Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Excitement in Winnipeg even for just a preseason game

There is a lot of excitement and anticipation in Winnipeg even if it is just an exhibition game.

Fans in the Manitoba capital will be watching the re-born Winnipeg Jets for the first time tonight as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets in a split squad game. The first puck drops at 7:30 PM Central Time at MTS Centre.

The other half of each team will square off at Nationwide Arena in Columbus about 80 minutes sooner.

Even though the game doesn't count, it is a big deal for those that have waited 15 years for real NHL action. All you have to do is see the headlines coming out of Winnipeg and across Canada.

"It's a little surreal. It doesn't feel real yet to tell you the truth," Jets fan Edward Hucarewich said to CTV Winnipeg.

"I'm assuming it's going to be crazy in here. I think it's kind of the fans' first opportunity to show what they bring to the table and the excitement that they have for this team," Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd told CBC News.

CBC News posted two video stories today: "Jets excitement builds" and "Winnipeg prepares for Jets debut".

Yesterday was the start of when the media coverage really began to take off. An example was Global Winnipeg's Tamara Forlanski providing a glimpse at what has been happening in the city over the last few days (see video below).


Game coverage in Winnipeg is on TSN Jets and Sports Radio 1290.




Friday, September 16, 2011

NHL Live returns on September 19th

You know the 2011-2012 National Hockey League regular season is right around the corner when NHL Live is ready to return.

Deb Placey and Bill Pidto will be the regular hosts with EJ Hradek returning as frequent contributor to the show. Leading up to opening night, expect plenty of season previews of all 30 teams with plenty of analysis, the latest news and of course interviews of players, coaches, general managers and hockey journalists from around the league. Fans will once again get the chance to interact with the hosts and guests with their calls, e-mails and tweets.

One notable change from last season is a renovated studio set above the floor of the NHL Powered by Reebok Store.

The season premiere is September 19th at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You can see it on NHL Network or NHL.com.


video courtesy: NHL Network

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Teemu Selanne to play for Ducks in 2011-2012 season

Many fans especially in southern California wondered if veteran forward Teemu Selänne would play again or retire from hockey. We finally have an answer.

The 41-year-old Finnish superstar announced on a video clip at the Anaheim Ducks official web site he will play at least one more season with the team. According to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register, it is for $4 million.

Teemu Selanne signs his new one-year contract with the Ducks (image courtesy: Anaheim Ducks)

Selanne had been working out over the summer following a June 29th arthroscopic operation on his left knee where loose cartilage was removed, he had not made his decision until today to return to the ice. Team physicals will be conducted tomorrow and then full Ducks training camp begins on Saturday at the Honda Center.

With 12 of his 18 National Hockey League seasons spent in Anaheim (including the last six), Selanne has 637 goals and 703 assists during regular season play over his career. He also represented his native Finland five times in the Winter Olympics, most recently in Vancouver just last year.

"I'm very happy that my knee has recovered from surgery and is ready for the season," Selanne said today. "I'm excited and optimistic about what this team can do and thankful to have another opportunity to play in Anaheim."

Selanne will also get at least one chance to make what could be a final visit to the very place he began his NHL career. The Ducks will play the re-born Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre on December 17th where fans are expected to give him a rousing welcome and possible goodbye as a player. One of his greatest achievements was accomplished while wearing the uniform of the original Jets, that being all-time NHL rookie records of 76 goals and 132 points during his inaugural 1992-1993 season.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray is thrilled to have Selanne back for another season.

"As he showed again last season, Teemu still has the drive, determination and skill to play at an elite level," Murray said today. "Most importantly for us, his passion comes from not just playing, but playing for the Ducks."

Selanne had 80 points in 73 games last season.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

National Hockey League official site (September 15):
Selanne announces, via video, 2011-2012 return

Anaheim Ducks official site (September 15):
He's Back: Ducks sign Selanne to one-year contract
Teemu Selanne's video message

Orange County Register's Ducks Blog (September 15):
Selanne will play with Ducks in 2011-2012

NHL Network's 2011 preseason broadcast schedule

According to the official news release, the NHL Network will provide 80 hours of NHL preseason coverage (live and tape delay).

Seriously, what's up with so many Toronto Maple Leafs games?


NHL NETWORK (UNITED STATES)
2011 PRESEASON BROADCAST SCHEDULE
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

*delayed broadcast

SEPTEMBER 19TH
Ottawa at Toronto, 7:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 20TH
Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Calgary at Vancouver, 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 21ST
Detroit at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Toronto at Philadelphia, 10:00 PM*

SEPTEMBER 22ND
Boston at Ottawa, 12:00 AM*
Chicago at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 23RD
Vancouver at Edmonton, 12:00 PM*
Buffalo at Toronto, 7:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 24TH
Minnesota at Pittsburgh, 3:00 PM
Toronto at Buffalo, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Vancouver, 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 25TH
Chicago at Detroit, 5:00 PM
San Jose at Vancouver, 9:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 26TH
Edmonton at Calgary, 12:00 AM*
New York Rangers at Philadelphia, 11:00 PM*

SEPTEMBER 27TH
New York Islanders at Calgary, 9:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 28TH
Toronto at Ottawa, 12:00 AM*
Vancouver at Anaheim, 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 29TH
Detroit at Chicago, 1:00 AM*
Carolina at Winnipeg, 3:00 AM*
Vancouver at San Jose, 10:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 30TH
Phoenix at Calgary, 2:00 AM*
New Jersey at Philadelphia, 4:00 AM*
Pittsburgh at Chicago, 8:30 PM

OCTOBER 1ST
Toronto at Detroit, 1:00 AM*
Nashville at Winnipeg, 4:00 AM*
Detroit at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Vancouver, 10:00 PM

OCTOBER 2ND
Chicago at Washington, 5:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Detroit, 9:00 PM*

Thursday, August 25, 2011

San Jose Sharks announce two game time changes

The San Jose Sharks announced two changed start times to their 2011-2012 regular season schedule. Both are in Eastern Time.

January 2 - at Vancouver, 8:00 PM
March 13 - at Calgary, 9:30 PM

Friday, August 19, 2011

Phoenix Coyotes announce five game time changes

An update on the Phoenix Coyotes' 2011-2012 game schedule...

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today the following game time changes to the 2011-2012 regular season schedule.
All game times listed below are Arizona time:

Monday, October 10th at the Dallas Stars is now a 3:00 PM start (was originally 5:00 PM)

Monday, December 5th at the Chicago Blackhawks is now a
6:00 PM start (was originally 6:30 PM)

Thursday, December 15th vs. the Edmonton Oilers is now a
7:30 PM start (was originally 7:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 20 at the Dallas Stars is now a 5:00 PM start (was originally 5:30 PM)

Friday, April 6th at the St. Louis Blues is now a 4:30 PM start
(was originally 5:00 PM)

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rogers Sportsnet Ontario to air 29 Maple Leafs games

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have all 82 of their regular season games shown on television, but here is the Rogers Sports Ontario portion of their 2011-2012 broadcast schedule.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will call Sportsnet Ontario home for 29 regular-season games in 2011/12 – more than any other Canadian broadcaster.

