Thursday, October 28, 2010

10/27 Canadian Jr. A Scoreboard

British Columbia Hockey League

Nanaimo Clippers 2  Cowichan Valley Capitals 1  (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)

Victoria Grizzlies 7  Salom Arm Silverbacks 10  (1-2, 4-4, 2-4)

Surrey Eagles 3  Coquitilam Express 1  (2-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Current BCHL Scoring Leaders

Current BCHL Goaltending Leaders


Alberta Junior Hockey League

Grand Prairie Storm 5  Brooks Bandits 4  (SO)  (2-1, 1-2, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0)

Sherwood Park Crusaders 4  St. Albert Steel 5  (OT) (2-1, 1-2, 1-1, 0-1)

Current AJHL Scoring Leaders

Current AJHL Goaltending Leaders


Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

LaRonge Ice Wolves 6  Battlefords North Stars 5  (1-1, 1-2, 4-2)

Current SJHL Scoring Leaders

Current SJHL Goaltending Leaders


Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Neepawa Natives 3  Swan Valley Stampeders 2  (0-2, 0-0, 3-0)

Winnipeg South Blues 8  Steinbach Pistions 2  (4-1, 3-1, 1-0)

Current MJHL Scoring Leaders

Current MJHL Goaltending Leaders


Superior International Junior Hockey League

No Games Last Night

Current SIJHL Scoring Leaders

Current SIJHL Goaltending Leaders


Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League

Soo Eagles 2  Soo Thunderbirds 3  (1-0, 1-1, 0-2)

North Bay Trappers 2  Sudbury Junior Wolves 6  (0-1, 1-4, 1-1)

Current NOJHL Scoring Leaders

Current NOJHL Goaltending Leaders


Ontario Junior Hockey League

No Games Last Night

Current OJHL Scoring Leaders

Current OJHL Goaltending Leaders


Central tier 1 Hockey League

Gloucester Rangers 4  Ottawa Jr. Senators 1  (3-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Current CT1HL Scoring Leaders

Current CT1HL Goaltending Leaders


Maritime Hockey League

No Games Last Night

Current MHL Scoring Leaders

Current MHL Goaltending Leaders

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

This Weeks Shows and Podcast's

Because of Game 1 of the World Series tonight, they are plans not to have a Defending Bid D Live Podcasts as they usually do on Wednesday Nights, they have been nothing announced on when the next show will be.

To see more of the work done by people like Pat Iversen and Brandon Whorley amongst others. Plus you can add your own stuff in their Fan post and Fan Shots Segments as well.

Defending Big D


On this weeks edition of the Puck Podcast. A number of controversial hits dominate the first part of the show which resulted in major injuries and some suspensions. Also some response on the Rick Ryipen incident where he tried to attack a fan. They will also discuss goaltending battlies in both Boston and Pittsburgh. They are no guests this week, so they have lots of Emails and Posts from fans of the show.

Puck Podcast Website

October 23 Episode


The Pipeline Show has another packed show with 5 big time guests. First this week's 2011 NHL Draft Prospect of the Week Matt Pumpel of the OHL's Peterborough Petes who's the leading scorer for his team through the first month and a half of the season.

Also, it's a weekly visit with CHL Insider Sam Cosentino talks about the issues and biggest players, including possible trade rumors with Dallas Stars Prospect Scott Glennie.

All that and a lot more on the most recent edition of the Pipeline Show.

The Pipeline Show

NAHL South Division Report: Corpus Christi bringing in Huge Crowds

Even though the Corpus Christi Icerays are currently in 5th place in the NAHL South Division, they are winning big at the gates and with the fans as they are leading the league in average attendance with just under 3500 per game and a couple of games where they have pushed 6,000 at the American Bank Center.

It's starting to look like that making the move from Minor League to Junior is turning out to be a great move for the city and the team. During the final year of the Corpus Christi Icerays playing in the Central Hockey League were they were averaging a little over 3,000 fans per game.

But they are embracing the Junior Route and hope to make a desirable destination for young players to come to their team in the near future and hoping to compete with teams like the Texas Tornado and Wichita Falls Wildcats for players in the Southwestern part of the country.

Here's a look at the rest of this Weeks Division Reports.

West Division, No Place like home for Fresno

NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan of the NAHL Website

Some Hockey fans in Corpus Christi were skeptical when it announced last May that the local pro team would be replaced by a NAHL Team.

But it hasn't taken long for those fans to be won over by the excitement of Junior A Hockey.

The Icerays lead the NAHL in attendance with an average of 3,446 fans per game. In Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Texas Tornado, 5,912 fans came out for the team's annual stars and stripes Night, in which tickets were provided to the families of Police, Fire, other law enforcement and emergency response personnel.

Another 5,762 fans showed up at the American Bank Center on October 10 to witness a 5-4 shutout victory over the New Mexico Mustangs.

Corpus Christi coach Brent Hughes said the transition from pro to junior hockey couldn't have been much smoother, and has received lots of support and positive feedback from the fans.

"It's gone really super well," said Hughes, who is enjoying his first stint coaching junior hockey after spending the last seven years in Pro Hockey in Corpus Christi and Austin. "A lot of skepticism was definitely in the air (about the league switch). A lot of people didn't know about Junior Hockey in Texas.

"It's pretty much the same speed as the pro game, and the intensity is probably higher."

Hughes said that Icerays GM Pat Dunn invited all of last year's season ticket holders to the first two home dates on October 1 and 2 and guaranteed that he'd refund their money for 2010-2011 if they were satisfied.

The result was an increase in season tickets sold. Corpus Christi has always drawn well - it averaged 3104 fans in 32 home games a year ago as a pro team - so it's not too surprising that fans have embraced a different level of hockey.

While the crowds have been stellar, the Icerays own a 3-3 record at the American Bank Center and are 6-6-2 on the season.

Hughes said he expected a slow start because his squad is young and it was assembled later then most. The Alpena team wasn't relocated to South Texas until after many teams have tendered prospects and the 2010 NAHL Draft had taken place.

"If I was told we'd be almost .500 almost two months into the season, I would have taken all day long." Hughes said. "With Junior Kids, there's a bigger learning curve. We're making headway, and the guys keep working together."

Goaltender Marco Wesiner, who played in 42 games with Alpena last year, has been pivotal to the Icerays Success early on. Hughes also said that leading scorers Beau Walker (21 Points) and Mike Benedict (15 Points) have flourished in early roles. Walker scored all of 7 points a year ago with the Alaska Avalanche.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: The Bulls have been outstanding at home this season, winning seven of eight and outscoring opponents 39-24 in the process. Forward Zack Smoot and defensemen Karl Backman are a combined +20 inside the Amarillo Civic Center. The Bulls only play two games in the next three weeks.

Here's the Amarillo Bulls Weekly Release

New Mexico Mustangs: Forward Adam Chapie has a hand in all the Mustangs goals during Saturday's 5-3 loss to Wichita Falls. Chapie, a Michigan Native, registered a goal and two assists. He leads New Mexico with 9 points this season.

Texas Tornado:  The Tornado has won eight straight and moved into sole possession of first place with a weekend sweep of Corpus Christi. Texas has scored at least eight goals once in each of the past three weekends, and J.D. Howard returned after being sidelined for three weeks with an injury to lead Texas with four points against the Icerays.

Here's some interesting news items on activities coming up.

First here's what's planned for Halloween Weekend

Texas Tornado Tailgate Parties

Topeka Roadrunners: Topeka split it's home weekend series against the St. Louis bandits. The Roadrunners rallied from a 3-1 deficit Friday behind five goals in the third period to win 6-3. Captain Michael Hill scored twice. While Jordan Davis and Nate Milam recorded shorthanded tallies a mere 45 seconds apart.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: After a 1-for-25 stretch on the power play on its previous four games, the Wildcats broke out of a slump by going 5-for-14 during a four point weekend. Mac Olson, who had a hat trick in Sunday's 5-3 win against New Mexico and Mikhail Sentyurin had two man advantage goals each.

Southwest Players in International Events

With the World Jr. A Challenge starting up on November 8 and the race for spots to play on the World Junior championship Team as the USA looks to recapture the gold in both events coming up. The race for spots is starting to heat up and Southwest Players are looking to wear the Red, White and Blue at both tournaments coming up. Here's the news on both Events.

