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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Rugged Tyler Randell Back With Providence

Justin Courtnall Heads Back to South Carolina
December 5, 2012

The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has swapped players with the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). Justin Courtnall has been returned on loaned to South Carolina and Tyler Randell has been reassigned to Providence.

Courtnall was recalled from loan to South Carolina on November 23 and skated in one game for the Bruins. The left wing was originally loaned to South Carolina on October 5. In five games with the Stingrays this season, Courtnall has gone 0-0-0 and tallied 20 penalty minutes. A native of Victoria, BC, Courtnall spent the last three years at Boston University. As an assistant captain in 2011-12, Courtnall recorded a collegiate-high seven points on four goals and three assists. The 6'3", 210-pound forward is the son of former Bruins forward Geoff Courtnall, and the nephew of Russ Courtnall, veterans of 17 and 16 year NHL careers respectively.

Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the seventh day of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the 23-year-old finished his collegiate career with 13 points and 104 penalty minutes.


Randell, a sixth round Boston selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, is 2-1-3 and has recorded a team-high 36 penalty minutes in 19 games with the Stingrays. After four seasons in the OHL with Belleville and Kitchener, Randell made his professional debut with Providence in the 2011-12 season. After 30 games, in which he went 2-0-2 and recorded 45 penalty minutes, he was reassigned by Boston to the Kitchener Rangers (OHL).


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tommy Cross Back With Providence

Defenseman Led South Carolina in Scoring
November 28, 2012

The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the Boston Bruins have reassigned Tommy Cross to Providence from the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL).

Cross skated in 22 games for the Stingrays since being assigned on October 11. The 6'3", 210-pound defenseman led the team in scoring with 17 points on six goals and 11 assists.

Cross, a four-year product of Boston College, joined Providence at the end of the 2011-12 season for two games. Boston's second round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft won two NCAA Championships while at Boston College.



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Friday, November 23, 2012

Justin Courtnall Called Up From ECHL

Courtnall Will Join Team on Road Trip
November 23, 2012

The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has recalled forward Justin Courtnall from the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). Courtnall will travel with the team to St. John's for the games on Saturday and Sunday.


The left wing was reassigned to South Carolina on October 5, 2012. In five games with the Stingrays, Courtnall has gone scoreless and tallied 20 penalty minutes. A native of Victoria, BC, Courtnall spent the last three years at Boston University. As an assistant captain in 2011-12, Courtnall recorded a collegiate-high seven points on four goals and three assists.

The 6'3", 210-pound forward is the son of former Bruins forward Geoff Courtnall, and the nephew of Russ Courtnall, veterans of 17 and 16 year NHL careers respectively.

Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the seventh day of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the 23-year-old finished his collegiate career with 13 points and 104 penalty minutes.



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Alden Hirschfeld Called Up From ECHL

Hirschfeld Recalled by Providence
Forward Skated in 15 Games for South Carolina
November 14, 2012


The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that forward Alden Hirschfeld has been recalled from the South Carolina Stingrays, Providence's ECHL affiliate.

The Sylvania, Ohio native was released from the P-Bruins Training Camp on October 5 and reassigned to South Carolina. In 15 games with the Stingrays, Hirschfeld has tallied seven points on four goals and three assists.

Hirschfeld, 24, is a four-year product of Miami University (Ohio) where he recorded 70 points on 35 goals and 35 assists. As a team tri-captain in 2011-12, the 6'1", 206-pound forward was one of only three players who skated in all 41 games for the RedHawks. He scored a collegiate-best 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points during his junior season.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012


It’s About Time
November 5, 2012
Thomas Chace Jr.

 
Yes, it is about time that the Providence Bruins won their first home game of the season.  On a Sunday afternoon at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, while the New England Patriots had their bye week, the P-Bruins came through with a 3-0 victory over a tired St. John’s team.  Nonetheless, this was a much needed victory in front of another big crowd in Providence.

Coach Bruce Cassidy said that “It was good to finally smile” after the teams fourth home game.  In previous home contests the Bruins came out flying but hit posts or missed chances to open up an early lead to get the home crowd going.  Sunday, it happened like it was scripted.

The P-Bruins big line started and tough guy Bobby Robins scored just 22 seconds into the game.  Robins on his line with Christian Hanson and Lane MacDermid had zero points for the season.  The first period was a fast skating, energy charged period for Providence as they outshot the IceCaps 14-5.

Despite the addition of AHL leading scorer, Chris Bourque, and some highly prized rookies like Ryan Spooner, the Bruins have struggled out of the gate.  The last two seasons, goals were few and far between and this year was supposed to be different.  I believe it will be, and perhaps getting goals from the physical line will loosen the boys up a little.

The second period was similar to the first with the Bruins getting a goal from Carter Camper with helpers from Bourque and Spooner.  The 2-0 lead was gained on the power-play, another big problem last year.  The power-play last year was ranked 30th in the 30 team league and now is ranked 7th in this early part of the regular season.  Half of the teams 18 goals have come on the power-play.  Clearly, the team needs to improve their five on five play.

