Tip of the Iceberg: The St. John’s IceCaps key moments from March

During the month of March, we watched as the St. John’s IceCaps bounced in and out of a playoff spot. For the majority of the month, they’ve managed to hold on to the final spot in fourth place. They’ve visited third place a few times, but slipped out of the race and into fifth a few times too.

The North Division remained in a tight race with just six points separating the top four teams.

Secondary Scoring Steps Up

After a hot February for the top line consisting of Charles Hudon, Chris Terry and Nikita Scherbak, who tallied a combined total of 46 points, they cooled off quite a bit in March. Terry and Hudon both remain the teams leading goal-scorers, continuing their goal battle with Terry pulling out a four-goal lead on Hudon, with 27.

Enter the secondary scoring of Bobby Farnham, Max Friberg, Daniel Audette, and Jacob de la Rose each picked up seven points.

IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year

Forward David Broll was named the IceCaps IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year. The 24-year-old has become a fan favourite this season, taking the time for any fan who approaches him, and leads the team’s community events.

Aside from team-related appearances, Broll has taken it upon himself to schedule his own visits, bringing some teammates with him at times. His trips brought him to the Janeway Children’s Hospital, Ronald MacDonald House and the Vera Perlin Society, in hopes that he can put a smile on children’s faces and make their day a little better.

Broll joins 29 other finalists for the AHL’s 2016-17 Yannick Dupre Memorial Award, which will honour the overall IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year.

Trades and Contracts

• On February 16, Broll signed a one-year AHL extension and was officially the first player signed a contract as a member of the Laval Rocket for the 2017-18 season.
• During the trade deadline, Sven Andrighetto was swapped for Andreas Martinsen of the Colorado Avalanche. It was a bit of a bummer to see Andrighetto, who tallied 22 points (8G, 14A) in 20 games played with the IceCaps, move on. He has flourished with his new team. In 13 games played with the Avalanche, he’s racked up nearly a point-per-game record with 11 points (5G, 6A), in comparison to his eight points in 27 games played with the Canadiens this season.
• Just two days later, on March 3, Terry was signed to a one-year extension with the Canadiens.
• The rarely-used Alexandre Ranger was released from his PTO contract, and University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres forward Guillaume Asselin was signed to a two-way AHL/ECHL contract. Asselin has been playing with the Brampton Beast since his signing.

The Goalies

Yann Danis

On March 4, Yann Danis earned his first shutout as an IceCap. Bonus: It was against historical rivals, the Toronto Marlies. Danis turned away all 24 shots the Marlies threw at him and, along with a shutout, was named first star of the game.

Charlie Lindgren and Zach Fucale

During a game-day practice ahead of facing the Dallas Stars on March 28, Habs backup goaltender Al Montoya suffered a lower-body injury. Carey Price was scheduled to have the night off, but instead took his place between the pipes.

Due to Charlie Lindgren being unable to make it to the game on time, it was Brampton netminder Zachary Fucale who sat on the bench as Price’s backup.

The following day, Lindgren and Fucale switched places. The Beast are currently in second place in their division, with a playoff spot secured. Fucale now joins his former AHL team in their playoff race until Lindgren’s return.