World Junior Championship

The first major cut for the World Junior championship will be coming up in Mid-November and Chris Brown of Flower Mound, Texas is looking to get over that final hump as he was one of the final cuts for Team USA last year just before the tournament started.

So far this season for the Michigan Wolverines, he's been off to another good start he scored his first goal of the season against the University of New Hampshire back on October 16 and had an assist against Mercyhurst back on Opening Night on October 2.

Elsewhere, he's starting to look to be a contributor which includes being a better hitter, but make sure their clean and doesn't cost his team like he did at times last year by having not a single minor penalty so far in 6 games played this season.

In addition to his great play with the University of Michigan, Brown also was involved at the World Junior Evaluation Camp where he was involved in some very intense practices and played in 3 World Junior Camp Games in a mini-tournament with teams from Finland and Sweden where he had a point in their final Game of the Camp.

He's also very familiar on what it takes to make the Team USA as he made the U18 Team for the 2009 World U18 Championship where he averaged a point a game where he scored 7 points (4G 3A) in the tournament where the USA Won Gold when the tournament was in North Dakota and Minnesota.

He also spent two years with them at the USNTDP which is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan before joining the University of Michigan. So you know he's going to get a long look towards making this team.

The First cut should be no problem for Brown, but it will be the further cuts that will be made in late November/Early December to 25 where they will play a series of pre-tournament games against both NCAA Teams and a series of teams that will play in the WJC coming up around the Winter Holidays in Buffalo & Niagara, New York as the Americans look to both defend the Gold Medal and win on home soil for the first time in the tournament history.

Here's the list of USA WJC Hopefuls

2011 World Junior Championship Website

Chris Brown Michigan Wolverines Profile

The World Junior Championships has 10 teams competing with 2 groups of 5 to start the tournament. After the Group Stage ends, the first place teams get a by in the QFS and go straight through to the Semifinals. For the teams that finish 2nd and 3rd in the groups, they will face off where the groups will cross over (2A VS. 3B, 2B VS. 3A) where the winners will face the Group Winners in the Semifinals. Then SF Winners faceoff for the Gold Medal, while the losers play for Bronze.

For the bottom 4 teams, they will play in a relegation round where the matchup between the (4A VS. 5A & 4B VS. 5B) teams will go from the Group Round to the Relegation Rounds. After two more games against teams from the opposing groups.

The 1st & 2nd Place teams finish 7th and 8th and will keep their spot will next year, while the teams that finish 3rd and 4th will be 9th and 10th and will lose their spots to the 1st and 2nd place teams from the Division 1 Tournament.

Last year, the Americans won the WJC for only the 2nd time in tournament history and will be looking for a historic repeat. They were fortunate to miss out on the top 3 opponents in the Group Round.

However, a match with Switzerland who finished 4th and is a rapid riser in Junior Hockey will see an interesting game that is proven that they can win big games by beating Russia in the QFS last season where they eventually finished 4th. The rest of Group A will contain Finland, Slovakia and Germany.

Group B will be the group of death in the prelim round as Canada, Sweden and Russia are expected to play in some great games early on. Joining them will be the Czech Republic and Norway in Group B.

Most of the games of this year's tournament will be played at the HSBC Arena (Buffalo Sabres) with some of the games also being played at Dwyer Arena (Niagara Purple Eagles, NCAA).

It will be interesting to see if our own Chris Brown of Flower Mound, Texas will be joining Team USA at the WJC This season after just missing out last year. Check out the USA Hockey Website for the latest updates.


World Junior A Challenge

Even though were still a little over 2 months away from the WJC, the World Junior A Challenge will be starting on November 8. This event is one of the biggest of the year for players playing in US Juniors (Mostly the USHL), Canadian Jr. A & European Junior Programs for players who are looking for to get noticed by both NHL & NCAA Teams as well.

With just a couple of weeks before the WJAC Tournament, teams are getting busy releasing their rosters as 5 of the 6 teams have released their rosters. The Americans are the 2 defending champions of this event and has medal ed all 3 times where the USA won Bronze in their debut back in 2007.

 6 teams compete in this event as the group round will be divided into 2 Groups of 3. Group A will have the defending champion Team USA as well as Canada East who finished 4th and a Sweden team who's looking to improve after finishing last at this event last year.

Group B will have last year's Silver Medalist who has been the only team to medal in all 4 years of this event's short history, including winning Gold in 2006 (The Tournament's first year) and in 2007. The last two years the Western Canadians have added a pair of Silver Medals as well.

The Russians got back on the podium for the first time last year after beating Canada East, marking the first time in the tournament's history where both Canada teams failed to Medal and a team in Switzerland who's making their debut and will be looking to make a strong showing, especially after a 4th Place Finish at the WJC and a 5th place Finish at the U18's last season.

 Can Switzerland continue their success at the Junior Level which hopefully will include winning Medals? Only time will tell and this event would be a good start for that.

The format begins with a 2 game group stage where the 3 teams will faceoff within the group. After the Groups wrap up, the 1st Place Teams like the WJC get QF Round Byes while the 2nd & 3rd Place Teams will play cross over for the QF Games. The QF Losers will face off for 5th Place, while the QF Winners will advance to the Semifinals. Then the SF Winners will play for Gold, while the Losers will play Bronze.

Even though they are no Southwest Players that made the team, they are a couple of guys to watch for if they is reinforcements needed due to injury or any other reason. Some possible players include Blake Coleman who's a player with the Indiana Ice who's a 2011 Commit to Miami University which is in Ohio and is currently leading the Ice in scoring with 7 points in 7 games so far (2G 5A).

Also watch out for defensemen Ian Young's name to be possibly involved who's a Colorado College Commit for 2011, he's among one of the top scorers in defensemen in the young season with 5 points (2G 3A).

Even though the chances are long, these players should be on notice if they needed for possible call ups for the WJAC which will be in Pentiction, BC at the South Okanagan Events Center which is home of the Pentiction Vees (BCHL).

 BTW, Pentiction was also where Dallas Stars Prospect Austin Smith played his Junior Days in the season after he was drafted by the Dallas Stars.

Here's a look at the tournament info which goes from November 8-14.

Team Rosters from the Hockey Canada Website

Group A

Team USA

Info on the Team USA Coaching Staff

Blake Coleman Profile

Ian Young Profile

Team Canada East

Team Sweden


Group B

Team Canada West

Team Russia

Team Switzerland


Tournament Website

Tournament Schedule


Upcoming International Events

Here's a look at some of the upcoming international events later this season where players from the Southwest could be playing.

A few of the notables include Seth Jones who's with the USNTDP and will be fighting for a spot for the U17 Team at the U17 World Challenge and Colin Jacobs I would expect to be looked at for the U18 World Championship in the spring.



2011 U17 World Challenge

December 29 through January 4 2011 in Winnipeg and Portage Prairie, Manitoba

Teams Involved: CAN Atlantic, CAN Ontario, CAN Pacific, CAN West, CAN Quebec , Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Slovakia, USA

Seth Jones Profile


2011 U18 World Championship

April 14 through April 24 in Crimmitschau and Drisden, Germany

Teams Involved:  Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, USA

Colin Jacobs Profile


2011 World U18 Women's Championship

January 1 through January 8 in Stockholm, Sweden

Teams Involved: Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, USA


2011 Women's World Championship

April 16 through April 25 in Zurich and Winterthur, Switzerland

Teams Involved: Canada, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden, USA


2011 World Championship

April 29 through May 15 in Braislava & Kosice, Slovakia

Teams Involved:  Austria, Belarus, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, USA 

Philip Larsen called up with Stephane Robidas suspended for Thrusday's Game against LA

With Stephane Robidas getting a 5 minute Boarding Major along with a game miscoudnt in last night's 5-2 loss against the Anaheim Ducks when he rammed Anaheim Winger Matt Belesky midway through the 3rd period when he rammed the boards in a hit that wasn't as bad as it seemed.

 Due to him picking up a 2nd Boarding Major in less then half-a-season (41 games) he has picked up an automatic 1 game suspension and will have to sit out tomorrow night's game against the LA Kings.

To fill in for Robidas tomorrow night will by 20 Year Old Danish Defensemen Philip Larsen who's playing his first full season in the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars. So far in the AHL Season, he's played in 6 games and has contributed 2 assists in his time.

This continues with the youth movement that the Stars are continuing to do this season to take a more serious look at their young guys in Texas this season. Going on with theme when Aaron Gagnon was brought up for one game back on October 18 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They were plans to bring up Swiss Defensemen Severin Blindenbacher, but couldn't because of a minor injury substained in a car accident last week.