Sportsnet Ontario's Molson Canadian Leafs Hockey coverage gets underway on Monday, October 17th at 7:00 PM ET when the Leafs host the Colorado Avalanche. Coverage throughout the season features six divisional-rival games, including five against fellow Canadian teams.

"Toronto is a hockey-hungry market, and the appetite for Leafs hockey remains extremely strong," said Navaid Mansuri, Vice President of Finance & Sports Programming, Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. "Our goal is to expand the fan experience and make Hockeycentral the destination before and after Leafs games."

The Leafs made a series of summer moves to end its lengthy post-season drought, acquiring help on defence in Cody Franson and John-Michael Liles while addressing depth at the centre position by adding Matthew Lombardi. Once again, the team will look to sophomore goaltender James Reimer to stop pucks, the rookie won 20 games in his first season, including three shutouts.

Leafs fans are invited to join Hockeycentral 30 minutes before and immediately following every Leafs broadcast for all the latest news and analysis. Hockeycentral features popular analysts Nick Kypreos, a former Maple Leaf, Doug MacLean, a former general manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and host Daren Millard.

As an added bonus, Sportsnet will deliver to fans the Leafs pre-season game on Wednesday, September 21st at 7:00 PM (ET) when the Leafs face the Philadelphia Flyers.


ROGERS SPORTSNET ONTARIO
2011-2012 TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS BROADCAST SCHEDULE
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

October 17 - Colorado at Toronto, 7:00 PM
October 30 - Toronto at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
November 3 - Toronto at Columbus, 7:00 PM
November 8 - Florida at Toronto, 7:00 PM
November 15 - Toronto at Phoenix, 7:00 PM
November 22 - Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
November 25 - Toronto at Dallas, 8:30 PM
November 27 - Toronto at Anaheim, 8:00 PM
December 6 - New Jersey at Toronto, 7:00 PM
December 9 - Toronto at Washington, 7:00 PM
December 13 - Carolina at Toronto, 7:00 PM
December 19 - Los Angeles at Toronto, 7:00 PM
December 27 - Toronto at Florida, 7:30 PM
January 3 - Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7:00 PM
January 10 - Buffalo at Toronto, 7:00 PM
January 17 - Ottawa at Toronto, 7:00 PM
January 24 - Toronto at New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
February 6 - Edmonton at Toronto, 7:00 PM
February 7 - Toronto at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM
February 14 - Toronto at Calgary, 9:00 PM
February 21 - New Jersey at Toronto, 7:00 PM
February 28 - Florida at Toronto, 7:00 PM
March 6 - Boston at Toronto, 7:00 PM
March 11 - Toronto at Washington, 5:00 PM
March 13 - Toronto at Florida, 7:30 PM
March 19 - Toronto at Boston, 7:00 PM
March 20 - New York Islanders at Toronto, 7:00 PM
March 27 - Carolina at Toronto, 7:00 PM
April 3 - Toronto at Buffalo, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Colorado Avalanche announce five game time changes

The Colorado Avalanche announced five changed start times to their 2011-2012 regular season schedule. They're in Eastern Time.

October 26 - at Calgary, 10:00 PM
November 15 - at Pittsburgh, 7:30 PM
November 23 - vs. Vancouver, 9:30 PM
November 26 - vs. Edmonton, 7:00 PM
February 22 - vs. Los Angeles, 9:00 PM

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

NHL releases full league-wide 2011 preseason schedule

Even though I already posted separate blog entries for each of the 30 teams, I'll provide you the full 2011 NHL preseason schedule. The National Hockey League just did so on their official web site.

Here are a handful of highlights as mentioned in the news release:

Jets open their preseason schedule on September 20th
The new Winnipeg Jets make their preseason debut with a home-and-home split squad matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. One half of their team will make their first appearance on the ice with a 7:00 PM Eastern Time game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Even though it is only an exhibition game that doesn't statistically count, the other half of the Jets team will skate in front of their home fans for the first time just 90 minutes later with an 8:30 PM game at MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

7 exhibition games in Europe
With four games scheduled, the New York Rangers will visit four countries in just 5 days. The other three NHL teams in the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings will each only have one preseason game in Europe, all on October 4th.

2011 Kraft Hockeyville exhibition game on September 26th
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland was selected to host the 2011 Kraft Hockeyville competition. It was originally supposed to be the site of an exhibition game between the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets. Due to high ticket demand, the game was moved from the 600-seat Robert French Memorial Stadium. Instead, it will take place at Mile One Stadium in St. John's.

Neutral site hosts
These locations will be where neutral site games are played:
Albany, New York
Baltimore, Maryland
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Charlotte, North Carolina
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Kansas City, Missouri
Las Vegas, Nevada
London, Ontario
Orlando, Florida
Québec City, Québec
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan


2011 NHL PRESEASON SCHEDULE
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

*split squad game

SEPTEMBER 19TH
Nashville at Florida, 3:00 PM*
Carolina at Buffalo, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Nashville at Florida, 7:30 PM*

SEPTEMBER 20TH
Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Winnipeg at Columbus, 7:00 PM*
Nashville vs. Washington (in Baltimore), 7:00 PM
Dallas at Montréal, 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Chicago vs. Edmonton (in Saskatoon), 8:00 PM*
Columbus at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM*
Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:00 PM*
Vancouver at Calgary, 9:00 PM*
Calgary at Vancouver, 10:00 PM*
Phoenix at Anaheim, 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 21ST
Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Washington at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Detroit at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
St. Louis vs. Tampa Bay (in Orlando), 7:00 PM
New Jersey vs. New York Rangers (in Albany, New York), 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Montréal, 7:30 PM
Boston at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
San Jose at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
Los Angeles at Phoenix, 10:00 PM*
Phoenix at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM*

