Trio of Black Bears Named Semi-Finalists For Walter Brown Award

ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine men's ice hockey seniors Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) and Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) along with junior Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) were named semi-finalists for the 2012 Walter Brown Award. There were 21 semi-finalists named to the Walter Brown Award, which is presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England.

Maine and Boston College and the lone schools with three semi-finalists. The Gridiron Club of Greater Boston will announce the finalists and the winner of the 60th Walter Brown Award in March.

Flynn ranks second on the team in scoring with 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points. He has played in an impressive 141 consecutive games for the Black Bears and has 65 goals and 83 assists for 148 career points. He is two points shy of becoming the 14th player in Maine history to amass 150 career points.

Flynn has been named Athletic Republic Hockey East Player of the Week this season and also a Maine Scholar-Athlete Award winner. He ranks sixth in the nation in points with 40 and sixth in points per game, averaging 1.38 per contest.

O'Neill has a goal and 24 assists on the season. He has played in 130 career games and is seven points shy of the 100-point plateau. O'Neill ranks seventh in the nation in points per game by a defenseman, averaging 0.86 per game.

Diamond has a team-high 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points on the season. He was named Athletic Republic Hockey East Player of the Week on Jan. 9 and also earned Athletic Republic Hockey East Player of the Month honors for January.

Diamond is fifth in the nation in goals per game, averaging 0.69 per contest. He ranks tied for eighth in the nation in power play goals with eight.

Maine, 17-9-3 on the season and 12-8-2 in Hockey East play, is ranked 11th in the nation in each of the two national polls released each Monday. The Black Bears are eighth in the latest pairwise rankings.

Maine returns home to host UMass this weekend. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM on Fri., Feb. 17 and Sat., Feb. 18.


--University of Maine Athletic Department

Black Bears Complete Sweep of BU with 3-1 Win

Boston, Mass. -- The University of Maine men's ice hockey team completed the weekend sweep of second-ranked Boston University on Saturday night with a 3-1 win. Nick Pryor (Woodbury, Minn.) netted his first collegiate goal in the second period and it proved to be the game-winner. Maine improves to 14-8-3 on the season with the win and 11-7-2 in Hockey East play. Boston University falls to 15-8-1, 12-6-1 in conference play. Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) made a career-high 38 save in the game.

The Black Bears have now swept #3 Boston College and #2 Boston University on back-to-back weekends.

Maine dominated play in the first period, but was unable to solve BU goalie Kieran Millan until just seven seconds remained in the frame. Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.) had a shot that Jon Swavely (Reading, Pa.) was able to tip to John Parker (Green Point, N.J.). Parker fired the puck past Millan for his third goal of the season. Maine finished with a 21-8 edge in shots in the first period.

Boston University tied the game at 1-1 just 2:41 into the second period when Garrett Noonan tipped a Adam Clendening shot past Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) on the power play. It was the ninth goal of the season for Noonan. Alex Chiasson also assisted on the goal for BU.

Maine took the lead at 6:00 of the second period when Pryor scored his first collegiate goal. Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) won a face-off back in the slot. Pryor then took a few strides and blasted a slap shot that deflected off the post and into the back of the net.

The game remained tied until the Black Bears added an empty-net goal at 19:55. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) dug the puck out of traffic and found Matt Mangene (Miller Place, N.Y.) in the neutral zone. He fired the puck into the empty net for his ninth goal of the season, giving Maine the 3-1 win.

Boston University outshot Maine 39-37 in the game. The Black Bears finished the game 1-for-8 on the power play, while BU was 1-for-5.

Maine goalie Dan Sullivan was outstanding, stopping 38 of the 39 shots that he faced in the game. He made 18 saves in the second period and all 12 in the third. He improves to 13-5-3 on the season. Kieran Millan made 34 saves for BU. He falls to 13-8-1.

The Black Bears return to action on Friday, Feb. 3 when they host Alabama-Huntsville.


--University of Maine Athletic Department

Black Bears Double Up #2 BU, 4-2

Boston, Mass. -- Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) and Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) each had a goal and an assist as the University of Maine men's ice hockey team knocked off second-ranked Boston University on Friday night in front of over 5,066 fans at Agganis Arena. The Black Bears improves to 13-8-3 on the season with the win and 10-7-2 in Hockey East play. BU, who had not lost since falling to Notre Dame on Dec. 31, falls to 15-7-1 overall, 12-5-1 in conference play.

