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Menu Profiles Emil Axelsson
CHL
NYI Database News
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Invitees: C James Marcou: From Kings Park, NY, Marcou may have been passed over in the last two NHL Draft's, but he's going to attend the Islanders prospects camp. A member of the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks last season along with 2007 sixth round pick Blake Kessel, Marcou led his team with 71 points which was also fourth most in the league. He may be small at 5'7" and 150 lbs. but he will be interesting to watch for his offensive skills. James was a regular topic of discussion on the Hockey Night on Long Island Show and islesinfo.com wonders if perhaps Islanders management were listening. C/W Justin Bourne: The 24 year old son of form Islander great Bob Bourne, Justin recently finished his final year with the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves where he was named team MVP as a senior after recording 31 points. Following the season he joined the Alaska Aces of the ECHL and recorded 6 points in 9 games played. Bourne is from Kelowna, BC and he's 6'2" and 195 lbs. Bourne will join Jordan Hart at camp as son's of former Islanders. C Tyler Haskins: 21 year old from Madison, OH is 6' and 185 lbs. A fifth round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2004 Draft, Haskins has spent the last four years in the OHL with the Guelph Storm, Toronto St. Michael's Majors, and the Saginaw Spirit. His statistics are similar to fellow invitee Sean Bentivoglio as Haskins is more comfortable passing the puck than shooting it. Last season he racked up 60 assists with only 11 goals. He was rated #58 by THN in 2004 (46th by Central Scouting among NA) and was projected as a third line forward. He also spent a year in the USHL with Sioux City before playing in the OHL. His strengths are: hard working, very good on faceoffs, a defensive specialist. Lists his favorite player as Michael Peca. Notably missing: Sergei Ogorodnikov, Luch Aquino. Also surprising Brandon and Jordan Nolan were not invited.
There are also two invitees on defense: Martin Frechette - has spent the past four years playing in the QMJHL for the Gatineau Olympiques. The defenseman has a tough side as he's averaged over 100 PIM's each of the last three seasons. Last year Frechette finished second in scoring among defensemen in the entire QMJHL with 73 points in 70 games played. His 23 goals led all QMJHL defensemen and tied a team record. The 20 year old Frechette is 6'1" and 215 lbs. from Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. Jordan Hart (pictured above) - This 6'2", 200 lbs. defenseman from Huntington, NY is the son of former New York Islanders defenseman from the 70's Gerry Hart. A former member of the USHL's Cedar Rapids Roughriders in 2003-04, Hart had spent the last three years at Merrimack College. He left Merrimack earlier this past season to turn pro and joined the Kalamazoo Wings of the UHL, and saw playoff action with the Chicago Hounds of the same league. He's 24 years old and is a former member of the Jr. Islanders Select Team. F Paul Crosty: played in the ECHL last season with the Toledo Storm. Also saw action with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. Crosty has some good size at 6'2" and 220 lbs. He played four years at Brown University from 2001-05. Saw action as a forward during parts of last season. Crosty is not afraid to drop the gloves. He's from Edmonton, Alberta. Obviously missing from the list is D Wes O'Neill. One invitee in goal: John Murray: played for the Kitchener Rangers in 2006-07 and posted a spectacular record of 40-9-3 with a 2.58 GAA and 5 shutouts in 56 games played. Has good size for a goaltender at 6'1" and 206 lbs. Murray turns 20 next week. Last season was his first in the OHL and he was named goaltender of the month in March. He's from Lancaster, PA. The two years prior to joining Kitchener, Murray played for Sioux Falls in the USHL.
