Winter Olympic Games - Howlings https://howlings.net NEW YORK RANGERS, HARTFORD WOLF PACK, CINCINNATI CYCLONES, COLLEGE, JUNIOR HOCKEY NEWS & MORE Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:44:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://i0.wp.com/howlings.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Howlings.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Winter Olympic Games - Howlings https://howlings.net 32 32 34397985 SHELLEY: GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS HIRE MASON BAPTISTA https://howlings.net/2022/08/04/greenville-swamp-rabbits-hire-mason-baptista/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=greenville-swamp-rabbits-hire-mason-baptista Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:44:29 +0000 https://www.howlings.net/?p=80531 Former Swamp Rabbits forward & Chinese Olympic Team assistant returns to Greenville for coaching role. BY: Mark Shelley, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, SC –  The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced today that Mason Baptista had been named the club’s new Assistant Coach. “We are very excited...

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Mason BaptisaFormer Swamp Rabbits forward & Chinese Olympic Team assistant returns to Greenville for coaching role.

BY: Mark Shelley, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, SC –  The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced today that Mason Baptista had been named the club’s new Assistant Coach.

“We are very excited about Mason joining us as Assistant Coach for this upcoming season,” said Swamp Rabbits Head Coach/General Manager Andrew Lord. “The references on Mason were great, and there were a number of people from Greenville very happy to hear he might be returning.”

Baptista, 32, joins the Swamp Rabbits after a stint as the Video and Skills Coach for the Chinese Women’s National Team, which competed at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

“Mason loves the game, and his hard work and passion were things we kept hearing about,” Lord continued. “He knows Greenville and our fan base well, and we are equally excited about his desire to be involved in the community.”

AS A PLAYER

Before he transitioned to behind the bench, the North York, ON native spent six seasons in the professional playing ranks, including a 59-game stay with the Swamp Rabbits during the 2019-20 season, a campaign in which he posted 40 points (15g, 25a). Throughout his ECHL career, Baptista appeared in 297 career games and posted 187 points (79g, 108a) between five different teams.

“I’m super excited to come back to Greenville and continue the amazing work Coach Lord and the rest of the staff have been doing here,” Baptista said. “I love the area and always believed that we could bring home a championship. I can’t wait to see the spectacular fan base again. There are so many great people here that have supported this team from the very beginning. I’m so thankful for the opportunity and look forward to get going in October!”

Before turning professional, Baptista spent four seasons as a standout forward at St. Norbert College, winning a pair of NCAA Division III national championships in 2012 and 2014 with the Green Knights.

The Swamp Rabbits open the 2022-23 season, presented by Bon Secours, on Saturday, October 22 at 7:05 p.m. as they take on the newest team in the ECHL, the Savannah Ghost Pirates, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 2022-23 full and half Season Tickets are on sale now by calling (864)-674-7825 or visiting SwampRabbits.com.

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, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest-level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. Greenville is an ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League member.

GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

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CRAWFORD: WOLF PACK’S JOHN GILMOUR EARNS FIRST-TEAM AHL ALL-STAR HONORS https://howlings.net/2019/04/11/crawford-wolf-packs-john-gilmour-earns-first-team-ahl-all-star-honors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=crawford-wolf-packs-john-gilmour-earns-first-team-ahl-all-star-honors Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:16:56 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=65685 Leads All-League Blueliners with 54 Points BY: Bob Crawford, Hartford Wolf Pack  HARTFORD, April 11, 2019:  The American Hockey League today announced that Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman John Gilmour has been named as a 2018-19 AHL First-Team All-Star. Gilmour, a third-year pro out of Providence...

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Leads All-League Blueliners with 54 Points

BY: Bob Crawford, Hartford Wolf Pack 

HARTFORD, April 11, 2019:  The American Hockey League today announced that Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman John Gilmour has been named as a 2018-19 AHL First-Team All-Star.

