PACK MENTALITY: ANTHONY KEHRER
Jul 30, 2026HARTFORD, CT – For defenseman Anthony Kehrer, the 2025-26 season was one of change and adversity. After a successful colligate career at the University of Wisconsin, Kehrer turned pro by signing a one-year deal with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.
His season, unfortunately, lasted just seven games as he dealt with injury.
Now, Kehrer has a new start. The defenseman is one of eight AHL contracts signed by the Hartford Wolf Pack ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
It was the first step for him in his return to the ice, a step that was smooth and satisfying for the young defenseman.
“Signing with Hartford was a smooth process and one that I’m really happy with,” he said of his decision. “The city, the fans, and the organization are all top tier, and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent them this season.”
Despite playing in just seven games a season ago, Kehrer believes he’s ready to help the Wolf Pack. A young player’s journey from college hockey to pro hockey takes place off the ice as well, not just on it. Players must learn how life works in the professional world, how to handle a more condensed, heavy schedule and how to best take care of themselves.
Even though Kehrer was unable to learn some of the on-ice lessons he hoped to a season ago, he was still able to take in those off-ice lessons from being around his teammates. That, in his mind, has him ready to help contribute in the AHL.
“My first year of professional hockey didn’t exactly go the way I envisioned on the ice, dealing with an injury early on, but it was still an invaluable experience,” he said. “I found the biggest thing jumping from college to pro was that the number of games you play in a season almost doubles, so seeing how veterans take care of their body and operate on a day-to-day basis was very helpful.”
With those off-ice lessons in mind, Kehrer is ready to return to game action this fall and help the Wolf Pack get off to a strong start. He feels his style of play will be a good compliment to the group, and he’s willing to do what it takes to ensure his second season is a successful one for both he and his teammates.
“For a self-scouting report, I am a puck-moving defenseman that can make plays on both ends of the rink,” he added. “I play a simple game which entails keeping the puck out of our net. I love to compete and will do anything to contribute to the team’s success.”
That love for competition will be a value trait for Kehrer come training camp. The Wolf Pack will feature a potentially veteran-heavy defensive group that will see lots of competition for roles in training camp.
Couple those new faces on the ice with a new coaching staff, and there will be opportunity for Kehrer to earn a spot. He’s aware of the opportunity ahead but isn’t changing who he is or worrying about things out of his control.
He’s focused on being himself and playing his game.
“I just plan on controlling what I can control and sticking to who I am as a player and person,” he said of the challenge of a camp with a new team. “As I mentioned, I love to compete and training camp is a great place to do that.”
Join the Wolf Pack for the 2026-27 season by becoming a member today! For more information, click here.
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at PeoplesBank Arena. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.