Chirps from Center Ice

Welcome to the final day of the Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews and for some fans in some markets, Opening Night of the AHL Season! You can get caught up on the South, Midwest, North, Atlantic and Northeast Divisions via the handy drop down menu I have added to the top of the blog.

Ahh, yes. The East Division. Where the big boys play. The past four Calder Cup Champions have come out of this division.

Two affiliation swaps to note. The Tampa Bay Lightning leave the Norfolk Admirals for the Syracuse Crunch and the Anaheim Ducks, Syracuse’s parent club last year, land with Norfolk.

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Binghamton Senators (Ottawa Senators)

Last Year: 29-40-5-2 (65 pts., 5th place East Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Luke Richardson

Arena: Broome County Memorial Veterans Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Elmira Jackals

Offseason Moves: André Benoit, Hugh Jessiman, Tyler Eckford, Nathan Lawson, Marc Chevrie

Lockout Additions: Jared Cowen, Stephané Da Costa, Ben Bishop

The case for: Continuing to pound the drum of “young team with a lot to prove” the B-Sens dance to the beat of this tune. Whether they are still dancing when the party is over is the question. What I have read from out of Binghamton is that Coach Richardson  is going to get this team to rebound from its overall last place showing from last year.

The case against: That all sounds nice, but in this division, probably may not be enough.

Media coverage: Press & Sun-Bulletin – Matt Weinstein (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Don Rieber for examiner.com (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @BSens_Hockey

Facebook: /binghamtonsenators

Broadcaster: Grady Whittenburg (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 10/13, 11/7, 12/14, @ 12/19, @ 1/4, 1/9, 2/12, @ 2/16, 3/27, @ 3/30

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Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals)

Last Year: 38-26-4-8 (88 pts., 3rd place East Division)

Playoffs: 5 seed – lost in 5 games to the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Co-Coaches: Mark French and Adam Oates

Arena: GIANT Center

ECHL Affiliation: Reading Royals

Offseason Moves: Jeff Taffe, Jon DiSalvatore, Steven Oleksy, Alex Berry, Mathieu Beaudoin, Zach Hamill, Garret Stafford, Jon Kalinski

Lockout Additions: Braden Holtby, Dmitri Orlov

The case for: Bears reload for another season and will have a different cast of characters looking to get Hershey its 12th league title. DiSalvatore and Taffe are legitimate AHL snipers coming over from the Western Conference.

The case against: While the Bears replaced their offense, it doesn’t look like it upgraded its defense. Since winning the Calder Cup three years ago, the Bears have progressively given up more goals each season. If this team has a weak link, it is defense.

Media coverage: The Patriot News – Tim Leone (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Sweetest Hockey on Earth (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @TheHersheyBears

Facebook: Hershey Bears

Broadcaster: Scott Stuccio (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 10/28, 11/9, @ 11/17, @ 11/21, 12/7, @ 12/26, 12/27, 1/11, @ 1/20*, @ 2/3, 3/1, 4/7

* – game played at Hersheypark Stadium as part of the 2013 AHL Outdoor Classic

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Norfolk Admirals (Anaheim Ducks)

Last Year: 55-18-1-2 (113 pts., 1st place East Division)

Playoffs: 1 seed – won Calder Cup sweeping the Toronto Marlies

Head Coach: Trent Yawney

Arena: Scope Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Fort Wayne Komets

Offseason Moves: Jordan Hendry, Corey Elkins

Lockout Additions: Brandon McMillan, Devante Smith-Pelly, Luca Caputi

The case for: The defending champions inherit a brand new team which was last years Syracuse team. That team was trending upwards towards the end of last season and I expect that trend to continue.

The case against: While trending upward, it came with some valleys and some nights you never knew what Crunch team you were getting that night. If that continues, this team may not make playoffs.

Media coverage: Virginia Pilot

Fan Blog: Vulture’s Row (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @NorfolkAdmirals

Facebook: /NorfolkAdmirals

Broadcaster: Pete Michaud (twitter)

vs. WBS: 12/29, @ 1/15, @ 2/8, @ 2/9, 2/15, 2/27, 3/23, @ 4/2

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Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Last Year: 37-29-5-5 (84 pts., 4th place East Division)

Playoffs: 7 seed – lost in four games to the St. John’s IceCaps.

