By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

PROVIDENCE, RI – Tyler Pitlick picked up three points on Wednesday night as the Hartford Wolf Pack marched into the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence and took Game 1 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The Wolf Pack struck four times at five-on-five to take the game 4-3.

Anton Blidh gave the Wolf Pack a 4-2 lead 88 seconds into the third period. Jake Leshyshyn fed a pass down low to Blidh, who waited out Brandon Bussi before tucking in a backhander for his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Blidh’s tally would stand as the eventual game-winning goal.

Leschyshyn opened the scoring 1:07 into the hockey game, burying his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Leschyshyn entered the zone on the right-wing side, rushed into the right-wing circle, and then cut into the slot before ripping home the icebreaker on Hartford’s first shot of the game.

Matthew Robertson was credited with the secondary assist on the goal, the first point of his Calder Cup Playoff career.

4:20 later, the Wolf Pack extended the lead thanks to Blake Hillman’s first postseason goal. Brett Berard entered the zone on the left-wing side, setting up along the wall before finding Hillman in the slot. The former Bruin let a quick shot go that beat Bussi for his third career Calder Cup Playoff tally at 5:27.

Both Berard and Brennan Othmann picked up their third assists of the playoffs on the marker.

The Bruins battled back to even the game 2-2 in the second period, striking twice in a span of 7:22. Jimmy Lambert got the Bruins on the board at 6:19, firing his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal by Dylan Garand from the right-wing side.

Lambert then scored his second career playoff goal to tie the game at 13:41. An attempted zone exit was turned over to Oskar Steen, who fed Lambert in the slot. Lambert snapped a quick shot from a high-danger area by Garand to even the game, putting the Wolf Pack on their heels.

Pitlick ripped the lead back for the Wolf Pack with 33.5 seconds remaining in the period, tipping home his first goal of the playoffs. Victor Mancini fired a shot towards the net that Pitlick got a piece of, beating Bussi to make it 3-2 in the final minute of the period.

Blidh’s goal 88 seconds into the third period made it 4-2, giving the Wolf Pack the needed offense on this night. Pitlick collected an assist on the goal, completing his three-point night (1 g, 2 a).

Patrick Brown drew the Bruins within a goal at 19:12, tipping in an Anthony Richard shot with the extra attacker. It would not be enough on this night, however, as Garand slammed the door shut from there.

Single-game tickets for both Game 3 and Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals are on sale now!

For playoff information, please visit hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets/playoff-information.

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and public safety, and more.

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

HOME

The post WOLF PACK GET 3-PT NIGHT FROM PITLICK IN GM 1 WIN first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins meet tonight for Game 2 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal series at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.

The puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m., and coverage is available on AHLTV and Mixlr.

Tale of The Tape:

The Wolf Pack and Bruins met ten times during the regular season, with each team winning five games. The Wolf Pack posted a record of 5-4-1-0, while the Bruins went 5-3-1-1. The Wolf Pack went 2-2-1-0 in Providence during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Wolf Pack drew first blood in the series on Wednesday night, taking Game 1 4-3 in Providence. Jake Leschyshyn opened the scoring just 67 seconds in, cutting down the right-wing side before maneuvering to the slot and snapping his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs by Brandon Bussi.

4:20 later, at 5:27, Blake Hillman extended the lead to 2-0 with his first postseason goal. Brett Berard found Hillman in the slot, who fired a one-timer by Bussi. The goal was Hillman’s third career Calder Cup Playoff tally.

The Bruins drew even in the second period, striking twice. Jimmy Lambert collected his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal 6:19 into the period, driving into the right-wing circle before snapping a shot by Dylan Garand. Oskar Steen then set Lambert up in the slot at 13:41, where the forward ripped home his second goal of the contest.

Tyler Pitlick ripped the lead back for the Wolf Pack with 33.5 seconds left in the middle stanza. Victor Mancini fired a puck toward the goal that Pitlick got a piece of, beating Bussi for his first goal of the playoffs.

Anton Blidh then displayed great patience before tucking in a backhander for his first goal of the postseason 88 seconds into the third period. The goal, which made it 4-2 then, would be the eventual game-winner.

Patrick Brown drew the Bruins within one at 19:12, deflecting home an Anthony Richard shot with the extra attacker out, but it would not be enough on this night.

The Wolf Pack’s victory in Game 1 was its third consecutive postseason victory at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, dating back to Game 1 and Game 2 of last year’s Atlantic Division Semifinal.

