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22-23 AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ALL-ROOKIE TEAM UNVEILED

By: Jason Chaimovich, American Hockey League SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League has announced the 2022-23 AHL All-Rookie Team, as voted by coaches, players, and media in each of the league’s 32 member cities. 2022-23 AHL All-Rookie Team Goaltender ― Brandon Bussi, Providence Bruins (31 GP, 21-5-4, 2.38 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO) Defenseman ― Ryker Evans, Coachella Valley Firebirds (68 GP, 6-38-44, +21, 18 PPA) Defenseman ― Jeremie Poirier, Calgary Wranglers (66 GP, 9-32-41, +6, 3 PPG) Forward ― Ethen Frank, Hershey Bears (56 GP, 27-19-46, +12, 9 PPG, 4 GWG) Forward ― Tye Kartye, Coachella Valley Firebirds (69 GP, 27-28-55, +17, 5 PPG, 2 SHG, 7 GWG) Forward ― Georgii Merkulov, Providence Bruins (64 GP, 23-30-53, +3, 11 PPG, 5 GWG) Each player will receive a custom-designed crystal award in recognition of their selection to the 2022-23 AHL All-Rookie Team. Previous selections to the annual AHL All-Rookie Team include Zdeno Chara (1998), J.S. Giguere (1998), Daniel Briere (1998), Marc Savard (1998), Dan Boyle (1999), Robert Esche (1999), Ron Hainsey (2002), Jason Spezza (2003), Cam Ward (2005), Thomas Vanek (2005), Kevin Bieksa (2005), Jimmy Howard (2006), Dan Girardi (2006), Mike Green (2006), Jaroslav Halak (2007), Troy Brouwer (2007), Ryan Callahan (2007), Bobby Ryan (2008), Brian Boyle (2008), Alex Goligoski (2008), John Carlson (2010), P.K. Subban (2010), Logan Couture (2010), Tyler Johnson (2012), Gustav Nyquist (2012), Justin Schultz (2013), Jason Zucker (2013), Tyler Toffoli (2013), Ryan Strome (2014), Matt Murray (2015), Connor Brown (2015), Viktor Arvidsson (2015), Ryan Pulock (2015), Connor Brown (2015), Juuse Saros (2016), Brandon Montour (2016), Frank Vatrano (2016), Mikko Rantanen (2016), Casey DeSmith (2017), Devon Toews (2017), Jake Guentzel (2017), Ville Husso (2018), Filip Hronek (2018), Mason Appleton (2018), Daniel Sprong (2018), Dylan Strome (2018), Jake Bean (2019), Drake Batherson (2019), Josh Norris (2020), Jack Studnicka (2020), Alex Formenton (2020), Logan Thompson (2021), Connor McMichael (2021), Calen Addison (2021), Phil Tomasino (2021), Jack Quinn (2022) and J.J. Peterka (2022). The 2022-23 First and Second AHL All-Star Teams will be announced Thursday.