The final goal was scored by MacDermid with assists to line mates, Robins and Hanson.  These three had no points coming in but left with 5 points and a big win.  It was a great day for the big guys.   Coach Cassidy explained, “It’s always a bonus when guys who don’t historically score, do score, and it gives us a big lift.  The guys love Bobby Robins on this team, to see him score it counts a little bit more.”  The game was not too physical, so Robins was not going to find any willing combatants to attempt the Gordie Howe hat trick.

Robins explained that “We wanted to get off to a good start and set the tone and get in early on the fore check.  We were doing the right things on the fore check and the puck found its way into the net.  It felt good to have the whole line contribute today.”

MacDermid was happy and explained “We got off to a good start with the goal and tried to set the tone physically. The whole team played well tonight and we pushed the puck and fore checked well.

Whenever we chip in offensively,  it’s a bonus, and the guys could build off that.”

Rookie goaltender Niklas Svedberg improved his record to 3-1 and got his first professional shutout while lowering his GAA to 2.01.  Expected starter Michael Hutchinson has been supplanted for now but will get his opportunities when Providence starts playing three games in three nights over the weekends.

It felt good to get a home win and maybe now the Providence club can stop holding their sticks so tight and start meeting their expectations.  I believe it is just a matter of time and perhaps the big guys yesterday showed that it’s not as hard as they have been making it for themselves.  Solid goaltending, balanced scoring, some physical play, and good coaching should lead Providence to more goals and wins.  It’s about time.

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Opening Night is Here

Providence Makes Last Cuts Before Opener
Final Roster Reduced to 24
October 12, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced yesterday that the Boston Bruins have reassigned three players to the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). The Providence Bruins also announced that they have released one player from his tryout agreement.
 
Forward Tyler Randell, defenseman Tommy Cross and goaltender Adam Morrison have been reassigned by Boston to the Stingrays.
Randell, Boston's sixth round pick (176th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, split last season between Providence and Kitchener (OHL). In 30 games for Providence, the forward totaled two goals and 45 penalty minutes.

Cross, a four-year product of Boston College, joined Providence at the end of the 2011-12 season for two games. Boston's second round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft won two NCAA Championships while at Boston College.

Originally selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Morrison was signed by Boston as an unrestricted free agent on March 16, 2012. Prior to turning pro at the end of 2011-12, the White Rock, BC native spent three seasons in the WHL with Saskatoon and Vancouver.

In addition, the Providence Bruins have released forward Kelsey Wilson from his tryout agreement.


The group of 14 forwards includes Chris Bourque, Carter Camper, Jordan Caron, Craig Cunningham, Justin Florek, Christian Hanson, Jared Knight, Lane MacDermid, Kyle MacKinnon, Bobby Robins, Max Sauvé, Ryan Spooner, Jamie Tardif, and Trent Whitfield.

The defensive unit is made up of Matt Bartkowski, Ryan Button, Colby Cohen, Garnet Exelby, Torey Krug, Kevan Miller, Zach Trotman and David Warsofsky.

Between the pipes are Michael Hutchinson and Niklas Svedberg.

Opening Night is Tonight Friday October 12th, vs. the Manchester Monarchs.  The Monarchs are the AHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion, Los Angeles Kings.



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Providence Releases Seven Players

P-Bruins Training Camp Roster Reduced to 28
October 5, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has released seven players from training camp.

Forwards Matthew Pistilli, Alden Hirschfeld and Justin Courtnall leave Providence after appearing in two preseason games for the P-Bruins on Wednesday and Friday. Pistilli, who was at camp on a PTO, will report to the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Hirschfeld and Courtnall, who signed AHL contracts with Providence over the summer, will also report to South Carolina.

The club also released three defensemen. Art Bidlevskii, Ryan Lowery and Damon Kipp have all been released from their tryout agreements and will join Pistilli, Hirschfeld and Courtnall in South Carolina.

Goaltender Shawn Hunwick, a late invite to Providence's training camp, has also been released from his tryout agreement and will report to South Carolina.

Providence's training camp roster is now comprised of 28 players, including 16 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.


The group of 16 forwards includes Chris Bourque, Carter Camper, Jordan Caron, Craig Cunningham, Justin Florek, Christian Hanson, Jared Knight, Lane MacDermid, Kyle MacKinnon, Tyler Randell, Bobby Robins, Max Sauvé, Ryan Spooner, Jamie Tardif, Trent Whitfield and Kelsey Wilson. Pistilli and Wilson were in Providence on tryout agreements.

The defensive unit is made up of Matt Bartkowski, Ryan Button, Colby Cohen, Tommy Cross, Garnet Exelby, Torey Krug, Kevan Miller, Zach Trotman and David Warsofsky. Bidlevskii, Kipp and Lowery were at camp on tryouts as well.

Still between the pipes are Michael Hutchinson, Adam Morrison and Niklas Svedberg.




*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Harvey Bennett Sr. Entering AHL Hall of Fame

Providence Reds Goalie Spent 12 Seasons Here
September 27, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former Providence Reds great Harvey Bennett, Sr. has been inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013.