Here's the Press Release from the Dallas Stars

Philip Larsen Profile

The Dallas Stars announced today the club has recalled defensemen Philip Larsen from the Texas Stars, Dallas's primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League.

Defensemen Stephane Robidas has received an automatic one game suspension from the NHL and will miss Thursday's home game against the Los Angeles Kings. Robidas was assessed his second game misconduct within 41 games in the boarding/checking from behind category on Robidas is subject to the automatic one game suspension. He is eligible to return to action for Saturday's game against Buffalo.

Larsen, 20, has skated in six games for Texas this season, collecting two assists. Last season he appeared in two games for Dallas and recorded one assist. Larsen spent the majority of the 2009-2010 season with Vastra Frolunda HC of the Swedish Elite League where he played 42 games and posted 10 points (1G 9A) and 20 penalty minutes. He was Dallas' fifth round selection (149th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Dallas Stars will face the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow (7:30 PM, TV: FSN Southwest, Radio; Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket).

Bossier-Shreveport takes battle of Southern Conference Leaders 6-3 against Allen

In a critical game between Conference Leaders in the D/FW Metroplex. It was Bossier-Shreveport Forward Justin Aikins who lead the way with a goal and 2 assists who was among 5 players who scored multiple points in the game which also had Simon Mangos contribute 2 assists.

And David Rutherford who scored twice (both in the 2nd period) which officially helped blow the game wide open as he took the Mudbugs lead from a 2-1 lead to a 4-1 lead for BOS in just under 3 minutes early in the 2nd period.

Goaltending wasn't strong, but was good when he needed to be with Brian Foster stopping 34 of 37 saves in a game where the Americans out-shot the Americans 37-27 in the game.

As for the Americans goaltending, it wasn't a good night as the Americans had to switch goalies after David Rutherford's 2nd goal of the night where starting goalie Chris Whitley stopped only 10 of 14 shots in just under 25 minutes of work.

Then after the switch to backup Adrian Lemay, he kept them in the game by stopping 11 of 12 shots, but couldn't get the Americans a chance to win the game with 3rd period Mudbug Goals by Jeff Martens that made it 5-3, then an empty netter by Travis Clayton who scored his 3rd of the season with a minute left in the game.


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 6  Allen Americans 3  (2-1, 2-1, 2-1)

Game Story from the Allen Americans Website

From Allen, Texas: The mood was festive for Halloween a themed game Tuesday Night at the Allen Event Center, with the Americans looking to move their unbeaten streak to 6 starting this season. Nino Musitelli found the back of the net early in the first, giving Allen the early lead after he wired home a shoot off the faceoff.

Just four minutes later, Mudbugs winger Shawn Limpright would tie it up. Soon after, the Americans found themselves trailing as Justin Aikins would bring the first period to a close with Allen down 2-1, when he banged home a shot right in front of the net.

Mudbugs center David Rutherford would come back from the intermission with a vengeance, scoring two goals at 1:56 and 4:55 of the second period. The Americans would come right back, as team captain Jarrett Lukin would score the final goal of the period leaving Allen with a renewed confidence going into the third period.

The Americans continued to claw their way back in the fourth minute when Dave Bonk would bring the score to 4-3. Bonk willed his way to the front of the net and put home his rebound to score his first goal as an American.

Allen continued to hang tough in the 3rd period, fueled by multiple saves from Adrian Lemay, who took over for Chris Whitley in the first.

Despite several solid chances in the third period, the Americans failed to tie the game up at 4-4, as goaltender Brian Foster came up with the necessary saves.

The Mudbugs would extend their lead when Jeff Martens would score his fourth of the season to put the Bugs up 5-3.

Bossier-Shreveport Travis Clayton scored the final goal of the game on an empty net bid, bringing the final count to to 6-3, and handing the Americans first loss of the season.

The Americans will be in Rapid City, SD to play the Rush on Friday, October 29. The meeting will be the first contest between the two since their Ray Morin Presidents Cup Finals series to close last season.


Quote from Allen Americans Head Coach Dwight Mullins

"We thought things were pretty even in the first through the 2nd period. At times I thought we competed very well. Other times I thought, maybe, we were losing some battles we needed to win. I think we pushed hard. I don't think we executed very clean. And I think we turned the puck over in some bad areas that caused us problems."


Tonight's Three Stars

1. David Rutherford (BOS)

2. Jarrett Lukin (ALN)

3. Dave Bonk (ALN) 

Late Goals doom Tulsa against the Colorado Eagles

After a Gary Steffes goal that put the Oilers and Eagles tied at 1-1 late in the 2nd period. Even a Colorado Goal by long time Eagle Scott May still had them in this game after the 2nd intermission with Tulsa Goalie Tyler Simms who's stopped 21 of 24 shots in the game and had them still down a goal as late as 3 minutes left in regulation.

It Riley Nelson who finally ended the Oilers threat with 3 minutes and then an empty netter from Daymen Raycroft scored with just over a minute left to win 4-1 and send the Eagles to 4-1-0 to lead the Northern Conference while Tulsa falls to 2-2-1 with 5 points as the Oilers are currently tied with the RG Valley Killer Bees with 5 games played so far this season.

Colorado Goalie Ryan Jones was able to stop 18 of 19 shots last night for his 3rd win of the year and is currently unbeaten at 3-0 with a 2.00 GAA. Meanwhile, Tulsa Oilers Goalie Tyler Simms is 0-1-1 in 3 games played with a 2.14 GAA & a .907 SV%.

Colorado Eagles 4  Tulsa Oilers 1  (0-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Game Story from the Central Hockey League Website

From Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Colorado Eagles defeated the Tulsa Oilers, 4-1, extending their four game winning streak and remaining perfect on the road this season. Riley Nelson lead the offense with a goal and an assist, Kyle Jones was strong at the opposite end of the ice, stopping 18 of 19 Oilers shots and the Eagles penalty killers went a perfect 5-for-5 on the night to propel the team to victory.

In a fairly uneventful first 20 minutes of play, the Eagles and Oilers skated to a scoreless first period with Colorado killing three power play opportunties. Goaltender Kyle Jones was strong in net to help the Oilers off the scoreboard, while Colorado edged Tulsa in shots, 7-6.

Colorado out-shot Tulsa 14-7 in the second period and out-scored them be the 2:1 shot ratio. Kevin Ulanski got the games first goal at 5:22 when his shot from the right faceoff circle was deflected past by Tyler Sims. Riley Nelson picked up an assist on the play, given him 600 points in his Eagles career.

The Oilers countered with a goal at 13:10 when Gary Steffes knocked home a loose puck on the doorstep after a play out the left corner. Then, at 16:29, Scott May took a shot from above the left circle and had the rebound pushed past the Oilers net-minder. It appeared that Rookie Matt Glasser toched the puck last as he crashed the crease; if the score gets changed, the tally would be Glasser's first professional goal.

Colorado played a complete final frame, killing consecutive Tulsa Power Play Goals in the first half of the 3rd period. Jones continued to make stellar moves in net, and at 16:57, Nelson scored an insurance goal from the right hashes to give the Eagles some breathing room.

The tally pushed the Eagles scoring streak to six games (dating back to last season) and ketp alive his streak of recording at least two points in every game this season -- the only player in the league who can make such a claim. And with 63 seconds left on the clock, Damen Raycroft added an empty net goal (Colorado's third game in a row with one) to account for the final score.

The teams will now travel to Loveland, Colorado. for the second half of their extended home-and-home series Friday Night.

Texas Stars get revenge against Peoria with 3-0 Shutout

Just a few days after the Peoria Rivermen shutout the Texas Stars 2-0, the Texas Stars got a 3-0 shutout in what was a very similar played game as the Texas Stars Backup Goalie Richard Bachman got only his 2nd career Shutout in the American Hockey League while getting out-shot 38-23 in the game.

After a decent home-stand where the Stars went 3-2 in the last 5 with wins over Lake Erie, Peoria & San Antonio, the Stars head out on the road for 4 of their next 5 with games tonight and tomorrow against the Rockford Icehogs and the Chicago Wolves as they will play both teams for the first time since they beat them both in the 1st 2 Rounds of the playoffs last year.

