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Friday, December 30, 2011

Button and Cantin on the Move Again

Providence Roster Shuffles Again
Button and Cantin Reassigned to Reading
December 30, 2011


The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have reassigned defensemen Ryan Button and Marc Cantin to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.


Button, 20, has registered one assist in 12 games for Providence this season. A native of Edmonton, AB, Button joined the P-Bruins for seven games at the end of last season and tallied on assist. Boston's third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie blue liner spent four years in the Western Hockey League, including three with the Prince Albert Raiders before a mid-season trade brought him to the Seattle Thunderbirds last season. In 2008-09 with Prince Albert, Button scored a career-high 32 assists and 37 points in 70 regular season games.


Cantin, 21, has gone scoreless in 14 games for Providence this season. The Omemee, ON native made his professional debut on October 7 with the P-Bruins after spending four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. Last season with the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, the rookie blue liner recorded a career-high 41 points en route to playing in the Memorial Cup for the second consecutive year and third time in his junior career. Cantin was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on March 23, 2011.


The Royals (12-12-3-3, 30 PTS) are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division. Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games. Button and Cantin join former P-Bruins Yannick Riendeau, Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, Marvin Degon and Karel St. Laurent.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Providence Signs Another Forward to PTO

Providence Adds Former UMass-Lowell River Hawk
December 28, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed center Bobby Robins to a Professional Tryout Agreement.

Robbins, of Peshtigo, WI has spent this season with the Abbotsford Heat and the Chicago Express (ECHL). In 28 games for Chicago, Robins has registered seven goals and eight assists and leads the team in penalty minutes with 123. Robins, in his sixth professional season, has made stops in various AHL and ECHL cities including Binghamton, Elmira, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse. The centerman jumped the pond in 2008 to play for the Belfast Giants of the EIHL and then Jesenice in Austria the following season. In 105 AHL games over four seasons, Robbins has registered 11+11=22 totals.

A four-year product of UMass-Lowell, Robins led the River Hawks in scoring with 31 points during his senior season. The 6'1", 220-pound winger made his professional debut following his final campaign at Lowell in 2005-06 with the Binghamton Senators, registering seven points in 16 games. Robins, 30, tallied a career-high 46 points in 2008-09 with Belfast en route to winning the EIHL Challenge Cup.
 

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com     

Monday, December 26, 2011

Some Providence Numbers to Ponder

The Numbers Game
by T. Chace Jr.
December 26, 2011

As the AHL season approaches its halfway point it is interesting to see the numbers that the Providence Bruins have put up so far.  They are telling a story of problems and promise. Here are some things to think about:
  • Providence has won 4 games in a row, and along with San Antonio, are on the hottest streak in the AHL.
  • They are facing 4 games in 6 nights this week, all on the road. This should be a great barometer of where they're going.
  • 31 Games played - 13-15-1-2
  • Winning Percentage of 46.8%
  • Just 66 Goals Scored - 30th (last) in the AHL - 2.13 goals/game
  • They have allowed 92 Goals Against - 20th in the AHL - 2.97 goals against/game
  • Power Play - 29th in the AHL - 11.9% - 16 goals in 135 chances
  • Penalty Kill - A very respectable 11th in the AHL - 83.1% 
  • Leading Scorer - Rookie Carter Camper - 20 points - 7 goals & 13 assists - 10th in the AHL in Rookie Scoring
  • Leading Goal Scorer - Josh Hennessey - 9 goals
  • Goaltenders Goals Agoainst Average - 2.85 & a Save Percentage of .914
  • Home Record - 8-8-1-1
  • Road Record - 5-7-0-1
  • Penalty Minutes - 21st in the AHL - 467 minutes
  • 25 Fighting Majors in 31 games
  • Tied for 1st in the AHL with Shootout Wins - 5
  • 2nd in the AHL in Shootout Points - 15
  • Jamie Arniel tied for 1st in Shootout Goals - 6
  • Providence is 8-2-0-1 when Scoring First Goal of Game
  • Providence is 30th (last) in 1st Period Goals Scored - 15
  • Providence Goals Allowed in 1st period - 29
  • Attendance - 7th in the AHL - 6210 people/avg.
The problem is quite clear. SCORE MORE. Of course, that is easier said than done.  After examining these figures it clearly shows a need for more goal scoring which would boost the power play numbers as well.  It shows that the recent streak may be the only way they can win.  Great goaltending, timely scoring, and really good penalty killing.  There is a huge need for the veteran players to really start to contribute on the scoring side of things.

The team needs really strong defensive play and has to improve and limit quality shots by their opponents.  Make the shots more difficult and from the perimeter. No end to end rushes allowed. Be more physical.

Score more goals early and limit your opponents from getting on the board first, particularly at home where you have had great support.  All of this sounds easy but the numbers are there for everyone to see.  It should be very interesting as we move forward.





Providence Brings in Another Forward

Koger Gets PTO
December 26, 2011


The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed forward Daniel Koger to a Professional Tryout Agreement.

Koger, of Szekesfehervar, Hungary, has split time this season between the St. John's IceCaps and the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). In 14 games for Cincinnati, Koger has registered five goals and six assists. Koger is in his second professional season in North America. The right wing spent his rookie season with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League, skating in 64 games and finishing third on the team in scoring with 52 points (29g, 23a).

Prior to making his professional debut in North America, Koger played two seasons in the Austrian Hockey League. The 6'2", 195-pound winger made his professional debut in 2008-09 with Salzburg and recorded three points in 18 games. Koger, 22, registered seven goals and nine assists in 40 games with Szekeshfehervar Alba Volan in 2009-10.
 
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
 

Jordan Caron Back Again

Boston Sends Caron Back to Providence
December 23, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has assigned forward Jordan Caron to the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League).

Caron has appeared in 13 games for Boston this season with one goal and two assists and has been a healthy scratch in his last three games. He has skated in five games for Providence this year with 1-4=5 totals.

