AND 
RECAP: WOLF PACK 5, ISLANDERS 4 (OT)
By: Alan Fuehring, Bridgeport Islanders
HARTFORD, Conn. (October 19, 2024) – Matt Maggio and Liam Foudy each collected three points, and fellow linemate Fredrik Karlstrom scored two goals, but the Bridgeport Islanders (0-3-1-0), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 5-4 overtime loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack (2-0-0-1) at XL Center on Saturday.
The Islanders battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits in the third period to pocket their first point of the season. Wyatt Newpower and Alex Jefferies (PPG) also scored, while Marcus Hogberg (0-2-1) made a season-high 37 saves in the road opener.
It was a night of quick answers on the scoresheet and a game that was never separated by more than a single goal. Both teams converted once in the first period, 37 seconds apart, including Bo Groulx’s first of two goals that kicked off the scoring. The Wolf Pack forward skated toward the crease and slammed home Alex Belzile’s rebound at the 14:13 mark to make it 1-0.
Less than a minute later, Karlstrom answered with his first goal as an Islander, beating Dylan Garand’s (1-0-0) blocker side on a breakaway. Maggio skated to his blue line and advanced the puck to Foudy through the neutral zone, which allowed Foudy’s one-touch pass to hit Karlstrom in stride.
Newpower gave Bridgeport its only lead with his first goal with the club 11:39 into the second period. Once again, Maggio and Foudy combined to set up Newpower near the right point, and the former UConn defenseman did the rest. Newpower hustled down the wall and abruptly cut toward the crease before forcing a backhand shot under Garand for a 2-1 advantage.
Forty-seven seconds later, Groulx knotted the game at 2-2 with another rebound strike – this time on the power play. Newpower blocked Casey Fitzgerald’s long shot from the point in front, but the second opportunity came to Groulx, who scored from the deep slot at 12:26.
Nearly three minutes passed before Brett Berard steered home a backhanded wraparound attempt and gave Hartford a 3-2 lead with his first of two goals.
The Islanders wouldn’t go down quietly, scoring twice in the third period to force overtime. After Matthew Robertson was called for holding at the 12:32 mark, Jefferies raced into the zone and blew a heavy wrist shot past Garand’s glove for his second power-play goal in as many games. Chris Terry and Grant Hutton earned the helpers, including Terry’s 744th career AHL point, tying him with Fred Thurier for 21st on the all-time list.
Adam Sykora answered precisely one minute later to give Hartford a 4-3 lead, but the Islanders drew equal yet again with less than three minutes left. Karlstrom got lost in the offensive zone, and Maggio placed a terrific cross-ice pass right on the tape for the tying goal at 17:48. Foudy was awarded the secondary assist, tying his career high (three assists) and giving Maggio a new career mark (three assists).
Marc Gatcomb was called for boarding after hitting Anton Blidh as the horn sounded to end regulation. This gave Hartford its seventh power play of the night and began overtime. Berard ended the contest with a wrist shot from the right side. Both teams were busy, as the Islanders went 1-for-3 on the power play and 5-for-7 on the penalty kill.
Next Time Out: The Islanders host the Wolf Pack tomorrow afternoon with a 3 p.m. rematch at Total Mortgage Arena. It’s “Arcade Night,” featuring arcade games such as bubble hockey, Pac-Man, pinball, and laser tag. Arcade Night Promo Packs are on sale now, and they include tickets to the game, concession vouchers, and an exclusive arcade/Fisherman-themed fanny pack! Doors open at 2 p.m.
BRETT BERARD STRIKES TWICE AS THE WOLF PACK BEAT THE ISLANDERS 5-4 IN OVERTIME
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
HARTFORD, CT – Bo Groulx and Brett Berard put on an offensive show Saturday night at the XL Center in Hartford. Groulx collected his first two goals as a member of the Wolf Pack, part of a four-point outburst for the forward. Berard, meanwhile, scored twice as the Wolf Pack knocked off the rival Bridgeport Islanders 5-4 in overtime.
As regulation expired, Marc Gatcomb was assessed a two-minute minor for boarding, setting the Wolf Pack up with their seventh powerplay of the game entering overtime. Ninety-eight seconds into the overtime period, Berard blasted a shot from the right-wing circle by Marcus Hogberg to give the Wolf Pack the dramatic victory.