In the end Bergenheim ended up signing the Islanders same offer they gave him last summer. He did get a one way contract, something he was looking for. Most likely that guarantees him a position on the NHL club, but the Islanders can still send him to Bridgeport if they choose. "Sean's speed, skill and tenacity make him a perfect fit for the team we're putting together," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "We're looking forward to him being an important player for us this season and for years to come. We also know Sean is a player that our fans have come to love because of his work ethic and passion for the game." The 23 year old Bergenheim scored 16 goals and 33 points in 36 games played with Frolunda in 2006-07. He last played for the Islanders in 2005-06 and went 4-5-9 in 28 games played. In his Islanders career he has scored 5 goals and 11 points in 46 games played. With the Sound Tigers Bergenheim went 40-36-76 in 116 career games played. "I'm very happy and proud to be an Islander again," Bergenheim said this morning from Finland. "My friends back home know that I consider Long Island my second home. I followed the team a lot last season when I was in Europe and I love our style of play. A lot of people have told me my play should fit in with this year’s team, but Ted Nolan doesn’t know me yet. My goal is to show him I’m a Ted Nolan-type player. I can't wait to get back to Long Island." The 5'11", 200 lbs. Bergenheim was the Islanders 2002 first round pick, 22nd overall. islesinfo.com comment: Finally the Islanders get Bergenheim back in North America AND most importantly his agent Gandler has seen the light as well as received some sense.While it's only a one year deal, this will give Bergenheim a chance to prove himself. His speed is going to help the Islanders immensely and if he could pot in 15 goals and produce close to 30 points I think that would be a great season for him. He should also fit well into the Ted Nolan style of game.
While this decision may be met with some criticism in certain corners of Islanders Country, it reminds us of the week in July, 2000 when the Islanders opted not to offer a contract to 1998 second round pick Chris Nielsen and traded him to Columbus for a fourth round pick. Boy, did we get some unfriendly emails that day. The Islanders then traded the fourth round pick to Anaheim for a former draft choice the Ducks had little interest in signing. Chris Nielsen played the 2005-06 season in the German League and is now retired from pro hockey. The prospect the Islanders acquired from Anaheim was Trent Hunter." islesinfo.com comment: I am so upset by this BS news. First off Chris Botta, the Islanders VP of Communications, uses the word "BUT" when comparing O'Neill's senior stats to his junior stats which he having been around the game for a number of years should realize that stats mean NOTHING for a DEFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN. Personally, I think O'Neill could develop into a Uwe Krupp type player with some offensive upside. But apparently the Islanders don't think so. Botta goes on to suggest O'Neill can't skate, which is TOTALLY the opposite of what the Central Scouting Bureau stated about O'Neill below back in 2004: "Is an adequate skater with a short, wide skating stride....has deceptive speed when in full stride....good backwards skater who pivots well and has good lateral movement....strong on his feet and is hard to knock off balance....will rush the puck out of defensive zone." Plus, the Hockey News called O'Neill "a good combination of size and mobility." Botta goes on to SPIN a story and tries to divert criticism by bringing up the Chris Nielsen trade to Anaheim for Trent Hunter in 2000. Now does this suggest the Islanders are going to trade O'Neill's rights? They have until August 15th to sign him, but if they don't trade him before June 22nd's draft they most likely won't get anything in return. Which certainly doesn't compare to getting Trent Hunter. O'Neill had his best season of his career as a senior and he helped Notre Dame climb to the #1 ranked team in the nation in 2006-07. Another thing that bothers me is the Islanders use of certain words as if they are pulling the wool over their fans eyes. Now I am REALLY happy they signed Dustin Kohn. I held back from congratulating the Islanders because like I said the other day, signing their own prospects is what they should be doing. But to call Kohn a "stud" defenseman? Do they think Islander fans are idiots? Erik Johnson is a stud defenseman. Chris Pronger....is a STUD defenseman. Kohn will hopefully turn out to be a very good defenseman. Hopefully a good 3-4 d-man in the NHL. But don't tell your fans you just signed a stud defenseman. That's like calling Sean Bentivoglio a "top" prospect. Oh wait, that's what the Islanders called him. And I am in no way criticizing Bentivoglio or any other young prospect we sign. I love them. But this is the same franchise that made a big deal on their website about when they signed Matt Koalska out of Minnesota, or Jeff Hamilton out of Yale/Europe, who they didn't give a legitimate chance. I'm just trying to point out the Islanders spin that has been going on for many years. The biggest spin? The Islanders continue to hold onto Alexei Yashin despite the fact a majority of their fans don't want him here. And, they give you the impression a buyout of Yashin isn't even a consideration. To finish Botta's little site entry, they wrote on the bottom of the page that he is awaiting the Islanders third round pick in 2007. Why should you care Mr. Botta? Three years from now that player might be too slow or unworthy of getting signed as well. The combination of Andrew MacDonald, Dustin Kohn and Wes O'Neill into Bridgeport next season would have turned out to be a better group then the addition of Bruno Gervais, Chris Campoli and Ryan Caldwell three years ago. I can't wait to see how fast another team comes along and swipes up O'Neill if the Islanders just let him go. This is very disappointing as I have seen O'Neill play and was excited about getting him into the system. This is not Nicholas Tuzzolino here, who the Islanders won't sign either. This is a good player. And this is a bad decision. June 2, 2007 Update: A source close to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers revealed that the Islanders may consider signing O'Neill to an AHL contract to try him out, but they don't think he is quick enough. My opinion is that O'Neill would most likely not decide to do this if there are other teams out there who think his upside is better. We'll have to wait and see.
