Binghamton Senators: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Teka England

How many more of these do I have to do? Fifteen? Oh. Well, at least one Conference is out of the way. Seventeen days to do fifteen teams?

Binghamton missed the playoffs last year, and have been eliminated in the first round twice since they won the Calder Cup in 2011. It isn't for a lack of trying, they have had only one losing season since that championship. They have been habitually in the upper-middle of the pack and that will keep them in the mix. They will be on the edge of another playoff run, but the question is will they have the energy to get back into it?

Home Opener: Oct. 10
Opponent:Albany Devils
Analysis: Binghamton finished right at .500 last year, and Albany was above .500 but was still ranked in a division ranked fourth out of five. Albany had one good year and was coming down from the high, I think they go back to winning less than half their games. This should be a fun way to start the season with with what is potentially an easy win and something Binghamton fans should be to see.

Opponents:

1. Rochester Americans
Rochester is a pretty consistent team in regards to annual performance, and it aligns well with how the Binghamton Senators. Since Binghamton doesn't have any carry over this year in regards to divisional rivals, Rochester should be an interesting match-up. Plus, living in Albany, you have an interesting mix of NHL teams competing for attention, including Rochester's big brother, the Buffalo Sabres. They play ten times.

2. Syracuse Crunch
Syracuse is the team that Binghamton has registered the most fights against. They're a comparable team  If you love hockey fights, keep an eye out for the Crunch games. Five home matches, ten times total.

3. Utica Comets
I'm starting to buy into the Comets. They have done nothing but get better. Is there a good chance your team might lose? Yes, but a tough fought victory is a fruit that is all the more ripe and sweet. Four match-ups at home and eight total match-ups

4. St. Johns IceCaps
If there is a team that Binghamton will have to get through to secure a play-off spot, it will be the new look IceCaps, whom is also a big brother rival. I think the IceCaps will look to improve, and they are the comparable teams that will provide the best hockey. They play eight times, four at home.

5. Toronto Marlies
This is another play-off favorite. If Binghamton wants to make it to the play-offs they will have to go through the them or at least keep up with them, and that means getting a few wins against them. They have six chances to get wins against them, three at home.

SOS: Schedule - Fan Support

We as fans need to step up if we want the AHL to get better. Let me explain.

This needs to happen more often. And this was in Bridgeport!
Creative Commons: Andrew Gardecki

People need to buy into the AHL so they can get a better product. Think of it as pumping energy into a machine. The more you pump in, the more you get. The more sugar in your system, the bigger the sugar rush.

The Utica Comets in this instance are the ideal franchise. They have a legitimate fan base. The result is they have seemingly worked out a fairly well balanced schedule. They have a better travel budget, they can have better variety of opponents and can diversify their product while still building up rivalries without saturating an opponent. How are they able to do this? Fan support.

The fans bought in, showing it through 17 sell out home games. Utica is on rise and its because of what the fans can do to help galvanize the team, pump money back into the system and demand attention be paid to the way the team is managed and run. And because of that, the organization seems to be listening, and in a year where I am prepared to declare Utica a heavy favorite to win the East, it makes it more important.

And Utica's situation is a perfect example of things I've already been saying. They have rivalries. They have history, to a point. They are in a market that isn't saturated by an NHL team. The home town can call them their own. And it all works perfectly. Utica is so important to that community that it will help drive the success of the community and ultimately help make Vancouver a contender, if the Comets aren't made the more valuable piece of the franchise through whatever championships they win.

But, those factors also worked because of the X-Factor they couldn't control which is the fan support. Fans bought it. If you are an AHL fan, and want your team to succeed, you need to be a maniac about these things. You need to bring friends to games, you need to talk the team up, build up hatred for other teams. Get others to drink the Kool-Aid.

The AHL will be a better product if the fans show that they want one. Just take the leap of faith and let's hope that the AHL reads all the right cues.

St. John's Ice Caps: Games To Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Old IceCaps Vs, New IceCaps: A little on the nose, huh?
Creative commons: Zach Bonnell

St. John's has a new affiliate, and its a doozy. Admittedly, when I look at the Ice Caps I don't immediately think of the Canadiens the way I would for other teams. I'm hoping that this means I can be objective about the IceCaps without my immense hatred of the Canadiens stand in my way. Life as a Bruins fan who is blogging about the AHL for no real reason can be difficult like that. That said, last year, the Bulldogs didn't make the play-offs either. Probably because they were too busy hanging out with all of their celebrity friends. Then again, neither did the Ice Caps and they don't really have an excuse.  However, with a new look comes optimism and St. Johns certainly could be hungry to improve, especially as the new look team tries to forge its own new path. Of course, I'm not sure if they even have internet out in St. Johns, so if you're a St. Johns fan, are you even reading this?

Home Opener: October 17
Opponent: Rochester Americans
Analysis: It's a delayed start to the home season, but that is going to be the IceCaps season in a nutshell. Long road trips, long home stands, so its like two weeks on two weeks off. Its the only way they can do it really, so if you're a fan be prepared to binge and purge the hell out of this team because you have no other options.

Opponents:

1. Toronto Marlies
For reasons explained earlier on this blog, The Toronto Marlies are probably the best rival for the new look IceCaps. They are also an original six affiliate team that is a massive rival to big brother. While St, Johns is a lot further away than the two big brothers, (a two hour flight) there aren't many teams near St. Johns so beggars can't be choosers. 

