Courtnall Recalled to Providence

Courtnall May Dress Against Portland
Frbruary 25, 2013
The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that forward Justin Courntall has been recalled on loan from the South Carolina Stingrays.

This marks the forward's second recall to Providence. After being recalled on January 11 and skating in two games for the Bruins, Courtnall was returned on loan to South Carolina on January 18 and has since appeared in 17 games for the Stingrays, recording three points (1g, 2a) and 38 penalty minutes. Courtnall has recorded a total of seven points (3g, 4a) and 74 penalty minutes in his 35 games with the ECHL club this season. The 6'3", 210-pound left wing has appeared in three games thus far for the Bruins this season.

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. A native of Victoria, BC, Courtnall is the son of former Bruins forward Geoff Courtnall and the nephew of Russ Courtnall, veterans of 17- and 16-year NHL careers respectively.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Two Roster Moves For Providence

Providence Signs Nicolas Tremblay to PTA
Alden Hirschfeld Recalled from South Carolina
February 20, 2013
 

The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, today announced that they have signed forward Nicolas Tremblay to a professional tryout agreement. In a separate transaction, the Providence Bruins have recalled Alden Hirschfeld from South Carolina.

Tremblay, 24, has skated in 21 games for the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) this season, registering 13+12=25 totals. The 6'0", 187-pound forward made his professional debut with the Bruins last season, skating in four games and scoring two points. Tremblay is a four-year product of Clarkson University. As an assistant captain in 2011-12, the center tallied a career-high 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 37 games. In four collegiate seasons, the Candiac, PQ, native totaled 88 points (33g, 55a) and 68 penalty minutes in 143 contests.

Tremblay was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round (173rd overall) in 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

A 2012 graduate of Miami University, Hirschfeld was signed to an AHL contract on July 10. The Sylvania, Ohio native was recalled on loan from South Carolina on November 14 after skating in 16 games for the Stingrays. In 18 games with the Bruins, the 6'1", 206-pound forward tallied five points on two goals and three helpers.

Hirschfeld, 25, 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 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

Lane MacDermid Heads Back to Boston

"Mac" Had Been Assigned to a Conditioning Loan
Februaruy 19, 2013

Lane MacDermid
Photo by Thomas Chace Jr.

The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that the Boston Bruins (NHL) have recalled forward Lane MacDermid from the Providence Bruins. MacDermid was assigned to Providence on a conditioning loan on February 11.

Since being assigned on February 11, MacDermid skated in five games for Providence, highlighted by a beautiful shorthanded goal in February 15th's 7-3 win over Bridgeport.
MacDermid has skated in three games for Boston this season with 10 penalty minutes and averaging 3:34 of ice time. The forward has four goals, two assists and 82 penalty minutes in 37 games with Providence this year.

MacDermid was drafted by Boston in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by Boston to a one-year contract on July 11, 2012.



*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Ryan Button Back With Providence

Button Played One Game for South Carolina
February 14, 2013

Ryan Button
Photo by Thomas Chace Jr

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

Button, of Edmonton, Alberta, was assigned to South Carolina for the first time yesterday. He appeared in one game for the Stingrays, going scoreless. The second-year pro split last season between Providence and Reading (ECHL), totaling a combined eight points in 58 games for the clubs. In 23 games for the Bruins this season, Button has gone scoreless and recorded 15 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the 6'0", 185-pound defenseman spent four seasons in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and Seattle Thunderbirds. In 264 career junior games, Button recorded 113 points on 16 goals and 97 assists.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence Sends Down Two Players

Button and Cross Assigned to Stingrays
February 13, 2013


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

Ryan Button
Photo by Thomas Chace

Button, of Edmonton, Alberta, is being reassigned to South Carolina for the first time this season. The second-year pro split last season between Providence and Reading (ECHL), totaling a combined eight points in 58 games for the clubs. In 23 games for the Bruins this season, Button has gone scoreless and recorded 15 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the 6'0", 185-pound defenseman spent four seasons in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and Seattle Thunderbirds. In 264 career junior games, Button recorded 113 points on 16 goals and 97 assists.

