The Calder Farmstead AHL Podcast: Recent Episodes
Full Press Coverage
Covering the American Hockey League, co-hosts C.C. Hawkley and Sean O'Brien give an analytical take on the NHL's feeder league while having a good amount of fun along the way!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah discuss the news and notes of the AHL before digging into team-focused dives. First, the two dissect the trade of Kyle Criscuolo to the San Jose Sharks/Barracuda for Kyle Weatherby (who heads to Detroit/Grand Rapids). Second, Vincent Arseneau is suspended for contact of an official. And, after focusing on the eight teams from across the AHL, the two co-hosts finish the show off with Start, Bench, Ship!
Criscuolo-Weatherby Trade (2:32)
Arseneau Suspension (5:46)
Charlotte Checkers (9:09)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (17:06)
Laval Rocket (26:41)
Rockford IceHogs (32:08)
Abbotsford Canucks (48:16)
Coachella Valley Firebirds (57:17)
Calgary Wranglers (1:08:36)
Bakersfield Condors (1:14:37)
Start, Bench, Ship (1:22:34)
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah break down the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic selections (released Wednesday, January 11). There is plenty of debate, as both co-hosts reveal their own picks in comparison to the players given the all-star nod.
All-Star Intro (2:45)
Atlantic Division (7:25)
North Division (18:14)
Central Division (30:26)
Pacific Division (40:42)
To round out the calendar year of 2022, Sean and Sarah decide to wrap things up a little differently. Each co-host has filled out an AHL bingo card for 2023, with $100 at stake (to be donated to charity) for who gets a bingo first in the next year.
What makes up each co-hosts' bingo card? Have a listen...only on The Calder Farmstead!
It's time for an episode for the rest of us, as Sean and Sarah wind down 2022 with another edition of The Calder Farmstead! The two cover a couple trades (including a three-team deal), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton & Springfield in the Atlantic Division, Rochester & Belleville in the North, Chicago & Texas in the Central, and Tucson & San Diego in the Pacific. Plus, as always, another rousing round of Start, Bench, Ship!
AHL Trades
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Springfield Thunderbirds
Rochester Americans
Belleville Senators
Chicago Wolves
Texas Stars
Tucson Roadrunners
San Diego Gulls
Start, Bench, Ship
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead: An AHL Podcast, Sean O'Brien and Sarah Avampato are feeling merry and in the holiday spirit...sort of. The two dig in to team check-ins, two from every division: Providence & Bridgeport, Utica & Syracuse, Grand Rapids & Iowa, and Colorado & Ontario. And, per usual, we've got some Start, Bench, Ship -- cellar dweller turnaround candidates, defensive prospects, and Christmas movies!
AHL News
Providence Bruins
Bridgeport Islanders
Utica Comets
Syracuse Crunch
Grand Rapids Griffins
Iowa Wild
Colorado Eagles
Ontario Reign
Start, Bench, Ship
On this episode, Sean and Sarah jump back into AHL coverage after a short break!
On this episode, Sean and Sarah jump back into AHL coverage after a short break!
AHL News and Notes (3:42)
Hartford Wolf Pack (7:34)
Hershey Bears (23:44)
Toronto Marlies (33:30)
Cleveland Monsters (42:02)
Manitoba Moose (53:02)
Milwaukee Admirals (1:00:53)
Henderson Silver Knights (1:07:47)
San Jose Barracuda (1:16:44)
Start, Bench, Ship (1:24:58)
Sean and Sarah talk about what's been surprising to them about the AHL season so far in this (not so) mini-episode for American Thanksgiving, as well as name their Calder Cup favorite.
0:00- Intro
3:28- Chicago Wolves
13:46- Henderson Silver Knights
24:39- Cleveland Monsters
29:52- Providence Bruins
35:38- Laval Rocket
43:56- Calder Cup Favorites
55:04- Thanksgiving Favorites
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On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah dive into yet another group of AHL teams as we approach US Thanksgiving!
Intro
Transactions
Bridgeport Islanders
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Laval Rocket
Iowa Wild
Bakersfield Condors
Abbotsford Canucks
Tucson Roadrunners
Ontario Reign
Start, Bench, Ship
We are closing in on a calendar month into the 2022-23 AHL season, and Sean & Sarah are here to check in on seven AHL teams and how they're doing thus far! Grabbing one from the Atlantic (Springfield) and two from the North (Utica & Syracuse), O'Brien and Avampato then head to the Western Conference to cover two teams from the Central (Manitoba & Rockford) and the Pacific (San Jose & Colorado) before playing Start, Bench, Ship!
Intro (1:00)
Springfield Thunderbirds (4:15)
Utica Comets (10:28)
Syracuse Crunch (17:14)
Manitoba Moose (29:38)
Rockford IceHogs (37:08)
San Jose Barracuda (47:29)
Colorado Eagles (56:00)
Start, Bench, Ship (1:02:10)
AHL #AmericanHockeyLeague #WeAre413 #Tampacuse #UTIcomets #GoMooseGo #ManitobaMade #RFDIceHogs #EaglesCountry #OneReef
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah cover some early AHL season transactions, as well as the weekly team deep dives! And, of course, the final segment of Start, Bench, Ship -- talking AHL goalies, former AHL teams, and promo nights!
Intro (0:45)
AHL Deals (3:27)
Hershey Bears (13:18)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (22:34)
Belleville Senators (30:00)
Toronto Marlies (37:56)
Texas Stars (47:52)
Milwaukee Admirals (56:07)
San Diego Gulls (1:04:30)
Henderson Silver Knights (1:13:53)
Start, Bench, Ship (1:24:34)
Sean and Sarah get spooky on this Halloween edition of The Calder Farmstead! The two co-hosts talk Rockford's busy day of transactions (and questionable new mascot), plus who's been trending up and trending down just a couple weeks into the 2022-23 AHL season!