2. Portland Pirates
Geographically speaking, this is the closest opponent St. Johns has. While there are lots of reasons for a rivalry, proximity is usually a good starting point. They only play four times, and aren't a divisional opponent, but really, they are the closest thing they have to competition. Ok, maybe I'm just talking this up too much now, but historically speaking, they were a divisional opponent last year, and all that bad blood just doesn't go away because of new alignment, affiliations and teams.

3. Utica Comets
They play last years Calder Cup finalists eight times. If the New Look IceCaps want to make their mark in this division, Utica is a good place to start. And as fans, you want to see your team take on the best and pull it off. That is how teams get swagger. So these are great bonding experiences for fans and great games to watch if you feel your team has momentum.

4. Binghamton Senators

Another classic NHL rivalry, and being in the same division means another good AHL rivalry. They play eight times. Let your love of big brother help feed your love of the little brother in these games, and expect that the AHL divisions will help make these games important.

5. Rochester Americans

I could talk some more about NHL rivalries, the 60th season, and so forth but let me simplify it. Americans vs Canadiens. Amerks and Habs. Now that is a hell of a nationalistic match up. Eight games. Four at home.

Utica Comets: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

The Utica Comets are another one of those historical teams I would designate part of the AHL "original six." They started off in Quebec as the Beavers in the 30s but spent most of their years in Springfield MA, helping make the region home to the AHL, building its rivalry with Providence and subsequently Hartford, while winning seven Calder Cups. Of course, that was in Springfield, and the Comets have only been in Utica the past two years, where they haven't won anything. Last year Utica got close but stumbled against Manchester and lost in the finals in five games. However, with a new conference, and a pretty passionate fan base, Utica should be a fun team to watch this year.

Home Opener: October 27

Opponent: Rochester Americans

Analysis: Opening against a historical and divisional opponent like the Americans is a great way to open at home, even if it is a delayed home opener. But if you don't already have your tickets, don't bother. First two games at home are already sold out. It's a passionate fan base up there I guess and they are eager for a Calder Cup. It kinda makes me nervous about trying to figure out who the biggest rivals to this team are, but I think I can make some pretty good guesses...

Opponents

1. Binghamton Senators

Last year Binghamton ended the year against Utica 3-3 with all the losses coming in overtime. That says to me that they're pretty evenly matched and should lead to some good games this year. It also should help that Binghamton leads the top of Utica's fight charts. While Utica is far from Syracuse in regards to fight totals, its a good sign that these games will have a little extra heat. They play each other eight times total.

2. Toronto Marlies

Are they a New York team? No, but like Binghamton Toronto is pretty evenly matched. They also went .500 for wins/losses last year and made the play-offs. They will be the team the Comets might most have to contend with for a play-off spot so in terms of AHL parity, these match ups will be pretty even and fun to watch. They also play each other eight times total, four times at home.

3. Rochester Americans

Another historical team, and the Rochester Americans will be hungry for ways to make their 60th year special. I think Rochester is also very aware that the road to the Cup will probably go through Utica and so expect these games to have a lot of heat and passion The fact that the first of the eight times they played are sold out is a good sign that there will be a lot of energy during these match ups.

4. Albany Devils

Albany is kinda like that bad team that knocks mediocre teams out of the play-offs late in a season. In the past they kinda have ruined a lot of things. They beat Utica in their first ever home opener, when Gordie Howe dropped the puck and the won every game against Utica last year. Hell, Utica has never beaten the Albany Devils, and that is saying something. It's like how the Canadiens could be absolute garbage and still win against a top seeded Bruins team. They're just in the heads of the team. Luckily this year Utica gets more chances than ever to beat the Devils with eight match ups, four at home.

5. (Tie) Springfield Falcons/Hartford Wolf Pack

This one is all about history. They face off against the teams they once called a rival and a team from where they once called home. Granted is there any real history or rivalry? No, but if you're a hockey history buff, these games should be fun. You can pretend its the 1930s and drive up in a Ford Model T before seeing formerly Springfield take on Formerly Providence. They face off against both Springfield and Hartford four times each, for a grand total of eight times. (Utica might have the most balanced schedule in all of the AHL.)

@TheFalconsAHL @WolfPackAHL @DMeczywor But wait... Is that...THAT'S THE @UTICACOMETS' MUSIC! pic.twitter.com/TWY5oG4f6K

— Seth D (@The_Hockey_Prof) September 15, 2015

Utica Fans doing their thing, inserting themselves into every conversation... #CometsArmy

Albany Devils: Games to Gun for

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: James DiBianco

Since moving from Lowell, the Albany Devils have only made the play-offs once. And they got knocked out in the first round. So if you're in Albany, the Devils might not be the biggest rally-horn for you. You might be more interested in the other teams around you. Seriously, Bridgeport has more playoff appearances since the move. If Bridgeport is the Cleaveland Browns of the AHL, Albany would be the Jaguars. Which means they should try to be hungry to compete, though in the words of Homer Simpson, "Trying is the first step towards failure."

Home Opener: 10/24
Opponent: Portland Pirates
Albany might have the roughest of the rough in terms of schedules this year. Not necessarily because of opponents, though there should be plenty of good competition, but because their home opener is a non-divisional opponent two weeks into the season. It's as though they decided, "Well, we don't play at home the ninth or tenth, let's just not play at home. This may help them later down the stretch but it doesn't feel like a home opener, and shouldn't be treated as such.