Gilmour, a third-year pro out of Providence College, leads AHL defensemen in points, with 54 in 67 games, including 20 goals, a Wolf Pack franchise record for defensemen.  The 25-year-old Montreal, Quebec native is tops among Wolf Pack skaters in points and assists (34), and has the third-most goals on the team.  He also leads the Hartford squad, and ranks second among AHL defensemen, in game-winning goals with five.  That total includes three overtime tallies, which ties a Wolf Pack single-season record.

Gilmour, who was signed as a free agent by the parent New York Rangers August 18, 2016, has also skated in five NHL games with the Rangers this season, after logging 28 games of NHL action last year (2-3-5).  In 187 career AHL games with the Wolf Pack, Gilmour has totaled 32 goals and 73 assists for 105 points.

The Wolf Pack’s next action is their last home game of the season, “Fan Appreciation Night”, tomorrow night, Friday, April 12 vs. the Hershey Bears.  Faceoff is 7:15 PM, and, as at all Friday-night Wolf Pack home games, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers and fountain sodas, through the start of the second period, presented by Nomads Adventure Quest.  Tickets are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, online at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.  Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $13 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase.

Information about all of the Wolf Pack’s many attractive ticketing options can be found online at hartfordwolfpack.com.  To speak with a Wolf Pack representative, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.

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MASSE: HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE SELECTION COMMITTEE https://howlings.net/2018/11/13/masse-hockey-hall-of-fame-announces-new-appointments-to-the-selection-committee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=masse-hockey-hall-of-fame-announces-new-appointments-to-the-selection-committee Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:08:43 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=63816 Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Mark Chipman to become new members BY: Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall Of Fame TORONTO (November 13, 2018) – Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today the appointment of two new members to the Hockey Hall...

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Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Mark Chipman to become new members

BY: Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall Of Fame

TORONTO (November 13, 2018)Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today the appointment of two new members to the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee commencing with the 2019 nomination and election proceedings.   The appointments were confirmed at the Directors’ meeting held earlier today.

Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Mark Chipman will join the eighteen-member Selection Committee, replacing Eric Duhatschek who served his full term limit of 15 years, and Bill Torrey who served since 2007 until his passing on May 2, 2018.  Presently a television commentator with Hockey Night in Canada, Campbell-Pascall’s hockey resume includes captain of the Canadian women’s gold-medal-winning teams at each of the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games.  Chipman is best known as the executive chairman of True North Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League.

“I am very pleased and honored to welcome Cassie and Mark to the Selection Committee, both of whom are highly knowledgeable and well-known for their active roles in the game of hockey that will complement the Committee’s deliberations in recognition of excellence”, said McDonald.  “I also express our appreciation and gratitude for the distinguished service and outstanding contributions that both Eric and Bill brought to the Selection Committee.”

In addition to these new appointments, Michael Farber (2003 Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award Recipient), Ron Francis (Honoured Member/Class of 2007), Jari Kurri (Honoured Member/Class of 2001) and Bob McKenzie (2015 Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award Recipient) were re-appointed to the Selection Committee each for a further three-year term expiring December 31, 2021.

The Selection Committee will meet on June 24 & 25, 2019 to consider duly nominated candidates for election into Honoured Membership. The announcement of the new inductees will be made on June 25, 2019, and the annual Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019.

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NEW YORK RANGERS PROSPECT REPORT: FEB. 19 https://howlings.net/2018/02/19/new-york-rangers-prospect-report-feb-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-york-rangers-prospect-report-feb-19 https://howlings.net/2018/02/19/new-york-rangers-prospect-report-feb-19/#respond Mon, 19 Feb 2018 16:51:43 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=60277 NEW YORK RANGERS PROSPECT REPORT: FEB. 19 Lias Andersson registered three points (two goals, one assist) in four games during the week, including two points (one goal, one assist) on Feb. 14 at Charlotte. The Rangers’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry...