Caron was drafted by the Bruins in the first round (25th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2010-11 season he notched 12 goals and 16 assists in 47 games with the P-Bruins and 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 games with Boston.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

More Roster Movement For Providence

Caron and Kampfer Recalled; Button Returns from Reading
December 19, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Jordan Caron and defenseman Steven Kampfer from the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League). Both players were assigned to Providence on Friday, December 16 and played in two games this weekend for Providence, both wins, with Caron picking up an assist. In a separate transaction, defenseman Ryan Button has been assigned from the Reading Royals (ECHL) to Providence.

Caron has appeared in 13 games for Boston this season with one goal and two assists. Caron has been a healthy scratch in the last two games for Boston. Caron was drafted by the Bruins in the first round (25th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2010-11 season he notched 12 goals and 16 assists in 47 games with the P-Bruins and 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 games with Boston.

Kampfer missed the first six games of this NHL season due to an injury sustained in preseason but since his return, Kampfer has skated in seven games for Boston this season and has registered one assist.

Kampfer was originally drafted by Anaheim in the fifth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to Boston for a 2010 4th round pick before playing any games with Anaheim. In the 2010-11 season, his first year full year in the pros, Kampfer recorded three goals and 13 assists in 22 games with the P-Bruins and received his first NHL call-up on December 8, 2010. Through 38 games with Boston that season, the blueliner had five goals and five assists.

Both players made the Boston Bruins roster straight out of training camp; it was Caron's second year achieving this and Kampfer's first.

Button, 20, was assigned to Reading on Friday and appeared in one game for the Royals on Saturday. The defenseman has appeared in four games for the Royals this season.

A native of Edmonton, AB, Button joined the P-Bruins for seven games at the end of last season and tallied an assist. Boston's third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie blue liner spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League, including three with the Prince Albert Raiders before a mid-season trade brought him to the Seattle Thunderbirds last season. In 2008-09 with Prince Albert, Button scored a career-high 32 assists and 37 points in 70 regular season games.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
          

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ryan Button Back To Reading Royals

Defenseman Assigned Back to ECHL Affiliate
December 17, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned defenseman Ryan Button to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Button, 20, has registered one assist in 11 games for Providence this season. A native of Edmonton, AB, Button joined the P-Bruins for seven games at the end of last season and tallied on assist. Boston's third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie blue liner spent four years in the Western Hockey League, including three with the Prince Albert Raiders before a mid-season trade brought him to the Seattle Thunderbirds last season. In 2008-09 with Prince Albert, Button scored a career-high 32 assists and 37 points in 70 regular season games.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Caron and Kampfer Back Again

Boston Assigns the Pair Back to Providence
December 16, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has assigned forward Jordan Caron and defenseman Steven Kampfer to the Providence Bruins. Both Caron and Kampfer are expected to play in Providence's games this weekend on Saturday, December 17 in Connecticut and Sunday, December 18 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center versus Bridgeport.

Caron, of Sayabec, PQ, has skated in 13 contests for Boston this season and has registered one goal and two assists. In his career, the forward has played in 34 NHL games, recording 4-6=10 totals and 10 penalty minutes. He was assigned to Providence on December 1, 2011 and played in two games in which he tallied a goal and two assists, before being recalled back to Boston on December 3. In 47 games with Providence last season, Caron recorded 12+16=28 totals and 16 penalty minutes. His 12 goals and 28 points ranked second among rookies on the Providence squad.

The 20-year-old was originally drafted by the Bruins in the first round (25th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Kampfer, 23, missed the first six games of this NHL season due to an injury sustained in preseason. Since his return, he has played in seven games for Boston, registering one assist. In 2010-11, his rookie season, the Ann Arbor, MI native skated in 22 games with Providence, recording 3+13=16 totals and a team-high plus-10 rating. He earned his first NHL recall on December 8, 2010 and skated in 38 games for Boston, during which the blueliner tallied five goals and five assists.

Originally drafted by Anaheim in the fifth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Kampfer was traded to Boston for a 2010 4th round pick on March 2, 2010.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Friday, December 16, 2011

Providence Adds Another Rookie

Holy Cross Grad Signed to PTO

December 15, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed forward Everett Sheen to a Professional Tryout Agreement.

A native of Lethbridge, AB, Sheen made his professional debut with the Reading Royals (ECHL) on October 15. In 19 games with the Royals this season, the forward has recorded 2+3=5 totals and eight penalty minutes.

Sheen is a four-year product of the College of the Holy Cross. As the captain in 2010-11, Sheen recorded a career-high and 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points. The 6'0", 185 lb. forward's 35 points as a senior ranked second among the Crusaders. The 25-year-old finished his collegiate career with 104 points on 52 goals and 52 assists.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence Trying to Stay Afloat

Good Starts Are Key
December 14, 2011
By Thomas R. Chace Jr.

Most Friday nights the Providence Bruins play at home and draw large crowds that have been patient, yet anxious for victories.  Week after week, loss after loss, I have been charged with interviewing Head Coach “Butch” Cassidy.  Every week it seems we discuss the same problematic issues.  Finally, last Friday we were able to greet each other with a smile.


Cassidy has been preaching the importance of getting off to a good start in front of the packed Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Friday nights.  Time after time, the opposition would get the first goal and with a lack of scoring punch, Providence would struggle mightily to get those early goals back. Cassidy said “It’s the coach’s responsibility to prepare your team to play and give them information, and it’s the individual as a pro to get themselves ready.  We need to find the right balance there. It’s frustrating, we have great support here and we want to use that to our advantage.”


Youth has also been a major factor in the fate of the team thus far.  Providence has dressed nine or ten first year players in the lineup for some games this year.  Cassidy was adamant that his job is to develop those young players so he hates to use that as an excuse.  The fact of the matter is that many of his opponents have numerous veteran players who have a great deal of experience on a professional level. Composure and confidence have to be learned at this level and that process is continuing on a weekly basis. 


The recent return of team Captain Trent Whitfield is a huge boost on the ice and more importantly in the locker room.  Whitfield’s veteran presence is invaluable with this year’s young squad.  Cassidy says Whitfield is like a third coach who can carry their message to the players without them in the room.  Whitfield saw too many games from the stands while he was injured and looks forward to pushing and educating the rookies now that he’s back on the ice.


