Hockey News
Alaska Aces Considering Ceasing Operations After This Season
Word broke late Friday that the Alaska Aces were considering ceasing operations after this season. One can assume that travel and operating costs may influence this decision, as the team is located nearly 3,000 miles from the nearest ECHL team. It is estimated that the team spends over $300,000 in travel costs each season. Official word on a decision is expected by next Wednesday, we’ll provide updates as the story develops.
BREAKING: @AlaskaAces considering ceasing operations after this season. @ECHL
— 🇺🇸 #KTVA11 Sports (@KTVASports) February 18, 2017
Railers HC News
Select A Seat Event is This Saturday!
The time is finally here! On Saturday, February 18, the Worcester Railers invite season ticket holders to the DCU Center to select your season seats for the 2017-18 season. Full details can be found in an email sent out to ticket holders, which includes a recommended time specific to you.
Railers Will Not Affiliate With the Boston Bruins Next Season
The Atlanta Gladiators and the Boston Bruins announced a two-year affiliation extension on Wednesday. This means we can officially count the Bruins out as a potential affiliate for the Worcester Railers for at least the first two seasons. The Islanders, Panthers, Lightning, Senators, Blue Jackets are next on our list for potential affiliates for next season.
BREAKING: Gladiators Extend Affiliation Agreement with @NHLBruins … https://t.co/azYMJVRgcM #battletogether pic.twitter.com/cHjO0H0EmJ
— Atlanta Gladiators (@atlgladiators) February 15, 2017
MassLive: More Worcester Ice Center Information
In case you missed the news last week, it was announced the Worcester Ice Center will feature two restaurants managed by the Niche Hospitality Group, in addition to the Railers Tavern. MassLive released an article this week providing details that the College Team Tenants will have their own dedicated locker rooms, and sports merchandise will be sold alongside Worcester Railers gear in the merchandise store.
Swedish company Prosharp has signed a lease with the building to run the pro shop, and Reliant Medical Group has signed on to open a physical therapy center in the Rink. There is one open space remaining for a tenant, and Rucker hopes to fill it with a strength conditioning facility.
The rink is expected to add more than 100 jobs in the Canal District and will have 340 parking spots when the rink opens. If the rink is popular enough, Rucker wants to turn the area across from the rink into a hotel with even more retail spaces.
Worcester Magazine: Worcester Railers Promotional Video
Worcester Magazine’s Tom Matthews created a promotional video for the Worcester Railers which really captures the spirit of what the team’s all about. Take a look below:
Are you ready for the @RailersHC? Watch this @worcestermag video, then be sure to grab your season memberships. https://t.co/H7Afwzz1aD
— Worcester Magazine (@worcestermag) February 17, 2017
Worcester Sun: Railers Sign Agreement for Player Apartments
The Worcester Railers have signed a lease for five four-bedroom apartments at Edge at Union Station, according to team and property officials, to accommodate 20 players in anticipation of the start of the club’s inaugural minor league hockey season in October. The apartment location is an ideal location for the players, being right next to the Worcester Ice Center and a short walk from the DCU Center.
@RailersHC Players to Move to the @EdgeWorcester: https://t.co/u7ffzVi5hj @WorcesterSun @SaveWooHockey pic.twitter.com/FZDWNyueY9
— Patrick Sargent (@RealPatSargent) February 15, 2017
Worcester Sharks Alumni News
Curt Gogol Suspended
The ECHL announced on Thursday that former Worcester Shark and current Florida Everblade Curt Gogol was fined and suspended for actions in a game earlier this week. Gogol was fined and suspended under ECHL Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline as a result of his Game Misconduct for Aggressor under Rule #46.2 during Wednesday’s game.
Transactions
Devin Setoguchi was placed on waviers by the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) on February 12. He cleared waivers on February 13 and was assigned to the Ontario Reign (AHL).
Nikolay Goldobin was recalled to the San Jose Sharks (NHL) from the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) on February 16.
Greger Hanson signed a PTO with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) on February 17.