Wolf Pack Outlook:

Hartford’s victory in Game 1 was its third straight this postseason. The club will play its fifth consecutive road playoff game tonight.

Pitlick’s goal in Game 1 was his first in the Calder Cup Playoffs since May 3^rd, 2013, as a member of the Oklahoma City Barons. His three points in Game 1 (1 g, 2 a) are the most by a Wolf Pack player in a postseason game this year.

Berard collected two assists in Game 1, giving him a three-game point streak. That is the longest active point streak among Wolf Pack players.

Garand picked up his third consecutive victory in Game 1. He made 32 saves. Garand is 3-1 during these Calder Cup Playoffs with a .945 save percentage.

Berard leads the Wolf Pack in points with five (1 g, 4 a) through four games during these Calder Cup Playoffs. Riley Nash’s two goals lead the Pack, while Berard’s four assists lead the way in that category.

Bruins Outlook:

The Bruins earned a bye for the second consecutive spring through the First Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Bruins finished second in the Atlantic Division with a record of 42-21-6-3, good for 93 points behind only the Hershey Bears. Their 93 points were good for second in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Bears, and fourth in the AHL behind the Bears (111 points), Coachella Valley Firebirds (103 points), and Milwaukee Admirals (97 points).

At home this season, the Bruins went 21-9-3-3. They finished with 48 points at home, which is second in the Eastern Conference behind only the Bears. Their 21 wins at home were also second in the Eastern Conference, once again only trailing the Bears (29).

The Bruins were 0-for-two on the powerplay in Game 1. Bussi made 23 saves in defeat, falling to 1-4 in his Calder Cup Playoff career against the Wolf Pack.

Lambert, who had two goals in his Calder Cup Playoff debut, led the Bruins with six shots in Game 1.

During the regular season, Georgii Merklov led the Bruins in both goals with 30 and points with 65 (30 g, 35 a). Jayson Megna, meanwhile, led the club in assists with 37. He recorded three assists in the regular season finale against the Wolf Pack.

Game Information:

WATCH: AHLTV
LISTEN: Mixlr

The Wolf Pack’s play-by-play voice, Alex Thomas, will host ‘Wolf Pack Pregame,’ which will air live on AHLTV and Mixlr at 6:50 p.m.

Single-game tickets for Game 3 and Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semifinal are on sale now!

For playoff information, please visit hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets/playoff-information.

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. Established by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues 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. It 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

The post PREGAME: WOLF PACK HOPE TO BUILD ON WIN OVER B’S first appeared on Howlings.

By: Jason Chaimovich, American Hockey League

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The AHL Playoff Games begin on Tuesday:

OPENING SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

The American Hockey League has released the following schedules for the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs opening series, including the best-of-three First Round and the best-of-five Division Semifinals.

Atlantic Division First Round (best-of-3)

A3-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. A6-Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Lehigh Valley at W-B/Scranton, 7:05

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 26 – W-B/Scranton at Lehigh Valley, 7:05

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Lehigh Valley at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Atlantic Division First Round (best-of-3)

A4-Charlotte Checkers vs. A5-Hartford Wolf Pack

Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 25 – Hartford at Charlotte, 7:00

^Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 27 – Hartford at Charlotte, 4:00

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Hartford at Charlotte, 4:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

lower seed designated as the “home” team for the last change

North Division First Round (best-of-3)

N4-Belleville Senators vs. N5-Toronto Marlies

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Toronto at Belleville, 7:00

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 26 – Belleville at Toronto, 7:00

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Toronto at Belleville, 3:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Central Division First Round (best-of-3)

C4-Texas Stars vs. C5-Manitoba Moose

Game 1 – Tue., Apr. 23 – Manitoba at Texas, 8:00

^Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 25 – Manitoba at Texas, 8:00

*Game 3 – Fri., Apr. 26 – Manitoba at Texas, 8:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

The lower seed was designated as the “home” team for the last change

Pacific Division First Round (best-of-3)

P2-Tucson Roadrunners vs. P7-Calgary Wranglers

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Calgary at Tucson, 10:00

^Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 26 – Calgary at Tucson, 10:00

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Calgary at Tucson, 10:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

The lower seed was designated as the “home” team for the last change

Pacific Division First Round (best-of-3)

P3-Ontario Reign vs. P6-Bakersfield Condors

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Bakersfield at Ontario, 10:00

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 27 – Ontario at Bakersfield, 10:00

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Bakersfield at Ontario, 8:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Pacific Division First Round (best-of-3)

