[truebluefan]

Boston Assigns 12 Players to Providence

Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, member of the American Hockey League, announced that the Boston Bruins have assigned 12 players to P-Bruins' training camp, which continues through Monday, October 3, at the Rhode Island Sports Center, Route 146 in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. Training camp is open to the public.

The dozen players include forwards Martins Karsums, David Krejci, Pascal Pelletier, Tyler Redenbach, Nate Thompson, Kris Versteeg, and Ben Walter, along with defensemen Bobby Allen, Matt Lashoff, Jay Leach and Jonathan Sigalet and goaltender Brian Finley.

Karsums (KARR-soomz), 20, begins his rookie season after being drafted by Boston 64th overall (second round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. The native of Riga, Latvia, spent the last three seasons with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMHL). In 2005-06, Karsums posted personal bests with 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 of his 144 career points (78g, 66a). His Moncton club finished with the top record in the QMJHL at 52-15-0-3 to win the Jean Rougeau Trophy while also winning the President's Cup over the Quebec Remparts. In the process, the right wing became the first European player to win the QMJHL Most Valuable Player (Guy Lafleur Trophy) with 27 points (16g, 11a) in 22 games.

Krejci (KRAY-chee), 20, is a rookie out of Sternderk, Czech Republic. The center spent the last two seasons with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL after being drafted by Boston 63rd overall (second round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In three junior years, Krejci tallied 204 points (72g, 132a) in 167 games. During last year's postseason, he posted 32 points (10g, 22a) in 17 games before his team was eliminated in the third round by Karsums' Moncton club. Krejci won a Bronze Medal with the Czech team in the 2005 World Junior Competition.

Pelletier, 22, returns for his third professional season and second with Providence after spending time in ECHL with the Louisiana IceGators and Gwinnett Gladiators. After joining the P-Bruins in December of last year, the center had 46 points (20g, 26a) in 53 games. In 2005-06 overall, the native of Labrador City, Newfoundland, had 76 points (38g, 38a) in 74 contests.

Redenbach, 21, returns to Providence for his second professional season. A year ago, the center from Melville, Saskatchewan, had 58 points (26g, 32a) in a team-leading 78 games played. Prior, Redenbach spent four junior seasons with the Prince George Cougars, Swift Current Broncos and Lethbridge Hurricanes, tallying 257 points (70g, 187a) in 261 contests. Most of the points, 105, came in 2003-04 for Swift Current when he won the Bob Clarke Trophy as the Western Hockey League's (WHL) top scorer, notching 31 goals and 74 assists. Redenbach was drafted 77th overall (third round) by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Thompson, 21, begins his third professional season with Providence and second full season after four years with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL where he had 143 points (55g, 88a) in 253 contests. Last year, the center scored 18 points (8g, 10a) in 74 games. The Anchorage, Alaska, native did not play any regular season games in 2004-05 but suited up for 11 playoff games. Thompson was drafted 183rd overall (sixth round) by Boston in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Versteeg, 20, returns to Providence for his second professional season. The Lethbridge, Alberta, right wing saw 13 games of action for the P-Bruins in 2005-06, tallying six points (2g, 4a). Earlier in the season, the winger had 48 points (16g, 32a) in 71 games split between the Kamloops Blazers and Red Deer Rebels, both of the WHL. In four junior seasons, the first three with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Versteeg notched 167 points (62g, 105a) in 264 contests. He was drafted 134th overall (fifth round) by Boston in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Walter, 22, starts his second professional season after 68 games with Providence and Boston his rookie year. Walter, selected by Boston 160th overall (fifth round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, was held without a point in six games with Boston but tallied 41 points (16g, 25a) with Providence. Prior, the center from Beaconsville, Quebec, played three seasons for the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, totaling 90 points (49g, 41a) in 107 games. Walter was a Hobey Baker Award top-10 finalist in 2004-05.

Allen, 28, returns to Providence after five AHL seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Toronto Roadrunners and Albany River Rats. The defenseman and native of Braintree, Massachusetts, was drafted by Boston 52nd overall (second round) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, played four seasons for Boston College (25g, 85a for 110 points in 167 games) and suited up for Providence in 2001-02, posting 15 points (5g, 10a) in 49 games. Allen was traded from Boston to the Edmonton Oilers for Sean Brown on March 19, 2002 and recently signed with Boston again on July 17, 2006. In 306 professional games, one spent in the NHL with Edmonton in 2002-03, Allen has 84 points (21g, 63a).