Peoria Rivermen 0  Texas Stars 3  (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Game Report from the Texas Stars Website

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Peoria Rivermen 3-0 on Tuesday Night in front of 5,013 fans at the Cedar Park Center. Texas Goalie Richard Bachman saved all 38 shots in his first start of the season for the shutout. Stars Defensemen Dan Spang netted the game-winning goal 4:15 into the first period for the Stars first win over Peoria this season. Forwards Cody Chupp and Travis Morin also added tallies in the victory. Peoria Goalie Ben Bishop stopped 20 saves in the defeat. The Stars travel to Rockford on Wednesday Night at 6:35 PM CDT.

Texas scored an early power play goal in the first period at 4:15. Defensemen Dan Spang scored his first goal of the season with help from Tomas Vincour and Travis Morin to take a 1-0 first period lead.

Stars forward Cody Chupp scored in the second period to push Texas to a 2-0 lead at 7:14 Chupp first pro goal was assisted by Luke Gazdic and Tristian King.

The Stars added their final goal to take a 3-0 lead with 5:22 minutes in the remaining period. Travis Morin tipped a shot from the point from Trevor Ludwig, scored his fourth goal of the season. Ludwig and Vincour assisted on the late period goal.

Stars travel to Rockford to face the Icehogs Wednesday, October 27 at 6:35 PM and to Chicago to play the Wolves on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 PM. After a pair of road games, the Stars return home on Saturday, October 30 to face the Houston Aeros at 7:00 PM. The Stars will host the first ever "Pink in the Rink Night" at the Cedar Park Center presented by Cedar Park Regional Center. The first 2500 fans will receive a pink aluminum water bottle to raise breast cancer awareness. The Jerseys will be auctioned off with 50 percent of the proceeds donated to the Austin Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Also, $2.00 of every ind. and group ticket sold for the game will be donated to the Koman Austin Affiliate. The State Farm Family Four Pack is available for every Saturday Home Game at Cedar Park Center. Fans may purchase tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44.00.

Individual tickets for all games on sale now. Tickets are available at http://www.texasstarshockey.com/ or by calling 512-GO-STARS (467-8277). Season Ticket Packages to see the Stars play in the second season at the Cedar Park Center. For more info on Texas Stars season tickets call 512-GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit http://www.texasstarshockey.com/ . Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

10/26 Professional Scoreboard

Here's a look at last nights action from the National Hockey League and American Hockey League. For the Texas Stars, Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and the Tulsa Oilers Games, look for the Game Summaries.


National Hockey League

Florida Panthers 1  Toronto Maple Leafs 3  (0-1, 1-0, 0-2)

Buffalo Sabres 3  Philadelphia Flyers 6  (1-1, 0-3, 2-2)

Phoenix Coyotes 2  Ottawa Senators 5  (0-3, 1-0, 1-2)

Edmonton Oilers 4  Calgary Flames 5  (SO) (1-2, 1-2, 2-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Colorado Avalanche 3  Vancouver Canucks 4 (OT)  (1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 0-1)

NHL Scoring Leaders


American Hockey League

Rochester Americans 2  Abbotsford Heat 1  (1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

AHL Scoring Leaders

AHL Goaltending Leaders

10/26 Major Junior Scoreboard

Here's a look at last nights games in the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.


Western Hockey League

Kootenay Ice 3  Medicine Hat Tigers 2  (1-2, 0-0, 2-0)

Saskatoon Blades 2  Regina Pats 5  (1-2, 0-2, 1-1)

Brandon Wheat Kings 3  Kelowna Rockets 1  (1-1, 0-0, 2-0)

Tri-City Americans 5  Seattle Thunderbirds 4  (SO) (1-1, 1-1, 2-2, 0-0, 1-0)

WHL Scoreing Leaders

WHL Goaltending Leaders



Ontario Hockey League

London Knights 2  Kitchener Rangers 3  (0-0, 1-1, 1-2)

Kingston Frontenacs 6  Sudbury Wolves 2  (1-0, 0-0, 5-2)

OHL Scoring Leaders

OHL Goaltending Leaders


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Drummondville Voltigeurs 5  Baie-Comeau Drakkar 1  (3-0, 0-0, 2-1)

QMJHL Scoring Leaders

QMJHL Goaltending Leaders

10/26 Canadian Jr. A Scoreboard

Here's a look at last night's scores from the Canadian Jr. A Leagues. In addition to Canadian Jr. A Leagues, the rosters for the World Jr. A Challenge will be starting on November and will have a number of players from both Canada Teams and the USA Team where all their players will come from the United States Hockey League (USHL).

British Columbia Hockey League

Victoria Grizzlies 6  Pentiction Vees 4  (2-1, 1-4, 0-1)


Alberta Junior Hockey League

Grande Prairie Storm 5  Drumheller Dragons 2  (1-1, 0-1, 4-0)

Camrose Kodiaks 3  Calgary Canucks 2  (1-0, 1-2, 1-0)


Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

LaRonge Ice Wolves 4  Kindersley Klippers 2  (4-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Yorkton Terriers 4  Nipawin Hawks 2  (1-1, 1-1, 2-0)

Melville Millionaires 0  Norte Dame Hounds 3  (0-0, 0-0, 0-3)


Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Waywayseecappo Wolverines 3  Portage Terriers 1  (0-0, 0-0, 3-1)

Winnipeg Saints 0  Selkirk Steelers 3  (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)


Superior International Junior Hockey League

Dryden Ice Dogs 3  Ft. Frances Lakers 1  (0-1, 1-0, 2-0)


Ontario Junior Hockey League

Streetsville Derbys 6  Peterborough Stars 11 (3-2, 1-5, 2-4)


Central Tier 1 Hockey League

Smiths Falls Bears 2  Kanata Stallions 1  (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stars lose 5-2 against the Ducks

It was a very frustrating night for the Stars as they lose 5-2 and go to 0-2 on this current 6 game home stand and it was Clarey the most frustrating game of the season so far as the Stars were able out-shot the Ducks 37-26 and score the first goal of the game which was part of a great first period where it looked like the Stars were going to win their first game of the season against Pacific Division.

Here's some other thoughts

*Keep track of Bobby Ryan Bobby Ryan has been just an unreal Stars Killer in recent years for the Ducks. With a 2 goal performance, this was another stellar night for the Ducks against the Stars as he's had several performances like this over his Ducks Career for the Stars. Another great example was during the home finale of last season as he scored both goals for the Ducks that night.

Improving Power Play: The Power Play looked better tonight as the Stars scored on their first power play attempt. But it still shows that they have a long way to go when they had 4 PP Chances in the 2nd period and gave up 3 goals in that period. 2 of them (2nd Bobby Ryan Goal and George Parros coming less then a minute apart). This was clearly a rough time in that aspect as the team just looked a lot different after that moment and were just looked lifeless at time.

The Stephane Robidas Miscounted: The Refs clearly over reacted on that 5 minute penalty. It was a normal looking hit that had an ugly result, but it was later turned out that Stephane Robidas hit to Beleskey. This was clearly not mel intent and he turned out to be fine after that hit. Once again, the refs get it wrong again, it should be on the intent of the hit, not the result of the injury.

He should not get any kind of suspension, if he does, the league Clarey overreacts on this sort of thing and isn't very good when dealing out apporiate penalties for different things.


Here's some other thoughts

Defending Big D Thoughts

This Weeks Power Rankings

Here's a look at the Power Rankings and where the Stars are ranked. Despite a 1-0 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Rankings still have the Stars going sky high as several websites including networks like ESPN still have the team in or near the top 5. Tonight, the team has the Anaheim Ducks as the 6 Game Home- stand continues and their first Pacific Division Game of the season tonight.

To see the Full Lists, click on the Network Link

ESPN: Dallas Ranked #4, The Stars 5-2-0 continue to impress even though they dropped a 1-0 decision to Nashville on Saturday. Goalie Kari Lehtonen is carrying a heavy workload early on but has been more then up to the task.

FOX Sports: Dallas Ranked #3, After opening up the season with four straight wins, Dallas cooled off a bit in week three, winning only once in three games. The Stars? Power Play failed to connect on any of the 10 chances the team was awarded in three games.

CBS Sports: Dallas Ranked #7 in the West,  Dallas' Special Teams are atrocious, but the team does well on even strength. The Team has four of the five NHL's five plus/minus leaders. The Stars Game against the Kings in Dallas will be an early indication of who's who in the Pacific Division.

