SnapShot: The Binghamton Senators

The Binghamton Senators are a team in transition. After spending the last few seasons watching the AHL playoffs from the sidelines, Tim and Bryan Murray (the Murrays) are letting the old guard go in favour of new blood. Inheriting a bare prospect cupboard, the Murrays have spent the last three drafts building a new culture and style for Bingo. Gone are the days of drafting flashy Russians that never intended to put forth the effort required to make it to the NHL. The Murrays typical draftee has size, skill, grit, and determination. The Murrays know the importance of the draft and how it is the bloodline to a successful organization.

Leaving the Binghamton Senators this summer is the old leadership core, with (F) Denis Hamel, (F) Josh Hennessy, (F) Jeremy Yablonski, and (D) Tomas Kudelka, moving on in one way or another. Defenseman Derek Smith seems to be in Bingo’s future plans, but has yet to be re-signed. Last season’s veteran free agent signings of (F) Martin St. Pierre, (D) Drew Banister and (G) Andy Chiodo have all decided to play elsewhere also. On top of all the roster changes, Binghamton’s first year head coach, Don Nachbaur, resigned as he wanted to be closer to his family. Nachbaur has since then taken a coaching position with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.

Along with finding a new coaching staff, the Binghamton Senators are ready to bring in new faces to help energize the team and its fan base. Three collegiate players lead the list of new faces that will be donning Bingo jerseys next season. Power forward Colin Greening, and defensemen Patrick Wiercioch and Eric Gryba are all expected to make an immediate impact for the B-Sens. Along with these three, forwards Roman Wick, Corey Cowick, Mike Hoffman and promising goaltender Robin Lehner are also expected to join the B-Sens squad. And newly signed AHL forward Corey Locke is going to be looked to, along with forward Ryan Keller to lead the offense. Next year’s line-up looks to be built with an up-tempo gritty offense with a strong mobile defensive unit.

The 2010-2011 B-Sens’ squad will be full of youthful prospects trying to make a name for themselves within the Senators organization. With the turnover in the roster, there will be plenty of opportunity to move up the depth chart. With a more veteran line-up up in Ottawa, it will be exciting to see who emerges as future NHL players.