Opponents:
As I said in my Bridgeport Sound Tigers Games to Gun For Everyone. Everyone is a rival because you need to take that first step and over take one person to have a rivalry. Albany won't be showing up on anybody else's list in this division (outside of recommendations to see an easy win) mostly because they haven't been competitive, so they have to prove me wrong and make it worth it.

1. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Am I reading the schedule right? Do the Albany Devils face the Sound Tigers, a non-divisional opponent eight times? Eight? The reason you want to see these games, its a comedy of errors. Two teams perennially ranked last in their divisions facing off. If there ever was a race for last place in the league, these two are top competitors. It's the toilet bowl, eight times. It almost makes me want to re-rank the Sound Tigers Opponents.

2. Syracuse Crunch
This team is the only divisional hold over from last year for the Albany Devils. Plus its a play off team, so its always good to unseat a team you know to be competitive. As a bonus, both the Sound Tigers and the Crunch led the league in fights last year. There is a good chance you will see one by targeting any of these match ups. They see each other eight times.

3. Utica Comets
They face off eight times, and of all the divisional rivals, they are the most highly skilled, placing second in the league in points last year. If there is anyone you want to take out, its the guy at the top and a Pyrrhic victory is still a form of victory.

4. St. Johns Ice Caps
I may be ragging on the Devils for being perrenial losers, but in the conference standings they had ten game points over the Ice caps. Granted that was the old Ice Caps, but if nothing ever really changes, then these eight games might be the best chance to see a win. Some how I doubt it, the new Ice Caps affiliate tends to be pretty good.

5. Binghamton Senators
They face off an odd nine(?) times and haven't changed dramatically since last year. When I talk about how comparable hockey means entertaining and watchable hockey, this is what I mean. These two teams are probably the best match up as far as comparability goes and your best chance at seeing a nice pair of evenly matched teams go at it.

Rochester Americans: Games to Gun for

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Non-commercial / Fair use,
  Amerks Hockey twitter

As I have mentioned before, the Rochester Americans are a historical AHL team. This year they are celebrating their 60th anniversary as a franchise. They have six Calder Cups, one for every decade the franchise has been around, however its been exactly a decade since they've seen more than one opponent in the post season. This is certainly a trend the Sabres Affiliate would hope to amend. Making the playoffs is nice and all, but its also nice to make it past your first round. Fun fact, Rochester, Utica, Hershey, Milwaukee, Iowa, Binghamton, Portland, Manitoba and San Antonio are all older than their NHL counterparts. Hartford Wolf Pack was founded the same year as the Rangers, along with a few other expansion teams that formed the same year as their affiliate. That means greater than 1/3 of the AHL is as old, if not older than their NHL team. For a league as volatile as the AHL, that says a lot about both the NHL and the AHL...

Home opener: October 9

Opponent: Lake Erie Monsters

Analysis: The Amerks open up their historic season at home against a non-divisional opponent. This is what eats me up on the inside. I think the opening game of the season, one where the team will be celebrating opening its 60th year would be so important and should be a game you go to. However...

Opponents.

1. Utica Comets

This is by far the superior match up. Utica is one of the teams I consider to be an original six team, and the salt in the wound is that they play the next night. It's such a huge oversight and a flaw in the schedule that it actually upsets me. I'm sad that the Americans don't get to open against the best opponent, a historical AHL match up, for their historical season. I'm very tempted to say, no, that game against the Monsters is just an exhibition match and this is the true home opener. Blow off game one, and make Game 2 the true start to your season. Then watch as the comets face off eleven more times (five at home for the Americans). Help make the season special by watching two teams who have been around for a long time face off.

2.  St. Johns Ice Caps

Follow up that history with more History. St. Johns has been around for a while too you know. And to make that sweeter, they are the Canadiens affiliate. Even more history, and an NHL rival of the Sabres. History, passion, and competition are the three magic words that make hockey be beautiful. See them at home up to four times, or travel to see them all eight.

3. Syracuse Crunch

Another one of my AHL original six opponents makes the list! They meet ten times, five of those will be at home. As I talked about on the Crunch games to gun for blog, expect fights.

4. 5. 6. Hershey Bears, Hartford Wolf Pack, Springfield Falcons

I'm going off the beaten path a bit here, and for the rest of the blog. Normally I would say, make it about the division rivalries, but I think in a historic season, getting to see historic opponents outweigh that true blue rivalry. Sure, you can have a good time watching them go up against Albany, ect, but as I mentioned before and could rehash my original six blog, make these games a priority. They face the Bears once at home, Hartford twice at home, Falcons once at home.

Syracuse Crunch: Games to Gun For

Syracuse Crunch's Favorite Activity
Creative Commons: CMBfoto

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

The Crunch have a bit of a reputation as being big fighters. Or at least the numbers paint that. This is in large contrast to their affiliate, the Tampa Bay lightning which is perhaps better known as a high skill, finesse team. Perhaps its just a matter of location, Tampa Bay is far removed from upstate New York, where the fans tend to me more... well... passionate. (The nice way of saying drunk.) Unlike other AHL teams where Big Brother can help play a role in the rivalries, the Crunch are all alone where they are, meaning their rivalries are pure AHL.

Home opener: October 17

Opponent: Binghamton Senators

The Crunch start the season on the road against the Phantoms, but come home not to shortly after. Luckily its only one week, and one game so they should be plenty rested for a match against a divisional rival. Stay thirsty Syracuse, bring the heat and be ready to fight.

