Texas Ice Hockey Expert

Corpus Christi fires back at Wichita Falls

2012-01-27T11:21:00.000-06:00

After getting sweeped last weekend against the Wichita Falls Wildcats in a pair of losses (4-2 last on Friday & 2-1 (OT) on Saturday) to continue to show the rest of the South Division that they are the favorites to finish 4th and get into the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era as the Ice Rays are now 8 points up on the Jackalopes right now. Both teams will be playing again tonight at 7:05 PM at the American Bank Center.

Else where in the South Division Coming up tonight, the Amarillo Bulls visit Odessa while the Texas Tornado play their only game of the weekend as they entertain the Fresno Monsters while Topeka welcomes the New Mexico Mustangs this weekend.

Wichita Falls Wildcats 2 Corpus Christi Icerays 5 (1-1, 0-4, 1-0)

By Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller

Game Photos from Michael Zamora

Even More thoughts from Greg Rajan

From Corpus Christi, Texas: Ice Rays Head Coach Justin Quenneville said his team really didn't play any differently against the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Thrusday then on eight previous occasion's.

There was one notable difference, though: the goal light behind Matt Leon's net finally got some use.

Corpus Christi ended Leon's run of dominance in a big way, rolling to a 5-2 victory over Wichita Falls at the American Bank Center.

The IceRays (19-17-3, 41 Points) moved eight points up on Odessa (14-19-5, 33 Points) and 10 on Wichita Falls (14-23-3, 31 PTS) for the final playoff spot in the North American Hockey League South Division. Corpus Christi also matched it's win total from last year, it's first in the NAHL.

"We had more pose tonight," Quenneville said. "I haven't even watched the game film, but I can tell you that we didn't play any different then we did the nights before. We kept things simple, made the plays and were effective at both ends of the ice," he added. "The goals just went in tonight. The guys buried (chances) and I'm proud of them. We had a ton of chances. I'm glad they started going in for them."

The story entering the game was Leon. the Wichita Falls Goalie who was 6-0 against Corpus Christi and had allowed just seven total goals. But by the end of the second period, the IceRays had pumped five pucks past him to turn a close game into a rout.

"Honestly, I can't tell you exactly (what we did differently)," said Forward Joe Smereck who had a goal and played a strong two way game. "Hockey is a funny sport, and sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. But I guarantee tonight we worked a lot harder then we have any other night."

"Tonight we just found our niche. Sometimes, you just can't find it," he added.

The Icerays trailed 1-0 late in the first period before a strong individual effort by Perry D'Arrisso gave them a spark.

The forward beat the Wichita Falls Wildcats Defensemen Tucker Poolman to a loose puck, skated in Leon and faked the goalie to the ice before slipping in the equalizer at 15:22.

"That's a goal scorers goal right there," Quenneville said. "He recognized had a bead on the defensemen. We had been preaching a long time to the guys to make that move to the outside, gain speed and then the power to move to the net.

"Yeah, you take a licking, but you'll get a great (chance) out of it," he added. "That was a great play by him and a big (confidence) builder for us."

The IceRays then got to Leon for four goals in 14 minutes during the second, giving goalie Anthony Stolarz - who made 41 saves - plenty of offensive support.

First, Beau Walker's left circle shot went off Leon's right shoulder under the crossbar at 4:14, then at 9:22, A.J. Jarosz snapped a wirst shot from the high slot off the left post and in on the power play.

At 14:33, Smereck tailed after a strong rush down left wing and around the defense. Erik Purcell then capped the second period scoring from the low slot at 18:04 and Captain Frank Misuraca pinched in from the right point and found Purcell alone in front.

"On the Bench, were going wild," Jarosz said. "It just felt good to finally put five up against him."

"With Leon, he stays in the net, and you've got to be patient with him and wait for him to go down. I think we played pretty well tonight against him."

Lose Pucks

IceRays defensemen Ladislav Hruska left the game with 10:35 left in the first period with an ankle injury after a collision along the left wing boards with Wildcats Forward Renato Engler. Hruska was down on the ice for several minutes before being helped off and didn't return.

1/26 Canadian Hockey League Scoreboard

2012-01-27T10:09:00.000-06:00

Here's a look at the Scoreboard from last night's games in the Canadian Hockey League. Nothing took place last night out west, while they were 4 games in the OHL & 3 in the QMJHL. As for Stefan Noesen, he had another assist in a victory over the Barrie Colts last night as the Whalers are still 4 points behind the London Knights for 1st Place in the OHL Western Conference.

Ontario Hockey League

Belleville Bulls 0 Niagara Ice Dogs 6 (0-3, 0-0, 0-3)

Kingston Frontenacs 1 Peterborough Petes 5 (1-3, 0-0, 0-2)

Saginaw Spirit 5 Windsor Spitfires 4 (SO) (0-3, 3-0, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0)

Plymouth Whalers 4 Barrie Colts 1 (3-0, 1-1, 0-0)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Baie-Comeau Drakkar 1 Halifax Mooseheads 3 (0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

Moncton Wildcats 0 St. John Seadogs 1 (0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Drummondville Voltigeurs 3 Val-dor Fourers 1 (1-0, 2-0, 0-1)

Texas Rubber Magazine Feature on the NAHL in Texas

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-06:00

Here's a recent magazine article that was featured in Texas Rubber Magazine by John Tranchina about the North American Hockey League's Growth in Texas with 5 teams and a growing number of youth players it's effected as well.

Here's the Texas Rubber Magazine Article by John Tranchina

With no less then 5 of it's 28 franchises based in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the United States only Tier 2 Junior A League, is the nations largest state is a testament how far the sport has progressed.

That Texas host more NAHL Clubs then any other state marks a dramatic increase from a low of one (Wichita Falls Wildcats) just four seasons ago in 2008-2009, when the four time Robertson Cup Champion Texas Tornado suspended operations to allow for the renovation of the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco. Since then, the Tornado returned, switched ownership and gained new rivals with expansion teams in Amarillo (Bulls), Corpus Christi (Icerays) & Odessa (Jackalopes).