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NEW YORK RANGERS PROSPECT REPORT: FEB. 19

  • Lias Andersson registered three points (two goals, one assist) in four games during the week, including two points (one goal, one assist) on Feb. 14 at Charlotte. The Rangers’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft has registered seven points (three goals, four assists) in the last seven games, as well as nine points (three goals, six assists) and a plus-two rating through his first 12 career AHL games. In addition, the Wolf Pack have posted an 8-3-1 record in the 12 games Andersson has played with the team thus far this season.
    • Among AHL players younger than 20 years old, Filip Chytil and Andersson rank first and second, respectively, in points per game in 2017-18 (Chytil – 0.79; Andersson – 0.75).
  • Brandon Halverson started three games with the Wolf Pack during the week, and he made at least 37 saves in two of the three contests. In addition, the Rangers’ second-round pick (59th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft was recalled by the Blueshirts on Feb. 16, and he made his NHL debut on Feb. 17 at Ottawa. Halverson became the 84th goaltender to appear in a regular season game with the Rangers in franchise history.

  • Adam Tambellini registered two points (one goal, one assist), tied for the game-high with six shots on goal, and tallied the only goal in the shootout in Hartford’s 3-2 win against Lehigh Valley on Feb. 17. The Rangers’ third-round pick (65th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft has notched a point in seven of the last 12 games (three goals, five assists) and in 12 of his last 22 games (five goals, eight assists over the span). Tambellini ranks third on the Wolf Pack in goals this season (11).
  • Ryan Graves tallied a goal on Feb. 14 at Charlotte, and he registered 11 shots on goal in four games during the week. The Rangers’ fourth-round pick (110th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is tied for ninth among AHL defensemen – and leads Hartford defensemen – in shots on goal this season (116).
  • Ryan Gropp registered an assist on Feb. 14 at Charlotte. The Rangers’ second-round pick (41st overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has tallied a point in five of the last eight games (two goals, three assists over the span).
  • Boo Nieves registered an assist on Feb. 17 at Lehigh Valley. He has tallied six points (one goal, five assists) in the last 11 games. Nieves has recorded 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 21 AHL games with the Wolf Pack this season, including seven points (one goal, six assists) in 14 games since rejoining Hartford on Jan. 15. 
  • Chris Nell stopped 23 of 25 shots he faced in regulation and overtime, and stopped all three shooters he faced in the shootout, to earn a win on Feb. 17 at Lehigh Valley.

 

  1. Ty Ronning registered five points (four goals, one assist) in four games during the week and posted two multi-goal/point games in the four contests. He recorded three points (two goals, one assist), all in the third period, registered his 50th goal of the season and tallied the game-winning goal on Feb. 14 at Portland. The Rangers’ seventh-round pick (201st overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has posted a multi-point game in six of the last nine games, as well as a multi-goal game in five of those contests, registering 14 points (11 goals, three assists) over the span. Ronning has tallied 53 goals and 20 assists for 73 points in 58 WHL games in 2017-18. He leads the WHL in shots on goal (290) and ranks second in the league in goals this season. In addition, Ronning leads Vancouver in goals, points, plus/minus rating (plus-13), power play goals (14), and shots on goal in 2017-18. He has also established WHL career-highs in goals, points, and game-winning goals (eight) this season. Ronning leads all players in the CHL (comprised of the three Canadian Major Junior Leagues; OHL, QMJHL, and WHL) in shots on goal this season, and his 53 goals are the second-most among all players in the three leagues in 2017-18.
  2. Tim Gettinger registered a point in all three games during the week, recording three points (one goal, two assists) and 14 shots on goal in the three contests. The Rangers’ fifth-round pick (141st overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has notched a point in 11 of the last 15 games (nine goals, nine assists) and has registered a point in 17 of the last 23 games, tallying 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) over the span. Gettinger has recorded 58 points (30 goals, 28 assists) and a plus-31 rating with the Greyhounds this season, and he has established OHL career-highs in assists and points in 2017-18. Gettinger is also one goal away from tying his OHL career-high, and he has registered at least 30 goals in each of the last two seasons. He ranks seventh in the OHL in plus/minus rating and is tied for ninth in the OHL in shots on goal (216) this season. In addition, Gettinger ranks third among OHL forwards in plus/minus rating this season, and he is one of three OHL players who has registered 30 or more goals and a plus-30 rating or better this season. Gettinger also leads Sault Ste. Marie in shots on goal is tied for the team lead in game-winning goals (seven) and shorthanded goals (five) and ranks third in goals and points in 2017-18.
  1. Patrik Virta recorded two assists, registered five shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating on Feb. 17 against Lukko. The Rangers’ seventh-round pick (207th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft has registered 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 53 games with TPS this season, and he has established Liiga career-highs in games played, assists, and points in 2017-18. He ranks third on TPS in assists and ranks fourth on the team in points and shots on goal (195) this season.