Stars VS. Ducks Preview Plus AHL & CHL Previews

Here's a look at some links getting ready for the Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks Game tonight as the Stars will be playing their first Pacific Division Game of the season tonight for the Stars as they look to go to 1-1-0 in their 6 game home-stand.

In addition to the Dallas Stars, the Texas Stars play the final game of a 5 game home-stand tonight as they will play the Peoria Rivermen for the 2nd time in the last few days. Back on Saturday, the Texas Stars lost a close fought 2-0 decision with the T-Stars outshoting the Rivermen 36-19 in the game back on Saturday Night.

Finally, the Allen Americans and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs will be battling it out in a battle for the Southern Conference Lead as well as the Tulsa Oilers will play the Colorado Eagles tonight in the Central Hockey League.

Theirs also an interesting article regarding the Dallas Stars Home Attendance Concerns from the website Defending Big D.

Here's some fun that Adam Burish had with a recent email about his player on EA Sports NHL 2011. It includes an email that the person (Withholding his Name) along with Burish's Video Response.

Adam Burish's NHL 2011 Response

Here's the links for tonight's Action.

Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars   8:00 PM

Mike Heika: Kari Lehtonen to start his 8th straight game tonight

Mike Heika: Scouting the Ducks

Crawford Unsure on who will sit out Tonight

Defending Big D: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks Preview

If you want to chat with me and other Stars Fans, check out the Defending Big D Game Thread where you can chat with other Stars Fans for every game during the season.

Defending Big D Dallas VS. Anaheim Game Thread


Defending Big D: Attendance Problems


Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars   7:30 PM

Peoria VS. Texas Game Preview


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Allen Americans    7:30 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Gameday Preview


Colorado Eagles VS. Tulsa Oilers    7:00 PM

Colorado VS. Tulsa Game Preview

Monday, October 25, 2010

10/25 Local Players Update

Here's an update on how the Southwest Players are doing and some of the headlines from last week.

*Austin Smith had a great game on Saturday Night where he had 3 assists as he along with follow Forward Brian Day was looking to help be a part of a massive comeback against the Lake Superior State Lakers in a 5-4 loss where it was looking like the game was going to OT, that was before Lake Superior scored a goal with just 14 seconds left in the game to squeak out the win where the Lakers were able to sweep the Raiders in the Non-Conference Matchup of ECAC VS. CCHA Teams are looking to return to prominence this season.

So far for the Raiders, this puts them at 1-2-0 as they continue Non-Conference Play next weekend when the Raiders will host Sacred Heart of the Atlantic Hockey Conference as this will be their only game this weekend.

*Chase Grant played a huge role in getting Minnesota State's first win of the season as he scored 2 of the teams 3 goals in the 2nd period as the Mavericks overturned a 2-0 deficit in the 1st period. In the 3rd period, the Mavericks were able hold on during a wild 3rd period as the Mavericks were able to survive back-and-fourth period with the Mavericks were able to score with 8-and-a-half minutes left and goaltender to survive a Colorado College Barrage as they out shot Minn.-State 20-8 in the 3rd period. This takes Grant's goal total to 3 in 6 games which is in control of the team lead through 6 games.

*Who's Hot: Marc Biggs of the Texas Tornado who's scored 6 points in the last 6 games (Including 5 goals) as he takes his total to 7 points in 13 games (5G 2A) this season. Due to some injures like to key players like J.D. Howard and David Rigatti in recent weeks allowed him to get some more opportunities and he is now taking advantage of them as he has been a big part of the Texas Tornado's 8 Game Winning Streak which has taken the team to 1st Place in the NAHL South Division.

*Who's Not: Ryan Daugherty of the Omaha Lancers who's been held pointless through 8 games so far this season. For the player who was named an assistant captain to help them out with a mostly younger group reflects that as no one on the team has more then 3 points so far this season, which includes a 3-0 shutout against the Indiana ice.

Colin Jacobs had a strong game for the Seattle Thunderbirds last week as he scored the only goal in regularization. He also was able to provide some physical toughness with a couple of big hits and 2 minor penalties over the weekend. Even though the Thunderbirds are currently 5-2-2 and even though they are in 7th place in the WHL Western Conference, but they have played the fewest games in the league so far as the WHL as been in action for a little over a month now.

It will be a busy 3 game week for the Thunderbirds coming up this week, first on Tuesday it will be the defending Western Conference Champion Tri-City Americans coming to town, then the T-Birds will entertain Brett Connolly and the Prince George Cougars will be in town on Friday, then it's a trip to BC as they will travel north to Kamloops to play the Blazers.

*In one of the biggest Non-Conference Matchups of the weekend, Johnnie Searfoss of Neb.-Omaha as well as Chris Brown and Jacob Fallon were held pointless in their 2 game set in Michigan over the weekend. Neb.-Omaha had the better of them on Friday Night with a 4-2 victory, while Michigan just crushed the Neb.-Omaha Mavericks with a 6-1 win.

*Unfortunately with the Roster for the World Jr. A Challenge which just came out today, none of the Southwest Players from the United States Hockey League made the roster. This should be a surprise as they mostly look for players who have already either been drafted by NHL Clubs or players that they think will be selected in the Draft.

I thought the players with the best chances to possibly fill in if they are any major injures is Blake Coleman who's leading the Ice in scoring with 7 points (2G 5A) and Ian Young who's a Colorado College Commit and is among the leading defensemen in scoring and is improving his hitting ability. Look for more on the roster and this year's team.


Here's a Stats Update for this week.

WHL/NCAA

Colin Jacobs (Seattle)       9 GP   4 G   4 A    8 PTS   +2  12 PIM

Chris Brown (Michigan)   6 GP    1 G   1 A    2 PTS    0 PIM

Jacob Fallon  (Michigan)  2 GP    0 G   0 A    0 PTS    4 PIM

Erik Higby (No. Michigan)    2 GP   0 G  1 A   1 PTS    8 PIM

C.J. Ludwig (No. Michigan)   5 GP   0 G  0 A   0 PTS    6 PIM

Austin Smith (Colgate)       3 GP   1 G   3 A    4 PTS    0 PIM

Armand De Swardt (Cornell)   Season hasn't started yet.

Locke Jillson (Cornell)     Season hasn't started yet.

Keir Ross (Cornell)  Season hasn't started yet.

Johnnie Searfoss (Neb.-Omaha)    6 GP   1 G  0 A  1 PTS    2 PIM

Chase Grant  (Minn. State)   6 GP    1 G   3 A   4 PTS    0 PIM

Matt Donovan (Denver)    6 GP    2 G    0 A    2 PTS    12 PIM


USHL

Ian Young (Chicago)      8 GP   1 G    4 A    5 PTS     +6     11 PIM

Tyler Amburgey (Dubuque)  6 GP   0 G  0 A   0 PTS    +1   12 PIM

Colton Hargrove (Fargo)      6 GP    2 G   1 A   3 PTS   -3   34 PIM

Blake Coleman (Indiana)     7 GP    2 G    5 A   7 PTS   +3  17 PIM

Cole Martin (Lincoln)      3 GP    0 G    1 A    1 PTS    +1    4 PIM

Josh Berge (Lincoln)      4 GP    2 G     3 A     5 PTS    +1    0 PIM

Ryan Daugherty (Omaha)   5 GP    0 G   0 A    0 PTS   -2    8 PIM

Greg Johnson (Sioux City)   6 GP    0 G   0 A    0 PTS    -3   0 PIM

Mike Williams (Sioux City)   6 GP   0 G   0 A   0 PTS     -4   10 PIM

Seth Jones (USNTDP)     3 GP    0 G   2 A     2 PTS    +1    2 PIM


NAHL

Frederick Lesiner (Aberdeen)  10 GP    5-4-1     3.85 GAA   .895 SV%

Tom Rizzardo (Bismarck)     14 GP     1 G  2 A   3 PTS    +3   33 PIM

Nicholas Miglio (Bismarck)    8 GP     1 G    0 A   1 PTS   -1   8 PIM

Derrek Schrtz  (Corpus Christi)     9 GP    1 G   1 A   2 PTS    -5   14 PIM

Kyle Hughes (Corpus Christi)    12 GP     1 G    8 A   9 PTS    -3   43 PIM

Axel Boyer  (Texas)     13 GP    2 G   3 A    5 PTS     +6    4 PIM

Sean Heidrick  (Texas)    6 GP   4 G   1 A   5 PTS      +4    0 PIM

Taylor Hendron (Texas)   12 GP   3 G   4 A   7 PTS    +5   2 PIM

Marc Biggs  (Texas)     13 GP    5 G    2 A    7 PTS     +9   4 PIM

Jake Stafford (Texas)   8 GP    4-2-2      3.20 GAA    .865 SV%

Jacob Poe  (Topeka)     14 GP    0 G    6 A    6 PTS     -1    35 PIM

Michael Hill (Topeka)   14 GP   11 G   11 A   22 PTS    -2   30 PIM

Mason Miller (Topeka)   6 GP   0 G     0 A     0 PTS      E   2 PIM

Cory Ramsey (Topeka)   14 GP   1 G   2 A     3 PTS      -1  19 PIM

Kyle Sharkly  (Topeka)    4 GP    1 G   0 A     1 PTS      -1   4 PIM

Tyler Hope  (Wenatchee)   11 GP   2 G   3 A   5 PTS     E    25 PIM

10/24 Canadian Jr. A & US Junior Scoreboard

Here's last night's scoreboard from the Canadian Jr. A and US Junior Leagues.

