the young guys have been respectful, hard-working and want to get better,” Knoblauch said. SECOND PERIOD BLUES Libor Hajek, playing in the last game of his conditioning stint, sent an ill-advised pass up the middle of the ice. The pass was broken up by Michal Kempny and set up Shane Gersich to score his first goal of the year, getting it past Kinkaid at 1:33 of the second. The Bears tied it at two on an extended shift in the Pack end. The Pack was unable to clear their end. A shot from the left point by Lucas Johansen was deflected by Bears veteran and AHL sharpshooter, Mike Sgarbossa who tallied his team-best sixth goal at 10:06. Then McIlrath, an ex-Wolf Pack and former Rangers 2010 first-round draft pick took an elusive shot from along the far side past Kinkaid at 15:13. It completed another Bears cycle in the Wolf Pack end of the ice. It was the second time of his career, the first coming as a Springfield Falcon, that McIlrath has scored as an opponent against the Pack. PACK RESPOND The Wolf Pack has done well in reversing their first-period blues. Anthony Greco (six shots) came on for a line change burst down the left-wing side in the Bears zone. Braden Schneider (two assists) was able to see him and hit him with a perfect, diagonal pass. In one motion, Greco put it on the net past Furcale with the puck headed low to the far side of the net at 6:18 McIlrath clipped Zach Jones on a play that didn’t go unnoticed. When the play stopped, Ronning showed fearlessness, loyalty by going after the much bigger and enforcer-minded McIlrath. Labrie, the Pack’s tough guy, appreciated Ronning’s effort. “That’s the mentality we have. We don’t have to fight every night, but when that crap happens, when you see Ty doing that, we’re all right there backing each other up.” AFTERMATH On the ensuing rush, Patrick Khordorenko picked up the loose puck generated by a Labrie clearing play and got a clean zone entry used. Next, Khodorenko used Bears defenseman Cody Franson as a screen and shot over Furcale’s glove with 6:18 remaining in the period. It was his first goal as Franson skated to his netminder to apologize to him. Labrie likens the team to the 2012 Calder Cup-winning team he was a part of in Norfolk. “There’s a lot of (similarities) like the young guys and the veterans, the coaching staff we have. I think we have the two best goalies in the league.” LINES Fritz-Brodzinski-Greco Barron-Ronning-Pajuniemi Whalen-Khordorenko-Richards Labrie-DiGiacinto-Rueschoff Schneider-Robertson Jones-Hájek Reunanen-Guittiari. Kinkaid Huska SCRATCHES Bitetto Gettinger Skinner Brassard O’Leary NOTES Hajek played all weekend. The decision was made that his conditioning would not be extended. On Monday, he returns to New York. “He has spent his time in development here. He’ll be moving on to New York. They can’t extend it.” Knoblauch said. Gettinger was scratched from the lineup for a second game as he nursed an AHL campaign’s assorted bumps and bruises. “It’s a nagging injury. He’ll be on the ice on Monday. We want him to get the rest and heal. It’s a persistent injury. He needs the time to heal, but if it were the playoffs, he would play. We just don’t want it to be all season long.” HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER It was ‘Hockey Fights Cancer Night’ at the XL Center. Before the game, Labrie reflected on his former assistant captain and Quebec Triple AAA teammate Alexandre Charest of the Coaticook Frontaliers (QJAAAHL) who passed away from a rare form of cancer while very young. “He fought and battled very hard, but sadly he didn’t make it. During the opening ceremony and anthem, I thought about him, and said a quick prayer and had a good thought about him. We’re all wearing a jersey, playing or not.” WINNING STREAK Friday, the Utica Comets won their 12th straight to start the season at home. It was a 4-1 win over the Charlotte Checkers. The old record was eleven held by the 1984-85 Rochester Americans who got win number 13 as they built a 5-0 lead held on for a 5-3 win. The league record for consecutive wins is 28. That record is held by the now-defunct Norfolk (V.A.) Admirals in 2011-12. They went on to win the Calder Cup title. The only losses they suffered in their march to the title in that impressive run were at the hands of the C.T. Whale in the playoff quarterfinals which they lost in six games. MORE NOTES Ex-Pack Deven DiDiomete signs with Gyergyói HK (Romania-MOL) in the Erste League, Max Sauvé, who played at Avon Old Farms (CTPREP) and played at Penn State (Big 10), signs with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL). CRAWFORD SELLS OUT Former Hartford Whaler and New Haven Nighthawk and briefly C.T. Whale President of Operations, Bob Crawford, sold his stake in Connecticut arenas but sold the International Skating Center in Simsbury to local business interests. He also sold Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, the Wolf Pack second practice facility, and the Bolton Ice Palace to a national arena management company called Black Bear Sports Group that will handle all the business operations and maintenance operations. Crawford will still be involved on the hockey side of things and will still be doing the winter open ice at Bushnell Park in the heart of downtown Hartford. The two buildings give Black Bear 29 in total. The release state that “An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, CT, and Bolton Ice Palace in Bolton, CT (the “Arenas”). The