By: Shay Costa, Howlings

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack’s Anton Blidh scored 1:28 into the third period to give the team a 4-3 road win against his former team, the Providence Bruins, in Game One of the Atlantic Division semifinal in front of 2,683 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI.

For the Latest in NHL Live Scores, Visit new Howlings sponsor  NHL LIVE SCORES

Blidh’s line, composed of himself, Jake Leschyshyn (1 goal, 1 assist), and Tyler Pitlick (1 goal, 2 assists), was dominant, contributing six points. They generated the majority of the Pack’s Game One offense. “They dominated,” Interim Wolf Pack Head Coach Steve Smith said. “They looked like NHL players tonight. They were physical. They were simple. They were hard to play against both offensively and defensively. Quite frankly, they were the difference makers tonight.”

Pitlick led the way for the Pack’s third line and was humble afterward. “It’s always good to get on the score sheet,” He said. “I’ve just been focusing on getting physical and doing the little things, and sometimes you get rewarded.”

Blidh tallied the visitors’ game-winner at 1:28 of the third period. Providence had failed to clear the puck from their zone. Leschyshyn recovered the puck at the blue line and fired a shot that rebounded off Providence netminder Brandon Bussi’s pads. A wide-open Johnny-On-The-Spot Blidh took full advantage of the screen on Bussi. He recovered the rebound, drew the Bruins’ goalie out of the crease, and sent a backhander past the netminder’s pad into the net to make it 4-2.

Following Blihd’s goal, and with time ticking down, the Bruins turned up their intensity in a desperate effort to tie the game. They did manage to get a third tally, but it was too little, too late.

After a successful penalty kill with 1:42 left, the Bruins called a timeout and pulled Bussi for an extra attacker. With 47 seconds left, Patrick Brown deflected Anthony Richard’s shot to make it a one-goal differential in the final score.

The Pack drew first blood in the series at 1:07 of the first period on the team’s first shot. Leschyshyn tallied in transition. After Pitlick was doubled-teamed by Jimmy Lambert and Michael Callahan, he wisely advanced the puck to the open and on-rushing Leschyshyn, who had a clear lane to the net. His top-shelf shot gave the Wolf Pack an early lead and set the tone for the rest of the first period.

“We started on time. We were really good in the first period,” Smith said. He also said he felt his team had the upper hand. “[The Bruins] were a little flat because they hadn’t played in ten days.”

The Baby Bruins were off for ten days after earning a first-round bye from their regular reason performance.

Hartford’s efforts to extend its lead looked like it would come in a quick transition after Brennan Othmann’s stretch pass to Brett Berard sent him into the Bruins’ zone. But Berard ran out of ice. Instead,  he waited for a better opportunity, which became Blake Hillman. Hillman took Berard’s pass in the slot and blasted a shot past Bussi’s blocker to put the Wolf Pack up by two at 5:27.

Providence shook off its rust by the second period and began chipping away at Hartford’s lead. Their first goal came on the rush as Lambert skated past the Wolf Pack defense, which was caught a bit flat-footed. Lambert’s hustle earned him a clear shot at the net, which successfully sailed past the pad of Hartford goalie Dylan Garand at 6:19, making it 2-1.

Lambert scored again for the P-Bruins on another Pack defensive error, this time as he was again left wide-open. Bruins forward Oskar Steen recovered a failed Hartford clearing attempt. He passed it to Lambert, who was driving the slot. He got the puck and went top shelf to Garand’s blocker side, knotting the game 2-2 at 13:41 of the second period.

“They came out to play in the second and made a game of it,” remarked Smith. Besides Providence’s rising competitive level, Smith acknowledged that the Wolf Pack also made a number of mistakes. “We didn’t manage the puck particularly well in the second.”

As the second-period clock ticked down, things seemed like things would be inconsequential but that changed quickly when Victor Mancini’s high shot in front of the net was tipped by Pitlick past Bussi and into the Providence goal, reclaiming Hartford’s lead as the second period expired.

The series continues with Game Two in Providence at 7:05 on Friday before shifting to Hartford and the XL Center for Games Three and Four next week.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK TAKE GAME ONE OF SEMIS IN P-TOWN 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: 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

HARTFORD, CT—The Hartford Wolf Pack dropped their fifth straight contest on Sunday evening, falling 4-0 to the Hershey Bears. This is the second time this season that the Wolf Pack has suffered five consecutive losses.

The team packed up and drove to Rochester, NY, on Sunday night, where they’ll set up shop for the next three days. The Pack will take on the Rochester Americans for the second and final time this season on Wednesday night as part of their current four-game road trip.

