by Nic Phelan, Lead Correspondent, IceCaps Hockey Report

ST. JOHN’S, NL. — On Thursday afternoon the AHL released the season schedule for 2015-16, it’s 80th in operation. Given the realignment of the divisions, and relocation of the Habs farm team replacing the Winnipeg Jets regime, there’s a buzz in the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Schedule is as listed below (as per theahl.com):

It is worth noting because of the geographical isolation that is the Island of Newfoundland, all home games are often home stands, consisting or 2 or 3 game series with visiting teams, and multiple teams visit over a 2-3 week period. This season proves to be no different with 6 game home stands in October, December, January, February and March. In November we will see the least home games with a 4 game home stand.

Division Realignment
In an attempt to reduce travel costs and the toll it takes on the players, the AHL overwent its largest overhaul arguably in the modern era as it expanded into California and realigned its divisions to follow suit. Because of this, the IceCaps find themselves in the North Division, which includes Albany Devils (New Jersey), Rochester Americans (Buffalo), Binghamton Senators (Ottawa), Toronto Marlies (Toronto), Utica Comets (Vancouver) and Syracuse Crunch (Tampa).

Series of Significance*

Marlies (Nov 13,14, Jan 16,17, Feb 13,14)
A Marquee rivalry for a number of reasons, anytime the Marlies visit St. John’s you can guarantee Mile One Centre will be sold out. Due to the Maple Leafs farm club calling St. John’s home from the early 90’s thru 2005, there is a strong fanbase for the Leafs in this province. In hopes of carrying over the Bulldogs-Marlies, Habs-Leafs rivalry, you can be sure the IceCaps will be capitalizing on all marketing opportunities to promote this divisional rivalry.

Penguins (Jan 13,14)
There is a long playoff history between the IceCaps and Penguins organizations. Although we have seen a complete turnover in players, you can be sure that the IceCaps organization will build up this series as well. Just as importantly we have an opportunity to see reigning rookie of the year and AHL’s most outstanding goaltender, Matt Murray. Murray is the first real competition for Marc Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh, but it is expected he’ll play the year in the AHL barring any injuries with the parent club.

Rochester Americans (Oct 16,17, Dec 11,12)
The IceCaps home opener takes place October 16 against the Americans. This in itself is enough to make this a series to watch, however the tradition of the Amerks helps build a little buzz. Rochester is the sole franchise within the division which has hung around since the Maple Leafs were based in St. John’s. In fact the franchise is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the AHL, the oldest behind only Hershey Bears (78 years young). In addition to this the Sabres have just drafted highly touted Center Jack Eichel, and key acquisition Center Ryan O’Reilly. This could leave Sam Reinhart off the top 6, and if so, he may take time to develop in Rochester. Fingers Crossed.