United States Hockey League

Omaha Lancers 0  Indiana Ice 3  (0-0, 0-2, 0-1)

Current USHL Standings


North American Hockey League

Traverse City North Stars 2  Janesville Jets 3  (0-0, 1-1, 1-2)

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 1  Motor City Metal Jackets 5  (1-2, 0-3, 0-0)

Texas Tornado 8  Corpus Christi Icerays 3  (2-0, 2-2, 4-1)

Wichita Falls Wildcats 5  New Mexico Mustangs 3  (0-2, 3-1, 2-0)

Current NAHL Standings


British Columbia Hockey League

Prince George Spruce Kings 3  Vernon Vipers 2  (OT) (0-0, 2-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Quesnel Millionaires 1  Merritt Centennials 4  (1-1, 0-0, 1-3)

Langley Chiefs 4  Surrey Eagles 6  (2-2, 1-2, 1-2)

Current BCHL Standings


Alberta Junior Hockey League

Canmore Eagles 3  Camrose Kodiaks 4  (0-2, 1-2, 2-0)

Brooks Bandits 0  Spruce Groove Saints 4  (0-2, 0-1, 0-1)

Lloydminster Bobcats 0  Sherwood Park Crusaders 3  (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Calgary Canucks 5  Calgary Mustangs 4  (2-1, 2-1, 1-2)

Okotoks Oilers 4  Drayton Valley Thunder 2  (1-0, 2-2, 1-0)

Current AJHL Standings


Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

No Games Yesterday



Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Swan Valley Stampeders 2  Winnipeg South Blues 4  (1-1, 1-2, 0-1)

OCN Blizzard 1  Neepawa Natives 3  (0-2, 0-0, 1-1)

Dauphin Kings 3  Selkirk Steelers 2  (0-0, 2-2, 1-0)

Current MJHL Standings


Superior International Junior Hockey League

Ft. William North Stars 3  Duluth Clydesdales 4  (0-1, 2-0, 1-3)

Current SIJHL Standings


Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League

Soo Eagles 5  Temiscaming Royals 4  (0-0, 3-2, 2-2)

North Bay Trappers 4  Manitoulin Islanders 2  (1-2, 1-0, 2-0)

Current NOJHL Standings


Ontario Junior Hockey League

Upper Canada Patriots 1  St. Michaels Buzzers 6  (0-4, 0-1, 1-1)

Trenton Golden Hawks 5  Whitby Fury 4  (2-2, 2-1, 1-1)

Huntsville Otters 6  Stouffville Spirit 5  (OT) (1-1, 2-3, 2-1, 1-0)

Collingwood Blackhawks 3  Auroa Tigers 6  (3-1, 0-3, 0-2)

Dixie Beehives 3  North York Rangers 5  (1-1, 1-1, 1-3)

Burlington Cougars 4  Newmarket Hurricanes 5  (OT) (1-2, 2-1, 1-1, 0-1)

Cobourg Cougars 3  Streetsville Derbys 4  (0-1, 3-0, 0-3)

Villanova Knights 5  Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3  (1-2, 2-0, 2-1)

Current OJHL Standings


Central Tier 1 Hockey League

Smiths Falls Bears 4  Hawksberry Hawks 2  (0-1, 2-0, 2-1)

Ottawa Jr. Senators 2  Neapean Raiders 4  (1-2, 0-0, 1-2)

Brockville Braves 4  Cumberland Grads 1  (2-1, 2-0, 0-0)

Cornwall Colts 5  Kemptville 73s 0  (2-0, 2-0, 1-0)

Kanata Stallions 0  Pembrooke Lumber Kings 6  (0-1, 0-4, 0-1)

Current CTIHL Standings


Maritime Hockey League

Woodstock Slammers 2  Summerside Western Capitals 5  (1-2, 1-1, 0-2)

Weeks Crushers 4  Dieppe Commandos 3  (OT) (0-0, 2-0, 1-3, 1-0)

Metro Marauders 1  Campbellton Tigers 2  (OT) (0-1, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1)

Sunday, October 24, 2010

10/24 Major Junior Scoreboard

Here's a look at today's Major Junior Scoreboard from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from this afternoon.

Western Hockey League

Kootenay Ice 4  Edmonton Oil Kings 3  (SO) (2-2, 1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Regina Pats 7  Swift Current Broncos 4  (2-1, 4-1, 1-2)

Current WHL Scoring Leaders



Ontario Hockey League 

Guelph Storm 4  Brampton Battalion 1  (1-0, 2-1, 1-0)

Oshawa Generals 3  Ottawa 67s 4  (SO) (0-2, 0-1, 3-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Kingston Frontenacs 3  Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 2 (OT) (0-2, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0)

OHL Scoring Leaders


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2  Acadie-Bathurst Titans 3  (1-0, 0-2, 1-1)

Moncton Wildcats 2  Quebec City Ramparts 4  (0-1, 1-1, 1-2)

Montreal Juniors 6  Drummondville Voltigeurs 3  (2-0, 2-2, 2-1)

Victoriaville Tigers 5  Rimouski Oceanic 0  (1-0, 2-0, 2-0)

Current QMJHL Scoring Leaders

Despite outshoting Peoria 36-19, Jake Allen stumps the Stars 2-0

On a night where the Stars had the offense going for them, including out-shooting the Rivermen 36-19 and having 5 PP Chances throughout the game as well as keeping the Rivermen keeping the number of shots down and getting lower as the game went out (8 in the 1st, 6 in the 2nd and 5 in the 3rd).

Without a doubt the player of the game was Peoria Rivermen Goalie Jake Allen as he stopped all 36 Texas Stars Shots to stun and frustrate the Texas Stars Offense and the crowd of 4438 all night long as the Rivermen took down the Stars 2-0 at the Cedar Park Center on Saturday Night.

Texas Stars Goalie Brent Krahn had 17 saves on 19 shots while Peoria had goals from Nicholas Drazenovic in the first period. Then later on in the 3rd, Rivermen Center Phil Mcrea has had a good start to his pro career for the 20 year old as he scored his 4th goal of the year, along a pair of assists that take him to 6 points in 9 games so far this season.

Peoria Rivermen 2  Texas Stars 0  (1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Game Story from the Texas Stars Website

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars were defeated by the Peoria Rivermen 2-0 on Saturday Night in front of 4,438 fans at Cedar Park Center on Saturday Night. Peoria Rookie Goalie Jake Allen made 36 saves on the night for his first career pro shutout. Peoria's Nicholas Drazenenovic and Phil Macrea both scored to lead the Rivermen to their seventh straight win. Texas Goalie Brent Krhan stopped 17 saves in the defeat. The Stars will host the Peoria Rivermen at 7:30 PM on Tuesday Night as well.

Peoria Center Nicholas Drazenovic scored the lone first period goal quickly in the first period at 3:37. His sixth goal of the season was assisted by defensemen Derek Peltier and Ian Cole for the 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless second period, center Phil Macrea tallied the second Peoria goal with 3:26 remaining in the third period. Mcrea's fourth goal of the season was set up by Brennan Evans for the 2-0 final.

The Stars will conclude the five game home-stand on Tuesday with Peoria at 7:30 PM. Every Tuesday, fans may bring in H-E-B store brand non-perishable food product to receive a $5.00 discount the off the ticket price. After a pair of road games, the Stars will return home Saturday, October 30 to face the Houston Aeros at 7:00 PM. The Texas Stars will host the first ever "Pink in the Rink" Night at Cedar Park Center Aluminum water bottle.