Lashoff, 19, begins his second professional season in Providence. The defenseman signed with the P-Bruins in 2005-06 after a full junior season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Selected 22nd overall (first round) by Boston in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, the East Greenbush, New York, native played the final seven regular season games for Providence before adding another six games of experience in the post-season. All told, Lashoff had one goal and one assist. In three junior seasons with Kitchener, the blue-liner scored 93 points (16g, 75a) in 162 contests. Lashoff was also an OHL all-star in 2006.

Leach, 27, has spent parts of the last three seasons in Providence, serving as team captain in 2005-06. Beginning his sixth professional season, the defenseman has 77 points (22g, 55a) and 580 penalty minutes in 349 career games, 168 in the AHL and a pair with Boston. The two contests came last season, along with 71 in Providence during which the Syracuse, New York, native had 16 points (5g, 11a). From 1997-2001, Leach played four seasons at Providence College, helping the Friars to the 2001 NCAA Tournament as a senior. He was drafted 115th overall (fifth round) by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

Sigalet, 20, makes his return to Providence for his second professional season. As a rookie in 2005-06, the defenseman tallied 36 points (9g, 27a) in 75 games. Prior, the native of Vancouver, British Columbia, spent two years at Bowling Green University, scoring 31 points (6g, 25a) in 72 Falcons games. The blue-liner was selected 100th overall (fourth round) by Boston in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Finley, 25, begins his first season between the pipes for Providence after four years with the Milwaukee Admirals. Finley compiled a record of 84-55-12 with a 2.47 goals-against-average and a franchise-high 15 shutouts in 161 AHL games. The fifth year pro also spent a pair of games in the NHL with the Nashville Predators (0-1-0, 5.61 GAA) and seven for the Toledo Storm (4-2-0, 2.36 GAA) of the ECHL. Last season, Finley was named the Koho/AHL Goaltender of the Month for November after going 5-0 with a 1.16 GAA and three shutouts. In 2004-05, the net-minder had a career-best 36 wins. The native of Sault. Ste. Marie, Ontario, was drafted sixth overall by Nashville in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, holding the distinction as one of only eight goalies to be selected sixth or higher.

The Providence Bruins' home opener for the 2006-07 season is October 13 versus the Worcester Sharks at 7:05 p.m. at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Information on the home opener and Providence Bruins season ticket packages for the upcoming 2006-07 regular season can be obtained by calling the team ticket office at (401) 273-5000 or by logging onto the team website at www.providencebruins.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Free agents battling odds to make Pens

Bo Cheesman’s no dummy.

He has to know his chances of making Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s AHL roster to start the season are practically nonexistent.

Yet every day during training camp, Cheesman, and a dozen players just like him, are on the ice at Wachovia Arena going all out in an effort to impress Penguins’ management. And, considering themselves extremely lucky for the opportunity.

“Anytime you get something you just want to make the best of your chance and see where it goes,” said Cheesman, one of 17 players trying out for an AHL roster spot.

For many of the players in camp “where it goes” will be Wheeling, Pittsburgh’s “AA” affiliate.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Caps' Gordon steps into defensive role

When the Washington Capitals drafted Boyd Gordon with the 17th overall pick in the 2002 NHL entry draft, they figured they were getting a goal-scorer.

The way it's turned out, though, they landed a premium defensive player who appears poised to spend his first full season in the NHL after a three-year apprenticeship.

"I think they want me here for killing penalties and being strong defensively," Gordon said yesterday after the Caps practiced at Giant Center. "I've just got to focus on that and hopefully chip in a little more this year."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Knights eager for ice time

Missing the playoffs last year gave Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights forward Carsen Germyn time to think during the offseason.

Too much time, he says.

"It was a long summer," Germyn said. "We didn't reach our goal last year, so I know we're all going into this season with high expectations."

Germyn and his teammates held their first practice Monday under the watchful eye of second-year coach Ryan McGill. The American Hockey League team will practice daily this week, leading up to a pair of exhibition games against the Iowa Stars this weekend.

"It's nice to be back," McGill said. "The season is just around the corner, and we're all excited about that."

The Knights, who practiced for about two hours, will have a mix of veterans and newcomers. One of the experienced players is Germyn, the team's top returning scorer with 24 goals and 31 assists.

"I'm looking to be more of a leader this season," the 5-foot-10 right wing said. "We want to have a great year, and I want to be a part of that."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Stars' preseason opens on the road

The Iowa Stars open their preseason schedule with a 7 p.m. road game tonight against the Peoria Rivermen in Peoria - two days after opening their American Hockey League training camp.

Stars coach Dave Allison expects several players who are not under contract to make up Iowa's roster tonight.

"We'll get new guys in and let them play," Allison said. "We'll have a less experienced lineup."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Hoffman Fighting For Spot

Sitting out a season usually doesn't leave a good impression, but it worked fine for Mike Hoffman.

Caught in a numbers game on defense at UConn, Hoffman decided not to play his freshman season (2001-02).


complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Bell dinged by Heatley slash

On a day when the Maple Leafs made several cuts, a greater concern was a possible fracture.

Toronto defenceman Brendan Bell hobbled out the Halifax Metro Centre on crutches after being slashed across the ankle by Ottawa's Dany Heatley in an exhibition game Sunday night.

Bell had X-rays taken here yesterday but Leafs general manager John Ferguson said the results were "inconclusive" and he was to undergo further testing.

While doctors will determine Bell's immediate future, the NHL will decide upon Heatley's.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

New face of Admirals more than just logo

When the Milwaukee Admirals reconvened at the Kern Center on the campus of MSOE on Monday, it seemed like the perfect time to rehash the team's Calder Cup defeat at the hands of the Hershey Bears just three months earlier.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Hitch vows toughness will be teamwide trait

Not since before the days of the Broad Street Bullies have the Flyers been without a designated tough guy on the bench.

And since the Flyers' inception, there have been some legendary fighters who could play but also were there to make sure no one messed with the Big Talent.

The names Dave Brown, Dave Schultz, Paul Holmgren and Donald Brashear all come to mind.

This is, after all, a team known for being rough, with a fan base that expects and loves fights, and one currently showing a fight video on the arena scoreboard and using a marketing phrase "Forty Years and Still Fighting."

So, now that Brashear wears a Washington Capitals jersey, who is the Flyers' go-to-the-mat guy?

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Columbus Assigns Eight to Syracuse

Syracuse, NY (September 25, 2006) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned center Philippe Dupuis, defenseman Marc Methot, center Andrew Murray, right wing Adam Pineault, goaltender Tomas Popperle and defenseman Kyle Wharton to Syracuse. Defensemen Andy Canzanello and left wing Darcy Verot also had their contracts reassigned to Syracuse.

Dupuis, 21, appeared in 56 games with Moncton (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) last season registering 32 goals, 76 assists and 52 penalty minutes. A native of Laval, Quebec, Dupuis was selected by Columbus in the fourth round, 104th overall, in the 2003 Entry Draft.

Methot, 21, appeared in 71 games with Syracuse last season, recording 2 goals, 11 assists and 75 penalty minutes. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Methot was selected by Columbus in the sixth round, 168th overall, in the 2003 Entry Draft.

Murray, 24, appeared in 77 games with Syracuse last season, tallying 13 goals, 16 assists and 73 penalty minutes. He finished second on the club in games played (77) and short-handed goals (3). A native of Selkirk, Manitoba, Murray was selected by Columbus in the eighth round, 242nd overall, in the 2001 Entry Draft.

Pineault, 20, appeared in 55 games with Moncton (QMJHL) last season, recording 29 goals, 30 assists and 94 penalty minutes. A native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Pineault, was selected by Columbus in the second round, 46th overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Popperle, 21, appeared in 31 games with Berlin (DEL) last season, posting a 2.18 goals against average and .929 save percentage. A native of Broumov, Czech Republic, Popperle was selected by Columbus in the fifth round, 131st overall, in the 2005 Entry Draft.

Wharton, 20, split last season with Saulte Ste. Marie (Ontario Hockey League) (34gp, 6g, 16a, 62 PIM's) and Guelph (OHL) (24gp, 2g, 14a, 34 PIM's). A native of Stittsville, Ontario, Wharton was selected by Columbus in the second round, 59th overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Canzanello, 24, appeared in 65 games with Syracuse last season, recording 10 goals, 15 assists and 94 penalty minutes. A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Canzanello recorded 10 goals, 20 assists and 126 penalty minutes in 87 career AHL games with Cincinnati and Syracuse.

