Wolf Pack Watch: Braden Schneider returns to WHL, and prospects impress in last week’s action

After games against Bridgeport and Providence, the Wolf Pack found themselves performing well out of the gate. Rangers prospect Tarmo Reunanen has been terrific and has a goal in the last two games. Morgan Barron also looked sharp on the weekend.

Meanwhile, Keith Kinkaid played in both games recording a shutout against Providence. Hartford registered nine goals in the last two games, while giving up just two.

Tarmo Reunanen Transitions to North American Ice

The prized Rangers defenseman has made an noticeable impact in two games thus far. The prospect registered two goals and one assist with a +/- rating of +2.

Offensively, Reunanen is assertive and is not afraid to help the club on the offensive blue line. On defense, he is making strides and has as well rounded game. I was impressed with the immediate impact the prospect had, considering the change of pace on the AHL level and a smaller ice setting. He’s adjusted well and adapted quickly.

Braden Schneider Returns to Juniors

braden Schneider
Braden Schneider (WHL)

After a two game stint with Hartford, defenseman Braden Schneider was released from his Standard Player Contract (SPC). He will be sent back to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL as they will begin playing next month.

Normally junior players are unable to play in the AHL. This season was a different case and junior players were able to play in the league until their respective junior leagues started up again.

Schneider registered one assist in last Thursday’s game against Providence. The prospect has showed potential in his game and I was happy to see that he was able to get his feet wet within the organization. He has showed some nice stick work, and defensively his game was decent. Small sample size considered, he looks like a very promising prospect.

Wolf Pack Lines

Kris Knoblauch lines through the first two games were nearly identical. However, there was a minor tweak. Anthony Greco’s first game was last Thursday while Justin Richards went out the lineup. Here are the lines from the last game.

Brodzinski-Barron-Thompson
Fontaine-Gettinger-Newell
Khordorenko-Greco-Dmowski
O’Leary-Cullye-Rueschhoff

LoVerde-Schneider
Reunanen-Raddysh
Sieloff-Giuttari

Kinkaid

Mason Geertsen was unable to play in the last two games as he was serving a three game suspension from last season. He was only able to serve one game before the shutdown.

Additional scratches include:

  • Ty Ronning
  • Alex Whelan
  • Jake Elmer
  • Brandon Crawley
  • Dylan Garand (Goalie)
  • Jeff Taylor

Upcoming Schedule

Hartford has 22 games remaining on the docket. The club has two games this week, followed by one game next week.

Wednesday, February 17th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 1pm, Webster Bank Arena

  • This is the 2nd of 12 meetings on the season. Hartford won the first game on 2/7 by a score of 5-2.
  • Bridgeport is 0-3 on the season and has been outscored 14-6.
  • Radio coverage: Bridgeport’s Mixlr.
  • To watch: AHLTV.

Sunday, February 21st vs Providence Bruins at 1pm, XL Center

  • This is the 2nd of 12 meetings on the season. Hartford won the first game by the score of 4-0.
  • Providence is 2-1 in the season. They have outscored the opponent by 9-8
  • Radio coverage: Hartford’s Mixlr.
  • To watch: AHLTV.
  • Game coverage: Milliner06.

Saturday, February 27th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 1pm, XL Center

  • The third meeting of the season.
  • Radio coverage: Hartford’s Mixlr.
  • To watch: AHLTV.
  • Game coverage: Milliner06.

Pack Tracks

  • Tarmo Reunanen and Jonny Brodzinski lead the team in points (3).
  • Morgan Barron, Zach Giuttari, Paul Thompson, and Jonny Brodzinski lead the team in +/- of +3.
  • Keith Kinkaid is 2-0 with a goals against average of 1 with a .962 save percentage.
  • Hartford’s power play is two for seven. They have converted at 28.6%.
  • Hartford’s penalty kill is a perfect four of four.

Ricky Milliner is a Hartford Wolf Pack season ticket holder. While growing up, he discovered hockey by attending a... More about Ricky Milliner

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