A former member of the Calgary Hitmen, Kohn finished his WHL career having played in 253 career games, scoring 20 goals and 131 points while accumulating 201 penalty minutes. "Dustin has all the tools of an NHL-caliber defenseman," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Now that Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli have developed within our system to become effective players in the NHL, Dustin is one of our prospects on the blueline who could eventually be next." Monday's signing comes four days before what would have been the deadline for New York to ink the 20-year old blueliner. Kohn recorded a career high with 50 points this season surpassing his previous high of 43 set with Calgary back in 2004-05. He finished ninth in scoring among WHL defensemen during the regular season and fifth among defensemen in assists with 45. Kohn was awarded the Wheat Kings' Executive Trophy as the team's best defenseman. islesinfo.com comment: Glad he was signed. I want to say good job on the Islanders part but in all honesty these are things they should be doing. By that I mean signing their top prospects. Anyway, hopefully they will get Wes O'Neill under contract soon as well. As far as Kohn, I think he will most likely benefit from a year in Bridgeport just like Andrew MacDonald. Some people may not like this comparison, but I compare Kohn alot to Tom Poti. He doesn't like to shoot the puck as evidenced by his 5 goals last season and 20 on 253 career WHL games. But he has great vision and ability to set up other players. He may do well on the power play if he is teamed up with a shooter like perhaps Marc-Andre Bergeron. There was a game earlier this season in which Kohn recorded 5 assists just to further demonstrate that he's a pass first type of player. Note to Readers on Wes O'Neill: I may have confused a few readers last week when I mentioned the Islanders needed to sign Dustin Kohn and Wes O'Neill by June 1st or lose their rights. This was true regarding Kohn. But as for O'Neill, according to the 2005 CBA the Islanders have until August 15, 2007 to sign him or lose his rights. That date is set forth by the CBA in accordance with a college players graduation year. So the Islanders have a bit more time to get O'Neill under wraps.
"Andrew is a mobile defenseman with good two-way skills," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He also has a history with Ted Nolan, who played a role in his development in junior. Andrew acquitted himself very well in training camp last year and we like the way he competes." MacDonald signed an ATO with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers following Moncton's loss to Halifax in the Quebec League playoffs. He played in Bridgeport's final 3 games of the regular season. He has good size at 6' and 186 lbs. Last season he scored 14 goals and 58 points for Moncton. He finished eighth in scoring among defensemen in the league. In his junior career he scored 20 goals and 104 points in 133 games played. Accolades: Last season MacDonald was named Moncton's MVP, the team's best defensive player, and was named to the QMJHL's first all star team. islesinfo.com comment: A good signing. I like MacDonald very much as I've seen him play a few times. He'll be a good power play guy, especially next season with the Sound Tigers. He also has a very good shot and is not afraid to use it. Stay tuned in the next couple of days as it's most likely the signing of Wes O'Neill and Dustin Kohn will be coming shortly. They both need to be signed by June 1st or the Islanders would lose their rights.
