Chirps from Center Ice

Welcome to the second annual AHL Preview here at Chirps from Center Ice. These Previews have been another month or so long project for me researching each teams strengths and weaknesses. I have expanded the capsules this year. Back this year is each teams NHL affiliation, the record last season, who the Head Coach is, “the case for” you to believe in the team and “the case against” there being any hope this year. I also look at who most of the individual teams offseason acquisitions were and the teams beat writer (if one exists) New this year is the teams home arena, ECHL affiliation if they have one, fan blogger (if one exists) and broadcaster. Every team in the the AHL has an official twitter feed this season so this too is included. I also list the dates each individual team plays against the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins (if they do) – if you spot any errors or omissions, let me know in the comment section. Let’s get started!

The AHL did a complete realignment this season and went to a six division league with three in the Western Conference and three in the Eastern Conference. There are five teams in each division making up the 30 team league. The North Division is up first in our annual previews. These teams made up the North Division last year with the Abbotsford Heat defecting to the West Division and the now defunct Manitoba Moose. Wilkes-Barre plays only one team in this division, the Rochester Americans just twice, once home and once on the road. Home games are listed in bold.

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Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

Last Year: 36-34-2-8 (82 pts.) 6th place North Division

Head Coach: Curt Fraser

Arena: Van Andel Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: Chris Conner, Garnet Exelby, Adam Estoclet, Bryan Rufenach

The case for: If Conner doesn’t stick in the Motor City he brings a ton for the Griffs at forward. This team still has ex-WBS Pen Chris Minard on it as well as the steady Jamie Johnson. Expect a better effort from Grand Rapids this year.

The case against: I don’t see anything that makes me think that any part of this team is a playoff team.

Beat Writer: Michael Zuidema (website / twitter)

Twitter: @griffinshockey

Broadcaster: Bob Kazer

vs. WBS: Do not play

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Hamilton Bulldogs (Montréal Canadiens)

Last Year: 44-27-2-7 (97 pts.) 1st place North Division. Lost in Western Conference Finals to the Houston Aeros in 7 games.

Head Coach: Clément Jodoin

Arena: Copps Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Wheeling Nailers

Offseason Moves: Peter Delmas, Brian Willsie, Mark Mitera, Zack FitzGerald

The case for: The Bulldogs always ice a quality team, so playoffs won’t be an issue for Hamilton again this year. They are a recent Calder Cup champion and are always a strong threat to win it all every season.

The case against: Everyone guns for the Bulldogs and they are normally able to sustain the threats, but the teams biggest issue looks like it could be in goal. Delmas and Nathan Lawson will be constantly under fire in the Steel City. Can they carry this team to glory? I honestly don’t think so.

Beat Writer: The Hamilton Spectator

Twitter: @BulldogsAHL

Broadcaster: Derek Wills (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play

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Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche)

Last Year: 44-28-3-5 (96 pts.) 2nd place North Division. Lost in North Division Semifinals to the Manitoba Moose in 7 games.

Head Coach: David Quinn

Arena: Quicken Loans Arena

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Mike Brennan, Cédrick Desjardins, Evan Brophey

The case for: Lake Erie looks to build off of a strong year last season. They surged to 2nd in the North last season when it looked like they were out of it. Their first playoff appearance saw them lose in 7 games to the Moose. They say you gotta learn how to lose before you learn how to win, right?

The case against: Teams within the division have improved and all the Monsters did was provide a slight upgrade in goal. Still need to score goals.

Beat Writer: Dennis Manoloff

Twitter: @monstershockey

Broadcaster: Doug Plagens

vs. WBS: Do not play

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Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres)

Last Year: 31-39-5-5 (72 pts.) 7th place North Division (under affiliation with the Florida Panthers)

Head Coach: Ron Rolston

Arena: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial

ECHL Affiliation: Gwinnett Gladiators

Offseason Moves: Paul Szczechura, Drew MacIntyre, Michael Ryan

The case for: A complete 180 degree turn with this team with a new parent and a new philosophy which the fan base has waited for. The time is now to execute.

The case against: After the hangover of the Buffalo affiliation being back wears off, this still looks like a lukewarm hockey team. They may make the playoffs, but that may be it.

Beat Writer: Kevin Oklobzija (blog / twitter)

Fan Blog: Let’s Go Amerks! (blog / twitter)

Twitter: @AmerksHockey

Broadcaster: Don Stevens

vs. WBS: @ 10/13, 1/6

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Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Last Year: 37-32-1-10 (85 pts.) 5th place North Division

Head Coach: Dallas Eakins

Arena: Ricoh Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Reading Royals

Offseason Moves: Kelsey Wilson

The case for: Toronto is a dynamic young team that plays with a lot of energy. Nearly half of the roster last year was called up to play for the Leafs. You could have a dark horse team on the horizon here.

The case against: Young teams don’t win in the playoffs.

Beat Writer: None

Fan Blog: Marlies HQ (blog / twitter)

Twitter: @TorontoMarlies

Broadcaster: Jon Abbott (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play

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So that’s all for the North Division. If you spot glaring errors or omissions or think I am off my nut, leave me a comment. I will have the West Division at the ready on Monday, after this weekends preseason games. You will be able to find the Previews on the top of the blog next to the “AHL Tab” as they roll out for probably the first month of the season.