Intro (0:45)
Rockford trades two (3:50)
Rockford's new mascot isn't going as planned... (8:29)
Kyle Rau signs with Abbotsford (13:19)
Hartford Wolf Pack (18:27)
Charlotte Checkers (26:03)
Cleveland Monsters (29:49)
Rochester Americans (36:39)
Grand Rapids Griffins (42:00)
Chicago Wolves (48:49)
Calgary Wranglers (55:14)
Coachella Valley Firebirds (1:04:11)
Start Bench Ship (1:11:30)
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Sean and Interim Co-Host Sarah Avampato play over/under with the model's season outlook for all 32 AHL teams in our last bit of preseason catch-up.
Also some news on changes to the podcast format.
0:52- Intro
3:47- Updates to the podcast
4:30- How the model was made
5:32- The Atlantic Division
36:55- The Central Division
50:57- The Pacific Division
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Our last division to preview for the 22-23 season, it's the 10-team Pacific Division.
Links to our social media, Sean's stats page, and merchandise store can all be found here- linktr.ee/thecalderfarmstead
With the Eastern Conference complete, it's time to preview the AHL's Central Division for the 2022-23 season! C.C. and Sean go from top to bottom based on last year's standings...
New Intro Music! (0:45)
Show Intro (1:50)
Chicago Wolves (4:16)
Manitoba Moose (23:33)
Milwaukee Admirals (41:30)
Rockford IceHogs (1:05:12)
Texas Stars (1:22:59)
Iowa Wild (1:39:48)
Grand Rapids Griffins (1:56:32)
Outro (2:15:50)
The boys finish out the AHL's Eastern Conference 2022-23 regular season previews with the North Division! C.C. and Sean take a look at each of the seven teams making up the North this coming year in the American Hockey League.
New Intro Song! (0:45)
Show Intro (1:51)
Utica Comets (4:13)
Syracuse Crunch (19:55)
Laval Rocket (36:55)
Belleville Senators (56:05)
Rochester Americans (1:10:11)
Toronto Marlies (1:24:51)
Cleveland Monsters (1:39:18)
Outro (1:54:31)
We are less than a week away from the 2022-23 AHL regular season, and C.C. and Sean need to preview the year ahead! The boys start out with the Atlantic Division.
New Intro Music! (1:02)
Show Intro (2:06)
Charlotte Checkers (4:55)
Springfield Thunderbirds (18:32)
Providence Bruins (34:09)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (48:19)
Hershey Bears (1:03:44)
Bridgeport Islanders (1:18:37)
Hartford Wolf Pack (1:34:13)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (1:48:59)
Outro (2:04:02)
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean welcome on AHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Hayley Moore!
Intro and AHLTV Giveaway Contest (1:17)
Hayley Moore Intro (4:05)
Hockey Front Office with A...Biology Degree? (6:05)
Challenges in Both The AHL and PHF (7:46)
Responsibilities Compared to AHL VP of Hockey Ops/Governance Melissa Caruso (9:24)
Favorite AHL Destination So Far (11:18)
Calder Cup Presentation and Atmosphere (12:19)
In-Person Discipline During The Calder Cup Final (14:59)
The Process of Supplemental Discipline (16:03)
Differing Outcomes for Similar Suspensions (19:25)
Development of AHL Officiating (24:51)
Discipline for Refs Missing Penalties Regularly? (29:25)
Referee Game Management (32:35)
AHL Expansion of Video Review? (34:15)
Should There Be Just One Pro Women's Hockey League? (35:21)
Game Time: Start, Bench, Ship (39:55)
Outro (48:02)
The offseason continues for the Farmstead boys! Joining the show once again (and probably for the last time), she served two years as the Hershey Bears video coach in the AHL before being promoted to video coordinator of the Washington Capitals on June 30. Appearing for a second time on the show is Emily Engel-Natzke!
Intro (0:29)
Emily's Intro (3:25)
Comparing role with Hershey to new job in DC (4:33)
Staying as video coach, or desire to coach behind the bench? (5:35)
Comparing Hershey head coaches: Spencer Carbury vs. Scott Allen (7:26)
Sleeper pick(s) from Hershey this season (9:38)
Best and worst road trips with Hershey (12:33)
How involved the Capitals were in Bears hockey ops decisions (15:09)
Dealing with MANY injuries and line-up changes last season (17:57)
Funny Bears staff stories (21:03)
Game time: Start, Bench, Ship (27:51)
On the latest edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean bring back Chicago Wolves General Manager Wendell Young for questions about Wolves roster moves, standard GM FAQ's, skaters he's played with, and some more general inquiries!
Wendell Young Intro (4:13)
Roster Movement:
-The departure of Ryan Warsofsky and hiring of Brock Sheahan as Wolves HC (5:39)
-What happened to Dominik Bokk (7:23) and Tarmo Reunanen (10:21)?
-What happened with the Hurricanes affiliation? What was the process like? (12:22)
General Manger Frequently Asked Questions:
-What are some reasons an AHL team's affiliation changes? (15:24)
-In the 13 years as GM, how has the AHL (and what it takes to be a successful GM) changed? (18:52)
-Trading NHL-contracted players versus AHL-contracted players? (20:50)
-The explanation of future considerations in a trade (22:21)
-The details of professional try-outs and amateur try-outs (24:09)
-The timing of signing announcements (26:12)
-Veteran players opting to go to Europe (28:27)
-Veteran players bouncing around the AHL season after season (31:05)
As a player:
-Differences between playing in the AHL versus the IHL (36:37)
-Differences between you playing in the minors versus players present-day (39:01)
Played with or worked with as GM:
-Current Chicago Wolves Assistant Coach Bob Nardella (41:30)
-Former AHL assistant and head coach Gord Dineen (43:51)
-Former NY Islanders franchise goaltender Rick DiPietro (45:51)
-Hockey Hall of Famer Al MacInnis (49:16)
-The forever unretired future Hockey Hall of Famer, Jaromir Jagr (52:03)
-The Savior of Pittsburgh, Mario Lemieux (53:43)
In General:
-Which trophy in your collection means the most to you? (58:07)
-After 20 years and another Calder Cup added to your collection, what motivates you to keep on going? (1:01:49)
-Starting up in 1994, how did the Wolves directly compete against the Blackhawks and succeed? (1:03:49)
After a much needed two-month break, the boys are back for the 2022 offseason at The Calder Farmstead! On this episode, C.C. and Sean invite legendary AHL goaltender Mike McKenna to talk about his extensive playing career, stories from the road, and observations on goaltending in general!
