WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- The North was one of the toughest divisions last season as 100 points was only good enough for third spot.
All signs point to things being tight at the top again as the 71st American Hockey League season gets underway tonight as the Manitoba Moose take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
A sizable portion of the standings is often closely tied to variables like injuries, recalls to the NHL and the rapid development of prospects.
But after hosting a training camp with more depth than at any previous time in franchise history, the Moose look like a team destined to improve on back-to-back third place finishes.
They should contend for top spot in the North but might ultimately settle for second, but be a club nobody wants to face when the post-season begins.
With that in mind, here's a look at how the North Division is shaping up:
1. GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
Head coach: Greg Ireland (third season)
Affiliation: Detroit Red Wings
Analysis: A year ago, the Griffins were the class of the league during the regular season and ousted the Manitoba Moose in seven games in the North Division final before bowing out to the Milwaukee Admirals. The Griffins lost top scorer Donald MacLean and veteran defenceman Bryan Helmer to the Phoenix Coyotes and Eric Manlow to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Top scorer Jiri Hudler and slick forward Tomas Kopecky open the season with the Red Wings. All-rookie goalie Jimmy Howard and Joey MacDonald form one of the best tandems in the AHL.
2. MANITOBA MOOSE
Head coach: Scott Arniel (first season)
Affiliation: Vancouver Canucks
Analysis: As difficult as it sounds after producing 98 and 100-point seasons in succession, the Moose have the potential to improve for a third straight. Depth is at an all-time high and with sound netminding from Drew MacIntyre, a first division title in the AHL is not beyond the realm of possibility.
3. SYRACUSE CRUNCH
Head coach: Ross Yates (first season)
Affiliation: Columbus Blue Jackets
Analysis: Many of the usual suspects return and with Ty Conklin shouldering the load in goal and veteran Jamie Pushor holds down the back end with Tomas Kloucek and possibly former Brandon Wheat King Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, the offensive weapons on the Crunch should shine through. The loss of top D-man Andy Delmore is significant, though.
4. TORONTO MARLIES
Head coach: Greg Gilbert (first season)
Affiliation: Toronto Maple Leafs
Analysis: A strong defence corps should help goalie Justin Pogge in his transition to the pro game. Pogge backstopped Canada to a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2006 and is considered the Maple Leafs goalie of the future. If gifted centre Erik Westrum approaches the 100-point mark again this season, the Marlies should be tough.
5. HAMILTON BULLDOGS:
Head coach: Don Lever (second season)
Affiliation: Montreal Canadiens, partial with Edmonton Oilers
Analysis: The Bulldogs went out and signed some AHL veterans like Manlow and Ajay Baines and feature some young guns like Kyle Chipchura, Corey Locke and Andrei Kostitsyn but goalie Yann Danis will need to be all-world for the Bulldogs to challenge.
6. ROCHESTER AMERICANS:
Head coach: Randy Cunneyworth (seventh season)
Affiliation: Shared between Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers
Analysis: This club has the potential to be a major player if goalie Craig Anderson spends considerable time down in the minors. Florida is committed to providing more players this season and Buffalo has some young prospects like former UND star Drew Stafford, but a young defence corps could make it a long season for Cunneyworth and company.
