AHL Weekly Roundup: Hershey Bear Chris Bourque Has Made Milestones this Week With 600 Points and an All-Star Captain Title, Hartford Wolf Pack’s Tanner Glass is Looking for an NHL Return, the 2017 AHL All-Star Captains Announced and More!
Welcome to the AHL weekly roundup. Here you’ll find the weekly headlines, matchups and standings for your favorite NHL affiliate teams. Catch up with the weekly happenings of the American Hockey League world.
The Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) won all three of their matchups in the last week, including a 9-1 blowout victory against the Texas Stars (DAL). The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI) posted a similar record with three wins, including a huge 7-1 win against the Providence Bruins (BOS). Another impressive streak from the last week is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT). The Penguins brought home three wins and, much like their affiliate in Pittsburgh, is in the top three of their division.
AHL Weekly Headlines
Chris Bourque, Ryan Craig Named 2017 All-Star Captains
Hershey Bear Chris Bourque and Cleveland Monster (CBJ) Ryan Craig have been named the 2017 AHL All-Star Game. The two forwards were chosen by the League president for recognition for their outstanding play, leadership and service. [AHL.com]
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Frank Vatrano Recalled by Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have recalled forward Frank Vatrano since the player had been cleared for play on Dec. 16. Vatrano, since returning from injury, has scored two goals in two games with Providence and has a plus-minus of +2. [Chowder and Champions]
Tanner Glass Pushing for NHL Return
The Hartford Wolf Pack’s (NYR) Tanner Glass is pushing for a return to the NHL, with the Rangers “or someone else.” Glass has five goals and seven points in 25 games with Hartford and has been a standout player for the team. Now, the veteran is itching for an NHL return. [NBC Sports]
Chris Bourque Notches 600 Points
Bourque has become the 46th player in the AHL to notch 600 points. The forward notched the final points last week in Hershey’s loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. [AHL.com]
Action-Packed Atlantic Division
The AHL’s Atlantic Division has been just as competitive as the NHL’s Metropolitan Division. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Hershey Bears are proving the Atlantic Division is probably the AHL’s best and most competitive. [NHL.com]
Checking the Division Leaders
Atlantic Division: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (.759 PCT).
North Division: Syracuse Crunch (.673 PCT).
Central Division: Milwaukee Admirals (.740 PCT).
Pacific Division: Stockton Heat (.708 PCT).
Matchups to See This Week
The Milwaukee Admirals will visit the Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. EST. The matchup will be an action-packed 1st and 2nd place Central Division matchup, therefore this is a game you don’t want to miss.
The San Antonio Rampage (COL) and the Texas Stars will also face off on Dec.21 in a 7:30 p.m. CST. The two state home teams will rematch again the next day, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. While the teams are in the bottom half of the Pacific Division, the state matchup (and rematch) will be a good watch.
Next: NHL Rookies Expected to Make the 2017 All-Star Game
Another state matchup to see is the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI). Much like their New York affiliates (and rivals) the two Connecticut teams share a home and make for an action-packed matchup. Though neither team is leading the standings, it can still make for a challenging and exciting game.