Hartford’s 24 game season kicks off this Sunday as the Wolf Pack host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on opening day. The AHL will go through a shortened season that will end in early May.
The season may continue afterwards if the league agrees to a playoffs. As of now, those discussions will occur at a later date. This would be the second season that the Calder Cup will not be rewarded if it doesn’t change.
I expect to see games throughout the season postponed. The question will be how long would will it extend the season? Time will tell. The Pack’s roster will be expanded this season to limit delays.
Wolf Pack preseason action
Hartford originally was slated to play two preseason games. That did not happen as the game on February 1st was cancelled due to the snowstorm. Kris Knoblauch’s crew had one game to prep for the upcoming season against Bridgeport and Providence.
In their first game since March of 2020, the Wolf Pack returned to an empty XL Center last Sunday. The Bruins had an early jump scoring 2:46 into the game on Huska.
Providence would score again on their power play as Ty Ronning was in the box for hooking. In the third period on the power play, Jonny Brodzinski capitalized on an opportunity to cut the deficit to one. Providence scored on the empty net wrapped up the contest.
The club rolled out the following lines:
Tim Gettinger – Jonny Brodzinski – Anthony Greco
Morgan Barron – Justin Richards – Patrick Newell
Alex Whelan – Patrick Khodorenko – Austin Rueschhoff
Will Cullye – Michael O’Leary – Ty Ronning
Tarmo Reunanen – Vincent LoVerde
Brandon Crawley – Braden Schneider
Steven Ruggiero – Zach Guittari
Adam Huska / Francois Brassard
You can view further game stats here.
AHL, PHPA agree on CBA modifications for 2020-21 season
The modified CBA agreement is for only the shortened season. Players will have a modified pay structure to allow them having better financial conditions. In recent weeks, there was concern on player financials as the previous pay structure was not equipped enough for living situations for players. You can view more about the changes here in Tony Androckitis’s article here.
Upcoming Schedule
Hartford will play two games next week. After Hartford’s opening night, the Pack will travel on the road for two games. The crew will have a total of five regular season games in February.
Sunday, February 7th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Islanders) at 1pm, XL Center
Thursday, February 11th at Providence Bruins at 1pm, New England Sports Center
Wednesday, February 17th at Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 1pm, Webster Bank Arena
Where to watch or listen
For the 2020-21 season, all games will be on AHLTV. Voice of the Wolf Pack Bob Crawford will be on air for each game.
You can also listen to every game on here as the club stream games on Mixlr.
You are able to catch the Wolf Pack for FREE this Sunday on AHLTV! The service is doing a “freeview” for all games between February 5th – 8th.
Game on.
