BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings
HARTFORD, CT – The AHL has set a return to on-ice action of Friday, February 5, 2021.
The schedule and the number of games, conference setup, numbers of teams that will play, with all 31 expected to participate, the playoff system, and whether fan participation will be allowed or to what level they will be, was not released.
One thing that not stated, but expected, is it will be a shortened season likely in the range of 48-56 games to ensure that the 2021-22 season calendar remains on track.
The players will receive a pro-rated amount of their respective salaries. If the season started next Friday, as was originally proposed, less than ten teams would have been able to participate.
Read the full AHL statement made on Wednesday HERE.
The status of the Hartford Wolf Pack’s home rink, The XL Center, remains in limbo.
“We have a new date now, but we don’t know how this impacts the XL at this point with no formal full schedule,” remarked CRDA Executive Director Michael W. Freimuth in a text exchange.
When asked about the possibility of a formal announcement being forthcoming from Governor Ned Lamont concerning the reopening of the building and what capacity would be permitted, Freimuth replied, “With the current spike in cases, not likely. There is always a chance, but nothing yet on that.”
The new chiller system is almost completed and the testing of the system will get underway in mid-to-late November.
The respondents for the Construction Manager RFP for the next phase of renovation work at the XL Center are in. The review of the applicants is underway. The selection of the winning bid is likely to be done post-Thanksgiving
There is, however, still some “hockey” being played at the XL Center.
The MLS’ Toronto FC soccer team, exiled in Hartford, will complete this portion of their journey with a Sunday game at Rentschler Field. The team managed to play some ball hockey on the floor of the XL Center. Watch a video about it HERE
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Four Sound Tigers were signed on Tuesday.
Josh Ho-Sang, who requested a trade last year, has surprisingly resigned. He was reassigned to the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) at the trade deadline but inked a one-year, two-way deal at $700K-NHL/$225K-AHL contract.
Defenseman Mitch Vande Sompel signed a two-year, two-way deal paying him $700K for play in the NHL in both years with his AHL play compensating him with $75K this season and $125K next season.
Parker Wotherspoon put his name on a contract that is a one-year, two-way deal paying $750K-NHL/$125K-AHL.
A.J. Greer, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche this summer, gets a one-year, two-way deal at $700K-NHL/$100K-AHL.
Erik Brown signed an AHL deal. He missed all of last season due to a knee injury suffered in a pre-season game at Trinity College against Hartford after being blasted by one of the many thunderous hits that came from Wolf Pack defenseman, Mason Geersten, last season
On Thursday, the Sound Tigers filled one of their AHL veteran slots with defenseman Seth Helgeson who has 430 games of AHL experience, while winger Jeff Kubiak signs an AHL one year deal.
Seventh-round draft pick, Nick Pastujov, signs a standard ELC deal out of the University of Michigan (Big 10). He has two current college playing hockey brothers Mike, who’s entering his senior year at Michigan, and his youngest sibling, Sasha, a freshman at Notre Dame (Big 10).
Ex-Sound Tiger and Quinnipiac University Bobcat (ECACHL), Devon Toews, scored a monster contract signing a four-year deal worth $16.4 million.
Last year’s Sound Tiger captain, defenseman Kyle Burroughs, gets a one-year, two-way deal from Colorado paying him $700K (NHL) and $150K (AHL).
The twin sons of former Hartford Whaler Nelson Emerson are heading off to college hockey. Quinn Emerson has followed his brother Blake by committing to the Bowling Green Falcons (WCHA). The school will play next season in the brand-new revived CCHA conference. Both currently skate for the Wenatchee (WA) Wild (BCHL) and are in training camp in Cour d’Alene, Idaho. Their father, Nelson, is the LA Kings Director of Player Development. Both played their developmental junior hockey in the LA Kings program on the U-18 team for two seasons under the watchful coaching eye of former Wolf Pack great, Derek Armstrong
Cole Cassels, the son of former Whaler, Andrew Cassels, signs with the Belleville Senators and leaves the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on an AHL deal. Andrew is still the head coach for the Ohio Blue Jackets U-14 team (T1EHL). His cousin, Travis Barron, is signed with the Colorado Eagles for this season.
Ex-Pack Hubert Labrie signs an AHL deal in Belleville, and Ottawa re-signed forward, Michael Peca (Quinnipiac University), who they acquired last March from Montreal. He is signed to a one-year, two-way deal at $700K (NHL) and $300K (AHL).
Jansen Harkins, the son of former Whaler, Todd Harkins, signs a new two-year, one-way deal at $725K. He split last season with Manitoba and Winnipeg.