Tommy Cross
Photo by Thomas Chace

Cross skated in 23 games for the Bruins since being assigned on November 30. The 6'3", 210-pound defenseman recorded 1+5=6 totals and 21 points. The Simsbury, Connecticut native was originally assigned to South Carolina on October 11. At the time of his assignment to Providence, Cross led the Stingrays 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

Providence Gets Tardif & MacDermid Back

Huge Game With Portland Tonight
February 11, 2013


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, February 11, that forward Jamie Tardif has been assigned to the Providence Bruins and forward Lane MacDermid has joined Providence on a conditioning loan (American Hockey League).

Jamie Tardif
Photo by Thomas Chace Jr

Tardif made his NHL debut this season on Saturday, February 2 during Boston’s 1-0 win over Toronto and has played in two games this season for Boston, averaging 4:55 of ice time. The 28-year-old forward leads the P-Bruins in goals with 21 and is second in points with 30 through 39 games.

The 6'0", 205-pound native of Welland, Ontario was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by the Bruins as an unrestricted free agent on July 5, 2011.

Lane MacDermid
Photo by Thomas Chace Jr

MacDermid has skated in three games for Boston this season with 10 penalty minutes and averaging 3:34 of ice time. The forward has three goals, two assists and 73 penalty minutes in 32 games with Providence this year.

MacDermid was drafted by Boston in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by Boston to a one-year contract on July 11, 2012.


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

Saturday's Monarch's Game Canceled

Winter Storm Causes Re-Scheduling of Game
February 8, 2013


The Providence Bruins announced today that Saturday's game (February 9) versus the Manchester Monarchs at the Verizon Wireless Center has been rescheduled due to the threat of inclement weather. For the safety of fans, staff and players the game has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 7 p.m. in Manchester.

Spooner Returns to Providence

Leading Scorer Returns to PBruins
February 7, 2013


Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, February 7, that forward Ryan Spooner has been assigned to the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League).
Spooner was recalled for the first time in his career on Tuesday, February 5 and made his NHL debut during the Bruins 2-1 win over the Canadiens in Montreal on Wednesday, February 6. In that game, Spooner had 5:29 of ice time.

In 35 games for the Providence Bruins this season, the 21-year-old is tied for the team lead in points with 30 on nine goals and 21 assists. Spooner has recorded 12 goals and 25 assists in 43 career AHL games. The 5’10’’, 175-pound native of Kanata, Ontario had back-to-back 60+ point seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before joining the P-Bruins, having tallied 66 points in 57 games split between Kingston and Sarnia last year, and 81 points in 64 games during the 2010-11 season split between Peterborough and Kingston.

Spooner was originally drafted by the Bruins in the second round (45th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.



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

Providence Cancels Friday Night Game

Heavy Snow Expected From Large Storm
February 6, 2013

The Friday February 8th scheduled game against Portland has been re-scheduled

for Monday February 11th at 7:05

Ryan Spooner Latest Boston Call-Up

Spooner Recalled Due to Marchand Injury
February 4, 2013

Ryan Spooner
Photo by Thomas Chace Jr

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, February 4, that the team has recalled forward Ryan Spooner from the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League). Spooner will join the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, February 5 and travel with the team to Montreal in advance of their game on Wednesday against the Canadiens.

The recall for Spooner is the first NHL regular season recall of Spooner’s career. In 35 games for the Providence Bruins this season, the 21-year-old is tied for the team lead in points with 30 with nine goals and 21 assists. Spooner has recorded 12 goals and 25 assists in 43 career AHL games. The 5’10’’, 175-pound native of Kanata, Ontario had back-to-back 60+ point seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before joining the P-Bruins, having tallied 66 points in 57 games split between Kingston and Sarnia last year, and 81 points in 64 games during the 2010-11 season split between Peterborough and Kingston.