The goal was Berard’s second of the night and team-leading fourth of the season. It was also his second game-winning goal of the campaign.
Groulx got the scoring started 14:13 into the hockey game, potting his first as a member of the Wolf Pack. Following a turnover, Alex Belzile fired a puck towards the net that clipped the leg of defenseman Marshall Warren. The puck came right to Groulx, who slammed home his first goal in the AHL since April 8, 2023, as a member of the San Diego Gulls.
Just 37 seconds later, however, the Islanders countered. Matthew Maggio found Liam Foudy in the neutral zone, who quickly tapped a pass ahead to Fredrik Karlström. Karlström split the defense, created a breakaway, and beat Dylan Garand by the blocker for his first as an Islander at 14:50.
The Wolf Pack were awarded a late power play, but Hogberg stood tall, keeping it a 1-1 game through 20 minutes.
The Islanders took their first lead of the game 11:39 into the middle frame, as Wyatt Newpower potted his first goal as a member of the Islanders. Newpower cut down the right wing and powered his way to the goal, where he tucked in a backhander.
The lead only lasted 47 seconds, however, as it was the Wolf Pack’s turn for a quick response. On their fifth power play of the night, Casey Fitzgerald fired a puck that hit the leg of Newpower and came right to Groulx. For the second time on the night, Groulx was in the right spot at the right time as he collected the loose puck and beat Hogberg for his second goal of the season at 12:26.
Berard restored the Wolf Pack’s lead at 15:53, scoring for the third consecutive game. After a sustained shift in the offensive zone, Berard wrapped around the puck and banked a backhander off Calle Odelius and Hogberg and into the net.
Alex Jefferies evened the tilt with the Islanders’ second power play goal of the season 12:58 into the third period, firing a shot from the high slot that beat Garand. The goal was the second of the season for Jefferies, with Chris Terry and Grant Hutton picking up the assists.
Adam Sýkora responded precisely a minute later for the Wolf Pack, however, finding his first goal of the season at 13:58. After Hogberg denied Groulx’s shot, Sýkora beat Odelius to a loose puck in the crease and jammed home the club’s third five-on-five goal of the contest.
However, the Islanders would not quit and found another equalizer late in regulation time. Maggio quickly entered the zone on the right wing, eventually driving down the wall. From there, he fired a perfect pass to Karlström, who snuck behind the defense. The veteran forward labeled his second goal of the night by Garand at 17:48 to force overtime and give the club their first point of the season.
In overtime, Berard would play the hero role, propelling the Wolf Pack to their second victory in less than 24 hours.
The Wolf Pack wrap their three-in-three weekend up with the second installment of the ‘Battle of Connecticut’ this season against the Islanders at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow at Total Mortgage Arena.
‘Wolf Pack Pregame’ with Alex Thomas starts at 2:45 p.m. on AHLTV on FloHockey and Mixlr.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single-game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
RECAP: BEARS 3, ISLANDERS 2
By: Alan Fuehring, Bridgeport Islanders
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (October 16, 2024) – Alex Jefferies scored the team’s first power-play goal of the season, and he and Chris Terry both secured a multi-point performance, but the Bridgeport Islanders (0-3-0-0), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 3-2 loss to the Hershey Bears (2-1-0-0) at Total Mortgage Arena on Wednesday.
The Bears scored twice in a span of 1:05 during the third period, including Ivan Miroshnichenko’s game-winning goal. After recording a hat trick against Cleveland on Sunday, it was his fourth goal of the season.
Despite outshooting Hershey 31-25, the Islanders had little answers for goaltender Hunter Shepard, who stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced. Marcus Hogberg (0-2-0) made 22 saves in his second start with Bridgeport.
Following a scoreless first period that saw Bridgeport outshoot Hershey 13-12, the Bears struck first with Bogdan Trineyev’s second goal of the season at 10:22 of the middle frame. The Bears forward fired a wrister from the right circle that got past Hogberg at even strength, giving Hershey a 1-0 lead.
The advantage was short-lived as Mike Vecchione was assessed a tripping penalty less than two minutes later, and Jefferies went to work on the power play. He buried a wrister past Shepard at 12:24 before the Islanders added another goal at 16:39 when Brian Pinho fed Chris Terry near the left circle for his first-season tally. Terry sent the puck past Shepard’s right pad, giving the Islanders a 2-1 advantage.