BU took a 1-0 lead with a power play goal at 17:56 of the opening frame. Chris Connolly and Wade Megan teamed up to find Alex Chiasson in the right face-off circle. He skated a stride and then fired a shot past Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.), giving BU the 1-0 lead.

Maine tied the game at 5:15 of the second period with a power play goal of their own. Mark Anthoine got the puck to Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) in the slot. Nearing the end of the power play, Shemansky had his shot on goal that beat BU goalie Kieran Millan.

Maine goalie Sullivan then robbed BU's Adam Clendening who had a clean breakaway to keep the game tied 1-1.

Maine took a 2-1 lead when Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.) threaded a perfect pass to John Parker (Green Brook, N.J.) in transition. Parker fired a shot that went past Millan and into the back of the net. For Parker, it was his second goal of the season. Ryan Hegarty (Arlington, Mass.) also assisted on the goal for the Black Bears. As soon as Parker scored, the lights above the ice went off and the game was delayed for approximately 20 minute delay.

BU tied the game at 2-2 when Ross Gaudet collected the puck on the goal line and banked the puck off Sullivan and into the back of the net.

Maine took a 3-2 lead at 10:08 of the third period when Spencer Abbott got a pass from Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) from the bottom of the circle. Abbott skated a few strides towards the blueline and fired a shot that Mark Anthoine tipped past BU goalie Kieran Millan. For Anthoine, it was his ninth goal of the season and eighth on the power play.

BU pulled their goalie with just under 2:00 left in regulation. A BU defender shot the puck from the point and Abbott blocked it. He then collected the puck, skated down the ice and fired the puck into the empty-net, giving Maine the 4-2 lead.

BU outshot Maine 30-25 in the game. The Black Bears finished 2-for-4 on the power play, while BU scored on its lone power play opportunity.

Maine goalie Dan Sullivan was outstanding, making 28 saves in goal. He made several brilliant stops for the Black Bears. He improves to 12-5-3 on the season. Kieran Millan made 21 saves in goal for the Terriers. He falls to 13-7-1.

The two teams will finish their two-game weekend series on Saturday, Jan. 28. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM from Agganis Arena. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.


--University of Maine Athletic Department

Black Bears Knock Off #3 Eagles

ORONO, Maine -- Matt Mangene (Miller Place, N.Y.) scored 3:42 into overtime as the University of Maine men's ice hockey team defeated #3 Boston College 4-3 on Friday night at Alfond Arena. He received a pass from Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) and had his shot find the right corner of the goal, giving Maine the win. Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) had a pair of goals for the Black Bears in the win. Maine improves to 11-8-3 on the season and 8-7-2 in Hockey East play. Boston College falls to 14-9-1 overall, 10-6-1.



Boston College opened the scoring at 3:20 of the first period when Bill Arnold scored his 12th goal of the season on the power play from Kevin Hayes and former Biddeford star Brian Dumoulin.



Maine knotted the score at 1-1 when Ryan Hegarty (Arlington, Mass.) and Kyle Beattie (Avondale, Ariz.) teamed up to find Shemansky. He had his shot from the wall beat Boston College goalie Chris Venti at 8:52 of the first period. For Shemansky, it was his seventh goal of the season.



Maine took its first lead of the game when Beattie eluded his defender in neutral ice, skated in on a two-on-one and fired a wrist shot past Venti just 2:19 into the second period. For Beattie, it was his third goal of the season. John Parker (Green Brook, N.J.) and Nick Pryor (Woodbury, Minn.) each assisted on the goal.



Boston College tied the game at 2-2 when Dumoulin faked a shot before finding Barry Almeida alone in the slot. Almeida beat Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) for his 11th goal of the season at 15:48 of the second period. Pat Mullane also picked up an assist on the goal.



Dumoulin then scored his fourth goal of the season when he cleaned up the rebound of a Johnny Gaudreau shot that was left in the crease at 4:03 of the third period.



Maine then tied the game when Shemansky scored his second of the night when the Black Bears were skating with a five-on-three advantage. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) had a shot that found Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) on the left post. He deflected the puck to Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) and then to Shemansky who swiped it into the back of the goal at 14:49 of the third.



Neither team was able to break the deadlock the remainder of regulation. In overtime, Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.) deflected the puck to Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) in neutral ice. Anthoine then left a drop pass for Mangene who fired a shot into the upper right corner of the goal, giving the Black Bears the victory. For Mangene, it was his fifth goal of the season.