P4-Colorado Eagles vs. P5-Abbotsford Canucks

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Abbotsford at Colorado, 9:05

^Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 26 – Abbotsford at Colorado, 9:05

*Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Abbotsford at Colorado, 5:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Lower seed was designated as the “home” team for lat change

Atlantic Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

A1-Hershey Bears vs. CLT/HFD/LV

Atlantic Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

A2-Providence Bruins vs. WBS/CLT/HFD

North Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

N1-Cleveland Monsters vs. BEL-TOR winner

North Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

N2-Rochester Americans vs. N3-Syracuse Crunch

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 26 – Syracuse at Rochester, 7:05

Game 2 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Syracuse at Rochester, 3:05

Game 3 – Thu., May 2 – Rochester at Syracuse, 7:00

*Game 4 – Sat., May 4 – Rochester at Syracuse, 7:00

*Game 5 – Fri., May 10 – Syracuse at Rochester, 7:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Central Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

C1-Milwaukee Admirals vs. TEX-MB winner

Central Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

C2-Grand Rapids Griffins vs. C3-Rockford IceHogs

Game 1 – Sat., Apr. 27 – Grand Rapids at Rockford, 8:00

Game 2 – Wed., May 1 – Rockford at Grand Rapids, 7:00

Game 3 – Fri., May 3 – Rockford at Grand Rapids, 7:00

*Game 4 – Sun., May 5 – Grand Rapids at Rockford, 5:00

*Game 5 – Fri., May 10 – Rockford at Grand Rapids, 7:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern

Pacific Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

P1-Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. COL/ABB/BAK/CGY

Pacific Division Semifinals (best-of-5)

TUC/ONT/COL/ABB vs. ONT/COL/ABB/BAK

Twenty-three teams qualified for the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. The first-round series are best-of-three, the division semifinals and division finals are best-of-five, and the conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven.

All Calder Cup Playoff games will stream live on AHLTV.

In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of all players competing in the NHL are AHL graduates, and through the years, the American Hockey League has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HOWLINGS

The post CALDER CUP PLAYOFF SCHEDULE RELEASED first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack concluded their 2023-24 regular season on Sunday afternoon at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. A third-period tally from the home side proved the difference, as the Bruins took a 4-2 decision.

Patrick Brown drove down the right-wing side before threading a pass to the front of the net for Nick Zabaneh. Zabaneh, playing in his first professional hockey game after signing a professional tryout agreement earlier in the day, beat Dylan Garand at 11:11 of the third period. His first career goal proved to be the game-winner.

The Wolf Pack would surrender the game’s first goal for the second straight day. Trevor Kuntar rushed to the net this time, getting inside on a defenseman. Kuntar went to the backhand and stuffed home his tenth season goal at 13:29.

For the second straight game, the Wolf Pack responded quickly. Victor Mancini threaded a pass to Anton Blidh on the left-wing side, who worked his way into the left-wing circle. Blidh then fed Jake Leschyshyn in front, who buried his eighth season goal at 16:14.

1:28 later, Blake Hillman gave the Wolf Pack their first lead of the hockey game. Off a faceoff win, Mac Hollowell fed Hillman at the point. With Riley Nash and Alex Belzile providing screens in front, Hillman fired a shot into traffic that eluded Brandon Bussi to make it a 2-1 game at 17:42.

Nash, who won the faceoff, was awarded the secondary assist.

Georgii Merkulov’s team-leading 29^th goal of the season got the Bruins even 5:41 into the middle stanza. Garand denied Mason Lohrei’s blast from the high slot, but the rebound came right to Merkulov at the top of the crease. The All-Star forward smashed home the rebound, sending the sides to the final frame with a 2-2 score.

Zabaneh’s tally at 11:11 broke the tie for good, restoring the Bruins’ lead. Merkulov then completed the first 30-goal season of his career at 18:38, hitting an empty net to seal the deal.

The Wolf Pack opens the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs this Thursday night! Game 1 of the club’s best-of-three First Round series will occur at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Wolf Pack battle the Charlotte Checkers.

The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.

For playoff information, please visit hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets/playoff-information.

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and safety, and more.

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

The post WOLF PACK DROP SEASON FINALE 4-2 TO BRUINS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack struck twice in the third period on Saturday night to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. However, the lead lasted only 1:22 as the Islanders tied it up and eventually won it 3-2 in the shootout.

Ruslan Iskhakov dazzled in the bottom half of the shootout’s third round, going behind the back and beating Dylan Garand for victory. Iskhakov’s goal broke a 1-1 tie in the third round, giving the Isles a 2-1 edge in the skills competition.