Opponents:

1. Rochester Americans

There are a few reasons why this team is the top of the list. The first is they are a divisional rival. Rochester is also a historical AHL team. Finally, Buffalo Sabres are their affiliate. Oh, and the bonus, the team the Crunch have the most fights against? Americans. The ten times they face off against eachother, including the five times at home should have something for everyone, from the NHL fans, to the local AHL fans, casual or hardcore. 

2. St. Johns Ice Caps

This a divisional rival and a Buffalo Sabres rival (And Tamba Bay Psuedo-rival) through the Montreal Canadiens. Granted the fight numbers are a little lower, I'm sure that just means the Crunch will need to catch up as they aim for number one fight total. They face of four times at home, eight times total.

3. Binghamton Senators

Really, most of the teams from upstate New York are going to be great rivals, the Senators meet ten times, five at each arena, Oh, and number 2 in the total fight count.

4. Toronto Marlies

Toronto is a good rival to both the Sabres and the Crunch. Its a nice middle of the pack rivalry, not too many fights but enough. Think of the Marlies as the team you see when maybe you want to see a decent hockey game without a fight, well, then the four home games against the Marlies might be a good chance.

5. Bridgeport Sound Tigers

I bet you were thinking I was going to go with the sensible choice, the safe choice if you will, and say the Albany Devils? You were wrong. Instead I went with the out of division team that they only play once at home. Why? One reason: Fights. In 2014 The Bridgeport Sound Tigers lead the league in fights, Syracuse was second. Bridgeport and Syracuse have frequently been at or near the top. So for two games this year, you have the biggest fighters in the league all together. 

Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

PA Announcer @joewowk is ready for Phantoms hockey. Are you? https://t.co/2kPcHKoMJw #RiseUp 10.10.15 pic.twitter.com/aAMIejTDZb

— LehighValleyPhantoms (@LVPhantoms) September 11, 2015

Normally I find a real picture, but the tweet really says it best this time

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are the last team in the North Division I have to cover here for Games to Gun for. Let's face it, its Flyers all around in that area. Your rivals are Flyers rivals. Your fan base, all Flyers, and luckily, the affiliate team is also the Flyers. Now, typically I'm not as big of a fan of such market saturation, but the team is far enough away to make it work, if you can get fans to buy in to either one or the other. Last year, the Phantoms failed to make the playoffs, settling for the low end of the spectrum at 13 in the conference, and only topping the Norfolk Admirals  in their (then) division. This year their slogan is Rise up (#RiseUP) which is a good goal because placing worse in their division would mean that the Bridgeport Sound Tigers did something better than you.

Home Opener: October 10
Opponent: Syracuse Crunch
Analysis: Hmmm how sweet this match up is. The Flyers have a reputation of being thuggish in the league, and the Crunch have been in the top five for most fights in the past three years. If you like hard hitting hockey, then I can't think of how perfect this match up should be. If there ever was a chance you might see an all out brawl on opening weekend, this game might be it. 

Opponents:
1. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Local rivals, national rivals, twelve match ups, six at home. This is a great rivalry on all levels. The match ups at the national level, the match ups at the AHL level, they are never not rivals. As a Phantoms fan, you hate the Penguins. Penguins hate you. Hate equates to strong emotional play and strong emotional play is what makes for a great game.

2. Hershey Bears
Capitals are also a good Flyers rival, but not as big as the Penguins, and so forth. But Hershey is also a huge rivalry at the AHL level. They face each other twelve times as well, six times at home. A good chance to face off against the NHL rival, a local rival and good historic team while you're at it.

3. Hartford Wolf Pack
At the risk of repeating myself: Rangers, division, rivalry. That said, it wasn't until recently that the Wolf Pack became a division rival. Sure, the hate might be there, but it isn't there as it is with the previous two teams mentioned. They face six times, three at home.

4, Providence Bruins
There are no shortage of NHL/AHL rivalries in the division. Bruins are another one that has faded a bit in recent years on the Flyers side of things, due to how the competition has developed and competetor has developed, but there should be plenty of residual hate. Plus with the new divisions, it means that the Bruins are another opponent the Phantoms have to try to stand over. They play six times.

5. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Normally I look for an out of division opponent to use at some point, but this one is easy. And it boils down to something said before: Bridgeport Sound Tigers are the worst team in the division. Phantoms were on the verge of being the worst team last year. That means that the Sound Tigers are going to look to over take the Phantoms to not be the worst, and Phantoms have to be afraid of that. Nobody wants to be the team that is the joke. Phantoms have to beat down the Sound Tigers first and foremost to prevent that from happening if they don't do so hot this year.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins: Games to gun for.

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Danielle

The Baby Pens are in a pretty highly contested area for AHL and NHL fans. They are towards the middle of PA where I'm sure the Flyers and the Penguins fans mix, and I'm not entirely familiar with the area, and this admittedly won't be my best work. (NFL season started last nigh and I'm from New England, so it was a state holiday.) But, with the amount of AHL teams in the area, you have plenty of local teams and national teams to drive the love (Or the hate) and the Let's just get into it. 

Home Opener: October 17
Opponent: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Even though its a delayed home opening, this is the best game they could open with. Why?

Opponents:
1. Lehigh Valley Phantoms
It's a perfect storm of NHL and AHL rivals in close proximity to each other. These teams need to hate each other, and the fan bases are probably large enough for each of them that they should be going all out and supporting them and filling in the seats every time they meet. All twelve of these matchups should produce nothing but intense, emotional, entertaining hockey. Book your tickets for the home opener and revel in it.