With a name that is synonymous with hockey in Rhode Island, Bennett was a mainstay with the Providence Reds and the Rhode Island hockey community, as both a player and youth hockey coach.

A native of Edington, Saskatchewan, Bennett played 15 professional seasons, guarding the Reds' net for 12 of those seasons. Bennett began his career with the Boston Bruins in 1944. By the age of 19, Bennett became one of only a handful of NHL players to start more than 15 games in a row while still in their teenage years, by playing in 22 consecutive games for Boston.
 
During his 12 seasons with the Reds, Bennett won two Calder Cups with the team in 1949 and 1956. He enjoyed his most successful professional season in 1948-49, putting up a 3.16 goals-against-average in 67 games, en route to leading the club to its third Calder Cup. 

"The Bennett name is synonymous with Rhode Island hockey. Whether it be through the Reds, the AHL or just Rhode Island hockey in general, Harvey Bennett was an industrial figure in this community. This is a long overdue and well deserved honor for the entire Bennett family," said Jeff Fear, CEO of the Providence Bruins/Providence Sports + Entertainment.

Bennett's connection to Rhode Island continued long after his retirement in 1959, as he made Rhode Island his permanent home for him and his family. He stayed involved in the game, helping found the Edgewood Hockey Association and opening Bennett Sports, which is still housed at the Cranston Memorial Ice Arena today. All five of Bennett's sons played professional hockey, including three in the NHL. In 2007, Bennett was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, an honor befitting those whose efforts have added significantly to the heritage of the state of Rhode Island.

The Class of 2013 will be honored as a part of the festivities at the 2013 Dunkin' Donuts AHL All-Star Classic in Providence, RI. The American Hockey League Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 28 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence.

Formed in 2006 to recognize, honor and celebrate individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the American Hockey League, the AHL Hall of Fame is housed on-line at www.ahlhalloffame.com and is accessible to fans worldwide with the click of a mouse as part of the AHL Internet Network. The Network also includes theahl.com and all 30 official team sites, and hosts more than 250 million page views each year.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Providence Announces Practice Schedule

P-Bruins Have 34 Players Reporting to Camp
September 20, 2012 


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, have announced their training camp schedule and roster for the 2012-13 season. The roster is comprised of 34 players, including 19 forwards, 12 defensemen and three goaltenders. Camp is set to begin on Friday, September 28 and will run through Saturday, October 6, with sessions to be held at the Rhode Island Sports Center.

The group of 19 forwards includes Chris Bourque, Carter Camper, Jordan Caron, Justin Courtnall, Craig Cunningham, Justin Florek, Christian Hanson, Alden Hirschfeld, Jared Knight, Lane MacDermid, Kyle MacKinnon, Matthew Pistilli, Tyler Randell, Bobby Robins, Max Sauvé, Ryan Spooner, Jamie Tardif, Trent Whitfield and Kelsey Wilson. Pistilli and Wilson are in Providence on tryout agreements.

The defensive unit is made up of Matt Bartkowski, Art Bidlevskii, Ryan Button, Colby Cohen, Tommy Cross, Garnet Exelby, Damon Kipp, Torey Krug, Ryan Lowery, Kevan Miller, Zach Trotman and David Warsofsky. Bidlevskii, Kipp and Lowery are at camp on tryouts.

Between the pipes are Michael Hutchinson, Adam Morrison and Niklas Svedberg.

Please note that training camp practices held at the Rhode Island Sports Center are open to the public.

The full training camp schedule, including Providence's three preseason games, is as follows:

• Friday, September 28 - Rhode Island Sports Center 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Saturday, September 29 - Rhode Island Sports Center 10:35 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

• Sunday, September 30 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:55 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

• Monday, October 1 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:30 a.m. - Noon

• Tuesday, October 2 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:30 a.m. - Noon

• Wednesday, October 3 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:30 a.m. - Noon

              vs. Springfield @ New England Sports Center, Marlborough, MA 7:05 p.m.

• Thursday, October 4 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:30 a.m. - Noon

               vs. Bridgeport @ New England Sports Center, Marlborough, MA 7:05 p.m.

• Friday, October 5 - Rhode Island Sports Center 9:30 - Noon

• Saturday, October 6 - Rhode Island Sports Center 10:35 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

               vs. Springfield @ MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA 7:00 p.m.

Providence serves as the host team in two of its three preseason games as the club takes on the Springfield Falcons and Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the New England Sports Center on October 3 and October 4 at 7:05 p.m. in Marlborough, Massachusetts. For information on tickets, please call the New England Sports Center at (508) 229-2700.




*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Providence Bruins Add Third Pre-Season Game

Providence to Face Bridgeport on October 4th
September 20, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced Tuesday that they will face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a preseason game at the New England Sports Center on Thursday, October 4.

The P-Bruins' pre-season schedule begins on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:05 p.m. as Providence serves as the host team to the Springfield Falcons at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA.


The P-Bruins return to the New England Sports Center on Thursday, October 4 to face Atlantic Division foe, Bridgeport, in a 7:05 p.m. matchup. For information or tickets for the game, please contact the Sports Center at (508) 229-2700.

