CANTLON’S CORNER: WOLF PACK OFF-SEASON WEEK THREE 

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – The time for looking back on the Hartford Wolf Pack season is over. The time for planning the Hartford Wolf Pack future is well at hand. It’s been a busy time for General Manager, Chris Drury and the entire staff in Hartford.

WOLF PACK PLAYER SIGNINGS

The New York Rangers announced the signing of two Europe-based free agent players. The two are both forwards and the announcement came late last week. it is expected that both will be assigned to Hartford. It seems logical to assume that as a result of the signings the Blueshirts have made to this point that several Wolf Pack forwards will not be returning.

Swedish born Michael Lindqvist, 23, who skated in 33 games with Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this past season, registered 20 goals and 14 assists (34 points), along with a plus-three rating and 22 penalty minutes. He established his SHL career-highs in several categories in 2017-18, including goals, assists, points, and plus/minus rating.

In this past season in the SHL, Lindqvist ranked second in power play goals (10), ranked sixth in points per game (1.03), tied for sixth in goals, and tied for 15th in points. Among players who skated in at least 20 games in 2017-18, Lindqvist ranked first in goals per game (0.61). Among players younger than 24, he ranked second in points per game, tied for third in goals, and tied for fourth in points during this past season.

The team also signed 22-year-old, Finnish-born forward, Ville Meskanen. He skated in 48 games with Ilves Tampere in Finish Elite Liiga (League) (FEL) this past season. He posted an impressive 24 goals and 20 assists (44 points) as well as a plus-three rating and only four penalty minutes. He established Liiga career-highs in several categories including games played, goals, assists, points, and plus/minus rating.

Meskanen has good size. He’s 6’1, 190 lbs. and was the only player in Liiga last season to tally at least 40 points and assessed four or fewer penalty minutes. He ranked third in goals, tied for sixth in power play goals (nine), tied for eighth (minimum 20 games played) in points per game average, and was tied for 15th in the league in points.

In addition, Meskanen ranked first among players 22 or younger in both goals and points. He led Ilves Tampere in goals and shots on goal (253), tied for the team lead in power play goals, ranked third on the team in points, and ranked fourth on the team in assists. Meskanen also posted 13 multi-point games in 2017-18.

Meskanen skated in 141 career games in the Finnish league over parts of four seasons (2014-15 – 2017-18) all with Ilves Tampere. He registered 42 goals and 38 assists (80 points), along with 14 penalty minutes. Over the last four years, Meskanen saw increases in his games played, goals, assists, and point totals in each season. He also skated in 10 playoff contests with Ilves Tampere. In 2016-17 he recorded seven points (four goals, three assists), along with a plus-five rating, in the 10 games.

The Rangers European free agent signings have been very mixed over the past five years or so,

Jesper Fast, Pavel Buchnevich and Lias Andersson (a draft pick) have been good. Conversely, Robin Kovacs, Malte Stromwall, Calle Andersson and Andreas Jamtin were busts.

Look how these guys are doing statistically in January to see how these signings are doing.

PLAYERS  AND COACHES MOVEMENT

Former Quinnipiac Bobcat, Travis St. Denis, has signed a new two-year, two-way (NHL-AHL) deal with the New York Islanders.

Three more AHL’ers have signed deals to head to Europe nest season. They are Sena Acolatse, who goes from the Providence Bruins to EHC Straubing (Germany-DEL), Maxime Fortunas who leaves the Thunderbirds in Springfield to go to Fischtown (Germany-DEL) and Ville Pokka leaves Belleville/Rockford to Avangard Omsk (Russia-KHL).

The total now is nine players making the move overseas from the AHL.

Ex-Pack, Nigel Dawes, leaves Barys Astana (Kazakhstan-KHL) to sign with Avtomobilist Yakaterinburg (Russia-KHL)

Justin Danforth, a former Sacred Heart University (AHA) player who was the ECHL Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Cyclones and who played 15 games with the Rochester Americans, has  signed with Lukko Rauma (Finland-FEL).

Another ex-pack, Chris Brown, moves in Germany in the DEL league from Iserlohn to Nuremberg.