Each of the three newest Texas squads resides in cities that previously housed in the Central Hockey League (CHL) clubs that were forced to ceased operations. Now, showcasing in the NAHL's exciting brand of junior hockey, they are all thriving, with each of the five Texas clubs among the league's top nine in attendance.

"In all of those cases, they were basically markets that became available and they are interested in the North American Hockey League model and it seems to be paying off for them." noted NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld, whose league headquarters are based in Frisco. "Our strategy, in general, is you want to have good partners and close divisional rivalries. That's our strategy in Michigan or whereever you're considering expanding, but in Texas, there was no strategy there, just the change of the times with the economy and ownership changes. It's really more of a natural progression of a model and a benefit to our league. Had we not existing partners in Texas & Wichita Falls, that probably would not have evolved."

Having built in rivalries with the other Texas Teams has been a major factor in each of the new teams successes, both as far as keeping travel costs down and in having familiar opponents for their fans to root against.

"Most definitely it's good for us because if it wasn't for those teams, we couldn't be in this league," acknowledged Patt Dunn, general manager of the second year Icerays. "Already, we have to go to New Mexico & Topeka and we have 14, 15 hour bus rides. That's far enough, I'd hate to see if our closest rivals, so definitely it's a plus. And there are other teams that were in the Central Hockey League at one point, so for the fans, that's there familiarity."

The transition from Professional Hockey to high-level juniors has progressed smoothly for each of the three newcomers, both at the ticket window and within the community. "We're in our second year, but we had been in pro hockey for 13 years and it was rough," remarked Dunn, we also spent several years working for the CHL incarnation of the IceRays. "We enjoyed it and really enjoyed the product, but it was just time to move on. We went to the NAHL and have been very happy and our fans have embraced it. We had to educate our fans on what the product was, but after they got to witness it themselves, they're really excited about it and enjoying the quality of play."

One other positive each of the three newcomer NAHL Cities have experienced is more of a commitment by the clubs to serve the community. With teenage players between the ages of 16 and 20, they are more eager participants to giving back to the communities, and that higher visibility in turn helps more kids to the local youth hockey programs.

"They're a big reason we're doing so well as we are this year." stated Amarillo Hockey Association, Inc. (AHAI) president Kenneth Creamer, whose organization maintains a strong connection with the NAHL's Bulls. "They are in the community and they're promoting youth hockey a lot more then we used to get with the pro team. These guys are not getting paid, it's not their job, so they doing everything they can to be involved in the community and to grow hockey in our area."

With the tremendous escalation of the game at the grassroots level in Texas over the last decade plus, more and more locally produced players are ending up on NAHL Rosters and that serves as further inspiration for the kids in those youth programs.

"Any time you read a program and you see half the team is from Plano or Flower Mound or Dallas, it just excites everybody and makes them think, 'Hey we could be that guy,'" Dunn said. "So the younger kids believe it and they're thinking they could be the next guy playing here, that you don't have to have ice in your backyard to become a hockey player. Kids down here in the South are really good athletes and are getting into hockey."

Austin Sutter, who serves as the Amarillo Youth Programs ice coordinator while doubling as business development manager for the Bulls, illuminates how profoundly the relationship can be mutually beneficial. "The bigger the youth hockey program grows, the more revenue we can bring in for the NAHL Team and vice versa," said Sutter, who played four plus seasons for the former Amarillo Gorillas in the CHL before retiring in 2010 to get into youth coaching. "The Bulls understand the value of that partnership and so does youth hockey. When the Bulls fans come to games, they can see that we offer quite a program for kids here for kids that want to play and try the game. We do work hand-in-hand."

"Everywhere, the youth programs grow when you have a junior team there," Frankenfeld said. "That situation is good for everybody, with more people playing hockey."

About Texas Rubber Magazine: Texas Rubber Magazine is a brand new digital magazine that debut last fall and it's a monthly magazine with different features on different Youth & Junior Teams around the State. Including Texas, Rubber Magazine also does similar magazine for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado & Florida.

1/25 American Hockey League Scoreboard

2012-01-26T14:54:00.000-06:00

With the NHL on it's All Star Break and it's events beginning tonight with the NHL All Star Fantsay Draft coming up tonight. The American Hockey League (AHL), the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) & the Central Hockey League (CHL) are in action right now. For the Southwest Based Teams, it's a quiet couple of days as the Dallas Stars aren't back in action till February 1 when the Stars play the Ducks out in Anaheim.

While the Region's AHL teams are all off til Friday when Houston visits the Oklahoma City Barons while the Texas Stars travel to San Antonio to take on the Rampage. Then the Pre-All Star Game portion of the schedule wraps on Saturday where the Texas Stars & Houston Aeros will trade places with Oklahoma City & San Antonio as the Stars play the Barons & the Aeros playing the Rampage on Satuday as the league will head into their All Star Break.

In the Central Hockey League, the Americans are getting ready for a battle with the Wichita Thunder on Friday Night for a 1st Place Battle in the Berry Conference. While a critical battle for the league's last two playoff spots will be taking place as the Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas will be taking place at the NYTEX Sports Center on Friday.

American Hockey League

St. John's Ice Caps 4 Bridgeport Sound Tigers 3 (SO) (1-1, 1-0, 1-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Rochester Americans 1 Grand Rapids Griffins 4 (0-3, 1-0, 0-1)

Adirondack Phantoms 1 Manchester Monarchs 5 (0-1, 0-3, 1-1)

Springfield Falcons 4 Worcester Sharks 2 (0-1, 1-0, 3-1)

Providence Bruins 4 W-B/Scranton Penguins 3 (OT) (2-1, 1-0, 0-2, 1-0)

Chicago Wolves 5 Abbotsford Heat 0 (3-0, 1-0, 1-0)

Greg Rajan In the Crease Podcasts

2012-01-26T14:16:00.000-06:00

A recent addition to Greg Rajan's hockey coverage of the Corpus Christi Icerays is his Podcast called In the Crease where he talks to current & Former Players Junior & Minor League Players. As well as coaches, GMS, Owners and Media that cover these levels of hockey.