2. Hershey Bears
The Bears aren't too far either, and as the Capitals affiliate they do pose some NHL edge too. But this is one of those things where proximity should drive rivalry and if you're close to the Baby-Pens, you are probably close enough to know Hershey and feel a geographical rivalry. They play twelve times, six times at home.

3. Providence Bruins
Divisional, and NHL rival. I don't need to tell Penguins fans that they hate the Bruins, and the Bruins hate them. No reason that the six match-ups can't be a nice outlet for that hate.

4. Hartford Wolfpack
Penguins also don't like the Rangers. Do they not like them as much as the Bruins? It's probably pretty close. Plus divisional rival. 

5. Binghamtom Senators
It's nice to see some opponents outside of the division. The Senators play the Penguins six times, including three home games. I haven't done too much looking outside of the Atlantic division, but if you are looking for something more casual where the level of the play will still be heightened by the fact that they will be familiar with each others style. It should lead to better hockey, but not as intense.

Portland Pirates: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Wikimedia Commons

The Portland Pirates have a new affiliate this year to look forward to their new season. Last year Manchester knocked them out of the first round of the playoffs which is a shame because Manchester is now an ECHL team and therefore, no revenge can be exacted. Last year the Panthers had Goalie issues, and if those continue, the Pirates may struggle this year, but at least they aren't partnered with the Arizona Coyotes.

Home Opener: Saturday Oct. 17
Opponent: Hershey Bears
Analysis: Like the Bears, Portland opens on the road, unlike the Bears, Portland comes home much sooner. After one game against Providence, the Pirates come home to face divisional foe Hershey and have a week of rest before doing so. Ice is a little tilted in Portland's favor, but don't take that as a guarantee.

Opponents:
1. Providence Bruins
Last year the Bruins and the Panthers were in a tightly contested wild card race that neither of them won. If things go similarly this year, it could be more of the same, putting extra heat on this rivalry. More importantly they face the Bruins more than any other opponent, so it will be really familiar competition for the fourteen games, evenly matched home and away. Plus, Maine is still mostly Bruins territory if I recall, so its a great chance to see the Bs without a long drive.

2. Springfield Falcons
Last year Pirates were an Arizona Coyotes affiliate. This year the Coyotes are a Falcons affiliate. See where I'm going with this? Not only are they divisional rivals, but some of the players that moved with the Coyotes, will feel right at home. Well, not just because they played there last year, but also because Falcons and Pirates face off twelve times.

3. Utica Comets
They face off four total times, and aren't divisional opponents, Why bother with this game? Because Utica is a classic AHL team some other teams don't get to face off against. Plus I'm sick of writing about the Baby Pens and Phantoms.

4. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
As I mentioned before, Bridgeport has a lot to prove. But if they can't prove it, than the five times they face off in the Cross Insurance Arena have high probability of being wins. And if you want to go to a game, why not try to make it a game you're pretty sure the home team can win.

5. Hartford Wolfpack
They face off ten times and are part of my AHL Original Six. A divisional opponent, with history, whom was a playoff contender last year, and faces off with your team a fair amount? It's a winning combination for good hockey.

AHL original Six

I keep talking about the AHL "original six," but in reality, there are no historic teams in the AHL anymore with the exception of the Bears, whom are the oldest standing franchise in AHL history. Springfield was moved and another team took its spot, so the Falcons aren't historical, at least as much as they should be. Providence, teams moved all around and they didn't have an AHL team for a while. Trying to follow it all is a nightmare, so I'm going to try to do my best to identify the six most historical teams in the AHL.

Wikemedia Commons

1. Hershey Bears
Most calder cups, no major moves or re-brandings, pretty consistently there. They are the oldest operating team in the league.

2. Springfield Falcons
Springfield is the home of AHL headquarters. They have pretty consistently had a team, and the city played host to one of the original teams as well. That team was moved to Worcester and was dissolved but in its stead, the Falcons formed and kept hockey in Springfield MA.

3. Hartford Wolfpack
The Wolfpack is not as new you think they are. And I'm not just talking about the year the spent as the Whale. They have historically been one of Springfield's biggest rivals since day 1, when they weren't even in Hartford, but were AHL founding member, the Providence Reds. They moved from place to place, Re-branding after re-branding, until they wound up where they are, living out the history they started with Springfield as a major market rival.

4. Utica Comets
While Springfield is home to the AHL for its founding and growth, Utica is home to one of those founding Springfield teams. Early on they were the Springfield Indians, before moving around from city to city and landing in Utica.

5. Rochester Americans
Founded in 1956, they're currently one of the oldest operating teams in the AHL, were founded to be a Canadiens affiliate, and Rochester is also home to an old IHL (International Hockey League) team, which the IHL was an early predecessor for the AHL.

6. Syracuse Crunch
The team might be as old as the Falcons, but the city is rich with AHL history, with teams coming and going for years. Syracuse is just another place that is just a good AHL market and some team always finds a home there.

Also worth consideration are the Senators, whom have been around since 1972, though just not in New York, and the St. Johns Ice Caps whom were founded in the 60s. But I don't consider these locations as important to the AHL history, nor have a historical team history to them. So, there we have it, your AHL hockey tradition as defined by me: The guy who started blogging about this last week.