Providence will then travel to the MassMutual Center on Saturday, October 6 where they will wrap up the pre-season in a 7:00 p.m. contest against the Springfield Falcons.


* Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Friday, September 14, 2012

Providence Gets First Roster of Season

Boston Bruins Make Roster Moves Today
September 14, 2012


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, September 14, the following transactions:

The following players have been assigned to Providence: Matt Bartkowski, Ryan Button, Carter Camper, Jordan Caron, Colby Cohen, Tommy Cross, Craig Cunningham, Justin Florek, Michael Hutchinson, Jared Knight, Torey Krug, Kevan Miller, Adam Morrison, Tyler Randell, Max Sauve, Ryan Spooner, Niklas Svedberg, Zach Trotman and David Warsofsky.

The following players have cleared waivers and have been assigned to Providence: Garnet Exelby, Christian Hanson, Jamie Tardif and Trent Whitfield.

Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs) and Malcolm Subban (Belleville Bulls) have been assigned to their junior teams in the Ontario Hockey League.


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

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Providence Has More Goals Than Usual

Scoring Ability Vastly Improved
September 6, 2012
By Thomas Chace Jr.

 
What a difference a summer can make for a team in the American Hockey League.  The Providence Bruins hope to show that they have addressed their major shortcoming over the last two seasons, the skill and ability to score goals.  With a single trade, an influx of higher draft picks than last season, experienced second year players, and a veteran or two, the Providence Bruins may enjoy one of their best seasons in a while.


In late May of this year, the Boston Bruins traded their 2007 1st round pick, Zach Hamill, 23, to the Washington Capitals for Chris Bourque.  Hamill, the 8th overall player taken in the draft, would have to be classified as a disappointment here in New England.  Hamill, a Vancouver native, had 139 career points in 256 games; hopefully, he’ll gain the confidence he needs, to improve as a pro.  Hamill was re-called to Boston on several occasions and played 20 NHL games, but never seemed to gain the trust of the coaching staff or management.

 
Bourque, the son of Ray, was the AHL’s top scorer last season with 27 goals and 66 assists for 93 points with the Hershey Bears.  Bourque is 14th on the all-time scoring list for Hershey, as well as 25th in games played for the Bears.  While with Hershey, Bourque was a five-time 20 goal scorer, a First Team All-Star, won 3 Calder Cups, and was named the MVP in the Calder Cup Playoffs in 2010. Seems like an even exchange to me, right?  Bourque, a Boston native, was set to be a free agent but was signed by Boston through the 2014 season. 

 
Despite their recent Stanley Cup win with the “Big, Bad, Bruins” style of play, the physical squad has recently drafted a handful of small, playmaking forwards that will make their way to the Providence roster this season.  It will be interesting to see how these changes in philosophy will affect the future of Bruin hockey.  New England hockey fans demand physical play from their home team.  Surely though, a balance is what’s required in today’s NHL.

 
Ryan Spooner was drafted in the 2nd round in 2010 and is projected as a top six forward, with his ability to score, make plays, and use his greatest asset, speed.  Head Coach Bruce Cassidy says that, “Spooner can fly.  He is not a big framed guy, but for a skill guy, there are guys like him in the NHL with that kind of speed.”  In two short stints in a Providence uniform, Spooner had 7 points in just eight games.

 
Jared Knight, also a 2nd round pick in 2010, will be in Providence this season as well.  Knight also got to play in Providence for three games and recorded two assists.  Playing for the London Knights, ironically, Knight was a three-time, 20 goal scorer. Cassidy is wondering how his game will translate to the AHL.  “Knight plays a straight line game and he likes to bull his way to the net against bigger players, it’ll be interesting to see how that works out.”

 
AHL All-Star, Carter Camper, was the leading Providence scorer last year with just 48 points.  Craig Cunningham led the team in goals with 20.  Those two were part of a group of about nine to ten first year players last year that spent about half the season learning the Boston system of defense and where and what to do without the puck.  The emphasis switched to more scoring during the second half of the season, but with expected scorers hurt or under-performing, the team played on a razor thin line of not allowing too many goals because they couldn’t score themselves.

 
Trouble getting the puck in the net was exaggerated even more when you have a man advantage on the power-play and still can’t score.  The Providence Bruins have been last in the AHL over the last two seasons on the power-play, 30th out of 30 teams.  Is this an organizational issue?  Boston’s play with the man advantage is not so good either, as evidenced in their last two seasons.  Since Boston was one of the top scoring teams in the league, you would think they would thrive with a man advantage.  Somewhere there’s a disconnection.  Cassidy says, “We had trouble scoring period, on the power-play or five-on-five.”  For the record, Boston doesn’t tell him how to run the power-play.  

 
Cassidy has been working on a little project this summer to put a little more emphasis on the power-play.  Last year,  so much time was spent on teaching systems and dealing with player adjustments to the professional hockey life, that some worthy aspects of the game were not always a point of emphasis. 