A couple of his recent interviews included former Corpus Christi Iceray from the CHL Days and current Texas Brahmas Forward Chad Wollard about the league's new playoff format, who he thinks the Brahmas biggest rival is and and a bizarre episodes that he has witnessed over the course of his career including when a rival folded in Mid-Season and became the teams new head coach.

Also in his recent episode is Brian Sandalow of The Monitor in McAllen where he covers the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees who has been one of the league's biggest surprises this season after many felt the team was going to fold last summer. Currently the Killer Bees sit in 5th Place just a point back of the Tulsa Oilers for the 4th & Final Playoff Spot in the Berry Conference with just under 30 games left in the regular season.

1/24 Episode

He was also able to get a fans perceptive from Ice Rays Fan Robert Hutchinson who has been a huge fan and season ticket holder of the Corpus Christi Icerays since the early days of the team playing in the Central Hockey League. Rajan got his thoughts on main issues like the team's lack of success on the ice, but it how continues to gain big crowds. The recent brawl between the Tornado & Ice Rays that resulted in 6 different players getting suspended, including Skyler Spiller for 10 games.

Also the biggest pros & cons of the Junior Game and losing South Texas Rivals with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and the Laredo Bucks as well as looking to see where they futures could be if the Central Hockey League can't survive with all the problems the league has had in recent years regarding teams either folding or moving to different leagues like the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the North American Hockey League.

1/17 Episode

1/25 Canadian Hockey League Scoreboard

2012-01-26T13:41:00.000-06:00

Here's a look at the Scores from last night's games in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Which included a huge game in Edmonton between the Edmonton Oil Kings VS. Tri-City Americans in which some think could be a possible preview of the Western Hockey League Championship Game come Early May. A majority of the games were in the Western Hockey League last night with just 2 in the QMJHL & 1 in the Ontario Hockey League.

Western Hockey League

WHL Wednesday Wrap Up

WHL Highlights

Brandon Wheat Kings 2 Calgary Hitmen 7 (0-3, 0-3, 1-2)

Tri-City Americans 5 Edmonton Oil Kings 4 (OT) (0-1, 2-2, 2-1, 1-0)

Kootenay Ice 4 Lethbridge Hurricanes 5 (2-1, 2-2, 0-2)

Prince Albert Raiders 5 Medicine Hat Tigers 6 (0-2, 3-3, 2-1)

Vancouver Giants 2 Red Deer Rebels 4 (1-1, 1-3, 0-0)

Spokane Chiefs 4 Everett Silvertips 2 (1-1, 1-0, 2-1)

Kamloops Blazers 2 Kelowna Rockets 3 (SO) (0-0, 2-1, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Ontario Hockey League

Kitchener Rangers 8 London Knights 3 (2-0, 3-1, 3-2)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Blaineville-Boisbriand Armada 5 Acadie-Bathurst Titans 6 (1-2, 1-3, 3-1)

Victoriaville Tigers 0 Shawinigan Cataractes 6 (0-2, 0-1, 0-3)

AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League Playoff Format & Dates

2012-01-25T15:54:00.001-06:00

The Dates & Format for this year's AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League Playoffs have been revelled which will be starting this year on March 5th for the Gold Tier Teams while the Silver Tier Playoffs will begin on March 7. With just 22 teams overall this season in the league (6 in the Gold Tier, 16 in the Silver Tier), the playoffs are going to come fast & furious this season overall. In addition to the league playoffs, the Gold Tier Champion will advance to the USA Hockey HS National Championships which will be from March 21-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah this season.

Here's the Full Varsity Playoff Schedule

While the Top Silver Tier Teams will advance to the Silver Tier State Champions against the Top Teams from the Houston & Austin Area which will take place from March 23-25 in a location that is still yet TBD.

The format for both Tiers will be as follows this season.

Gold Tier: With just 6 teams in the leagues Top Tier this season, all 6 teams will be in the playoffs with the #1 & #2 Seeds gaining Quarterfinal Byes while the #3 VS. #6 & #4 VS. #5 Teams will be starting out in the Quarterfinals. The Semifinals will have the #1 Seed taking on the Lowest Seeded QF Winner, while the #2 Seed will play the Highest Seeded QF Winner that next night. Both the Quarterfinals & Semifinals will be a Single Game. Then once the Gold Tier Championship Series is all set it will be a Best of 3 Series to determine the league champion & who will represent Texas in Salt Lake City at the USA Hockey HS National Championship in Late March.

Gold Tier Playoff Dates

3/5: Quarterfinals

3/6: Semifinals

3/8: Gold Tier Final Game 1

3/9: Gold Tier Final Game 2

3/11: Gold Tier Final Game 3 (If Needed)

If the playoffs started today, here's a look at what the Playoff Matchups would look like right now.

#1 Arlington ISD & #2 Plano West would have 1st Round Byes

#3 Dallas Jesuilt VS. #6 Coppell

#4 Allen VS. #5 Plano Senior

The Parity in the Gold Tier has been very tight with the exception of Coppell who's sitting way back in last place with just 9 PTS (4-11-1) in 16 games so far this season. So basically everyone else could find themselves anywhere from the #1 to #5 Seeds when the regular season wraps up on March 1. A 3 way tie is currently atop the top of the Gold Tier between Arlington ISD (10-5-1), Plano West (9-4-3) & Dallas Jesuit (9-4-3) with 21 points each.

Just behind them are Allen & Plano Senior (Both 8-6-2) with 18 points, but are very much in the race for the 2 Quarterfinal Round Byes when the playoffs early March. With just 6 games left in the regular season, it's going to be a wild wild finish to the regular season in the Gold Tier.

Silver Tier: The Silver Tier Playoffs will have the top 4 teams in both the North & South Divisions where they will start in a cross over (#1N VS. #4S, #2N VS. #3S etc.). With the winners will play each other in the Semifinals and on to the Finals. Each Round will be a single elimination format for all 3 rounds. The winners will advance to the State Silver Tier Tournament against the Top Teams from the Interscholastic Hockey League (ISHL) and the Austin Area Champion as well.