Head Coach: Jon Cooper

Arena: Onadonga War Memorial

ECHL Affiliation: Florida Everblades

Offseason Moves: Riku Helenius, Jared Nightengale

Lockout Additions: Brett Connolly, Matt Taormina

The case for: Last years Norfolk team which won the Calder Cup has returned much of its core. Fans in Syracuse are hoping that this new crop of faces repeats itself.

The case against: Tampa Bay hasn’t had the best track record for AHL clubs so therefore you can surmise that last years championship was an anomaly.

Media coverage: The Post-Standard – Lindsay Kramer (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Chairman How’s Glorious Army (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @SyracuseCrunch

Facebook: /syracusecrunch

Broadcaster: Dan D’Uva (twitter)

vs. WBS: 10/21, @10/27, 11/30, @12/15, @ 12/22, 12/31, 2/17, @3/20

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Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Last Year: 44-25-2-5 (95 pts., 2nd place East Division)

Playoffs: 4 seed – lost in seven games to the St. John’s IceCaps in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: John Hynes

Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

ECHL Affiliation: Wheeling Nailers

Offseason Moves: Jeff Zatkoff, Dylan Reese, Riley Holzapfel, Warren Peters, Trevor Smith, Philippe Dupuis, Benn Ferriero

Lockout Additions: Eric Tangradi, Robert Bortuzzo, Brian Strait

The case for: What the Penguins lost in defections they upgraded in signings. This team is built to win and it will, often. Can easily run away with the division if everyone does their job.

The case against: While appearing to master regular season success, the Penguins haven’t figured out postseason winning quite yet.

Media coverage: The Citizens’ Voice – Jonathan Bombulie (twitter / blog) and The Times Leader – Tom Venesky (blog)

Fan Blog: Do I really need to answer this? (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @WBSPenguins

Facebook: /WilkesBarreScrantonPenguins

Broadcaster: Tom Grace (twitter) and Mike O’Brien (twitter)

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Had great fun curating these capsules the past month or so. Tomorrow the season begins for the Penguins in Binghamton against the Senators. The Gameday Preview returns Saturday at 3 p.m.

Two more divisions to look at here in the Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews. Western Conference teams and the Atlantic Divisions have been discussed already, bring the drop down menu above you down to check out those respective divisions. Today, it’s the Northeast Division. Wilkes-Barre plays each team multiple times, with home dates listed in bold. Here we go.

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Adirondack Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers)

Last Year: 37-35-2-2 (78 pts., 3rd place Northeast Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Terry Murray

Arena: Glens Falls Civic Center

ECHL Affiliation: Trenton Titans

Offseason Moves: Luke Schenn, Danny Syvret, Zack Fitzgerald, Scott Munroe

Lockout Additions: Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Zac Rinaldo

The case for: The lockout lasting all season long. Adirondack has a look of scoring a ton of goals and shutting other teams down for as long as the lockout goes.

The case against: Before the addition of Scott Munroe in goal, the Phantoms goaltenders were Cal Heeter and Nikko Hovinen. If there is a gaping handicap to this team, it’s in the blue crease. Munroe can’t do it all himself.

Media coverage: The Saratogian – Michael Cignoli (blog / twitter) and The Post Star – Diana Nearhos (blog / twitter)

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @PhantomsHockey

Facebook: /ADKhockey

Broadcaster: Bob Rotruck (twitter)

vs. WBS: 1/12, 2/2, @ 2/22*, @ 4/5

* – game played at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA

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Albany Devils (New Jersey Devils)

Last Year: 31-34-6-5 (73 pts., 5th place Northeast Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Rick Kowalsky

Arena: Times Union Center

ECHL Affiliation: Trenton Titans and Elmira Jackals

Offseason Moves: Phillip DeSimone, Alexandre Carrier

Lockout Additions: Bobby Butler, Adam Henrique, Adam Larsson

The case for: This won’t be your fathers New Jersey Devils AHL affiliate team anymore. The Devils need to be taken seriously and can win the Northeast Division.