"This is an important signing for us," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "There was a lot of interest in Sean and our scouts are thrilled he chose to be an Islander. Sean was a dominant player in college and proved with the Providence Bruins that he's close to reaching the next level. He has NHL speed and playmaking ability and plays the game with a ton of determination." Bentivoglio had 43 goals and 89 assists for 132 points in 145 games after playing 4 seasons with the Niagra Purple Eagles from 2003-07. On his way to being named CHA Player of the Year, Bentivoglio was captain his senior year and went 16-30-46 in 36 games. "I'm very excited to sign with the Islanders and cannot wait for training camp," said Bentivoglio. "Sean could have signed with more high-profile college programs but came to us as a true freshman, played a regular shift and just got better with each season," said Niagara coach Dave Burkholder. "I compare him to Chris Drury because no one works harder in practice and in games than Sean. Islanders fans are going to love him." islesinfo.com's in depth profile for Sean Bentivoglio. islesinfo.com comment: Played very well in the AHL after signing the ATO. You don't see too many players make the NHL out of Niagra. If he is a Chris Drury type player you can never have too many of those. Let's just hope this doesn't mean the Islanders won't be going after the REAL Chris Drury in free agency come July 1st. But it's good to see the Islanders bringing in good young talent. Hopefully both Trevor Smith and Bentivoglio will pan out. As for Bentivoglio, he doesn't seem like a big goal scorer. By his numbers it looks like he'd rather pass the puck.
During that time, the Grizzlies had a .636 winning percentage and a 196-107-24 record. The organization, which was in Denver before it came to Utah prior to the 1995-1996 season, qualified for the playoffs every year and won the International Hockey League Turner Cup Championship twice. The Grizzlies were unaffiliated the last two years. The Islanders 2006-07 ECHL affiliate were the Pensacola Ice Pilots. The only player under contract with the Islanders who played in Pensacola last season was Sergei Ogorodnikov. "The Utah Grizzlies are one of the top franchises
in minor pro hockey," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow.
"The Islanders and Grizzlies have made a great pair in the past and
I'm sure we will be again. The Utah community is outstanding and the
facilities are top-tier. We're looking forward to working with Jason
Christie and the rest of his staff." "Garth made some key acquisitions this past season to get New York back to the playoffs," said Christie. "The organization is committed to developing top notch players through their minor league system as well." "Having a strong ECHL affiliate is imperative to building the Islanders future. We believe the Utah Grizzlies provide the necessary resources to develop our prospects," Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan said. "The Grizzlies are a very well respected organization that will provide the stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup." Listen to the Press Conference here. Representing the Islanders was someone named Toby O'Brien. He made some interesting comments about the Islanders 2006-07 season, Garth Snow, the acquisition of Ryan Smyth and the Islanders efforts to focus on youth which was reflected in their recent signings of Trevor Smith and Sean Bentivoglio. Official Website of the Utah Grizzlies
The article goes on to mention former SEL players who have also played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers like Frans Nielsen, Robert Nilsson and Johan Halvardsson. If they fail to sign Nokelainen they have their sites set on a Slovakian player named Roman Kukumberg from Slovan Bratislava. Nokelainen, as mentioned earlier, has one year remaining on a deal with the Islanders which would see him earn $984,200 on a two way contract. After playing in 15 games for the Islanders in 2005-06 in which he scored 2 points, Nokelainen missed most of the season with patella tendonitis in his knee. Following surgery last summer and rehabilitation, the 21 year old from Imatra, Finland returned to the Sound Tigers in 2006-07. In a season which included a slow start due to the sore knee and a late season broken finger, Nokelainen went 6-10-16 in 60 games played. Bridgeport's President Howard Saffin stated a couple weeks ago that he was looking for Nokelainen to have a much better season in 2007-08. But now that seems questionable if it will happen. islesinfo.com comment: Nokelainen's injury is an extremely tough one to come back from. He's taking it very slow and I'm not saying we should give up on him. Up until now with his injuries he has been a bit of a disappointment for a former 16th pick overall. What bothers me is I don't understand why European clubs are allowed to negotiate with players when they are currently under NHL contracts. According to the CBA, if an NHL club signs a European player they have to compensate his club. So why shouldn't Lulea not have to compensate the Islanders? In actuality, I don't see how Lulea could do this. It's not like the situation with Sean Bergenheim, who the Islanders allowed to go to Europe as a restricted free agent. So I can't see how Lulea is going to lure Nokelainen, who is still under contract, unless the Islanders let him go. And why would they pay a player to play in Europe? It will be interesting to see what comes of this. Update, May 25, 2007: According to another reported source from Finland, Petteri Nokelainen is not in any kind of negotiations with the SEL club Lulea which was originally reported by Expressen. The article goes on to state Nokelainen wants to remain in North America to play the third year of his contract in 2007-08 according to his agent Markus Lehto.
