Providence Announces Opening Night's Game

Dunkin' Donuts Presents Opening Night on October 12
June 29, 2012

The Providence Bruins, entering their 21^st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that they will open the 2012-13 season on Friday, October 12 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center at 7:05 pm.

Opening night for the 21^st season in franchise history will be presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and they will be giving away free Thundersticks to fans. The opponent will be announced at a later date.

Opening night festivities will begin prior to the game with a Providence Bruins highlight video, which will be followed by an introduction of each player on the 2012-13 roster.

Other highlighted events during the season will include the team’s third annual Pink in the Rink Night (date to be announced at a later date) and the 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts AHL All-Star Classic January 25-28.

The 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts AHL All-Star Classic will kick off with a Providence Bruins home game on Friday, January 25, followed by a Providence Bruins Youth Hockey Festival on Saturday, January 26. The AHL All-Star Skills Competition will take place on Sunday, January 27 and the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony and All-Star Game will be held on Monday, January 28.

*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Providence Bruins Win President's Award

P-Bruins Recognized for Excellence Off the Ice
June 28, 2012

The American Hockey League announced today that the Providence Bruins are the recipient of the AHL's 2011-12 President's Award. The President's Award is given annually to one AHL organization for excellence in all areas off the ice. A perennial leader in overall business growth and success, the Providence Bruins experienced another successful season in 2011-12.

"Our management staff is very proud of this achievement as it reflects upon the hard work of our entire front office staff, and speaks to the great partnerships we have with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, Dunkin Donuts Center senior management and the Boston Bruins." said Jeff Fear CEO of the Providence Bruins/Providence Sports + Entertainment. "Each season we maintain our focus on our core business principals; providing lasting fan experiences for our customers, high value and brand support for our corporate sponsors, and being a good corporate citizen in the community."

The Providence Bruins averaged 7,817 fans per home game during the 2011-12 season to rank fourth in the league in attendance and made an increase of 6.7 percent over the 2010-11 season. A top-10 club in attendance in each of its 20 seasons in the AHL, the Providence Bruins continue to grow their fan base year-after-year by providing family fun, affordable entertainment, which provides lasting fan experiences.

The P-Bruins also continued their growth in the area of corporate partnerships for the 2011-12 season led by the launch of Providence Sports + Entertainment. The corporate community is represented by 1,000 area businesses that support the Providence Bruins through sponsorships, business group outings and community outreach programs.

The team continued its strong leadership in the community with player appearances throughout the season benefiting organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Special Olympics, Rhode Island Blood Center, Rhode Island Community Food Bank and many more. The Providence Bruins community outreach program began with its annual Pink In The Rink Night during Breast Cancer Awareness Month raising awareness and over $10,000 for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and culminated with Hasbro Children's Hospital Weekend in April raising another $10,000.

The Providence Bruins, established in 1992, are the top affiliate of the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. 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 2011-12 and are the best-attended minor-league hockey team in New England.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com

Boston Bruins Announce Development Camp Players

Camp Begins June 28 at Ristuccia Arena
June 25, 2012

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Bruins announced today, June 25, the expected roster for their sixth annual Development Camp, which will take place at Ristuccia Arena (190 Main St, Wilmington, MA 01887). Development Camp will open on Thursday, June 28, with the final session taking place on Monday, July 2. On-ice practices are open to the public. Please note that the schedule and roster are subject to change.
The Development Camp roster features 29 players, including 15 forwards, eight defensemen and six goaltenders. The roster includes 22 players within the Bruins organization, counting Boston’s six selections at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Seven invites come from outside the prospect system and all play NCAA collegiate hockey. For more information on the invites, please see the notes below the roster.

