Railers Plan Opener Under New Blues Affiliation

The Worcester Railers begin their ninth ECHL season with a home opener against the Maine Mariners on Oct. 17, followed by a Sunday game against the Trois-Rivières Lions. The season marks the start of a new affiliation with the St. Louis Blues and their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, after eight years with the New York Islanders. Coach and general manager Nick Tuzzolino returns for his third season, with captain Anthony Repaci among the key veterans expected to lead a roster blending returning players and new additions. Worcester heads into the regular season after finishing its preseason 0-2, including a 4-1 loss to Maine in which Hatten scored the Railers’ lone goal.