Episode Intro & 2021-22 Goalie Pull 80 Challenge (1:32)
Mike McKenna Intro (5:24)
ECHL Prep to Become AHL Ready (7:04)
Mindset Behind Frequently Moving Teams (9:19)
No Teams Came Knocking After .908 and .904 Years? (12:34)
Present-Day Comparison to UPL and Sandstrom Extensions (16:47)
AHL Team(s) That Treated Him The Best (19:57)
Organization That Treated Him The Worst (22:00)
Does The AHL Feel Different Today? (24:49)
Hockey in Henderson...and ECHL Again in Nevada? (27:45)
The Reason Behind Number 56 (31:02)
The Missing Vancouver Sweater And Players Keeping Jerseys (32:56)
Playing with...
Texas Stars Asst. Coach Travis Morin (37:06)
Tucson Forward Adam Cracknell (38:54)
Abbotsford Forward Sheldon Dries (40:47)
Milwaukee Head Coach Karl Taylor and Assistants Scott Ford & Greg Rallo, Plus Syracuse's Front Office (43:55)
Washington Capitals Assistant Coach Scott Allen and Meme Talk (46:56)
John Gibson & Matt Murray Not Adapting to Modern Styles (52:10)
Most Common Reason AHL Goaltender Doesn't Stick in the NHL (56:27)
Cat Silverman Comments and Scott Allen Meme (1:00:27)
Almost Arrested As The Macho Man (1:02:00)
Hot Food Takes! (1:04:51)
For the first time since 2019, a new Calder Cup champion has been crowned! C.C. and Sean recap the Calder Cup Finals between the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Chicago Wolves. After going through a postmortem review of the T-Birds, the boys bring on Wolves play-by-play broadcaster Jason Shaver and Canes Country beat reporter Sarah Avampato to discuss Chicago's third Calder Cup and fifth minor pro championship. Plus, some more coaching news from the Pacific Division!
23 playoff teams are now down to just two. It's the 2022 Calder Cup Finals preview episode here on The Calder Farmstead!
C.C. and Sean first tackle the new head coach in Ontario with Sarah Avampato (Locked On Kings). Then, the season postmortems: the boys discuss Laval with Melissa Boyd (The Hockey Writers) before diving into a franchise eulogy for Stockton with Paige Siewert (Full Press Hockey, Flames Nation).
Lastly, it's the main event! Sarah Avampato (Canes Country) returns to talk Chicago Wolves as the Western Conference Champs, then Ryan Smith (Voice of the Springfield Thunderbirds) joins to chat about the Eastern Conference Champs before C.C. and Sean give their opinions as to who they think will emerge as the 2022 Calder Cup Champions.
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. is left to host the show alone. But, he's brought along some friends to talk about the AHL Eastern and Western Conference Finals! Blain Potvin (The Hockey Writers, Habs Unfiltered) joins to discuss Springfield vs. Laval out east, and Sarah Avampato (Canes Country, Locked On Kings) hops on to discuss Chicago vs. Stockton!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean have three post mortems to cover for the 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs. The boys bring on Checkers broadcaster TJ Chillot to talk Charlotte, Eric Dunay from On The Forecast to discuss Milwaukee, and Meghan Angley from DNVR to eulogize Colorado.
All that, plus the Eastern & Western Conference Finals previews -- Springfield vs. Laval and Chicago vs. Stockton!
CC is away and Sean has to fly somewhat solo. He brings on TJ Chillot of the Charlotte Checkers to talk about the Springfield and Charlotte series. He dives into the North Division series that Laval won. Sean then brings on Sarah Avampato from Canes Country to break down the Wolves / Admirals series. Lastly, CC comes on.....as a guest?!.....to talk Stockton / Colorado.
The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams remain in the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs! C.C. and Sean bring on Alexandra Ackerman (Syracuse Speaks Podcast), Ben Birnell (Daily Sentinel News), and Mitch Anderson (Eyes on Isles / Deckhands Podcast) to talk the Syracuse Crunch, Utica Comets, and Bridgeport Islanders post mortem. The boys also preview the four AHL Divisional Finals: Charlotte vs. Springfield (Atlantic), Laval vs. Rochester (North), Chicago vs. Milwaukee (Central), and Stockton vs. Colorado (Pacific)!
The 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, with (almost) two rounds down in the postseason! C.C. and Sean revisit the finished series from round one, while also tackling the completed match-ups from round two (minus three still ongoing). Full Press Hockey's Courtney Bauman and Jacob Stoller help the boys out as guests!
On the 100th episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean hand out the regular season awards for the 2021-22 AHL regular season! Categories include...
Best AHLTV Broadcast
Best Broadcaster
Best Coaching Staff
Best Hockey Flow
Best Goalie Mask
Best Goalie
Best Defenseman
Best Forward
The Mea Culpa Award
The multiverse of AHL playoff madness is upon us! With two first round series ending (and more still currently being played), the second round begins on Friday, May 6. C.C. and Sean welcome on Mitch Anderson (Eyes on Isles, Deckhands) to discuss Bridgeport sweeping Providence, Ben Lypka (The Abbotsford News) to talk Bakersfield sending Abbotsford packing, and previews for the upcoming second round match-ups: #2 Syracuse vs. #3 Laval and #2 Manitoba vs. #3 Milwaukee!