BOSTON BRUINS SIXTH ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER AS OF JUNE 25

Forwards: Darik Angeli, Anthony Camara, Colin Campbell, Daniel Carr, Justin Courtnall, Brian Ferlin, Justin Florek, Seth Griffith, Colton Hargrove, Alex Khokhlachev, Jared Knight, Cody Payne, Ben Sexton, Wayne Simpson, Ryan Spooner

Defensemen: Matt Benning, Chris Casto, Tommy Cross, Matthew Grzelcyk, Dougie Hamilton, Torey Krug, Robbie O’Gara, Zach Trotman

Goaltenders: Zane Gothberg, Parker Milner, Adam Morrison, Malcolm Subban, Niklas Svedberg, Lars Volden

2012 DEVELOPMENT CAMP INVITES

Darik Angeli is a 6’3”, 200-pound forward from Lakewood, CO, who skated last season for Ohio State University, where he tallied 7-8=15 totals in 32 games for the Buckeyes as a freshman.

Colin Campbell, a 6’1”, 190-pound forward from Pickering, ON, has played the past two seasons for Lake Superior State University, compiling 13-19=32 totals in 74 games.
Sherwood Park, AB native Daniel Carr is a 6’0”, 185-pound forward who skated past two seasons at Union College, recording 40 goals and 35 assists with 58 penalty minutes in 81 games, helping the Dutchmen reach the program’s first-ever NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in 2012. He notched a goal and an assist in three NCAA tournament games.

Chris Casto is a 6’3”, 215-pound defenseman and native of Stillwater, MN who played last season for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, tallying two goals and 11 assists with 14 penalty minutes in 41 games in his rookie season. He played in two NCAA tournament games with the Bulldogs, notching an assist.

Boston University senior Justin Courtnall is a 6’3”, 215-pound forward from Victoria, BC, who posted 4-3=7 totals with 73 penalty minutes in 39 games last season for the Terriers.
Parker Milner, a 6’1”, 185-pound goaltender from Pittsburgh, PA, helped lead the Boston College Eagles to the NCAA national championship last season by posting a 1.66 GAA and .937 SV% with three shutouts in 34 games, in addition to compiling a .50 GAA and .982 SV% in the NCAA tournament.

Wayne Simpson is a 5’11”, 190-pound forward from Boxborough, MA who has played the past three seasons at Union College, where he compiled 18-13=31 totals in 41 games last season, to help the Dutchmen reach the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four for the first time. Simpson recorded a goal through three NCAA tournament games.

BOSTON BRUINS SIXTH ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP SCHEDULE AS OF JUNE 25

Location:
Ristuccia Arena
190 Main St.
Wilmington, MA 01887

Thursday, June 28-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:30 a.m. ET

Friday, June 29-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 11:00 a.m. ET
-On-ice power skating, Ristuccia Arena, 12:45 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 30-On-ice power skating, Ristuccia Arena, 10:30 a.m. ET
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 11:45 a.m. ET

Sunday, July 1
-On-ice practice/scrimmage, Ristuccia Arena, 11:00 a.m. ET

Monday, July 2
-On-ice power skating, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m. ET
-On-ice scrimmage, Ristuccia Arena, 10:45 a.m. ET

*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com

Bruins Sign Goaltender Niklas Svedberg to Entry-level Contract

Goaltender is Likely to Play in Providence
May 29, 2012

BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, May 29, that the club has signed goaltender Niklas Svedberg to an entry-level contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed at this time.

Svedberg, a 22-year-old goaltender from Sollentuna, Sweden, played the past two seasons with Brynas IF Gavle in the Swedish Elite League (SEL). In the 2011-12 regular season, he posted a 2.47 GAA and .912 SV% in 29 games. Svedberg also recorded a 1.70 GAA and .947 SV% with four shutouts in 13 playoff games, leading Brynas to their first SEL title since 1999.

In 2010-11, the 6'2", 176-pound goalie compiled a 2.28 GAA and .917 SV% with two shutouts in 21 games with Brynas. Svedberg had previously played three seasons with Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik of the SEL, appearing in 36 games. In 2009-10, he posted a 2.59 GAA and .900 SV% with 22 penalty minutes in 32 games.

Hamill Traded for Bourque

First Round Pick Never Panned Out in ProvidenceMay 26, 2012


BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has acquired forward Chris Bourque from the Washington Capitals for center Zach Hamill.

