Photo: Doug Kerr/flickr

Editors Note: Everyone please welcome William Rogers who will be covering the Whale for Black & Blueshirts going forward! You can find him on twitter at @bigbillrog.

Hey everyone, I am going to be contributing to Black and Blueshirts as a fan, and follower, of the CT Whale (Rangers AHL Affiliate).

FIRST and foremost, I am not someone who is by any means a professional, I am a FAN. I am a fan of the CT hockey scene, a season ticket holder for the Whale, and the New York Rangers (even after the loss in NJ, which I expect Chris Christie and Marty Brodeur are celebrating over a few dozen doughnuts from some dirty half tanning salon half  bakery)

I will only be writing as a fan, with my own opinion, and being in CT, bringing you (NY Rangers fans) inside information on the AHL affiliate, through observation- BOOM-

Now, let my first Black and Blue (and Whaler green) post be about the situation in Hartford. I am going to break this down simple, since it is not portrayed as a simple thing, on any news outlet, any hockey site, or any bathroom stall at the XL Center.

***The CAPITAL REGION DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CRDA) is going to make a decision on which of the bidders, will own and operate the XL center. This decision is said to be made this week.***

» Continue reading “The Hartford Hockey Scene Explained”

Even though summer vacation has begun for the Rangers players, it hasn’t for the front office as the Rangers work to lock up their prospects.

First it was Jesper Fast (drafted as Jesper Fasth, I have no idea what happened to the “h”). He was signed to an entry level deal on Tuesday. What do we know about Fast?

• He was a 6^th round pick for the Rangers in 2010, 157^th overall.
• He played in the 2011 World Junior Championships scoring six points in six games (4 goals, 2 assists).
• He has played the last two seasons for HV 71 of the Swedish Elite League posting 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) over the two years.
• Last year he was hampered by a broken ankle which sidelined him for four months contributing to the low totals (only played 21 games).
• He is expected to go back to the SEL next year and then come to the States during the 2013-2014 season.

On Wednesday, it was forward Marek Hrivik who wasn’t even part of the organization at the start of the calendar year.  He was signed to an ATO on March 30^th after finishing his junior season in the QMJHL and never looked back.  What else do we know about Hrivik?

• He was undrafted (way to go scouting crew!) but has had two NHL tryouts – the Blue Jackets in 2010 and the Coyotes in 2011. Obviously he didn’t sign with either team. Will be interesting to see if the Rangers managed to find another gem everyone else overlooked.
• He played in the 2009 and 2011 World Junior Championships for Slovakia.
• He has played 179 career games in the QMJHL recording 204 points (93 goals, 111 assists).
• In nine playoff games with the Whale, he led the team with five goals and tied for team lead in points with nine points (Casey Wellman).
• He is expected to start the season in Connecticut but could definitely push for a spot with the Rangers in training camp.

Should be interesting to see if these two make it to the NHL.  Of my limited time watching the Whale, I would not be surprised to see Hrivic there at some point next season.  Maybe a mid-season call-up like Hagelin?  Either way, future is definitely bright on Broadway!