A busy Tuesday in New Jersey and in the AHL:
-Earlier today New Jersey announced that former River Rat/Devil Sergei Brylin will be joining the Albany coaching staff as an assistant under Rick Kowalsky. He spent quite a few games with Albany (both home and on the road) last season while working for New Jersey as a special assignment coach. “Sarge” also brings quite a resume to the table…helping win the Rats’ lone Calder Cup in the 1994-95 season, winning 3 Stanley Cups with New Jersey, and spending his entire 13 year NHL career in the Devils red and white (he spent 4 years in the KHL post Devils).
-Also today, the American Hockey League officially announced its plans for the 2014 AHL All Star Classic. St. John’s was named as the host (something that was well known for a couple months) for the two day event. This year, it’s quite a different concept: instead of Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference, one team representing the league will be taking on an European team, Farjestad BK out of the Swedish Hockey League. And instead of taking place the last week of January, it will be held on February 11th and 12th, during the NHL Olympic Break. I’m curious as to how the All Star team will be formed, with 30 teams to pick from…one player representing each team? Or will some teams end up being left out? As for Farjestad…looking at their roster, there are quite a few familiar names from past AHL/ECHL teams, including former River Rat Christian Berglund (remember him?).
-And finally, individual tickets go on sale Saturday morning!
Thoughts Inside The Box 