Spooner was originally drafted by the Bruins in the second round (45th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.


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

The Future is Bright

 

All-Stars Skills Not Limited to Hockey
January 30, 2013
Thomas Chace Jr

 

The biggest thing I took out of this recent weekend of hockey at the AHL All Star Classic in Providence, Rhode Island was the great camaraderie shown for each other by the players, coaches, administration, and legends of the game.  The atmosphere was always upbeat and the players deserve most of the credit, for being generous with their time and delivering in both the Skills Contest and the All-Star Game itself.

 

Being on the Eastern Conference bench for the 2013 Pepsi AHL All-Star Skills Competition to photograph some of the action was very insightful.  I have spent some significant time with professional hockey players since 2004, and am always encouraged when I see the players spend quality time with one another and smile and laugh despite being bitter rivals during the regular season. This jovial activity never ended throughout the whole AHL All-Star Skills Contest.  They really paid attention to each other yet razzed each other at the same time, the heated rivalries used in jest.  Good kids who get it, who love the game, and show respect for each other as well.  Good stuff.  The Eastern Conference led the contest early on, and had a big lead, but the ice was tilting as the contest went on and the West was gaining. 

 

At the end it came down to the last play and the last shot.  It was the final event, Event 7, of the H&R Block Breakaway Relay. The final shot would be taken by Providence and Eastern Conference Captain Trent Whitfield, who was the last player to go in the East’s final group of six.  The contest consisted of three rounds with six shooters from each conference having a breakaway opportunity.  36 shooters in total along with 6 goaltenders participated in this event.  The first five All-Stars in Whitfield’s group were all stoned by Charlotte goaltender, Justin Peters.  The West led 12-11; “Whit” could tie it up, and then what would the AHL do in the case of a tie?  The script for the Skills Contest could not have been written any better, with one major exception.  Whitfield let go a great shot that was thwarted by a save or the post.  In the end, the miss probably kept the roof from rising at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center, as the 10,846 fans screamed with enthusiasm.

 

Event 1 featured the Sher-Wood Puck Control Rally in which player’s race against one another through a series of pylons while in possession of the puck.  The Eastern Conference prevailed in winning 3 of 4 heats for a 3-1 overall lead after the first event.

 

The 2^nd Event was the CCM Fastest Skater contest.  Each conference had three skaters who would race in three separate heats around the ice along the boards and have their time recorded.  Representing the Western Conference were Gabriel Dumont (HAM), Jason Zucker (HOU), and Kevin Porter (RCH).  The Eastern Conference skaters were Jonathan Audy-Marchessault (SPR), Chris Summers (POR), and Tyler Johnson (SYR).  Summers, who donned a great mustache, was the individual winner and the East had a faster team average and now led the contest 5-1.

 

EA Sports NHL 13 Rapid Fire was Event 3 and is a nightmare for the goaltenders.  Each player shoots five times in a rapid fire succession with pucks pre-placed on ice.  The East got one point for having the most total saves.  The East was backstopped by Robin Lehner (BNG), who stopped 9 of 10 shots in Heat #1.  Curtis McElhinney (SPR) was sharp with 8 saves, and Niklas Svedberg (PRO) made 6 saves for a team total of 23 saves.  The West’s Barry Brust (ABB) stopped just 4 of 10 shots which proved to be too big of a hole for the West to climb back from. Petr Mrzek (GR) made 9 saves and Justin Peters (CHA) made 8 for a good showing in this rapid fire event.  The East gained another point here for a 6-1 lead.

 

Fan favorite, the CCM Hardest Shot, was next and featured two of the largest boys on the ice.  Brayden McNabb (RCH), who at 6’4”, 205 lbs. was dwarfed by huge 21 year old Jamie Oleksiak (TEX), who stands 6’7”, and 254 lbs.  On this night it was McNabb who bested the other seven contestants with a shot recorded at 101.8 mph.  Oleksiak missed the net on both his shots and was good natured about his plight despite the misses.  East gets a point for highest average speed and West gains a point on McNabb’s hardest shot winner.  East 7 West 2.

