The big club is back, but what does that mean for their AHL affiliate? (Photo:ndotetim/flickr)

NHL fans got a belated holiday present on Three Kings Day: an agreement between the league and the NHLPA that would give them back hockey at the highest level. NHL teams are operating on all cylinders, and the season is expected to begin on January 19.

The problem with this, however, is that there are now bound to be teams in other states, leagues and countries who will stand to lose from the lockout ending. The biggest loser? The American Hockey League, where many rookies and restricted free agents were banished to just prior to the work stoppage in September.

» Continue reading “Does “Game On” Mean “Game Over” for Bridgeport?”

Casey Cizikas scored his first two goals of the season in the Sound Tigers’ high-scoring win over Connecticut. (Photo: TheAHL/flickr)

In what was a topsy-turvy evening to say the least, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers finally escaped with a 6-4 win over the Connecticut Whale in their season opener in Hartford.

The Whale jumped out to a 2-0 lead during the first period on goals by Kris Newbury and Kyle Jean (penalty shot), but in the second and third frame, the Tigers dominated with a six-goal rally spearheaded by Casey Cizikas (two goals) and Nino Niederreiter (one goal, two assists). Brock Nelson, John Persson and Brandon DeFazio also scored, and Kirill Kabanov earned his first two AHL points (both assists).

In the third period, after some incredible work to limit the Whale’s chances and keep them hemmed in their own zone, Bridgeport slipped up just a bit. Some undisciplined play led to power play chances for Connecticut, which allowed Mike Vernace to score on a 5-on-3 and Newbury to score his second PPG of the night. Bridgeport would rebound, however, keeping the Whale to the outside and being aggressive on the puck, and seal the win.

The Sound Tigers had lots of contribution in terms of scoring; six different players had multiple points tonight, among them the aforementioned Niederreiter but also defenseman Travis Hamonic (three assists). It was a shooting gallery for each of the goalies, but each held steady. Poulin finished with 27 saves on 31 shots, while Jason Missiaen was peppered but stopped 33 shots over two period. Scott Stajcer stopped six of seven in relief during the third period. (complete stats here)

You can read the Sound Tigers’ official recap here, and check out the current roster here. They play again tomorrow night against Providence in their home opener at 7 pm, and the Islanders’ website will be broadcasting the game (as it did tonight).

Let’s go, Bridgeport!

I’ll start this post by saying congratulations to the Shawinigan Cataractes on winning the Memorial Cup on Sunday night against the London Knights in OT. Kirill Kabanov, an Isles prospect, is on the Cataractes’ roster; he posted five points (1 G, 5 A) in six games.

In actual Isles news, John Persson has agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with the squad. The Swedish winger was drafted by the Isles 125th overall in 2011, and has posted 130 points in 200 games over three seasons with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL (63 G, 67 A). He also debuted with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this season and posted eight points (4 G, 4 A) in 12 regular-season games (no points in two playoff games). Persson has also played on the international stage for his native Sweden. At 6’2, 212 pounds, Persson is a sizable forward and (according to Eliteprospects.com) is willing to do the dirty work in order to score. (Fun fact: He has three brothers, all with “J” names — Jonathan, Johnas and Johan — who play in Sweden.)

You can read more about Persson here, and the Cataractes and Kabanov here. (Lighthouse Hockey)