Goalie Zane McIntyre, who split his AHL year starting in Utica with the Comets and ending in Binghamton with the Devils, and got some NHL time in New Jersey, was loaned by the Devils to Dynamo Riga (Latvia-KHL). The team presently cannot play due to COVID-19 positives among the team, especially it’s goaltending. The team is expected to be cleared to play in a week.
Cam Crotty formerly of Boston University after leaving a year early and signing with the Arizona Coyotes, would have started the year with the Tucson Roadrunners, has been loaned to Sparta Sporsborg (Norway-NEL).
Martin Kaut, who played last year with the Colorado Eagles and Colorado Avalanche, has been loaned to MODO (Sweden-SHL) after having some early talks with HC Dynamo Pardubice his native Czech Republic.
Fabian Zetterlund’s second loan to AIK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) was announced by New Jersey. He had been in talks with HC Vita Hasten of the Allsvenskan League.
San Jose loaned Joachim Blichfield to the Frederikshavn White Hawks (Denmark-DHL) rather than SC Langnau (Switzerland-LNA). Teammate Alexander True is loaned to Rungstad IK (Denmark-DHL).
Filip Chlapik was signed by the Ottawa Senators to a one-year, two-way deal paying $750K (NHL) and $70K (AHL). He is currently on loan to HC Sparta Prague (Czech Republic-CEL).
Calvin Thurkauf’s deal with Columbus is a one-year, two-way deal paying $700K (NHL) and $75K (AHL). He is on loan playing for EV Zug (Switzerland-LNA).
Mac Hollowell, who was with the Toronto Marlies and Newfoundland (St. John’s) (ECHL) is loaned to TUTO (Finland Division-1).
Jen Jeniks ticketed for Tucson has been rerouted on loan to Kettera (Finland Division-1).
Jacob Christiansen, after completing a junior career with the Everett Silvertips (WHL) instead of starting his pro career in Cleveland, heads to Slovakia on loan to play for the Bratislava Capitals (IceHL).
Glen Gawdin goes from Stockton to EHC Visp (Switzerland-LNB) and Skyler McKenzie goes from Manitoba to EHC Freiburg (Germany DEL-2).
Goalie Jonas Johanssen leaves the Rochester Americans to go to Krefeld (Germany-DEL) on loan.
After ten games, Joona Koppannen, who was loaned by the Providence Bruins to Koovee (Finland Division-1) is getting a loan upgrade to Ilves Tampere (Finland -FEL
Goalie Landon Bow of the Texas Stars gets a one-year, two-way deal from the Dallas Stars at $700K (NHL) and $90K (AHL).
Bow’s signing makes 171 AHL’ers who have either been loaned or signed in Europe and three players each have been assigned to teams in Norway and Denmark.
Ex-Pack, Ryan Glenn, leaves EHC Lustenau (Austria-AlpsHL) and continues his career at Oswiecim (Poland-PZIHL).
Ex-Sound Tiger, Colin Markison, and Cavan Fitzgerald followed the Hurricanes to the Chicago Wolves and signed one-year AHL deals mid-week.
Austin McIlmurray (Selects Academy at South Kent Prep) graduates from the Sacred Heart University Pioneers (AHA) and signs with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL).
Alex Gilmour of St. Lawrence (ECACHL) signs with Orlando (ECHL).
Jason Tackett of Ferris State (WCHA) signs with Cincinnati (ECHL).
Noah Delmas of Niagara University (AHA) heads to Kansas City (ECHL) making 184 players Division-I players who have signed North American pro deals and 318 players total Division-I and Division-III players to have signed pro deals in North America and Europe.
The conference breakdown is; Hockey East 35, NCHC 33, Big 10, ECACHL, and the WCHA all have 30, AHA has 24, and Division I independent Arizona State has four.
Sean Winikates of Division III SUNY-Potsdam (SUNYAC) signs with Fagerstra AIK (Sweden Division-2) becoming the 81st college player to sign in Europe.
Zach Dubinsky, from the RPI Engineers (ECACHL), becomes the ninth player to head to Canadian Junior A or US Junior A hockey to play for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL).
Matt Fusco, the son of former Whaler, Mark Fusco, makes his commitment to Harvard University (ECACHL) for 2021-22. He is entering his senior season at Dexter-Southfield School (MAPREP) and becomes the sixth member of his family to go to that school. His mother and father, his Uncle Scott, a former New Jersey Devil draft pick, his Cousin Bradlee, who played on the varsity women’s team, and his brother, John, who’s in his freshmen year.
Former UCONN Husky Spencer Naas was released from his contract by the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL).
Canada invites 46 players to its WJC Evaluation camp including three New York Rangers draft picks and two sons of former Whalers.