Bridgeport Soundtigers: Games to Gun For

The only banners in Bridgeport
Creative Commons Doug Kerr

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers haven't really been competitive the past few years. They've posted a fair amount of last place finishes in their division and so this year they have a lot to prove. A lot. To be honest, it makes this a little bit harder for me to determine what rivalries will be fun, what team prospects would you like to see and to be honest, I don't really know?When you are at rock bottom, you have to make it through everybody, so everyone is your biggest rival. And that is why writing this is so hard.

Side note before I begin, the Sound Tigers are running a blog series that any one considering going to a game should check out. Its called KNOW YOUR OPPONENT (all caps) and its something I feel every team should be doing. Maybe something I'll talk more about later, but if you're from Bridgeport and you got tickets, definitely check it out. It will help provide a lot more in depth info about that opponent than I will right now.

Anyway...

Home opener: October 10th
Opponent: WB/Scranton Penguins
Analysis: This might be a fantastic chance to get the season off on the right foot as they are taking on the Penguins coming off of a game in Providence. Back to back road games that are also home openers? Penguins might have a hard time with that start and the Sound Tigers might be lucky enough to get a win right out of the gate.

Opponents

1. Everyone.
Seriously, I know its a cop out, but everyone. I don't think its too far of a stretch to say the most exciting part about the Sound Tigers as is, would be the pre-season because it is the highest in the standings they may be all year. And that's because of the alphabet. If you are a fan of the Sound Tigers, don't worry about what game, just go because they probably will need the emotional support. Hate everybody and try to drive your team.  Failing that, aim for these teams.

1. Hartford Wolfpack
This is purely geographical. Two Connecticut teams affiliated with two New York teams, a rivalry just makes sense. They face each other 10 times, five at home but really, depending on where you live, it might be equidistant and you can hit up any of the 10 with a short 30 minute drive.

2. Hershey Bears.
This was my most painful one to omit from my Springfield Falcons blog because there is so much history to this franchise, and in Springfield and its just about AHL love. Ultimately I felt the four matchups between the two wasn't really worth the digital ink. That said, Bridgeport plays Hershey three times at home, six times total. Is it like crazy high matchup count? No, but I think Hershey is a Marquee AHL franchise that, if your team isn't doing hot or isn't slated to do well, then you would be well served to check out.

3. Portland Pirates
By sheer volume alone, this is a good divisional opponent to check out, and you probably will see, given that they face each other in Bridgeport six times. Familiarity breeds contempt so the more they face off, the more they'll start to hate each other. That means more fights, more fun.

4.St. Johns IceCaps.
In the off chance you're a Bruins or Rangers fan and not and Islanders fan, this one is just for you guys. The Sound Tigers and IceCaps face off only four times, twice at home, but they are the Canadiens affiliate and the enemy of my enemy... or something like that.

5. Albany Devils
Are they a divisional rival? No. But they face off as many times as one. Eight times, four at home. That's more than they face the Penguins, more than the Phantoms, and to be honest, I'm sick of writing why you should hate those teams. Especially when your team needs to hate everyone.

In the words of Mary Jane Watson: Go get 'em tiger.

Classifieds

Your team here:
Image courtesy of Wade Dubielewicz creative commons

Wanted: Married White Male, fit but short, seeks an AHL team to root for. Specifically 4 to ranked. One from each division, a primary for each conference and one team to take overall top spot. Canidates will be chosen and ranked upon the following criteria:

• Entertainment value
• Skill
• Ability to trash talk opponent in public forums
• Clear defined rival
• Ability to win and go all the way
• Fan rapport
• History or willingness to build history
• Attitude (Complete with sunglasses and backwards hat)
• Willingness to not be the Hartford Wolfpack

Bonus points to those who have no problem sucking up for fan support. 

These teams will be rewarded with:

• More favorable coverage
• Ridicule of clear defined rival  on blog
• Greater defined interest in this blog
• More games covered throughout the season for game recap blogs
• My love and affection which is priceless
• Knowing that they probably aren't the Hartford Wolfpack

Teams or fans of teams may curry favor through Twitter tweets @dmeczywor, or in the comment section below. Hartford Wolfpack need not apply.

Team Name

I'm being petty about this now. But this one can be much shorter because really, what's in a name?

Atlantic: Springfield Falcons

Fair Use. TheAHL

This one I may be a little biased towards. Springfield has been through plenty of name changes but Falcons are actually part of the city's iconography. Growing up in the area everyone got into a tizzy because there was a nest of  Peregrine Falcons that somehow captured the heart of the city. They still have the Falcon cam on top of Monarch place. It was just one of those weird things everyone seemed to care about for a bit when I was a kid. I don't know if it was a marketing stunt for the name change or not but it was still kinda interesting. It's a name that actually reflects the city its in very well, and because I don't live near cities in other divisions, its probably the only city to get the benefit.

Runner-up - Soundtigers.. I don't know what a Soundtiger is but it sounds fierce.

North: Rochester Americans

Fair use: The AHL

Canada has two NHL teams named after, well, Canadians. One of which may or may not be a slur, the other isn't even spelled right. That is why its so nice to see a team in America that does the ethnic name right. Not misspelled. Not some slur. Just Americans. For a team that is predominantly Canadian. It's a bit of a misnomer... But a misnomer done right!

Runner-up: St. Johns IceCaps. It sounds Hockey-ish.