“We’re losing the ability to win battle” states Cassidy.  “We’ve got to cut down the opponent’s chances in front.  Win the battles, be hard on your stick, all of this comes with experience.” Several of the rookies including Carter Camper have improved faster than others. Camper surprisingly is the team’s leading scorer.  Cassidy says that “Carter is a good player, he makes plays, and he’s starting to come into his own.  He has figured out what he can get away with, protecting the puck against bigger players, not getting knocked around, he puts himself in good positions.” Cassidy would like to see more players figure out what they can and cannot do at this level.


After not winning a game in nine tries, Providence came out last Friday against Manchester and scored first and got off to that good start they have longed for.  Cassidy claimed “we’ve got a long way to go, I know that, but we’re moving the puck, supporting one another, but we need to be consistent now.”  Cassidy chose to start backup goaltender Michael Hutchinson over veteran Anton Khudobin and “Hutch” was rewarded with his first victory of the year. 


Hutchinson, 21, an exuberant second year netminder was smiling ear to ear after his first victory.  “It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been getting frustrated a little, I can have a little more confidence in games now.”  He played well on Saturday night in Connecticut as well, but Providence dropped a 3-0 decision with “Hutch” making 31 saves on 33 shots.  Veteran Anton “Dobie” Khudobin redeemed the loss with a solid performance on Sunday, in a roughly played 3-2 rematch victory over Connecticut.  Once again the baby B’s got the lead early in front of the home crowd and rode home to victory.  Providence enjoyed a four point weekend and hopes to continue their winning ways this Friday as they face the Springfield Falcons.


Providence finds themselves in a tough division with scoring liabilities, specialty team shortcomings, and youth working against them.  However, they won’t be young forever and should grow into better players with a better sense of how to play at this level.   Perhaps the coach will not age as fast either, if they can score early and make things more difficult for their opponents to score.  It’s great to see a smile after a game instead of the same redundant expression.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Zach Hamill Gets Second Recall to Boston

Injury to Gregory Campbell Leads to Emergency Recall
December 13, 2011


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Zach Hamill from the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League) on an emergency basis.

Hamill was recalled once previously this season on November 9 and played in two games for Boston, registering one assist, a plus 3 rating while averaging 9:03 of ice time.

Through 25 AHL games this season, Hamill tallied 7-7=14 totals, which ranks third on the P-Bruins in scoring. Last season, Hamill spent the majority of the year in Providence and finished second on the team in scoring with 9-34=43 totals. He was recalled once to Boston from February 3 - 13, 2011 and tallied one assist in three NHL games.

Hamill has skated in six career NHL games with 0-3=3 totals. He made his NHL debut on April 11, 2010 against Washington and recorded his first career NHL assist/point in that game.

He was originally drafted by the Bruins in the first round (8th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

*Information was gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence Signs Rookie D-Man

Providence Bruins Sign Jordan Southorn
December 11, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed defenseman Jordon Southorn to a Professional Tryout Agreement.


A native of Montréal, PQ, Southorn made his professional debut with the Trenton Titans (ECHL) in 2010-11. In 19 games with the Titans this season, the blue liner has recorded 3+7=10 totals and 11 penalty minutes.


Southorn is a four-year product of the Prince Edward Island Rocket of the QMJHL. In his final junior season in 2009-10, Southorn finished third among defensemen in points with 23. The 6'3", 200 lb. defenseman led the Rocket blue liners in scoring in 2008-09 with a career-high 35 assists and 41 points. The 21 year-old finished his junior career with 27 goals and 78 assists for 105 points in 258 regular season games.


The defenseman was selected 104th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence College's MacKinnon Back in Fold

Rookie Kyle MacKinnon Called Up From Reading
December 7, 2001

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that forward Kyle MacKinnon has been returned to the Providence Bruins from the Reading Royals of the ECHL.


MacKinnon, 24, went pointless in two games with the Royals since being loaned to the club on December 2. The forward has recorded 1+1=2 totals in 19 games for Providence this season.


A native of Walnut, CA, MacKinnon joined the P-Bruins for five games at the end of last season, tallying one goal and two assists. The forward is a four-year product of Providence College. As a co-captain in 2010-11, MacKinnon led the Friars in goals scored for the second consecutive year and recorded a career-high 14 goals in 2010-11. He finished his collegiate career with 71 points on 37 goals and 34 assists.


Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/







Boston Recalls Two Providence Players

Jordan Caron and Steve Kampfer Returning to Big Club
December 4, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Jordan Caron and defenseman Steven Kampfer from the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League). After playing two games in Providence on Friday and Saturday, Caron and Kampfer will accompany Boston on their two-game road trip to Pittsburghand Winnipeg. Please note they are not expected to practice with the Bruins on Sunday, December 4.


Caron has played in 11 games for Boston so far this season and has registered one goal and two assists. He has appeared in three games for Providence this year with one goal and three assists. His goal came during last night's game against Manchester (Saturday, December 3).


Caron was drafted by the Bruins in the first round (25th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2010-2011 season he notched 12 goals and 16 assists in 47 games with the P-Bruins and 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 games with Boston.


Kampfer missed the first six games of this NHL season due to an injury sustained in preseason but since his return, he has played five games for Boston, tallying one assist. He saw his first game action with Providence this weekend and collected one assist.


Kampfer was originally drafted by Anaheim in the fifth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to Boston for a 2010 4th round pick before playing any games with Anaheim. In the 2010-11 season, his first year full year in the pros, Kampfer recorded three goals and 13 assists in 22 games with the P-Bruins and received his first NHL call-up on December 8th. Through 38 games with Boston that season, the blueliner had five goals and five assists.


Both players made the Boston Bruins roster straight out of training camp; it was Caron's second year achieving this and Kampfer's first.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Providence Releases Chris Clark

Veteran Went Scoreless in Six Games for Providence
November 21, 2011


The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American
Hockey League, today announced that forward Chris Clark has been
released from his Professional Tryout Agreement.