Silver Tier Playoff Dates

3/7: Quarterfinals

3/8: Semifinals

3/11: Silver Tier Championship

If the Playoffs started today, here's a look at what the Quarterfinal Round Matchups would look like.

#1N Plano East VS. #4S GCISD

#2N Highland Park VS. #3S Midlothian

#1S Keller ISD VS. #4N Prosper

#2S Southlake Carroll VS. #3N McKinney ISD

The South Division Top Seed is most likely going to come down to a 3 team race between Keller ISD (14-2-0), Southlake Carroll (12-2-2) & Midlothian (12-4-0) who are just 4 points apart which separate the top 3 teams in the South. While GCISD (9-7-0) is currently holding down the 4th & final playoff spot at the moment, both Mansfield ISD (8-6-2) & Denton County (8-8-0) are hot on their tail as they look to chase them down over the final month of the regular season.

As for the two Flower Mound Teams, for the most part, they will battle for pride and most likely stay out of last Place in the South Division as they sit just 5 points back of both GCISD & Mansfield ISD. Their only hope of making the playoffs is that either GCISD, Mansfield ISD or Denton County collapse down the stretch and that either team can get red hot.

The North Division has Plano East (10-3-3) holding a 4 point lead over Highland Park as the Scots will be hoping that the Panthers falter some over the final 6 games to help improve their chances of getting the #1 Seed for the post season.

Elsewhere in the North Division, McKinney ISD & Prosper are fighting it out for the #3 Seed and looking to avoid top seeded Plano East in the Quarterfinals Round of the playoffs. However, Richardson/Rockwall (6-9-1) and is emerging as the top challenger to get into the top 4 to challenge both McKinney ISD & Prosper. Speaking of the race for 3rd & 4th, Richardson/Rockwall will be playing McKinney ISD this week as it will repserent a critical game in this Race where the gap at the end of the night could be anyway from 1 to 5 points.

A Richardson/Rockwall Win would really eat into that gap start making both McKinney ISD & Prosper beginning to sweat. While a McKinney ISD Win would put a big blow into Richardson/Rockwall's Playoff hopes this season.

While Bishop Lynch & Frisco ISD (both 5-11-0) & Garland ISD (3-12-1) are way back in this race and would most likely take a miracle for either one of them to get into this playoff race.

The Americans Complete Sweep of Arizona

2012-01-25T13:57:00.000-06:00

The Allen Americans have recently completed a sweep of a 3 game set that took course of the last 5 days where the Americans won both games in Arizona over the weekend in a pair of 1 goal decisions. Follow that with a 2-0 Shutout Victory of the Sundogs at the Allen Event Center last night. In addition to completing the sweep of the Sundogs recently, the Americans have also regained the Lead in the Berry Conference over the Wichita Thunder by a single point.

For the Americans, this is a great chance to develop a bit of a gap in the Berry Conference as the Americans have just a stretch of 9 of their next 10 will be at home (The only road game coming up is against the Brahmas on February 10th). Next up will be a 3 game in 3 night stretch as the Americans will play the Wichita Thunder on Friday Night, then a pair of games against the RGV Killer Bees on Saturday Night & Sunday Evening.

Here's the Next 5 Allen Americans Games (All at the Allen Event Center)

1/27: Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

1/28: RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

1/29: RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans 5:05 PM

2/3: Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

2/4: Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM 

Press Release from the Allen Americans

Arizona Sundogs 0 Allen Americans 2 (0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

From Allen, Texas: The Allen Americans earned the first shutout of the season Tuesday Night defeating the Arizona Sun Dogs 2-0 at the Allen Event Center.

The Americans jumped out to a 1-0 first period lead on the first shorthanded goal of the season for the Americans, Jeff Martins with his 4th of the season unassisted. Martins stole the puck at center ice and broke in ahead of the defense beating Arizona netminder Scott Reid with a wrister to put Allen on top. The Americans out shot Arizona 7-6 in the first.

No scoring in the 2nd period, however both goalies were tested. Arizona's Scott Reid stopped Bruce Graham twice at point blank range, stopping 33 of 35 Allen Shots on the night.

The Americans added to their lead in the third, when Mark Nebus blasted one in the net from the right wing boards to give Allen a 2-0 lead. It was Nebus second goal as a member of the Americans, and second in as many games. Rejean Beauchemin was spectacular in net stopping all 24 Arizona shots and now allowing just one goal in his last 120 minutes of work. With the win, the Americans jumped past Wichita and into first place in the Berry Conference, one point ahead of the Thunder, setting up a first place showdown on Friday Night.

Tickets are on sale for the Americans weekend home games against Wichita & Rio Grande Valley by calling 972-912-1000 or at TicketMaster

2012 NAHL Top Prospects Rosters Released

2012-01-25T13:17:00.000-06:00

The 6 teams for this year's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament that will be taking place from February 20-22 with the 6 teams taking place at this year's Top Prospects Event from each of the 5 Divisions (Central, Mid-West, North, South, West Coast). As well as a U18 Selects Team for the best players under the age of 18 which includes Anthony Stolarz who was ranked #21 among North American Goalies during the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings earlier this month.

Also from Southwest Teams that will be playing for the NAHL U18 Selects is Tornado Forward Justin Greenberg who's been among the top rookies in the NAHL this season. Finally among the Major Snubs is Wenatchee Wild Goalie & Dallas Area Native Robert Nichols who's leading in both GAA (1.59) & SV% (.940).

Here's the Press Release from the North American Hockey League

Also the Links to the Southwest Teams & their players that will be competitng in Troy, Michigan as well.

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

Texas Tornado

In addition to the Southwest Team Sites reporting on their players that made the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. Here's the links to the full rosters for all 6 teams.

Central Division

Mid-West Division

North Division

South Division

West Coast Division

NAHL U18 Selects

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the rosters for next month's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, presented by Combat Hockey, which will be held from February 20-22 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan.

