Rangers affiliate to receive major upgrades at XL Center

The journey to modernize the XL Center in Hartford has reached a positive point. After 11 years of setbacks and failed attempts, the home of the the New York Rangers affiliate in the American Hockey League is in line for a hefty $145 million renovation . The anticipated upgrades will modernize the venue and become a more comfortable home for the Hartford Wolf Pack.

On Thursday, the Capital Region Development Authority approved the renovation plan, plus a 20-year agreement with Oak View Group. It is anticipated the state of Connecticut will authorize the renovation funding in August to begin the enhancements.

For the Wolf Pack, the renovation is part of an important summer since their lease expired at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. The Rangers have expressed their satisfaction with OVG and the market over the years. The renovations will help secure a potential long-term lease between OVG and MSG to keep the Rangers of tomorrow in Hartford.

“Manager shall use commercially reasonable efforts to secure and maintain
an agreement with an AHL or AHL-equivalent professional hockey club on commercially
reasonable market-rate terms.”

From CRDA-OVG’s 20-year agreement on AHL

The club remaining in Hartford is important as travel for the organization is ideal. Rangers prospects are only 117 miles away from New York City, so last-minute call ups are easy. Plus Bridgeport, Providence, and Springfield are nearby and the Wolf pack’s travel to the rest of the division is reasonable, which reduces cost expenses the Rangers have to account for.

Related: Brett Berard ‘confident’ ahead of Rangers training camp

Rangers AHL affiliate having big offseason in Hartford

Adam Sykora — Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

In addition, the Wolf Pack will further benefit from numerous updates and potential expansion to their team space. Their space within the XL Center was last improved in 2014 when the building had a $35 million upgrade to address deficiencies.

The XL Center’s renovation only adds to the excitement for the 2024-25 season and beyond after Wolf Pack’s average attendance increased to 5,456, an improvement of 56 percent in ticket sales since the 2021-22 season. The prospects are playing in front of large crowds as they develop their skills before landing on Broadway. Having a strong AHL market plus modernized areas for players is essential for development.

The Wolf Pack reached the division finals for the second straight postseason this past spring. Several top prospects are expected to be back in Hartford, including goalie Dylan Garand, forward Adam Sykora, defenseman Victor Mancini and leading goal scorers Brett Berard (25) and Brennan Othmann (21).

Then there’s new coach Grant Potulny , who coached seven seasons at Northern Michigan and steps into the pro ranks for the first time.

Hartford’s 28th season in the AHL begins with a road game at Lehigh Valley on Oct. 13. The Wolf Pack’s home opener is set for Oct. 18 against Springfield.

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