Introducing What’s Going On

What’s Going On will be a weekly piece wrapping up news in the world of hockey and a weekly update on what Worcester Hockey Alumni are up to. This week’s piece includes updates on the newest team to join the NHL and some news on IceCats alumni being involved in a few Outdoor Classic games.

Hockey News

Introducing the Vegas Golden Knights

On November 22, 2016 the NHL announced the name for the 31st NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights. The team’s logo includes a ‘V’ to represent Las Vegas. The secondary logos include swords that create the star from the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Knights will wear black, gold, steel gray, white and red in their uniforms. The Knights will begin play during the 2017-18 season at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Read More]

Former Providence Bruin Craig Cunningham Collapses

Former Providence Bruin and Boston Bruin Craig Cunningham collapsed before a Tucson Road Runners game last week. Word spread quickly throughout the hockey community over the weekend about Craig’s accident and has brought the community together to support the Craig Cunningham, his Family, and the Tucson Road Runners hockey team and their fans. They have a long road ahead of them and they need all the support the hockey community can give them.

Craig Cunningham is a name that should be familiar for Worcester Hockey fans. Craig was a part of a rivalry when he was playing down in Providence and he was someone we cheered for when he played for the Boston Bruins. Last season, he played for the Springfield Falcons and joined the team when they relocated to Tucson, AZ.

As of this writing, he remains in Critical condition but is stable. The cause of his collapse is still unknown. #CunnyCan  [Read More]

Railers HC News

Introducing the Holiday Power Play Promotion!

The Worcester Railers Foundation will make a $200 donation to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund for each $50 deposit for a Railers HC membership now through January 15, 2017. Each new Railers HC member will have their name appear in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as a donor per deposit (if a member purchases four memberships – an $800 donation will be made in their honor). [Place Your Deposit Today]

 

Ugly Sweater Party!

The Worcester Railers HC will be hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on Monday, December 12, 2016 featuring Boston sports legend Rene Rancourt! It will be taking place at Mezcal Tequila Cantina – located across from the DCU Center. Information regarding the Select A Seat process will be expected for the event and the club will be giving away 2 club level tickets to the Bruins/Canadiens game on February 12, 2017! Make sure to RSVP today! [Learn More]

Worcester IceCats Alumni News

Forward Gary Leeman was named to the Maple Leafs alumni roster for the 2017 Rogers NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto on Dec. 31. Leeman was the only former IceCat named to either roster. [Read More]

Terry Yake, Jamie Rivers, Bryce Salvador, and Barret Jackman have been named for the Roster for the St. Louis Blues alumni roster and Jamal Mayers was named to the Blackhawks alumni roster for the 2017 NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game that will take place on December 31. [Read More]

Worcester Sharks Alumni News

Forward Tyler Kennedy considering retirement. Kennedy played for the Worcester Sharks during the 2014-15 season after 7 seasons in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Kennedy last played for the New Jersey Devils during last season, scoring 16 points and having a -14 rating. When asked about what holds for the future he said: “You always as a hockey player want to keep playing as far as you can, but it feels like I’m going to retire, and that’s the thing that’s going to happen, I’m pretty sure. You never know, but I’m almost positive last year was my last year, so I’m kind of settling in. It’s a tough transition to do one thing your whole life and then have to change it. But it’s a good transition and we’ll see what happens.” [Read More]

Transactions

Ryan Vesce was released from the Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL).

Taylor Fedun was recalled to the Buffalo Sabres.

Derek DeBlois re-signed with the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL).

Taylor Doherty was released from a PTO by the Toronto Marlies (AHL), and was returned to the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL).

Lukas Kaspar was placed on waivers by the Dynamo Moskva (KHL) and cleared waivers. He was re-assigned to the Dynamo Balashikha (VHL).

Chris Crane and Rylan Schwartz were involved in a trade. Chris Crane was traded to the Allen Americans in exchange for another forward and the contract rights to Rylan Schwartz. Schwartz had received a qualifying offer from the Orlando Solar Bears, but chose to sign with Heilbronner Falken of Germany’s DEL2. Schwartz will continue to play for Heilbronner Falken.

Matt Carle was placed on waivers by the Nashville Predators and cleared waivers. He was re-assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals.