Released: 2017-18 schedule

From Oct. 7 in the Southern Tier to April 15 against a southern team, we got us a day planner. Weekend-heavy. Most Sundays at 3, though three of them (including the very last one) at 5, likely because of travel considerations for one team or the other. The morning games are a half-hour earlier.

More on it in a bit.

(And while we’re here, the Islanders announced this morning that they’ve agreed to terms with Kristers Gudlevskis, who was a restricted free agent after coming from Tampa Bay in the July 1 trade for Carter Verhaeghe.)

…..

Rockford’s Pennsylvania trip is Feb. 23-24; Bridgeport is at Providence/vs. Charlotte those days. Tough to find Jeremy Colliton that way.

I somehow managed to miscount the first time, then was fortunate to recount: Bridgeport has 10 three-in-threes this season. That’s the fewest since the lockout year… no, the first one, 2004-05. Another 14 back-to-backs, which is roughly typical, especially with the three-in-three situation.

The Morning Games are a half-hour earlier than in the past. Aids in bus scheduling, is what I was told. Considering that typically the place is empty by the end of the game, hopefully some of those kids can stick around awhile longer now. Bridgeport also has a morning game in Hartford on Feb. 7. Tough enough getting up for the ones down the block…

Two Saturdays off, Feb. 17 and March 24. We’ll probably be spending the latter at the Arena anyway: NCAA time.

The only other time the home opener didn’t come until Game 5: 2008-09.

The three Sundays at 5: Jan. 21 (Toronto’s in Binghamton the night before), Feb. 11 (Syracuse is at home the night before), closing-night April 15 (Bridgeport’s in Hershey the night before; Charlotte’s off the night before).

(Haven’t done the three-in-three/rest thing yet. Maybe later.)

Michael Fornabaio