SEPTEMBER 22ND
Chicago at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Detroit vs. Philadelphia (in London, Ontario), 7:00 PM
Minnesota at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Colorado at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Vancouver at Edmonton, 9:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 23RD
New York Islanders at Boston, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Nashville at Carolina, 7:00 PM
New York Rangers at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at Detroit, 7:30 PM
Florida at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Montréal at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
Washington at Chicago, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
St. Louis at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Anaheim at San Jose, 10:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 24TH
Minnesota at Pittsburgh, 3:00 PM
Toronto at Buffalo, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Montréal, 7:00 PM
New Jersey at New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Florida, 7:30 PM
Winnipeg at Nashville, 8:00 PM
St. Louis at Dallas, 8:00 PM
Calgary at Edmonton, 8:00 PM
Anaheim at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
Phoenix at San Jose, 10:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 25TH
Chicago at Detroit, 5:00 PM
Buffalo at Columbus, 5:00 PM
Winnipeg vs. Carolina (in Charlotte), 5:00 PM
Boston vs. Montréal (in Halifax), 6:00 PM
Dallas at Colorado, 8:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary, 8:00 PM
San Jose at Vancouver, 9:00 PM
Anaheim at Los Angeles, 9:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 26TH
Ottawa vs. Winnipeg (in St. John's), 4:00 PM
Columbus at Washington, 7:00 PM
New York Rangers at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Boston at Montréal, 7:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 27TH
Dallas at Florida, 7:30 PM
Toronto at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles (in Kansas City), 8:00 PM
Phoenix at Edmonton, 9:00 PM
New York Islanders at Calgary, 9:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 28TH
Washington at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Carolina at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM
Detroit at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Los Angeles at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim, 10:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 29TH
Rangers vs. Sparta Prague (in Prague, Czech Republic), 1:00 PM
Ottawa at Boston, 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Minnesota at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Montréal, 7:30 PM
Colorado at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Florida at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Phoenix at Calgary, 9:00 PM
Vancouver at San Jose, 10:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 30TH
New York Rangers vs. Frolunda (in Gothenburg, Sweden), 1:00 PM
Buffalo at Washington, 7:00 PM
New York Islanders at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Columbus at Carolina, 7:00 PM
Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Nashville at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM
Los Angeles at Anaheim, 10:00 PM

OCTOBER 1ST
Dallas at St. Louis, 2:30 PM
Detroit at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Montréal vs. Tampa Bay (in Québec City), 7:00 PM
Boston vs. New York Islanders (in Bridgeport, CT), 7:00 PM
Carolina at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Colorado vs. Los Angeles (in Las Vegas, Nevada), 9:00 PM
San Jose at Phoenix, 10:00 PM
Edmonton at Vancouver, 10:00 PM

OCTOBER 2ND
Rangers vs. HC Slovan (in Bratislava, Slovakia), 11:00 AM
Pittsburgh at Detroit, 5:00 PM
Chicago at Washington, 5:00 PM

OCTOBER 3RD
New York Rangers vs. EV Zug (in Zug, Switzerland), 2:00 PM

OCTOBER 4TH
Anaheim vs. Jokerit (in Helsinki), 12:00 PM
Los Angeles vs. Hamburg (in Hamburg, Germany), 1:00 PM
Buffalo vs. Adler Mannheim (in Mannheim, Germany), 1:30 PM

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

2011 Boston Bruins preseason schedule

The Boston Bruins announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

For their two neutral site preseason games, they're the home team on September 25th and the away team on October 1st.

The Bruins' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
September 23 - vs. New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Montréal (in Halifax), 6:00 PM
September 26 - at Montréal, 7:30 PM
September 29 - vs. Ottawa, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. New York Islanders (in Bridgeport, CT), 7:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Boston Bruins official news release (August 3):
Bruins announce preseason schedule and critical dates

New England Sports Network (NESN) (August 3):
Boston Bruins release preseason schedule, full camp opens September 16th

Monday, August 1, 2011

Versus to become NBC Sports Network in January 2012

First, it was a little known Outdoor Life Network.

Then it was shortened to just OLN.

September 25, 2006 - Comcast re-launched it as VERSUS.

January 28, 2011 - Comcast completed a $30 billion transaction with General Electric to create a joint venture company called NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

February 2, 2011 - Comcast acquires 51% majority ownership of NBCUniversal and integrates their sports networks into the newly-formed NBC Sports Group.

April 19, 2011 - The National Hockey League had their American national television contract extended for 10 years with NBC and VERSUS worth $2 billion.

And now, we arrive at TODAY...



Comcast just announced that VERSUS will be re-branded as the NBC Sports Network on January 2, 2012.

By no coincidence, it is on the day of the 2012 Winter Classic.

The NHL will soon make it 100% official with the New York Rangers visiting the Philadelphia Flyers in an outdoor game to be played at Citizens Bank Park.

In addition to the network name change, the NBC Sports Group will implement a redesigned NBC Sports logo, including the one above for the cable channel.



The idea behind the upcoming second re-launch in VERSUS' history is for Comcast and the NBC Sports Group to more uniformly bring the branding of all its sports networks together. This would be the NBC broadcast television network, two cable television networks, the 11 Comcast SportsNet regional sports networks as well as the digital platform.

"This effort is a major step towards a complete strategic alignment of all our platforms and businesses," NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus said. "This is more than just a name change for VERSUS. It's a complete repositioning of the brand to provide value for marketers, consumers as well as all our affiliates and distributors. We want anyone who comes into contact with any of our assets to immediately connect with the NBC Sports brand promise."

How does this effect the NHL and its broadcast media side of this sports league's business? Absolutely plenty.

VERSUS has seen steady growth in viewership and programming, but the new brand name is expected to heighten its profile further and even better compete with sports television powerhouse ESPN. When the NHL extended its television contract agreement with Comcast, the league powers that be had confidence in solidifying its presence on NBC and VERSUS. The NBC brand is more recognizable and will make its sports cable network available to even more viewers.

At the same time, cross-promotion will be a big key for the NHL as advertising can be done during NBC's National Football League broadcasts that include Sunday Night Football games, playoff contests and Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th. Even promos can air on Golf Channel, Comcast SportsNet regional cable networks and other Comcast-owned cable TV networks. More eyes seeing the NHL promos means more awareness of NBC's hockey coverage. In turn, more viewers can tune in to hockey games on NBC and NBC Sports Network as early as the 2011-2012 season.

And if that translates into higher TV ratings, bigger advertising revenue to follow and overall revenue for the NHL and its television partners. Certainly the potential is there. Whether or not Comcast's NBC Sports Group can deliver that remains to be seen.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

National Hockey League official news release (August 1):
VERSUS to be rebranded as NBC Sports Network

NBC Sports (August 1):
VERSUS to be rebranded as NBC Sports Network

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Devils trade Brian Rolston to Islanders for Trent Hunter

In a transaction I didn't see coming, the New Jersey Devils traded Brian Rolston to the New York Islanders for Trent Hunter in a swap of veteran forwards.

Certainly I could very easily bring up comparisons on age and salary alone. But it is very apparent the Devils were shedding a player in the twilight of his career who hasn't provided much bang for the buck since leaving the Minnesota Wild as a free agent following the 2007-2008 season.

Rolston's second tour of duty with New Jersey appeared to be rather a forgettable one. He scored 49 goals in 209 regular season games. If you add 3 goals in 12 playoff games over the 2009 and 2010 postseasons, he ended up with 52 goals in 221 games in the last three seasons wearing the red and black of the Devils. Rolston was a member of the Devils' 1995 and 2000 Stanley Cup championship teams.

But at age 38, what does Rolston bring to a young Islanders team? Leadership? Experience? Possible depth up front? Either way, don't expect much offense from him as he winds down his career. But remember that if you are a National Hockey League player, it's your all-around game that will allow you to have longevity in the league. This includes having to be successful on the defensive side of the puck.