Bourque

Bourque appeared in 73 regular season games this year for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), compiling 27-66=93 totals with 42 penalty minutes. In five playoff games, he tallied one goal and three assists. Bourque’s best statistical season came in 2009-10 with the Bears, when he posted 22-48=70 totals with 26 penalty minutes in 49 games.

In 2010-11, the 26-year-old native of Boston, Massachusetts signed with Mytishchi Atlant of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he scored one goal in eight games. Following his stint in the KHL, Bourque signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss National League A (NLA). In 39 games with Lugano, he posted 14-19=33 totals with 24 penalty minutes.

The 5’8”, 180-pound left wing was originally drafted 33rd overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In 2009-10, Bourque appeared in 20 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He is the son of Ray Bourque, the Boston Bruins Hall-of-Famer who owns records for most goals, assists and points by a defenseman in the National Hockey League. Ray Bourque is also currently the Bruins all-time career leader in games played, assists, and points.

Bourque was signed to a new contract on June 1st.  Bourque’s deal will be a two-way contract in year one (2012-13) and is worth $550,000 at the NHL level and $200,000 at the American Hockey League level. In year two, it will be a one-way contract worth $550,000.
Hamill, a 5’11”, 180-pound center, played in 16 games for the Bruins this season, posting 0-2=2 totals with four penalty minutes. The native of Vancouver, British Columbia also played in 41 games for the Providence Bruins, where he recorded 8-13=21 totals with 24 penalty minutes. In 20 career games with Boston, Hamill tallied 0-4=4 totals with four penalty minutes. Hamill was originally drafted 8th overall by the Bruins in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Bruins Legend Passes Away

Jerry "Topper" Toppazzini (1931-2012)

Hockey fans in Sudbury, Ontario and Boston mourn the former Bruin

The Boston Bruins were saddened to hear of the passing Jerry "Topper" Toppazzini on April 21.

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Toppazzini, who was 81, played 659 games over 11 productive seasons with the Bruins and amassed 148-216-364 totals for Boston. A three-time NHL all star, the forward also earned the Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy for the Bruins player judged most outstanding in home games for 1956-57 and 57-58 seasons.

In a time when NHL clubs were not required to dress two goaltenders, Toppazzini also spelled injured B's goalie Don Simmons in 1960 to become the last position player to substitute in goal during a NHL game.

In all, Toppazzini played 783 NHL games, scored 163 goals and added 244 assists for 407 total points with Boston, Chicago and Detroit.

After professional coaching stints with the IHL Port Huron Flags as well as the AHL's Springfield Kings, Toppazzini Coached Junior Hockey's Sudbury Wolves for two seasons (1975-76, 1976-77) and was named OHA coach of the year in 1976 when the Wolves finished first overall in the OHA with 102 points. That year Sudbury also reached the OHA finals, but lost to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Hamilton Fincups.Some other highlights of Toppazzini's career include the Barrie Flyers Memorial Cup Championship in 1951 and Toppazzini's induction into the inaugural Sudbury Kinsmen/House of Kin Sports Celebrity Dinner and Awards Hall of Fame on May 4, 1960. He was later named Sudbury's Sportsman of the Year following the Wolves playoff run in 1976.

In 1977 Jerry Toppazzini, whose brother Zellio also played 49 NHL games for Boston, bought the Belvedere Hotel in Sudbury, renovated the building and even now his popular Bruins-themed Beef ‘n Bird Tavern is still family owned and operated.

Toppazzini, a devoted family man, will certainly be missed by everyone who knew him in Sudbury, but Jerry will also always be remembered by fans of his beloved Bruins in Boston.


*Information gathered from www.bruins.nhl.com

Bruins Get Black Aces Ready

Boston Recalls 10 Providence Bruins
April 19, 2012


The Providence Bruins, in their 20^th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the Boston Bruins have recalled 10 Providence Bruins for the NHL playoffs. Defensemen Andrew Bodnarchuk, Kevan Miller and David Warsofsky and forwards Carter Camper, Craig Cunningham, Josh Hennessy, Lane MacDermid, Max Sauve, Ryan Spooner and Trent Whitfield will remain and practice in Providence.

Bodnarchuk, 23, enjoyed two recalls to Boston this season, though he did not appear in a game for the Bruins. Bodnarchuk skated in 63 games for Providence this year and tallied a professional career-high 17 points. The defenseman was selected by the Boston Bruins 128^th overall in the fifth round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Miller finished his rookie season as the P-Bruins' plus/minus leader with a plus-20 rating. The Los Angeles, CA native finished second among team defensemen with 24 points, including 21 assists. Miller, a four-year product of the University of Vermont, registered 30 points (5g, 25a) and 97 PIM in 144 outings for the Catamounts. Miller, undrafted, was signed to an entry level contract by Boston on October 21, 2011.

Warsofsky made his professional debut with Providence last season after completing his junior season at Boston University. The rookie's 29 points (5g, 24a) finished first among P-Bruins' blue liners. In three seasons with the Terriers, Warsofsky had 22 goals and 46 assists for 68 points and 122 PIM in 113 games. The 5'9", 170-lb native of Marshfield, MA was originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were acquired by the Bruins on June 26, 2010 from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Vladimir Sobotka.

Camper, an undrafted four-year product of Miami University (Ohio) led the P-Bruins in scoring this year as a rookie with 48 points on 18 goals and 30 assists. The 5'9, 173-pound forward enjoyed his first NHL recall on February 20, made his NHL debut on February 22 and scored his first NHL goal and point on February 25 versus Alex Auld and the Ottawa Senators. Camper was signed by Boston as a free agent on April 7, 2011.

Cunningham, also a first year AHLer, finished as the team's leading goal scorer with 20. Before arriving in Providence, the Trail, BC native split the 2010-11 season between the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) and Vancouver Giants (WHL). In 71 total game, the 21-year-old forward tallied 87 points on 27 goals and 60 assists. The 6'0", 191-pound forward was originally drafted by the Bruins 97^th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Hennessy, 27, skated in 69 games and finished second in scoring for Providence this season with 41 points on 19 goals and 22 assists. The Brockton, MA native enjoyed his first recall with Boston on February 13 and skated in three contests for the Bruins, recording two penalty minutes. Hennessy was originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. After spending time in the San Jose, Chicago and Ottawa organizations, he was signed by Boston as a free agent on July 5, 2011.

MacDermid, recalled by Boston twice this season, appeared in five NHL games and recorded five penalty minutes for the team. In Providence this season, the 6'3" 205-pound forward has four goals and 12 assists and 121 penalty minutes in 69 games. Last year, he recorded seven goals, 12 assists and 158 penalty minutes, which ranked third on the P-Bruins. MacDermid was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round (112^th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Sauvé was recalled on March 10 to Boston on an emergency basis and made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 11. With Providence this season, the 6'0'', 185-pound Sauvé has 11 goals and 15 assists in 39 games. He played his first full pro season with Providence in the 2010-11 season, ranking second on the team in goals (21) and third overall in the club's scoring race with 21-17=38 totals. Sauvé was originally drafted by the Bruins in the second round (47th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Spooner joined the P-Bruins for their last five games after the Sarnia Sting were eliminated in the first round of the OHL playoffs. He ended the season in Providence with three points (g, 2a). In a season split between the Kingston Frontenacs and Sarnia, the 5'10", 175-pound forward recorded 66 points in 57 games. The center was originally selected by Boston 45^th overall in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on July 20, 2011.

With Providence this season, the 5'11, 209-pound Whitfield had nine goals and seven assists, combining for 16 total points in 50 games. In the 2010-11 season, Whitfield finished fourth in the P-Bruins scoring race with 18-18=36 totals, despite playing just 45 games after missing the first half of the season due to injury. Whitfield was originally drafted by Boston in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, but did not play in the Boston organization until signing as a free agent in July, 2009.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com