Maine goalie Dan Sullivan was outstanding, making 33 saves in goal. He improves to 10-5-3 on the season. Chris Venti made 29 saves for the Eagles. He falls to 1-1-0.



Maine is 3-0-3 in overtime this season. Boston College finished the game with a 36-33 edge in shots. The Black Bears were 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Eagles finished the game 2-for-4.



Maine and Boston College finish their two-game Hockey East weekend series with a game on Saturday afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 PM.


--University of Maine Athletic Department

MESN - Black Bears Joey Diamond named HEPOTW

University of Maine junior forward Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) was named the Athletic Republic Hockey East Player of the Week on Monday. It is the second week in a row that a Black Bears earned the honor, as Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) was honored last week. Diamond led the Black Bears to a pair of wins on the week.

Diamond scored three goals and added two assists as Maine swept games against Vermont and New Hampshire in the 2012 Sun Life Frozen Fenway. On Wednesday against Vermont, Diamond scored the game-winning goal at 13:25 of the second period on the power play. He also assisted on Brian Flynn's (Lynnfield, Mass.) game-winning goal.

On Saturday, Diamond had a pair of power play goals in Maine's 5-4 win over New Hampshire at Fenway Park. He then had a shot that Brian Flynn tipped past UNH goalie Casey DeSmith for the game-winning goal in overtime.

Diamond leads the team in goals with 14 and has 10 assists for 24 points. He is tied for the team-lead in power play goals with seven and has one game-winner.

In addition, Maine was named the Hockey East Co-Team of the Week with UMass.

Diamond and the Black Bears return to action on Friday, Jan. 13 when they travel to Merrimack for a battle with the Warriors. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM on Friday and 5 PM on Saturday.

-University of Maine-

Black Bears Claw Past Catamounts 3-1

ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine men's ice hockey team, which has now won six of its last seven games, defeated Vermont 3-1 on Wednesday night at Alfond Arena. Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) and Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) each led the Black Bears offense with a goal and an assist. Maine improves to 9-7-2 on the season with the win and 6-6-1 in Hockey East play. Vermont falls to 4-14-1 on the campaign, 1-10-1 in conference play.



Vermont jumped out to a 1-0 lead 14:36 into the first period when Drew MacKenzie shot a puck through the crease. Sebastian Stalberg was able to get a stick on the puck and beat Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.). Kyle Reynolds also assisted on power play goal which gave Vermont the 1-0 lead.



Maine tied the game with a power play goal of its own. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) had the puck just inside the blueline. He found reigning Hockey East Player of the Week and Month Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) who held the puck before finding Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) on the left post. Shemansky tipped the puck past Vermont goalie Rob Madore to tie the game at 1-1. For Shemansky, it was his sixth goal of the season.



Maine took a 2-1 lead at 13:25 of the second period with its second power play goal of the game. Brian Flynn got the puck to Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine), who shot it at the goal. Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) battled for the puck in the crease and beat Madore for his team-leading 12th goal of the season.



Maine iced the game at 18:44 with an empty net goal. Diamond was able to gain control of the puck from a Catamount defender. He passed to Flynn who fired the puck into the empty net. For Flynn, it was his 10th goal of the season.



Maine outshot Vermont 43-26 in the game. The Black Bears were 2-for-8 on the power play, while Vermont finished 1-for-6.



Maine goalie Dan Sullivan made 25 saves in goal, including stopping two breakaways. He improves to 8-4-2 on the season. Rob Madore stopped 40 shots for the Catamounts. He falls to 3-11-1 on the season.



Maine returns to action on Saturday, Jan., 7 when it faces arch rival New Hampshire in a historic game at 2012 Sun Life Frozen Fenway.


--Information Courtesy of University of Maine Athletic Department

Black Bears Clobber Clarkson 6-1

ESTERO, Fla. -- Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) and Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) each had a goal and two assists to lead the University of Maine men's ice hockey team to a 6-1 victory over Clarkson in the first game of the Florida College Classic on Thursday afternoon in Estero, Fla. Maine will face the winner of the Cornell vs. UMass game in the Championship game on Friday night at 7:30 PM.



Maine struck first when Flynn scored his seven goal of the season at 8:25 of the first period when he received a pass from Abbott and shot the puck past Clarkson goalie Cody Rosen on the left goal post. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) also assisted on the goal. Ryan Hegarty (Arlington, Mass.) extended Maine's lead to when his shot from the blueline found the upper corner of the net. Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) and Flynn both assisted on the goal.