The defending Calder Cup champs would not be denied and recovered with two goals on just five shots in the third period to steal the win. At the 8:10 mark, Pierre Engvall was called for slashing, and Hershey capitalized on the man advantage as Mike Sgarbossa converted a shot past Hogberg, tying the game at 2-2. Hershey jumped in front moments later when Miroshnichenko scored at even strength, assisted by Trineyev and Vincent Iorio.
The Islanders went 1-for-5 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill to conclude their season-opening, three-game homestand.
HUGO OLLAS REASSIGNED TO WOLF PACK, BLAKE MCLAUGHLIN LOANED TO BLOOMINGTON BISON
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has reassigned goaltender Hugo Ollas to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack from the ECHL’s Bloomington Bison.
Additionally, Rangers Assistant General Manager and Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced that forward Blake McLaughlin was loaned to the Bison by the Wolf Pack.
Ollas, 22, appeared in 21 games with NCAA Merrimack College during the 2023-24 season, posting a 7-12-0 record with a .908 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average. Throughout three seasons with the Warriors, Ollas compiled a record of 27-27-0 with a .914 save percentage, 2.48 goals-against average, and six shutouts over 60 games.
The native of Linköping, SWE, was named to the Hockey East Third All-Star Team following the 2022-23 season, his sophomore year.
After signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers on March 15, 2024, Ollas joined the Wolf Pack on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. He debuted professionally on April 20, 2024, against the Springfield Thunderbirds. He collected his first career victory that night, making 14 saves.
The 6’7”, 251-pound netminder was selected in the seventh round, 197th overall, by the Rangers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
McLaughlin, 24, split the 2023-24 season between the AHL’s San Diego Gulls and the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers. With the Oilers, McLaughlin scored 25 points (11 g, 14 a) in 21 games. Last spring, he added four assists in the club’s four Kelly Cup Playoff games.
The native of Grand Rapids, MN, also recorded two assists in 29 games with the Gulls.
Throughout three pro seasons, McLaughlin has appeared in 60 games with the Gulls at the AHL level and scored three points (1 g, 2 a). He’s also recorded 59 points (25 g, 34 a) in 64 ECHL games during that span, all with the Oilers.
Before turning pro, the 5’11”, 161-pound forward played four seasons of college hockey with the University of Minnesota. As a member of the Golden Gophers, McLaughlin dressed in 142 games and scored 105 points (38 g, 67 a). He helped lead the club to a B1G Championship in 2021 and a B1G Regular Season Championship during the 2021-22 campaign.
McLaughlin was selected in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
Verizon powers Hartford Wolf Pack transactions during the 2024-25 season.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
RECAP: CHECKERS 3, ISLANDERS 0
By: Alan Fuehring, Bridgeport Islanders
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (October 13, 2024) – Jakub Skarek was terrific and stopped 35 of 37 shots on Sunday afternoon, but former teammate Ken Appleby turned aside all 21 he faced as the Bridgeport Islanders (0-2-0-0), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 2-0 loss to the Charlotte Checkers (2-0-0-0) at Total Mortgage Arena.
It was Appleby’s eighth career AHL shutout. Aidan McDonough and Rasmus Asplund (two) had the goals for Charlotte.
Despite both teams receiving a man advantage in the first period, neither capitalized, and the game remained scoreless into the second. Skarek stopped all eleven shots he faced, while Appleby blocked four.
Charlotte broke through early in the second period and never looked back. At the 3:28 mark, McDonough went to the net and sent a rebound home for his fourth goal of the weekend. He recorded a hat trick in his Checkers debut on Saturday at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Asplund added insurance with two goals in the third period to solidify their second win to begin the season. At 17:39, he extended Charlotte’s lead with a five-on-three power-goal goal from Matt Luff and Ryan McAllister. Asplund tacked on an empty-net tally in the final eight seconds.
The Islanders went 6-for-7 on the penalty kill but 0-for-7 on the power play.