"I'd like to thank Howard Saffan, Garth Snow and Jack Capuano for the opportunity and their vote of confidence in me," Bingham said. "I look forward to working with Jack and Bernie to put a winning product on the ice in Bridgeport and developing future Islanders." "We are excited to add Pat as an assistant to our coaching staff," president Howard Saffan said. "He brings a level of respect that he has earned over the years as a coach and player. Pat will help our prospects reach their potential as future Islanders." "He was excited about the chance to go back to the AHL, but I know he liked it here in Fort Wayne," Komets General Manager David Franke said. "Like he told me on the phone, the New York Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers are the closest connection he has to the NHL, and if he doesn't take advantage of this opportunity, it may never come again." "For me, all I am right now is appreciative of the
opportunity, "The thing about Pat, I know Pat. I know what Pat brings to the table," said Capuano, who received more than 30 applications for the job. "He's a guy I know is going to be loyal, and the guys know." Bingham was the head coach of the Fort Wayne Komets of the United Hockey League last season after serving as an assistant coach with the Sound Tigers. Before joining the Sound Tigers, Bingham served as head coach of the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League from 2003-05. Bingham led the Nailers to a record of 89-46-9 and was named the ECHL Coach of the Year in 2004. His coaching career has included stints with the the Huntsville Channel Cats from 1998-00 in the Central Hockey League, the Asheville Smoke from 2000-01 in the United Hockey League and the Adirondack IceHawks from 2002-03, also of the United Hockey League. Bingham and Lane Lambert and head coach Dave Baseggio brought the Sound Tigers to the 2006 playoffs in their one season together, but the Islanders didn't pick up the options on their contracts last June 1 after a seven-game playoff loss. Bingham, who will turn 40 on August 10, finished a pro playing career in 1996 that included time in the ECHL, AHL, Colonial Hockey League and the Southern Hockey League. Bingham and his wife Tanya have a son, Evan.
MacDonald will turn 21 during training camp in September. He's from Judicue, Nova Scotia and is 6' and 188 lbs. He most likely will be joined by fellow defensive prospects Wes O'Neill and Dustin Kohn.