The first 20 minutes of the game passed without much in the way of scoring chances, as both teams played a responsible defensive game. Garand made eleven saves in the frame, while Jakub Skarek turned aside five bids from the Wolf Pack.

Each team got a late powerplay in the first period, but both teams would take penalties to negate their skater advantages.

The Islanders broke through 5:05 into the second period, as a bad break for the Wolf Pack ended up in the back of the net. Brandon Scanlin inadvertently lost his balance when hitting a discarded stick in his own zone, resulting in a turnover.

William Dufour found the loose puck and sent a pass to Brian Pinho, who polished off the play for his sixth goal of the season.

Alex Belzile drew the Wolf Pack even 6:48 into the third period, jamming home a rebound for his 16^th goal of the season. Nic Petan’s shot from the high slot was denied by Skarek but popped to the top of the crease. Belzile found the rebound and beat Skarek to tie the contest.

3:53 later, the Wolf Pack took a 2-1 lead when Jake Leschyshyn converted a pass from Adam Edström for his sixth goal of the season. Edström muscled into the zone and set up Leschyshyn directly before Skarek.

82 seconds later, however, Dufour evened the affair with a goal from the right-wing circle. His shot snuck over Garand’s shoulder at 12:03 of the third period, forcing an eventual overtime.

After the Wolf Pack killed off a too many men of the ice penalty early in overtime, Brett Berard had an opportunity to end the game. Skarek’s right pad stoned him; however, he sent the game to a shootout.

Matthew Maggio opened the shootout with a goal in the bottom half of the first round, the only tally through four shooters. Petan tied the shootout in the top half of the third round, snapping a shot by Skarek’s glove.

Iskhakov’s brilliant move in the bottom half of the third round would prove to be the difference, however, as the Isles prevailed 2-1 in the shootout and 3-2 in the game.

The loss snapped the Wolf Pack’s six-game overall winning streak against the Islanders and seven-game winning streak at Total Mortgage Arena.

The Wolf Pack continue their three-game road trip Tuesday night when they visit the Charlotte Checkers. The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m., with ‘Wolf Pack Pregame’ starting at 6:45 p.m. on AHLTV & Mixlr.

The Pack is back at the XL Center on Saturday, March 16^th, when the Utica Comets come to town. The puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m., and tickets are available at hartfordwolfpack.com.

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and safety, and more.

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

The post WOLF PACK FALL 3-2 TO ISLANDERS IN THE SHOOTOUT first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Tyler Pitlick scored twice for the Hartford Wolf Pack on Friday night, helping the team build a 2-0 lead on the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center. The T-Birds would score six of the game’s final seven goals; however, they took a 6-3 decision in the seventh installment of the ‘I-91 Rivalry’.

For the second time in as many meetings, Zach Dean scored the game-winning goal for the Thunderbirds. Dean curled into the high slot and ripped a shot by Dylan Garand to break a 3-3 tie 6:50 into the third period. The goal was Dean’s fifth of the season and was the T-Birds’ first at five-on-five on the night.

The Wolf Pack jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a pair of goals 38 seconds apart. First, Pitlick notched his second with the Wolf Pack when a Hugh McGing outlet pass hit a leg and came right to the veteran forward. Pitlick fired a low shot that Colten Ellis never saw to make it 1-0 just 10:57 into the game.

Another turnover by the Thunderbirds resulted in a net-mouth scramble in front of Ellis. This time, Matthew Robertson jammed home a rebound for his fourth goal of the season at 11:35.

The Wolf Pack got into some penalty trouble after building the lead, as Blake Hillman took a roughing penalty at 11:46, and Brandon Scanlin went for cross-checking at 12:24. Dylan Coghlan wasted no time on the five-on-three, scoring just five seconds in via a shot from the point at 12:30.

51 seconds later, at 14:21, the T-Birds would even the game with a five-on-four goal. Coghlan’s shot was blocked by a Wolf Pack penalty killer but came right to Adam Gaudette. The veteran sniper quickly fired home his 26^th goal of the season to tie the game 2-2.

The Thunderbirds got their second five-on-three of the game at 7:31 of the second period and took the lead on their third powerplay goal of the night 15 seconds into the advantage. Jakub Vrana’s shot from the point was going wide but hit Matthew Peca at the side of the goal. The puck came right to Ryan Suzuki, who had a wide-open net to bury his fifth goal of the season to make it 3-2.