The AHL's regular season is over, and the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs are set! C.C. and Sean break down all seven of the first round match-ups: Providence vs. Bridgeport and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton vs. Hershey in the Atlantic Division; Belleville vs. Rochester in the North Division; Rockford vs. Texas in the Central Division; and Ontario vs. San Diego, Colorado vs. Henderson, and Bakersfield vs. Abbotsford in the Pacific Division!
The 2021-22 AHL regular season is winding down with just a handful of weeks left to play! C.C. and Sean recap the featured series that include Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Utica, Iowa at Texas, and Henderson at San Jose! Plus, the boys talk about the best players of the weekend in The Cream of the Crop segment, and Sean has yet another quiz for C.C.!
The 2021-22 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are a little less than a month away, and The Calder Farmstead has you covered!
C.C. and Sean break down the remaining playoff probabilities in each division, as well as outline featured weekend previews from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Utica, Iowa vs. Texas, and Henderson vs. San Jose (with special guest, Kevin Lacy of Teal Town USA).
Plus, the rest of the weekend's picks are made in The Speed Round!
It's another weekend in the books for the AHL, and The Calder Farmstead has your recap! C.C. and Sean go over Bridgeport, Laval at Abbotsford, Chicago and Milwaukee, and Colorado at Ontario before diving into the best AHL players of the weekend in The Cream of the Crop & do The Time Warp quiz to try and stump C.C.!
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean updated the AHL Playoff Probabilities Model for the last time in the month of March. Plus, per usual, the weekend preview -- Bridgeport (featuring Mitch Anderson from Eyes on Isles), Laval vs. Abbotsford, Chicago vs. Milwaukee, and Colorado vs. Ontario. The boys finish out the rest of their weekend picks in The Speed Round!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead: An AHL Podcast...C.C. and Sean break down the AHL Trade Deadline (Monday, March 28) before recapping the weekend that was for the Hershey Bears, Toronto Marlies, Iowa WIld, and Grand Rapids at Bakersfield! Plus, the best AHL skaters of the weekend -- The Cream of the Crop!
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead: An AHL Podcast...the NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, so Sean and guest co-host Courtney Bauman (Full Press Hockey, From Center Ice Podcast) dive into the AHL implications of those deadline deals! Plus, the weekend preview: Hershey, Toronto, Iowa, and Grand Rapids vs. Bakersfield get a closer look heading into their match-ups. And, to conclude, the two run The Speed Round to choose the rest of the Friday-Saturday-Sunday games!
With the NHL Trade Deadline in sight, C.C. and Sean decide to play "What If?" and dissect some hypothetical trades in the AHL. The kicker? The trades can occur only between AHL-contracted players. To finish off the show, C.C. flips the script and gives Sean a quiz complimenting the St. Patrick's Day record date!
With the end of the 2021-22 AHL season approaching rapidly, C.C. and Sean run down the playoff races in each division, and try to make an educated guess as to which teams will sneak into the postseason...and which teams will stay stuck at the bottom & on the outside looking in.
C.C. returns after an episode off to re-join Sean in recapping the weekend that was in the AHL! The two reviewed Charlotte / Lehigh Valley, Rochester / Belleville, Milwaukee (with Eric Dunay from On The Forecheck/On The Future), and San Jose before diving into the best skaters from the weekend in The Cream of the Crop!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean O'Brien is without his cohort C.C. Hawkley, so he welcomes back Courtney Bauman from Full Press Hockey and From Center Ice to fill in as co-host! The pair talk Charlotte at Lehigh Valley, Rochester at Belleville (feat. Amerks Multimedia Journalist Suzie Cool!), Milwaukee, and San Jose for their weekend previews. All that, plus the rest of the weekend's picks in The Speed Round!
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was in the AHL. Providence & Hartford, Syracuse, Chicago at Manitoba, and San Diego at Henderson round out the deep-dive series reviews. Plus, the best in the AHL from the weekend -- The Cream of The Crop!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean look to the weekend ahead as Providence and Hartford, Syracuse, Chicago at Manitoba (feat. Jacob Stoller of Full Press Hockey), and San Diego at Henderson round out the deep dive series previews. Plus, the rest of the weekend picks in The Speed Round!
C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was in the AHL (February 18-20, 2022)! The boys revisit Springfield, Belleville and Toronto, Grand Rapids and Rockford, and Abbotsford at Colorado while finishing up with the best players from the weekend -- The Cream of the Crop!
C.C. and Sean look ahead to some AHL action in their Weekend Preview for Feb. 18-20, 2022!
Springfield, Toronto vs. Belleville, Grand Rapids vs. Rockford, and Abbotsford vs. Colorado all take top billing as series previews this episode. Plus, the review of last weekend's picks & the rest of this weekend's pick in The Speed Round!
Another AHL weekend in the books, as C.C. and Sean recap what was in the highlighted series in the Atlantic (Bridgeport at Charlotte), North (Cleveland at Utica), Central (Milwaukee at Texas), and Pacific (Ontario at Stockton) Divisions! But, before that, the boys highlight a Russian prospect heading to the Wolves. Then after all that, The Cream of The Crop and a quiz for CC!
Once again, it's time to preview the weekend ahead in the AHL! C.C. and Sean preview Bridgeport at Charlotte, Cleveland at Utica, Milwaukee at Texas, and Stockton at Ontario! Plus, the boys hit The Speed Round for their pick 'ems for the rest of the league!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. is away, but Sean brings in Courtney Bauman from Full Press Hockey and her own podcast, From Center Ice! Sean and Court recap the weekend that was for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Laval, and Iowa vs. Rockford. The two then jump in to The Cream of The Crop and finish out with a quiz!