Ranger draftees include a returnee, in defenseman Matthew Robinson, of Regina (WHL), who is expected to play in Hartford, and recent draftees earlier this month in defenseman Braden Schneider (Brandon-WHL), and goalie, Dylan Garand (Kamloops-WHL).
Whalers sons are Ridly Greig Brandon (WHL), his son Mark, and Samuel Poulin of Sherbrooke (QMJHL), the son of Patrick Poulin.
The Rangers have talked to their former head coach, and currently, the head of Hockey Canada, Tom Renney, about the possibility of having Alexis Lafreniere, the Rangers #1 overall pick in the October draft, play for them.
Lafreniere is still WJC eligible, but a set-in-stone date is pending the NHL finalizing is 2020-21 return to play date, schedule, and requirements.
The WJC tournament will be played in Edmonton in a “bubble city” format a la the Stanley Cup playoffs starting Christmas Day.
At last month’s NHL Draft incoming Quinnipiac forward, Jay Smilanic, from the USNDTP program was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round (74th overall).
The NHL expansion team the Seattle Kraken could be Brass Bonanza West.
The team’s GM is Ron Francis, the former Whaler great, filled in his hockey operations staff with 12 scouts being named. To no surprise, there were several ex-Whalers and CT connections among them. The biggest name was Robert Kron, who was not only a former Whalers teammate, but he worked with Francis with the Carolina Hurricanes. Francis was unceremoniously dropped from GM to Director of Scouting before they released him three years ago.
Kron played 771 NHL games was named the team European Director of scouting and the team named four scouts to cover Europe. In October’s NHL draft, a little over 40% of the draftees were from Europe. The team’s four European scouts included former Flyers player, Pelle Eklund.
Francis also picked off the Hurricanes’ former North American Scouting Director, Mike Dawson, who hails from Francis’ home town of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He brought him on as Seattle’s Director of North American scouting.
The Kraken signed a long-time scout, Tony MacDonald, who was with Peter Karmanos from his junior days with the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors (OHL). He started his first two years as an NHL scouting career with Los Angeles. He spent the last three years in Hartford and went to North Carolina with the Hurricanes for a total of 24 years as a scout. For the last 11 years, he was the Director of Amateur Scouting. MacDonald’s contract was not renewed two years ago as part of the first purge by the new Carolina owner, Tom Dundon.
One of his Nighthawk teammates of Seattle’s Director of Pro Scouting, Dave Baseggio (Yale University) was added to the scouting team. The team’s new QMJHL scout is former New Haven Nighthawk, Trevor Stienburg.
Steiney as he has been known, resigned from the head coaching spot at St. Mary’s University (AUAA) (Halifax, NS) on June 1st, after 23 years with 369 wins, three conference titles (2002, 2009 and 2010) captured a national CIAU title in 2010 and was the national Coach-Of-The-Year on three occasions.
Stienburg was a first-round draft pick (15th overall) of the Quebec Nordiques in 1984. He played just 71 games over four seasons. Because of various injuries, he had eight goals and 12 points. In his AHL career, he played 333 games with Fredericton, Halifax, New Haven, and Springfield with 80 goals, 178 points, and 1,207 PM.
Jeff Crisp, son of former NHL’er player and coach Terry Crisp with the Buffalo Sabres, was hired and worked in Anaheim with Baseggio as well.
Stienburg was right at work already as the QMJHL Maritime Division is the only major junior hockey being playing in all of Canada right now.
The other CT connections on the Seattle scouting staff include Lorne Henning, from the first Nighthawks team as a scout, William White, the son of former New Haven Senator, Scott White, and his former Whaler teammate and friend, Ulf Samuelsson, currently a scout with the team.
Before he took the coaching job in Edmonton, former Whaler, Dave Tippett, was the Chief Hockey Advisor originally for Seattle.
Prediction when the AHL arena in Palm Springs is ready the coaching staff will have some CT flavor to it.
The team’s first head equipment manager is a one-time Sound Tiger equipment man, Jeff Camelio. He was in Bridgeport when Baseggio was head coach. Camelio had been in Nashville for 15 years.
The Springfield Thunderbirds announce they will have a throwback game complete with jerseys and logo to honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Springfield Kings Calder Cup championship team. The team featured two players who would go on to play a gigantic role in saving Springfield minor pro hockey in 1994, in Bruce Landon and Wayne LaChance. The team had a future four-time Stanley Cup winner and Hockey Hall of Fame goalie, Billy Smith, and his future New York Islanders teammates of 10 years, Butch Goring, and Jean Potvin.
The Kings team also had a local hockey pioneer for junior hockey in New England, starting the successful Springfield Pics program, in the late Gary Dineen.
The AHL was an eight-team league just over a year before the birth of the 14-team WHA, and a year after the second NHL expansion to 14 teams had been completed in Vancouver and Pittsburgh.