 
The addition of Bourque, Spooner, Knight, Justin Florek, and highly drafted blue-liners like Tommy Cross, Zach Trotman, and Torey Krug should really impact the scoring drought the team has experienced.  The return of Camper, Cunningham, oft-injured Max Sauvé, and Jamie Tardif only gives them more depth.


The defense is the best crop to start a season in years.  They should be led by newcomers, Cross, a 2nd round pick, who starred at Boston College, Trotman, who came out early for the draft from Lake Superior State, and Krug, a Michigan State product who was a scoring machine in college.  All three got a taste of the pros at the end of last season.  Returning Colby Cohen, David Warsofsky, Matt Bartkowski, and Ryan Button are no longer rookies and should be better.

 
Goaltending seems solid as well.  With Boston’s Tim Thomas sitting out this year, the Bruins obtained Niklas Svedberg, of the Swedish Elite League.  Svedberg, 23, should push returning netminder Michael Hutchinson in camp.  “Hutch,” 22, has to show that he can be an NHL caliber goalie. Being in a contract year adds to his burden.  He’s going to be given every opportunity to prove he’s up for the challenge though. 

 
The team looks like it will be a more ornery bunch to play against as well.  The signing of veteran NHL defenseman, Garnet Exelby, will help Trent Whitfield in the locker room and on the ice.  The re-signing of tough Bobby Robins, the return of feisty Tyler Randell, and “McQuaid-like” d-man Kevan Miller should make things unpleasant for visiting teams to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.  Lane MacDermid adds more toughness if he doesn’t make Boston’s roster.

 
Speaking of the DDC, the attendance for the Providence Bruins has been phenomenal, despite the lack of any playoff action in recent years.  The P-Bruins approached nearly 300,000 fans for their 38 home games last year.  Coach Cassidy said, “It sure is nice to come into the rink and feel the energy; there’s people that care, it’s better for everybody, hopefully we can reward them this season.”

 
The goals have been stated, it’s time to put the pucks in the net, boys.  This year’s edition of the Providence Bruins should feature more scoring, more excitement, and more games played this season.  The season also features Providence as the host city for the AHL All-Star Game and Skills Contest in January 2013.  Perhaps the Eastern All-Star squad could have a few homeboys in this year’s extravaganza.  More goals.

Providence Signs Two More Players


P-Bruins Sign Hirschfeld and Re-Sign MacKinnon To AHL Contracts
Sepember 7, 2012


The Providence Bruins announced that the club has signed Alden Hirschfeld and re-signed Kyle MacKinnon.  Financial terms were not disclosed.
 
Hirschfeld, 24, is a four-year product of Miami University (Ohio) where he recorded 70 points on 35 goals and 35 assists. As a team tri-captain in 2011-12, Hirschfeld was one of only three players who skated in all 41 games for the RedHawks. The 6'1", 206-pound forward scored a collegiate-best 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points during his junior season.

The Sylvania, Ohio native spent two years with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms prior to joining the RedHawks in 2008.
 
MacKinnon, 24, skated in 67 games for the P-Bruins last season, recording 21 points on 14 goals and 7 assists. His 14 goals ranked third among rookies and fifth on the squad. The forward went pointless in two games with the Reading Royals (ECHL).
The 5'11", 185-pound Mackinnon joined the P-Bruins for five games at the end of the 2010-11 season after a standout four-year career at Providence College. As a co-captain in 2010-11, MacKinnon led the Friars in goals scored for the second consecutive year en route to recording a career-high 14 goals. He finished his collegiate career with 71 points on 37 goals and 34 assists.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Photo by T.Chace Jr.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Providence Signs a Courtnall

Justin Courtnall Signs AHL Contract
Providence Adds Former Boston University Terrier
 
 
The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed forward Justin Courtnall to an AHL contract. Per club policy, the financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

A native of Victoria, BC, Courtnall has spent the last three years at Boston University. As an assistant captain in 2011-12, Courtnall recorded a collegiate-high seven points on four goals and three assists. The 6'3", 210-pound forward is the son of former Bruins forward Geoff Courtnall, and the nephew of Russ Courtnall, veterans of 17 and 16 year NHL careers respectively.

Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the seventh round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the 23-year-old finished his collegiate career with 13 points and 104 penalty minutes.



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Bobby Robins Re-Signs With Providence

Tough UMass-Lowell Product is Back in Town
Forward Led P-Bruins with 150 Penalty Minutes Last Season


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the club has signed forward Bobby Robins to an AHL contract. Per club policy, the financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Robins, of Peshtigo, WI joined the Providence Bruins on a Professional Tryout Agreement at the end of December 2011. In 33 games with Providence, Robins recorded 2 goals and 10 assists in addition to a team-high 150 penalty minutes.

Before coming to Providence, Robins spent time with the Abbotsford Heat and the now defunct Chicago Express (ECHL). In 28 games with Chicago, Robins registered seven goals and eight assists in addition to leading the team in penalty minutes with 123. In his six professional seasons, Robins has made stops in several 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 Jesenice in Austria the following season. In 138 AHL games over five seasons, Robins has registered 13+21=34 totals and 294 penalty minutes.