Central: Lake Erie Monsters

Fair use. The AHL

It just reminds me of how cryptozoology is a thing that exists and that they look for lake monsters. Its also an area appropriate name because Bessie is a legendary creature out there so its region specific and has that extra oomph of meaning. Plus I still don't know what the hell an Ice Hog is.

Runner-Up: Manitoba Moose. Alliteration? Check. Northern winter animal? Check. Name that can be bellowed at games? Check. Yeah, its a solid name all around.

Pacific: San Diego Gulls

Fair Use. The AHL

It's an odd choice. An interesting choice. While logistically I don't want to cheer for it, I just feel like its calling to me for some reason. I just don't get it. I hate seagulls. But I like the San Diego Gulls for some reason. That said, a few years ago the Wolfpack re-branded themselves as the Whale and changed it back when that failed. If any team could get away with it and go gangbusters in this post Anchorman world, its San Diego. But they don't have to because gulls works enough for me.

Runner-up: San Antonio Rampage The rest are mostly just retreads or kinda lame. Condors are on the verge of extinction. I do like Barracuda enough to call it second runner up because of, well, Jaws and the Heart song. But Rampage is first runner up, because of, you know, Archer.

Providence Bruins: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Dinur

If you live around Providence, you're a Bruins fan. There is no doubt about it. You don't need any other team to be a fan of. And little brother is just close enough for you to enjoy Bruins hockey at a fraction of a price. You have a chance to be completely invested and see the farm players develop whenever you want, and see them work out their frustrations early (such as the always fun to watch Tuuka Rask Meltdown.) So, lets break down the Providence Bs opponents  to figure out what games would be best to go to.

Home Opener: Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins

When: Friday October 9

Analysis: Penguins are making the list of opponents to try to see in general so this game is must see hockey if you're in the area. I think that's all that really needs to be said about this game.

Opponents.

1. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Providence B's don't get the luxury of facing their number one rival on the AHL scale, which might be a good thing as the calls of blood that occur during those match-ups are really professional level vitriol. (As a Bruins fan, I've often fantasized about the Canadiens team plane crashing somewhere on a mountain and the team is forced to cannibalize Subban. But I can't wish that upon starry-eyed AHL prospects...) But, what franchise do I hate the second most? Flyers. These games are perfect for passion and putting little hateful training wheels on the players since it is a divisional rival in the AHL that they will undoubtedly hate at the NHL level. Why do I think this? History. Feel free to catch any of the three home games out of the six matchups. 

2. Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins

Another AHL/NHL divisional rival. Penguins aren't has hated on the NHL level as the Flyers are, but in case you need a reason why you should hate them, here you go. Any chance you get to see your prospects and get to see the prospects of a team you don't like is usually a good opportunity to see some good hockey. I would say write down that opening game in pen. There are six matchups between these teams, 3 hat home.

3. Hartford Wolf Pack.

Another AHL/NHL rival, just less hated. But there's no need to hate the Rangers when the Wolfpack are just as easy to hate on their own for their own crimes against the Providence Bs. Remember when Providence was in the Calder Cup playoffs last year and Hartford sent everyone home in the first round? Yes, good. Now give into your hate for all four home games. (Eight total matchups)

4. Portland Pirates

If the 2015 Schedule is any indication, the Portland Pirates are a pretty important rival. They meet a total of 14 times. Last year the affiliate was competing for a playoff spot in the NHL with the Bruins for a long time, and is home to some Boston favorites now so its the budding of a friendly little rivalry that could start with some sour grapes at the AHL level. Plus, if you're at one of these games, there is a good chance a lucky fan will get to play goalie after the Panthers call up the Pirates goalies after the first period when injuries take their toll on the team again.

5. Springfield Falcons

Fun fact, Eddie Shore split time playing with the Bruins and the Falcons, helping develop the AHL  into what it is today. So, this is a match-up with a good love of the idea of history. Granted that team Eddie Shore built was moved to Worcester, but Springfield is still the home for the AHL that a Bruin built. Now let's all take some time to appreciate that for the seven home games and fourteen total match-ups these divisional rivals share. 

Best Mascot

Going off of a post from yesterday, I'm going to continue to judge the AHL teams by their aesthetics in the hopes that it will help me choose a team to cheer for. Today it is the mascots. Some of you may be crying foul since the mascots often appear in the logo, but I'll forgive your ignorance since a mascot on paper is not a mascot in real life and what looks good in Microsoft Paint, may be the stuff that gives children's nightmares in real life.

Lets get to it.

Atlantic: Hershey Bears

Discounted tickets for fans of @TheHersheyBears for tonight's game: http://t.co/zVJPNi7Qmj And Coco will be here! pic.twitter.com/LLWKfftkGS

— York Revolution (@yorkrevolution) June 8, 2015

It's name is Coco! Open and shut.

Fine, I'll consider the others. Remember that thing  I said before? About logos looking good on paint but mascots being the stuff of nightmares? Check and mate is the Phantoms mascot, which looks like tye-dye fanatic. I would say google it, but don't. It's like doing a google image search to self diagnose a wart. It can't be unseen. The Falcons mascot is also equally angry.  Penguins was a deranged muppet looking creature with eyes and no head. The providence mascot is also kinda scary. Most of them were scary, but the Portland Pirates pulled up one good design and one bad design so to be safe, they both lose. The Wolfpack and Soundtiger mascots were surprisingly good, but...

IT'S NAME IS COCO AND IT LIVES IN HERSHEY!