The Wolf Pack refused to quit, however, and tied the game just 20 seconds into the final frame. Jake Leschyshyn intercepted a pass from Coghlan and fed Brett Berard in the slot. Berard’s bid was denied by Ellis, but the rebound came free and was jammed home by Pitlick for his third goal with the Wolf Pack.

Dean’s marker at 6:50 broke the tie for good, however. Joseph Duszak blasted home a shot at 13:01 to make it 5-3, while Gaudette hit the empty net to seal the deal at 17:29.

The win is the Thunderbirds’ third straight in the ‘I-91 Rivalry’. They have a 4-3-0-0 edge in the season series.

The Pack is back at the XL Center on Wednesday, February 28^th, at 7:00 p.m. when the Charlotte Checkers come to town.

Tickets are available at www.hartfordwolfpack.com.

# # #

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and public safety and more.

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 are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers and play 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.

The post WOLF PACK DROP 6-3 DECISION TO THUNDERBIRDS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack used two early goals in both the first and second periods and rode 29 saves by Dylan Garand to snap a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Bridgeport Islanders.

The win for the Pack came at a heavy cost as they lost Riley Nash, who was lost playing in his first game back after returning from injury, and Anton Blidh to injury as well. The losses forced Head Coach Steve Smith to play with just ten forwards for much of the game on Wednesday night at the XL Center.

The AHL is trying to make three games in three days rare, and with the Wolf Pack currently, a struggling team beset with injuries and recalls, they have a second one in a 72-hour span and are in the midst of a six-games in an eight-day stretch.

Over this part of the stretch, Bridgeport, who is dead last in the league, was on the calendar for this matchup, and have played tough against the Pack this season and beat them last Friday. The Cleveland Monsters come in for a rescheduled game that was to take place on Saturday because of a UCONN men’s hoops scheduling conflict, and they end the stretch in Springfield on Friday night at the MassMutual Center.

THIRD PERIOD

The Pack strategy for the third period was to take away time and space and play things close to the vest in a tight-checking style. They allowed the Islanders few shots as the Wolf Pack protected their lead.

Garand made several key, quality saves throughout the contest and stopped the last four shots of the game that came off the sticks of ex-Pack Julien Gauthier, Matt Maggio, Brian Pinho, and Cole Bardreau.

Garand’s performance pleased his head coach. “(He) came with key saves tonight at the right time. He didn’t have a lot of work, but he was there at key times. He handled the puck around the net really well for us. He was somebody who gave us an opportunity to win and was in control of his game.”

SECOND PERIOD

The Pack started the second period by killing an early penalty, with Garand stopping all four shots he saw.

The Pack posted their second goal when Brennan Othmann picked up the doorstep rebound of Jake Leschyshyn’s shot and put the puck upstairs on Ken Appleby at 4:16.

“It was a goal scorer’s goal,” Smith said. “I give him a lot of credit. He took a pretty vicious hit at the end of the first, and his jaw was already sore and in some pain, and was already wearing the bubble mask. He hung in there for us, going to the net, going for a rush area, and ended up with a goal.“

Leschyshyn was happy as well.

“It felt pretty good. With the schedule we’ve been facing so far, we’re grinding out some wins.”

The Islanders narrowed the lead when Matt Maggio received a lead pass and went in and went forehand to backhand to beat Garand for his tenth of the season at 12:03. Initially, Dennis Cholowski and Karson Kuhlman were in the area for the pass to spring Maggo with Cholowski getting the assist credit. Between periods, replays showed it was not Cholowski who sent the lead pass to Maggio, a team-high four shots, but Kuhlman who sent the pass that sprung him.

BRIEF TUSSLE

Matt Robertson was coming back into the zone and made a partial check on Daylen Kuefler, who went airborne. Jeff Kubiak tried to hit him because he thought it wasn’t a clean hit. All ten players squared off.

Mac Hollowell and Cole Bardreau began to wrestle, and it looked like the two might square off, but the linesman jumped in to keep them apart.

Robertson was called for tripping.

Bridgeport had an opportunity to tie off a left-wing drive by the still scoreless Tyce Thompson, the son of ex-Pack, ex-Sound Tiger head coach, and now Anaheim Ducks assistant Brent Thompson.

On the next shift, at 16:22, the Pack’s Brett Berard was stopped on a clean breakaway where he went forehand to the backhand before Appleby got his pad on it.

The Pack have gotten off to good first-period starts of late and were able to get an early five-on-five goal. Doing so ended an ugly stretch of lasting 179:58 worth of futility from last weekend of scorelessness at 5-on-5.