Maine made it 3-0 at 18:47 when Hegarty got the puck to Flynn. He passed to Abbott who shot from the top of the circle, beating Rosen for his 11th goal of the season at 18:47. The Black Bears took the 3-0 lead into the first intermission.



The Black Bears made it 4-0 at 7:30 of the second period with a goal in transition. Brice O'Connor (Londonderry, N.H.), who now has points in four straight games, began the play when he gained control of the puck in the defensive zone. He found Kyle Beattie (Avondale, Ariz.) who skated the puck up the ice. Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) finished the play with his fifth goal of the season.



Maine tallied a shorthanded goal at 10:09 when Mike Cornell (Franklin, Mass.) found Matt Mangene (Miller Place, N.Y.) who skated the puck up the ice. Mangene had a shot that Richie LeVeau saved, but the rebound when to Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) who fired the puck into the back of the net.



Maine took a 5-0 lead into the second intermission. The second period was marred with 26 penalties for 84 minutes.



Diamond added a power play goal at 3:18 of the third period as the Black Bears extended their lead to 6-0. O'Neill began the play and found Shemansky. He then passed to Diamond just outside the crease. Diamond capitalized with his 10th goal of the season.



Clarkson got on the board at 9:36 when Louke Oakley tipped a Alex Boak shot past Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) to break up his shutout bid. Joe Zarbo also assisted on the goal.



Maine outshot Clarkson 36-19 in the game. The Black Bears finished 2-for-7 on the power play, while Clarkson was scoreless in seven chances.



Maine goalie Sullivan was impressive, stopped 18 of the 19 shots that he faced. He improves to 6-4-2 on the season. Cody Rosen made 15 saves in 27:30. He falls to 0-1-0 on the season. Richie LeVeau made 15 saves in 32:32.



Maine returns to action on Friday, Dec. 30 when it plays for the Florida College Classic title. Puck drop will be at 7:30 PM against either UMass or Cornell.

--Information Courtesy of the University of Maine Athletic Department

Pirates Down P-Bruins 6-3

The Portland Pirates finished off a five-game homestand with a 6-3 win over the Providence Bruins at the Cumberland County Civic Center Wednesday night. It was only the Pirates second victory in their last 6 games.

Brett MacLean started off the scoring 8 minutes into the game with his 12th goal of the season. MacLean would push it to 2-0 later in the period on a power play goal. That would be the first of three goals in two minutes, as Carter Camper scored for the P-Bruins and Dean Arsene would tally his 2nd goal of the season as the Pirates led 3-1 after 1 period.

The 2 teams would trade goals in the second period, as Ethan Werek scored early in the period for the Pirates, and Kevin Miller scored late for the P-Bruins.

Josh Hennessy scored a power play just 2:18 into the third period to cut the Portland lead to 4-3. Matt Watkins scored with 7:27 left to give the Pirates some breathing room, and Brock Trotter scored an empty-netter to finish off the scoring.

MacLean and Trotter each had 3 points for the Pirates, while Justin Pogge stopped 26 of 29 shots in net.

The Pirates take a short road trip to face the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday before coming back home for their annual New Year's Eve game on Saturday, against Worcester Sharks. That game has a special start time of 5:30.

Pirates training camp gets a full stock of players #portlandpirates #coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes announces players assigned to  Portland Pirates Train Camp are as follows;

Goaltender: Marc Cheverie
Forwards: Mathieu Beaudoin, Spencer Bennett, Evan Bloodoff, Alexandre Bolduc, Marc Cheverie, Darian Dziurzynski, Brett Hextall, Ryan Hollweg, Colin Long, Donny Maloney, Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Szwarz, Matt Watkins and Ethan Werek
Defensemen: Mathieu Brodeur, Nick Ross, Garrett Stafford, Michael Stone

Pirates sign former Hobey Baker Winner Duncan

The Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League in conjunction with their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, announced today that they have signed forward Ryan Duncan to an AHL deal.

Duncan (7/14/85, 5’8” 175 lbs.) spent the previous two seasons competing in the Austrian Elite League for EC Red Bull Salzburg where he compiled 111 points (43-68-111) in 99 games. Following a four-year collegiate career at the University of North Dakota, Duncan made his American Hockey League debut during the 2008-2009 season, skating in two games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. At the conclusion of his sophomore season at North Dakota in 2006-2007, where he totaled 57 points (31-26-57) in 43 games, the Calgary, Alberta native was rewarded with the Hobey Baker Award, joining fellow Coyotes prospect Andy Miele (2011) as a recipient of the top honor in collegiate hockey.