It's a unique episode of The Calder Farmstead, as C.C. and Sean cover the weekend ahead for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Laval Rockets, invited Iowa Wild broadcaster Ben Gislason on to talk Iowa vs. the Rockford IceHogs, and San Jose (who doesn't even have any games this weekend!). To conclude, the boys end with The Speed Round to finish out their pre-weekend picks.
C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was in the AHL...but first, a trade! The Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators swapped left-handed AHL-caliber centerman on Tuesday. Then, back to weekend review with Hershey, Syracuse, Milwaukee, and Bakersfield/Tucson before heading the the AHL's best players of the weekend with the Cream of the Crop and ending with the Time Warp Quiz!
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean tackle the jersey unveiling of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the return of Henderson Head Coach Manny Viveiros, plus a weekend preview for each division (Hershey, Syracuse, Milwaukee, and Bakersfield/Tucson) & The Speed Round for the rest of the weekend picks!
It's All-Star season in the hockey world, and while the AHL isn't having a proper All-Star Classic, the boy at The Calder Farmstead are naming teams and skill competitions participants anyway! Check out C.C. and Sean's pick for all four divisions & where they'll participate in the Puck Control Relay, Hardest Shot, Fastest Skater, and Accuracy Shooting!
C.C, and Sean recap the weekend that was in the AHL, as Providence surprised in a 3-in-3, Belleville & Rochester went extra time in both their games, Grand Rapids & Manitoba did the splits, and Abbotsford got some reinforcements before playing San Diego! Plus, The Cream of the Crop -- the best players of the weekend!
COVID-19 protocols and taxi squads may have AHL teams in less than ideal circumstances, but C.C. and Sean are at full strength to preview the weekend ahead! The boys cover Providence, Belleville at Rochester, Manitoba at Grand Rapids, and Abbotsford at San Diego. Join us, will you?
Utica splits, Chicago takes 2 of 3, Colorado sweeps, The Cream of The Crop, and Quiz Time! C.C. Hawkley and Sean O'Brien look back on the weekend that was in the AHL. The boys also welcome back Brett Fera from the Arizona Daily Star to dive a little deeper into the Tucson Roadrunners & their weekend series against the Colorado Eagles.
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, the boys muck through the mire of cancelled games to preview three divisional series of (hopefully) played games this weekend! C.C. and Sean take a look at the sudden slide of Utica, Chicago streaking through the New Year, and the Pacific Division match-up between the Colorado Eagles and Tucson Roadrunners. Join us, will you?
In lieu of the traditional weekend preview, C.C. and Sean detail the reinstatement of the NHL taxi squads, plus break down the trade that sent Nolan Stevens to Minnesota/Iowa and Will Bitten to St. Louis/Springfield. The late TCF episode of 2021, comin' at ya!
Happy Holidays from The Calder Farmstead! C.C. (Griswold) and Sean (The Grinch) take a break from some hard-hitting analysis to give each of the 31 AHL teams a present to help them out in 2022. Enjoy the jolliest couple of guys this side of the nuthouse!
C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was for three of the four previewed series (Belleville's games were unfortunately cancelled due to league COVID-19 protocols), diving in to Hartford vs. Springfield, Rockford vs. Texas, and Abbotsford vs. Henderson! And, lest we forget...the best AHL players of the weekend in The Cream of the Crop!
With COVID-19 protocols affecting both games and player availability, C.C. and Sean navigate carefully through their latest AHL Weekend Preview (Dec. 17-19), covering Hartford vs. Springfield, Belleville, Rockford vs. Texas, and Abbotsford vs. Henderson!
C.C. is back from vacation to recap with Sean the weekend that was (December 10-12) in the AHL! Lehigh Valley surprised the boys, Laval split their two games, Manitoba solidified their position in the Central against Grand Rapids, and Stockton learned from their Friday mistakes for a Saturday victory. PLUS: The Cream of the Crop and The Franchise Quiz!
With CC on vacation, Paige Siewert from Full Press Hockey steps in to co-host this week. We break down the weekend for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Laval Rocket, Manitoba Moose & Grand Rapids Griffins, and Stockton Heat & Tucson Roadrunners. Plus the Speed Round where we pick the rest of the weekend slate.
Unlike many AHL games this past weekend, The Calder Farmstead has not been delayed due to league COVID-19 protocols! C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was for Bridgeport, the Milwaukee vs. Cleveland series, and the one-game "series" between Ontario and Bakersfield. Plus, they boys' picks for the best individual player in the Cream of the Crop segment!
With games heading into league COVID-19 protocols, C.C. and Sean tread lightly through the AHL weekend series previews! The boys cover Bridgeport, Syracuse, Cleveland vs. Milwaukee, and Bakersfield vs. Ontario before heading into the Speed Round for the rest of their picks!
The AHL modified their playoff format this offseason to include all but two teams in the playoffs for each division. C.C. and Sean use the age-old barometer of US Thanksgiving to see who's most likely to make the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs...and who's going to be on the outside looking in.
On this special Thanksgiving edition of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean detail what at 31 AHL teams are grateful for so far this season!
With Sean away, C.C. will play! The Calder Farmstead AHL Podcast brings on FIVE guests for Episode #63 -- Corey Swartz (Bears Hockey Nation) to talk Hershey, Luke Garrison (Full Press Hockey) to discuss Toronto, Courtney Bauman (From Center Ice & FPH) & Elaine Shircliff (Full Press Hockey) to talk Rockford & Chicago, and Kevin Lacy (Teal Town USA) to talk San Jose!
