By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins open their second Calder Cup Playoff series in as many years against each other tonight 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 Bruins claimed a 4-2 victory at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in the last team meeting on April 21^st, which was the regular season finale for both sides.

Trevor Kuntar opened the scoring 13:29 into the game, driving to the net and beating Dylan Garand with a backhand bid for his tenth goal of the season. However, the Wolf Pack responded moments later, tying the game at 16:14. Jake Leschyshyn took a pass from Anton Blidh at the net front and buried his eighth goal of the season.

1:28 later, at 17:42, Blake Hillman shot the Wolf Pack ahead through traffic that Brandon Bussi never saw. The goal was Hillman’s career-high fourth of the season.

Georgii Merkulov drew the Bruins even 5:41 into the second period, jamming home a rebound for his 29^th goal of the season after Garand made the save on the initial point shot from Mason Lohrei. The goal sent the sides to the third period deadlocked 2-2.

Patrick Brown drove down the right-wing side just over the halfway mark of the period, flipping a pass to Nick Zabaneh in front of the Wolf Pack net. Zabaneh, in his professional debut, buried his first career goal at 11:11 to make it 3-2 Bruins. The goal would stand as the game-winner.

Merkulov hit the empty net at 18:38, potting his 30^th goal of the season. He became the first Bruin since Frank Vatrano in 2015-16 to hit the 30-goal plateau in a single season.

Veteran forward Jayson Megna led the way for the Bruins in the season series against the Wolf Pack, scoring nine points (3 g, 6 a) in ten games. Brett Berard (4 g, 3 a) and Alex Belzile (3 g, 4 a) led the way for Hartford with seven points each against the Bruins this season.

Wolf Pack Outlook:

The Wolf Pack became just the second team in 21 tries to win a best-of-three, First Round Calder Cup Playoff series after losing Game 1. The comeback was completed on Sunday afternoon in Game 3 when the Wolf Pack defeated the Charlotte Checkers 3-1.

Jaroslav Chmelař broke the ice 10:10 into the game with his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal, giving the Wolf Pack a lead they never lost. Chmelař drove in on the right-wing side before cutting to the net and snapping a shot by Magnus Hellberg.

Riley Nash extended the lead to 2-0 at 4:21 of the third period. Brett Berard found Nash at the backdoor, hitting him with a pass that set the veteran up to slam the puck into an empty net for his second goal of the series. The powerplay goal would stand as the game-winner and the series-winner for Nash against his former team.

Berard then used a burst of speed to create a shorthanded breakaway, which he converted for his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal at 14:52 of the third period.

Brendan Perlini got the Checkers on the board 39 seconds later at 15:37, scoring from the top of the left-wing circle on a six-on-four advantage, but it would not be enough. Garand slammed the door shut from there to help the Wolf Pack complete the comeback.

Garand made 38 saves in the victory, tying the single-game Calder Cup Playoff career-high he set in Game 1.

Nash (2 g, 1 a), Berard (1 g, 2 a), and Nic Petan (1 g, 2 a) are all tied for the team lead in points with three each through the First Round. Nash’s two goals led the Pack against the Checkers, while Berard, Petan, Brennan Othmann, and Mac Hollowell all exited the series with a pair of assists to their credit.

Bruins Outlook:

For the second consecutive spring, the Bruins earned a bye 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).

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

Game Information:

WATCH: AHLTV
LISTEN: Mixlr

Play-by-play voice of the Wolf Pack Alex Thomas will have ‘Wolf Pack Pregame’ starting live at 6:50 p.m. on both AHLTV and Mixlr.

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 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 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 PREGAME: ATLANTIC SEMIS VS. BRUINS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

Bryce McConnell-Barker Reassigned by Rangers, Maxim Barbashev Released from ATO

HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has reassigned forward Bryce McConnell-Barker to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack from the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds.

Additionally, Rangers Assistant General Manager and Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club has released forward Maxim Barbashev from his amateur tryout agreement (ATO).

McConnell-Barker, 19, appeared in 52 games with the Greyhounds this season, scoring 51 points (22 g, 29 a). He finished third on the club in points, tied for third in goals, and fifth in assists. In eleven playoff games this spring, the 6’1”, 199-pound forward tacked on 15 points (5 g, 10 a). He was the second-highest scorer on the Greyhounds during their postseason run.

The native of London, ON, has appeared in 188 career OHL games with Greyhounds over four seasons. He recorded 177 points (75 g, 102 a) in that span.

McConnell-Barker was selected in the third round, 97^th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers.

