Rockford IceHogs forward Mike Hardman has long been willing to take a longer path to reach his destination.

Ben Simon had been through plenty of NHL recalls during his 11-season pro playing career. But this one would be a much different experience.

It was one more American Hockey League bus ride, from Des Moines to Milwaukee. Then the word came from Nashville that help would be needed.

Texas Stars captain Curtis McKenzie has packed a lot into 503 professional games across parts of 10 seasons.

A marriage between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters, everyone agreed, had long seemed destined to happen. But keeping that relationship strong, that is where the work always must continue.

Bonding can happen in the most difficult of ways, and the Abbotsford Canucks grew closer to local hockey fans through some painful circumstances.

Bonding can happen in the most difficult of ways, and the Abbotsford Canucks grew closer to local hockey fans through some painful circumstances.

Southern California black-and-silver versus Bay Area teal has been a West Coast fixture for more than 30 years in the NHL, and the Kings’ and Sharks’ affiliates have built a rivalry of their own since the AHL’s Pacific Division formed in 2015.

The confidence battle is one that most American Hockey League prospects face and must fight at some point if they are to advance to the National Hockey League.

The Laval Rocket can rest later. For now, though, they have Cayden Primeau.