Islanders general manager Garth Snow told Newsday's Katie Strang he likes the potential impact Rolston's leadership will bring to his hockey team.

"He's a winner that leads by example," Snow said. "He's a great addition to our locker room."

Hunter moves across the New York City metropolitan area from Long Island over to New Jersey with experience, but at only 31 years old, he's in the typical prime of one's career. Drafted in the sixth round back in 1998 by the Anaheim Ducks, Hunter didn't cement himself in the NHL until 2003 where he scored a career-best 25 goals in 77 regular season games. He only played 17 games last season before season-ending knee surgery back in February. Hunter hasn't been known much for his scoring, but he is expected to have enough offense to help the Devils out.

The two Atlantic Division rivals are each looking to return to the playoffs next spring. How much of a factor Rolston and Hunter will be remains to be seen.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

New Jersey Devils official news release (July 28):
Devils deal for Trent Hunter

New York Islanders official news release (July 28):
Islanders acquire Rolston from New Jersey

The Bergen Record's Devils page (July 28):
Devils trade Brian Rolston in three-team trade

Newark Star-Ledger's Devils page (July 28):
Devils trade Brian Rolston to Islanders

Long Island Newsday's Islanders page (July 28):
Isles trade for Brian Rolston

In Lou We Trust (July 28):
Brian Rolston traded to the Islanders...

Lighthouse Hockey (July 28):
Analysis: Brian Rolston-Trent Hunter trade...

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Coyotes and Canucks swap February 2012 home dates

The Phoenix Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks jointly announced they have swapped February 2012 home games during the upcoming 2011-2012 season.

Here is what the Coyotes posted on their official team web site:

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that due to a scheduling conflict, the team's home game at Jobing.com Arena on Monday, February 13, 2012 versus the Vancouver Canucks has been moved to Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Start time for this game is set for 7:00 PM (Phoenix time). The Coyotes also announced that their road game at Vancouver which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th has been moved to Monday, February 13th. Start time for this game is 8:00 PM (Phoenix time).

The two Western Conference rivals will face other four times during the regular season.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Phoenix Coyotes official news release (July 27):
Coyotes announce schedule changes

Vancouver Canucks official news release (July 27):
Canucks announce schedule changes for the 2011-2012 season

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2011 Florida Panthers preseason schedule

The Florida Panthers announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Florida Panthers today announced their six-game 2011 preseason schedule.

"We have put together a fantastic preseason schedule that has our club leaving Florida just once," said Florida Panthers executive vice president and general manager Dale Tallon. "This schedule gives our coaching staff valuable time to work with and prepare our players before the start of the season in October. Additionally, this schedule gives our fans ample opportunity to watch our team practice at home as well as to take in a special Hockey Day in South Florida doubleheader on September 19th."

Florida opens the preseason on Monday, September 19th with a doubleheader against the Nashville Predators that will take place on the Lexus Rink at the BankAtlantic Center. The first game will be played at 3:00 PM followed by the second game at 7:30 PM. Further information regarding the special events and promotions surrounding Hockey Day in South Florida will be announced at a later date.

Following the doubleheader, Florida will compete in a home-and-home set against the Tampa Bay Lightning (at Tampa Bay on Friday, September 23rd; vs. Tampa Bay on Saturday, September 24th). The Panthers host the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, September 27th before closing out the preseason with a trip to Dallas on September 29th.


The Panthers' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 19* - vs. Nashville, 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
September 23 - at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
September 24 - vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
September 27 - vs. Dallas, 7:30 PM
September 29 - at Dallas, 8:30 PM

*doubleheader


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Florida Panthers official news release (July 26):
Panthers announce 2011 preseason schedule

South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Panthers blog (July 26):
Panthers open up preseason with home doubleheader on September 19th

Miami Herald's On Frozen Pond blog (July 26):
Florida Panthers finally unveil preseason schedule

Litter Box Cats (July 26):
Panthers (officially) release 2011 preseason schedule

Monday, July 25, 2011

BankAtlantic Center lower bowl seats to be red

The Florida Panthers announced earlier today that the interior of their home arena will certainly look noticeably different when the 2011 preseason begins in September.

We have seen the team's commitment to returning to red as its primary color with the recent unveiling of the new home jersey. Next, Panthers fans will see brand new red lower bowl seats installed inside BankAtlantic Center.

image courtesy: Florida Panthers

Here is what the Panthers had to say in their news release:

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today that the Florida Panthers in partnership with South Florida based and nationally acclaimed Zimmerman Advertising are converting every seat in the BankAtlantic Center's lower bowl to red. The change is in conjunction with the Panthers "We See Red" marketing campaign and return to red as the franchise's primary uniform color.

When the Panthers take the ice on opening night, October 15th in their new red home jerseys, all 8,689 lower bowl seats will be permanently changed to red as well. The seats are being changed to red as part of a multi-year marketing partnership between the Panthers and Zimmerman Advertising in which the Zimmerman logo will appear on the front of each lower bowl seat.

"While the 'We See Red' campaign signifies the passion, aggressiveness, commitment to winning and new blood in this Panthers team, fans will also see an aesthetic shift as well in our new jerseys, and thanks to Zimmerman Advertising, in all of the lower bowl seats at the BankAtlantic Center," said SSE president & COO Michael Yormark. "There's no doubt that with these changes and some other big announcements we have coming soon, that our fans will be 'seeing red' and enjoying a whole new in-game experience at the BankAtlantic Center this season."

"We look forward to the upcoming Panthers season given all the new changes and their 'See Red' attitude," said Jordan Zimmerman, chairman and founder of Zimmerman Advertising. "I wanted to make sure to be at every game personally and/or in spirit , so putting our company name on over 8,000 seats did just that."


Either way, it is a refreshing visual new look for Panthers fans to look forward to in addition to the free agent signings and trades general manager Dale Tallon has made so far this summer. Seeing red inside their home arena is what some Panthers fans already feel is a welcomed change.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Sharks announce 2011-2012 third jersey schedule

The San Jose Sharks announced today when they will wear their alternate jersey for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.

The defending Pacific Division champions have primarily Thursday and Friday night games slated for their fans to see the team in action sporting the black alternate uniform. Only one Saturday game is on the alternate jersey schedule, that being on April 7th against the Los Angeles Kings.

Here is the full alternate jersey schedule as posted on the official team web site:

November 3 - vs. Pittsburgh
November 10 - vs. Minnesota
November 17 - vs. Detroit
December 1 - vs. Montréal
December 8 - vs. Dallas
December 15 - vs. Colorado
December 23 - vs. Los Angeles
January 5 - vs. Columbus
January 19 - vs. Ottawa
February 2 - vs. Dallas
February 10 - vs. Chicago
March 1 - vs. Buffalo
March 15 - vs. Nashville
March 22 - vs. Boston
April 7 - vs. Los Angeles

NOTE: The third jersey schedule subject to change.

2011 New York Rangers preseason schedule

The New York Rangers announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the September 21st game.

