GLENVIEW, Ill. — The Chicago Wolves’ 2017-18 schedule will feature games against 12 Western Conference opponents, the team announced Thursday in conjunction with the American Hockey League’s release of its revised divisional alignment.
The Wolves will defend their Central Division title against six familiar foes — the Cleveland Monsters, Grand Rapids Griffins, Iowa Wild, Manitoba Moose, Milwaukee Admirals and Rockford IceHogs — as the Charlotte Checkers are moving from the Central Division to the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. Charlotte’s switch gives each conference 15 teams.
The Wolves will play the majority of their games against Central Division opponents, but they’ll also battle six Pacific Division teams: the Bakersfield Condors, Ontario Reign, San Antonio Rampage, San Diego Gulls, Texas Stars and Tucson Roadrunners.
“We are excited to add four Pacific Division teams to our 2017-18 schedule,” said Wolves president Mike Gordon. “It will give our fans a look at some organizations we haven’t seen in Chicago for a while.”
While Charlotte is the only established franchise changing divisions — the Checkers’ move gives the Atlantic Division eight teams — there are three adjustments in the North Division. The St. John’s IceCaps (Montreal Canadiens) are moving to Quebec to become the Laval Rocket, the Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) are moving to Belleville, Ontario, and the Albany Devils (New Jersey) are shifting to Binghamton.
The Wolves are still in the hunt for their fifth league championship as they host Grand Rapids in Game 5 of the 2017 Central Division Finals at 7 p.m. Saturday. For information on tickets and the Calder Cup Playoffs, visit ChicagoWolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
