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

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

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
 

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

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

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

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 8^th 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 14^th on the all-time scoring list for Hershey, as well as 25^th 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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, 30^th 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 2^nd 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.