The case against: If the lockout ends, so does the chances for long term success for the Devils.

Media coverage: Albany Times Union – Pete Dougherty (twitter / blog) and The Daily Gazette – Bill Cain (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Thoughts Inside the Box (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @AlbanyDevils

Facebook: /albanydevils

Broadcaster: Josh Heller (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 11/25*, @ 12/12, 3/2, 4/6

* – game played at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ

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Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders)

Last Year: 41-26-3-6 (91 pts., 1st place Northeast Division)

Playoffs: 3 seed – swept in three games by the Connecticut Whale in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Scott Pellerin

Arena: Webster Bank Arena

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Colin McDonald, Brandon DeFazio, Jesse Joensuu

Lockout Additions: Travis Hamonic

The case for: The Sound Tigers will continue to knock around about the Northeast Division as well as the middle to top of the conference. If the lockout does end, the talent excision from the farm club will not be as steep as it is for the Adirondack’s and Albany’s in the division.

The case against: I can’t convince myself that the Sound Tigers are a threat this season.

Media coverage: Connecticut Post – Mike Fornabaio (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @TheSoundTigers

Facebook: /soundtigers

Broadcasters: Phil Giubileo (twitter) and Carmine Vetrano (twitter)

vs. WBS: 10/20, @ 11/4, 11/16, @ 2/24

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Connecticut Whale (New York Rangers)

Last Year: 36-26-7-7 (86 pts., 2nd place Northeast Division)

Playoffs: 6 seed – lost in six games to the Norfolk Admirals in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Ken Gernander

Arena: XL Center

ECHL Affiliation: Greenville Road Warriors

Offseason Moves: Sean Collins, Logan Pyett, Brandon Segal

Lockout Additions: Michael Haley, Chad Kolarik, Chris Krieder

The case for: A team bolstered by offseason signings looking to build on last years results.

The case against: A team stymied by opponents bolstered by NHL talent if this lockout drags on.

Media coverage: The Hartford Courant – Paul Doyle (twitter / blog) and Howlings Today (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @CTWhale

Facebook: /ctwhale

Broadcaster: Bob Crawford (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 1/6, 2/23

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Springfield Falcons (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Last Year: 36-34-3-3 (78 pts., 4th place Northeast Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Brad Larsen

Arena: Mass Mutual Center

ECHL Affiliation: Evansville IceMen

Offseason Moves: Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, Tim Erixon, Nathan Moon, Ryan Craig

Lockout Additions: Cody Bass, Cam Atkinson, John Moore, David Savard

The case for: As with prior seasons, the Springfield Falcons out of the box look ready to roll and have success this season.

The case against: As with prior seasons, the Springfield Falcons could stumble out of the box and have no success at all this season.

Media coverage: MassLive.com

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @TheFalconsAHL

Facebook: /falconsahl

Broadcaster: Mike Kelly (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 10/19, 11/14

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Tomorrow we conclude the Previews with the East Division, on the dawn of the 2012-2013 AHL Season.

Welcome back! The Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews are moving along into the Eastern Conference. I capsulized each team in the Western Conference Monday and Tuesday. For a look back at those, the drop down menu is right above you labeled “AHL Previews” and you can get yourself caught up.

Today we find each other in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins play every team in this division at least twice, once on the road and once at home. As always, all Penguins home games are listed in bold.

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Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles Kings)

Last Year: 39-32-2-3 (83 pts., 2nd place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: 8 seed – lost in four games to the Norfolk Admirals in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Mark Morris

Arena: Verizon Wireless Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Ontario Reign

Offseason Moves: Andrew Bodnarchuk

Lockout Additions: Vyacheslav Voynov, Jordan Nolan

The case for: Manchester looks to continue to improve on last season. This is yet another team that will benefit from the lockout in the NHL.

The case against: Contending with a very good St. John’s team as well as a new and improved Worcester team. These Atlantic Division opponents play each other all the time, so whether or not the Monarchs are contenders will be known sooner rather than later.