C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was in the AHL! Courtney Bauman (covers Rockford for Full Press Hockey and From Center Ice) joins the show to talk the Chris Wilkie trade, Charlotte takes two of three, Utica continues to roll, Iowa sweeps to tie for first in the Central, and the Colorado-Texas series ends in consecutive shootouts. It's all on this edition of The Calder Farmstead!
Time to bring some friends along on this episode of The Calder Farmstead! Charlotte Checkers Broadcaster TJ Chillot joins the program to preview their weekend against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Hershey, and Cameron Turner (Texas Stars correspondent for Full Press Hockey) stops by to discuss the Stars hosting the Colorado Eagles. That, plus previews for Utica and Iowa/Milwaukee, before finishing up with the Speed Round!
An official name for the 32nd AHL franchise, a coaching departure in Rockford, and the recap of the weekend that was in the AHL! C.C. and Sean give you the most fun and analysis per 60 on the latest edition of The Calder Farmstead Podcast!
We are into the month of November in the 2021-22 AHL season, and the boys have a trade to discuss. Peyton Krebs gets sent to Buffalo/Rochester, plus a deep dive preview of the weekend ahead in all four AHL divisions!
Some teams swept the weekend, some teams split it, and one team remains winless. C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was, covering AHL news at the top of the program while highlighting The Cream of The Crop & showcasing the first quiz for C.C. -- Mascot Mash-Up!
It's SPOOKY season at The Calder Farmstead! C.C "Blackbeard" Hawkley and Sean "The Phantom" O'Brien haunt your hockey-loving minds with their first weekend preview of the 2021-22 AHL season! They talk Lehigh Valley (but of course), Rochester vs. Laval, Iowa vs. Manitoba, and San Diego vs. Tucson.
It's AHL coverage so good...it's SCARY! MWAHAHAHAHA!
With C.C. spending this week on injured reserve, it's up to Sean to bring in some friends & fly solo for Episode #56 of The Calder Farmstead podcast!
First up, Michel Anderson from Eyes on Isles & the Deckhands podcast joins the show to talk Bridgeport and Springfield in the Atlantic Division. Second, Eric D. from On The Future at SB Nation hops on the farmstead to discuss Milwaukee & Nashville's prospects there.
Finally, Sean takes it home with analysis on the Henderson Silver Knights against the Abbotsford Canucks over in the Pacific Division.
The last three of 31 teams C.C. and Sean have previewed for The Calder Farmstead this offseason, the boys take a look at the Ontario Reign, San Diego Gulls, and Bakersfield Condors ahead of their 2021-22 AHL campaigns!
C.C. and Sean round out the final two season previews from the AHL's Atlantic Division, highlighting the Providence Bruins and Springfield Thunderbirds for the upcoming 2021-22 campaign!
C.C. and Sean preview the two AHL teams from The Land of Steady Habits, which you might know as Connecticut! The boys take a look at the Hartford Wolf Pack and Bridgeport Sound Tigers (because Sean refuses to call them the Islanders) for the upcoming 2021-22 AHL regular season campaign!
C.C. and Sean preview the three easternmost teams in the Pacific Division for the upcoming 2021-22 AHL regular season -- the Henderson Silver Knights, Colorado Eagles, and Tucson Roadrunners!
On location in Alexandria, VA, C.C. and Sean give their first epsiode of The Calder Farmstead side-by-side and in-person! The boys cover the final three teams in the Central Division in previewing the 2021-22 AHL regular season -- the Grand Rapids Griffins, Chicago Wolves, and Rockford IceHogs!
Finsihing out the 2021-22 AHL North Division, C.C. and Sean preview the upcoming seasons for the Laval Rocket, Toronto Marlies, and Belleville Senators in an all-Canada episode worthy of Tim Horton's and poutine!
The latest round of 2021-22 AHL season previews is here! The boys dip their toes into the Pacific...Division, that is. C.C and Sean talk the freshly relocated Abbotsford Canucks, the returning-from-Canada Stockton Heat, and the clown car roster that is the San Jose Barracuda.
A third round of 2021-22 AHL Season Previews lands the boys in the highly-contested Central Division (or as Sean likes to call it...the Death Division). Texas, Iowa, Manitoba, and Milwaukee are on the inspection table getting the fine-tooth comb treatment for this coming season!
The AHL 2021-22 season previews continue, this time into the North Divsion as C.C. and Sean discuss the Rochester Americans, Cleveland Monsters, Syracuse Crunch, and Utica Comets!
With normalcy rearing its head once again, September means gearing up for the hockey season! C.C. and Sean tackle their first season preview for the 2021-22 AHL campaign, previewing the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Hershey Bears, and Charlotte Checkers of the Atlantic Division.
C.C. and Sean are gearing up for their 2021-22 season previews, but before they dive into that, they brought on Hershey Bears Video Coach Emily Engel-Natzke for Episode #45 of The Calder Farmstead! Watch as the boys get to ask both Colorado and northeast US questions of Emily before hunkering down into the final stretch of the 2021 offseason!
The first week of NHL Free Agency of course trickles down to the AHL! C.C. and Sean cover the team winners and losers, but first...the coaches! New head and assistant coaches abound in the opening segment of The Calder Farmstead, so tune in to catch up on all the American Hockey League happenings!
An emergency episode in the offseason? Well sure! The Abbotsford Canucks are a thing now, so we brought in The Comets Harvest (name change pending) writer Cody Severtson to weight in on the re-brand as the team head west. We also discuss an amorous coaching change in Stockton, plus the Milwaukee Admirals unveiling their third jersey on Thursday night!
Players, coaches, GMs, and affiliations! The offseason carousel of change is in full swing for the American Hockey League, and these go to 11! C.C. and Sean recap it all in their latest iteration of The Calder Farmstead: An AHL Podcast!
