The Islanders still aren’t talking about their change in Sound Tigers management, but we’ve been told that the office has been told that Michael Picker will be the new man in charge. It’s a familiar name around this organization: He’s been high in the New York Islanders’ management for years. (For instance: When the Islanders bought the Sound Tigers in 2004, he was the official who showed up for the announcement.) Titles, details, where he’ll be working: All to be determined.
They actually threw in some hockey Wednesday by announcing they’ve signed forward Jared Gomes to an AHL contract. (I’ll apologize in advance for calling him “Johnny.”) Hockeydb lists him as a centerman. Gomes played last year for Straubing in Germany after two years with San Antonio. He’ll turn 27 early in the season.
If your budget permits, the Sound Tigers’ eBay sweater auction is on.
The Isles announced they’ll play their prospects camp Blue-White scrimmage July 8 in Brooklyn.
The AHL announced that AHL Live streaming will be free of charge for the Calder Cup Final. Another dumb coincidence: Bridgeport made the final in its first season; ’01-02 Twin Manchester makes it in its final season. (Saturday best get here quickly, because I’m running out of dumb coincidences.)
And in the “how did this not happen before and why is it only for one season” department: Hershey and Washington re-upped for one more season.