New Canaan’s Pierre McGuire made a curious statement about the Carolina Hurricanes on TSN 1200 Ottawa on Friday. “Something has to kick in,” for Tom Dundon next month, or ownership of the team reverts back to (Peter) Karmanos.”
The ECHL has lost its second franchise casualty that’s related to COVID-19.
The ECHL’s Norfolk (VA) Admirals announced they are sitting out the 2021-22 season under the league’s COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy.
The Atlanta (GA) Gladiators took that route two weeks ago when the league announced it’s opening dates and return to play scheduling format.
The state of Virginia has placed an attendance restriction of no more than 1,000 fans per game. The team plans to return for the 2021-22 season.
The SPHL Roanoke Valley Yard Dogs have already suspended operations for a year because of the state capacity restrictions.
The Federal Prospects Hockey League announced it will start the 2020-21 season on December 18, 2020, with only eight of the league’s 10 teams participating. The Delaware Thunder (Harrington, DE) and the expansion Motor City Rockers (Fraser, MI) will sit out the season due to the effects of the COVID-19. Both teams will return for the 2021-22 season, along with the previously announced expansion team in Bloomington (IL).
The OHL and WHL are wrestling with what to do with their U.S. franchises as they begin to prepare to open their season both on December 4th. The OHL announced it’s shifting its date to February 4th like the AHL.
By mutual consent, the US and Canada border remains closed and is likely to remain closed till the middle of 2021.
The OHL has three US teams, one in Erie, PA, Flint, MI, and one in Saginaw, MI. The WHL has five. They are in Everett, Seattle, Spokane, and Tri-City, with all four being in Washington State and Portland (OR) Winter Hawks.
There appear to be three options.
The first is to relocate the teams in the OHL to three markets in Ontario and for the WHL to five regional buildings in Alberta and BC.
The second option would be to make an agreement with the USHL and have the teams form their own division along with the US National Development U-18 team. Play a 68 or 70 game schedule, now more like 48 to 58 games, each team four times at home and four away.
The final option would be to allow the teams to formally suspend operations like their pro hockey brethren have done. Bowing down to the high hurdle that the closed border has presented and play in 2021-22.
Hockey East is moving closer to announcing a starting date. It looks like late November or early December with a 20-25 game slate.
Conference playoffs will occur with all Hockey East members likely to participate, but NCAA Regionals and the Frozen Four in Pittsburgh, still remain up in the air.
The Founders League, which features eight Connecticut prep schools (two that don’t have hockey programs), announces they are canceling the winter sports schedule for all sports.
For ice hockey, Avon Old Farms (Avon), Choate-Rosemary (Wallingford), Hotchkiss (Lakeville), Loomis Chaffe (Windsor), Kent School (Kent), Kingswood-Oxford (West Hartford), Taft Prep (Watertown), and the Westminster (Simsbury) hockey teams will be off the ice and it will affect players college commit process and enrollment.
The ice at Avon Old Farms and Loomis Chaffee was put down in anticipation of a season.
Oher prep schools in the state, Canterbury (New Milford), The Gunn School, formerly the Gunnery School (Washington), Pomfret Prep (Pomfret), and Salisbury Prep (Salisbury) have also canceled their seasons.
Two prep schools just over the CT border in Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, MA) and Trinity-Pawling (Brewster, NY) a member of the Founders League, have also announced no hockey this winter.
IN MEMORIAM
The hockey world lost one of its brightest and most inspirational lights.
Travis Roy, 45, passed away at the Vermont Medical Center Thursday from complications related to his medical condition.
Roy, whose hockey career was defined by just 11 seconds, his first and only collegiate shift. He missed his check, went into the boards awkwardly, and was paralyzed for the rest of his life.
Roy became a tremendous ambassador for the game in helping others with debilitating spinal cord injuries, whether athletes, soldiers returning from Afghanistan, or Iraq and just ordinary folks who had suffered the same misfortune.
Roy’s number 24, which was retired, several minutes after the new national championship banner was raised in their home opener, was skating in the offensive zone, on the right-wing at the Boston University Terriers old rink, the Walter Brown Arena.
Roy went in on the forecheck and missed the hit on North Dakota defenseman, Mitch Vig, who slid to his right. Roy lost his balance and fell forward into the dasher boards severing his fifth and sixth vertebrae and was paralyzed from the neck down.
Roy would give roughly 40 speeches a year and started a foundation to raise funds and awareness on spinal cord injury.
Despite his very optimistic views of life, as all humans do, he dealt with bouts of “what if” about the situation that had befallen him.
The Augusta, Maine native made the best of a very difficult situation. May he rest in peace as he is finally free from his painful mortal coil.