FITZGERALD TIES THE GAME LATE, BUT WOLF PACK FALL TO PHANTOMS IN SHOOTOUT THRILLER
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
ALLENTOWN, PA – The Hartford Wolf Pack scored a late six-on-four powerplay goal to earn a point Saturday night in Allentown, PA, against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Despite a strong push, the Pack could not complete the comeback as the Phantoms took a 2-1 shootout decision to win the Opening Night contest 4-3.
Olle Lycksell started on the left-wing side before cutting his way across the net and lifting a backhand shot by Louis Domingue in the top of the third round of the shootout to give the Phantoms a 2-1 lead. Alex Belzile had a chance to keep the Wolf Pack alive in the bottom of the round but was denied by Alexei Kolosov.
Domingue turned in a solid first period, making 11 saves to keep the Phantoms off the board in the opening stanza. His best save of the period came from Rodrigo Abols, who was set up with a dangerous look in the slot late in the period.
Shortly after Domingue’s big save, the Wolf Pack were awarded their second powerplay of the night when Adam Ginning was whistled for holding. Less than a minute into the skater advantage, the Wolf Pack drew first blood.
Brennan Othmann kept a puck in at the right-wing point and swung a cross-ice pass to Brett Berard. Berard worked his way into a dangerous area and snapped a shot by Kolosov at 17:56 for the club’s first goal of the season.
Jacob Gaucher notched the first goal of the Phantoms’ season 5:27 into the middle stanza. With Othmann in the penalty box for hooking, Louie Belpedio fired a shot from the point that Gaucher tipped by Domingue to even the affair 1-1.
Just 63 seconds after the goal by Gaucher, the sides would play four-on-four following a scrum between Adam Erne and Hunter McDonald after the whistle. Immediately following their release from the penalty box, McDonald was sprung in on a breakaway. However, Domingue stoned the rookie defenseman.
A third powerplay for the Phantoms at 11:28 would result in their first lead of the season. A miscommunication led to Samu Tuomaala being left alone in front. The young Finnish forward took a feed from Anthony Richard in between the hash marks and rifled a shot over the blocker of Domingue at 12:06.
The Wolf Pack’s penalty kill gained momentum for the club early in the third period, killing off two powerplay chances for the Phantoms. That momentum led to the lone five-on-five goal of the night, as Anton Blidh polished off a pretty passing play with Adam Sýkora 5:05 into the final stanza.
Penalties would become a significant story in the ensuing moments, as both teams started a parade to the penalty box. With the Phantoms on a five-on-three advantage, Richard located a loose puck at the side of the net and buried his first as a Phantom at 7:20.
The lead was held until late in the game when Rhett Gardner took a double-minor for high-sticking. With Domingue out for the extra attacker, the Wolf Pack were able to even the game with the six-on-four advantage.
Belzile fed Casey Fitzgerald at the point, who blasted a shot through traffic at 18:55 that Kolosov never saw. Bo Groulx, making his Wolf Pack debut, provided the screen.
However, the Wolf Pack could not convert on their 55 seconds of powerplay time in overtime, keeping the game in doubt. Each side recorded three shots in overtime and registered multiple high-danger opportunities.
After overtime solved nothing, JR Avon and Berard traded goals in the opening round of the shootout before Richard and Othmann were denied in the second round. Lycksell’s third-round goal would be the difference, propelling the Phantoms to their third straight win on home ice against the Wolf Pack.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
RECAP: BRUINS 3, ISLANDERS 2
By: Alan Fehring, Bridgeport Islanders
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (October 12, 2024) – Pierre Engvall scored the first goal of a new season, and Brian Pinho converted on a shorthanded rush Saturday night, but the Bridgeport Islanders (0-1-0-0), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, fell to the Providence Bruins (1-1-0-0) in a 3-2 final on Opening Night at Total Mortgage Arena.
Despite outshooting the Bruins 30-20, the Islanders faced the hot hand of goaltender Michael DiPietro, who was perfect in the first and third periods. DiPietro stopped 28 shots overall in his season debut.
Marcus Hogberg turned back 17 shots in his Bridgeport debut.
The Bruins opened the scoring just 4:22 into the contest when Vinni Lettieri capitalized on a shot from the right hash marks. It was Letteri’s second goal in as many games to begin the season. Providence carried its lead into the early stages of the second period.
