Danny Williams – IceCaps Hockey Report

by Nic Phelan, Lead Correspondent, IceCaps Hockey Report

ST. JOHN’S, NL. — On a day when the Montreal Canadiens released their new logo as part of the Winter Classic press conference at Gillette Stadium, the St. John’s IceCaps unveiled their new kit today at Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay, NL. As a part of the Montreal Canadiens Alumni/Heart and Stroke foundation hockey school, both head coach Sylvain Lefebvre and President/CEO Danny Williams dawned the away and home jerseys respectively. Montreal Canadiens alumni Sergio Momesso and Gilbert Delorme, among others, have been leading a week long hockey school as a part of the Canadiens initiative to build report within the community. As a part of the IceCaps agreement they will wear the white jerseys at home, and red jerseys on the road. It has yet to be announced whether the IceCaps will have a third jersey such as the one which existed under the Winnipeg Jets organization.

A familiar pattern, Williams stated “There was never really a doubt in our minds that we would incorporate our revised logo into the elegant and world-renowned jerseys the Canadiens have proudly worn for almost 100 years.” The IceCaps are accepting pre-orders on all jerseys with each pre-order consisting of an embroidered inaugural season patch.

The presentation also served as an opportunity to officially introduce Sylvain Lefebvre as the coach of the IceCaps referencing his strong resume of experience both in coaching and playing at the AHL and NHL level. Lefebvre drew his own connection to the relocation of the Bulldogs-IceCaps to his experience as a player for the Nordiques-Avalanche, hoping to have similar luck in his inaugural season the second time around after winning the cup with the Avalanche in 1996.

Additional photos can be found here.

The full unveiling can be seen in the video below:

Habs Join Tradition of St. John’s Hockey

by Nic Phelan, Lead Correspondent, IceCaps Hockey Report

ST. JOHN’S, NL. — St. John’s, Newfoundland. The most easterly city in North America, the oldest city in North America. Growing up in Newfoundland we knew three things: Fog, Snow and Hockey.

The St. John’s Maple Leafs were the first professional team to call “The Rock” it’s home. Arriving in 1991, the Leafs became the culture of the city, children grew up idolizing AHL greats like Nathan Dempsey or Marcel Cousineau. Rivalries with the Fredericton Canadiens and Saint John Flames dominated as Atlantic Canada hit its peak in popularity.

Fast forward to 2005, the Baby Leafs were on their way out as the big club wanted to move it’s prospects closer to the Air Canada Centre for ease of access and lowering travel costs. All the while, the local community still craved hockey and the city dipped into the QMJHL, announcing it’s new affiliation with the St. John’s Fog Devils. Once again St. John’s had it’s team, and once again the city watched them leave in short order.

Without a full time resident, Mile One and the local economy took a hit. Insert former Premier and local folklore legend, Danny Williams. Mr. Williams paired up with Glenn Stanford, better known locally as the VP of Hockey Operations for the St. John’s Maple Leafs between 1991 and 2005. Glenn is also familiar with the Canadiens organization, serving as the president of the Hamilton Bulldogs from 2006-2011 winning a Calder Cup with the Carey Price at the helm in 2007.

The Bulldogs made a stop at Mile One in October 2010 to play an exhibition game against the Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) with names like Aaron Palushaj, J.T. Wyman and David Desharnais in the lineup. Goaltender Robert Mayer picked up the shootout victory for the Baby Habs.

In 2011, the St. John’s IceCaps were born. Inheriting the team from the Manitoba Moose and True North Sports & Entertainment, the executive committee opted to change name to the IceCaps due to an ongoing struggle between the the Provincial Government, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador surrounding overpopulation of moose, which had become hazardous causing numerous accidents annually.

So here we are, on the day of the 2015 IceCaps jersey release. Growing up a Habs fan I can only hope it pays proper tribute to Le Bleu Blanc Rouge. The city is buzzing again, a crowd which had sold out 127 straight games from it’s inception, ready to crowd Mile One once again and cheer on a competitive young squad. Habs fans who had been forced to watch the prospects of Toronto and Winnipeg develop before our eyes finally have their turn.