Agreement is subject to normal course closing conditions. The Arenas collectively feature two NHL ice sheets, one Olympic ice sheet, a full-service gym, and a pool. The transaction also includes purchasing the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack, the elite Tier I and Tier II youth hockey program. The Arenas are also home to the Whalers Youth Hockey Association & Eastern Connecticut Stars, and many figure skating. The Sellers included long-time silent business partner Alan Lazowski, Founder and CEO of Laz Parking, and former NHL player Bob Crawford. Crawford is assuming a senior role with Black Bear, including becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Black Bear, the largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015. The two buildings give them 29 in total. “I am thrilled that Bob will continue his life’s work and legacy with Black Bear, the best and most prolific rink owner and operator in the United States.” “It has been my great honor to partner with Bob Crawford over the past 30 years and watch his passion and love for the game and his commitment to teach young men and women the art of the game,” said Lazowski. “I am thrilled that Bob will continue his life’s work and legacy with Black Bear, the best and most prolific rink owner and operator in the United States.” “We are excited to expand our Connecticut presence with this transaction, as Connecticut is such a strong hockey market,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “More importantly, I am thrilled to have Bob Crawford has joined our organization to help us continue to build out our hockey business. Bob brings deep hockey experience from both his distinguished NHL career and his extensive youth hockey experience including leading leagues, representing his district and serving in leadership capacities at the highest levels of hockey especially USA Hockey. It is an honor to have him on board.” “I’m excited to stay on board and continue to develop players in the Jr. Wolf Pack program and support Black Bear’s overall hockey business,” said ex-NHLer Bob Crawford. “Over the years we have had numerous offers to sell the rinks, but both Alan and I believe that Black Bear will be the best home for our families and our buildings and a great place for my wife, Kathleen, and I to continue to make a large impact on both our community and the sport that we both love. In addition, Bolton Ice Palace and Champions Skating Center will continue to thrive under Black Bear’s ownership.” The arena in Cromwell was first purchased in 1997. “Our mission is to continue growing hockey and ice sports in Connecticut and are thrilled to add another Tier I franchise that we can support through our numerous junior team franchises such as the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President of Black Bear. “Under Bob’s leadership, we also look forward to growing our league and tournament businesses in Connecticut and the rest of the Northeast and expect to host numerous boys’ and girls’ events in our rinks.” -This is the first of six meetings between the Wolf Pack and the Bears during the 2021-22 AHL regular season. This is also the first of three meetings at the XL Center. The sides will meet back in Hartford on March 5th and 26th. The following three meetings will occur in Hershey, coming on January 22nd and 23rd and February 2nd. 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CANTLON'S CORNER: 2000 WOLF PACK CHAMPIONSHIP REUNION SET

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - A special treat is coming for Hartford Wolf Pack fans. Friday, April 10th is the regular season-finale Wolf Pack against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but there will be an additional hockey event that fans won't want to miss. Cantlon’s Corner is exclusively reporting that final, regular season game will add a special element to it's regular Fan Appreciation Night as the team will celebrate and honor the 2000 AHL Calder Cup Champion, Hartford Wolf Pack team who will assemble together at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack is the ONLY professional championship team in Hartford's history and just the second minor-league professional hockey championship team ever. Wolf Pack alumni sources have said much of the preparation for the event is set, but there are several pieces in the process of being finalized. One event that is all set to occur is the Wolf Pack 2000 team playing a charity game against the Hartford City Police and Fire Department Team the afternoon prior to the Wolf Pack's game at 7:15 PM. Among the legendary Wolf Pack greats expected to attend include, Brad “Shooter” Smyth, the team's all-time leading scorer in Wolf Pack history and AHL Hall-Of-Famer, plus Shooter's partner in crime, both on-and-off the ice, Derek Armstrong, who was the 2000 Jack Butterfield Calder Cup playoff MVP. The other AHL Hall-Of-Famer and 2000 playoff goalie extraordinaire, J.F. (Jean-Francois) Labbe, and defenseman Terry Virtue, who scored "The Goal" in the semi-finals against the Providence Bruins in double overtime of Game 7. The win propelled the Wolf Pack to the Calder Cup Finals. The owner of the Calder Cup Championship's winning goal is Connecticut’s very own Hamden-resident, Todd Hall, and the effervescent and wildly-popular, feisty-pugilist, P.J. Stock. The Wolf Pack's championship coach, John Paddock, will also be on hand for the festivities. The record this