Media coverage: Union Leader

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @MonarchsHockey

Facebook: /MonarchsHockey

Broadcaster: Ken Cail

vs. WBS: @ 11/2, 2/1, @ 3/10, 4/20

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Portland Pirates (Phoenix Coyotes)

Last Year: 36-31-4-5 (81 pts., 3rd place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Ray Edwards

Arena: Cumberland County Civic Center

ECHL Affiliation: Gwinnett Gladiators

Offseason Moves: Chad Johnson, Chris Conner, Joel Rechlicz, Rob Klinkhammer

Lockout Additions: Oliver Eckman-Larsson

The case for: The Pirates should be in good enough shape this season to contend for a 6 seed or lower later in the year. Additions of Conner and Klinkhammer bring offense with them.

The case against: There are a lot of good teams in the Conference. Compared to the other rosters here, the Pirates look mediocre at best.

Media coverage: Chris Roy for the Maine Hockey Journal (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @portlandpirates

Facebook: /PortlandPirates

Broadcaster: Jeff Mannix (twitter)

vs. WBS: 11/10, 12/8, @3/9, @ 3/16

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Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Last Year: 35-34-3-4 (77 pts., 4th place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

Arena: Dunkin’ Donuts Center

ECHL Affiliation: South Carolina Stingrays

Offseason Moves: Chris Bourque, Christian Hanson, Garnet Exelby

Lockout Additions: Jordan Caron

The case for: Providence could play dark horse this season with the offseason moves they made. Bourque should lead the team in points, Hanson is a big power forward, Exelby is a crafty veteran. Add in the mix of youth led by Carter Camper and Providence is a playoff team.

The case against: The above sounds nice but, can it be expected? Time will tell.

Media coverage: The Providence Journal – Mark Divver (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @AHLBruins

Facebook: /providencebruins

Broadcaster: Nick Gagalis (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 3/8, 3/29

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St. John’s IceCaps (Winnipeg Jets)

Last Year: 43-25-5-3 (94 pts., 1st place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: 2 seed – swept in four games by the Norfolk Admirals in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Head Coach: Keith McCambridge

Arena: Mile One Centre

ECHL Affiliation: Colorado Eagles

Offseason Moves: Hunter Tremblay, Dean Arsene, Ryan Schnell, Ray Kaunisto, Tyler Plante, Mark Dekanich

Lockout Additions: Alexander Burmistrov

The case for: Serious upgrades with Dekanich and Plante in goal to complement Eddie Pasquale up on “The Rock” which could see the IceCaps lead the league in GAA provided everybody stays healthy.

The case against: Ask yourself if you firmly believe this team is championship caliber.

Media coverage: St. John’s Telegram – Brendan McCarthy (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: The Ice Flow (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @IceCapsAHL

Facebook: /stjohnsicecaps

Broadcaster: Brian Rogers

vs. WBS: 12/1, 1/23, @ 4/13, @ 4/14

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Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks)

Last Year: 31-33-4-8 (5th place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Roy Sommer

Arena: DCU Center

ECHL Affiliation: San Francisco Bulls

Offseason Moves: Jon Matsumoto, Bracken Kearns, Danny Groulx

Lockout Additions: James Sheppard

The case for: The Sharks are the dark horse pick for Calder Cup contender. Bringing in an all-star cast of Matsumoto, Kearns and Groulx and re-signing incumbent all-stars Matt Irwin and G Alex Stalock the stock is way up in Wormtown for the Sharks to be at the top of the Atlantic Division all season.

The case against: Often with minor pro hockey, teams on paper that should be successful usually are not. Time will tell if Worcester is that team.

Media coverage: Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Fan Blog: Sharks Page – (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @WorcesterSharks

Facebook: /WorcesterSharks

Broadcaster: Eric Lindquist

vs. WBS: 1/5, @ 3/13, @ 3/15, 4/19

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Northeast Division comes at you tomorrow.

Welcome back to Day Two of the Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews. If you missed yesterday, you missed the South Division and North Division. You can find both on the drop down menu above, anywhere you go on the blog.

The North Division loses the Grand Rapids Griffins to the Midwest Division and gains the Abbotsford Heat from the now defunct West Division (the new South Division)

The Penguins play the Rochester Americans and Toronto Marlies twice each, with each Penguins home game listed in bold.