In the second period, a packed house of 4,772 fans was treated to an offensive explosion, as both teams combined for three goals. It started just 1:45 into the frame when Alex Jefferies sent the puck to the front of the net, where Engvall was waiting. Engvall tapped a shot under DiPietro’s left pad to make it 1-1. It was his first goal in the AHL since Nov. 17, 2019, with Toronto. Hudson Fasching was also credited with an assist.
Jeffery Viel answered at the 9:07 mark with a wrister past Hogberg, putting Providence back on top 2-1. However, it took the Islanders less than three minutes to respond, which they did so shorthanded after Fredrik Karlstrom was assessed a double minor for high-sticking. Pinho raced ahead, joining Liam Foudy on a two-on-one rush, and redirected a cross-ice pass to make it 2-2.
Jordan Oesterle’s goal at 3:56 of the third put Providence ahead 3-2 and stood as the game-winner.
The Islanders finished the night 0-for-3 on the power play but an impressive 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Cam Thiesing and Isaiah George made their professional debuts on Saturday, and Calle Odelius played his first AHL game.
HARTFORD WOLF PACK ANNOUNCE 2024-25 OPENING NIGHT ROSTER
Club Loans Two to ECHL Bloomington
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack has officially submitted its season-opening roster for the 2024-25 American Hockey League season.
The Wolf Pack’s opening roster consists of 24 players: 15 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders.
Forwards (15): Alex Belzile, Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, Jaroslav Chmelař, Adam Erne, Bo Groulx, Ryder Korczak, Jake Leschyshyn, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Blake McLaughlin, Brennan Othmann, Dylan Roobroeck, Nate Sucese, and Adam Sýkora
Defensemen (7): Casey Fitzgerald, Ben Harpur, Blake Hillman, Connor Mackey, Matthew Robertson, Brandon Scanlin, and Ryan Siedem
Goaltenders (2): Louis Domingue and Dylan Garand
New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin also announced that the club has loaned defensemen Carter Berger and Case McCarthy to the ECHL’s Bloomington Bison.
Verizon powers Hartford Wolf Pack transactions during the 2024-25 season.
The Wolf Pack kick off the 2024-25 regular season when they visit the Lehigh Valley Phantoms tomorrow night. The puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m., and full coverage will be available on AHLTV on FloHockey and Mixlr starting at 6:50 p.m.
All 72 Wolf Pack games, home and away, will be available on AHLTV on FloHockey and Mixlr during the 2024-25 season. Play-by-Play voice Alex Thomas returns for his fourth season with the club and will begin coverage 15 minutes before the puck drop each night.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS ANNOUNCE OPENING NIGHT ROSTER
By: Alan Fuehring, Bridgeport Islanders
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (October 11, 2024) – The Bridgeport Islanders, an American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, have announced the team’s opening night roster for its 24th AHL season. The 2024-25 roster comprises 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders.
Bridgeport begins the regular season at home for the first time in eight years, facing the Providence Bruins tomorrow night (Saturday, Oct. 12th). The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Total Mortgage Arena.
Of the 25 players on the initial roster, 16 have previously worn Bridgeport’s jersey in at least one regular-season game. The roster includes 21 players on an NHL contract with the New York Islanders, five veterans, and six rookies.
Bridgeport’s season-opening roster is listed below, numerically by position.
Forwards (14)
8 Liam Foudy
12 Pierre Engvall
14 Brian Pinho
15 Cam Thiesing*
16 Alex Jefferies*
17 Marc Gatcomb
18 Matthew Maggio
20 Hudson Fasching
21 Cole Bardreau
24 Fredrik Karlstrom
25 Chris Terry
26 Eetu Liukas
28 William Dufour
29 Tyce Thompson
Defensemen (8)
2 Calle Odelius*
3 Samuel Bolduc
4 Isaiah George*
6 Marshall Warren*
7 Grant Hutton
10 Travis Mitchell
27 Aidan Fulp
38 Wyatt Newpower
Goaltenders (3)
1 Jakub Skarek
35 Marcus Hogberg
50 Henrik Tikkanen*
* Denotes AHL rookie
Opening Night: The quest for the Calder Cup begins tomorrow night with a 7 p.m. puck drop against the Providence Bruins. In the team’s annual tradition, fans will be treated to a pre-game block party on the Total Mortgage Arena Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring live music, food, and drink. Islanders’ fans will also have the opportunity to get their hands on new ‘Fisherman’ merchandise for the very first time. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Fisherman bucket hat and an LED bracelet when doors open at 6 p.m.