The Texas Stars will wear special pink in the rink jerseys themed to raise breast cancer awareness, which will be auctioned off after the game where 50% of the proceeds donated to the Austin Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Race to the Cure. Also, $2.00 of every ind. and group ticket sold at the game will be donated to the Koman Austin Race for the Cure. The State Farm Family Four Pack is available for every Saturday Home game at the Cedar Park Center. Fans may purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44.00.

Ind. tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available online at http://www.texasstarshockey.com/ or by calling 512-GO-STARS. Season Ticket Packages to see the Stars play their second season at the Cedar Park Center are on sale now. For more info on Texas Stars Season Tickets call 512-467-8277 or visit http://www.texasstarshockey.com/ Anyone interestred in purchasing season tickets, suites or group tickets can call the Texas Stars front Office.

A Climie Shutout extends San Antonio's Winning Streak to 4

Matt Climie was able to get his first shutout in a Rampage uniform, plus goals both the 1st period and 3rd periods are good enough to extend the San Antonio Rampage winning streak to 4 games and gets them to 2nd Place in the AHL West Division.

In addition to Climie's 26 saves, goals by Alex Picard in the 1st and Brackon Kearns in the 3rd were enough to thwart off any comeback attempt by the Houston Aeros and protect the AT&T Center Ice as the Rampage go to 4-2 on home ice in the young season for the Rampage.

For the Houston Aeros, it was a strong effort by Aeros Goaltender Matt Hackett by keeping the Aeros in the game, but it wasn't enough despite a 24 save effort on 26 shots and was able to keep the game at 1-0 until the nearly the midway point in the 3rd period.

For Houston, this takes their record to 2-3-1 for 5 points and is currently in last place in the West Division.

When they are games with Southwest Teams are both involved. I always do the Home Team's Game Story.

Here's the Houston Aeros Game Story:

Houston Aeros 0  San Antonio Rampage 2  (0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Here's the Game Story from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From San Antonio, Texas: San Antonio Rampage goaltender Matt Climie earned his first shutout of the season with a 2-0 win over the Houston Aeros in front of a sold out AT&T Center on Saturday Night. The Rampage raised $13,385 for their postgame jersey auction to benefit the Spurs Foundation.

The Rampage claimed the lead at the 10:23 mark of the first period, off a goal by Alex Picard. Right wing Viktor Tikhonov intercepted a pass a Houston Pass in the defensive zone and moved the puck to forward Mathieu Beaudoin at center ice. Beaudoin passed to Picard who received the puck at the blue line along the left wing wall. Picard spent toward the left goalpost slid the puck underneath the right leg padding of Aeros goaltender Matt Hackett. Beaudoin extended his point streak to six games to Tikhonov extended his point streak to five games.

San Antonio out shot Houston 15-5 in the beginning frame with 12 Rampage players registering shots.

The Rampage fended off 12 Houston Shots in the middle frame to hold on to a 1-0 lead heading into the third period.

A little over nine minutes into the 3rd period, the Rampage extended their lead to 2-0 as center Bracken Kearns scored on assists from Jeff May and Matt Pope. Pope passed the puck to May at the blue line who took a shot down the center that was redirected in front of Kearns to the high glove side of Hackett.

San Antonio held on to their 2-0 lead to ensure the victory. Matt Climie finished the day with 26 saves with Aeros net minder, Hackett, had 24 saves on 26 Rampage shots.

The Rampage killed off all five of the Aeros power play opportunities.

The Rampage return to the ice tomorrow when David Spina and the Peoria Rivermen at 3:00 PM at the AT&T Center. Tickets are available at the AT&T Center Box Office or by logging on to http://www.sarampage.com/

AHL Southwest News and Notes

From Time-to-Time, the American Hockey League delivers news and notes from all 30 of the AHL Teams. Here's the notes packages from the 4 SW Teams. To see notes for all 30 teams, click on the Conference Links.

Eastern Conference News and Notes

Western Conference News and Notes


Here's the Notes from the Houston Aeros, Oklahoma City Barons, Texas Stars & San Antonio Rampage from the American Hockey League Website.


Houston Aeros

Houston erupted for six goals in a season opening 6-1 win against Oklahoma City but has a combined six goals in their last 3 games since (1-2-0).     The Aeros scheduled had them play three of their last 4 games against Oklahoma City and they will close by opposing Oklahoma City in four of their final seven contests.   Robbie Earl has netted a goal in two straight games; Earls two goals (2G 0A) are in a three way tie for second behind Peter Kalus's three (3G 1A).     Houston is just 2-for-21 (9.5%) on the power play in the early going, including an 0-for-13 mark at home.    The Aeros host Peoria and Lake Erie this weekend, with a Saturday trip to San Antonio in-between this weekend.


Oklahoma City Barons

Oklahoma is on a three game winning streak since beginning the year 0-2-1.   The Barons totalled 3 goals in their first 3 games but have racked up 15 in their last three, including an 8-2 pounding on Houston on Sunday.    Brad Morin recorded the Barons first hat trick in team history in the victory.    Morin is tied with Alexander Giroux (3G 4A) and defensemen Shawn Belle (1G 6A) for the team scoring lead.    Giroux has collected all of his points in the past four games after going without a point in the first two games.    The Barons host San Antonio on Friday before visiting Toronto and Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday, respectfully.


San Antonio Rampage

San Antonio rallied for a late 4-2 win over Lake Erie on Wednesday, its second win against the Monsters in a four day span.   Mathieu Beaudoin had an assist in the contest, extending his scoring streak to four games (3G 1A). Beaudoin leads the team with with five goals - tied for first in the entire league - and 8 points overall.   Brett Maclean has fired 35 shots on goal thus far, second in the AHL behind the Charlotte Checkers Jermone Samson.    Maclean suppressed Joel Perault for the franchise lead in power play goals when he tallied his 23rd on Friday vs. Peoria.    The Rampage visit Oklahoma City on Friday before hosting Houston and Peoria to close the weekend.


Texas Stars

After two straight wins over San Antonio, Texas suffered its first loss of the Season on Sunday Night when it dropped a 5-2 loss to the Peoria Rivermen.    Scott Mcculloch totaled five goals in 50 games (5G 12A) as a rookie last season, but this year he already shows a team high 5 points (4G 1A) in just 3 games.    Mcculloch has the nabbed the game winning marker in both the Stars wins thus far.    Travis Morin is tied with Mcculloch for the team lead with five points (3G 2A) with a +5 Rating.    Texas continues a five game home stand with weekend games coming up against the Lake Erie Monsters and the Peoria Rivermen.

Texas Tornado make it a lucky 7 with 2-1 win

Mike it a lucky 7 for the Texas Tornado as the team goes 3-for-3 on this current road trip after a sweep of the New Mexico Mustangs last weekend, the road success continues as the team wins their 9th game of the season and is again tied for 1st in the South Division with the Amarillo Bulls with a hard fought 2-1 win against a Corpus Christi Icerays team that is getting known as a rough and tumble team to play against that is not afraid to take penalties and deliver hits all over the ice.

Of the 9 wins for the Tornado, 6 of the 9 have come away from the Dr. Pepper Arena (Including the Blaine Showcase). Despite only playing 3 games at the Dr. Pepper Arena so far, they going to get a lot of home games coming up with next weekend starting a string from now till New Years where 14 of the next 18 will be at home.

So this will be a chance for the Tornado to make a statement to the league that they are a major contender and get to bring in some big home crowds coming up as we enter November and December.

One player that has benefited from the recent rash of injures for the Tornado is Marc Biggs with him scoring his 4th goal in his last 5 games that dates back to the October 8 game against the Amarillo Bulls, he got a very crisp pass from a fresh J.D. Howard who recently returned after missing due to his own injury to set up the 2nd and game winning goal of the game in the closing seconds of the 2nd period to give the Tornado a 2-0 lead.

In addition to Biggs goal, Nathan Sliwinski also scored early on while Jimmy Kruger made 20-of-21 saves for the Tornado in the 2-1 win while Beau Walker scored the lone goal for the Icerays last night.

From the Texas Tornado Boster Club Website

Texas Tornado 2  Corpus Christi Icerays 1  (1-0, 1-0, 0-1)

From Corpus Christi, Texas: The Texas Tornado made their first trip to the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi to take on the Icerays.

