By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

ORLANDO, Fla. – Despite a high-scoring affair, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits fell to the Orlando Bears in the third overtime matchup of the series, 6-5, in Game 5 of the South Division Semifinals on Sunday night. The loss gives the Solar Bears a 3-2 series lead ahead of the teams’ return to Greenville for Game 6 on Tuesday, April 30th.

Orlando kicked off the scoring at 3:31 of the opening period when Spencer Kersten snuck in Alex Frye’s rebound for an early 1-0 lead, scoring the first goal for just the second time this series. However, the Solar Bears’ effort proved to be in vain, as the Swamp Rabbits netted three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead before the opening period buzzer sounded. Bobby Russell kicked things off for Greenville, whizzing the puck straight through traffic and past Evan Fitzpatrick to tie the score at 1-1 halfway through the first (Logan Britt and Young assisted). Shortly after Russell tied the game, Brannon McManus netted the go-ahead for Greenville, potting the back door rebound of Nick Prkusic’s net-front attempt. Prkusic received a pass through the neutral zone from Ethan Somoza and skated the puck toward Fitzpatrick’s crease. Fitzpatrick denied Prkusic’s attempt with a kick save, but McManus caught the rebound. Less than a minute later, Young netted a goal of his own to establish a two-goal lead. Fitzpatrick blocked Tyler Inamoto’s wrist shot from the blue line, but Young backhanded the rebound straight through the netminder’s legs to push the Swamp Rabbits to a 3-1 lead entering the middle frame.

The score danced back and forth during the second period. The Solar Bears came out swinging, opening the period with a goal from Tyler Bird to bring the game within one. Jayden Dureau skated the puck through all three zones before dishing a cross-ice pass to Bird in front of the crease. Bird’s shot deflected off the body of a Swamp Rabbit and went in at 3:14 (Marc-Andre Gaudet also assisted). However, it didn’t take long for Greenville to respond. Halfway through the period, Russell ripped a shot clean through traffic for his second of the contest (assisted by Young and Quinn Olson) to reinstate the Swamp Rabbits’ two-goal lead. The two teams traded goals again to close the middle frame; Orlando struck again, courtesy of Luke Boka, who lifted the puck into the net from a side angle (assisted by Jesse Jacques and Kersten) at 14:24. Two minutes later, in a lone effort, Carter Souch carried the puck through the neutral zone and fell to his knees while spinning around a defender. Souch backhanded a shot past Fitzpatrick from his knees for the 5-3 lead entering the third period.

The Solar Bears brought the game within one for the third time to open the final period. Gaudet played the puck off Inamoto’s body while I stride through the neutral zone. The puck was redirected off of the Swamp Rabbit defenseman and onto the stick of Jacques, who quickly ripped it past Jacob Ingham to bring the score to 5-4. The period remained relatively quiet until the 16:52 mark when Aaron Luchuk received a pass from Brayden Low from behind the net and beat Ingham on the left to tie the game at 5 a side (Jimmy Mazza also assisted). Neither team beat the buzzer for the game-winner during the final three minutes of regulation, forcing overtime for the third time in five games so far this series.

Just 1:40 into overtime, Low netted the game-winner for the Solar Bears. Low picked up the loose puck in the slot and poked it past Ingham to secure Orlando’s third overtime win of the series (assisted by Tyler Bird).

Ingham stopped 31 of 37 shots in his third overtime loss of the series (0-0-3). For the win, Evan Fitzpatrick stopped 38 of 43 shots from the Swamp Rabbits.

The Swamp Rabbits continue their quest for the Kelly Cup in Game 6 of the South Division Semifinals on Tuesday, April 30. Puck drop is slated for 7:05 p.m. EST 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

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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: 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

HOWLINGS

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.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT – On Friday night, Nic Petan broke a 2-2 tie with a five-on-three powerplay blast in the third period. The goal stood as the game-winner as the Wolf Pack defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 3-2 on Fan Appreciation Night at the XL Center in front of over 6,900 fans.

Two quick slashing calls on the Penguins gave Hartford 65 seconds of five-on-three time at the 12:59 mark of the third period. Petan ripped a one-timer by Joel Blomqvist for his 15^th goal of the season to give the Wolf Pack the lead for good. Nikolas Brouillard picked up the second of two points (1 g, 1 a) on the night with an assist on the goal, while Brett Berard’s secondary helper was his second of the night.

The Wolf Pack controlled the pace of play in the first period, outshooting the Penguins by a 12-3 margin. Each side also hit a goal post, as Case McCarthy struck the iron for the Wolf Pack before Matt Filipe countered for the visitors.

A late push from the Wolf Pack in the second period led to the icebreaker, as Bryan Yoon roofed his first goal at the XL Center at 17:26 to make it 1-0.

Bobby Trivigno wired a shot high off Blomqvist, who surrendered a rebound to his left. Yoon collected the loose puck and snapped it with the netminder’s glove for the second goal of his AHL career.