  • Tarmo Reunanen registered an assist and skated in a single-game season-high 21:21 of ice time on Feb. 17 against TPS. The Rangers’ fourth-round pick (98th overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has recorded one assist in seven games with Lukko in Liiga, and he has registered four assists in 32 games in Liiga this season. Reunanen, who will turn 20 years old on Mar. 1, is tied for sixth among defensemen younger than 20 years in Liiga in assists this season.
  • Tyler Wall stopped 28 of 30 shots he faced on Feb. 17 against Providence. The Rangers’ sixth-round pick (174th overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has posted a 3-2-0 record, along with a 2.22 GAA, a .920 SV%, and 1 SO in his last five appearances.

“He is a very skilled forward. He has good poise with the puck and is a dangerous scorer who possesses an excellent shot.”Rangers European Scout Mikko Eloranta on Patrik Virta

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CHAIMOVITCH: SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS, MGM SPRINGFIELD TO HOST 2019 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC https://howlings.net/2018/02/18/chaimovitch-springfield-thunderbirds-mgm-springfield-to-host-2019-ahl-all-star-classic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chaimovitch-springfield-thunderbirds-mgm-springfield-to-host-2019-ahl-all-star-classic https://howlings.net/2018/02/18/chaimovitch-springfield-thunderbirds-mgm-springfield-to-host-2019-ahl-all-star-classic/#respond Mon, 19 Feb 2018 00:30:29 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=60225 CHAIMOVITCH: SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS, MGM SPRINGFIELD TO HOST 2019 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC BY: Jason Chaimovitch, The AHL SPRINGFIELD, MA – American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that the Springfield Thunderbirds and MGM Springfield have been selected as hosts of the 2019 AHL All-Star...

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CHAIMOVITCH: SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS, MGM SPRINGFIELD TO HOST 2019 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC

BY: Jason Chaimovitch, The AHL

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that the Springfield Thunderbirds and MGM Springfield have been selected as hosts of the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic, to be held at the MassMutual Center on Jan. 27-28, 2019.

“We are excited to be bringing the AHL All-Star Classic to one of the American Hockey League’s keystone cities in 2019,” said Andrews. “Springfield has owned a hallowed place on the AHL landscape dating back to the league’s formation and has been home to countless Hall of Famers and hockey legends over the last 82 years. We are looking forward to working with the Thunderbirds organization and MGM Springfield to put hockey’s brightest young stars on display for fans at the MassMutual Center and an international television audience.”

The 2019 AHL All-Star Classic will be the 25th event since it was reintroduced in 1995. Springfield last hosted the showcase on Dec. 10, 1959, when the Springfield Indians took on a team of AHL all-stars at the Eastern States Coliseum.

“The support of the city, MGM Springfield, our partners and the fans made hosting the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic a reality in less than two years’ time,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “As an organization, we have prided ourselves on striving for excellence in everything we do, and to be able to host our league’s signature event here in Springfield is an exemplification of the time and effort our entire team has put into this franchise. It’s truly an incredible honor.”

