The 17th season in Sound Tigers history is right upon us. Many young faces are looking to impress the Islander brass as they aim to achieve the ultimate goal in hockey: playing in the NHL. For some, they are just starting their careers; for others, it is a chance at redemption. Who is going to step up into the limelight for the Sound Tigers? Who will fill the voids of those lost? These questions will be answered as the Sound Tigers battle it out in the AHL’s most competitive division this season.

Player to Watch

Returning to the Sound Tigers will be Devon Toews, who turned heads at Islanders training camp. Toews was an All-Star for the Sound Tigers, representing them in Allentown, and winning the fastest skater competition. Toews racked up 45 points (5G, 40A) as a rookie, and is looking to become one of the top defensemen in the AHL. He is being looked at heavily this season, as his preseason performance turned some heads, and could earn him a midseason call-up to the Isles.

The Vets

One question that looms over the heads of Sound Tigers fans is, ” What will the offense look like? ” Going into training camp, the Sound Tigers didn’t have any top forwards, other than Tanner Fritz, Travis St. Denis, Michael Dal Colle and Connor Jones. Over the offseason, Garth Snow improved the team by signing Casey Bailey, who was very consistent for Binghamton, as well as former Wolf Pack Captain and younger son of Ray Bourque, Ryan Bourque. Then, the Islanders sent down Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta, two guys who have had lots of experience. Also watch out for Seth Helegson, who was a key part of Albany’s defense throughout the last few years. With these additions, the Sound Tigers look much better than they did back in July.

Goaltending

The Sound Tigers might have one of the best goaltending tandems in the AHL backed by Chris Gibson, Olympian Kristers Gudlevskis (Good-Lev-Skees) and Eamon McAdam.
Prediction: 4th in Atlantic, 94 Points
 
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Christian Gardecki

A Native of Danbury, CT. Christian is one of the longest tenured Drive4Five writers, Christian Gardecki began writing for Drive4five In May of 2017. Christian covers Minor League Hockey and the Bridgeport Islanders for Drive4Five. Outside of Drive4Five, Christian was the captain of his High School Hockey team and currently attends Hofstra University with a major in journalism. Christian was the play by play broadcaster for the Danbury Westerners summer collegiate baseball team during their 2021 NECBL Championship. Christian also was the Public Address Announcer for the Danbury Hat Tricks Minor Pro Hockey team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and NAHL Junior team from 2019-21.