Brandon Bussi, Goaltender (Providence Bruins): Signed by the Boston Bruins as a free agent out of Western Michigan University,  has been one of the AHL’s top goaltenders throughout his rookie season, posting a record of 21-5-4 while ranking second in the league with a .925 save percentage and fourth with a 2.38 goals-against average. The native of Sound Beach, N.Y., did not lose in regulation on home ice until Apr. 1 and has made at least 30 saves in a game on 14 occasions, going 10-1-3 in those contests. Bussi represented Providence at the AHL All-Star Classic in February. Ryker Evans, Defenseman (Coachella Valley Firebirds): The second player ever selected in an NHL Draft by the Seattle Kraken (35th overall in 2021), Ryker Evans has totaled 44 points in 68 games for Coachella Valley this season, leading all AHL rookies with 38 assists and ranking second in plus/minus with a plus-21 rating. Evans has also helped anchor the Firebirds’ power play, collecting 18 assists on the man advantage. A 21-year-old native of Calgary, Alta., Evans participated in the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic. Jeremie Poirier, Defenseman (Calgary Wranglers): A third-round pick by the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Draft, Jeremie Poirier has collected nine goals, and 32 assists for 41 points in 66 games for the league-leading Wranglers in 2022-23. The puck-moving defender is also a perfect 4-for-4 in shootout attempts this season, the best mark in the entire AHL. Poirier, 20, is a native of Valleyfield, Que., and turned pro after four junior seasons with Saint John (QMJHL). Ethen Frank, Forward (Hershey Bears): Ethen Frank is tied for the AHL lead among rookies with 27 goals and has totaled 46 points in 56 games for Hershey this season. Undrafted out of Western Michigan University, where he led the nation in goals in 2021-22, Frank signed with the Bears on Apr. 11, 2022, and earned an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals for 2023-24. The 25-year-old native of Papillion, Neb., was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for January, and he set a league record in the fastest skater event at the 2023 AHL All-Star Skills Competition with a lap of 12.915 seconds. Tye Kartye, Forward (Coachella Valley Firebirds): The AHL’s top-producing rookie with 55 points (27 goals, 28 assists) in 69 games, Tye Kartye, has been a catalyst for a Coachella Valley offense that ranks second in the league in scoring. The 21-year-old native of Kingston, Ont., is also second among all rookie forwards in plus/minus with a plus-17 rating, and his seven game-winning goals are tops for first-year players. Kartye was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for March after putting up 11 goals and 17 points in 15 contests. Georgii Merkulov, Forward (Providence Bruins): Providence’s team leader in scoring, Georgii Merkulov, has registered 53 points in 64 games for the Bruins, good for second among all AHL rookies. He has netted 11 of his 23 goals on the power play, and his stretch of six consecutive games with a goal in February matched the longest such streak in the league this season. A 22-year-old native of Ryazan, Russia, Merkulov signed with Boston on Apr. 9, 2022, after leading all NCAA freshmen in goals (20) at Ohio State University last season. AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE HOME Read the full article

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THOMAS: JAMIE TARDIF NEW HARTFORD WOLF PACK ASSISTANT COACH

NEW YORK RANGERS TAB JAMIE TARDIF AS HARTFORD WOLF PACK ASSISTANT COACH BY: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club had named Jamie Tardif as an Assistant Coach with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In addition, Casey Torres has been named as Player Development Assistant with the organization. Tardif, 37, was most recently an Assistant Coach with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, starting with the club before the 2018-19 campaign. During his time with the organization, the Greyhounds won 112 games and advanced to the playoffs in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. Before joining the Greyhounds, Tardif spent the 2017-18 season as a Player/Assistant Coach with the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL, where he completed his lengthy playing career. As a player, Tardif played 12 professional seasons, including eight in the American Hockey League. Throughout 487 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose, Iowa Stars, Grand Rapids Griffins, Providence Bruins, and Rochester Americans, Tardif scored 267 career points (142 g, 125 a). He served as the captain of the Griffins during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons and was named an AHL All-Star during the 2012-13 season as a member of the Bruins. Tardif appeared in two career NHL games, coming with the Boston Bruins during the 2012-13 campaign. In addition to his time in the AHL, Tardif played for Adler Mannheim in the German DEL for three seasons. He helped guide the club to a Championship during the 2014-15 season, his first year overseas. Tardif also won an OHL Championship during the 2005-06 season as a player with the Peterborough Petes and was named an ECHL All-Star in 2006-07 as a member of the Toledo Storm. Torres, 42, spent the 2021-22 season as an Assistant Coach on the Wolf Pack’s staff. Before joining the organization, Torres was a scout for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. The Wolf Pack kick-off the 2022-23 AHL regular season on Friday, October 14th, at 7:00 p.m. against the Charlotte Checkers in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club will host its annual home opener on Saturday, October 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. when they take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the XL Center. To run with the Pack during the 2022-23 season, visit hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets for information on ticket packages and more. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS AND RAILERS IN PRESEASON GAME