Barbashev, 20, appeared in 15 games with the Shawinigan Cataractes and 44 games with the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL this season. In 15 games with the Cataractes, Barbashev scored nine points (2 g, 7 a). He was traded to the Océanic on November 21^st, 2023, and scored 26 points (12 g, 14 a) in 44 games.

The 6’1”, 191-pound forward tacked on two assists in five QMJHL Playoff games.

The native of Moskva, RUS, has played in 195 games in his QMJHL career, scoring 152 points (67 g, 85 a) with the Océanic, Cataractes, and Moncton Wildcats.

Barbashev was selected in the fifth round, 161^st overall, by the Rangers in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut in the Wolf Pack’s 6-4 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds on April 20^th at the MassMutual Center.

The Wolf Pack are off to the Atlantic Division Semifinals! The club will take on the Providence Bruins in a best-of-five Calder Cup Playoff series. Game 1 is at the Amica Mutual Pavilion tonight, May 1st, at 7:05 p.m.

The series shifts to Hartford for Game 3 at the XL Center next Wednesday, May 8^th, with the puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.

Single-game tickets are on sale now at hartfordwolfpack.com!

To learn more about Wolf Pack playoff ticket strips and to be up-to-date on everything Calder Cup Playoffs, 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. 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 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.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK COMPLETE PAIR OF TRANSACTIONS first appeared on Howlings.

WOLF PACK TO FACE PROVIDENCE BRUINS IN ATLANTIC DIVISION SEMIFINALS

Foes Faceoff For Second Straight Postseason

HARTFORD, CT—For the second straight postseason, The Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins will face off in the Atlantic Division Semifinals. This series will follow a 2-2-1 setup, with the Bruins hosting three of the games.

The Bruins finished second in the Atlantic Division with a record 42-21-6-3. The club had a bye through the First Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season.

The Wolf Pack finished fifth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 34-28-7-3. The club eliminated the Charlotte Checkers in three games in their First Round series, winning the series 2-1 thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 triumph. Sunday’sss the seventh meeting between the foes in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the most of any opponent for the Wolf Pack. The rivals met in the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2015, and 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Pack are 14-17 all-time in the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Bruins, while each team has won three series head-to-head.

The Wolf Pack have won each of the last two playoff series, coming in 2015 and 2023.

The series will kick off at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Wednesday night, May 1^st, with the puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. The series will shift to the XL Center a week later on Wednesday, May 8^th, with the puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.

The entire Atlantic Division Semifinals series schedule is as follows:

Game 1: Wednesday, May 1^st, @ Providence (Amica Mutual Pavilion, 7:05 p.m.)
Game 2: Friday, May 3^rd, @ Providence (Amica Mutual Pavilion, 7:05 p.m.)
Game 3: Wednesday, May 8^th, @ Hartford (XL Center, 7:00 p.m.)
Game 4*: Friday, May 10^th, @ Hartford (XL Center, 7:00 p.m.)
Game 5*: Sunday, May 12^th, @ Providence (Amica Mutual Pavilion, 3:05 p.m.)

*If necessary

Tickets for Games 3 and 4 at the XL Center will go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. To purchase tickets, visit hartfordwolfpack.com.

To learn more about Wolf Pack playoff ticket strips and stay up-to-date on everything related to the Calder Cup Playoffs, 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 WOLF PACK TO PLAY BRUINS IN ATLANTIC SEMIS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

CHARLOTTE, NC – Dylan Garand made a playoff career-high 39 saves on Sunday afternoon to help the Hartford Wolf Pack complete their First Round series victory over the Charlotte Checkers. The Wolf Pack used a five-on-five, powerplay, and shorthanded goal to win Game 3 3-1, advancing to the Atlantic Division Semifinals for the second consecutive season.

Just 2:39 into the third period, Mike Benning was whistled for tripping, giving the Wolf Pack their fourth powerplay of the game. The Pack connected for the third time in the series, ballooning their lead to 2-0.

Brett Berard sent a backdoor pass to Riley Nash, who settled the puck and tapped home a backhander for his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs at 4:21. The goal would stand as the game-winner and series-winner.

The Wolf Pack jumped out to a first-period lead with the icebreaker for the second time in the series. Mac Hollowell found Jaroslav Chmelař just outside the Charlotte zone, hitting the young forward with a pass. Chmelař entered the zone and danced around Skyler Brind’Amour, who blew a tire. Chmelař then cut to the goal and snapped home his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal at 10:10 of the first period.

Garand was tested late in the period when the Checkers were awarded the game’s first powerplay. At 17:24, Anton Blidh flipped the puck over the glass and out of play, taking a delay-of-game penalty. Garand and the penalty kill stood tall, pushing the game to the intermission with the Pack still ahead.