Verot, 30, appeared in 20 games with Syracuse last season, recording 1 goal, 3 assists and 64 penalty minutes. In 329 career AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Saint John, Portland and Syracuse, Verot has tallied 30 goals, 50 assists and 1,471 penalty minutes. A native of Radville, Saskatchewan Verot has registered 2 assists and 135 penalty minutes in 37 NHL games with Washington.

The Crunch open their 13th AHL season on October 6 in Toronto. The clubs home opener is Friday, October 13 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for Express Mart Opening Night.

Tickets will be available by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter box office located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.

 

[truebluefan]

Revived O'Neill good for Leafs

Jeff O'Neill hopes for better this season. Things certainly couldn't get any worse for the Maple Leafs right winger.

Traded from the team that would go on to win the Stanley Cup to a team that wouldn't make the playoffs, O'Neill wallowed in the personal pain last year that came with the death of his brother. His fitness level was down, his offence suffered, his outlook bleak.

"I couldn't get my mind on the game completely," O'Neill said. "It was a real tough year for myself and my family. I just didn't seem to have much fun playing last year."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Pirates will play waiting game now

Most of the team may still be in California, but that isn't going to stop the Portland Pirates from opening training camp.
The Pirates open camp this morning at the Cumberland County Civic Center with 22 players.
That number could balloon to around 40 next week as the Anaheim Ducks, the Pirates' parent club, whittles its roster to 23 players, the NHL maximum.
"We have to kind of move forward as we are," Pirates Coach Kevin Dineen said. "It's a chance for me to get a feel for these players who give us depth throughout the season."
Many of the players starting camp this morning will end up playing for the ECHL's Augusta Lynx in Georgia.
"There's a lot of injuries over the course of the year," Dineen said. "That's the nature of the beast, so we want to get a feel for the players we have in the organization."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

CD Sports Hire A Public Pair

Albany N.Y. - Capital District Sports, Inc. announced today that Don Helbig has been hired as the new voice of the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats, while also serving as Director of Public Relations for the River Rats and the arenafootball2's Albany Conquest. The company also announced that Shannon Richie has returned to the organization as Director of Community Relations.

"We are thrilled to add someone with the kind of success Don has had throughout his career," said President/CEO S. Garen Szablewski. "He will provide our fans with an entertaining broadcast and will be the perfect fit as the public face for our two sports franchises. We are also happy to have Shannon back in the fold working to enhance our community relations outreach programs."

Helbig joins the organization after eight seasons (1997-2005) with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League, the last three as the club's radio play-by-play announcer. He has also worked for the Cincinnati Tigers (1981-82), Cincinnati Cyclones (1990-96) and Carolina Monarchs (1996-97) during a 17-year front office career in professional hockey. The Cincinnati, Ohio native was named the recipient of the Ken McKenzie Award by the American Hockey League for the 2002-03 season.

Richie returns after serving as the Director of Sales for the Saratoga-based Star Group where she focused on Athletics and Sports Marketing, working with RPI Athletics and the ECAC Hockey League. The College of St. Rose graduate previously held positions with the University At Albany as a Graduate Athletic Marketing Assistant and as a Product Specialist with Chevrolet. She worked for the River Rats during the 2003-04 season following an internship and earlier earned experience with the Independent Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs.

Capital District Sports Inc., owns and operates the Albany River Rats, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche. Capital District Sports Inc., also provides management services for the Albany Conquest of arenafootball2 out of Pepsi Arena in Albany, NY.

 

[truebluefan]

Rookie defenseman settles in quickly

For most young hockey players, the challenge of training camp is to quickly settle in to a different environment and memorize the names and faces of new teammates.

In rookie defenseman Trevor Hendrikx's case, preseason with Columbus has the familiar feel of a favorite pair of skates. That's what happens when you've attended four years worth of camps before you've even played a game in the organization.

"I've been there long enough. I know a lot of guys there," he said, looking around the Crunch locker room after a recent practice. "It's a welcoming atmosphere. It makes it a lot easier. It's nice to have the experience, but no matter what, it's going to be a big jump to the American Hockey League."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Back to work for Falcons

Just above the exit to the Springfield Falcons locker room is a blue sign that reads "Circle of Trust."