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Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames)

Last Year: 42-26-3-5 (92 pts., 2nd place West Division)

Playoffs: 4 seed – lost in five games to the Toronto Marlies in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Troy Ward

Arena: Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre

ECHL Affiliation: Utah Grizzlies

Offseason Moves: Ben Street, Barry Brust

Lockout Additions: Paul Byron, T.J. Brodie, Lance Bouma

The case for: Looks like a strong lineup that can contend in the North Division. Returning leading scorer Ben Walter has a nice cast of characters around him to help fill up Heat opponents nets.

The case against: It appears to me that the Heat lack a true shut down defenseman. How many starts is Leland Irving slated for this season?

Media coverage: Abbotsford News – Dan Kinvig (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None – or else I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @abbotsfordheat

Facebook: /AbbotsfordHeat

Broadcaster: Ryan Pinder (twitter) and Vanni De Bartolo (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens)

Last Year: 34-35-2-5 (75 pts., 5th place North Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Sylvain Lefebvre

Arena: Copps Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Wheeling Nailers

Offseason Moves: Cedrick Desjardins, Kyle Hagel, Zack Stortini

Lockout Additions: Louis Leblanc, Blake Geoffrion, Aaron Palushaj

The case for: Bulldogs looks like a young team with high expectations. The sky is the limit for them in the Steel City.

The case against: Their defense is also young and this looks like the weak link of the team, which in hockey is never any good.

Media coverage: The Hamilton Spectator

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @BulldogsAHL

Facebook: /hamiltonbulldogs

Broadcaster: Derek Wills (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche)

Last Year: 37-29-3-7 (84 pts., 3rd place North Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Dean Chynoweth

Arena: Quicken Loans Arena

CHL Affiliation: Denver Cutthroats*

Offseason Moves: Bryan Lerg, Geoff Walker, Bill Thomas, Sean Sullivan

Lockout Additions: Haven’t seen any.

The case for: Offseason additions this season for Lake Erie in Lerg, Thomas and Walker are plusses as they help tremendously in the offensive department.

The case against: Looks like defense and maybe goaltending, same with all the other “have not” teams.

Media coverage: The Plain Dealer

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @monstershockey

Facebook: /lakeeriemonsters

Broadcaster: Doug Plagens (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

* – the Denver Cutthroats are a Central Hockey League team. Lake Erie does not have an ECHL affiliate.

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Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Last Year: 44-24-5-3 (96 pts., 1st place North Division)

Playoffs: 2 seed – swept by the Norfolk Admirals in the Calder Cup Finals.

Head Coach: Dallas Eakins

Arena: Ricoh Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Dylan Yeo, Keith Aucoin

Lockout Additions: Nazem Kadri

The case for: Marlies bring back much of last years Western Conference Championship squad and add future AHL Hall of Famer Keith Aucoin. Look for the Marlies to pick up where they left off last season and be at the top of the North Division all season long.

The case against: Whether or not this team can run with the Oklahoma City’s, Chicago’s and Milwaukee’s of the conference.

Media coverage: Kyle Cicerella – at large journalist – (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: MarliesHQ

Twitter: @TorontoMarlies

Facebook: /TorontoMarlies

Broadcaster: Jon Abbott (twitter)

vs. WBS: 11/24, @ 1/26

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Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres)

Last Year: 36-26-10-4 (86 pts., 2nd place North Division)

Playoffs: 7 seed – swept in three games by the Toronto Marlies in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Ron Rolston

Arena: Blue Cross Arena

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Nick Tarnasky, Mark Mancari

Lockout Additions: Cody Hodgson, Luke Adam

The case for: Rochester certainly benefits from the lockout lasting as long as it possibly can with the additions of Adam and Hodgson.

The case against: The lockout ending. The talent drop off at the end of the labor strife will really hurt this Rochester team.

Media coverage: Democrat and Chronicle – Kevin Oklobzija (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Amerks Sin Bin (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @AmerksHockey

Facebook: /RochesterAmericans

Broadcaster: Don Stevens (twitter)

vs. WBS: 10/26, @ 1/25

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The Previews head East tomorrow as the Atlantic Division rolls here Wednesday.