The Pirates will open their 19th season of competition on the road against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 8th at 7 p.m. The high-flying action will open at home for the 34th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center, on Saturday, October 15th when the Manchester Monarchs visit in a 7 p.m. start.

--PIRATES PRESS RELEASE--

Portland Pirates announce 2011 - 2012 Schedule

The Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League announced today their schedule of games for the 2011-12 Regular Season.

The Pirates will open their 19th season of competition on the road against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 8th at 7 p.m. The high-flying action will open at home for the 35th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center, on Saturday, October 15th when the Manchester Monarchs visit in a 7 p.m. start, featuring a JobsinME.com Magnetic Schedule giveaway. All 38 home games will be played at the Civic Center, with 27 weekend games. Saturday Night is Hockey Night in Portland will take place 14 times during the course of the season while the Pirates will also play nine Friday games and four Sunday games.

“This season’s schedule provides a balanced blend of dates and start times in response to what our fans have been telling us over the past few seasons,” said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. “Additionally, we have enhanced traditional favorites on the promotional side of our business with exciting new programs and activities to improve the fan experience and begin a new era of Portland Pirates hockey, Phoenix Coyotes style!”

Divisional Rivalries

With the new AHL divisional realignment for the 2011-12 season, the Pirates will continue their traditional rivalries in the Atlantic Division with the Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles Kings), Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins), and Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks). The Pirates will battle Manchester and Worcester a total of 12 times each (six on home ice and six on the road), in addition to facing off with Providence a total of 10 times. New to the AHL and Atlantic Division this season, the Newfoundland-based St. John’s IceCaps franchise (Winnipeg Jets) will square off with the Pirates eight times during the regular season.

Collectible Bobblehead Series

Returning to the Cumberland County Civic Center for the 2011-12 season is the popular Pirates Collectible Bobblehead series. On three Friday game dates this season, the Pirates will again be giving away the likenesses of 2011 Hobey Baker Award recipient Andy Miele (January 20th), veteran defenseman Dean Arsene (February 3rd), and goaltender Curtis McElhinney (March 2nd).

Community Support

The Pirates will also continue its commitment to local community causes and initiatives during their home schedule of games. The fourth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game, sponsored by Maine Medical Center, will be played on Saturday, October 22nd against Providence at 7 p.m. Members of the Pirates will be sporting special “Pink” jerseys and socks during the game. Group tickets to this game are being sold at $15/ticket, with $5 from each ticket being donated to breast cancer research. The Pirates have set a goal of raising $10,000 through the sale of these group tickets.

On Saturday, November 12th against Providence at 7 p.m., the Pirates will host a special Salute to Armed Forces Night, where all of the men and women who have served (or are currently serving) as members of the United States Armed Forces will be recognized and offered discounted tickets.

The Pirates will also be hosting three unique “FUNraiser” nights to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Friday, October 21st against the Adirondack Phantoms), American Heart Association (Saturday, February 4th against the defending Calder Cup champion Binghamton Senators at 7 p.m.) and Autism Awareness (Wednesday, April 11th against the Connecticut Whale at 6:30 p.m.).

For tickets and additional information to any of these charity-driven promotional nights, visit portlandpirates.com or contact the Pirates office at 207-828-4665 x350.

Matinee Action

The Pirates will host two holiday matinee games (1 p.m. start times) during the season on January 2nd against Connecticut (New Year’s Day matinee) and February 20th against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (President’s Day) giving families, who have the day off from work or school, the opportunity to experience some of the great action and entertainment that Pirates hockey has to offer.

Also included in the schedule is the Pirates third annual School Day Game, presented by Irving Oil, facing off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6th against the Manchester Monarchs. Last season, more than 20 Maine schools and nearly 4,000 students took a break from class to experience a fun and educational afternoon with the Pirates. This special educational day features interactive learning activities that promote physical activities and living a healthy lifestyle.

Intermission Excitement

New for 2011-12! The Portland Pirates are proud to introduce new and exciting on-ice promotions throughout the entire home schedule, including the Summit Adventure Hamster Ball Series, Broomball and Bench Buddies program.

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendar!