It's from the movie "Meet the Parents," where the wedding ring symbolizes the "Circle of Trust." The parent Tampa Bay Lightning have adopted the saying, and it has trickled down to their top minor league affiliate.

After new coach Steve Stirling put his team through two groups of practice and a spirited intrasquad scrimmage at the MassMutual Center yesterday, it's apparent there's a new attitude in the locker room.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Pirates Training Camp Opens Tuesday

PORTLAND, ME- The Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League will open their 2006 training camp on Tuesday, September 26th at 10:00 a.m. the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, ME. This training camp is one of the earliest in the Pirates history as 23 players are set to hit the ice as the Pirates prepare for their 2006-07 home opener on Friday, October 6th against the Worcester Sharks.

PIRATES TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE: (subject to change)

Tuesday, September 26 10:00 AM Practice at Cumberland County Civic Center

Wednesday, September 27 10:00 AM Practice at Cumberland County Civic Center

Thursday, September 28 10:00 AM Practice at Portland Ice Arena

Friday, September 29 10:00 AM Pre-game skate at Portland Ice Arena 7:00 PM Preseason Game at Tsongas Arena (Lowell, MA)

Saturday, September 30 8:50 AM Practice at Portland Ice Arena

Sunday, October 1 2:00 PM Preseason Game at Cumberland County Civic Center 4:30 PM Welcome Back Party at Cumberland County Civic Center

Monday, October 2 TBD AM Practice at Cumberland Country Civic Center 11:30 AM Crackers Golf Classic at Dunegrass Golf Club

Tuesday, October 3 10:00 AM Practice at Cumberland County Civic Center

Wednesday, October 4 10:00 AM Practice at Cumberland County Civic Center

Thursday, October 5 10:00 AM Practice Cumberland County Civic Center

Friday, October 6 10:00 AM Pre-Game Skate 7:05 PM Home Opener, Pirates vs. Sharks at Cumberland County Civic Center

Saturday, October 9 10:00 AM Pre-game Skate 7:05 PM Pirates vs. Bruins at Cumberland County Civic Center

All practices and scrimmages at the Cumberland County Civic Center are free and open to the public. Media access to players will occur approximately 30 minutes before and after each training session.

In addition to the preseason game, the Pirates will host a "Welcome Back Party" following the game against the Devils. The party begins 15 minutes after the preseason game and is free and open to the public. The festivities will include an autograph session and a post-game Skate with the Team. The party will also feature the broadcast of the New England Patriots game at 4:15 p.m. on the videoboard. Parking is available for all Pirates home games at the Spring Street garage attached to the Civic Center. The covered garage costs just $4.

Tickets for the Pirates preseason game are on sale now at the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office. Fans can purchase reserved tickets for just $7, while kids (16 and under) will be free. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office at (207) 775-3458. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Season ticket plans for the 2006-07 season are now on sale at the Pirates office, located at 94 Free Street in Portland. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Fans can also purchase tickets over the phone by calling (207) 828-4665 or by e-mailing [email protected]rates.com. Ticket plans start at just $60. Individual tickets go on sale Saturday, September 30, 2006.

 

[truebluefan]

Admirals Open Training Camp

NORFOLK, VA - Today, the Norfolk Admirals opened their seventh AHL training camp, as 23 players reported to Scope for physicals and equipment assignment.

Additional players will join the squad as they arrive from Chicago in the coming days. Following their 5-2 victory over Minnesota on Sunday, the Blackhawks re-assigned Colin Fraser, Troy Brouwer, Craig MacDonald, Chris Durno (signed by the Blackhawks today) and Corey Crawford to Norfolk.

From the forward ranks, the Admirals welcome Durno, Carl Corazzini, Martin St. Pierre, MacDonald, Brouwer, Fraser, Bryan Bickell and Adam Berti (all under NHL contract with the Blackhawks). Also attending are tryouts Fraser Filipic, Ivan Novolseltsev, Sean McMorrow, Gregg Johnson, Scott Sheppard, Kyle McAllister, Chris Blight, Danny White, Andre Gill, Scott Corbett and Mark Hurtubise.

On defense are David Koci and Jordan Hendry (with Chicago contracts), Steve Munn and Mitch Maunu (with Admirals AHL Standard Players Contracts), and tryouts Scott Ford, Jerramie Domish, Michael Schutte, Peter Kennedy, Dustin VanBallegooie, Johnathon Paiment, and Brandon Rogers.