At the event, six teams - Central, Mid-West, North, South, West Coast & the NAHL U18 Selects - will each play three games. Each team consists of a 20 man roster as chosen by the NAHL Top Prospects Selection Committee as nominated by the league's 28 head coaches, with minor player crossovers among the six teams.

All NAHL Players are eligible to participate in the Top Prospects Tournament, regardless if they've committed to a NCAA School. Each of the teams will contain 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. The number of players represented by each NAHL Team was based on each team's winning percentage as of January 16th.

In conjunction with the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, all North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) teams - Midget Major (U18), Midget Minor (U16) & Bantam Major (U14) will compete in the PHL Championship Tournament Series for the right to be crowned league champions. That event will also run from February 17-20, also at the Troy Sports Center.

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) will also have representation at the Top Prospects Tournament, as 8 of the league's 16 teams (Battle Creek, Cleveland, Flint, Metro, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Queen City & Toledo) will play four regular season games from February 19-22 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan.

For more info on the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, click here

Here's the NAHL Top Prospects Schedule, click here

For more info on the NAPHL, click here

For more info on the NA3HL, click here

TAHA Tier 1 & Tier 2 State Tournament Schedule revelled

2012-01-25T11:47:00.000-06:00

With the State Tournament Playdowns wrapping up earlier this week, the full schedule for this year's Tier 1 & Tier 2 State Tournament is now out which will take place from February 10-12 at the Dr. Pepper Star Centers in McKinney, Farmers Branch & Frisco over the course of the weekend.

Almost all of this year's Tournament Teams are from the Dallas with the exception of the Houston Hitmen at the U16 Tier 2 Level as well as the Houston Wild Teams at the U14 & U12 Tier 2 Levels as well. Even though the state still has Dallas Dominance, all 3 of the Houston Teams performed very well during the State Tournament Playdowns, watch including a very strong series by the Houston Wild U18 where they felt they were upset by DJHA-Pfeiffer despite outshooting DJHA in all 3 games. However, after taking a 4-3 lead early in the 3rd period of Game 2.

A quick response tied at 4-4 just 35 seconds later. After that, the DJHA just keep coming and coming until a Travis Short Goal with just under 4 minutes left put them over the top to take a 5-4 lead. After that the Hitmen were devasted as DJHA took over in Game 3 controling the game from start to finish and winning in 4-1 to advance to the State Tournament.

And the Houston Hitmen fought off a pesky Aces team where they were able to get the game tied on 6 different occasions and eventually get game 1 to OT. Then in the OT, it didn't take long for the Hitmen to win the game and take the opener of the series.

In Game 2, the Hitmen were able to pull away in the 2nd period to put their series against the Texas Aces out of reach with 3 unaswered goals to put the series away and elinmate the Aces from the State Tournament Contention.

Congrats to all the teams that have advanced to the TAHA State Tournament as the quest to the USA Hockey National Championships will begin to heat up. Here's the schedule for the Tier 1 & Tier 2 National Championships that will take place from March 28 through April 1. As for the Tier 1 Teams, the winners will advance to the Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament which will take place from March 1-4 in Denver as the winners will be going up against teams from Arizona, Colorado Idaho, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Utah. The winners will advance to the Tier 1 Nationals which will be in Buffalo, N.Y. This season from March 28 through April 1.

Tier 1 Nationals (All Age Groups): Buffalo, N.Y.

U18 Tier 2: Lansing, Michigan

U16 Tier 2: Green Bay, Wisconsin

U14 Tier 2: Wayne, N.J.

U12 Tier 2: Ashburn, Virgina

Here's the formats for both Tiers this season.

Tier 1: For the U18, U16 & U12 Tier 1 Tournaments. Since they are only 2 Tier 1 Status Teams in Texas (Dallas Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs) each of these events will be a Best of 3 Series with the first one to win 2 advancing to the Tier 1 Regional which will take place from March 1-4 in Denver, Colorado where they will be taking on teams from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Utah.

Tier 2: The Tier 2 Tournament will contain 4 teams at each of the 4 Age Groups (U18, U16, U14 & U12) in a Round Robin Format that will take place at the Dr. Pepper Stars Center in McKinney on Friday & Saturday. After the Round Robin wraps up on Saturday Night, the Championship Games will be taking place at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco where the State Champions will be crowned. The State Tier 2 Champions will advance to Nationals where they will be divided into different divisions depending on their overall record & seeding situations as well.

Here's the Teams that will be competing in each Age Group

Tier 1: Dallas Stars Elites, Alliance Bulldogs

U18 Tier 2: DJHA-Kowal, DJHA-Pfeiffer, Dallas Oilers, Dallas Stars Selects

U16 Tier 2: Allen Jr. Americans, DJHA, Houston Hitmen, Texas Tornado

U14 Tier 2: Alliance Bulldogs, DJHA, Houston Wild, Dallas Ice Jets

U12 Tier 2: Houston Wild, Dallas Ice Jets, McKinney Lightning, Texas Aces

Here's the Full State Tournament Schedules for each of the Age Groups.

U18 Tier 1

U18 Tier 2

U16 Tier 1

U16 Tier 2

U14 Tier 2

U12 Tier 1

U12 Tier 2

Road to the TAHA Tier 2 State Tournament

2012-01-24T17:12:00.000-06:00

With the Texas Amateur Hockey Assocation Tier 1 & Tier 2 State Tournament coming up from February 10-12 in the Dallas Area. The State Tournament Playdowns have been going on over the last few weeks as teams from all over the state to qualify for the Tier 2 State Tournament. They are no qualifiers for the Tier 1 since they are only 2 Tier 1 Status Teams in the Dallas Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs and their teams will faceoff in a best of 3 series during the Tournament Weekend.

The Playdowns have been a series of Best of 3 Series with the winners advancing to the State Tournament. Once again, a majority of the teams are from the Dallas Area with a handful from the Houston Area looking to advance to next months state Tournament as well.

Here's the results so far and a brief overall of the series that have taken place so far.