Saturday, March 16^th, 2024, Vs. Utica Comets (4-2 L): Brett Berard got the Wolf Pack on the board 6:57 into the hockey game, deflecting an Alex Belzile shot by Akira Schmid on the powerplay to give the Wolf Pack a 1-0 lead.

The Comets scored the game’s next three goals, however, taking a lead they would never lose. At 13:19 of the first period, Graeme Clarke was left alone in front of Olof Lindbom and beat the goaltender with his glove to even the tilt at 1-1.

2:06 later, the Comets took the lead for good when a Ryan Schmelzer shot hit the stick of Lindbom, clipped the goal post, and trickled over the line to make it 2-1.

Schmelzer’s second of the night came via a redirection at 12:59 of the second period. The Comets’ captain slipped behind the Wolf Pack defense, saw a shot clip off his leg, and beat Lindbom.

Adam Sýkora got the Wolf Pack back within a goal 66 seconds later, beating Schmid from the left-wing circle for his seventh goal of the season.

Despite a good third-period push, the Wolf Pack could not solve Schmid to equalize the game. Kyle Criscuolo ended the intrigue at 18:29, scoring his 13^th goal of the season into an empty net.

The season series ended in a split, with each team winning one game. The road team finished the season series with a 2-0-0-0 record.

Sunday, March 17^th, 2024, @ Hershey Bears (4-0 L): The Wolf Pack were shut out on Sunday for the fourth time this season and the second time in the last three games. On Wednesday night, they also suffered a 4-0 defeat in Charlotte against the Checkers.

Ethen Frank scored the game-winning goal just 1:19 into the contest, snapping a shot by Dylan Garand’s glove from the left-wing circle. The goal came eight seconds into Hershey’s first powerplay of the night.

The Wolf Pack carried the play in the second period but could not solve Hunter Shepard. At 19:44 of the middle frame, Alex Limoges jammed home a rebound for his 19^th goal of the season, ballooning the lead to 2-0.

The Bears took advantage of two turnovers by the Wolf Pack in the third period to extend the lead to 4-0. First, Riley Sutter wrapped around his ninth goal of the season at 11:18 after a turnover behind the net. Then, Ryan Hofer blasted his fourth goal of the season by Garand at 14:13 after a puck deflected off two Wolf Pack players and came right into the slot for Hofer.

Shepard made 26 saves for his third shutout of the season.

Quick Hits:

• Berard’s goal on Saturday night was his team-leading 23^rd of the season. He is now third in the AHL in goals among rookies, one behind Logan Stankoven of the Texas Stars and Josh Doan of the Tucson Roadrunners.
• Berard (23 g, 17 a) and Brennan Othmann (14 g, 26 a) are in the top ten rookie points in the AHL. They both have 40 and are tied for seventh.
• Sunday was the fourth time this season that the Wolf Pack was shut out. In addition to Sunday’s loss, the Pack fell 4-0 to the Checkers in Charlotte on March 13^th, 3-0 to the Providence Bruins in Rhode Island on February 18^th and 2-0 to the Bruins at the XL Center on November 11^th.
• The Wolf Pack’s magic number to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs is 19. They currently sit in fifth place with 67 points. The Wolf Pack are one point behind the Checkers for fourth and two points behind the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for third.

The Week Ahead:

• Wednesday, March 20^th, 2024, @ Rochester Americans (7:05 p.m., Blue Cross Arena)
• Saturday, March 23^rd, 2024, @ Toronto Marlies (4:00 p.m., Coca-Cola Coliseum)
• Sunday, March 24^th, 2024, @ Belleville Senators (2:00 p.m., CAA Arena)

# # #

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 WEEKEND RECAP: MARCH 18th, 2024 first appeared on Howlings.

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT – Brett Berard scored the first hat trick of his professional career on Friday night, helping the Wolf Pack to a season-high seven goals as they blitzed the Providence Bruins 7-4 at the XL Center.

Berard’s hat-trick tally was the game-winner, coming 2:35 into the second period. Berard’s 22^nd goal of the season capped off a pretty passing play with Alex Belzile and Mac Hollowell as he blistered a shot up high from the slot over the shoulder of Michael DiPietro to make it 5-0 Wolf Pack.

Blade Jenkins opened the scoring for the Wolf Pack 3:48 into the game, deflecting a Matej Pekar shot for his second goal of the season. The assist was Pekar’s fifth of the season and came minutes into his first game since January 20^th.

The goal marked the third consecutive game in which the Wolf Pack opened the scoring.