The Tornado controlled play from the drop of the puck forcing three Icerays penalties with their skating and aggressive offense. Texas took a one goal lead on a power play nearly six minutes into the period. Alex Thieda took the puck down the boards through neutral ice and into the the offensive zone then sent the puck to the high slot for a Josh Royston touch pass to Nathan Sliwinski for a quick backhander.

Despite the tilt to the ice to the Tornado were only able to solve Marco Wiesner once in the period and took the one goal lead to the locker room for the first intermission.

The action in the second period came mostly with the gloves off. At the 5:10 mark Rodney Lalonde and Brandon Marshall dropped the mitts and sized each one another up as they circled. Once they came together Marshall started throwing rights immediately but was connecting with nothing but air. Rodney was patient for an opening before he started landing rights to the side of Marshall's head. Marshall was more active in the bout but Lalonde landed about 2-1 for the clear win.

They would be another fight at 19:27 into the period when Jimmy Kruger covered and a Tyler Parker started pushing in-front of the net. Michael Zagari took the challenge and dropped the gloves. The bout was pretty even with neither side really landing that much.

Off the faceoff after the fight, the Tornado worked the puck into the zone and Marc Biggs put the puck past Weisner with an assist from JD Howard in his first game since being injured on October 2nd in Topeka. Time of the goal was 19:49.

The fisticuffs started early in the third period. The puck was frozen along the far boards in the Tornado zone when Cody Miligan came hard into the scrum. Mico Solorzano took exception to the hit and and dropped the gloves. Once they came together, Miligan threw 4 quick rabbits punches. Mico came back with two big rights with the second landing square on Miligan's chin and sending him straight to the ice on his face and a decisive win for Solorzano.

The Icerays finally got on the scoreboard on a lucky bounce at the 4:03 mark. The puck went into the corner and Beau Walker tried to send a cross a centering pass out from front well behind the goal line and the puck went off Kruger's back and dribbled into the net.

The Icerays had an opportunity to tie the game at the 12:03 when they were awarded a penalty shot when Ralfs Fribergs was called for covering the puck in the crease. Replays showed that Fribergs was cleary outside the crease. On the attempt Mike Benedict, who is Corpus' leading scorer, took the puck wide left, brought it in and tried to make a move on Kruger. Jimmy stood tall and porked the puck away with the stick to perserve the 2-1 lead.

SOG for the game were 36-21 in favor of the Tornado. The Texas Power Play also came through again scoring once in nine opportunities while the penalty kill was perfect on two man advantages for the Icerays.

The Tornado remain in a tie for first place in the division and have an opportunity to take sole possession of the Division Lead with a win tomorrow against Corpus Christi as the two teams meet again Sunday Afternoon at 3:05 PM.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Congrats Texas Rangers

I know this is usually a hockey website, but congrats the Texas Rangers for making their first World Series in team history by beating the Yankees 6-1 tonight and winning the ALCS In 6 games. Now it's on to either Philadelphia or San Francisco for game 1 which will be on October 27.

To see all the action, log on to the following Texas Rangers Websites.

Texas Rangers Website

Lone Star Ball

Texas Rangers Page in the Dallas Morning News

Things to watch for this Weekend

Here's some things to watch for from Southwest Teams and some of the top players this weekend.

 Texas Tornado have a chance to really get some long home stretches on the right foot and send a message to their leagues that they are for real and make an impact to the league.

After this weekend's games against the Corpus Christi Icerays, the Tornado will begin a home stretch that's even longer then the Dallas Stars 6 game Homestand as the Tornado starting next weekend will play the Wenatchee Wild which kicks off 13 of their next 17 at home. This is a chance to start getting a long winning streak and get some breathing room between them and the South Division Bunkmates.

However, with some critical injuries like J.D. Howard and the team leading scorer Rock Einersen, they will provide quite a challenge for the rest of the team to show up and possibly could lead to a call-up from one of their prospects, especially from the Texas Tornado U18 Team at some point like Mico Solarzino was able to take advantage of last year.

All 4 AHL Teams have very busy weekends on tap with Houston, San Antonio and Oklahoma City are going to have a 3 game-in-3-night weekends. Oklahoma City will need to be able to survive a very tough weekend with the Barons playing a Friday Night Home Game against the Barons, but after that, it's the start of a very fast 5 game road trip which includes a tough trip to Ontario where they will play the Toronto Marlies on Saturday.

Then a Sunday Afternoon game against the Hamilton Bulldogs where the spotlight will be on them with the game being televised on both CBC (Canada) and the NHL Network (USA) this weekend. After a first 3 games that weren't very good, it's beginning to crank up which includes an 8-2 win over Houston and getting the team's first ever Shutout against the Lake Erie Monsters as well.

Some other interesting games include the Lake Erie Monsters as they have gone 0-2 on their Southwest Road Trip as the Monsters get the Texas Stars tonight, then will wrap up the road trip tomorrow in Houston against the Aeros. Hopefully both the Stars and Aeros will continue their success against Lake Erie as the Monsters have had the bite taken out of them so far as the Monsters sit 6th in the North Division at 2-3-1.

Other games of note include the Peoria Rivermen playing the Houston Aeros tonight and heading to Texas to take on the Stars tomorrow night.

As of right now the Barons and Rampage are look to continue their good start as they are 2nd & 3rd in the West Division, while the Stars & Aeros are looking to climb up the West Division Ladder as they sit 6th and 7th. But with each team playing less then 6 games, look for some interesting matches and a lot of  switching around coming up. So the big question is that come Sunday & Saturday, who can fight off the possible fatigue and get some critical wins early on in a very busy AHL Weekend.

Battle of Unbeaten's faceoff in huge early season show down as Johnnie Searfoss of Neb.-Omaha and Chris Brown of Michigan. After making their WCHA Debut in a huge fashion, Nebraska-Omaha stunned the University of Minnesota by winning both games.

Neb.-Omaha is looking to continue their hot start with a tough Michigan team at the University of Michigan this weekend. Another big win or even a great looking split will show the country that the Mavericks will look to be big contenders in their first season in the WCHA

So far from Chris Brown and Johnnie Searfoss. They both have been off to slow starts stats wise, but both are providing a ton of energy and strength. Searfoss has the one goal from the 8-0 thrashing of Clarkson while Brown got his first goal of the season came last weekend against the University of New Hampshire.

Battle for first in CHL Southern Conference between Allen & Bossier-Shreveport. After a 6-4 win for the Americans in Shreveport last night, both the Americans and Mudbugs are tied for first with 6 points and will be looking to take outright control of the series in the Bayou tonight after the Mudbugs are hoping to use their strong offense that has them to a league best 22 goals in 4 games tonight to be an Americans offense that has a crew of players like Bruce Graham and Tobias Whelan.

Even though it's not the trio of players like Musitelli and Bowers have either moved on to the AHL or elsewhere in the CHL, it's still a group that score like crazy in this league. So it will be interesting to see who will take early control in the CHL's Southern Conference after tonight's game.

After tonight, the rest of the weekend, it's trip to Kansas as the Americans will take on the Wichita Thunder on Saturday Night. For the Mudbugs, it's a trip to Dallas to take on the Texas Brahmas at the very loud NYTEX Sports Center.


Here's this weekends schedule

Dallas Stars

10/23: VS. Nashville Predators    7:00 PM  (TXA 21)


American Hockey League

10/22

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons   Just Started at 7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Texas Stars    7:30 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Houston Aeros    7:35 PM


10/23

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Toronto Marlies   4:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars    7:00 PM


10/24

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Hamilton Bulldogs   12:00 PM  (NHL Network)

Peoria Rivermen VS. San Antonio Ramapge    3:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Houston Aeros    4:00 PM


Central Hockey League

10/22

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Bloomington Paririe Thunder   7:00 PM

Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs   1st Per. 10:58 Just Started

RG Valley Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas   7:30 PM


10/23

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Dayton Gems    6:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Bloomington Prairie Thunder    7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Wichita Thunder    7:05 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Texas Brahmas   7:30 PM

RG Valley Killer Bees VS. Laredo bucks   7:30 PM



North American Hockey League (NAHL)

10/22

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Amarillo Bulls    10:48  1st Just Started

10/23

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays    7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs   8:30 PM


10/24

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays    3:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs    6:00 PM