Welcome back to the AHL Previews here at Chirps from Center Ice. If you missed the North Division Preview from Thursday, you can find it here or go to the “AHL Previews” tabs at the top of the window and click North Division. Today, we find ourselves in the West Division.
The West Division adds the Abbotsford Heat and loses the Peoria Rivermen, Rockford IceHogs, Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves. Only the Oklahoma City Barons and all three Texas teams remain. Wilkes-Barre does not play any of these teams.
Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames)
Last Year: 38-32-4-6 (86 pts.) 4th place North Division and victim to the crossover rule to the West Division’s 5th place team the Oklahoma City Barons.
Head Coach: Troy Ward
Arena: Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
ECHL Affiliation: Utah Grizzlies
Offseason Moves: Derek Smith, Ben Walter, Guillaume Desbiens, Clay Wilson
The case for: Nice upgrades for the Heat this offseason in acquiring players which include Calder Cup champion Derek Smith. The Heat seem to be deep at every position, certainly not something other teams in the division can say.
The case against: I am of the opinion that an outpost team such as Abbotsford won’t have anything left in the tank come playoff time due to how far they have to travel to get to their divisional opponents.
Beat Writer: Cam Tucker (website / twitter) and Dan Kinvig (blog / twitter)
Twitter: @abbotsfordheat
Broadcaster: Ryan Pinder (twitter)
vs. WBS: Do not play
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Houston Aeros (Minnesota Wild)
Last Year: 46-28-1-5 (98 pts.) 2nd place West Division. Lost in Calder Cup Finals to the Binghamton Senators in 6 games.
Head Coach: John Torchetti
Arena: Toyota Center
ECHL Affiliation: Bakersfield Condors
Offseason Moves: Jeff Taffe
The case for: Calder Cup runners up are hungry to get back to the Finals again and get a different result. The motto this year is, “Unfinished Business.”
The case against: A lot of key components that led the team to the Calder Cup Finals defected last year. Basically a new team, including a coaching staff. How long does it take for this new unit to gel?
Beat Writer: Andrew Ferraro (website / twitter)
Fan Blog: The Third Intermission (blog / twitter)
Twitter: @Houston_Aeros
Broadcaster: Joe O’Donnell (twitter / blog)
vs. WBS: Do not play
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Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton Oilers)
Last Year: 40-29-2-9 (91 pts.) 5th place West Division and the crossover team into the North Division where they lost to the Hamilton Bulldogs in 6 games in the North Division Semifinals.
Head Coach: Todd Nelson
Arena: Cox Convention Center
ECHL Affiliation: Stockton Thunder
Offseason Moves: David LeNeveu, Corey Potter, Ryan Keller, Josh Green
The case for: If the Oil want to rebuild and do so seriously, it starts at this level. Success at the AHL level usually bleeds up to the NHL level. Couple young hunger at the step below the NHL level with some luck, and you may have something here.
The case against: Lack of scoring depth. 30+ goals a year Alex Giroux and AHL goals leader Colin McDonald aren’t walking through the door anymore.
Beat Writer: Baron it All
Fan Blog: The Copper & Blue (blog / twitter)
Twitter: @OKCBaronsHockey
Broadcaster: Jim Byers
vs. WBS: Do not play
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Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)
Last Year: 41-29-4-6 (92 pts.) 4th place West Division. Lost in 6 games to the Milwaukee Admirals in the West Division Semifinals.
Head Coach: Jeff Pyle
Arena: Cedar Park Center
ECHL Affiliation: Idaho Steelheads
Offseason Moves: Mike Hedden, Ryan Garbutt
The case for: Most of the core returns this season. Goaltending looks solid with Richard Bachman expected to see the brunt of work in net.
The case against: May be the third best team. In Texas.
Beat Writer: The Statesman
Fan Blog: 100 Degree Hockey (blog / twitter)
Twitter: @TexasStars
Broadcaster: Josh Fisher (twitter)
vs. WBS: Do not play
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San Antonio Rampage (Florida Panthers)
Last Year: 40-33-4-3 (87 pts.) 7th place West Division
Head Coach: Chuck Weber
Arena: AT&T Center
ECHL Affiliation: Cincinnati Cyclones
Offseason Moves: Nolan Yonkman, Greg Rallo, Angelo Esposito, Bracken Kearns, Bill Thomas, David Marshall, Wacey Rabbit
The case for: Say what you want about a Florida affiliated AHL team, but I really like the setup the Panthers are sending to the River City. This team is built from the net out in #1 goaltending prospect Jacob Markstrom. Couple this with a deep blue line and some grit up front and this could be a dangerous club this season.
The case against: It’s a Florida affiliated AHL team.
Beat Writer: Tony Uminski (blog)
Fan Blog: Runnin’ With the Herd (blog / twitter)
Twitter: @sarampage
Broadcaster: Dan Weiss (twitter)
vs. WBS: Do not play
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In keeping with the Previews, if you spot errors or omissions, the comment section is open. The Midwest Division comes tomorrow.
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