From the team's official news release:

The New York Rangers announced their 2011 preseason schedule today, featuring four games in Europe and a total of seven games.

The Rangers 2011 preseason schedule will open with a pair of games against the New Jersey Devils, beginning on Wednesday, September 21st at Times Union Center in Albany, New York and continuing on Friday, September 23rd at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

New York will then match-up against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, September 26th at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia before traveling to four European countries for four exhibition contests in five days. The Rangers will face-off against HC Sparta on Thursday, September 29th in Prague, Czech Republic before heading to Gothenburg, Sweden to face Frölunda on Friday, September 30th. The Blueshirts will close out their 2011 preseason schedule with a back-to-back set vs. HC Slovan on Sunday, October 2nd in Bratislava, Slovakia and vs. EV Zug on Monday, October 3rd in Zug, Switzerland.

New York will open their 2011-2012 regular season schedule with a pair of games in Stockholm, Sweden against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, October 7th and the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, October 8th.

The 2011 New York Rangers training camp begins with players reporting to the Madison Square Garden Training Center on Friday, September 16th.


The Rangers' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - vs. New Jersey (in Albany, NY), 7:00 PM
September 23 - at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
September 26 - at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. HC Sparta (in Prague), 1:00 PM
September 30 - vs. Frölunda (in Gothenburg, Sweden), 1:00 PM
October 2 - vs. HC Slovan (in Bratislava, Slovakia), 11:00 AM
October 3 - vs. EV Zug (in Zug, Switzerland), 2:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

New York Rangers official news release (July 20):
Rangers announce 2011 preseason schedule

The Journal News' Rangers Report blog (July 20):
Official announcement of Rangers' preseason schedule

The Bergen Record's Ranger Rants blog (July 20):
Full preseason schedule revealed

Thursday, July 7, 2011

2011 Philadelphia Flyers preseason schedule

The Philadelphia Flyers announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the September 22nd game.

From the team's official news release:

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Monday that the team will play a seven-game exhibition schedule prior to the start of the 2011-2012 season, featuring three games at the Wells Fargo Center and a game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Global Spectrum-managed John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.

The Flyers are visiting the John Labatt Centre for the ninth time; however, it is the first time they'll play the Red Wings there. The arena is managed by Global Spectrum, a subsidiary of Flyers parent company Comcast-Spectacor. Global Spectrum manages more than 100 public assembly facilities around the world.

"London truly is our home away from home," said Comcast-Spectacor president and Global Spectrum chairman Peter Luukko. "The fan support in London for the Flyers is outstanding. The John Labatt Centre is a fantastic hockey arena that our players enjoy visiting. To be playing the Detroit Red Wings in London is a dream match-up for hockey fans in southwestern Ontario and eastern Michigan. It's going to be a terrific night of hockey in the City of London."


The Flyers' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - at Toronto, TBA
September 21 - vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
September 22 - vs. Detroit (in London, Ontario), TBA
September 23 - at Detroit, TBA
September 26 - vs. New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. New Jersey, 7:00 PM
October 1 - at New Jersey, TBA

2011 Vancouver Canucks preseason schedule

The Vancouver Canucks announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Vancouver Canucks released their 2011 pre-season schedule today featuring eight games beginning September 20th and concluding October 1st. The Canucks begin the pre-season with a split squad playing one game at home and one game away against Calgary on September 20th. Both games will begin at 7:00 PM Pacific Time. Vancouver will play the remaining six games both home and away against the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

In total, the Canucks will play four pre-season games at Rogers Arena and four on the road. Each game features a Western Conference match-up: Anaheim (2), Calgary (2), Edmonton (2) and San Jose (2).


The Canucks' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20* - at Calgary, 9; vs. Calgary, 10:00 PM
September 22 - at Edmonton, 9:00 PM
September 24 - vs. Anaheim, 10:00 PM
September 25 - vs. San Jose, 9:00 PM
September 28 - at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
September 29 - at San Jose, 10:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Edmonton, 10:00 PM

*split squad games

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2011 Dallas Stars preseason schedule

The Dallas Stars announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Dallas Stars announced today that the club will play a total of seven pre-season contests in 2011, including three at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Dallas will begin training camp in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), Canada, for the second consecutive year on Friday, September 16th. The Stars' first pre-season game will coincide with the team's trip back to Texas, playing at Montréal on Tuesday, September 20th.

The Stars begin the home portion of their pre-season schedule hosting the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, September 22nd. The Stars will also host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, September 24th and the Florida Panthers on Thursday, September 29th.


The Stars' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - at Montréal, 7:30 PM
September 22 - vs. Colorado, 8:30 PM
September 24 - vs. St. Louis, 8:00 PM
September 25 - at Colorado, 8:00 PM
September 27 - at Florida, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Florida, 8:30 PM
October 1 - at St. Louis, 2:30 PM

Thursday, June 30, 2011

2011 New Jersey Devils preseason schedule

The New Jersey Devils announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 21st game.

From the team's official news release:

The Devils' six-game pre-season schedule, all vs. Atlantic Division opposition, will include three home games at Prudential Center: Friday, September 23rd vs. New York Rangers; Friday, September 30th vs. New York Islanders and Saturday, October 1st vs. Philadelphia. All three home games will get underway at 7:00 PM.

The road portion of the team's pre-season slate is set as follows: Wednesday, September 21st at New York Rangers (Albany, New York); Saturday, September 24th at New York Islanders and Thursday, September 29th at Philadelphia.


The Devils' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - vs. New York Rangers (in Albany, NY), 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
September 24 - at New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
September 29 - at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
September 30 - vs. New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM

2011 New York Islanders preseason schedule

The New York Islanders announced their upcoming 2011 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the October 1st game.

From the team's official news release:

The New York Islanders announced today the release of their 2011 preseason schedule. The Islanders will play five exhibition games in five cities across North America, including one game at Webster Bank Arena, the home of the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The Islanders will open their 2011 preseason on Friday, September 23rd at TD Garden against the Boston Bruins at 7:00 PM. The following night, Saturday, September 24th; the Islanders will host their Atlantic Division rivals, the New Jersey Devils at 7:00 PM at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The third game of the preseason is set for Tuesday, September 27th when the Islanders travel to the Scotiabank Saddledome to take on the Calgary Flames at 9:00 PM. The Islanders will then travel to the Prudential Center on Friday, September 30th for a 7:00 PM faceoff against New Jersey. The team's final preseason game is on Saturday, October 1st at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut at 7:00 PM against Boston.


The Islanders' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 23 - at Boston, 7:00 PM
September 24 - vs. New Jersey, 7:00 PM
September 27 - at Calgary, 9:00 PM
September 30 - at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Boston (in Bridgeport, CT), 7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

2011 Nashville Predators preseason schedule

The Nashville Predators announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 20th game.