Clark played in six games for the P-Bruins, going pointless, since being signed
to a Professional Tryout Agreement on November 3. Clark, 35, is a veteran of
607 games in the National Hockey League with the Calgary Flames, Washington
Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets. The South Windsor, CT native recorded
5-10=15 totals in 53 games with the Blue Jackets last season.


Originally drafted in the third round (77th overall) by Calgary in the 1994 NHL
Entry Draft, Clark spent five seasons with the Flames, which was highlighted by
a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004. The right-winger was traded to
Washington after the lockout in 2004-05. The 6'0", 202-pound winger
recorded a career-high 30 goals and 24 assists for 54 points during the 2006-07
campaign with the Capitals. Named Washington's captain in 2006, Clark is the
third longest tenured captain in the history of the Capitals.


Clark was traded to Columbus in December 2009 with defenseman Milan Jurcina for
Blue Jackets winger Jason Chimera. In two seasons with Columbus, the winger
skated in 89 games and recorded 8-12=20 totals. Over 13 professional seasons,
Clark has seen time in 607 NHL games and tallied 214 points and 700 penalty
minutes.


This past September, Clark participated in the Boston Bruins training camp on a
tryout basis.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Friday, November 18, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Providence Bruins vs. Manchester Monarchs

Bruins' MacKinnon Winning Goal, 1-0
November 11, 2011


Zach Hamill Making Most of Chance

Hamill Looking Good
November 12, 2011
by Thomas Chace Jr.

Zach Hamill is in his 4th pro season with the Providence Bruins after being taken with the 8th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The 23 year old, a 5’11”, 180 pound Vancouver native had scored 20-30 goals a year and averaged about 65 points in four years for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.


With Providence he has proven to be quite a durable player, having played at least 65 games a year in his three year stint here. But Zach has not been a great return on the team’s investment from a production standpoint. In three seasons he has tallied 13, 14 and 9 goals. With a lack of scorers on Providence, his situation is exacerbated by his high selection in the draft.


This year has been rather interesting though. After being placed on waivers at the end of the Boston Bruins training camp and clearing those waivers, Zach came down to Providence with a little different mindset. He knows what has been said, he knows the numbers, he wants to turn these words and numbers around.


In 14 games this season with Providence, Zach has 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points. Also sporting a +2 in the plus/minus category. Always playing center, the organization has asked him to play on the wing this season. Zach was called up to Boston on an emergency basis due to an injury to Daniel Paille this week. He looked great, recording an assist on fellow Providence player Jordan Caron’s goal against Edmonton on Thursday night. Zach has been called up to Boston before. He played in four games over the last two seasons and recorded 2 assists, but never looked as good as he did this week against the Oilers.


I asked Zach about his confidence level prior to his call up to Boston. “ Confidence is such a key thing and I want to bring it every day. Not just to the games but to the rink, I want to make myself better. My linemates are part of it, getting coaches praise is part of it, and the coaches showing me things I need to work on. Teaching me how to play every day with confidence.”


In regards to his results thus far into the season, Zach said “it’s not just the results, we’ve been winning games and being part of that is fun, and being a key guy on the team is great.”
With Paille out after surgery to repair a facial injury after blocking a shot, Zach Hamill has another chance to show what he’s all about and what he’s learned as a professional hockey player. So young, yet so much was expected. Assuredly, Zach will make the most out of this chance and hopefully look back fondly on his growth as a player and person

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Boston Bruins Alumni Roster Announced

Former Boston Bruins to Skate in Alumni Game
November 10, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today the roster of former Boston Bruins that will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Fifteen former Bruins will come to Providence to face off with the Providence Bruins Alumni on Sunday. The roster boasts William M. Jennings Trophy winner Reggie Lemelin, Stanley Cup Champion Ken Linseman, Lady Byng recipient Rick Middleton, Boston's Assistant General Manager Don Sweeney, voices of the Bruins, Andy Brickley and Bob Beers and Rhode Island native Bill Bennett. The fifteen alumni players combined for nearly 4,700 games in a Bruins sweater.

The roster is comprised of ten forwards, including Lemelin, Linseman, Middleton, Brickley, Bennett, Billy O'Dwyer, Tom Songin, Bob Sweeney, Guy Larose and Tim Sweeney. Five alumni forwards boast careers of ten years or more in the NHL. On the blue line, the alumni are led by Boston Bruins Assistant General Manager Sweeney, Bruins radio network commentator Beers, former Bruins coach Terry O'Reilly, Frank Simonetti, and veteran of 16 NHL seasons Dave Shaw. Between the pipes is special guest, film director, screenwriter and producer, Bobby Farrelly.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Marc Cantin Sent Down to Reading

Rookie Defenseman Played Nine Games for Providence
November 10, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have reassigned defenseman Marc Cantin to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Cantin, 21, went scoreless in nine games for Providence this season. A native of Omemee, ON, Cantin made his professional debut on October 7 with the P-Bruins after spending four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. Last season with the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, the rookie blue liner recorded a career-high 41 points en route to playing in the Memorial Cup for the second consecutive year and third time in his junior career. Cantin was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on March 23, 2011.

The Royals (5-5-1-0, 11 PTS) are currently in second place in the Atlantic Division. Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games. Cantin joins former P-Bruins Yannick Riendeau, Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, Marvin Degon and Karel St. Laurent.

*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Boston Recalls Zach Hamill

Providence's Leading Scorer Headed to Boston
November 9, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Zach Hamill from the Providence Bruins on an emergency basis (American Hockey League). He will join the Boston Bruins for their morning skate on Thursday, November 10 at the TD Garden and be available for Thursday night's game against Edmonton.


Through 14 AHL games this season, Hamill leads the P-Bruins in goals (5), points (10) and plus/minus (+2) and is second on the team in assists (5). Last season, Hamill spent the majority of the year in Providence and finished second on the team in scoring with 9-34=43 totals. He was recalled once to Boston from February 3 - 13, 2011 and tallied one assist in three NHL games.


Hamill has skated in four career NHL games with 0-2=2 totals. He made his NHL debut on April 11, 2010 against Washington and recorded his first career NHL assist/point in that game.