The Pack extended their lead 43 seconds into the third period as Petan found a pinching Brouillard. Brouillard sniped his fifth tally of the season over the glove of Blomqvist to make it 2-0 Wolf Pack. Alex Belzile picked up his 31^st assist and team-leading 50^th point of the season on the goal.

The Penguins pushed back, however, tying the game with two goals in just 39 seconds.

Jack Rathbone made an excellent play in the slot, waiting out a Wolf Pack defender before breaking Louis Domingue’s shutout bid at 7:58 to give the visitors some life. Austin Rueschhoff then evened the game as he muscled his way to the blue paint before stuffing home a rebound to make it a 2-2 hockey game.

The club’s timely five-on-three goal at 13:22 of the third period would be the difference, as the Pack’s answer was too much for the Penguins.

The victory was the Wolf Pack’s second in a row against the Penguins, as the sides split the season series with three wins each. The home team went 6-0-0-0 in the head-to-head matchup.

Thanks to the victory, the Wolf Pack now have an eleven-game (9-0-1-1) point streak at home against the Penguins.

Hartford concludes the 2023-24 regular season with road games against regional rivals. Tomorrow night, the Pack heads north to the MassMutual Center to take on the Springfield Thunderbirds. The puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m., and coverage will be available on both AHLTV and Mixlr.

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 GET PETAN PP BLAST TO BEAT PENGUINS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 2024 South Division Champions, announced today that the organization is proud to continue its affiliation with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and AHL’s Ontario Reign.

The affiliation, which began as a working partnership in 2021-22 and became an official affiliation at the start of the 2022-23 ECHL Season, will perpetuate for another two seasons into the 2025-26 campaign.

“We couldn’t be more excited to continue what’s worked so well. We’re grateful for the Los Angeles Kings for extending this partnership we have,” Swamp Rabbits Head Coach/General Manager Andrew Lord stated. “Since we began our relationship, the communication from top down on hockey, players, and organizational success has been second to none, which is key in today’s game in both winning and properly growing talent. This affiliation has helped staff develop and advance to the next level of their careers and has provided players an opportunity to challenge themselves as professionals in pursuit of their goals on the ice. I’d like to thank Rob Blake, Nelson Emerson, Rich Seeley, and the Kings and Reign organizations for their professionalism and commitment to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and continued excellence in our game.”

Since becoming affiliates in 2022-23, the Swamp Rabbits have helped propel over a dozen players from Greenville to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Among those players, two were named ECHL All-Stars, including goaltender Ryan Bednard this past season. Swamp Rabbits goaltender Jacob Ingham also earned an NHL contract this year, the second of his career, signing the deal this past March. In the last two seasons, the Swamp Rabbits, Reign, and Kings have all qualified for their respective league’s playoffs, one of only four NHL affiliation systems capable of claiming that success.

“The LA Kings are excited to announce the extension of our affiliation with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL for the next two seasons,” said Kings Director of Player Development Glen Murray. We are very proud of the work Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Lord and his staff have done with our prospects this past season. We look forward to seeing the development continue for years to come.”

The Swamp Rabbits now look forward to the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs, where they will face the Orlando Solar Bears in the opening round, the South Division Semifinals. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will begin on April 21^st at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, slated for a 3:05 p.m. EST puck drop.

About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits …
Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has provided 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 L.A. Kings and the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Greenville is an ECHL Premier’ A.A.’ Hockey League member.

GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

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The post SWAMP RABBITS AND LA KINGS EXTEND AFFILIATION first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas: Hartford Wolf Pack

Former Boston University Terrier Signs ATO for Remainder of 2023-24 Season

HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club has signed defenseman Case McCarthy to a two-year, standard AHL player contract.

The deal will begin with the 2024-25 campaign.

Additionally, the club has signed McCarthy to an amateur tryout agreement for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. He will join the team immediately.

McCarthy appeared in a career-high 39 games with the Boston University Terriers this season, scoring nine points (4 g, 5 a). He helped lead the team to the 2024 Frozen Four, the program’s second straight appearance and their 24^th all-time.

McCarthy appeared in 144 games with the Terriers throughout five seasons, scoring 52 points (15 g, 37 a). He set career highs in assists with twelve and points with 15 during the 2022-23 season. His five goals during the 2021-22 campaign were his career-high in that category.

The native of Clarence Center, NY, served as captain of the Terriers this past season. He also wore an “A” for the club during the 2022-23 season.

McCarthy has represented the United States at both the Under-18 World Junior Championship and the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge internationally.

The Wolf Pack wrap up the home portion of their 2023-24 season on Friday night when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins come to town on Fan Appreciation Night. Join us for $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs until the end of the first intermission!

The first 1,500 fans in attendance will also receive an Anton Blidh bobblehead, while one lucky fan will get the chance to win $100,000.

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 SIGN CASE McCARTHY TO TWO-YEAR DEAL first appeared on Howlings.