The 79 points by the Sound Tigers ties their lowest total in their six year history. They also recorded 79 points in 2004-05. Their 36 wins this season was a franchise low. The Sound Tigers finished with a record of 36-37-1-6. They allowed a franchise record 264 goals this season. Tambellini led the team in goals this season reaching the 30 goal mark. He also led the team with 59 points in 50 games played. He was a +10 on a team that didn't have too many pluses. The Sound Tigers had two top rookies on the team. Blake Comeau, the budding power forward recorded 12 goals and 43 points in 61 games played. Center Frans Nielsen improved more and more into a top two way player with the Sound Tigers during the 2006-07 season and his play got him into 15 games with the Islanders, making him the first Danish raised player to play in the NHL. Nielsen recorded 20 goals and 44 points in 54 games played with Bridgeport. Other Sound Tigers to keep an eye on as future Islanders are Petteri Nokelainen, Jason Pitton and Ted Nolan's son Brandon Nolan. Their top goaltender was Wade Dubielewicz who posted a record of 22-12-5 with a 2.69 GAA. 5 QUESTIONS FOR 2007-08 (reprinted from the Connecticut Post) WHO'S IN GOAL? — Wade Dubielewicz made what should be his final Bridgeport appearance Sunday (he stopped in afterward to say hello and goodbye) before he goes to the NHL full time. Billy Thompson probably won't be back, but Michael Mole, who looked capable in some big games, will be. Look for him to be in a tandem with a veteran, NHL-fill-in type. WHO'S IN CHARGE? — The team responded when Jack Capuano was handed more bench responsibilities; practices improved when Bernie Cassell took many of those responsibilities. There's no official word yet on the coaching staff for next year, but some tweaks may be in order. WHERE ARE THEY? — The AHL will add teams in Rockford, Ill., and Cleveland, and if no team drops out, that makes 29 teams. Hartford's return is up in the air, but no one doubts that the Rangers will put their prospects somewhere. Where that is — Glens Falls, N.Y., is one reported possibility — could mean realignment, possibly putting Bridgeport in the Atlantic Division while costing the Sound Tigers their geographic rival. WHO STOPS? — The defense had its ups and downs and could be much younger in the fall, with three draft picks potentially on their way here. The cast should include veterans Mark Wotton and Allan Rourke with youngsters Jamie Fraser and Drew Fata. WHO COMES? — Attendance was up, and merchandise sales were reported to be up. That means more revenue for the team. The team had the same frontman, president Howard Saffan, for the second year in a row for the first time. Can the momentum keep up? Contract status SIGNED — Mark Wotton, Jeff Tambellini, Blake Comeau, Masi Marjamaki, Jason Pitton, Jeremy Colliton, Petteri Nokelainen, Michael Mole, Allan Rourke, Jamie Fraser, Trevor Smith, Frans Nielsen, Sergei Ogorodnikov. RESTRICTED FREE AGENT — Drew Fata, Steve Regier UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT — Rick Berry, Jamie Johnson, Tomas Malec, Ken Magowan, Gregg Johnson, Brandon Nolan, Wade Dubielewicz, Eric Boguniecki, Billy Thompson, Kyle Rank, David Desharnais, Brandon Cullen, Peter Ferraro, Stephen Wood UNSIGNED DRAFT PICK — Andrew MacDonald
He had a breakout sophomore season recording a career-high 43 points (21g, 22a) in 39 games helping UNH to its sixth regular-season title in school history and its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Smith, who led the Wildcats in points and goals, was the first UNH player in school history to be named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star. He ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and his 32 points in 27 league games was second best among league skaters. He had posted a point in 26 of 39 games for the ‘Cats with 12 multi-point efforts on the season. Smith notched a point in 10 of the first 11 games of the season with 21 points (11g, 10a) in that time, which included a career-high four points against Colorado College on Oct. 21. "On the list of available college players, Trevor was right at the top," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Our scouts watched him regularly throughout the season. Besides his obvious skills, one of the other things they loved about Trevor's game is that he is always around the puck. The Islanders are very happy Trevor made the decision to join our organization." In his two seasons at New Hampshire, the 22-year old Smith played in 77 games, scoring 31 goals and adding 32 assists for 63 points and 73 penalty minutes. Prior to college, the North Vancouver native played for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League. In his one season at Omaha, Smith was 29-39-68 in 60 games. islesinfo.com comment: If he can translate the skills he shows below in these videos then the Islanders have a pretty nice find. Was waiting to see if the Islanders jumped into the collegiate free agency market with the season basically over except for the Frozen Four next weekend. Still interestingly, the Islanders have not signed Notre Dame D Wes O'Neill, who plays a position the organization could use even if he is sent to Bridgeport. Video
- Trevor Smith scores vs. BC in Hockey East Championship Mar. 17, 2007 Check out islesinfo.com's new Trevor Smith profile.
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