Welcome back to the AHL Previews at Chirps from Center Ice. If you missed the South Division earlier today, it’s here and also above in the drop down menu listed above.

The Midwest Division loses the Charlotte Checkers to the South Division and gains the Grand Rapids Griffins from the North Division. The Penguins don’t play anyone in this division either.

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Chicago Wolves (Vancouver Canucks)

Last Year: 42-27-4-3 (91 pts., 1st place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: 3 seed – lost in five games to the San Antonio Rampage in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Scott Arniel

Arena: Allstate Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Kalamazoo Wings

Offseason Moves: Brett Sterling, Nathan Longpre, Zach Miskovic

Lockout Additions: Derek Joslin, Zack Kassian

The case for: Darren Haydar and Brett Sterling are back together, albeit a few years older, but ready to lead the Wolves deep into the playoffs come the Spring. Your favorites to win this division should be this team.

The case against: Everyone brings their best when they play a favorite. It’s also difficult to repeat as division winner.

Media coverage: Chicago Sun-Times

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @Chicago_Wolves

Facebook: /chicagowolveshockey

Broadcaster: Jason Shaver (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

Last Year: 33-32-7-4 (77 pts., 4th place Midwest Division

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Jeff Blashill

Arena: Van Andel Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: Nathan Paetsch, Triston Grant

Lockout Additions: Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist

The case for: The Griffins open the season as your typical “young teams looking to improve on last seasons results.”

The case against: With youth, when adversity shows up things can go poorly. How the Griffins adjust to the adversity will likely spell how well Grand Rapids does this season.

Media coverage: MLive

Fan Blog: None – or else I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @griffinshockey

Facebook: /grgriffins

Broadcaster: Bob Kazer

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

Last Year: 40-29-2-5 (87 pts., 2nd place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: 5 seed – swept in three games by the Abbotsford Heat in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Dean Evason

Arena: Bradley Center

ECHL Affiliation: Cincinnati Cyclones

Offseason Moves: Magnus Hellberg

Lockout Additions: Gabriel Bourque, Ryan Ellis, Jonathan Blum

The case for: Milwaukee always ices a quality team. They could be on a list or two for dark horse as division winner. They could play upset in playoffs, too.

The case against: Hellberg is going to backup Jeremy Smith this year. This will be his first time on North American ice. The Admirals waterloo may be in goal this year.

Media coverage: Journal Sentinel – Dave Boehler (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Admirals Roundtable (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @mkeadmirals

Facebook: /mkeadmirals

Broadcaster: Aaron Sims (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues)

Last Year: 39-33-2-2 (82 pts., 4th place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Dave Allison

Arena: Carver Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Evansville IceMen

Offseason Moves: Taylor Chorney, Mike McKenna, Scott Ford, Brett Regner

Lockout Additions: Ian Cole, Andrew Murray

The case for: The aforementioned Wolves and Admirals have company as frontrunners for this division. It doesn’t take long to look at the Rivermen lineup and convince yourself that this team will give its opponents fits night in and night out.

The case against: While staring at this team, a lot of characteristics from last years team could be seen. That team was going to be an upset threat for a Calder Cup and didn’t even sniff playoff air.

Media coverage: Peoria Journal Star – Dave Eminian (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Peoria Rivermen Blog (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @Peoria_Rivermen

Facebook: /PeoriaRivermen

Broadcaster: Brendan Burke (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Last Year: 35-32-2-7 (79 pts., 5th place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Ted Dent

Arena: BMO Harris Bank Center

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: Martin St. Pierre, Brett Lebda

Lockout Additions: Ben Smith, Nick Leddy

The case for: Only one way for this team this season, up.

The case against: I said that last year and the IceHogs didn’t get off the ground.

Media coverage: Rockford Register Star

Fan Blog: Rockford IceHogs Fan Blog

Twitter: @goicehogs

Facebook: /RockfordIceHogs

Broadcaster: Mike Peck

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Stop by the blog tomorrow for the North Division. We’ll do one division a day until Friday.