U18

DJHA-Kowal VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas

GM1: DJHA-Kowal 9 Texas Jr. Brahmas 3 (4-1, 4-1, 1-1)

GM2: Texas Jr. Brahmas 0 DJHA-Kowal 4 (0-1, 0-2, 0-1)

DJHA-Kowal wins Series 2-0

DJHA-Kowal had no doubt over a majority of the series that they were looking to control the series against the Jr. Brahmas. Dominic Girard had a huge series as he was able to help carry the team with an impressive 6 points in the 2 games (2 Goals, 1 Assist in both games). In addition to Girard, Zach Blair was part of a great start to game 1 where the Stars Selects were able to fire 4 goal periods in both the 1st & 2nd periods to help the Stars Selects run away from the Jr. Brahmas. One of the few bright spots for the Jr. Brahmas was Cole Rose that his physicality which took some penalties to help prevent some scoring chances in the game which prevented the games from being worse.

Dallas Stars Selects VS. Alliance Bulldogs

GM1: Dallas Stars Selects 8 Alliance Bulldogs 4 (3-1, 4-3, 1-0)

GM2: Alliance Bulldogs 2 Dallas Stars Selects 5 (2-1, 0-1, 0-3)

Dallas Stars Selects Win Series 2-0

The Stars Selects were able to wear down the Bulldogs over the course of this series on all fronts. Especially on defense in Game 2 where after Dylan Isley & Cameron Choate scored in both the end of the 1st and beginning of the 2nd period to get the game tied at 2-2. Then the Stars Selects shut them down in the 3rd as the Stars Selects ran away with a 5-2 win to win the series in a sweep.

Houston Wild VS. DJHA-Pfeiffer

GM1: Houston Wild 3 DJHA-Pfeiffer 2 (1-1, 0-0, 2-1)

GM2: DJHA-Pfeiffer 5 Houston Wild 4 (1-2, 1-1, 3-1)

GM3: Houston Wild 1 DJHA-Pfeiffer 4 (0-1, 0-1, 1-2)

DJHA-Pfeiffer Win Series 2-1

In what was one of the best Qualifiers so far this year, the Wild & DJHA were going back-and-fourth over the entire series. The best game was Game 2 where it looked like the Wild were looking to win the series in Houston in Game 2 after being up by 2 goals twice at 2-0 early in the game and 3-1 midway through the game. However, a wild early part of the 3rd period as 3 goals were scored in just under 2 minutes to 3-2 Houston Lead to a 4-4 game when Brent Jones scored to tie the game.

After a back-and-fourth 3rd period, Travis Short scored the game winner with just under 4 minutes left to give the DJHA a 5-4 win which forced a game 3. After giving up the lead, it just looked like Houston just wasn't in it for Game 3 as the DJHA Team took advantage of their 3rd period advantages to win 4-1 and take the series in 3 games.

U16

Houston Hitmen VS. Texas Aces

GM1: Houston Hitmen 8 Texas Aces 7 (OT) (2-2, 3-2, 2-3, 1-0)

GM2: Texas Aces 3 Houston Hitmen 6 (1-2, 0-3, 2-1)

Houston Hitmen wins Series 2-0

The Texas Aces were looking to punch a little bit above their weight class in this series and they did it well in Game 1 where despite not leading for any of the game. They were able to respond to tie it up on 6 occasion's and not being down more then 1 goal after the 1st period. One big part of that was the PP as the Aces were able were able to score 3 PP Goals during Game 1. But despite all the work and effort they were able to keep it close, the Hitmen were able to finally put them away at 2:00 into the OT Period when Weston Shattuck put the game away.

Later that day when Game 2 took place, the Hitmen showed no doubt they were able to pull away in the 2nd period with 3 unanswered goals to go from a 2-1 to a 5-1 game late in the 2nd period to put it away and win the series in two games.

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Texas Tornado

GM1: Alliance Bulldogs 0 Texas Tornado 13 (0-3, 0-6, 0-4)

GM2: Texas Tornado 7 Alliance Bulldogs 2 (3-1, 3-0, 1-1)

This series proved to be a bit of a miss-match (In part to the Tornado's NAPHL Experience this season). The Tornado made short work of the Alliance Bulldogs as the Tornado out-scored the Bulldogs 20-2 over the course of the two games. Among the leaders for the Tornado was Austin Cox who had 5 goals (3 in Game 1, 2 in Game 2) during the series as the Tornado just crushed the Bulldogs. One of the few bright spots for Alliance was goalie Ryan Odell who during the early portions of the 2nd period, made some great saves to keep the game at 3-1 in the 2nd period and kept it from getting much worse much earlier in the game.

U14

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Allen Jr. Americans

GM1: Dallas Ice Jets 12 Allen Jr. Americans 0 (2-0, 5-0, 5-0)

GM2: Allen Jr. Americans 1 Dallas Ice Jets 13 (0-2, 1-6, 0-5)

Dallas Ice Jets Win Series 2-0

This Series was not even close and the Ice Jets even kept the Jr. Americans down to just 4 shots for the entire game in game 1.

Houston Wild VS. Texas Tornado

GM1: Houston Wild 2 Texas Tornado 1 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 0-1, 1-0)

GM2: Texas Tornado 2 Houston Wild 3 (1-1, 1-1, 0-1)

Houston Wild Win Series 2-0

Despite the Tornado using their great defense to control the Houston Wild. The Wild were able to get a critical goal at critical times in both games. First in the opener that went to OT, Ryan Kheir was able to score the 2nd of his 2 goals in the OT just 17 seconds in. He also scored a SH Goal late in the 1st period as well. Then in Game 2, the Wild overcame an early Tornado Goal Christian Moran just 3 minutes in to win a 3-2 game that could have gone either way.

Matt Donovan Update from Bridgeport

2012-01-24T15:24:00.000-06:00

Bridgeport Sound Tigers Roster Photo: Courtsey of the AHL & Bridgepot Sound Tigers.