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, August 27, 2012

Providence Announces Pre-Season Schedule

Bruins Will Have Just Two Games
August 29, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that they will face the Springfield Falcons in two pre-season games.

The P-Bruins' pre-season schedule begins on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:05 p.m. as Providence serves as the host team to the Falcons at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA. For information or tickets for the game, please contact the Sports Center at (508) 229-2700.

Providence will then travel to the MassMutual Center on Saturday, October 6 where they will wrap up the pre-season in a 7:00 p.m. contest against the Falcons.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Great New Mobile App For Hockey Fans

Full Launch of App is Fast Approaching
August 18, 2012
By Thomas Chace Jr.


October is a big month for two Princeton graduates who also play hockey in the AHL.  Dustin Sproat and Kyle Hagel are co-founders and developers of a mobile app that will most certainly appeal to all hockey fans and already has received rave reviews fom players in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.

The app has a "retro" look and it's not by accident.  These two players along with three other members formed a team to really give both the players and the fans an app that provides a lot of info in one location and make it appealing to the eye.  They compare it to the back of a "vintage hockey card."
I would agree, only there is so much more.  I would almost call it an "interactive vintage hockey card".



The app will include career stats, contract status, news articles, Twitter feeds, as well as up to date season stats for each player and links to box scores. They are most excited about the "pound" button that will allow fans to acknowledge the players for playing a good game, making contributions in the community, a cool tweet, or simply a happy birthday. 

The best part is that the app allows the player to  respond back with a "pound" of his own via a push notification, making for a quick and easy personal interaction.  Every true hockey fan already knows that hockey players are the most approachable of all athletes in the world of professional sports. Good job, boys!

The hope is that players will engage even more, with polling questions, customizing their "stall", or even interacting  among themselves via the app. 

The founder and President of the company is Sproat, a 2006 graduate of Princeton who most recently played with the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL and is currently working on his MBA at the University of British Columbia. The company has an office in Vancouver.  No rude remarks please, Bruins fans!

Hagel, has played for the Rockford and Peoria clubs in the AHL the last few years and has been in a consultant role since April of 2011 and is listed as a co-founder of the company.

Two other MBA candidates and a full time programmer round out their team.  The team is preparing for a "soft" launch into the app store next month in September.  The "hard" launch is scheduled for the opening of the NHL season, which is in serious jeopardy of happening. The two sides are far apart on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

I'll be "tracking" their progress, of course.  "Tracking" is another feature available on their app.  You can track your favorite players and have their info at your fingertips.  Not while driving, please.


Good luck boys, it sure looks good, and they've certainly done their homework in offering hockey fans and players a great new mobile app.
Keep your eye out for this great new addition to the mobile hockey apps!
I'll keep you informed on the progress and the dates of the launch.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Providence Bruins Schedule Released

Providence Opener on Friday Night October 12
August 17, 2012


The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, today announced their schedule for the 2012-13 season. The P-Bruins will play a 76 game schedule led by head coach Bruce Cassidy and assistant coach Kevin Dean. The club will open the season on Friday, October 12 at 7:05 p.m., hosting Atlantic Division rival, the Manchester Monarchs at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

The P-Bruins' 38-home game schedule features all weekend dates, including 21 Friday night games and 17 Sunday afternoon contests. All Friday night games will be played at 7:05 p.m., while all Sunday games will begin at 3:05 p.m., with the exception of Sunday, October 21 which will begin at 1:05 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 which will begin at 4:05 p.m.

Providence will compete in the five-team Atlantic Division and will face their Atlantic Division rivals in 38 of the 76 contests on their 2012-13 schedule. The P-Bruins will face-off with the Monarchs and Worcester Sharks 12 times apiece, the Portland Pirates 10 times and the St. John's IceCaps four times.

The Black and Gold will also play each team from the Northeast Conference, which includes the Adirondack Phantoms, Albany Devils, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Connecticut Whale and Springfield Falcons. In the East Division, the P-Bruins will play one home-and-home series with the Hershey Bears and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as well as four contests versus the Norfolk Admirals.

Providence will see the most ice time in December and March, each with 13 contests scheduled. The club will play a season high seven home games in November and January, while hitting the road a high of seven times in December and March.

The P-Bruins' longest home stand is three games, which occurs twice throughout the season in November and January. The longest road stretch of the year is six games from March 27 to April 7, during which the club faces Portland, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Hershey, Albany, Manchester and Connecticut.

Here is the link to the Providence Bruins Schedule.
Suitable for printing!

http://www.providencebruins.com/ftp/pdf/season_schedule.pdf



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Thursday, July 26, 2012

South Carolina New Bruins ECHL Affiliate

Stingrays Are New ECHL Affiliate For the Bruins
July 25, 2012

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 25, that the club has entered into an affiliation relationship with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Under the affiliation arrangements, the Bruins will be able to designate players within their development system for assignment to the Stingrays during the 2012-13 season.
Rich Peverley
Rich Peverley started his pro career with South Carolina
The Stingrays have played in North Charleston, South Carolina since 1993 and are the first professional ice hockey team established in the state of South Carolina. They were most recently the ECHL affiliate for the NHL’s Washington Capitals from 2004 to 2012.

