The Chicago Wolves will engage in rivalries old and renewed as they play their 2015-16 American Hockey League schedule, released Thursday. The slate features opponents from the newly created Central Division and 17 Saturday home games.
For the second straight year the Wolves kick off their schedule at home, opening with a 7 p.m. matchup on Saturday, Oct. 10, against the Milwaukee Admirals at Allstate Arena. The franchise’s 22nd season-opener features a free tailgate party from 2 to 6 p.m. in the arena’s West Lot. Six of the Wolves’ first seven games come on home ice, including an Oct. 30 tilt against Manitoba at 7 p.m. The Moose, a longtime Wolves rival, are returning to the AHL for the first time since 2010-11.
The four-time league champions face division opponents in 68 of their 76 regular-season games following the AHL’s shift from a six-division format to four divisions. The Charlotte Checkers, Grand Rapids Griffins, Iowa Wild, Lake Erie Monsters, Manitoba, Milwaukee, and Rockford IceHogs join the Wolves in the Central.
The team plays 26 of its 38 home games on the weekend, which features the most Saturday matchups since the 2005-06 season as well as nine Sunday matinees. The home schedule also includes popular 11 a.m. School-Day Games on Dec. 17 and Feb. 23. The squad’s longest homestands are four games (Dec. 17-26 and Feb. 18-23) while the longest road trips are five games: the annual circus trip Nov. 6-18 and another stretch Jan. 17-29.
The Wolves’ community initiatives begin immediately with Adopt-A-Dog Night on Oct. 10 and Breast Cancer Awareness Night, benefiting A Silver Lining Foundation, on Sunday, Oct. 25. The team hosts Salute to Military Families Night, presented by Kia and Magellan, on Saturday, Nov. 21.
For the 15th straight year, the Wolves will broadcast regular-season and postseason games live on television. A complete broadcast schedule will be announced shortly. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 11, via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, or to inquire about ticket plans or group outings, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.
Games by Days of the Week
Monday: 2 (Home 1, Away 1)
Tuesday: 8 (Home 1, Away 7)
Wednesday: 5 (Home 3, Away 2)
Thursday: 5 (Home 2, Away 3)
Friday: 19 (Home 5, Away 14)
Saturday: 24 (Home 17, Away 7)
Sunday: 13 (Home 9, Away 4)
Games by Team
*Charlotte Checkers (CAR): 8
*Grand Rapids Griffins (DET): 8
*Iowa Wild (MIN): 12
*Lake Erie Monsters (CBJ): 8
*Manitoba Moose (WPG): 8
*Milwaukee Admirals (NSH): 12
*Rockford IceHogs (CHI): 12
San Antonio Rampage (COL): 4
Texas Stars (DAL): 4
*Division rival
Games by Month
October: 6 (Home 5, Away 1)
November: 11 (Home 5, Away 6)
December: 13 (Home 6, Away 7)
January: 13 (Home 5, Away 8)
February: 13 (Home 6, Away 7)
March: 13 (Home 7, Away 6)
April: 7 (Home 4, Away 3)
Three-in-Threes
Nov. 27-29 (@ Rockford, vs. San Antonio, vs. San Antonio)
Jan. 15-17 (vs. Iowa, vs. Lake Erie, @ Grand Rapids)
Feb. 26-28 (@ Milwaukee, vs. Milwaukee, @ Grand Rapids)
March 18-20 (vs. Rockford, @ Rockford, vs. Milwaukee)