Other featured events and promotions scheduled for the upcoming season include the highly anticipated annual Kid’s New Year’s Celebration on Saturday, December 31st against Worcester at 5:30 p.m. The game, an expected sellout, will mark the 17th season the Pirates have celebrated the bringing in of a New Year featuring New England’s largest indoor fireworks display at the conclusion of the game. All fans are encouraged to celebrate with the Pirates in a special “Green Night” on St. Patrick’s Day (Saturday, March 17th at 7 p.m.) against Bridgeport where Pirates players will be wearing festive green jerseys. During the course of the season, six special Student Achiever Nights will be featured (November 19th, December 17th and 26th, January 14th, February 4th, and March 10th) to recognize students who have performed at a high level in the classroom. Also, save the date for two Post Game Skates with the team, presented by Mercy Hospital and Steele Hill Resorts, on December 18th and February 26th, a Valentine’s Day Date Night game slated for February 15th, Irving Oil Day of Hockey to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital on February 26th, the Pirates Hall of Fame Induction Night presented by UNUM to be played on March 10th, Time Warner Cable Hat giveaway scheduled for March 11th, and the annual Shirts off Their Backs/Team Awards and Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Creative Awards, on April 13th.

Now is the time to cash in on great savings by purchasing discounted ticket plans and advance tickets for the Pirates 2011-12 season. Ticket packages are available to meet all budgets and schedules. Season Tickets are now on sale with great seats still available for the 2011-2012 season. For the first time ever, Full Season Ticket Holders will receive a commemorative Season Ticket Holder Jersey from the Portland Pirates. To become a new Full Season Ticket Holder, or to upgrade your 20 or 12-game plan to a Full Season Ticket plan, contact the Pirates’ Ticket Department at 207.282.4665 ext. 350.

See What You’ve Been Missing. Portland Pirates Hockey.
PORTLANDPIRATES.COM

Coyotes announce new ECHL partner

Phoenix Coyotes Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving announced today that the Coyotes have signed a one-year affiliation agreement with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.

“We are glad to announce our affiliation with the Gladiators,” Treliving said. “They have consistently proven to be an elite organization within the ECHL and we look forward to having our young prospects continue their development in Gwinnett.”

Gwinnett plays its home games at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga. The Gladiators are one of 20 teams that compete in the ECHL and play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference. The franchise was founded in 2003 and the team has made the playoffs in six of its eight seasons, including a trip to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2006.

“I think that there were really two key factors that made this affiliation a natural fit,” Gladiators President Steve Chapman said. “The first is a common commitment to player development. The Phoenix Coyotes organization is committed to developing players through their system.”

“The second factor is simply respect. Brad Treliving and I have known each other for a long time. Ray Edwards (head coach Portland Pirates) was a long-time ECHL player and coach that I have known for years. They both spent considerable time in the ECHL and have a similar background in minor league coaching and administration. They have quality reputations and they have a solid understanding of our place and our importance in this relationship and they value it.  We are looking forward to working with them and the other members and coaches of the Coyotes organization, as well as the Portland Pirates, as we seek to develop quality players and quality men.”

John Wroblewski is in his first season as the head coach with Gwinnett after helping lead the Wheeling Nailers to the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals last season as an assistant coach. Before he joined the Nailers, Wroblewski began his coaching career with the USA Hockey Under-18 National Development Program from 2007 to 2010.

Gwinnett opens the 2011-12 season on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Florida Everblades.

Green Mountain to play two games in Lewiston

The Federal Hockey League's Green Mountain Rock Crushers are the first professional hockey team in Vermont's history. They are hoping they can plant the seeds for a natural rivalry with a potential franchise in Lewiston.

"Playing in Lewiston is kind of nice because we would be the closest rival team," said Rock Crushers GM Andrew Makal. "It could spark some serious buzz for us and for a (potential) new franchise (in Lewiston)."

It was announced last month that the Federal Hockey League, which is in it's second year of existence, would play 5 games in Lewiston.

"The biggest concern for us is that it did cost us a home game," said Makal. "The travel isn’t terrible, but missing out on a game’s worth of home revenue might be a tough pill to swallow down the road."

Still, it was an opportunity for the FHL to test the waters of the Lewiston pro hockey market, which is still stinging from the loss of the Lewiston Maineiacs over the summer.

"This is indeed a 'trial balloon', as the FHL would love to have an arena like (The Colisee) in our league," said Makal. "The question becomes how willing the market is to support minor professional hockey after having a major junior franchise. If done properly, and we are using a Canadian Hockey League model here in Vermont, I think it can be successful, but that depends on who runs it."