From the team's official news release:

Nashville Predators president of hockey operations/general manager David Poile announced today that the Predators will open their eight-game 2011 preseason schedule with a franchise-first doubleheader at the BankAtlantic Center on Monday, September 19th. The eight preseason games are the most the franchise has played since the 2002-2003 campaign.

Nashville's preseason schedule includes three home games: Saturday, September 24th against Winnipeg; Wednesday, September 28th vs. the Washington Capitals and Saturday, October 1st against the Carolina Hurricanes. All three games at Bridgestone Arena will start at 7:00 PM Central Time.

In addition to their doubleheader in South Florida, the Predators will take part in the Baltimore Hockey Classic on September 20th at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, where they'll play the Washington Capitals and travel to Carolina (September 23th) and Winnipeg (September 30th) on consecutive Fridays.


The Predators' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 19* - at Florida, 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
September 20 - vs. Washington (in Baltimore), 7:00 PM
September 23 - at Carolina, 7:00 PM
September 24 - vs. Winnipeg, 8:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Washington, 8:00 PM
September 30 - at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Carolina, 8:00 PM

*doubleheader

Thursday, June 23, 2011

2011 Columbus Blue Jackets preseason schedule

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Blue Jackets also announced their eight-game preseason schedule, which will include home games vs. Winnipeg on Tuesday, September 20th (7:00 PM), Washington on Wednesday, September 21st (7:00 PM), Buffalo on Sunday, September 25th (5:00 PM) and the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, September 29th (7:00 PM).

NOTE: The 2011 preseason schedule announcement is within the team's regular season schedule news release.

The Blue Jackets' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20* - vs. Winnipeg, 7; at Winnipeg, 9:30 PM
September 21 - vs. Washington, 7:00 PM
September 23 - at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Buffalo, 5:00 PM
September 26 - at Washington, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Minnesota, 7:00 PM
September 30 - at Carolina, 7:00 PM

*split squad games

2011 Colorado Avalanche preseason schedule

The Colorado Avalanche announced their upcoming 2010 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the upcoming Frozen Fury 14 game on October 1st.

From the team's official news release:

In addition to its regular season schedule, the Avalanche also announced today its preseason schedule for 2011-2012. Colorado will play a total of six exhibition games, meeting Dallas, Los Angeles and St. Louis twice each. Colorado's preseason home dates are Friday, September 23rd vs. St. Louis; Sunday, September 25th vs. Dallas and Wednesday, September 28th vs. Los Angeles. The Avs will conclude the exhibition slate with the annual Frozen Fury matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, October 1st at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Avalanche's 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Dallas, 8:30 PM
September 23 - vs. St. Louis, 9:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Dallas, 8:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Los Angeles, 9:00 PM
September 29 - at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Los Angeles (in Las Vegas), 9:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Colorado Avalanche official news release (June 23):
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche regular season schedule

Denver Post's Avalanche page (June 23):
Avs open their season with rival Red Wings

NOTE: The 2011 preseason schedule announcement is within the team's regular season schedule news release.

2011 Montréal Canadiens preseason schedule

The Montréal Canadiens announced their upcoming 2011 preseason schedule.

For their two neutral site preseason games, they're the home team on September 25th and the away team on October 1st.

From the team's official news release:

The Canadiens will play eight preseason games, including five at the Bell Centre, as the team will host Dallas, Buffalo, Ottawa, Boston and Tampa Bay. Three preseason games will also be played on the road: in Ottawa (September 23), in Halifax visiting Boston (September 25) and at Colisée Pepsi in Québec City against Tampa Bay (October 1).

NOTE: The 2011 preseason schedule announcement is within the team's regular season schedule news release.

The Canadiens' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - vs. Dallas, 7:30 PM
September 21 - vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
September 23 - at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
September 24 - vs. Ottawa, 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Boston (in Halifax), 6:00 PM
September 26 - vs. Boston, 7:30 PM
September 29 - vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Tampa Bay (in Québec City), 7:00 PM

NHL releases 2011-2012 regular season schedule

The National Hockey League announced their 2011-2012 regular season schedule today. Among the highlights as detailed in the league's official news release:

Season begins on October 6th (NHL Face-Off)
Three games in North America are slated to be played.

Compuware NHL Premiere series - October 7th and 8th
The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers will participate. The games are in three European cities, which are Berlin, Germany, Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. See each team schedule for the which days and sites of each game.

Stanley Cup championship defense
The Boston Bruins open their new season on October 6th when they host the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden in Boston. It will be the Bruins' first hoisting of a Stanley Cup championship banner to their arena rafters in 39 years.

NHL returns to Winnipeg
After a 15-year absence, the highest brand of professional hockey returns to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following the original team's exodus to Arizona in 1996, the former Atlanta Thrashers officially replaced them two days ago. The newly re-branded Winnipeg Jets host the Montréal Canadiens on October 9th at MTS Centre. It will be the only game on the league schedule that day.

2011 Stanley Cup Finals rematch
The Vancouver Canucks will visit Boston on January 7, 2012 to play the Bruins, the team that defeated them for the 2011 Stanley Cup championship.

2012 NHL All-Star Game
The Senators will be the host franchise with the game being played at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on January 29, 2012.

5th edition of Winter Classic game
Even though there has not been a formal announcement yet, the game is expected to be played on January 2, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. In their second Winter Classic appearance and first time as the home team, the Flyers will host the Rangers.

no Heritage Classic
There will not be a Heritage Classic game for 2012.

national broadcast schedules
The national television schedules will be released at a later date.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

National Hockey League official news release (June 23):
Bruins-Flyers opener highlights schedule release
North American home openers for 2011-2012 season
2011-2012 schedule highlights
Team-by-team 2011-2012 schedules

Anaheim Ducks
2011-2012 Anaheim Ducks regular season schedule

Boston Bruins
2011-2012 Boston Bruins regular season schedule

Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule

Calgary Flames
2011-2012 Calgary Flames regular season schedule

Carolina Hurricanes
Hurricanes 2011-2012 regular season schedule released

Chicago Blackhawks
2011-2012 Chicago Blackhawks regular season schedule

Colorado Avalanche
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche regular season schedule
Avalanche time changes
Avs open their season with rival Red Wings

Columbus Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule

Dallas Stars
Stars' 2011-2012 schedule announced

Detroit Red Wings
Wings announce '11-12 schedule

Edmonton Oilers
2011-2012 Edmonton Oilers regular season schedule

Florida Panthers
Panthers announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule
Schedule is out

Los Angeles Kings
Kings announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule

Minnesota Wild
Wild 2011-2012 regular season schedule released

Montréal Canadiens
Habs unveil 2011-2012 calendar

Nashville Predators
Preds 2011-2012 season schedule released

New Jersey Devils
2011-2012 New Jersey Devils regular season schedule

New York Islanders
Islanders 2011-2012 regular season schedule released

New York Rangers
2011-2012 Rangers schedule announced

Ottawa Senators
Senators roll into Motor City to begin 2011-2012 slate

Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers 2011-2012 regular season schedule announced

Phoenix Coyotes
Coyotes announce 2011-2012 schedule
Coyotes announce schedule changes
Coyotes announce game time changes

Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins to begin 2011-2012 regular season with three-game road swing to western Canada

San Jose Sharks
Sharks release 2011-2012 schedule
Sharks announce additional changes to schedule

St. Louis Blues
Blues release 2011-2012 season schedule

Tampa Bay Lightning
Lightning announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule

Toronto Maple Leafs
Leafs release regular season schedule

Vancouver Canucks
Canucks release 2011-2012 regular season schedule
Canucks announce schedule changes for the 2011-2012 regular season

Washington Capitals
Capitals announce 2011-2012 regular season schedule

Winnipeg
Regular season schedule announced for Winnipeg NHL franchise

NBC Sports' NHL page (June 23):
Highlights and key dates from the newly announced 2011-2012 NHL schedule

2011 Toronto Maple Leafs preseason schedule

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 21st game.

