FRIDAY FEATURE: Ricky's Report: Wolf Pack Off To Strong Start In 2023-24

HARTFORD, CT - After snapping a seven year playoff drought last season, the Hartford Wolf Pack are poised to return to post-season once again with a new and improved roster.

The New York Rangers retooled Hartford by adding numerous additions to the forward and defensive groups.

Despite changes of experienced players, the new dynamic roster is paying dividends as the Wolf Pack are off to a 6-2-1 record entering the first full week of November.

In addition to the key signings of Alex Belzile, Riley Nash, Connor Mackey, and Nikolas Brouillard, the group also received a high end prospect - 20-year old Brennan Othmann - that brings a punch to offense and physicality.

The returning core of players, specifically the prospects, are hungry for more after last year's deep playoff run that eventually ended in the Atlantic Division Finals when the Wolf Pack were swept by the Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears.

Taking account from last year's success and an impressive roster, Hartford is looking to go on another deep playoff run with a roster that has talent in every aspect of the game.

Offense From Everyone, Everywhere!

The offense generating goals found a spark early on in the season. After preseason and practices, the offensive group found a groove.

The captain, Jonny Brodzinski, is leading the charge in offense as he was the first player to reach double digits on the team as he ended October with 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists). In fact, he had a point in every game, including four multiple point performances. Brodzinski was a late cut from New York Rangers camp and continues to lead the group in mentoring, leadership, and offensive capabilities. (Editor's note: Brodzinski has been up and down between the AHL and NHL to begin November.)

Acquired in the off-season, Alex Belzile has a strong resume for the Wolf Pack. In addition to his offensive production, Belzile is a great addition to the leadership group that will enhance mentoring to the prospects. Belzile has a well-rounded game and has shown he can play in both ends of the ice.

After being held off the scoresheet in the first game, Belzile has had points in every game since - totaling three goals and seven assists on his current eight-game point streak. The veteran is off to a quick start and has gained trust from Hartford's coaching staff.

Heating up late into the month, Riley Nash is another strong free agency signing for the Wolf Pack. Nash is coming off from a career high of 59 points with the Charlotte Checkers last season. The veteran is known to produce high quantity of offense, from goals to creating plays for his teammates.

Nash is also a good piece to add to the power play, which has played well early on. Nash tallied three goals and five assists through October. Nash ended the month with a 3 point performance against Lehigh Valley on October 28th to give Hartford a win as the club was on a two-game skid. Nash tallied two power play goals.

On the blue line, experienced defenseman Mac Hollowell recorded a point in each of the team's 10 games.

Impressive in the preseason, Hollowell is a key player on Hartford’s power play unit. In addition great passes and quarterbacking the unit, he is playing a disciplined and strong two-way game. He has blocked shots and is able to assist in the transition game for the Wolf Pack.

Hollowell was another key signing this off season, which is paying dividends as Hartford has a new defensive core with experience.

Specialty Teams Impressive

Last season's power play was consistency a weak spot was Hartford’s power play, which was ranked bottom of the league for the majority of 2022-23. The organization addressed the deficiency and Hartford is producing with the man advantage often.

Through October, Hartford ranked 13th in the league for power play efficiency, operating at 20% with seven power play goals. The unit is boosted by talented players on the roster, including Brennan Othmann and Bobby Trivigno.

The penalty kill is performing well early on, operating at 85.0% which ranks the group 11th in the league. The unit also has a few key cogs, such as Anton Blidh, Connor Mackey, and Brett Berard. The unit has performed well in high pressure situations, especially in the first few games of the season where the opponents had opportunities to convert.

Veteran Rule Implicate Roster Decisions

For the first time since 2014-15, Hartford has more veterans on the roster than they are able to dress.

Per the AHL rules, teams can dress up to five veterans. However, they could add a sixth veteran if one of them played between 260-320 games.

Unfortunately, Hartford’s six veterans all have played more than 320 professional games.

Currently the Wolf Pack will have to make tough decisions on who is able to play. Turner Elson has been the odd man out playing 2 games. There is a rotation, which resulted in Ben Harpur sitting.

The coaching staff has the ability to craft the roster to their liking depending on the opponent.

XL Center Sees Life

Hartford’s front office continues to post healthy attendance numbers after a successful 2022-23 season in the stands.

Opening night for the Wolf Pack drew 7,038 fans, highest for opening night since the 2014-15 season when Hartford had 7,389 fans.

The second game was impressive, considering back to back home games for the cub. The second game, a Saturday night, featured 5,292 fans.

Historically, the Wolf Pack has a drop in crowds as the second game is a Sunday or on a tough date such as Halloween weekend. Historically, the crowds are under 3,000.

Speaking of Halloween, the Wolf Pack managed to draw a good crowd for their third game of the season on Halloween weekend. That weekend is a tough draw for numerous clubs in the AHL. The Wolf Pack managed 3,838 to attend.

Entering November, Hartford has potential for numerous good crowds as the group have 3 Saturday nights, a school day game, and 1 Wednesday night affair. Promotions include the school day game, Military Appreciation Night, and Hockey Fights Cancer. Ticket sales look promising for 3 of the 5 outings.

In further off ice news, the XL Center is nearing a $100 million renovation that will focus on event level and the lower bowl of the building.

For Wolf Pack fans, an upgraded building is a long time coming after numerous failed attempts beginning in the 2000s. The most recent renovation plan of $250 million was unable to secure funding and support from Connecticut legislatures. As a result, the last couple of years focused on a $100 million plan that targeted essentials of the building.

The state of Connecticut and Oak View Group (OVG) are nearing an agreement on renovations that will give the building further life. A public-private partnership, the state will give OVG a 20-year contract to operate the facility, take in profits up to $4 million, and be involved further in future negotiations for UConn tenants (basketball and hockey).

An updated plan will be presented shortly as construction is aimed to begin in the summer of 2024 and conclude by end of 2025.

The Wolf Pack are playing on their last year of the current lease. Negotiations between OVG, Madison Square Garden (MSG), and Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) will be ongoing.

Expectations are they are in discussion, which have started early in prior lease renewals.

Wolf Pack Outlook

Both on and off the ice, Wolf Pack fans have a lot to cheer for as the month of November features 11 total games - including five home contests.

November will also feature contests against opponents in the North Division which will be another measuring stick for the club.

Entering Friday night's game in Bridgeport, Hartford has a record of 6-2-1 for 13 points - which currently has the Wolf Pack in third place in the Atlantic Division.

Through October, the Wolf Pack remained intact with little movement of the roster. With injuries and call ups beginning to hit, Hartford will see its depth tested moving forward. Solid depth is critical in the AHL.