Bruins forward Anthony Richard nearly tied the game shorthanded on a breakaway, but Dylan Garand stood tall, leading to a three-on-one counterattack quarterbacked by Belzile. He fed an open Berard, who sniped a short side shot past DiPietro to make it 2-0 Wolf Pack on the powerplay at 7:26.

Berard found twine again on Hartford’s second powerplay of the game, circling the zone before picking up speed and firing a shot through a screen. Berard connected for his 21^st goal of the season at 14:20.

The Wolf Pack picked up where they left off to begin the second period, scoring three goals in under three minutes for six unanswered goals. It started with Belzile one-timing a Hollowell feed just 1:59 into the period, making it 4-0 Hartford. Brennan Othmann recorded his second assist of the night on the goal.

Only 36 seconds later, Berard would pick up his first professional hat trick. Belzile’s assist was his third point of the game. Belzile was one of eight Wolf Pack players to record a multi-point night.

Berard’s hat-trick goal at 2:35 chased DiPietro from the contest as Brandon Bussi took over for the Bruins.

32 seconds after Berard’s hat trick, Ryder Korczak barreled towards the net, leading to Pekar feeding him for a tap-in at 3:07. Korczak’s goal was his seventh of the season, beating Bussi to make it a whopping 6-0 lead for the Wolf Pack.

Patrick Brown responded at 6:30 to put the Bruins on the board, scoring for the third time in four games against Hartford. Brown muscled his way to the front of the net before jamming the puck by Garand for his sixth of the season to make it a 6-1 game.

The Pack went on the penalty kill midway through the middle stanza as Nikolas Brouillard went off for high-sticking. After a brief five-on-three and two quick kills for the Wolf Pack, Brouillard extended the lead to 7-1 with his first goal since January 20^th.

Brouillard took a pass from Blake Hillman and entered the offensive zone on a breakaway. He snapped a shot by Bussi on the short side just seconds after exiting the penalty box.

Bruins forward Oskar Steen beat Garand up high for a powerplay goal in the closing minutes of the second period to make it 7-2, starting a pushback from the visitors.

Brown scored his second goal of the night at 5:04 in a similar fashion to his first, driving to the net and stuffing the puck by Garand to make it 7-3. The goal was the Bruins’ second straight on the powerplay.

A third straight powerplay goal at 9:11, courtesy of Georgii Merkulov, made it a 7-4 game. Merkulov blasted home a one-timer from the right-wing circle for his team-leading 22^nd goal of the season.

Despite a frantic push from the Bruins, the Wolf Pack were able to calm things down and push a 7-4 victory over the finish line. The win marks the Wolf Pack’s third straight victory and their second straight at home.

The Wolf Pack open a three-game road trip tomorrow night when they visit the Bridgeport Islanders. 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.; 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 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 BERARD 1ST HATTIE LEADS WOLF PACK OVER BRUINS first appeared on Howlings.

RANGERS TRADE F TURNER ELSON TO MINNESOTA WILD IN EXCHANGE FOR F NIC PETAN

By Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has traded forward Turner Elson to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Nic Petan.

Petan, 28, has appeared in 44 games with the Iowa Wild this season, scoring 40 points (12 g, 28 a). Additionally, the 5’9” forward has scored two assists in six NHL games with the Minnesota Wild.

In his career, Petan has skated in 281 career AHL games with the Wild, Abbotsford Canucks, Toronto Marlies, and Manitoba Moose, scoring 281 points (92 g, 189 a). He has also skated in 170 career NHL games, scoring 35 points (7 g, 28 a) for the Wild, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets.

He was selected in the second round (43^rd overall) by the Jets in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Elson, 31, appeared in 110 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack over two seasons, scoring 53 points (22 g, 31 a). He signed a two-year deal with the Rangers as a free agent on July 14^th, 2022.

Elson has appeared in 579 career AHL games with the Wolf Pack, Grand Rapids Griffins, San Antonio Rampage, Stockton Heat, Adirondack Flames, and Abbotsford Heat, scoring 263 points (117 g, 146 a).

The Pack is back at the XL Center tonight when the Providence Bruins come to town for the final time this season. The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Join us for $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs until the end of the first intermission!

Additionally, help us welcome back Wolf Pack legend P.J. Stock! The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a P.J. Stock bobblehead courtesy of Xfinity.

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 RANGERS MAKING MOVES EFFECTING WOLF PACK first appeared on Howlings.

First 1,500 Fans to Receive PJ Stock Bobblehead Giveaway!

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT – PJ Stock, the Hartford hockey icon who scored the first home goal in Hartford Wolf Pack franchise history at the XL Center, returns to the Connecticut capital tonight.