Mariners and Railers play a “home and home” one week before the season begins BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – September 20, 2021 – The Maine Mariners will host the Worcester Railers on Friday, October 15th, at The Colisee in Lewiston for a preseason exhibition game. It’s part of a “home and home” series with the Railers, presented by VIP Tires & Service, one week before the regular season starts on October 22nd. It will be the first chance for Mariners fans to check out the team under the new Boston Bruins affiliation and first-year head coach Ben Guite. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM on October 15th at The Colisee. Admission will be $2 per person (cash only), with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Bar and concessions services will be available. The Mariners will have limited merchandise for sale and an informational table with ticketing options for the regular season. There will also be a radio broadcast of the game, at Mixlr.com/MaineMariners or on the Mixlr App. MORE INFO The Colisee is currently the home of the North American Hockey League’s Maine Nordiques, who captured the 2020-21 NAHL East Division postseason championship this past summer. Over the years, The Colisee has hosted many hockey teams, including the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2003-2011. The Portland Pirates (AHL) played their home games at The Colisee during the 2013-14 season as the Cumberland County Civic Center (now Cross Insurance Arena) was undergoing renovations. The Colisee holds approximately 4,000 fans. The Mariners will travel to Worcester on Saturday, October 16th to play the Railers at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center at 6:05 PM. A Mariners radio broadcast will be available once again. The two teams will then replicate the series (in their home arenas) the following weekend to open the regular season – Friday, October 22nd at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland and Saturday, October 23rd at the DCU Center in Worcester. The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half season, 12-game mini plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale September 29th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing [email protected], or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.co. MAINE MARINERS HOME Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS THROW IT BACK TO THE 80s on MARCH 6TH

Flyers color scheme returns as the Mariners host Reading for “Throwback Night” BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – February 27, 2020 – The Mariners will host their second annual “Throwback Night,” on Friday, March 6th when they host the Reading Royals at the Cross Insurance Arena at 7:15 PM. Also, “80s Night,” the Mariners will wear the jerseys of the original Maine Mariners AHL franchises (1977-1992), welcome back alumni players, and pay homage to the 1980s as a whole. Throwback Night is sponsored by Partners Bank and is the start of “Throwback Weekend,” which also features “I Love the 90s” on Sunday, March 8th. Over the summer, the Mariners held a fan poll with the choice between the orange and white Flyers color scheme (1977-87) and the white and gold of the Boston Bruins (1987-92). From 1983-87, the Mariners were actually an affiliate of the New Jersey Devils but kept the orange and black. By a narrow margin of 53-47%, the Flyers color scheme was victorious. Starting March 2nd, fans can bid on the jerseys using the Handbid App. The auction will end at the start of the 3rd period on March 6th. Several Mariners alumni are scheduled to appear as well including Wayne Schaab (78-83), Dan Lucas (78-81), Gary McAdam (83-85), and Terry Murray (77-81). Alumni members will drop the ceremonial puck and sign autographs during the first intermission. “It’s always good to see the ‘old’ guys,” said McAdam, who was also at last season’s Throwback Night. “I don’t think most of the current players were even born when we played. It’s awesome that Portland has professional hockey again. It’s a good hockey town with a great following and Portland deserves to have a team, regardless of what level.” The original Mariners were an AHL franchise brought to Portland by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1977. With a 43-28-9 inaugural season, the Mariners became the first team to capture the Calder Cup in their inaugural season, and repeated as champs in season two. After being sold to the Devils for the 1983-84 campaign, the Mariners captured their third and final Cup. They appeared in the Calder Cup finals in five of their first seven seasons. In 1987, the second Mariners AHL franchise came to Portland under the Boston Bruins and played for five seasons before relocating to Providence, Rhode Island in 1992. Last season on January 5th, 2019, a crowd of over 4,700 turned out to see the Mariners defeat the Brampton Beast 3-1, wearing the orange jerseys of the Flyers era. The Mariners will pay tribute to the 1980s as a whole throughout the night as well with video clips, music, trivia, and the awkward autographed item of the game all inspired by the decade. Additionally, it’s a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina water, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light drafts through the start of the 2nd period. The Mariners are home for the first four games of March, hosting the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday at 3 PM. The Kelly Cup will be in the building and fans can also skate with the team after the game. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets for all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance of game day. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MAINE MARINERS WEEKLY