RANGERS ASSIGN CONNOR MACKEY TO WOLF PACK
Reassign Talyn Boyko to ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers, Wolf Pack Loan Maxim Barbashev to ECHL Bloomington
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has assigned defenseman Connor Mackey to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
Additionally, the Rangers have reassigned goaltender Talyn Boyko from the Wolf Pack to the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers.
Also today, Rangers Assistant General Manager and Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced that the club has loaned forward Maxim Barbashev to the ECHL’s Bloomington Bison.
Mackey, 28, recorded 11 points (2 g, 9 a) in 44 games as a member of the Wolf Pack during the 2023-24 campaign. Mackey’s +12 +/- rating led the Wolf Pack a season ago in that category.
The native of Tower Lakes, IL, also dressed in one game with the Rangers during his first season with the organization. He made his Rangers debut on Jan. 27 against the Ottawa Senators.
Throughout four seasons, Mackey has appeared in 124 AHL games, scoring 63 points (10 g, 53 a) and recording a +24 +/- rating with the Wolf Pack and Stockton Heat.
Boyko, 21, appeared in 26 games as a rookie with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones in 2023-24. He posted a record of 13-9-1 with a .888 save percentage and 3.42 goals against average. The native of Drumheller, AB, made his AHL debut in Game 1 of the 2024 Atlantic Division Finals for the Wolf Pack, playing 8:59 in relief against the Hershey Bears.
Before turning pro, Boyko appeared in 142 WHL games, posting a 56-67-9 record with a .899 save percentage, 3.55 goals against average, and six shutouts with the Kelowna Rockets and Tri-City Americans.
Boyko was selected in the fourth round, 112th overall, by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Barbashev, 20, split the 2023-24 season between the Shawinigan Cataractes and Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL. Barbashev recorded nine points (2 g, 7 a) in 15 games with the Cataractes. Following his trade on Nov. 21, 2023, Barbashev appeared in 44 games with the Océanic and scored 26 points (12 g, 14 a).
The native of Moscow, RUS, also recorded two assists in five QMJHL playoff games with the Océanic.
Following his QMJHL season, Barbashev joined the Wolf Pack on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) on April 9, 2024. He made his AHL debut on April 20, 2024, in the Wolf Pack’s 6-4 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Barbashev appeared in three preseason games with the Wolf Pack this fall, recording four points (2 g, 2 a).
Verizon powers Hartford Wolf Pack transactions during the 2024-25 season.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
FIVE DIFFERENT SCORERS PROPEL THE WOLF PACK BY THE ISLANDERS IN THE PRESEASON FINALE
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
BRIDGEPORT, CT – On Saturday afternoon, the Hartford Wolf Pack wrapped up their 2024 exhibition slate with a convincing 5-1 victory over the rival Bridgeport Islanders at Total Mortgage Arena. The win gives Hartford a final record of 2-0-0-1 in the preseason.
Maxim Barbashev potted his second goal of the exhibition season to make it a 2-0 spread at 13:56 of the opening stanza. Bryce McConnell-Barker entered the zone on the right-wing side, driving deep before sending a cross-ice pass to Barbashev in front. The rookie forward polished off the play, giving Hartford all of the offense it would need on the afternoon.
Alex Belzile opened the scoring with his second goal of the preseason 11:36 into the contest. The veteran forward found the puck in front of the Islanders’ net, collected it, and went forehand to backhand before beating Henrik Tikkanen.
2:20 later, Barbashev potted the eventual game-winning goal in the Pack’s second straight victory. The point was the first of two (1 g, 1 a) on the afternoon for Barbashev.
Jake Leschyshyn extended the lead to 3-0 at 15:27, converting a give-and-go with Adam Erne. Anton Blidh picked up the secondary assist, capping off a stretch of three goals in 3:51.
Dylan Garand got the start in goal for the Wolf Pack, making his preseason debut with the club. He made six saves in a perfect first period, including one off a point-blank chance from Alex Jefferies with just under five minutes remaining in the period.