 

Event 5 was the Pepsi Accuracy Shooting contest in which the players are fed pucks in front of the net and try and break targets in the four corners of the net. The player and team with the most hits in the fewest attempts win the contest.  Matt Fraser (TEX) got all four targets in just five shots to win the individual award and a point for his West team.  The West gained another point by nipping the East by one single attempt; the West was 14 for 27 while the East hit 14 targets in 28 attempts.  The West now trailed 7-4 and is rallying.

 

Another goalie favorite is Event 6, the Pepsi Pass and Score contest.  Three skaters all skate in on the goalie and must each touch the puck before attempting to score.  Each goal counts toward the overall score.  Six heats took place with all 6 AHL All-Star goalies participating.  Only three goals were scored in fifteen attempts.  The West scored twice, the East once, and the West gained another point too now trail 8-6 with the last event coming up.

 

The H&R Block Breakaway Relay would conclude the dynamic AHL All-Star Skills Contest, with each individual goal counting toward the overall team score.  The West was first on the board with goals by Brayden McNabb (RCH) and Michal Jordan (CHA) that got past netminder Robin Lehner (BNG).  The East took the lead though on goalie Barry Brust (ABB), getting tallies from Chad Kolarik (WBS), Radko Gudas (SYR), and Tyler Toffoli (MCH).  East now leads 11-8 after the first of three rounds.

 

The 2^nd Round began with Matt Fraser (TEX) scoring on goaltender Curtis McElhinney (SPR) and finished with Toronto Captain Ryan Hamilton scoring on the West’s last shot of the round.  The Western Conference goaltenders then began to shut down the Eastern Conference scorers.  Petr Mrazek (GR) stopped all six Eastern shooters to end Round #2 with the overall score now at 11-10.

 

The 3^rd and final round would feature Providence Bruin rookie goaltender Niklas Svedberg stopping the first four shooters before allowing two goals in a row to Mark Arcobello (OKC) and former PBruin, Martin St. Pierre (RFD).  St. Pierre had put the West ahead for the first time all night and now they led 12-11.

 

You already know how it ended.  An end not soon to be forgotten by any of the people involved, from the players, coaches, fans, media, AHL officials and all the families involved.  After the Skills Contest all the players stayed on the ice and signed autographs for as many fans as they could. It was one of many great gestures by these young men who are the bright stars of the future.  A future that sure looks bright.

 

Several Moves in Bruins Organization

All-Star Tardif Called Up to Boston
Alden Hirschfeld to Take Tardif Spot
February 1, 2013

All-Star Jamie Tardif

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, February 1, that the Bruins have recalled forward Jamie Tardif from Providence on an emergency basis (American Hockey League). Tardif will join the Bruins for practice on Friday, February 1 at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington and travel with the team to Toronto for their game on Saturday, February 2 against the Maple Leafs.

Tardif currently leads the Providence Bruins in scoring this season with 21 goals and nine assists in 39 games. His 21 goals currently ranks second overall in the AHL and he was also selected to participate in the AHL All-Star weekend held on January 28-29, 2013. The 28-year-old has played in 415 career games in the AHL with 114 goals, 100 assists for 214 points. He has not made an NHL appearance to date.

The 6'0", 205-pound native of Welland, Ontario was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by the Bruins as an unrestricted free agent on July 5, 2011.


The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that Alden Hirschfeld has been recalled on loan from the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL).

A 2012 graduate of Miami University, Hirschfeld was signed to an AHL contract on July 10. The Sylvania, Ohio native was recalled on loan from South Carolina on November 14 after skating in 16 games for the Stingrays. In 18 games with the Bruins, the 6'1", 206-pound forward tallied five points on two goals and three helpers.

Hirschfeld, 25, 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 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