Bruins forward Rich Peverley played his first professional season with South Carolina in 2004-05, registering 30-28=58 totals and 72 penalty minutes in 69 games. For more information on the Stingrays, visit www.stingrayshockey.com.

The Reading Royals previously served as Boston’s ECHL affiliate for three seasons, from 2009-10 through the 2011-12 season.


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

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Providence to Phase in New Logos This Season

This Season's New Logos
July 25, 2012

The Providence Bruins have announced the introduction of their new primary and secondary logo, to be phased in throughout the 2012-13 regular season.

The re-introduced
primary logo is a cleaner, bolder edition of the original spoked “P” logo that has been featured on the P-Bruins’ home jerseys since 1995. The logo itself is derived from the Boston Bruins’ primary logo from the late 1950’s to the mid-1960’s, and represents the relationship between the P-Bruins and their parent club in mimicking that original logos color scheme and simplicity.

This new logo also represents a fundamental shift in focus for the Providence Bruins brand towards a more traditional, “old-time hockey” look and feel. This move coincides with the 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts AHL All-Star Classic, hosted by the Providence Bruins the weekend of January 25-28, which also reflects the new direction of the team’s visual identity.

In addition, the
secondary logo is now officially the “bear” logo, which has been featured most recently as a crest on the P-Bruins black alternate home jerseys. This logo also reflects the same ideals that the new primary aims to accomplish.

The Providence Bruins, established in 1992, are the top affiliate of the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. Celebrating their 20th anniversary season in 2011-12, the Providence Bruins have enjoyed much success over their history. The team won the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup championship in 1999 and boasts 10 former players on the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. In addition to accomplishments on the ice, the Providence Bruins were fourth-best in attendance in the AHL in 2010-11 and are the best-attended minor-league hockey team in New England.



*Information gathered from http://theahl.com/

Friday, July 20, 2012

Bruins Sign Defenseman Aaron Johnson

Defenseman Signs One Year, Two-Way Contract
Wednesday July 18, 2012


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 18, that the club has signed defenseman Aaron Johnson to a one-year, two-way contract through the 2012-13 season. Johnson’s contract is worth $650,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level.
Aaron Johnson
Johnson
Johnson, a 6’1”, 204-pound defenseman, skated in 56 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2011-12, registering three goals and setting NHL career highs with 13 assists and 16 points, while collecting 16 penalty minutes.

In 2010-11, the 29-year-old played in 72 games with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals after signing as an unrestricted free agent with the Nashville Predators. He recorded AHL career highs in goals with nine, assists with 26 and points with 35, while recording a plus-10 rating and adding 70 penalty minutes. The 2009-10 season saw Johnson split time between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, where he recorded a combined four goals, six assists and 35 penalty minutes in 41 games.

For his career, Johnson has played in 281 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders, tallying 17 goals and 45 assists for 62 total points, with 217 penalty minutes.

The Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia native was selected by Columbus in the third round (85th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In two separate stints with the Blue Jackets from 2003-07 and 2011-12, he skated in a combined 172 NHL games for Columbus, recording 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points, along with 119 penalty minutes.

In the AHL, the defenseman has registered 26-83=109 totals and 419 penalty minutes in 251 career games with the Milwaukee Admirals, Rockford IceHogs, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Syracuse Crunch.


*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Boston Signs Bartkowski to New Deal

Providence Defenseman Back in the Fold
July 12, 2012

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 12, that the club has signed defenseman Matt Bartkowski to a one-year, two-way contract through the 2012-13 season. Bartkowski’s deal is worth $660,000 at the NHL level and $62,500 at the AHL level.
Prospect Report: Matt Bartkowski
Bartkowski's First NHL Game vs PIT
Bartkowski began the 2011-12 season in Boston, skating in three NHL games before being assigned to the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins on October 20, 2011. The defenseman then appeared in 50 games for Providence, where he tallied three goals to go along with 19 assists and 38 penalty minutes.

In 2010-11, the 6’1”, 203-pound native of Pittsburgh, PA recorded 5-18=23 totals with 42 penalty minutes in 69 games with Providence. Bartkowski led all club defensemen with 23 points and was also named the Best Defenseman in voting by his teammates at the conclusion of the season.

In addition to his time spent in Providence, Bartkowski appeared in six NHL games with Boston, where he registered four penalty minutes. His first three NHL games, played over three separate recalls from Providence, all came against his hometown Pittsburgh Penguins. For his career, Bartkowski has played in nine NHL games, all with the Bruins, recording four penalty minutes.


Bartkowski was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (190th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. On March 3, 2010, the 24-year-old was traded along with Dennis Seidenberg to Boston in exchange for Byron Bitz, Craig Weller and Tampa Bay’s 2010 second-round draft pick (Alexander Petrovic).

Prior to joining Providence, Bartkowski played collegiate hockey for Ohio State University from 2008-10, where he finished with 11-27=38 totals and 145 penalty minutes in 80 games. In 2008-09, he became the first Buckeyes defenseman in 10 years to be named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team, in addition to earning team Most Valuable Freshman and Best Defensive Player honors.


