November Notes: Wolf Packs' Winning Ways, COVID Causes Concerns

Hartford, CT - The second month of the season is in the books for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Through ten games in November, Hartford compiled a solid 7-2-1 record.

The Wolf Pack maintained second in the Atlantic Division with a sizable gap between third place Providence Bruins (six points behind) and fourth place Hershey Bears (seven points). The talented Rangers affiliate is clawing their way for first in the division, going toe to toe with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Despite Hartford being four points behind the division leader, the group is in a great spot through 18 games. The team has reliable players, with offensive contributions from all four lines and the defense.

Furthermore, the defense has found consistency while developing. Keith Kinkaid and Adam Huska continue to perform well in the net to give the Wolf Pack an opportunity to win on a nightly basis.

Zac Jones Provides Dominance on Defense

The promising 21 year old Rangers prospect is having a tremendous season in the organization. Despite participating in his first season in the American Hockey League, Jones has given himself a name among rookie defenseman. The prospect is ranked first in the league among active rookie defenseman in points with 13. In 18 games, Jones recorded three goals and 10 assists. Despite registering three goals, the prospect has shown strength with his slap shot and his ability to skate with the puck. He recorded a beautiful goal against Springfield on November 26 as he got through both Springfield defensemen and had a backhand goal to help assist in Hartford’s comeback (5-3 win).

Jones has also quarterbacked the power play, which has struggled earlier in the season. In the past six games, the group registered five power play goals. Jones is one of the key cogs to spark the opportunity with his nifty skill set. While he provides reliable production, he is reliable in his own end as well, with the ability to get in the way of opponents and attempt to force turnovers. Regardless of his defensive partner, Jones has flourished in various situations. The prospect has played with veteran Anthony Bitetto, Libor Hajek throughout a conditioning stint, and with another young defenseman, Braden Schneider.

Jones has points in 10 of 13 games. His first multi-point game was on November 26 against Springfield as he recorded one goal and two assists. Jones leads the Wolf Pack blue line in points and is ranked fourth among the team in the category.

Ty Ronning Buzzes

After a promising 2020-21 shortened AHL season, the 24 year old was re-signed by the Rangers and has impressed the organization. Ronning has found his spark from last season in the month of November.

While he was quiet in October, the forward has contributed to the roster with offensive opportunities and a well-rounded game. The 24 year old began to find steady offense in November after getting his first goal and assist of the season late November. Ronning ended the month on a five game point streak, including a multi-point game against the Hershey Bears on November 20.

Ronning has earned himself a top six spot on the lineup and has stayed on the second line. Ronning has played with Morgan Barron (Tanner Fritz last weekend) for center and talented Lauri Pajuniemi. You have to give the forward credit as he has played with strong players on the Hartford roster and has found a spot in Hartford’s top six to start the season. It was a long road for the Rangers prospect, considering Ronning had difficulty staying in the Hartford lineup prior to last season.

The forward has enhanced his game and was rewarded under Kris Knobaluch. As Ronning continues to get hot offensively, he will become another reliable offensive forward for Hartford. Through 18 games, Ronning collected six goals and five assists for 11 points.

Lauri Pajuniemi's Confidence Boosted

The 22 year old rookie had fantastic seasons overseas prior to his first season in the AHL. After a month of adjustments, Pajuniemi has found his game on North American ice and accelerated his performance.

The prospect has shown his solid wrist shot and is able to help setup offensive chances, especially with the odd man rushes. The forward has a diverse offensive skill set that has helped Hartford to win games. The prospect continues to buzz with confidence and is active on all fronts of the game. For instance, Pajuniemi was in scrums and attempted to protect his teammates when liberties were taken on the ice.

While that is not his game, the forward puts a strong effort in all aspects of the game depending on situations.

In 18 games, Pajuniemi notched six goals and five assists. He has eight minutes in penalties with a +/- rating of +3. The forward continues to play in the top six, specifically on the second line. He is comfortable playing on a line with Ty Ronning and Morgan Barron. However, lines were adjusted on Friday as Kris Knoblauch swapped Morgan Barron with Tanner Fritz.