championship group is shooting to break is the Wolf Pack's attendance records. The first one was set on January 6, 2006, against the now-defunct Portland Pirates, when 12,206 hockey fans came out and paid tribute to three former Whaler greats, Ron Francis (#10), Ulf Samuelsson (#5), and Kevin Dineen (#11) whose numbers hang in the rafters. The goal is to eclipse that mark. They hope to even take a run at Game 2 of the 2000 Calder Cup Finals against Rochester on May 26, 2000, when the team set a franchise playoff best attendance of 11,168. The all-time, best-attended Wolf Pack home game is 14,115. That record was set on January 24, 1998, against the also-defunct, Springfield Falcons. There will be a fantastic autograph and picture session with the players and the coach at the game. This will be a tremendous event honoring Hartford’s championship team as well as the fans who love them. A post-game celebration at a local venue is under consideration. There will be more details forthcoming. All the exciting info can be found in this space over the next few months.   Read the full article

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CANTLON: WOLF PACK WIN 3-1 OVER SPRINGFIELD

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - A second-period goal by Phil Di Guiseppe turned out to be the game-winner as the Hartford Wolf Pack upended the Springfield Falcons 3-1 Saturday night before 3,876 at the XL Center “Our first two periods were fantastic. We gave up just seven shots. We managed the puck well. In the third period, we got away from some of those things, but we finished strong.“ said Pack head coach, Kris Knoblauch. The Pack plays tomorrow afternoon against Rochester at 3 pm. The game was more of a KHL game played by SKA Hartford and Dynamo Springfield as there were long stretches of no action in the middle of the ice and the play was all along the boards. “Tonight wasn’t the prettiest, but it’ll (help) the younger players and encourage them to keep doing the right things,” remarked Di Giuseppe. The message on the whiteboard in the Pack locker room said it best as instruction for the team going into the contest. “Hard work beats skill when skill fails to work.” Filip Chytil was one of the few players who was strong on the puck all night (eight shots) and earned a goal (the empty-netter to seal the win) and also had an assist. “Filip has been playing really well. Sometimes guys make poor decisions and they force passes, he has, but he has also been so responsible with the puck. He has a lot of skill and accents his accents very well,” a hoarse sounding Knoblauch stated. The Pack's Russian netminder, Igor Shesterkin, is obviously used to a KHL-style of play. He had 17 saves and shut down Springfield who were seizing momentum in the third period. One of the better saves was on Dominic Tornato when he was open for a shot on the left-wing. “He really made some incredible saves in the third and made the difference (in the game)," Knoblauch said. The Wolf Pack and Springfield's recent history had a familiar early ring to it as the game commenced. The Thunderbirds score first. The second period played like the first. The offense was spaced out with more action on the periphery and select times were players in front of the net for either team. The Pack got several chances including Chytil with a backhander in front and Gabriel Fontaine on the left-wing. The Wolf Pack were able to gain the lead on the powerplay at 15:33. The Pack got solid puck movement with Jeff LoVerde passing to Chytil, who snapped a quick cross-ice pass to Di Giuseppe, who took the shot in one motion to score his first goal as a Wolf Pack. “The ice was a bit chippy out there, not as crisp as you would like. Fil and I have been working on this after practice, and it's nice to see that work pay off. We found ourselves four or five times (tonight). It was nice to get that (first) one,” remarked Di Giuseppe. The Thunderbirds took their only lead as Jonathan Ang took a quick cross-ice feed from Kevin Roy and put one high glove side high on Shestyorkin at 9:49 on the powerplay. At 18:06, the Wolf Pack tied it late as Nick Jones scored his first pro goal in the slot taking a perfect soft backhand pass from Patrick Newell off the half wall. His quick release put the puck in the back of the net on Thunderbirds goaltender, Philip Desrosiers, who was making his pro debut. “Jones and Newell complement each other well. You can see the skill. The pass from Newell was an elite play and the shot (by Jones) was a quick release.” LINES: Nieves-Beleskey-Kravtsov Fogarty-Lettieri-Fontaine Chytil-O’Regan-Di Giuseppe Gettinger-Newell-Jones LoVerde-Lindgren Goertseen-Keane Day-Raddysh SCRATCHES: Jeff Taylor Nick Ebert Ryan Gropp Ville Meskanen NOTES: Gropp and Taylor have yet to play this season. Knoblauch said there will be lineup changes tomorrow, but they haven’t decided yet what those changes will be. Adam Huska will start in goal. Wolf Pack Fan jerseys of the night: 7 Adam Tambellini now with MODO (Sweden-SHL), 10 J.T. Miller now in Vancouver 14 Jack Combs presently not playing and 36 Craig Weller who is retired. There was also a 55 Dan Girardi London Knights jersey and a beautiful powder blue Maine Blueberries special Maine Mariners jersey. The winners, however, were a beautiful WHA New England Whaler #2 Rick Ley and #9 Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe. They should have kept that logo. Read the full article