*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Bruins Sign Exelby and MacDermid

Both Players Sign One Year 2-Way Deals
July 11, 2012


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 11, that the club has signed defenseman Garnet Exelby and forward Lane MacDermid to one-year, two-way contracts through the 2012-13 season. Exelby’s contract is worth $600,000 at the NHL level and $130,000 at the AHL level over the course of the deal. MacDermid’s contract is worth $600,000 at the NHL level and $70,000 at the AHL level.
Garnet Exelby and Lane MacDermid
Exelby and MacDermid are both signed through 2012-13

Exelby, a 6’1”, 215-pound defenseman, spent the 2011-12 season with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, after signing with the Detroit Red Wings as an unrestricted free agent on July 5, 2011. In 75 games, he recorded AHL career highs with seven goals, 14 assists and 21 points, and collected 177 penalty minutes with a plus-eight rating.

The 30-year-old is a veteran of 408 career NHL games with the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs, tallying seven goals and 43 assists for 50 points, along with 584 penalty minutes. For his AHL career, the defenseman has played in 280 games with Chicago, Rockford and Grand Rapids, tallying 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points, along with 702 penalty minutes and a plus-18 rating.

Exelby spent the 2010-11 season with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 26, 2010. He served as team captain and skated in 77 games, scoring three goals and adding 10 assists for 13 points, and collecting 128 penalty minutes. In 2009-10, he played in 51 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, after being traded by Atlanta with Colin Stuart in exchange for Pavel Kubina and Tim Stapleton on July 1, 2009. As a Maple Leaf, he recorded 1-3=4 totals and 73 penalty minutes.

From 2001-2009, Exelby skated for the Atlanta Thrashers’ organization, spending parts of two seasons from 2001-03 with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, before playing his first full NHL season in 2003-04. In 357 career games with Atlanta, the defenseman recorded six goals and 40 assists for 46 points, and 511 penalty minutes, becoming the longest-tenured defenseman with the club.

He recorded four assists and 49 penalty minutes in 25 playoff games with the Wolves in 2001-02, as they captured the first Calder Cup in team history by defeating the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Craik, Saskatchewan native was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the eighth round (217th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

MacDermid appeared in five games with Boston during the 2011-12 season, making his NHL debut on March 4 at the New York Rangers, where he earned his first NHL fighting major. The 22-year-old spent the majority of the season in Providence, recording four goals, 12 assists and 121 penalty minutes in 69 AHL games.

In 2010-11, the 6’3”, 205-pound forward registered 7-12=19 totals with 158 penalty minutes in a team-high 78 games with Providence. The 158 penalty minutes ranked third on the team. In his first professional season in 2009-10, MacDermid skated in 65 games for Providence, tallying two goals and three assists. He led the team with 155 penalty minutes, including 21 fighting majors, which ranked second among all AHL rookies.

MacDermid was selected by Boston in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to being drafted, the Sauble Beach, Ontario native spent three seasons of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with Owen Sound and Windsor, accumulating 52 fighting majors and capturing a Memorial Cup in 2009 as a member of the Spitfires. His father, Paul MacDermid, is a veteran of 690 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers, Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals and Quebec Nordiques.


*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com

Bruins Sign A Hanson

Boston Bruins Add Christian Hanson to Mix
July 9, 2012


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 9, that the club has signed center Christian Hanson to a one-year, two-way contract through the 2012-13 season. Hanson’s contract will be worth $600,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level.
Christian Hanson
Hanson
Hanson, a 6’4”, 228-pound center, spent the 2011-12 season with the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears, after signing as a restricted free agent with the Washington Capitals on July 11, 2011. He tallied 10 goals, 11 assists and 42 penalty minutes in 52 games, with a plus-five rating.

In 2010-11, the 26-year-old skated in 58 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, where he recorded career highs offensively with 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points and added 51 penalty minutes. He finished tied for fifth on the team in points and seventh in goals. Hanson was recalled for six games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and collected four penalty minutes.

The 2009-10 season saw Hanson play a career-high 31 NHL games with the Maple Leafs, notching two goals and five assists for seven points, with 16 penalty minutes. In 38 games with the Marlies, he scored 12 goals and added 19 assists for 31 points, along with 35 penalty minutes, and was selected to the 2010 AHL All-Star Game.

For his career, Hanson has played in 148 career AHL games with Toronto and Hershey, tallying 35 goals - including eight on the power play - and 51 assists for 86 points, and recording 128 penalty minutes. In 42 NHL games, the center has collected three goals, six assists and 22 penalty minutes.

Prior to the professional ranks, the Venetia, PA native played four seasons of collegiate hockey from 2005-09 at the University of Notre Dame in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. In 140 games with the Irish, he recorded 36-28=64 totals, serving as an alternate captain his senior year. He helped Notre Dame capture two CCHA championships in 2007 and 2009, played in three NCAA tournaments and was named an NCAA Second-Team All-Star in 2009.

Internationally, Hanson was a member of Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Championship, where he tallied one assist in six games. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 31, 2009.


*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com