He was originally drafted by the Bruins in the first round (8thoverall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence Bruins Alumni Roster

15 Former Providence Players to Skate in Sunday's Alumni Game
November 9, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today the roster of former Providence Bruins that will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Fifteen former P-Bruins will return to Providence to face off with the Boston Bruins Alumni on Sunday. The roster boasts four members of the 1998-99 Calder Cup Championship team, including Jay Henderson, Andre Savage, Eric Nickulas and Peter Ferarro. The fifteen alumni players combined for over 1,700 games in a Providence sweater and over 600 NHL games, including 279 wearing the ‘Spoked-B.'

The roster is comprised of ten forwards, including former captain Henderson, Ferarro, Savage, Nickulas, Howie Rosenblatt, Brett Harkins, Fred Knipscheer, Brendan Walsh, Chris Winnes and Matt Glennon. Three alumni players boast the top three spots in Providence's all-time playoff points leaders. Ferarro is the all-time playoff point leader with 42 points in 49 playoff games with the club over three seasons. He is trailed by Nickulas, who recorded 35 points in 47 playoff contests from 1998-01 and 2005-06. Harkins rounds out the top three with 34 points in 23 playoff games over three campaigns.

On the blue line, the alumni are anchored by Jeff Wells, Mark Cornforth and Brian White. Kay Whitmore, a veteran of 155 NHL games, and Rob Gribben are between the pipes.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Veteran Chris Clark to Join Providence

Veteran of 607 NHL Games is Signed to Professional Tryout
November 3, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that they have signed forward Chris Clark to a Professional Tryout Agreement.

Clark, 35, is a veteran of 607 games in the National Hockey League with the Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets. The South Windsor, CT native recorded 5-10=15 totals in 53 games with the Blue Jackets last season.

Originally drafted in the third round (77th overall) by Calgary in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Clark spent five seasons with the Flames, which was highlighted by a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004. The right-winger was traded to Washington after the lockout in 2004-05. The 6'0", 202-pound winger recorded a career-high 30 goals and 24 assists for 54 points during the 2006-07 campaign with the Capitals. Named Washington's captain in 2006, Clark is the third longest tenured captain in the history of the Capitals.

Clark was traded to Columbus in December 2009 with defenseman Milan Jurcina for Blue Jackets winger Jason Chimera. In two seasons with Columbus, the winger skated in 89 games and recorded 8-12=20 totals. Over 13 professional seasons, Clark has seen time in 607 NHL games and tallied 214 points and 700 penalty minutes.

This past September, Clark participated in the Boston Bruins training camp on a tryout basis.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Yannick Riendeau Back to Reading



Third Year Pro Appeared in Three Games for Providence
November 3, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have reassigned forward Yannick Riendeau to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Riendeau, 23, went scoreless in three games for Providence since his recall on October 26. The third-year pro rejoins the Royals, where he has recorded two points in four games this season and appeared in 54 games during his sophomore season. A native of Boucherville, PQ, Riendeau tallied a professional career-high of 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points last season in Reading. The right wing also appeared in Providence last season, going pointless in six games for the P-Bruins.

Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games. Riendeau joins former P-Bruins Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, and Marvin Degon, who played in two games for the P-Bruins this season.

Prior to turning pro in 2009, Riendeau enjoyed a standout junior season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. In 2008-09 with Drummondville, Riendeau led the Québec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring during both the regular season and playoffs. In 64 regular season games, the rightwing scored 58 goals and 68 assists for 126 points. He added 52 points, including 29 goals in just 19 postseason contests. Riendeau's playoff totals set Voltigeurs franchise records, while his 16 postseason power play goals set a QMJHL record. His postseason performance earned him the league's Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoff Most Valuable Player. Riendeau was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on April 2, 2009.

*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Ryan Button Returns to Providence

Rookie Appeared in Three Games for Reading
November 1, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned defenseman Ryan Button to the Providence Bruins from the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Button, 20, was assigned to Reading on October 27 and went scoreless in three games for the Royals. A native of Edmonton, AB, Button joined the P-Bruins for seven games at the end of last season and tallied on assist. Boston's third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie blue liner spent four years in the Western Hockey League, including three with the Prince Albert Raiders before a mid-season trade brought him to the Seattle Thunderbirds last season. In 2008-09 with Prince Albert, Button scored a career-high 32 assists and 37 points in 70 regular season games.

Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Friday, October 28, 2011

Ryan Button Sent Down to Reading

Rookie Button Played in Two Games for Providence
October 28, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned defenseman Ryan Button to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Button, 20, went scoreless in two games for Providence this season. A native of Edmonton, AB, Button joined the P-Bruins for seven games at the end of last season and tallied on assist. Boston's third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie blue liner spent four years in the Western Hockey League, including three with the Prince Albert Raiders before a mid-season trade brought him to the Seattle Thunderbirds last season. In 2008-09 with Prince Albert, Button scored a career-high 32 assists and 37 points in 70 regular season games.

Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games. Button joins former P-Bruins Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, Marvin Degon and Karel St. Laurent.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Riendeau Back Up To Providence

Karel St. Laurent Returns to Reading in ECHL
October 27, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that forward Yannick Riendeau been recalled from the Reading Royals of the ECHL and that goaltender Karel St. Laurent has been assigned to Reading.

Riendeau, 23, was assigned to Reading on October 11 after going pointless in one game for Providence. In four games with Reading this season, the forward tallied one goal and one assist. The third-year appeared in 54 games with the Royals during his sophomore season. A native of Boucherville, PQ, Riendeau tallied a professional career-high of 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points last season in Reading. The right wing also appeared in Providence last season, going pointless in six games for the P-Bruins.

Prior to turning pro in 2009, Riendeau enjoyed a standout junior season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. In 2008-09 with Drummondville, Riendeau led the Québec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring during both the regular season and playoffs. In 64 regular season games, the right wing scored 58 goals and 68 assists for 126 points. He added 52 points, including 29 goals in just 19 postseason contests. Riendeau's playoff totals set Voltigeurs franchise records, while his 16 postseason power play goals set a QMJHL record. His postseason performance earned him the league's Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoff Most Valuable Player. Riendeau was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on April 2, 2009.