Makal is a realist, and feels if fans temper their expectations, the FHL could have a great run.

"As we don’t try to be something we’re not (compete with the level of play of the Pirates or the Maineiacs), I think it will be fun for the local fan base who are losing out on having a hockey tenant this season with the departure of the Q team," said Makal.

The Federal Hockey League consists of 7 teams. Will Lewiston turn out to be the eighth?

Former MAINEiacs Coach JF Houle named Blainville-Boisbriand Armada Head Coach #qmjhl

The Maine Sports Network has learned that former Lewiston MAINEiacs head coach JF Houle has been named head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The Armada recently moved from Montreal, where they were the Montreal Junior. The MAINEiacs ended the Junior's season, defeating them 4-2 in the quarterfinals.

Check out Justin Pelletier's article at SunJournal.com

Coyotes management and new Pirates head coach introduced

The Portland Pirates introduced members of the Phoenix Coyotes management staff and the new Pirates Head Coach to the town this AM. Take a listen

AHL Re-aligns #portlandpirates #theahl

American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league’s Board of Governors, convening this week for its Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C., has approved the following division alignment for the 2011-12 AHL season (NHL affiliates in parentheses):

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division Manchester Monarchs (LA) Portland Pirates (PHX) Providence Bruins (BOS) St. John’s (WPG) Worcester Sharks (SJ)

Northeast Division Adirondack Phantoms (PHI) Albany Devils (NJ) Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI) Connecticut Whale (NYR) Springfield Falcons (CBJ)

East Division Binghamton Senators (OTT) Hershey Bears (WSH) Norfolk Admirals (TB) Syracuse Crunch (ANA) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE North Division Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL) Lake Erie Monsters (COL) Rochester Americans (BUF) Toronto Marlies (TOR)

Midwest Division Charlotte Checkers (CAR) Chicago Wolves (VAN) Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) Peoria Rivermen (STL) Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

West Division Abbotsford Heat (CGY) Houston Aeros (MIN) Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) San Antonio Rampage (FLA) Texas Stars (DAL)

The format for the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs was also approved by the Board of Governors. Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the postseason, with the three division winners earning the top three seeds and the next five best teams in order of regular-season points seeded fourth through eighth.

"The approved divisional and conference alignment for the league adds an exciting, new competitive component within our division which we feel Pirates' fans will appreciate," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO, Brian Petrovek. "Portland's traditional, regional rivalries with Manchester, Worcester, and Providence continue along with the exciting addition of a Canadian competitor, the St. John's franchise in Newfoundland, which will provide our fans with a new element to the on-ice experience over the course of the regular season and throughout the playoffs."

The conference quarterfinals will be best-of-five series; the conference semifinals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series. Teams will be re-ordered after the first round so that the highest-remaining seed plays the lowest-remaining seed.

The regular-season schedule format is still to be determined, and the complete playing schedule for the 2011-12 regular season, which begins Oct. 7, will be announced later this summer.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 87 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 10th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2010-11.

Portland Pirates Affiliate Announcement (Full audio)

The Maine Sports Network was LIVE at the Cumberland County Civic Center for the Portland Pirates announcement of its new NHL affiliation with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Listen to Brian Petrovek's  full press conference below:



Listen to Phoenix Coyotes full welcoming press conference. VP and GM Don Maloney, along with VP and Assistant GM Brad Treliving talked to the Portland media.

Portland Pirates: Looking for new parent club #sabres #portlandpirates @portlandpirates

Petrovek meeting media Friday

Portland Pirates CEO Brian Petrovek held a press conference this afternoon to react to the news that the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans are reuniting. Our own Jeff Schools was on the scene. Petrovek said a new affiliate would be announced Monday afternoon. Audio Below

Bruins Stanley Cup Parade #bruins

PHOTO GALLERY


WEEKEND WARM UP LIVE FROM THE GREATEST BAR BOSTON
BROADCAST PRESENTED BY MISTER SPARKY AMERICA'S
ON TIME ELECTRICIAN AND SHIPYARD BREWING COMPANY

Stanley Cup Finals: Game 3 tonight at the Garden

Bruins. Canucks. Tonight. Versus. 8 PM. Enjoy the audio and video to get pumped up for this thing.

If you missed the Jeff mash-up from this past weekend, you must listen here.