The Pack started with a 7-2 shot advantage, including four quality shots on their first power play, scoring with 40 seconds left on the man advantage.

“We stressed the simplicity of the game in the first. We got away from it in the second. Our puck management wasn’t good for a little bit.  We got back to it in the third and defended the middle of the rink well,” commented Smith.

After four quality chances from the Pack, Leschyshyn was able to slip one past Appleby low to the glove side for his fifth goal of the season at 5:29.

LINES:

Riley Nash-Brett Berard-Tyler Pitlick
Jake Leschyshyn-Brennan Othmann-Turner Elson
Adam Sýkora-Anton Blidh-Karl Henriksson
Ryder Korczak-Tag Bertuzzi-Blade Jenkins

Matt Robertson-Mac Hollowell
Nikolas Brouillard-Brandon Scanlin
Bryan Yoon-Blake Hillman

Dylan Garand
Louie Domingue

SCRATCHES:

D Ben Harpur (upper body, indefinite)
Connor Mackey (upper body, week to week)
Bobby Trivigno (upper body, week to week)
Zach Berzolla (lower body, week to week)
Matej Pekar (lower body, week to week)
Ethan Keppen (healthy)
Chris Cameron (healthy)

NOTES:

Neither Artemi Panarin nor Jimmy Vesey skated in practice for the Rangers in New York. If callups are required, things could be very ugly for the Wolf Pack if recalls are required to cover for injured personnel.

As the Islanders bus pulled away, the Cleveland bus came in.

Smith joked with the media, “Bring your skates in tomorrow.”

The last two players on the scratched list were signed to PTOs today.

Even though his transaction was all over the ECHL, AHL websites, and Elite Prospects.com transfer page, Chris Cameron was not formally signed to a PTO deal by Hartford until this afternoon at 3 pm.

Forward Ethan Keppen signed from the Ft. Wayne Komets (ECHL) comes as a bit of a surprise. He has 54 AHL games with Abbotsford, Charlotte, and Utica, amassing just four goals and three assists. His experience at the ECHL level includes 45 games where he’s registered 12 goals and 30 points between Ft. Wayne and Maine. He played his junior career with the Flint Firebirds (OHL).

Riley Nash returned to the lineup after missing 13 games. He last played on January 19th.

The Pack are now 7-1-0 in the season series against Bridgeport.

The team had its second Pucks and Paws promotion.

The trade deadline is March 8th. Teams are prepping their rosters. Most noticeable was Boston, who put Oskar Steen on waivers. After he cleared, he was sent to the P-Bruins.

Justin Brazeau received the Bruins’ last NHL Entry Level Contract (ELC), paying $775K for the year. He made his NHL debut last night. Joining him was Mason Lohrei.

Curtis Hall (Yale University) was recalled from Maine (ECHL) again.

Montreal, who are playing with three goalies all season, moved Strauss Mann (Greenwich) to the Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL). Laval signed an AHL deal with Kasmir Kaskisuo, ending his PTO deal and converting it to an SPC (standard player contract). He wasn’t in hockey two months ago but has played well for the Rocket.

A pair of ex-Pack goalies were on the move.

Magnus Hellberg was recalled by Pittsburgh from Wilkes Barre/Scranton, and Dustin Tokarski by Buffalo from Rochester.

Devon Levi was sensational with 52 saves for Rochester on Monday afternoon against the Toronto Marlies.

The second college player to sign and go pro is Jack Jensen from Augustana (SD) University (NCAA Independent), an Arizona State transfer who signed with the Idaho (Boise) Steelheads (ECHL).

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK DEFEAT ISLANDERS AGAIN WEDNESDAY first appeared on Howlings.

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack are halfway through their brutal stretch of six games in eight nights. The club played their third three-in-three set of the season over the weekend, posting a record of 1-2-0-0.

After a well-deserved day off on Monday, the Wolf Pack will hit the practice ice on Tuesday ahead of another three-in-three set on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Friday, February 16^th, 2024, Vs. Laval Rocket (5-2 L): Anton Blidh opened the scoring just 51 seconds into the game, jamming home a rebound for his sixth goal of the season. Despite a good start, the Wolf Pack couldn’t find the insurance marker against a high-flying Rocket team.

Mitchell Stephens tied the game at 19:00 of the first period, beating Louis Domingue through the five-hole for a powerplay marker. The goal was the first of four unanswered by the visitors.