Here's an update from Bridgeport Sound Tigers Beat Writer Michael Fornabaio of The Connecticut Post to discuss the latest about Matt Donovan's progress as we apparoach the American Hockey League All Star Break this upcoming weekend. Prior to the All Star Break, the Sound Tigers have 3 games left in the Pre-All Star Game portion of their schedule against the St. Johns Ice Caps tomorrow night, then it's a weekend road trip to Western New York as they will play the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday Night & the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday Night.

The big thing that is showing up of course is the scoring surge that he has had since New Years Day that's been a big part of the Sound Tigers 8 game winning streak that has brought the Sound Tigers from near the bottom of the AHL's Eastern Conference all the way up to 10th Place and are just 3 back of the Portland Pirates who currently sit in the 8th & Final Playoff Spot. In addition, the team is also tied with the Adirondack Phantoms as they look to go into the All-Star Game with some momentum on their side when they return to action after the All Star Game on February 3 against the Portland Pirates.

Here's a samplaing of what Michael Fornabaino had to say when he had a discussion with Bridgeport Sound Tigers Head Coach Brent Thompson. First it's about him getting used to the Pro Game.

"Matt Donovan's been taking strides, really, because he's attentive to his details," Bridgeport Coach Brent Thompson said. "His Practice habits are improving. His defensive coverage is improving."

Other then his Increasing Point Totals, one of the other big improving stats has been an improving +/- stats. His Plus/Minus has improved from a -8, however since Mid-December, was when his defensive coverage begin to click and improve and has gotten into the + Side of the +/- Ranking over a +2 overall right now.

Here's some comments from Donovan about his season and his improvements since the start of the season back in October and the 6 games he played to end the 2010-2011 season last season.

"It's just playing, trying to play harder to be harder to play against," Donovan said. "I'm trying to take the body more, use my size."

Fornabaio also mentioned that was still some work he had to do in certain parts of his game before he has a strong chance of making the NHL Full Time, but also mentioned that he's getting more consistent & more comfortable in a pro setting. However, his great offensive surge has also helped him climb up the Defensive Scoring Leaders List which has him just outside the top 10 right now (Currently 15th). '

They will be looking to Donovan to continue to be a strong defensive scoring presence for the Sound Tigers over the 2nd half of the season to help the team reach the playoffs. In a recent Q&A with Oklahoman Magazine, Donovan said mentioned this about his goals for his 1st season. Which includes getting a NHL Callup with the Islanders and looking to get the Islanders to the playoffs as well as this year being a strong fonduation for a long and strong Career. "I'm hoping this is the first year in a long professional career. I'm just working my hardest, just the way I've grown up. Hopefully I will be called up [to the Islanders] sooner or later this year. I wouldn't have signed if I didn't think I had a good chance playing in the NHL this year."

Well find out where he is as the 2nd half of the season begins to unfold. But he has really been coming up on the Islanders Depth Chart, even as recently as a month ago, Fornabaio thinks he's biggest competition will come from Calvin De Haan who's already has had a Call Up for a game and Dylan Reese who is beginning to emerge on the Islanders Staff and starting to get some time among the top 4 defensemen.

Brent Thompson also mentioned about he's looking to evolve during the 2nd half of the season and getting the team to the playoffs this season after missing out last year. The last time the Sound Tigers made the playoffs was in 2010 when they got elinmated by the eventual Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears in the 1st Round in 5 games

"He obivously has offensive gifts," Thompson said. "He's jumping in the play at right times. He's shooting the puck much better, which is a tribute to (assistant coaches) Eric Boguniecki and Matt Bertani working on a day-to-day basis. It's little details like that."

Coach Thompson also said that Donovan's defensive work has helped him generate chances for offense. Donovan has had some great games as his hard work is beginning to pay off as he has had 3 multi point games; including a three assists game against the Portland Pirates on 1/6.

"I can hardly wait to see, come playoff time, where he's evolved," Thompson Said.

This Weeks Shows & Podcasts

2012-01-24T13:42:00.000-06:00

Here's some recent shows from across North America to get you the latest from the NCAA, Juniors & the NHL from the past few days. Also here's a look at what time the shows start live where many of them have email, Twitter & Facebook Accounts where you can ask questions to the Show Hosts as well.

The Pipeline Show, 1/21 Episode

Puck Podcast, 1/21 Episode

USCHO Live, 1/17 Episode

WHL This Week Radio Edition, 1/19

OHL This Week Radio Edition, 1/20 Episode

1/23-29 Southwest Schedule

2012-01-23T11:35:00.001-06:00

Here's a look at the Southwest Hockey Schedule from January 23th through 29th as the NHL & AHL All Star Games are on the horizon. The Stars have only 1 game this week as the league will officially go on it's All Star Break after Wednesday Night. After the NHL Goes on All Star Break. The Fantsay Draft will be on Thrusday Night January 26, while the Super Skills Competition on the 28th and the All Star Game from Ottawa, Ontario will take place Sunday Afternoon on January 29. All the NHL All Star Break Festivities will be on NBC Sports Network.

In addition to the NHL All Star Break, the American Hockey League will also be having their All Star Break on 1/29-30 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, it will be a very busy week leading into the All Star Break as all 4 Regional Teams will be playing twice in an all Regional Weekend to minimize travel prior to the event on Friday & Saturday. The Division Leading Oklahoma City Barons will look to head into the All Star Break with a big lead as they currently lead the Aeros by 5 points right now.

While the rest of the Western Conference is in a very tight battle where the gap from 6th Place Milwaukee to last Place Rockford is just 7 points right now. San Antonio sits in the 8th & Final Playoff Spot right now, while the Texas Stars are just 3 points back in 10th Place and have won 3 in a row as the Stars are beginning to click despite numerous call ups to the Dallas Stars like Matt Fraser who was called up just yesterday. Fraser was a free agent signee after a strong 5 Year WHL Career with the Kootenay Ice & a little bit with the Red Deer Rebels early on where he scored 74 points in 66 games (36G 38A) to help play a major role in the Kootenay Ice winning the WHL Championship last year.

