Boston College Hockey Calder Cup & Kelly Cup Round 1 Previews

In addition to all of the Eagles competing for the Stanley Cup this year, a number of former BC hockey players have the chance to win the Calder Cup (AHL) and the Kelly Cup (ECHL). Here’s a breakdown of which former Eagles have made it to round 1 of the minor league playoffs.

AHL

There are 4 AHL teams in the Calder Cup playoffs with former Eagles on the roster. They’re on lower-seeded teams, so it’s a long-shot that any Eagles will make the finals, but anything can happen.

Providence Bruins

The Providence Bruins will face the AHL Penguins in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. The PBruins are captained by Tommy Cross (although there has been talk that injuries on the Boston Bruins could result in a Cross call-up). Ryan Fitzgerald also plays for the PBruins - he got 8 games and 2 assists under his belt following the conclusion of BC’s season.

Hershey Bears

Paul Carey plays for the Hershey Bears, who will play the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the first round. Carey had a stellar season for Hershey, recording 55 points in 55 games and seeing a few NHL call-ups. Parker Milner also played a few games for the Bears this season, but he is currently playing in the ECHL.

Albany Devils

The Albany Devils will play the Toronto Marlies in the first round of the playoffs. There are four former Eagles on the Devils roster: Brian Gibbons, Austin Cangelosi, Miles Wood, and Steve Santini. Wood and Santini both spent much of the season in the NHL but returned to the Albany Devils once the New Jersey Devils’ season ended. Cangelosi has played 8 games for Albany since leaving BC, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he doesn’t play in the playoff due to players like Wood returning to the lineup.

Charlotte Checkers

The Charlotte Checkers, who are captained by Patrick Brown, will play the Chicago Wolves in the first round. The Checkers were one of the final teams to clinch a playoff spot, and they’ll have a real challenge in an offensively talented Wolves team.

ECHL

All 4 former Eagles in the ECHL made the Kelly Cup playoffs, so there’s a decent chance that at least one will make it to the finals. It is definite that there will be at least one former Eagle in round 2, since Patch Alber and Teddy Doherty’s teams face each other in the opening round.

Adirondack Thunder

Patch Alber plays for the Adirondack Thunder, who play the Manchester Monarchs in the first round. Alber, who scored 39 points this season, has no points over 2 playoff games so far. The Thunder are currently losing the series, down 2 games to none despite coming into the playoffs as the top seed in the north.

Manchester Monarchs

Teddy Doherty is in his first full season with the Monarchs. The 4th seed Monarchs are currently leading the series 2-0 over the Adirondack Thunder. Doherty has no points so far in the playoffs, but has seen solid minutes on defense.

Quad City Mallards

Adam Gilmour, who has split this season between the AHL and ECHL, is on the Mallards playoff reserve roster. He has yet to see action in a playoff game. The Mallards are down 2-0 to the Fort Wayne Komets in the first round.

South Carolina Stingrays

Parker Milner had a decent season for the Stingrays, but has struggled in the playoffs. South Carolina is down 2-0 to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and Milner has a 5.01 GAA and a .821 save percentage.