Broc Little, the former Yale University Bulldog, goes from HC Davos (Switzerland-LNA) to Linkopings HC (Sweden-SHL).

Two more players leave college after signing NHL deals. Both players are from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and they are defenseman David Pope, who signed with the Detroit Red Wings, and Tyler Vesel, who played 11 games with the Bakersfield Condors who also signed a two-year, two-way deal.

Two more go to Europe in Janik Moser of Ohio State (Big 10) as he returns home to play for Adler Mannheim (Germany-DEL) next year. Also leaving is Elias Ghantous who leaves Robert Morris (AHA) and goes to HC Briancon (France-FREL).

177 Division I players have signed in North America and a total of 181 total have signed professional deals.

Chase Harwell (Southbury/Selects Academy at South Kent Prep) has concluded his four QMJHL junior career when the Victoriaville Tigres were eliminated in semifinals by Blaineville-Boisbrand in six games. Harwell is heading to play Canadian college hockey at Concordia University (OUAA) in Montreal.

Jerry Pollostrone (Salisbury Prep) goes from Vienna (Austria-AEHL) to ESV Villacher (Austria-AEHL).

LIAS ANDERSSON IIHF SUSPENSION

The IIHF suspension of Lias Andersson, while deserved, is an example of how poorly executed things are with large international institutions on the same scale as how bad some our our North American decisions are.

The suspension for his post-game stunt where he tossed his silver medal into the stands in Buffalo in January was announced. It comes just a day before the World Championship tournament was to open in Denmark.

The four games to be served are in next years World Junior tournament.

Only thing is that he just turned 20, so he wouldn’t be eligible to participate.

The suspension announcement comes – almost comically – five months after the incident occurred. It was announced 24 hours later when they realize their goof up. If, as expected, he makes the Rangers and they make the playoffs, or he’s playing in Hartford and either team makes the playoffs, the suspension will never be served.

Why not make the suspension subject to current play so at least the penalty is served, so an example is set that actions like that will not be tolerated without consequence.

MARCHAND ACTIVITY

The Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand is a talented and gifted player, however his action against ex-Pack, and Ranger captain, Ryan Callahan, were juvenile and quite Sean Avery-like. To date there was no suspension handed down by the NHL, which is hardly surprising.

His actions during the playoffs demeans the sport and Callahan saying it is akin to spitting in someone’s face is accurate.

The NHL, and the NHLPA should have issued immediate condemnation and expressed their displeasure with his conduct. 

AHL CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

Just call him, “The Lyon King.”

Former Yale goaltender Alex Lyons stopped 94 shots in the longest game in the AHL’s 82 year playoff history. It took five overtime periods for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers) to knock off the Charlotte Checkers (Charlotte Hurricanes) 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Ex-Pack Alex Kruselnyski scored the game winner at 6:46 to end the marathon contest.

The game surpassed the previous longest game which was, ironically, between Philadelphia Phantoms and Albany Rivers Rats who were the affiliates of the Flyers and Hurricanes.

Longest games, Calder Cup Playoffs (by OT played)
1. May 9, 2018 – Lehigh Valley 2 at Charlotte 1 – 86:48
2. Apr. 24, 2008 – Philadelphia 3 at Albany 2 – 82:58
3. May 30, 2003 – Houston 1 at Hamilton 2 – 74:56
4. Apr. 10, 1982 – Rochester 2 at New Haven 3 – 74:08*
5. Apr. 4, 1938 – Syracuse 3 at Cleveland 2 – 62:42

• The game at the New Haven Coliseum ended just before 2 am and the goal was scored by the Nighthawks Warren Holmes.

AHL DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT

As Cantlon’s Corner reported two months ago, the AHL announced its divisional realignment for next season. The changes do not affect the Wolf Pack or any team in the Atlantic Division.

The North Division will receive the Cleveland Monsters which may turn out to be a new Pack opponent.

Texas and San Antonio migrate back to the Central Division and the brand new 31^st AHL team, the Colorado Eagles, who will be the top affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, will go to the Pacific Division.