Jared Davidson gave the Rocket a lead they never lost at 15:20 of the second period, taking advantage of a defensive miscue and scoring his sixth goal. Tobie Bisson then blasted home the game-winning goal from the left-wing circle at 19:00 of the middle stanza.

Brett Berard did strike for Hartford with the extra attacker at 15:29 of the third period, but Davidson’s goals at 11:13 (PPG) and 18:38 (EN) ensured a victory for the Rocket.

Davidson’s hat-trick was the first in a Wolf Pack game this season. It was the forward’s first career multi-goal game.

Tyler Pitlick recorded an assist on Berard’s third-period marker, giving him a point in his Wolf Pack debut.

The Rocket now lead the season series 2-1, collecting five of a possible six points (2-0-0-1). The Wolf Pack are 1-2-0-0 in the head-to-head matchup.

Saturday, February 17^th, 2024, @ Bridgeport Islanders (2-1 OTW): The ‘Battle of Connecticut’ saw it’s first overtime since the 2021-22 season on Saturday night in Bridgeport. A low-event game saw each team strike just once during regulation time.

Turner Elson scored the goal for the Wolf Pack 5:21 into the contest, deflecting a Nikolas Brouillard shot past Jakub Skarek for his fourth goal of the season. The goal came off a rare offensive zone faceoff while killing a penalty. It was the club’s sixth shorthanded goal of the season and the eleventh of Elson’s career.

Daylan Kuefler notched his first career AHL goal 12:10 into the third period, beating Dylan Garand on a rebound after Garand stuffed Matthew Maggio on a chance in front.

However, the Pack got the last laugh as Berard sniped home the overtime game-winning goal at 4:04 of the extra frame. The goal was Berard’s team-leading 16^th of the season and his second career overtime goal.

The win was Hartford’s seventh straight at Total Mortgage Arena and their fifth straight in the season series. The Wolf Pack, 6-1-0-0, have won the ‘Battle of Connecticut’ in 2023-24 thanks to Saturday’s triumph.

Sunday, February 18^th, 2024, @ Providence Bruins (3-0 L): Fabian Lysell’s shot from the right-wing circle clipped the stick of Patrick Brown just eight seconds into the Bruins powerplay at 7:43 of the second period, giving Providence a 1-0 lead.

That would be enough scoring, as Michael DiPietro blanked the Pack for the second time this season. He made 24 saves to improve to 3-1-0-0 against Hartford this season.

Trevor Kuntar notched his sixth campaign goal at 15:34 of the second period, while Lysell ended the intrigue at 3:59 of the third period with his 14^th tally.

The win gives the Bruins a 4-3 edge in the season series through seven meetings. The sides meet again on March 3^rd back in Providence.

Quick Hits:

• Wolf Pack forward Matt Rempe made his NHL debut on Sunday for the parent New York Rangers (NHL) at the NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium. Rempe became the first player in NHL history to make his debut outdoors.
• Rempe is the third Wolf Pack player to make his NHL debut this season. He joined forwards Adam Edström and Brennan Othmann on Sunday.
• Berard’s two goals over the weekend now have him fourth in the AHL in goals among rookies. He trails Logan Stankoven (24) of the Texas Stars, Josh Doan (21) of the Tucson Roadrunners, and Shane Wright (18) of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
• Berard’s overtime goal on Saturday night was his fifth game-winning goal of the season. That leads Wolf Pack players and is tied for second in the AHL among rookies.
• Pitlick’s assist on Berard’s goal against Laval was his first point in the AHL since March 18^th, 2016. He picked up an assist that night in the Bakersfield Condors’ game at San Diego.
• On Saturday night, Blade Jenkins made his Wolf Pack debut against his former team, the Bridgeport Islanders. Jenkins inked a one-year deal with the Pack on Saturday morning and will wear #17 with the club.

The Week Ahead:

• Wednesday, February 21^st, 2024, Vs. Bridgeport Islanders (7:00 p.m., XL Center, Pucks’ N Paws)
• Thursday, February 22^nd, 2024, Vs. Springfield Thunderbirds (7:00 p.m., XL Center, $2, 12-oz Bud Lights while supplies last)
• Friday, February 23^rd, 2024, @ Springfield Thunderbirds (7:05 p.m., MassMutual Center)

# # #

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and safety, and more.

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 Ranger’s newest faces, including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK WEEKEND RECAP: FEBRUARY 19th, 2024 first appeared on Howlings.

HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club has signed defenseman Bryan Yoon to a one-year standard player contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 AHL season.

