A few notes to tide everyone over as we wait for the fall to get here:
-New Jersey announced earlier this week that rookies will report to training camp on September 10th for physicals, then they will travel to Buffalo from the 11th-13th for the Prospects Challenge with the Sabres and Bruins. Veterans will report on September 17th for physicals. with the first practice the following day.
-On Wednesday, the NBA released their 2015-16 schedule. And why should you care? With three AHL teams (Milwaukee, Lake Erie, San Antonio) sharing their buildings with their NBA counterparts, the final hurdle to this season’s AHL schedule has been cleared. But it’s still at least a couple of weeks away.
-Another veteran has gone overseas, as Cam Janssen has taken his talents to the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL (based in England/Ireland).
-One thing I haven’t had the chance to write about here: the efforts of the city of Albany to ensure that the Devils stick around beyond this season. And so far, everything that I’ve seen or read about is giving me a positive vibe about having hockey beyond 2016. A few links to check out:
The arena’s namesake has a great incentive offer for businesses who take advantage of season tickets.
A new adult hockey league that offers players season tickets and the full “pro experience.” I don’t recall any other AHL teams that have this kind of program in place.
A new tagline for the season and a partnership with Saratoga Casino and Raceway. I’m wondering if there will be a promotional tie-in with the casino, much like Syracuse does with Turning Stone or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton does with Mohegan Sun.
Thoughts Inside The Box 