There likely won’t be any other league changes until Seattle ifs officially granted their NHL expansion franchise as the NHL’s 32^nd team, which is a mere formality at this point.

Once that happens, which is likely to be announced in Dallas at the NHL Draft, as well as either announcing an initial Hockey Ops staff such as President and or GM, the ball then starts rolling on a 32^nd AHL team. Likely targets for a team in Washington State include Tacoma and Spokane.

Tacoma is getting a $20 million dollar face lift. Spokane is getting a new facility. Spokane is also home to the WHL Spokane Chiefs who have been in the market for years.

Eventually, Vancouver will leave Utica, despite all the good work done there with the Comets. They’re likely to head back to Abbotsford at some point which makes logical sense. A good lease will need to be written for the building for the AHL team after the ill fated deal with Calgary.

ECHL PLAYOFFS

The Florida Everblades eliminated the Orlando Solar Bears in five games.

In the deciding fifth game Orlando pulled former Pack netminder, Mackenzie Skapski, in the first period when the team was down 3-1.

Skapski’s career nosedive is still shocking. His total loss of confidence and puck stopping ability for the redhead is stunning as he’s a shell of his former self.

In an interview during his time in Hartford, one-time Pack star Chris Bourque once compared Skapski to Braden Holtby.

MAJOR JUNIOR PLAYOFFS

In the OHL Robertson Cup finals, the series is tied at one between Sault Ste. Marie and the Hamilton  Bulldogs.

Sault Ste. Marie is coached by ex-Pack, Drew Bannister. One of the assistant coaches is former Ranger, Joe Cirella.

The team features Ranger prospect, Tim Gettinger. It also features Hayden Verbeek, the nephew of former Whaler great and Ranger, Pat Verbeek.

In the QMJHL, the President Cup finals, the series also knotted at one apiece.

The Blaineville-Boisbrand Armada, led by Ex-Pack and Sound Tiger Owner/GM/Head coach, Joel Bouchard, is battling the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, led by their GM, Sylvain Couturier, a former New Haven Nighthawk and whose son, Sean Couturier, plays for the Flyers.

In the WHL championship, the Swift Current Broncos and Everett Silvertips also are all even at one.

MEMORIAL CUP

The championship tourney to decide Canadian major junior hockey supremacy will be in Regina, Saskatchewan this year. The Regina Pats and their head coach, ex-Pack great, John Paddock, is the host team. They were eliminated in the WHL playoffs first round in early April by the Swift Current Broncos.

USHL CLARK CUP FINALS

The top US Junior hockey championship final will feature the Fargo (ND) Force battle the Youngstown (OH) Phantoms starting on Friday. The Phantoms feature in their lineup Eric Esposito (West Haven/Loomis Chaffe-Windsor) on the roster.

USHL DRAFT

Took place earlier this week and here are the results.

Phase 1 took place on Monday.

Ryan Kirwan from Avon Old Farms was taken in the 1^st round, 14^th overall by the Madison Capitols

Nick Desantis, of Selects Academy at South Kent Prep went in the 2^nd round, 29^th overall, to Sioux Falls

Charles DesRoches, a Selects Academy at South Kent Prep player, was selected in the 3^rd round, 37th overall, by Cedar Rapids.

Jack Williams, from Selects Academy at South Kent Prep heard his name called in the 3^rd round, 42^nd overall, by Muskegon.

Matt Samoskewich of Sandy Hook, CT was selected by Chicago from Shattuck’s St. Mary’s (MNPREP) program in the 4^th round, 63^rd overall.

Austin Cook, also of Selects Academy at South Kent Prep, went in the 6^th round, 85th overall by Cedar Rapids.

Jason Marcella, (Greenwich) was selected in the 6^th round, 87^th overall by Chicago.

Ryan McGuire (New Canaan) was chosen in the 8^th round, 115^th overall by Madison.

Victor Czemeckianain of Southington and the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep went 118^th in the 8^th round by Tri-City.

Matt Deboer of Salisbury Prep got called in the 8^TH round, 121^st overall by Green Bay.