The netminder made twelve saves in the opening stanza.

Garand also stood firm in the second period, making 15 saves to keep the Wolf Pack ahead through 40 minutes. Garand’s best save of the period came during a stretch of four-on-four play when Casey Fitzgerald was teed up for a one-timer from the slot. Garand kicked the bid away with his right pad, keeping it 1-0 for the Wolf Pack.

Nash’s goal early in the third period gave the Wolf Pack a 2-0 lead and the necessary offense to complete their series comeback.

Jake Leschyshyn was whistled for holding the stick at 13:39, giving the Checkers a late powerplay look to draw back into the game.

Berard extinguished the hopes at 14:52, making it 3-0 with the first goal of his Calder Cup Playoff career. Berard took a pass from Nash and rushed shorthanded into the offensive zone on the right-wing side. Berard used his speed to create a breakaway before snapping a shot by Hellberg.

The Checkers quickly responded on the powerplay, however, as Brendan Perlini snapped home his first goal of the postseason from the left-wing circle at 15:37.

The Checkers pressed hard in the final moments with the goaltender pulled but could not solve Garand.

With the victory, the Wolf Pack advance to the Atlantic Division Semifinals, where they will take on the Providence Bruins in a best-of-five series.

For playoff information, please visit www.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 GARAND AND WOLF PACK ELIMINATE CHECKERS IN 3 first appeared on Howlings.

By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Spencer Kersten ended a marathon goalie duel to give the Orlando Solar Bears a lead in the South Division Semifinals, 1-0, over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits by a 1-0 score.

Both goaltenders answered each other’s energy with game-breaking save after game-breaking save. Jacob Ingham, manning the Swamp Rabbits net, stopped all seven shots he saw, while Evan Fitzpatrick, in net for the Solar Bears, returned serve with a dozen saves in the first 20 minutes.

Special teams factored into the second frame, with both teams going 0-for on their respective advantages. The physical element was evident between both combatants, and the goalies again did their jobs. Fitzpatrick turned away 14 shots in period two, while Ingham denied five sent his way.

By the end of the third period, both teams combined for six posts clanked: four for Swamp Rabbits, including a crossbar, and two crossbars for the Solar Bears. Orlando fired a game-high 11 shots to Ingham in the final 20 minutes, which he thwarted. Fitzpatrick matched his counterpart, staving away nine shots.

One goal was all that was needed in this tight affair, and it eventually came from Spencer Kersten. With 7:38 left in the first overtime, Luke Boka worked the puck from behind his back in the right-wing corner to Kersten, who had space in the same side faceoff circle. Kersten fired his shot that squeaked through Ingham and in, ending the game after 72:22 in favor of Orlando. The 1-0 final score coincidentally gives the Solar Bears a 1-0 series lead.

Jacob Ingham turned aside only one shot of 29 and chucked his way in his playoff debut (0-0-1).

The 2024 South Division Champions now look to rebound against the Orlando Solar Bears in Game 2 of the South Division Semifinals. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is tomorrow, Monday, April 22^nd, and is slated for a 7:05 p.m. EST puck drop at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits …
Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has been providing family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly, the Greenville Road Warriors and the Swamp Rabbits are the highest-level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s LA Kings and the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Greenville is an ECHL Premier’ AA’ Hockey League member.

GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

HOWLINGS

The post SWAMP RABBITS DROP GAME 1 in OT 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

HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club has signed defenseman Harrison Rees to a professional tryout agreement (PTO).

Rees, 24, appeared in 36 games with the University of Connecticut this season, scoring seven points (3 g, 4 a). After completing his collegiate career, Rees inked a deal with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets.

The native of Mississauga, ON, has appeared in eight games with the Komets and recorded four points (2 g, 2 a). He scored his first professional goal in his debut on March 20^th against the Kalamazoo Wings.

The 6’2″, 174-pound defenseman appeared in 162 games over five seasons with the UConn Huskies, scoring 58 points (9 g, 49 a).

The Wolf Pack conclude the 2023-24 regular season this afternoon when they visit the Providence Bruins. The puck drop is set for 3:05 p.m., with coverage available on AHLTV and Mixlr starting at 2:50 p.m.

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

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The post WOLF PACK INK D HARRISON REES TO PTO first appeared on Howlings.

All Three Games to Take Place in North Carolina

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT—The Hartford Wolf Pack and Charlotte Checkers will face off in an Atlantic Division first-round series to kick off the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. Due to the distance traveled, the First-Round series will be a best-of-three matchup, with all three games taking place in North Carolina.

The Checkers, who will finish fourth in the Atlantic Division during the regular season, hold the home-ice advantage and the right to host the series. They are 39-25-7-0 and will conclude their season against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms tomorrow afternoon.