The Rangers prospect continues to make a name for himself as well, similar to Zac Jones as Pajuniemi is tied for 18 th in the league among rookie for points (11). He is also tied for ninth among rookies for goals (six). The prospect is fifth among the Hartford roster in points.

Jonny Brodzinski Leads the Way

Hartford’s captain Jonny Brodzinski continues to perform well on the diverse and young Wolf Pack roster.

Entering December, Brodzinski is tied for six among AHL players for points (18). The league is competitive to lead in offensive production and the forward continues to prove his worth to Hartforf and rest of the league. The veteran produces a point per game status and is active on the scoresheet in a majority of games. Through 18 games, Brodzinski was held without a point in four games. Brodzinski has recorded seven goals and 11 assists thus far in the young season.

While he’s consistent in production, his quality leadership is on display as well. The Wolf Pack is coming back from deficits in fashion, essentially looking like a roster full of experienced veterans. The group has scored four to five unanswered goals against Hershey and Springfield.

Against the Thunderbirds, Hartford scored four straight goals in one period to take a lead.

Hartford has shown they are able to compete well and be a legitimate contender come April.

Brodzinski continues to mentor the prospects and has guided the young batch of players in any given situation, allowing them exposure and growth.

Keith Kinkaid Leads in Wins & Adam Huska Impressive as Backup

In the AHL, having two dependable goalies can be a daunting task given the competition between veterans and prospects to earn the starter position.

The Wolf Pack have great duo in the crease between Keith Kinkaid and Adam Huska. Despite Kinkaid being the starter, Huska has proven his worth in the backup position and played as if he was the starter as well. Both goalies continues to give Hartford a chance in contests and further boost the defense with their spectacular saves.

Keith Kinkaid is a 32 year old veteran with experience in the NHL and AHL levels. The goaltender has proven as a reliable goalie in Hartford, providing stellar saves and is consistent when in net. Kinkaid leads the AHL with wins (nine). Furthermore, the veteran is seventh in the league for minutes played (670:38). He also faced 345 shots (seventh highest) and has the 13 th highest save percentage. In the shootout, Kinkaid is 2-0 stopping ten shots.

Entering December, Keith Kinkaid is 9-1-1 with a 2.59 goals against average and .903 save percentage.

Despite only two wins in six outings, Adam Huska continues to be another strong goalie for Hartford.

Huska is in the backup role for the Wolf Pack and have seen action mainly on the road. The road record is not as successful as the home record for the group. I have seen less goal support for Huska thus far in the season too.

While the record is decent, Huska is a great goalie and has shown growth from last season. Huska will be able to give Hartford a fighting chance in games as well.

The prospect is 2-3-1 with a 2.20 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. Huska is seventh in the league for the lowest goals against average and is eighth highest for save percentage.

Future Outlook

December will be a challenge for the WolfPack.

Despite facing opponents that are dominating or struggling, the organization has to ensure they continue to be consistent across the board to continue collecting points this season. Hartford was unable to secure points in four of 18 games.

A concern heading into the month of December is COVID-19 in the league.

In recent weeks the Hershey Bears and Providence Bruins have positive cases. Possible exposure is extended to additional opponents in the Atlantic Division such as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Bridgeport Islanders. For the Wolf Pack, two games - Wednesday, December 1 vs Springfield and Saturday December 4  vs Utica - have been postponed resulting from positive tests in Hartford.

While the club has strong momentum entering the month, COVID has suddenly raised havoc in the division. The number of games postponed or the length of the shutdown is unknown. As a result, the Wolf Pack will be off the ice for a period of time.

The question is how long, and are they able to pick up where they left off. How will the players feel after going through this situation?

These questions will remain unanswered until Hartford gets through the outbreak.

Focusing back on the ice, the Wolf Pack have bright spots all across the roster.

The roster continues to perform in all aspects of the game and each player has brought something to the table. Rather its grit, offense, saves, or forechecking, everyone has a role and continues to perform it well.

Let’s see what the month of December brings. The Rangers have brought a winning culture along with development to their AHL affiliate.