St. Laurent, 20, was originally recalled from Reading on October 12. The goaltender made his professional debut on October 14, relieving Anton Khudobin for the final 26 minutes versus the Manchester Monarchs. In Providence, St. Laurent went 1-0-0 while compiling a 3.46 GAA and .907 save percentage. The rookie earned his first professional win in his first professional start on October 22 in Portland. In 60 minutes, St. Laurent stopped 37 Portland attempts for a 4-3 win. St. Laurent, who hails from Ville Ste-Catherine, PQ is in his rookie season after three junior seasons with Saint John (QMJHL) and Surrey (BCHL).


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Bartkowski Returned to Providence

Defenseman Played on Tuesday Night For Boston
October 20, 2011
by T.Chace Jr.

The Boston Bruins have returned defenseman Matt Bartkowski to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Bartkowski played on Tuesday night for the Bruins against Carolina , filling in for the injured Adam McQuaid. With McQuaid expected to dress for tonights game against Toronto, Bartkowski was sent down, where he will get significantly more ice time in Providence to hone his skills.

Providence Calls Up New Goaltender

Karel St. Laurent Joins P-Bruins
October 14, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the goaltender Karel St. Laurent has been recalled to Providence from the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

St. Laurent, 20, was originally assigned to Reading on October 8. The goaltender who hails fro Ville Ste-Catherine, PQ is entering his rookie season after three junior seasons with Saint John (QMJHL) and Surrey (BCHL). Between 2008 and 2010, St. Laurent had a combined record of 25-10-0 with the Sea Dogs. He split last season between Saint John and Surrey, compiling a record of 19-12-1 and 2.74 GAA with the Eagles after being released from the Sea Dogs.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Forward Riendeau Sent Down to Royals



Yannick Riendeau Reassigned To ECHL
October 11, 2011

The Providence Bruins, in their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have reassigned forward Yannick Riendeau to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Riendeau, 23, went scoreless in one game for Providence this season. The third-year pro joins the Royals, where he appeared in 54 games during his sophomore season. A native of Boucherville, PQ, Riendeau tallied a professional career-high of 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points last season in Reading. The right wing also appeared in Providence last season, going pointless in six games for the P-Bruins.

Last season, the Royals clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-23-2-3 record. The club advanced to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kalamazoo Wings in four games. Riendeau joins former P-Bruins Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, and Marvin Degon, who played in two games for the P-Bruins this season.

Prior to turning pro in 2009, Riendeau enjoyed a standout junior season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. In 2008-09 with Drummondville, Riendeau led the Québec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring during both the regular season and playoffs. In 64 regular season games, the right-wing scored 58 goals and 68 assists for 126 points. He added 52 points, including 29 goals in just 19 postseason contests. Riendeau's playoff totals set Voltigeurs franchise records, while his 16 postseason power play goals set a QMJHL record. His postseason performance earned him the league's Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoff Most Valuable Player. Riendeau was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on April 2, 2009.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Thursday, October 13, 2011

New Look Providence Club

Providence Bruins Learning Curve
October10, 2011
By Thomas Chace Jr.

When I went to the Providence Bruins second official practice on October 2nd, I was trying to gauge the enthusiasm and the emotional aspect of the players. Granted it was extremely early, but with a new head coach and a new assistant coach, I was looking for something different. With former Assistant Coach Bruce Cassidy now in charge and NHL veteran Kevin Dean, the new right hand man, I found my search pretty uneventful, through no fault of the coaches. The bottom line was that many of the skaters I saw that day would not last the week. The Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins still had half a dozen Providence players still in their own training camp.

As the regular season approached I hoped to find what I could not, the week before. Opening night before a packed house at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence would surely bring out the enthusiasm and emotion of a new team with new coaches. Such was not the case. Providence nearly scored in the first minute of play, which quite possibly could have led to a boost of confidence instead of a night of frustration.

St. John’s scored right after that near miss at the 1:15 mark to take a 1-0 lead. The St. John’s Icecaps have replaced the Manitoba Moose and are the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. Within three minutes, Providence’s Max Sauve, tied the score at 1-1. Everyone was feeling better again. However, from that point on, it was all Icecaps. Starting with killing a four minute high-sticking penalty, St. John’s began to dominate the game.

One of Providence’s strengths this season should come in goal with Anton Khudobin. However, the Kazakhstan native would surely have liked several Icecap goals back, I’m sure he felt he should have stopped a couple. In fairness, Khudobin made several saves during the game that most goaltenders would not have made.

The defense is suffering from the loss of several veteran blue liners due to injury. Andrew Bodnarchuk, who should return next week, and tough as nails, Nathan McIver, who will miss 4-6 weeks. This has resulted in a very raw, young defensive corp. Their inexperience was noted by Coach Cassidy after the 4-1 loss. Cassidy stated that “the young D is going to go through hiccups,” but maintains that they will steadily improve.

As for that emotion and enthusiasm I was looking for, Cassidy said “I was surprised by the lack of emotion, there needs to be energy and push back in our game.” At one point Cassidy called a timeout in the second period after St. John’s scored two unanswered goals in less than two minutes. Cassidy assessed the frustration brewing and wanted to reassure the team that “there was plenty of hockey left.”

There was plenty of hockey left, and it was carried the rest of the way by the St. John’s Icecaps. It was just one game. Providence’s young players certainly appeared somewhat nervous in front of a big home crowd. Better days should be ahead for this new version of Providence Bruin hockey, especially when they start to “push back”.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Boston Roster Is Set For Now

Goalie Anton Khudobin Clears Waivers

October6, 2011




Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced the 22-man roster for the team’s season opening game on Thursday, October 6.Forwards: Patrice Bergeron, Gregory Campbell, Jordan Caron, Nathan Horton, Chris Kelly, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Brad Defensemen: Matt Bartkowski, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Joe Corvo, Andrew Ference, Adam McQuaid, Dennis SeidenbergGoaltenders: Tuukka Rask, Tim


Forward Chris Clark has been released from his professional tryout, defenseman Steven Kampfer has been placed on injured reserve and goaltender Anton Khudobin has cleared waivers and has been assigned to Providence (American Hockey League). Forward Marc Savard remains on injured reserve.