The 2021 AHL offseason is upon us, and C.C. and Sean are bringing the news as it comes steadily rolling in. Since the 2021 AHL Awards Bonanza on June 4, we've had an overall schedule and division alignment announcement, an MVP christened, one coaching vacancy filled (and one opened), and plenty of signings and re-signings.
C.C. and Sean dress to the nines for The Calder Farmstead's 2021 AHL Awards Bonanza! The categories are...
Best Defenseman
Best Forward
Best Goalie Mask
Best Goalie
Best Coach
Best Hockey Flow
Best Team
and...the Mea Culpa Award (the preseason prediction the boys underestimated the most)
AHL #AHLAwards #2021AHLSeason
With the 2021 AHL season officially coming to a close, C.C. and Sean start with individual awards reviews (and the process behind it), plus the breakdown of the Pacific Division Final as Henderson hosted Bakersfield for all three games to decide the winner of the John D. Chick Trophy!
As the AHL postseason draws to a close, C.C. and Sean preview the Pacific Division Final between the Henderson Silver Knights and Bakersfield Condors! The boys also take a look at the news and notes around the league, as well as break down the awards given out thus far this offseason.
C.C. is hosting solo this episode as the AHL playoffs are in full swing. Kevin Lacy from Teal Town USA covers the Barracuda's victory over Tucson and Colorado, Henderson play-by-play broadcaster Brain McCormack joins the show to talk Silver Knights, and Luke Garrison wrap up the trifecta of guests to comment on the last regular season game of the year for (and the future of) the Toronto Marlies.
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, Sean takes a well-deserved break as Full Press AHL Central Division correspondent Elaine Shircliff joins C.C. to talk about the division races wrapping up, and the picks for the Pacific Division postseason!
Three divisions are still up for grabs in the AHL! C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was, going over their series predictions and performances of the Hershey Bears, Chicago Wolves vs. Grand Rapid Griffins, and San Diego Gulls! Plus, the best player picks of the week (The Cream of the Crop) and a new quiz for C.C.!
C.C. and Sean cover the AHL both on and off the ice this episode, as the Board of Governors Spring Meeting approved the relocation of two franchises on Thursday. That combined with end-of-year divisional races in the North, Central, and Pacific Divisions round out the topics for this episode. Oh, and don't forget the Speed Round!
C.C. and Sean recap the weekend that was as we enter the home stretch of the AHL's 2021 regular season! The boys recap Belleville at Toronto, Utica vs. Rochester and at Syracuse, Ontario at Colorado, and San Jose at Henderson. Plus, the best players of the week in the Cream of the Crop, and another quiz for C.C. -- Graduation Day!
C.C. and Sean preview the AHL's third to last weekend of the 2021 regular season! The boys talk about the AHL's decision to forgo the postseason (minus the Pacific Division, much to the chagrin of the PHPA) before doing deep dives on Toronto-Belleville, Utica vs. Rochester/Syracuse, Ontario-Colorado, and Henderson-San Jose. They also choose the rest of the weekend in the Speed Round. Join the ascent to Episode #33 of The Calder Farmstead!
Four Square! C.C. and Sean are joined once again by The Sin Bin's Deana Weinheimer and Andrew Rinaldi to cover the Cleveland-Chicago series from the weekend that was in the AHL. They also wrap up Stockton-Manitoba, Lehigh Valley-Binghamton, Colorado-Tucson, and Ontario-Bakersfield/San Jose. Plus, the Cream of the Crop and Family Ties quiz!
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead AHL Podcast, C.C. and Sean talked Manitoba Moose with Jacob Stoller ahead of their weekend against Stockton. The boys also talk Lehigh Valley versus Binghamton before bringing on The Sin Bin's Deana Weinheimer to talk Cleveland against Chicago. Colroado vs. Tucson and Ontario vs. Bakersfield & San Jose wraps up the series deep dive before we hit the Speed Round and call it a night.
A packed episode of The Calder Farmstead, but well worth the listen! C.C. and Sean bring on WBNG's Nicole Menner to discuss the Binghamton Devils drama with New Jersey and the Comets filing a very curious patent. The boys then recap Hershey vs. Bingo and Iowa vs. Grand Rapids before welcoming on Paige Siewert to talk Stockton vs. Belleville. Kevin Lacy wraps up the weekend recap, talking San Jose against Texas before C.C. and Sean give their Cream of the Crop picks before Sean tries to stump C.C. with the Affiliation Shuffle quiz!
Just a few more weekends to go in the AHL season, and as always, C.C. and Sean have got you covered! Guests Murray Pam (Belleville) and Kevin Lacy (San Jose) join the show to preview Sens/Heat and Texas/San Jose, plus previews of Hershey (and Axel Jonsson-Fjällby), Iowa/Grand Rapids, and the Speed Round!
What happens when you bring in Brett Fera to talk Tucson in the AHL Weekend Preview episode? The Roadrunners go off, and you bring Brett back for the Weekend Recap! C.C. and Sean plus one for the latest edition of reviewing the weekend that was...only on The Calder Farmstead!
Double Drop Pass Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Z5HB7KRzY
It's time to preview the AHL weekend on The Calder Farmstead! C.C. and Sean bring on Brett Fera to talk Tucson Roadrunners, plus dig into a few more series before the Friday thru Sunday docket of American Hockey League games.
C.C. and Sean fly solo to cover the weekend that was in the AHL (April 2-4) as they recap Hartford/Bridgeport, Syracuse/Rochester, and Laval/Stockton. Don't forget to listen for this week's Cream of the Crop and The Time Warp Quiz, either!
Groundhog Day, a Bold(y) signing, and a COVID-19 cancelled series. Welcome to Episode #25 of The Calder Farmstead! C.C. and Sean invite on Alex Ackerman (Syracuse) and Jack Murray (Providence) from The Sin Bin for the quarter century show of the program!
