2019-20 Season Preview: Hartford WolfPack

HARTFORD, CT -- After a lackluster performance in Hartford’s 2018-2019 campaign, the group has a new look, from new players to a new coaching staff.

John Davidson and the Rangers management have retooled their farm team in hopes to develop more future stars and maintain a competitive team in the AHL level. This upcoming season features optimism with the Wolf Pack. The hope is to return to the playoffs after a four year hiatus.

Alongside the returning players, Hartford has new up and coming prospects to start the year in Hartford.

The group will also feature new veterans that are considered high end in the AHL. Defenseman Vincent LoVerde was one of the key pieces to the successful off-season in Hartford.

Goaltender Tom McCollum will start in Maine of the ECHL despite signing on an AHL deal with the Pack. Rangers prospect Adam Huska beat the veteran for a spot with the Pack. Alongside Huska is Rangers prized goalie Igor Shesterkin who posted impressive numbers overseas.

Harry Zolnierczyk surprised the organization when training camp opened up in Hartford. Despite signing on July 1st , the veteran forward decided to hang up the skates and retire. He was not replaced as the Pack has abundance of players within the system.

Vitali Kravtsov and Filip Chyil will start the season in Hartford. Expectation is that they both will be up in New York down the road.

Ryan Lindgren, Sean Day, Darren Raddysh, Steven Fogarty, Vinni Lettieri, and a few other players are returning this season to Hartford. The group has a good balance of experience and talent.

Here is the opening night roster:

Forwards

Nick Jones, Phil DiGiuseppe, Ryan Gropp, Patrick Newell, Cristoval Nieves, Steven Fogarty, Tim Gettinger, Gabriel Fontaine, Matt Beleskey, Danny O’Regean, Filip Chytil, Ville Meskanen, Vitali Kravtsov and Vinni Lettieri

Defense

Jeff Taylor, Joey Keane, Vincent LoVerde, Brandon Crawley, Darren Raddysh, Mason Geertsen, Ryan Lindgren and Sean Day

Goalies

Igor Shesterkin and Adam Huska