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AHL San Antonio Rampage

What to Watch For: 2014-15 San Antonio Rampage Training Camp

September 29, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
San Antonio Rampage News Release


NEW TEAMS: There will be two new teams in the AHL this season: the Adirondack Flames (formerly the Ab- botsford Heat) and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (formerly the Adirondack Phantoms). The Rampage will take on the Flames four times this season and twice at the AT&T Center (Thurs., April 2 and Sat., April 4)

DIVISION REALIGNMENT: With the move- ment of a couple teams came the need for realignment of the divisions. The Rampage will continue their West Division rivalries with the Texas Stars, Charlotte Checkers and Oklahoma City Barons, and will welcome the Iowa Wild to the group for the 2014-15 sea- son.

OVERTIME CHANGES: Rules changes for the 2014-15 season include a new look for overtime. The extra frame will be a seven- minute period starting with 4-on-4 hockey.

Following the first whistle after the three- minute mark of overtime, full strength will move to 3-on-3. The goal of the rule change is to decrease the amount of games that are decided in a shootout. If there is still no win- ner after overtime, a three-player shootout will determine a victor.

POTENTIAL IMPACT FOR RAMPAGE: The 18 shootout games the Rampage played in 2013-14 is the most for a season in franchise history. San Antonio was 1-3 in games that were decided in overtime last season.

FIVE STORYLINES TO WATCH

Mark your calendars for the Rampage's 2014 -15 theme nights. Each Saturday throughout the season will feature a different theme, including Teddy Bear Toss, Military Appreci- ation Night, Pucks and Paws and the fifth annual Pink in the Rink game.

Nov. 29: Teddy Bear Toss

Feb. 7: Pink in the Rink

Mar. 7: Military Appreciation Night

FAMILIAR FACES: There could be as many as 19 players on this year's roster who spent time in San Antonio last season, including 2013-14 scoring leader Bobby Butler, who paced the Rampage with 22 goals. Vincent Trocheck and Drew Shore, who led the team with 26 assists each could also don the Silver and Black for the 2014-15 sea- son.

YOUTH IS SERVED: While this San Antonio roster will certainly be one of the youngest teams in recent memory, it's a group that includes some of the NHL's top young prospects. Trocheck, who played for the U.S. at the World Championships in Minsk, Belarus this summer, is coming off a strong rookie season. He made his NHL debut in March and played in 20 games with the Panthers last season. On the defen- sive end, Jonathan Racine was one of the most talked about prospects during Florida's development camp in July. Racine led the Rampage in plus/minus (12) last season. Forward Connor Brickley and de- fenseman Shayne Taker, who each signed amateur tryout contracts with the Rampage last April, will return for their rookie seasons.

LOCAL FLAVOR: This year's training camp will include a local talent in forward Erik Higby, who hails from New Braunfels, TX. Higby played four seasons at Northern Michigan where he tallied 58 career points (27G, 31A). Prior to his college career, Higby played two seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and was named the league's most valuable player in 2010 after tallying 27 goals and 53 assists (80 points) in 57 games for the Topeka Roadrunners.

NEW CAPTAIN: Last season's captain, Greg Rallo, signed with the Texas Stars in the offseason, which means the 'C' is up for grabs for the ninth time in franchise history. Defenseman Greg Zanon and for- wards Bobby Butler and Joey Crabb will be this year's core of leaders and likely candidates for the captaincy.

FULL SEASON WITH ROWE: Head coach Tom Rowe took over on Nov. 8 of last season, replacing Peter Horachek, who took the reins of the Panthers. A mid-season coaching change is always a challenge, and having Rowe on the bench for a full season will certainly provide consistency. In addition, Scott Allen was added to the coaching staff as an assistant. Allen was previously with the Chicago Wolves (2013-14) and the Peoria Rivermen (2012-13) and spent three seasons as an assistant with the New York Islanders. Allen was on the Rampage coaching staff from 2002-04 and coached with Rowe in Lowell during the 2004-05 season.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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