*Information gathered from http://www.bruins.nhl.com/

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Providence Drops Three Players

Training Camp Roster Now Stands at 27
October 5, 2011


The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that they have released three players from their tryout agreements.

Forwards Everett Sheen and Richard Purslow along with goalie Jared DeMichiel all leave Providence after appearing in Providence's two preseason wins over the Springfield Falcons on Friday and Saturday.

Sheen, a four-year product of the College of the Holy Cross (NCAA), tallied the winning goal and first star honors in Providence's 3-2 overtime win versus Springfield on Friday, September 30. The 6'0" 185-pound forward added another goal in the P-Bruins' 4-0 blanking of the Falcons the following night.

Purslow, a 5'10" 169-pound forward, went pointless in the two-preseason games with the P-Bruins. The Greenlawn, NY native is a four-year product of the University of Nebraska - Omaha (NCAA), where he recorded 40 goals and 91 points in 146 games.

DeMichiel earned the win in Friday's preseason opener versus the Falcons, stopping 12 of 14 attempts in 31:39 of play. The Avon, CT native split last season between South Carolina and Elmira (ECHL) and also played five games with Hershey (AHL), going 2-1-0.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Providence Alumni Add Cornforth

Defenseman Spent Three Seasons with Providence
October 5, 2011


The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former P-Bruin Mark Cornforth will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Cornforth, of Montréal, PQ, spent part of three seasons with the Providence Bruins from 1995 to 1999. A four-year product of Merrimack College (NCAA), Cornforth made his professional debut with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) following his senior season with the Warriors in 1995. The blueliner signed with Providence for the start of the 1995 campaign, recording 15 points and 117 penalty minutes, second most among P-Bruins rookies. The rookie's performance earned him six games with the Boston Bruins, during which he went pointless. During his sophomore season, Cornforth recorded a professional career-high of 20 points in 61 games wearing the ‘spoked-P.'

The 6'1" 185-pound defenseman spent the 1996 and 1997 campaigns with the Cleveland Lumberjacks and Grand Rapids Griffins in the International Hockey League. In 89 IHL contests, Cornforth tallied 28 points, including a professional career-high of 15 goals with the Cleveland Lumberjacks in 1997-98. Cornforth returned to Providence for 15 games during the 1998-99 season before being dealt to the Springfield Falcons (AHL). He finished his professional career during the 1999-00 campaign having recorded 66 points and 383 penalty minutes in 245 games.


*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Big Club Returns MacDermid & Sauve To Providence

Two Key Players Join Providence Squad

October2, 2011


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has released two players from their training camp.


Forwards Max Sauvé and Lane MacDermid will report to Providence's training camp. The P-Bruins training camp roster is now comprised of 30 players, including 18 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.


Sauvé, of Tours, France, finished third in points (38) during his rookie season with the Providence Bruins in 2010-11. Providence's Player of the Month in December 2010, the 6'2" 184-pound forward finished last season with nine multiple-point games. Originally drafted by Boston 47th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Sauvé made his professional debut with the P-Bruins at the end of the 2010 campaign after spending four seasons in the QMJHL with Québec and Val d'Or.


MacDermid, a 6'3" 211-pound left wing, finished his sophomore season with the P-Bruins in 2010-11 with career-highs in goals (7), assists (12), points (19) and penalty minutes (158). During his rookie season in 2009-10, the Hartford, CT native lead all Providence players and finished second among AHL rookies in penalty minutes, inflated by 21 fighting majors. Selected by Boston 112th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, MacDermid made in his professional debut at the beginning of the 2009-10 campaign after spending three years in the OHL with Owen Sound and Windsor.




*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Couple of New Englanders Join Alumni Game

Former P-Bruins White and Winnes Join P-Bruins Alumni Roster


October 1, 2011



The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former Providence Bruins Brian White and Chris Winnes will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.


White, of Winchester, MA, spent part of three seasons with the Providence Bruins, including the 2002-04 campaigns and the 2006-07 playoffs. In 132 career games with the P-Bruins, the defenseman tallied 17 points and 84 penalty minutes.


A four-year product of the University of Maine, White began his professional career at the end of the 1997-98 campaign with the Long Beach Ice Dogs (IHL). Between 1998 and 2002, White spent time on the blue line for the Hershey Bears (AHL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL) and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (AHL), before coming to the Ocean State for the start of the 2002-03 season.


After two seasons wearing the ‘spoked-P,' White spent time overseas and in the ECHL. The blueliner returned to Providence for 10 games during the P-Bruins' 2006-07 playoff run.


Winnes, of Ridgefield, CT, wore the ‘spoked-P' from 1992-93, 1999-00 and three games in 2001-02.


Selected by Boston in the eighth round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, the right-winger played four seasons at the University of New Hampshire with current P-Bruins assistant coach Kevin Dean. In 1987-88, Winnes became the first freshman ever to lead his team in scoring.


He began his professional career with the Maine Mariners (AHL) at the end of the 1990-91 season. The forward split the next two seasons between the Mariners, Boston Bruins (NHL) and P-Bruins, before signing with the Philadelphia Flyers organization in 1993.


Winnes returned to Providence for two games in 1999 and for three games in 2001-02. In 69 games wearing black and gold Winnes recorded 24 goals and 37 assists for 61 points.


Winnes presently works with me as a member of the Warwick, RI Fire Department. Chris is a lieutenant on Rescue 1 in RI's second largest city.





*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/







Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Five More Players Sent To Providence

Hamill and Whitfield Placed on Waivers
September 27, 2011

The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned five players to Providence.

Forward Jamie Arniel, defensemen Colby Cohen, Zach McKelvie, and David Warsofsky and goaltender Michael Hutchinson will report to Providence's training camp.