From the team's official news release:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced their 2011-2012 preseason schedule Thursday, which features four games at Air Canada Centre and four on the road. The Maple Leafs will play one home and one road game against four different opponents, including the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.

The Leafs will play their eight-game preseason schedule over 13 days, starting at home on Monday, September 19th at 7:00 PM against the Senators at Air Canada Centre. Home-and-home series will take place against the Flyers, Sabres and Red Wings, and a second meeting with the Senators will be played in the nation's capital. The Maple Leafs' preseason schedule concludes Saturday, October 1st when they host the Red Wings at 7:00 PM.


The Maple Leafs' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 19 - vs. Ottawa, 7:00 PM
September 20 - vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
September 21 - vs. Philadelphia (in London, Ontario), 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Buffalo, 7:00 PM
September 24 - at Buffalo, 7:00 PM
September 27 - at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
September 30 - at Detroit, 7:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Detroit, 7:00 PM

2011 Calgary Flames preseason schedule

The Calgary Flames announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 29th game.

From the team's official news release:

The Calgary Flames announced today their 2011 pre-season schedule which starts on Tuesday, September 20th with a two team/same day format against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Flames will play a total of six pre-season games (4 x home / 2 x away) against the Edmonton Oilers (2), Vancouver Canucks (2), New York Islanders (1) and the Phoenix Coyotes (1).


The Flames' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21* - vs. Vancouver, 9; at Vancouver, 10
September 24 - at Edmonton, 8:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Edmonton, 8:00 PM
September 27 - vs. New York Islanders, 9:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Phoenix, 9:00 PM

*split squad games

2011 Carolina Hurricanes preseason schedule

The Carolina Hurricanes announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the September 25th preseason game.

From the team's official news release:

Jason Karmanos, vice president and assistant general manager for the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced the team's 2011 exhibition schedule.

The Hurricanes will open the preseason at Buffalo on Monday, September 19th at 7:00 PM. Carolina will then host Nashville at the RBC Center on Friday, September 23rd. On Sunday, September 25th, the Hurricanes will host Winnipeg at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, home of Carolina's American Hockey League affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Following a game at Winnipeg on September 28th, the Hurricanes wrap up the preseason with a back-to-back set against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Raleigh on September 30th and at Nashville on October 1st.


The Hurricanes' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 19 - at Buffalo, 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Nashville, 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Winnipeg (in Charlotte), 5:00 PM
September 28 - at Winnipeg, 8:30 PM
September 30 - vs. Columbus, 7:00 PM
October 1 - at Nashville, 8:00 PM

2011 Winnipeg preseason schedule

Winnipeg's NHL franchise announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 25th preseason game.

From the team's official news release:

True North Sports & Entertainment Limited today announced the seven-game 2011 NHL pre-season schedule for Winnipeg's newly acquired NHL franchise.

The franchise will play a pair of split squad games on Tuesday, September 20th against the Columbus Blue Jackets. One game will take place in Columbus with the other contest being played at MTS Centre. Game time here in Winnipeg will be 7:30 PM.

The new Winnipeg team will play both the Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators a pair of times. They will play each team once at MTS Centre (Carolina – September 28th & Nashville – September 30th), while Winnipeg will take on the Hurricanes at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina (September 25th) after facing the Predators in Nashville (September 24th). Both games at MTS Centre will get underway at 7:30 PM.

Winnipeg will also face the Ottawa Senators in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland as part of Kraft Hockeyville celebrations on Monday, September 26th. More details pertaining to that game are to come.


Winnipeg's 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20* - at Columbus, 7:30 PM; vs. Columbus, 8:30 PM
September 24 - at Nashville, 8:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Carolina (in Charlotte), 5:00 PM
September 26 - vs. Ottawa (in Conception Bay South, NL), TBA
September 28 - vs. Carolina, 8:30 PM
September 30 - vs. Nashville, 8:30 PM

*split squad games

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011 Anaheim Ducks preseason schedule

The Anaheim Ducks announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Anaheim Ducks today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club's 2011 preseason schedule. The Ducks will compete in seven preseason contests before the start of the club's 2011-2012 regular season campaign in October.

The Ducks will open the 2011 preseason schedule with back-to-back contests at Honda Center, taking on the Phoenix Coyotes on September 20th (7:05 PM) and San Jose Sharks on September 21st (7:05 PM). The club will participate in home-and-home exhibition contests against San Jose, Vancouver and Los Angeles, and face Phoenix once in preseason competition. Following three consecutive road games in San Jose, Vancouver and Los Angeles from September 23-25, the Ducks will wrap up their exhibition schedule with home games on September 28th vs. Vancouver (7:05 PM) and September 30th vs. Los Angeles (7:05 PM).


The Ducks' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - vs. Phoenix, 10:00 PM
September 21 - vs. San Jose, 10:00 PM
September 23 - at San Jose, 10:30 PM
September 24 - at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
September 25 - at Los Angeles, 9:30 PM
September 28 - vs. Vancouver, 10:00 PM
September 30 - vs. Los Angeles, 10:00 PM

2011 Ottawa Senators preseason schedule

The Ottawa Senators announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

They are the away team for the Kraft Hockeyville game on September 26th in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland.

From the team's official news release:

The Ottawa Senators announced today their 2011 pre-season schedule, which includes three home games, three road contests and one neutral-site meeting.

Ottawa fans will get their first chance to see the 2011-2012 Senators team on Wednesday, September 21st when the team hosts the Stanley Cup-champion Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Place. The Senators will then host the Montréal Canadiens on Friday, September 23rd and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, September 27th to conclude their home pre-season schedule.

The Senators open up their pre-season schedule with a road game in Toronto on Monday, September 19th. The team will then travel to Montréal for a meeting against the Canadiens on Saturday, September 24th. The final road trip sees the Senators visit Boston on Thursday, September 29th.

The Senators and Winnipeg's new NHL franchise are the featured teams for this year's Kraft Hockeyville game in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, which is set to take place on Monday, September 26th.