The 2019 AHL All-Star Classic will include the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, January 27, followed by the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony on Monday, January 28 and the 2019 AHL All-Star Challenge that evening. Tickets for the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic are priced at $39, $49, $59 and $99, and include admission to both the Skills Competition and the All-Star Challenge. Tickets can be reserved now by calling (413) 739-GOAL or by visiting springfieldthunderbirds.com/allstar; priority preference will be given to existing and new Springfield Thunderbirds season-ticket members who put down a deposit for 2018-19 memberships.

The official event logo, along with details and ticket information for other social events to take place during the All-Star Classic, will be announced at a later date.

“I just can’t say enough about the tremendous job our local Springfield ownership, led by Paul Picknelly, has done in promoting and marketing great professional hockey and a family fun environment with our beloved Thunderbirds,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “Having the AHL All-Star Classic here is a fitting tribute to our loyal fans and local ownership and management.”

“We’re bringing The Show back to Springfield, and we’re just getting started,” said Michael Mathis, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Springfield. “In hosting the AHL All-Star Classic, we’re delivering on our commitment to bring world-class sporting events and entertainment to downtown Springfield. Hockey has always been a cornerstone to this great American city, and we’re honored to stand with the Springfield Thunderbirds in this momentous occasion. We look forward to welcoming the sport’s most prolific and inspiring superstars to downtown Springfield in 2019.”

The 2019 AHL All-Star Classic will feature the top young talent in the American Hockey League: since 1995, more than 94 percent of All-Star Classic participants have gone on to compete in the National Hockey League, including Jake Allen, Patrice Bergeron, Ben Bishop, Ryan Callahan, Zdeno Chara, Logan Couture, Connor Hellebuyck, Braden Holtby, Tyler Johnson, Martin Jones, Chris Kunitz, Jonathan Marchessault, Zach Parise, Tuukka Rask, Pekka Rinne, Bobby Ryan, Cory Schneider, Patrick Sharp, Jason Spezza, P.K. Subban and Mats Zuccarello.

In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League serves as the top development league for the players, coaches, managers, executives, broadcasters, and staff of all 31 National Hockey League teams. More than 88 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers. In 2016-17, over 6 million fans attended AHL regular-season and playoff games across North America for the 16th year in a row.

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CANTLON: HARTFORD WOLF PACK WEEKEND PREVIEW  https://howlings.net/2017/12/15/cantlon-hartford-wolf-pack-weekend-preview/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cantlon-hartford-wolf-pack-weekend-preview https://howlings.net/2017/12/15/cantlon-hartford-wolf-pack-weekend-preview/#respond Fri, 15 Dec 2017 19:05:10 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=57989 CANTLON: HARTFORD WOLF PACK WEEKEND PREVIEW BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack will get a solid test of the resurgence in their play tonight as they play host to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins now...

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CANTLON: HARTFORD WOLF PACK WEEKEND PREVIEW

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT The Hartford Wolf Pack will get a solid test of the resurgence in their play tonight as they play host to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins now sit in second place in the Atlantic Division and fourth overall in the conference with a record of 15-7-1-0. The Baby Penguins also have a two-game winning streak.

“They are a very good team,” Pack head coach Keith McCambridge said. “They have a lot of balance. They sit where they are in the standings for a reason. For us, it’s about playing the right way as we have of late, and play with consistency and make sure we’re also collecting points along the way with getting eight-out-of-a possible-ten points in our last five games. That helps us along with learning and growing (as a team) and helps impact our play.”

McCambridge gave his players a maintenance day off on Thursday.

The Wolf Pack record stands at 10-12-3-2 (25 points) putting them in seventh place, just two points behind the Hershey Bears and one point behind the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Games between the Penguins and the Pack have always been both entertaining and unpredictable over the years. A street-fight-like pre-game brawl nearly happened in 2005. In one of Mike Sullivan’s last AHL games as a head coach, Wilkes-Barre rallied from a 5-1 deficit to win 6-5 in overtime dull is not a word to describe their meetings.