Forwards Zach Hamill and Trent Whitfield will be placed on waivers for purpose of assignment to Providence.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Monday, September 26, 2011

Reggie Lemelin and Bill Bennett To Play In Alumni Game

Goaltender Reggie Lemelin and Warwick's Bill Bennett to Skate in Alumni Game
September 23, 2011

The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former Boston Bruins Reggie Lemelin and Bill Bennett will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Lemelin, of Quebec, PQ, spent the final six seasons of his 18-year professional career with the Boston Bruins. Originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers 125th overall in the 1974 NHL Entry Draft, Lemelin spent time between the pipes with the Philadelphia Firebirds (NAHL), Richmond Robins (AHL) and Springfield Indians (AHL) before making his NHL debut with the Atlanta Flames in 1978. The 5'11", 170-pound net minder was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1986 after six seasons with the Calgary Flames (NHL).

In his first year in net for the Bruins, Lemelin led the Black and Gold to the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals, where they were swept by the Edmonton Oilers in four games. The following year, the Bruins' goaltending duo consisting of Lemelin and Andy Moog, was awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy for the fewest team goal allowed. After 18 professional seasons, Lemelin hung up his skates during the 1992-93 season, capping a career with 507 NHL games played.

Bennett, a Warwick, RI native, played for the Boston Bruins during the 1978-79 campaign. After two seasons in the USHL, Bennett, a free agent, signed a contract with Boston. The 6'5", 235-pound winger spent the 1975-76 season with the Columbus Owls (IHL) before making the jump to the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, in 1976.

Bennett recorded a career-high 71 points (33g, 38a) in 72 games with Rochester in 1978-79. Boston took notice of Bennett's point production and called him up for seven, during which he recorded five points (1g, 4a). Bennett split the following season between Springfield (AHL) and the Hartford Whalers, tallying six points in 24 games with the Whalers. The winger retired from professional hockey following the 1981-82 season with the Fort Wayne Komets (IHL).

*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/

Boston Sends 10 More Players Down To Providence

10 Skaters Join Training Camp as Roster Grows to 15
September 24, 2011

The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned 10 players to Providence.

Forwards Marc Cantin, Carter Camper, Craig Cunningham, Josh Hennessy, Kirk MacDonald, and Jamie Tardif, along with defensemen Andrew Bodnarchuk, Ryan Button, Nathan McIver and Kevan Miller, will report to Providence's training camp on Tuesday, September 27. The P-Bruins training camp roster is now comprised of 15 skaters, including 11 forwards and four defensemen.

Providence opens the regular season at the Dunkin' Donuts Center on Friday, October 7 in a 7:05 tilt against the St. John's IceCaps.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Boston Sends Five Players Down To Providence

Five Forwards to Report to P-Bruins
September 21, 2011

The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned five players to Providence.

Forwards Tyler Randell, Yannick Riendeau, Stefan Chaput, Calle Ridderwall and Kyle MacKinnon will all report to Providence's training camp.

Randell, of Scarborough, ONT, spent the past four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Belleville Bulls and the Kitchener Rangers. Last season with Kitchener, the winger set career-highs in goals (20) and points (32) in 68 regular season games.

Riendeau returns to Providence after splitting the last two seasons between Providence and the Reading Royals (ECHL). The Brossard, QC native recorded professional career-highs with the Royals last season, tallying 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.

Chaput, a 6'0", 185-pound center, joined the P-Bruins in February in a trade with Anaheim (NHL) that sent Brian McGrattan and Sean Zimmerman to Syracuse (AHL). In 15 games with Providence, the Montréal, QC native tallied three goals and added three helpers for six points.

Ridderwall, a four-year product of the University of Notre Dame, signed an AHL contract with Providence in August. As the Irish's alternate captain in 2010-11, the Stockholm, Sweden native recorded 16 goals and nine assists for 25 points.

MacKinnon, of Walnut, California, made his professional debut with Providence in April 1, 2011. The 6'0", 200-pound center skated in five contests for the P-Bruins, recording three points. MacKinnon is a four-year product of Providence College, where he led the Friars in goals scored (14) as a junior and senior.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Black and Gold Game in Providence Tonight

Actually, The Scrimmage Game Will Be Black vs. White
September 20, 2011

Tonight's Black and Gold (Black and White) scrimmage/practice will be taking place at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI. The home of the Providence Bruins has been sold out for weeks now. Tickets to see the Stanley Cup Champions were sold out in days.

The bad news for Bruins fans is that several players are not expected to participate tonight. Those players include Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, Nathan Horton, Chris Kelly, and Shawn Thornton.

Alumni Game Rosters Taking Shape

Alumni Game To Be Played on November 13, 2011
September 20, 2011
by Thomas R. Chace Jr.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Providence Bruins, the team will be holding an alumni game featuring many retired Providence and Boston Bruins players. The rosters have been slowly taking shape and feature many fan favorites and former all-stars.

Thus far, the Providence alumni team will feature Aaron Downey, Jay Henderson, Fred Knipscheer, Brett Harkins, Mitch Lamoureux, and the brothers Ferraro. Chris and Peter Ferraro are coming back together to take part in the festivities. Stay tuned for more additions in the weeks to come.

On the Boston Bruins side, the alumni team features Terry O'Reilly, Rick Middleton, Don Sweeney, Bob Beers, Andy Brickley, Ken Linseman, and Bob Sweeney. With weeks to go before the game I'm sure there will be several more illustrious Bruins players that will join this 20th Anniversary celebration.

The game will take place at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI.

Andrew Bodnarchuk Resigned By Bruins

Providence Defenseman Gets One Year Extension
September 9, 2011

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk to a one-year contract extension. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Bodnarchuk is a 5'11", 185 Ib. defenseman who spent the past three seasons with the Providence Bruins. In the 2010-2011 season he set professional career highs in games played (75), assists (15), and points (16) for the P Bruins. In 2009-2010, the defenseman made his NHL debut with Boston and appeared in five NHL games and He registered 5-10=15 totals in 70 games with the P Bruins in 2009-10 and was also named the Providence Bruins Best Defenseman.

Born in Drumheller, AB, the 23-year-old was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fifth round (128th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is expected to join the Bruins in their full training camp which begins on Friday, September 16.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com