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Oct. 8, 2019 – Season two of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off this Friday night, October 11th, as the Mariners welcome in the Adirondack Thunder to the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. The season opener marks a rematch of the inaugural Mariners game last October, which resulted in a 6-3 Adirondack victory. The Mariners and Thunder will get well acquainted in 2019-20, with 18 head to head matchups on the schedule. Friday marks one of just three October home games for Maine, and the only game of the opening weekend. The week that was Saturday, Oct. 5th – WOR: 4, MNE: 1 (preseason) The Mariners and Worcester Railers faced off in a preseason tune-up on Saturday night at the Rinks At Exeter in Exeter, New Hampshire. Both lineups consisted largely of players “on the bubble” to make their respective teams. The Railers grabbed a 1-0 lead in the opening period and pulled away with three goals in the 2nd. Forward Dawson Leedahl (New York Rangers), scored Maine’s lone goal in the third period. Ryan Ferrill also fought Worcester’s, Ross Olsson. FULL GAME RECAP Photo credit: Kristin Basnett (The Sin Bin)  Transactions (oldest to most recent) Released from tryout: G Daniel Spencer Released from SPC: D Felix Cloutier, F Ted Hart, D Pierre Ouellette, D Dallas Rossiter, D Rich Boyd, F Dwyer Tschantz F Morgan Adams-Moisan assigned to Maine from the Laval Rocket This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Fri, Oct. 11 vs. Adirondack Thunder – 7:15 PM (HOME) – SEASON OPENER  Doors will open at 6:15 PM on Friday (6:00 for season ticket holders). All fans will receive a magnet schedule, courtesy of Portland North Dental. Mariners Vice President of Operations Daniel Briere will drop the ceremonial puck alongside the winner of a fan contest. It’s the first “1-2-3 Friday” of the season: $1 Aquafina Waters, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light drafts through the start of the second period. The Mariners “Community Collection” program will also begin. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted in the Promotions Port at all October home games. Fans who bring five items will receive a ticket to a future weekday game. Donations will benefit the South Portland Food Cupboard.  Other Events: Tues, Oct. 8 – Open Practice, Player Intros, & Captains Revealed – 5:30 PM – Cross Insurance Arena (FREE TO PUBLIC)* *followed by an autograph session for full season ticket holders only Thurs, Oct. 10 – Mariners Coach’s Show featuring Danny Briere & Mariners players – Three Dollar Deweys (241 Commercial St. in Portland) Looking ahead: The Mariners embark on a four-game road trip starting October 18th, which will take them to Worcester, Reading, and Adirondack. They’re back home for a two-game series on October 25th and 26th against the Newfoundland Growlers. Former AHL Mariners broadcaster and current Boston Bruins TV host Dale Arnold will make an appearance on October 25th for “New England Sports Night.” October 26th is a Halloween themed game, “Monsters and Mariners.” All Saturday and Sunday home games this season feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, food/drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies, starting as low as $80. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS SIGN FORMER BRUINS GOALTENDER TOIVONEN

Hannu Toivonen, former Boston Bruin, signs with Mariners BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – December 27, 2018 – The Mariners have signed veteran goaltender Hannu Toivonen, the team announced on Thursday. The 34-year-old netminder most notably played for the Boston Bruins between 2005 and 2007. He’s played in Europe since 2014. Toivonen is a native of Kalvola, Finland and was drafted by the Bruins in 2002, 29th overall. After two seasons in the AHL with Providence, Toivonen made his NHL debut in 2005-06, appearing in 20 games that season with a 9-5-4 record and a 2.63 GAA. He split the 06-07 season between Boston and Providence and then was traded to St. Louis prior to the 07-08 season. He played a career-high 23 NHL games with the Blues, but found himself back in the AHL with Peoria and eventually Rockford in the Chicago Blackhawks organization. In 2012-13, Toivonen made his ECHL debut when he signed with the Orlando Solar Bears. He played the following season with the Toledo Walleye. After three successful seasons in the Finish Elite League (SM-Liiga), posting GAAs below 2.65, he spent last season playing in Austria and Denmark. The Mariners have back to back home games tonight and tomorrow night at the Cross Insurance Arena. Manchester is in town tonight at 7:00 PM. The Mariners also host Worcester on Friday, December 28th at 7:15 PM for a 1-2-3 Friday, Nickelodeon Takeover Night, and First Responders Night. Tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article