The uptick in the Pack’s play has several components. The most noticeable has been the team’s physical play. It has gone up several notches and is paying off with wins.

“From where we were at the beginning of the season, we do check better. For some guys, it’s a bigger part of their game than others. As a group identity, we have made strides in that area and with that, we’re getting separation and more chances in the offensive zone and defensively we’re more difficult on opposing players. It does force more turnovers and has created more chances for us in the offensive zone and we create more penalties taken on us. It’s more the style we want to play.”

Vinni Lettieri’s play as a centerman who can also play wing has pushed the team forward. He has 10 goals and his versatility has become his calling card.

“He has quickness and he isn’t afraid to shoot the puck. The first three strides are most important in the National League and at this level. Versatility is a good thing for a pro athlete and he has provided that for us. When he played wing with (Filip) Chytil and whenever we have needed a center, he has been able to step in. He played center throughout college. It’s a lot easier to go from the middle to the wing than vice versa and he has that versatility in his back pocket,” remarked McCambridge.

Increased play from offseason signings such as Cole Schneider (two goals against his former team in Rochester) a revived captain in Joe Whitney has helped as they were signed to help the offense as the young players developed.

“They have a responsibility to have their games in the area where we signed them for with their contracts. They’re going to have ups-and-downs during the season, but it’s nice to see those guys get their game back on track.”

The play on the backend has improved with Tony DeAngelo seeming far more comfortable than he was at the beginning of the season

“When he was sent down, you did expect a little downtime. He too has been able to get his game back on track. He has given us some big minutes, He is in his third season as a pro. It’s a real credit to him and he gets the tempo back up in all three zones. (On the) power-play, he’s really comfortable and he has gotten himself acclimated to what he needs to do at the American Hockey League level to make himself known and on the radar for the parent club,” McCambridge said.

DeAngelo is on his third team in three years.

Players who come down to the AHL always have to adapt to change.

”In all my years as a coach, whether it’s training camp or during the season, every player adjusts differently (to their being sent down). Some guys it takes a month, some two or three games and some plug back into the way they were playing in the National (Hockey) League. Every player is at a different point in their career and the mental mindset is going to be different to adjust.”

The sole lineup change goaltender Chris Nell reassignment to the Adirondack Thunder.

“We had two rookies though (Alexandar) Georgiev had a bit more experience having played overseas in Finland. It’s a feeling out process how they handle the workload, adjust to the shooters in the American Hockey League and whether it benefits their development to stay here or go to the ECHL. Nell stole some games for us early and he has had some games where you’re going to have a learning curve. He goes to Adirondack to work on his game. They were looking for a goalie, so with a logjam in Greenville, they’re only so many spots to go around. A lot of good goalies come out of the ECHL too, and he will play in important, quality minutes.”

McCambridge approaches those types of conversations with great care.

“I talk to players who are in Nell’s situation like I would want some coach to speak to my son and you want it to be handled professionally and properly. They have family and friends too. They like and want to get better.”

NOTES:

The weekend kicks off in the XL Center Atrium with the Suffield-based party band, Hear For The Party. They will set the pre-game tone with an ‘80’s-fueled-set of hits beginning at 6:00 pm and they’ll play until just before game time.

Filip Chytil is off to Buffalo to participate with the Czech Republic World Junior team. While on the WJC training camp he’ll be gone until potentially January 5th or whenever the Czechs are done.

“It’s a great experience for him to play with his countrymen against some of the best competition in the world in their age bracket,” McCambridge stated.

Chytil has fully recovered from his cervical neck sprain that he suffered on a hit in Toronto by Andreas Johanssen.

Dan Catenacci (lower body) is out for Friday and is listed day to day.

Wilkes Barre/Scranton features several of ex-Wolf Pack and CT Whale. Those players include Chris Summers, Ryan Haggerty, and Christian Thomas – a potential Team Canada Olympic team participant.

Goalie Steve Michalek (Glastonbury/Loomis Chaffe) was recalled by Minnesota from Iowa and was the back up in Alex Stalock’s 28 save shutout.

The AHL announced former Bridgeport head coach Scott Pellerin (currently Toronto’s Director of Player Development) and Craig Cunningham (Arizona Coyote scout) are the honorary captains for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic in Utica.

Ex-Pack, Akim Aliu, who was in camp with Ontario before being cut has signed with HC Banska Bystrica (Slovakia-SLEL).

Brian Morgan of UCONN is loaned out from Pensacola (SPHL) to Reading (ECHL).

Former Quinnipiac University goalie star Eric Hartzell signs with Quad City (ECHL) after starting the year with HK Nitra (Slovakia-SLEL).

The guy who succeeded him at QU, Michael Garteig, goes from Utica (AHL) to Kalamazoo (ECHL).

Ex-CT Whale and Ranger, Wojtech Wolski, was traded from the struggling Kunlun (China-KHL) to his old Russian team Mettalurg Magnitogorsk (Russia-KHL).

Chayse Primeau, the second oldest son of ex-Whaler Keith Primeau, is currently with Dubuque (USHL) and makes a commitment to the University Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC) for next fall.

One of Primeau’s teammates is Tyce Thompson (Orange, CT/Salisbury Prep), the son of ex-Pack defenseman and current Bridgeport head coach, Brent Thomson. He is also the younger brother of Tage Thompson (Orange/UCONN) currently with San Antonio.

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RANGERS SIGN FREE AGENT GOALTENDER MAREK MAZANEC https://howlings.net/2017/12/06/rangers-sign-free-agent-goaltender-marek-mazanec/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rangers-sign-free-agent-goaltender-marek-mazanec https://howlings.net/2017/12/06/rangers-sign-free-agent-goaltender-marek-mazanec/#respond Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:03:56 +0000 http://www.howlings.net/?p=57730 NYR SIGN FREE AGENT GOALIE MAREK MAZANEC 26-year-old assigned to Hartford (AHL) BY: The New York Rangers NEW YORK, December 6, 2017 – New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has signed free agent goaltender Marek Mazanec and has assigned Mazanec to...

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NYR SIGN FREE AGENT GOALIE MAREK MAZANEC

26-year-old assigned to Hartford (AHL)

BY: The New York Rangers

NEW YORK, December 6, 2017 – New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has signed free agent goaltender Marek Mazanec and has assigned Mazanec to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Mazanec, 26, has appeared in 31 career NHL games over parts of three seasons (2013-14 – 2014-15; 2016-17), all with Nashville, posting an 8-13-4 record, along with a 2.98 GAA, a .895 SV%, and two shutouts. He made 25 of his 31 appearances with the Predators during his rookie season in 2013-14. Mazanec was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November of 2013, as he posted a 5-4-1 record, along with a 2.00 GAA, a .932 SV%, and two shutouts in 10 appearances during the month. He stopped 22 of 24 shots he faced while making his NHL debut on Nov. 8, 2013, at Winnipeg, and he stopped 39 of 41 shots he faced to earn his first career NHL win on Nov. 16, 2013, vs. Chicago.

The 6-4, 187-pounder appeared in 23 games with HC Slovan Bratislava of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) this season, posting a 3.40 GAA and a .899 SV%. Mazanec made at least 30 saves in 13 of his 23 KHL appearances. He made his KHL debut on Aug. 23, 2017, against SKA, and he stopped 29 of 31 shots he faced to earn his first career KHL win on Aug. 30, 2017, against Dinamo Minsk.

In addition to his NHL experience, Mazanec has appeared in 165 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) over parts of four seasons (2013-14 – 2016-17), posting an 82-60-17 record, along with a 2.59 GAA, a .909 SV%, and 11 shutouts. He appeared in a playoff game in three of his four AHL seasons, and he also posted a .912 SV% or better in three of the four seasons.

The Pisek, Czech Republic, native was originally selected by Nashville in the sixth round, 179th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

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