Yesterday the newest ECHL team was announced, and they’ll fill a recently created hole in east coast hockey:

The Newfoundland Growlers take the place of the recently departed St. John’s IceCaps as the professional hockey team on the island. Though not in the AHL, the Growlers will join the ECHL as the second Canadian team in the league.

The team is named after common slang on the rock referring to both animals and icebergs, and the team chose to use the Newfoundlander dog as their logo, which is explained below:

Now, my sister has a Newfoundlander, his name is cooper and he was once a little ball of floof, but is now a big giant horse.

This is a giant dog, he’s about four feet tall and strong, he can knock a big fat guy (me) over if he wants to (he does). He’s very smart, he warns the family of people walking into the house with a big ‘woof’ before rolling over and asking for belly rubs. Though one thing the team doesn’t mention is the sleeping. Boy does he love to sleep.  Walk him for one block and he’s done for the night. Hopefully this part of the breed doesn’t reflect on the team...

The first game for the team is 12th in St. John’s against the Florida Everblades. The Growlers will make their first appearance in the GTA on October 27th against the Brampton Beast. You can find the schedule for the team here.

Now, how can we make this all about the Maple Leafs? Well the rumours are that the Growlers will take over as the Leafs ECHL affiliate, leaving the Orlando Solar Bears after four seasons working together. With Kyle Dubas taking over, he’ll be looking to continue the three tier development that has gotten the Leafs Garret Sparks, Mason Marchment, and Justin Holl.

Besides, how will this team survive financially if the Leafs aren’t helping to pick up the tab?

We look forward to the Growlers making their affiliation with the Maple Leafs official soon, hopefully not on another day of front office changes.

Here are your links:

Manufactured Controversy: Kyle Dubas named General Manager of Maple Leafs - Centre of Leafs Nation

Patrick Sieloff Signs Two-Year Extension - Silver Seven
Culture Change!

This Isn’t 2016: Comparing the Tampa Bay Lightning’s last two Eastern Conference Finals - Raw Charge
The 2018 Lightning aren’t the 2016 Lightning. And the 2018 Caps aren’t the 2016 Pens.

2017-18 Player Report Card: Matt Stajan - Matchsticks and Gasoline
He's still playing?!

Islanders Hire Lou Lamoriello - Lighthouse Hockey
It’s a new era for the Islanders, with a Hall of Famer overseeing hockey operations

Shea Theodore and first line are the Vegas Golden Knights’ best quartet - Knights On Ice
The first line are a better line when they have Shea Theodore on ice with them. It’s almost illegal.

How does Antti Niemi’s contract affect the Canadiens goalie situation? - Eyes On The Prize
The veteran netminder is back for another year, so what does this mean for the prospects in waiting?

Down Goes Brown: The John Tavares Sweepstakes power rankings
We’re not quite there yet. But we’re close enough that it’s probably time to start figuring out where everyone stands. So today, let’s count down the John Tavares power rankings, as we figure out who slots in where in the various categories worth wondering about.

REPORT: Evander Kane Re-Signs with the Sharks, Sabres get First Round Pick - Die By The Blade
A report from Irfaan Gaffar of Sportsnet indicates the Sharks and Kane have agreed to a seven-year $49 million contract

Looking at the draft’s biggest risers and fallers (goalies edition) - Broad Street Hockey
Which goalies saw their draft stock change the most?

Eakins Gets Extension, Wilford Named Assistant Coach, Miller Undergoes Surgery - Anaheim Calling
The Ducks organization announced a flurry of updates this afternoon.

And finally, yes, ‘Growler’ has a suggestive definition on Urban Dictionary, but you know what? We live in a world where eggplants mean dick and peaches mean butt so who cares what the internet says, nothing has a non-dirty meaning any more.

From The Branches