The Senators' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 19 - at Toronto, 7:00 PM
September 21 - vs. Boston, 7:30 PM
September 23 - vs. Montréal, 7:30 PM
September 24 - at Montréal, 7:00 PM
September 26 - vs. Winnipeg (in Conception Bay South, NL), TBA
September 27 - vs. Toronto, 7:30 PM
September 29 - at Boston, TBA

2011 St. Louis Blues preseason schedule

The St. Louis Blues announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 21st preseason game.

From the team's official news release:

The St. Louis Blues announced Wednesday their 2011-2012 preseason schedule, with their opener on Tuesday, September 20th against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:00 PM at Scottrade Center.

Overall, the eight-game schedule includes five games in succession from September 20th to September 24th as well as a home and road game with each of their four opponents: Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Colorado and Dallas.


The Blues' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
September 21 - vs. Tampa Bay (site and time TBA)
September 22 - vs. Minnesota, 8:00 PM
September 23 - at Colorado, 8:00 PM
September 24 - at Dallas, 8:00 PM
September 27 - at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Colorado, 8:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Dallas, 2:30 PM

2011 Tampa Bay Lightning preseason schedule

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the September 21st preseason game.

From the team's official news release:

The Tampa Bay Lightning will play a total of six preseason games in 2011 the team announced today. They will play their lone preseason game at the St. Pete Times Forum on Friday, September 23 against the Florida Panthers.

The Lightning will kick off their preseason schedule in St. Louis on Tuesday, September 20th when they take on the Blues at Scottrade Center. The Bolts and Blues will meet again the next night with the location being TBD. The game was originally scheduled to be played at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg and is being changed due to the franchise relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers.

Tampa Bay will then play a back-to-back set with Florida on Friday, September 23rd at the St. Pete Times Forum and the next night at the BankAtlantic Center. The games will mark the first meetings between the intra-state rivals during the preseason since the 2005 season.

The Lightning will conclude the 2011 exhibition season with a pair of games in Québec against the Montréal Canadiens. On Thursday, September 29th the Bolts will travel to the Bell Centre in Montréal for their first preseason appearance since 2006. On Saturday, October 1st the Bolts will take on the Canadiens in Québec City, the province's capital, at the Colisée Pepsi. The visit will mark the Lightning's first game in Québec City since April 29, 1995, a regular season game against the Québec Nordiques. Tampa Bay lost that game, 4-1.


The Lightning's 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20 - at St. Louis, 7:30 PM
September 21 - vs. St. Louis, TBA
September 23 - vs. Florida, 7:30 PM
September 24 - at Florida, 7:00 PM
September 29 - at Montréal, 7:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Montréal (in Québec City), 7:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Tampa Bay Lightning official news release (June 22):
Lightning announce 2011 preseason schedule

St. Petersburg Times' Lightning Strikes blog (June 22):
Tampa Bay Lightning announces preseason schedule

FOX Sports Florida's Lightning page (June 22):
Lightning announce preseason schedule

Raw Charge (June 22):
Lightning are once again the traveling band of the preseason

2011 San Jose Sharks preseason schedule

The San Jose Sharks announced their 2011 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The San Jose Sharks will open their six-game 2011 preseason schedule on September 21st in Anaheim against the Ducks. The Sharks first home game at HP Pavilion will be on September 23rd vs. Anaheim.

Besides the Ducks, the Sharks will play hosts to the Phoenix Coyotes (September 24th) and the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks (September 29th). In addition to playing in Anaheim, the Sharks will visit Vancouver (September 25th) and Phoenix (October 1st).


The Sharks' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Anaheim, 10:30 PM
September 24 - vs. Phoenix, 10:30 PM
September 25 - at Vancouver, 9:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Vancouver, 10:30 PM
October 1 - at Phoenix, 10:00 PM

Nashville Predators unveil new logos

Just hours before the 2011 NHL Awards commence in Las Vegas, the Nashville Predators unveiled a new logo set to represent their brand. The team didn't write a lengthy press release to describe the process that led to its final selection of logos to represent them for the 2011-2012 season. But it did provide a general summary of the representation of the logos.

The Nashville Predators will launch new logos and updated wordmarks at NHL Draft Weekend this weekend in Minnesota. This week's launch is the conclusion of a lengthy process which included fan focus group input, input from season ticket holders, meetings with the Reebok NHL design team, designed to showcase a more contemporary and aggressive look by streamlining the original logo with tweaks like shading on the teeth and adding a distinctive gold color band through the logo.

In addition to the team logo, the Preds also unveiled a new secondary logo designed to represent the Tennessee state flag and Nashville's music city heritage. The guitar pick shape recognizes the Music City heritage and influence, while the three stars signify the East, Middle and Western parts of the state in similar shape and design as the state flag.

The wordmark and secondary NP mark were both updated to remain consistent with the new color scheme, look, feel and font treatments showcased in the logos.


image courtesy: Nashville Predators

According to various sources covering the team, the Predators are expected to also unveil their new away jersey during the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

In my opinion, I do like how the primary logo has been simplified by the shading and detailing elements. Some have thought the original version looked robotic in appearance. The teeth aren't as detailed as they previously. Remember during this year's playoff run that you saw Predators fans wearing gold T-shirts at Bridgestone Arena? Get used to that color as a more prominent part of the team color scheme. And if you have been paying attention to the look of the team's official web site, you will notice a preview of what could be the Predators' new home jersey with gold as the base color.

Either way, this is a change that Predators fans may embrace, but one of the brand logos that truly stands out is the new guitar pick secondary logo. The emphasis on Nashville's country music roots will help the team's identity. No other National Hockey League team uses this as a part of their brand.

For a closer view at the logos, see Ryan Porth's blog entry at Smashville 24/7.

As for the jerseys, time will tell after their unveilings if the fans will embrace them.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

2011 Edmonton Oilers preseason schedule

The Edmonton Oilers announced their 2011 preseason schedule. They are the away team for their September 20th split squad game in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

From the team's official news release:

The Edmonton Oilers will begin their 33rd season in the NHL with a eight-game pre-season schedule, including four games at Rexall Place and four on the road.

On September 20th, the Oilers open the 2011 pre-season with a split squad game versus the Minnesota Wild at Rexall Place and a road game in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Oilers will also entertain the Vancouver Canucks on September 22nd and the Calgary Flames on September 24th in the first of a home-and-home with their provincial rivals.

The Phoenix Coyotes visit Rexall Place on September 27th before the Oilers round out the pre-season with games in Minnesota (September 30th) and Vancouver (October 1st).


The Oilers' 2011 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 20* - vs. Chicago (in Saskatoon), 8; vs. Minnesota, 9
September 22 - vs. Vancouver, 9:00 PM
September 24 - vs. Calgary, 8:00 PM
September 25 - at Calgary, 8:00 PM
September 27 - vs. Phoenix, 9:00 PM
September 30 - at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
October 1 - at Vancouver, 10:00 PM

*split squad games