Chirps from Center Ice

A fan blog about the AHL's Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins

Category Archives: The AHL

West Division Preview

Comments Off on West Division Preview Posted by on October 3, 2011

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.

The AHL

Waive Bye Bye to Dartmouth’s Finest

Comments Off on Waive Bye Bye to Dartmouth’s Finest Posted by on September 29, 2011

Big news of the day was Nick Johnson being claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild today. Out of all the guys put on waivers by Pittsburgh yesterday, I did not forsee Johnson getting claimed based off of the fact that he is coming off of a concussion suffered last Spring playing for the Penguins.

Bombulie saw it another way. Regardless, Chirps from Center Ice would like to wish “Juice” the best in his new endeavor in the land of 10,000 Lakes. If Minnesota should happen to waive Nick, Pittsburgh could reclaim him and assign him to WBS. Like what happened with Chris Bourque two years ago.

Other business to get to…

-> Two ex-Penguin prospects are with new teams as Joey Haddad signed with the Gwinnett Gladiators and Casey Pierro-Zabotel signed with the Bakersfield Condors in the ECHL. Pittsburgh still retains Zabotel’s rights. Only Haddad can sign with any AHL team he chooses.

-> There will be some familiar faces at the Mohegan Sun Arena tomorrow.

Finally, please check out my North Division Preview one post down or just click this link. The West Division gets a lookover Monday. I’ll have recaps only of the three preseason games this weekend.

Keep chirpin’. Go Penguins!

The AHL, WBS

North Division Preview

Comments Off on North Division Preview Posted by on September 29, 2011

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.

The AHL

Scheduled Thank Yous

Comments Off on Scheduled Thank Yous Posted by on September 28, 2011

EDIT: The Pens lost 3-1 in Saratoga Springs tonight by a score of 3-1. Two power play goals by the Phantoms. Jason Bacashihua 2.7 seconds away from a shutout before Chris Barton spoils the clean sheet. The next preseason game is Friday vs. Hershey in Wilkes-Barre Township.

Blogger note: No radio for the WBS / ADK game tonight. Cuts from Pittsburgh today. Details here.

My Annual AHL Previews come Thursday starting with the North Division in the Western Conference. Here is the schedule of what is to come:

Division Release Date
North September 29
West October 3
Midwest October 4
Atlantic October 5
Northeast October 6
East October 7

I would be fooling you if I told you that I did them all by myself, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people I reached out to for their input:

I’m going to leave a tab at the top of the screen labeled “AHL Previews” until probably at least November for reference.

All division previews will be out at noon the day of publication.

Can’t wait to get these out to you. Keep chirpin’. Go Pens!

The AHL

You Cut Me Off!

3 Comments Posted by on September 28, 2011

Pittsburgh announced another round of cuts this morning. If you don’t feel like linking through, the players are as follows with the ones in bold required to clear waivers: Ryan Craig, Colin McDonald, Eric Tangradi, Nick Johnson, Brad Thiessen and Scott Munroe. Scott Harrington was returned to his junior team, he is too young for the AHL.

Bombulie has reactions over at the Insider.

My thought is that since Tangradi isn’t exposed to waivers he’d need to set the world on fire to stick. I think he may be a step behind his development and getting concussed last year didn’t help. He was an AHL All-Star last season. He’ll need another big year like the one he had last year (18-15-33 in 42 games) and I see no reason why he won’t. The alternative is that he is moved at the trade deadline, which is a real possibility.

Good news for guys like Joe Vitale and Richard Park I guess. Two men for one job and the loser is WBS’ gain. Still could, hypothetically, get both. Wouldn’t that be special?

Two more things…

-> Tim Wallace is on waivers from the New York Islanders. If not claimed, he’ll be giving locker room quotes to Mike Fornabiao.

-> Regarding Mr. Fornabaio, whose blogging style this blog is modeled after, he provided a breakdown of the new and revised rules in the AHL this year. Excellent breakdown if you are into the technical side of the game like I am.

Tonight’s 7 p.m. preseason game vs. Adirondack in Saratoga Springs won’t be on the radio. Make sure you follow @MCSaratogian and @PSPhantoms if you have a Twitter account. I’ll be retweeting these guys all night.

Finally, the AHL Previews start tomorrow with the North Division here on the blog. Maybe later I will blog the schedule and thank a few people who helped me build them.

Let’s Go Pens!

The AHL, WBS

Tuesday Setup

1 Comment Posted by on September 27, 2011

Not much in the way of fodder for a blog post but since there is no radio for the Pens / Phantoms I have to at least get information relative to how I know to get updates regarding the game as I will not be there to give them. More on that in a minute.

<-> Here is your Tuesday Bombulie update from camp. There was a scrimmage. There were hits, saves and goals. The Penguins won.

<-> Everyone placed on waivers cleared today. This includes these guys from Hershey. Meanwhile up I-81, these guys and these guys were cut in Ottawa.

<-> As for Pittsburgh and a more direct impact here in Wilkes-Barre, there were no moves. The Pens play tonight in Kansas City vs. the Los Angeles Kings and there could be some cuts tomorrow.

<-> Back to tomorrow’s scrimmage, you can follow Michael Cignoli (@MCSaratogian) and Tim McMcManus (@PSPhantoms) who covers the Phantoms for The Post-Star in Glens Falls, NY. For what it’s worth, both radio broadcasters could have updates too, Tom Grace for the Pens (@TGracePens) and Bob Rotruck for the Phantoms (@BobRotruck). Tim reports that Jason Bacashihua will get the start in net and play the whole game. From the Bombulie link above, Coach John Hynes is going to dress a tryout lineup and give the regulars a break so it should be interesting how our team stacks up because Bacashihua is no pushover. He led the Lake Erie Monsters to their first ever appearance in the playoffs last year. Should be interesting.

I have no idea what, if any, blog post update there will be tomorrow. If there are cuts from Pittsburgh that may be the only update. North Division Preview coming Thursday, then the Pens play three straight preseason games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Keep chirpin’. Go Penguins.

The AHL, WBS

Monday Melding Pot

Comments Off on Monday Melding Pot Posted by on September 26, 2011

Bunch of things going on today I found of interest. Off we go…

<-> Bombulie has your first day of training camp covered.* Interesting that JB mentions the talent level difference from prior years. Every guy on the training camp roster this year is pretty much a pedigree guy and not some 4th line plug in a Mens League. First thing that jumps into my head is how would this unit as a team run fare during the regular season say against, this team.

<-> Aaron Boogaard, ex-WBS Penguin and brother of the deceased Derek, will be signing an AHL contract with the Houston Aeros soon.

<-> The worst kept secret in hockey was finally revealed today. Even the AHL version.

Keep chirpin’. Go Penguins.

* – I know I said yesterday that I wouldn’t be at any Penguins training camp events. I still don’t, but WNEP’s Sharla McBride was there today interviewing Keven Veilleux. I may need to reconsider and introduce myself one of these days…

The AHL, WBS

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