In net, Corey Crawford is under NHL contract while Joel Martin, Adam Hanna and Olivier Michaud are attending camp as tryouts.

The Admirals will have on-ice practices at the Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday this week. These practices are open to the public. For a full training camp schedule, visit norfolkadmirals.com.

The Admirals open their seventh season of AHL hockey in Philadelphia on October 6 before heading to Scope for their home opener on Friday, October 13 versus the Springfield Falcons at 7:15 p.m. Season tickets, 20-game plans, ten-packs and group tickets are on sale now through the Admirals' office and through the Admirals' website. For more information, contact the Admirals at (757) 640-1212 or visit them online at norfolkadmirals.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Sharks announce second Street Brigade

WORCESTER -The second session of the Worcester Sharks Street Brigade will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at the Leominster Boys and Girls Club at 4:00 p.m.

The Sharks Street Brigade is an interactive, mobile street hockey experience geared toward elementary school-aged children in order to generate an interest in hockey and make it more accessible to local youth.

Participating schools, community centers and youth organizations can enjoy the mobile rink which consists of one-foot-high light foam boards and allows children to play street hockey in a designated area like a parking lot, blacktop or gymnasium floor free of charge. All that is needed to participate is sneakers and a positive attitude; the Sharks will provide nets, sticks, balls and necessary equipment for goalies.

The Sharks Street Brigade staff will provide professional basic instruction and conduct drills and short scrimmages, or simply provide hours of fun for anyone involved. The scrimmages will be refereed by everyone's favorite mascot, FINZ!!

"This is a fantastic way to get the Worcester Sharks organization more involved with children in the community and we are excited to get it underway," said Sharks President Michael T. Lehr. "It is the Sharks priority to get more kids involved in hockey and this is a great tool to do that."

Each participant receives a ticket to a Worcester Sharks home game and promo items. Members of the Sharks coaching staff and/or team will also be on hand, schedule permitting.

For information on how you can have the Sharks Street Brigade visit your school, community center or youth organization, please contact Mike Myers at [email protected] or 508-929-0528.

 

[truebluefan]

Flames Assign McElhinney To Omaha

Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that the Calgary Flames, their National Hockey League affiliate, have assigned goaltender Curtis McElhinney to Omaha. The announcement was made by Flames' General Manager Darryl Sutter. McElhinney will join 26 other players at Knights' Training Camp which began Monday with the first on-ice session at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.

The Flames now have 30 players remaining in training camp: three goalies, nine defensemen and 18 forwards.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights preseason culminates in two games against the Iowa Stars this weekend. The Knights will host the Stars on Saturday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic. They'll venture to Des Moines to play the Stars on Sunday, October 1st at 5:05 p.m. General admission tickets for the home pre-season game are just $5 and are on sale all week at the Civic box office and through Ticketmaster.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' 2006-07 season begins on Friday, October 6th when they visit the Peoria Rivermen. They will host their home opener on Friday, October 20th when they welcome the Syracuse Crunch at 7:00 p.m. The first 5,000 fans will receive a magnetic schedule courtesy of Alegent Health. The complete season schedule can be found on-line at omahaaksarbenknights.com.

Season tickets and 22-Game Mini Plans for the 2006-2007 season are on sale now. Season tickets start as low as $10 per seat per game. For more information on pricing and benefits, visit the Knights' office at the Omaha Civic Auditorium or call (402) 344-4625. Ticket information is also available on-line at omahaaksarbenknights.com.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights are currently offering a special on group tickets. Any group of 15 or more that purchases tickets for the home opener, for Saturday, November 4th or Saturday, December 16th will receive complementary tickets in the same seating area for another game during the season. The seats must be reserved and a deposit placed by October 1st.

 

[truebluefan]

River Rats to open training camp Tuesday

Albany, N.Y. - The Albany River Rats will open its 2006-07 American Hockey League training camp at Pepsi Arena Tuesday, September 26, starting at 12:00 p.m.

The River Rats will begin training camp with 37 players on their roster, including players assigned by the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche, the development partner of the Hurricanes.

Head coach and General Manager Tom Rowe will be available to meet with the media after each practice session. Player locker rooms are open to the media at the conclusion of each practice session.

All training camp sessions at Pepsi Arena are open to the public. Please refer to the practice schedule for more detailed information on practices.