Justin Gill got the Islanders on the scoreboard 5:02 into the second period on the club’s first powerplay of the afternoon. With Casey Fitzgerald in the penalty box for tripping, Gill split the defense and snapped home his first preseason goal to make it a 3-1 affair.
However, just over two minutes later, the Wolf Pack restored their three-goal advantage. Barbashev entered the offensive zone on the left-wing side before sliding a quick pass to McConnell-Barker. Sprung in on a partial breakaway, McConnell-Barker beat Tikkanen by the blocker at 7:33 for his first goal of the preseason.
The rookie forward ended the afternoon with two points (1 g, 1 a).
In his Wolf Pack preseason debut, Bo Groulx tacked on a five-on-three powerplay goal 12:52 into the final period to put the result out of doubt. Groulx blasted a one-timer from the right-wing circle with Tyce Thompson (slashing) and Cole Bardreau (tripping) in the penalty box. Belzile opened the scoring earlier in the contest and set Groulx up with a cross-ice pass from the left-wing side.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com or call 860-722-9425 for more details!
RECAP: WOLF PACK 5, ISLANDERS 1 (PRESEASON)
By: Alan Fuehring, Bridgeport Islanders
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (October 5, 2024) – The Bridgeport Islanders, an American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, finished their two-game preseason slate with a 5-1 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack at Total Mortgage Arena on Saturday.
The Islanders had little answers for goaltender Dylan Garand, who stopped 23 of 24 shots in 60 minutes. Rookie forward Justin Gill scored Bridgeport’s lone goal early in the second period on the power play.
Hartford raced out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. Alex Belzile, Maxim Barbashev, and Jake Leschyshyn all converted within close range on goaltender Henrik Tikkanen – all at even strength.
The Islanders were given a chance to respond early in the second period when Casey Fitzgerald committed a tripping penalty, and Bridgeport went to work on the power play. At 5:02, Gill darted over the Hartford blue line, dragged, and fired a wrist shot past Garand’s glove for his first preseason goal. Alex Jefferies and Isaiah George earned the assists.
Hartford tacked on two more goals, including one in the second and one in the third. Bryce McConnell-Barker got the puck over Tikkanen’s right pad at 7:33 of the second before Bo Groulx capitalized on the power play at 12:52 of the third.
Despite multiple power-play opportunities late, the Islanders could not capitalize again, as Garand stopped all eight shots sent his way in the third.
Bridgeport finished the afternoon 1-for-5 on the power play and 6-for-7 on the penalty kill. Tikkanen went the distance for the second straight preseason game and made 28 saves in net.
Opening Night: The quest for the Calder Cup begins next Saturday, Oct. 12th, with a 7 p.m. puck drop against the Providence Bruins. In the team’s annual tradition, fans will be treated to a pre-game block party on the Total Mortgage Arena Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring live music, food, and drink. Islanders’ fans will also have the opportunity to get their hands on new ‘Fisherman’ merchandise for the very first time. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Fisherman bucket hat and an LED bracelet when doors open at 6 p.m.
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RANGERS ASSIGN BRENNAN OTHMANN AND RYDER KORCZAK TO WOLF PACK
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack
HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has assigned forwards Brennan Othmann and Ryder Korczak to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
Othmann, 21, appeared in 67 games as a member of the Wolf Pack during his rookie North American professional season. He scored 49 points (21 g, 28 a), good for second on the club in that category.
The native of Pickering, ON, finished second on the Wolf Pack in goals and tied for ninth league-wide among rookies in that category.
Additionally, Othmann appeared in three games with the Rangers and made his NHL debut on Jan. 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
During the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, Othmann scored five points (1 g, 4 a) in 10 games. He was also named to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic in San Jose.
The Rangers selected Othmann in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Korczak, 22, appeared in 67 games as a rookie with the Wolf Pack in 2023-24. He recorded 20 points (9 g, 11 a) in the regular season and two points (1 g, 1 a) in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games.
The native of Yorkton, SK, scored a career-high four points (2 g, 2 a) on Dec. 1, 2023, against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Korczak was selected in the third round, 75th overall, by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Verizon powers Hartford Wolf Pack transactions during the 2024-25 season.
The Wolf Pack will open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Friday, Oct. 18, at the XL Center against the Springfield Thunderbirds! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, flex plans, and single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now! Visit www.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.
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