Yoon, 25, has appeared in three games with the Wolf Pack. He made his AHL debut with the club on January 19^th, 2024, at the XL Center against the Hershey Bears. The native of Parker, CO, joined the Wolf Pack on a professional tryout agreement (PTO) earlier that day.

Before joining the Wolf Pack, Yoon appeared in 33 games with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies this season. The rookie defender recorded 17 points (3 g, 14 a) and a +11 +/- rating. His +11 +/- rating led the Grizzlies when he joined the Wolf Pack.

Before turning pro, Yoon played five seasons for Colorado College. In 167 games with the Tigers, Yoon recorded 72 points (7 g, 65 a). He set career-highs as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, scoring three goals, 23 assists, and 26 points in 41 games. His performance earned him a spot on the NCHC’s All-Rookie Team.

The 6’1”, 172-point blueliner served as the captain of the Tigers during the 2022-23 campaign. He signed his first professional contract with the Grizzlies on July 21^st, 2023.

The Wolf Pack march ahead on their six-game homestand, hosting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this Friday night. Be sure to join us for $2 beers and $2 hot dogs until the end of the first intermission!

The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.; tickets are available at hartfordwolfpack.com.

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and public safety, and more.

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

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK INK D-MAN BRYAN YOON TO CONTRACT first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

CLEVELAND, OH – The Hartford Wolf Pack scored both a shorthanded and powerplay goal on Friday night. With a 4- 2 victory at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the club evened the season series with the North Division-leading Cleveland Monsters.

Carson Meyer was whistled for a cross-checking minor 13:44 into the third period, giving the Wolf Pack their eighth powerplay of the hockey game. Brennan Othmann fed Brett Berard down low, who made a power move to the net. Berard’s initial attempt banked off the leg of a Monsters defenseman and sat in the crease, where Berard jammed it home for his eleventh goal of the season at 14:26.

The goal was Berard’s third game-winning goal of the season.

The first period was relatively uneventful, as neither side was able to find the back of the net. The Wolf Pack held a 7-5 edge in shots, but Jet Greaves slammed the door shut to keep the game without a goal through 20 minutes.

The Wolf Pack would strike 5:26 into the middle frame, opening the scoring with a five-on-five goal after the sides combined to go 0-for-six on the powerplay through the first 25:26. Artem Anisimov shielded the puck behind the Monsters’ net, then sent a backhanded pass to Anton Blidh in front. Blidh quickly ripped a shot over Greaves’ shoulder for his fifth goal of the season.

The Monsters responded at 9:44, grabbing a five-on-five goal of their own. Brendan Gaunce took a pass from Mikael Pyyhtia and walked into the slot, firing a low shot that beat Dylan Garand for his ninth goal of the season. The goal snapped Garand’s 119:46 shutout streak, the longest by a Wolf Pack goaltender this season.

The Monsters would get their third powerplay of the night at 12:31, as Bobby Trivigno was whistled for slashing. Just 13 seconds into the powerplay, however, the Wolf Pack took a 2-1 lead.

Matthew Robertson fired a puck down the ice, clearing it behind the Cleveland net. Adam Sýkora beat Nick Blankenberg to the puck, collecting possession for Hartford and then driving to the net. Sýkora was denied twice by Greaves but refused to quit and jammed home his third opportunity at 12:44. The goal was Sýkora’s fourth of the season and his first shorthanded in the AHL.

The Cleveland powerplay got its revenge 6:08 into the third period, as they tied the game 2-2 on their fourth attempt.

Blankenburg fired a shot from the left-wing point that Garand denied, but the rebound sat in front of the crease. Carson Meyer located it and sent a backhander toward the goal that evaded Garand for the forward’s team-leading 16^th goal of the season.

However, Berard’s response on Hartford’s eighth powerplay gave the Wolf Pack the lead for good, as they shut the Monsters down in the final moments.

Berard tacked on his second goal of the night and 12^th of the season at 19:23, hitting an empty net to cement the victory. The empty net goal gave Berard his first career two-goal game.

The Wolf Pack concludes their road trip tomorrow night when they once again face the Monsters. The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m., and coverage will be available at 6:45 p.m. on AHLTV and Mixlr.

The Pack is next back at the XL Center on January 31^st when the Charlotte Checkers come to town. Tickets are available at hartfordwolfpack.com.

About OVG360: OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources, and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and safety, and more.

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

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK BEAT MONSTERS AS BERARD STRIKES TWICE first appeared on Howlings.