Three more days till the postseason kicks off locally. But there are a few notes to pass along:
-The official ruling from Saturday’s brawlfest with Bridgeport? No Albany players (or coaches) were disciplined. Bridgeport’s Ross Johnston was slapped with a 3 game suspension for supplementary discipline.
-After the first day of postseason practice, two more New Guys have joined the fold, in the form of 2 2015 draft picks: forward Blake Speers and defenseman Colton White. Speers, a 3rd round selection, appeared in 68 games for Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), picking up 74 points (26 goals, 48 assists), and an additional 10 points in 12 playoff games. White, a 4th rounder, also appeared in 68 games for SSM, scoring 9 goals and assisting on 26 others, along with 3 points in 12 playoff appearances.
-Just as it looked like everyone was staying put for the 2016-17 season…it’s curtains for the Springfield Falcons. Their parent club, Arizona, announced this morning that they have bought the Falcons franchise and intend to move the team to Tucson, AZ for next season. This may cause some realignment with an open spot in the Atlantic Division and a new team moving into the Pacific Division. Could a new Albany opponent be in the cards? We’ll have to wait and see.
Personally, I’m sad that I’m losing one of my favorite road trip spots (it’s roughly 85 miles east, a quick hour and a half ride over Interstate 90), and also sad for the many friends I’ve made in the Falcons fanbase. Hopefully a new team, no matter what league, moves in soon enough.
Thoughts Inside The Box 