Timur Alishlalov, of the CT Jr. Rangers (Stamford) went in the 8^TH round, 124^TH overall by Youngstown.

A name of note is Jackson Niewendyk, who was selected by Central Illinois in the 5^th round, 65^th overall. Jackson is the son of former NHL playing great Joe Niewendyk.

Phase II was done on Tuesday

Kyle Haskins, from Selects Academy at South Kent Prep went in the 1^st round, 16^th overall by Waterloo.

Ryan Sullivan heard his name called out in the 2^nd round, 29^th overall, out of the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep by Sioux Falls.

Matt Barnaby Jr., formerly of Avon Old Farms, the son of former NY Ranger Matthew Barnaby, Sr., went in the 3^rd round 39^th overall from Pembroke (CCHL) by Chicago.

Alex Mella, of Stamford was selected in the 4^th round, 51^st overall by Madison. He currently plays for the Austin (MN) Bruins (NAHL).

Cam Boudreau, a QU commit 2019-20 went in the 4^th round, 55^th overall by Chicago.

Ethan Manderville, was taken in the 5^th round, 72^nd overall from Ottawa (CCHL) by Chicago. He is the son of former Whaler, Kent Manderville.

Ryan Coughlin, another player from Selects Academy at South Kent Prep, went in the 8^th round, 126^th overall by Muskegon.

Ryan Doolin, from Westminster Prep (Simsbury, CT), was picked in the 8^th round, 128^th overall by Youngstown.

Jack Robilotti, another Selects Academy at South Kent Prep, went in the 9th round, 138^th overall by Muskegon.

Cam Cokinos, a Taft Prep (Watertown) player, was chosen in the 10^TH round, 150^TH overall by Des Moines.

Matt Stienburg, was picked in the 10^th round, 152^nd overall by Sioux City. He is from St. Andrews College (CSIAA) and the son of former Nighthawk, Trevor Stienburg. He is a Cornell commit for 2020-21.

Matt Holmes, of Salisbury Prep went in the 11th round, 170^th overall by Tri-City.

WHL DRAFT

Took place last weekend in Red Deere, AB a total of 223 players were taken.

Cole Sillinger, the son of ex-Sound Tiger Mike Sillinger, was taken in the 1^st round, 11^th overall, by Medicine Hat. Gabe Klassen, the younger brother of ex-Pack/CT Whale, Sam Klassen – who recently retired – was taken in the 1^st round, 19th over all by the Portland Winter Hawks.

A few other notable names are Ty Nash, the son of former NHL’er, Tyson Nash ,was selected the Lethbridge Hurricanes 9^th round, 183^rd overall.

The biggest surprise was the selection of Easton Armstrong, the youngest son of former Wolf Pack great, Derek Armstrong. He went in the 10^th round, 214^th overall, by the Regina Pats. The coach and GM is Army’s former Wolf Pack   bench boss, John Paddock.

When reached by text, Armstrong the elder, stated that his young son is considering the junior route, but not closing any doors while looking at all options. Armstrong’s oldest son, Dawson, wants to go the college route. He plays hockey and lacrosse and no decision has been made there either. Both the Armstrong boys play on the Los Angeles Kings U-18 team that plays in the TIEHL.

Derek works for the Kings as the Director of Satellite programming an outreach entity of the Kings getting young people involved in hockey.

IN MEMORIAM

The passing of Bill Torrey is a big one for the hockey world.

Torrey held a sort of “E.F. Hutton” role in hockey. When he spoke everybody listened. He was considered a very bright sports industry legal mind as it evolved from expansion in the late 1960’s and the 1970’s. He helped navigate the NHL through the tough waters of the NHL-WHA war. He also helped end it with the eventual merger and then the advent of cable television in the 1980’s.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers mere existence today is owed to Torrey. He was brought in by AHL CEO/ President, Dave Andrews, to help mediate his one-time partner with the New York Islanders, the late Roy Boe after he stopped paying bills to the Islanders, creditors, vendors and employees.

When he came into the room things got done and the franchise was saved or would have folded three years into its existence.