What's for dinner this episode? For C.C. -- after getting a sweep prediction completely wrong -- it's some crow. Episode #24 of The Calder Farmstead recaps the weekend that was (March 26-28) and goes over the picks from the rest of the AHL, as well!
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, two new guests join the program: --Cody Severtson from Comets Harvest, and Andrew Rinaldi from The Sin Bin! They talk Utica and Chicago with C.C. and Sean as they preview the weekend ahead (March 26-28).
I don't know about you, but C.C. and Sean are feeling 22...episode number 22 of The Calder Farmstead, that is! The boys have Full Press Hockey's Paige Siewert and Elaine Shircliff back on to recap the wild and crazy weekend that was in the AHL.
Time to preview the AHL weekend ahead! Oh, and how does Sean do hosting the show by himself? Find out when he chats one-on-one with Full Press Hockey's Paige Siewert. Then, C.C. jumps back on to finish the show, bringing on FPH's Elaine Shircliff to talk the Central Division, as well! #TCFonFPH
Do you believe in the puck luck of the Irish? C.C. and Sean celebrate the week of St. Patrick's Day by looking back at the AHL weekend that was (March 12-15) and highlighting some previously predicted series...
Chicago vs. Iowa
Bakersfield vs. San Jose
Ontario vs. Tucson/Henderson
Colorado vs. Texas
Plus, this weekend's Cream of the Crop, and a new Irish Six-Pack Quiz for C.C.!
C.C. and Sean fly solo to preview the AHL weekend ahead, including...
Chicago vs. Iowa
Bakersfield vs. San Jose
Rochester vs. Cleveland/Utica
Ontario vs. Tucson/Henderson
Colorado vs. Texas
...plus, The Speed Round, where the boys make the rest of the AHL weekend picks!
C.C. and Sean recap the AHL weekend of March 5-7, 2021 with hard-hitting analysis, witty banter, and the return of Teal Town USA's Kevin Lacy! Would you expect anything less? #TCF
C.C. and Sean preview the AHL weekend of March 5-6 (plus a couple days) alongside Full Press Hockey's Paige Siewert and Teal Town USA's Kevin Lacy!
C.C. and Sean recap the AHL weekend the was -- Laval/Manitoba, Hershey/Binghamton, Chicago/Grand Rapids & Cleveland/Rockford (with Elaine Shircliff), Syracuse vs. Utica and Rochester (featuring Alex Ackerman), and Henderson/San Diego & Colorado/Tucson. Plus, the week's Cream of the Crop and a new quiz!
C.C. and Sean welcome on not one, but two guests this episode! Elaine Shircliff previews the Central Division, while Alexandra Ackerman showcases the North. The boys lay out the weekend for the rest
The weekend in review! C.C. and Sean talk about Lehigh Valley-Binghamton, the "Groundhog Day" Atlantic Division, the Pacific Division, and Elaine Shircliff joins to talk about Chicago vs. Iowa. Plus, Sean brings back the Time Warp Quiz to stump C.C.!
With the first episode beyond the 2021 AHL season previews, C.C. and Sean preview the weekend of Feb. 19-21 by breaking down Lehigh Valley versus Binghamton, the Atlantic (aka Groundhog Day) Division, Chicago vs. Iowa, and Colorado against Ontario & San Diego!
Then, there were three! C.C. and Sean detail the Toronto Marlies, Manitoba Moose, and "Stockton" Heat (of Calgary) to finish up the 2021 AHL season previews on The Calder Farmstead.
On February 9, the AHL announced its Canadian Division schedule for the month of February. C.C. and Sean preview the first two teams from the division to start play in 2021 -- the Belleville Senators and Laval Rocket!
Covering the final two teams in the Pacific Division (and two old Plymouth cars' namesake), the San Jose Barracuda and Tucson Roadrunners receive the season preview treatment from C.C. and Sean in this tenth iteration of The Calder Farmstead podcast!
Bitter rivals in the northeast get the season preview treatment! C.C. and Sean talk Hershey Bears and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the latest in the 2021 AHL Season Preview series...only on The Calder Farmstead!
Two rivals in different divisions this season, the Cleveland Monsters and Rochester Americans get the 2021 AHL season preview treatment from C.C. and Sean in their latest episode of The Calder Farmstead!
Birds of a feather? Episode #7 of The Calder Farmstead podcast showcases the Colorado Eagles, San Diego Gulls, and Bakersfield Condors in a preview of the AHL's 2021 season. C.C. and Sean break down how they think each team will finish, and so much more!
Welcome to Groundhog Day in the AHL's three-team Atlantic Division! C.C. and Sean cover the Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and Providence Bruins as they preview the smallest division in this year's AHL with one fell swoop.
The 2021 AHL season previews roll on! Who's ready for some Texas toast? C.C. and Sean preview the Texas Stars and Iowa Wild in their fifth installment of The Calder Farmstead podcast.
It's spooky season as C.C. and Sean preview the 2021 AHL campaigns of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Binghamton Devils...only on The Calder Farmstead!
Double the affiliations, double the fun! Episode number three of The Calder Farmstead showcases season previews for the Syracuse Crunch and Utica Comets, two of three AHL teams with a double NHL affiliation for 2021.
Ready for three AHL Central Division season previews? C.C. and Sean tackle the Midwest trifecta of the Rockford IceHogs, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Chicago Wolves for the upcoming 2021 regular season!
On the first episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. and Sean start their individual team previews for the 2021 AHL regular season by tackling the Pacific Division's Henderson Silver Knights and Ontario Reign!
C.C. Hawkley and Sean O'Brien introduce you to The Calder Farmstead: An AHL Podcast! The two break down some analytics they use in their episodes, including Sean's own statistical model, point shares for skaters and goalies, PDO (or "puck luck"), transition, and shot location. An overall 101 course about The Farmstead!