Awaiting the arrival of Mark Louis, still — probably tomorrow — but Dustin Jeffrey (in 20, as the roster said) and Dyson Stevenson (in 41, his Portland number, also as the roster foretold) joined the group this morning for a systems practice. Got the F3s about as down as they can get ’em for the moment. Jeffrey slotted between Mike Halmo and Sebastian Collberg — no commitment to playing Halmo this weekend, yet, but he has been in contact all week — and Stevenson was with Justin Courtnall and Lukas Sutter.
Louis will make six defensemen, as it stands, not counting the suspended Scott Mayfield. They are what they are, Brent Thompson said. No sign of the Everblades Boys: Florida plays Cincinnati tonight in the ECHL.
Stevenson’s 41 is one of the least-handed-out numbers that low. It’s only been worn by Harlan Pratt, assigned here late in 2005-06, and Lance Galbraith, on a PTO the next year. The only lower number that’s been worn as often, now, is 39, Steve Regier, Rick DiPietro in his final tour, and Joey Diamond. (The lowest numbers worn once are the last two numbers worn in 2010-11, 46 and 48 (Cameron Wind).)
Also, the Sound Tigers totally have to go get a guy with the last name Robert, so they can debut Robert, Louis and Stevenson this weekend.
Steve Oleksy is the new captain of the Hershey Bears. Edit, 2 p.m.: Tim Leone on Oleksy’s captaincy.
The AHL suspended Jimmy Bonneau, among others, yesterday; Bonneau will miss Saturday’s Bridgeport-Worcester game.
The weather’s been brutal, and the Glens Falls Civic Center took some damage. The Flames are on the road and don’t play at home until Tuesday.
And almost a historically amazing night in Florida: Roberto Luongo injured, Al Montoya injured, both Derek MacKenzie and goalie coach Robb Tallas dressing, Montoya staying in and Luongo coming back from the hospital. (Today, goalies called up.)
Edit, 4:50 p.m.: Bridgeport has traded Keith Seabrook to Rockford for future considerations. Well, at least we wrote that story in the preseason, even if he didn’t get to put his streak on the line, staying with Stockton all season. Well, until now.