Stock appeared in 160 games during his three seasons with the Wolf Pack, scoring 25 goals and 45 assists for 70 points. He also amassed 740 penalty minutes with the club, the third-most in franchise history.

The native of Montréal, QC, helped guide the Wolf Pack to the 2000 Calder Cup Championship. He played 23 games during the team’s Championship run, scoring 12 points (1 g, 11 a).

Stock will sign autographs pregame in the XL Center’s Exhibition Hall from 5:15 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. for VIP ‘Bobble Pack’ purchasers.

He’ll then sign autographs and meet with fans on the concourse behind section 106 from 6:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Stock will return to behind section 106 during the first intermission to sign more autographs.

Additionally, Stock will be the guest of honor for the ceremonial puck drop before the Wolf Pack’s game against the Providence Bruins.

CT-DOT presents the Stock’s appearance.

As part of the night’s celebration, the first 1,500 fans into the main entrance of the XL Center will receive a PJ Stock bobblehead courtesy of Xfinity.

These bobbleheads are only available at the main entrance and are accessed via the atrium.

Tickets for the game are available here. The night also features $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs until the end of the first intermission around the concourse!

DJ Meechie of Hot 93.7 will also keep the crowd up throughout the night by providing the game’s music!

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 TO WELCOME HOME PJ STOCK TONIGHT first appeared on Howlings.

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack collected four important points to kick off the month of March. The club opened the month with a 2-1 victory at home over the Laval Rocket on Friday night, then ended the five-game winning streak of the Providence Bruins on Sunday afternoon by a final score of 5-2.

The Pack is back for the final 20 games of the 2023-24 regular season starting tomorrow night. The club will play two key Atlantic Division games as it opens a stretch that will see it play seven of nine games on the road.

Friday, March 8^th, 2024, Vs. Providence Bruins (7:00 p.m.): NHL Trade Deadline Day will end with some action on the ice as the Wolf Pack welcome the Bruins to town for the final time this season. It’s the ninth of ten overall meetings between the clubs during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Wolf Pack evened the season series with a 5-2 victory on Sunday afternoon at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Among the highlights of the afternoon, Karl Henriksson struck just 43 seconds into the contest for Hartford’s fastest goal to start a game on the road this season. Bryan Yoon’s tally 1:58 into the second period was his first career AHL goal and gave the Wolf Pack a lead they never lost.

Brett Berard’s first goal back in his hometown of Providence would stand as the game-winner. The goal, Berard’s team-leading 19^th of the year, came at 6:02 of the second period. It was his team-leading seventh game-winning goal.

The Wolf Pack have a record of 4-3-1-0 against the Bruins this season, while the B’s are 4-2-1-1 in the head-to-head matchup.

The sides will wrap up their season series on April 21^st, back in Providence.

Saturday, March 10^th, 2024, @ Bridgeport Islanders (7:00 p.m.): The ‘Battle of Connecticut’ makes its final stop in Bridgeport during the 2023-24 season on Saturday night. It’s the ninth of ten overall meetings between the rivals.

The Wolf Pack have dominated the season series, winning seven of the first eight meetings. In the most recent matchup, the Pack took a 2-1 decision at the XL Center on February 21^st.

Jake Leschyshyn opened the scoring with a powerplay goal 5:29 into the contest, his fifth goal of the season. Brennan Othmann’s 14^th goal of the year at 4:14 of the second period would stand as the game-winner, his third of the season.

Matthew Maggio had the only goal of the night for the Islanders, striking at 12:03 of the middle frame.

Dylan Garand made 29 saves in the victory, improving to 5-0-0 against the Islanders on the season. In the head-to-head matchup, Garand has a .975 save percentage (155 saves on 159 shots).

The Wolf Pack have won each of their last seven visits to Total Mortgage Arena and are a perfect 4-0-0-0 there this season. Overall, they have won six straight against the Islanders and have held the Isles to one or fewer goals in each of the last four meetings.

The season series wraps up back at the XL Center on April 3^rd.

Quick Hits:

• On Wednesday, the parent New York Rangers (NHL) acquired forward Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft (originally belonging to the Dallas Stars).
• On Tuesday, the Rangers assigned forward Alex Belzile to the Wolf Pack. Belzile leads the Pack in points with 37 (14 g, 23 a) through 43 games. He is currently tied with Othmann for second on the club in goals with 14.
• Also, on Tuesday, the Wolf Pack released forward Tag Bertuzzi from his professional tryout agreement. Bertuzzi collected one assist in eight games with the club. He was returned to the ECHL’s Reading Royals.

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

HOWLINGS

The post WOLF PACK WEEKEND PREVIEW: MARCH 7th, 2024 first appeared on Howlings.