North: Toronto Marlies

One more round of congratulations for @IAWildCrash14, our 2015 Mascot of Character! 👏 pic.twitter.com/konoFZWhJD

— Iowa Wild (@IAWild) August 17, 2015

Surprisingly hard. So, easy ones to dismiss, Ice caps. I like the puffin, but don't make it look so sad. Then again, it lives in Utica, so maybe that's just a sad place to be. Senators, you mascot looks like an axe murdering cartoon character. Rochester, your moose looks like its on pain killers. This is an intervention. As for the real contenders, Albany, you were so close but the dog is just too fat and fat people make me sad, but overall really good. Utica, I really like your Alien design, compared to the Lehigh Night Terror, you get it right, but ultimately Marley in his latest state is just simple enough to work. I would say tie, but I think of it this way, which one looks more hugable? Sure, I may want to have a drink with the Utica mascot, but the Marlies mascot is just more approachable. Just don't Google Syracuse Crunch's old mascot.

Central: Iowa Wild

One more round of congratulations for @IAWildCrash14, our 2015 Mascot of Character! 👏 pic.twitter.com/konoFZWhJD

— Iowa Wild (@IAWild) August 17, 2015

Dear god, how many of them want to eat children?

All of them. All of them do. But more importantly, why is the Lake Erie Monsters mascot a bird? And if it had to be a bird, why did it have to be a bird that eats children? What the hell goes on in the
Midwest to make these things acceptable? Wild gets it because the only one that wasn't angry, or had eyes proportional to its head. I'm looking a you checkers mascot!

Pacific: San Antonio Rampage

#TBT T-Bone circa 2002! pic.twitter.com/ovzOWiaE75

— San Antonio Rampage (@sarampage) May 7, 2015

Uhmm, San Diego, I can see the face of a person in your mascot. Just letting you know, it kinda loses the effect... Oh, and if I can trust the words of John Hammond, Condors are on the verge of extinction, and I can see why base on how ugly that mascot is. That said, this was the hardest division to choose a favorite mascot. For one, I don't think the Stars or the Barracuda have one yet. The heat mascot is so stupid I almost chose it on principal alone, but it really came down to San Antonio and the Reign. San Antonio's mascot with its bare white eyes makes me feel like I'm looking at an actual cartoon, and the effect is almost hypnotic. The reign on the other hand have a dark knight who rides an ATV and slays dragsons. It is clear cut winner. But, evidence on the facebook page makes me think that the dark knight might be getting retired, so on the basis of not being sure, I have to declare San Antonio the winner.

Hartford Wolfpack: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

The second team I'm looking at is the Hartford Wolfpack. It's not that I don't like the Wolfpack, or I'm a Falcons fan per-say. I just really hate the state of Connecticut. Plus that whole name change to the Whale was kinda dumb. As if anyone could ever truly replace the Whalers...

But anyway, digressions aside.

Home opener: Oct. 10 against the St. Johns IceCaps.

After a trip to the Calder cup Semi-finals the Wolfpack no longer has Manchester Monarchs to stand in their way for another good competitive run. Their affilliate team, the Rangers have also made the playoffs as of late and recently had a cup run. The opponent? Last place in their division. But they have a new Captain, a new logo, and a new affiliate: the Montreal Canadiens. So they are looking like they might be a bit better this year.

Opponents:

1. Springfield Falcons

Falcons don't like Hartford, Hartford doesn't like the Falcons. Just the way it always has been and always will be. The two cities can barely share an airport. They play each other eight times this season and if you're close enough to go to one, you are probably close enough to go to another. Perfect opportunity to do some taunting.

2. Bridgeport Soundtigers

Again, close enough to taunt and hit up all eight games. If you want to actually go to Bridgeport that is. The other thing about the Sound Tigers is they haven't been historically good, but neither have their affiliate franchise, the New York Islanders. But they're both New York teams so the inherent subway rivalry can carry over into Connecticut and then fun fun.

3.Wilkes Barton-Scranton Penguins

Affiliate rivals, and divisional rivals. Penguins and Rangers hate each other, so it boils down. These teams face each other six times, three of which are at home. This is where those rivalries get born. Plus, if you're local to Connecticut, you have a rare chance to be a fan of both the NHL team and affiliate, meaning you probably dislike the Penguins too, and watch the players learn to hate each other at one level and bring that hate to the national level. Aren't hockey rivalries beautiful?

4. Providence Bruins

 But even if you aren't, then you'll still see plenty of the Bruins. This is one that could divide the crowd a bit with the mix of New York and Boston fans and both are original six affiliates, so the rivalry could be there. The problem is you're not in New York or Boston, but in Connecticut which is a mixing pool with no real loyalties so that rivalry might not be as intense but you can still enjoy seeing the prospects as of both teams take on each other. They play eight matchups, four at home

5. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Its another divisional rival, and let's be honest, is there any team in the Eastern Conference the Flyers don't get irritate? Most teams have a pest who tries to get under the skins of the opponents, well the Flyers are the pest in the entirety of the NHL. As a Rangers fan or a Bruins fan who is cheering for Hartford, Phantoms are a good choice to watch on the basis of how much their affiliate boils your blood.

Honerable Mention: Albany Devils

They're an affiliate rival of sorts. They play in Hartford twice, and a total of four matchups and they're non divisional so its nice to see some teams outside of the division too, and as far as divisional opponents go, they play the same amount of times as the Hershey Bears, so they can be kinda like a divisional rival... but not. 

PS. Hartford needs to change their white on grey text. Amateur hour up in there.