The Wolf Pack will finish fifth in the Atlantic Division and are currently 34-27-7-3.

This is the first-ever meeting between the foes in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Since the Checkers entered the AHL in 2010, they have faced off 48 times in the regular season.

The series will kick off at the Bojangles Coliseum on Thursday night, April 25^th, with the puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.

The full Atlantic Division First Round series schedule is as follows:

Game 1: Thursday, April 25^th, @ Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum, 7:00 p.m.)
Game 2: Saturday, April 27^th, @ Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum, 4:00 p.m.)
Game 3*: Sunday, April 28^th, @ Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum, 4:00 p.m.)
*If necessary

Despite the series taking place in Charlotte, Wolf Pack fans can still come to the XL Center to support their team for Game 1.

The Wolf Pack will host a watch party for Game 1 at the Center’s Sports Bar. The party will start at 6:30 p.m., and the game will begin at 7:00 p.m.

To learn more about Wolf Pack playoff ticket strips and stay up-to-date on everything related to the Calder Cup Playoffs, visit www.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 WOLF PACK TAKE ON CHARLOTTE CHECKERS IN FIRST ROUND first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

SPRINGFIELD, MA—On Saturday night at the MassMutual Center, The Hartford Wolf Pack earned their fourth straight victory and a split of the ‘I-91 Rivalry’ this season. The Wolf Pack came back on four different occasions before eventually completing the comeback in the third period, winning 6-4.

Brennan Othmann gave the Wolf Pack their first lead of the night 12:04 into the third period, scoring his 21^st goal of the season. Othmann weaved his way into the slot before rifling a shot by Vadim Zhernko’s glove. The goal proved to be Othmann’s fourth game-winning goal of the season.

The Thunderbirds opened the scoring 6:15 into the game, as Mathias Laferriere fired home his seventh goal of the season. Laferriere worked his way into the right-wing circle before beating goaltender Hugo Ollas with his blocker.

Just 57 seconds later, however, the Wolf Pack countered. Othmann snapped a shot by Zherenko’s glove from the left-wing circle, lighting the lamp for the 20^th time this season. Victor Mancini was credited with the lone assist on the goal at 7:12, the first point of his professional career.

The T-Birds regained the lead at 14:04, as the Wolf Pack failed to clear a puck. Matthew Kessel stepped into a blast that beat Ollas for his third goal of the season.

Once again, however, the Wolf Pack had an answer. Jaroslav Chmelař potted his second career professional goal at 17:27, converting on a breakaway. Chmelař went backhand-to-forehand before roofing a shot over Zhernko’s glove.

The Wolf Pack pushed hard for their first lead in the middle stanza, but Zherenko held firm before things settled down heading into the final five minutes. Zhernko made 13 saves in the period, preventing the Wolf Pack from gaining a lead.

Jakub Vrana gave the Thunderbirds their third lead of the night at 15:01, using his speed to gain a partial breakaway. Vrana drew a penalty on Nikolas Brouillard but didn’t need the man advantage. He finished it off right there, going to the backhand and beating Ollas through the five-hole for his 16^th goal of the season.

The Thunderbirds were awarded the game’s first powerplay at 17:20, as Othmann was whistled for boarding. After a solid kill, Mac Hollowell nearly sprang Othmann in on a breakaway after he exited the penalty box.

The pass harmlessly fluttered into the offensive zone, or so it seemed. Othmann turned on the jets, collected the puck, and fed Hollowell. Hollowell cut to the net, went to the backhand, and stuffed home his third goal of the season at 19:31 to tie things up again.

For the fourth time, the Thunderbirds took the lead. This time, a powerplay strike from Zach Dean at 2:50 of the third period made it a 4-3 game.

Sahil Panwar had the Wolf Pack’s fourth response, as he tipped in his first career AHL goal at 9:58. Blake Hillman stepped into a shot that Panwar deflected in front to make it a 4-4 game.

Othmann gave the Wolf Pack their first lead of the night at 12:04, completing a three-point effort (2 g, 1 a). Hollowell picked up his 40^th assist of the season, the first defenseman to accomplish the feat for the Wolf Pack since Andrew Hutchinson during the 2007-08 season.

Adam Sýkora completed the comeback at 18:36, hitting an empty net for his eighth goal of the season.

Ollas made 14 saves to collect the victory in his professional debut.

Hartford concludes the 2023-24 regular season tomorrow with a trip to Providence to take on the Bruins. The puck drop is set for 3:05 p.m.

# # #

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 BATTLE TO KNOCK OFF THUNDERBIRDS 6-4 first appeared on Howlings.