Both games on Friday Night will be important for both races. In Oklahoma City, the Barons & Aeros will look to sway the Division Race in their direction in Oklahoma City. While Texas & San Antonio will faceoff in at the AT&T Center to get into the Division Race. A Texas win could see the Stars & Rampage tied for the 8th & Final Playoff spot in the AHL Western Conference right now. While a San Antonio Win could get them battaling with Milwaukee & Chicago battaling for 6th right now.

As for the Milwaukee Admirals, they will be playing Peoria on Tuesday (Away), Chicago on Friday (Home) & Rockford on Saturday (Away). The Chicago Wolves will also have a trio of games with a pair of games against Abbotsford on both Tuesday & Wednesday (Both Road), then will head to Milwaukee to play Chicago on Friday (Road).

Elsewhere across the Southwest will be the Allen Americans will begin a stretch on Tuesday Night where they will be at the Allen Event Center for 9 of their next 10 Games (Their only Road game is against the Texas Brahmas). They will be looking to finish off the Arizona Sundogs where they won a pair of 1 goal games over the weekend (4-3 on Friday & 2-1 on Saturday) and look to take over the Wichita Thunder for the Southern Conference Lead which will come into the spotlight on Friday Night. The battle for the 3rd & 4th Spots in the South will also be on the line when the Texas Brahmas & Tulsa Oilers will go head-to-head from NYTEX Sports Center.

The Junior Ranks will have a very busy weekend with Corpus Christi contuning to put their lead against the Wichita Falls Wildcats after the Wildcats sweeped the Ice Rays last weekend with 4-2 & 2-1 wins. While the Fresno Monsters will make a rare trip to the South as they will take on the Tornado on Friday Night & the Amarillo Bulls on Saturday Night this weekend.

For the Western States Hockey League, it's a very busy weekend with 1st Place on the line with the El Paso Rhinos hosting the Park City Moose who is currently last in the Rocky Mountain Conference. While the Ice Jets are going to host the San Diego Gulls who are looking to seperate themselves from the rest of the pack for 2nd Place in the West Coast Division with the Fresno Monsters running away with the Division with a 21 point lead right now. Also the Texas Jr. Brahmas & New Mexico Renegades will faceoff in Rio Rancho, New Mexico while the Dallas Snipers will travel to Utah to play the Ogden Mustangs.

National Hockey League

1/24: Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars 7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

1/26: NHL All Star Fantsay Draft

1/28: NHL Super Skills Competition

1/29: NHL All Star Game

American Hockey League

1/27

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

1/28

Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

1/29: AHL Skills Competition 3:00 PM

1/30: AHL All Star Game 7:00 PM

Central Hockey League

1/24: Arizona Sundogs VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

1/27

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas 7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees 7:30 PM

1/28

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder 7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas 7:30 PM

1/29

Laredo Bucks VS. Tulsa Oilers 4:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans 5:05 PM

North American Hockey League

1/26: Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 7:05 PM

1/27

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 7:05 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners 7:05 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

1/28

Fresno Monsters VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners 7:05 PM

1/29: Odessa Jackalopes VS. Amarillo Bulls 6:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

1/26: Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos 8:30 PM

1/27

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets 7:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades 8:30 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs 7:30 PM

Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos 8:30 PM

1/28

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets 6:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades 8:30 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs 7:30 PM

Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos 8:30 PM

1/29

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs 11:00 AM

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets 1:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades 2:00 PM

Austin Smith Q&A with the New England Hockey Journal

2012-01-23T10:10:00.001-06:00

Here's a look at yet another article for Dallas Stars Prospect & Coppell Native Austin Smith as he looks to show the country that he is becoming a major contender for the Hobey Baker Award and looks to be the 1st Born & Trained Player to make the Dallas Stars.

Also in addition to the Austin Smith Q&A. The website USCHO had their 1st Hobey Baker Watch Feature of the season and it features the debate over Fan Voting.

The Q&A Article was done by Dan Guttenplan of the New England Hockey Journal

At last look, Colgate Senior Forward Austin Smith was leading the fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award.

Although the honor doesn't even come close to clinching the award for Smith - the fan vote only accounts for one percent of the overall balloting - it does prove that college hockey fans have taken note of Smith's Breakout Season.

Smith leads the nation in goals (22), averaging a goal per game for the Raiders. He has already more then doubled his goal tally from last season (10), which was a struggle for both him and his Colgate Teammates. This season, Smith has the Raiders (12-8-2 overall, 6-4-0 ECAC Hockey) in the hunt for an ECAC Title. As recently as last week, Colgate was ranked nationally before falling to Princeton & Quinnipiac over the weekend.

Smith, who was drafted by his hometown Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2007 draft, recently shared his thoughts on the Hobey Baker Award with the New England Hockey Journal.

Are you surprised to be leading the fan voting for the Hobey Baker?

"The School here is doing a good job of getting the word out. It helps that all the parents of players are voting. I guess people back home in Dallas found out and got online to vote.

How Satisfying has the season been after the way your struggled with injuries last year?

I had torn labrums in both hips. I knew that going into my junior year. I found out mid-summer, and I knew I couldn't get both done before the season. I picked one and decided to do other one after the season. I probably came back too soon. I played with one torn labruim all season, and it was kind of a mess. I got through it, and it made me better for the experience.

Do you regret playing? Should you have red-shirted?

No, I wish I would have figured it out sooner. If I had surgery right after my sophomore season, it would have healed before I came back for the pre-season. I came back in 12 or 13 weeks, and I needed 16-20. It was way to soon. I was at 70 percent. The big thing with hockey is confidence. I got off to a slow start, the team was struggling, and it all compounded.

When did you start to get your confidence back?

I felt good at the end of last year, at least confidence-wise. After the second surgery, I felt 100 percent. We went to Europe over the summer and had a team bonding experience. We played really well over there. We came back to school with a new spirit. The first game. I felt like the same player I was during my sophomore year. As the year has gone on, I've been exploring more of my potential.

Is winning the Hobey Baker a goal for you?

Going into my freshman year, a Princeton Assistant Coach - John Riley - recruited me. He told me I'd win the Hobey Baker one day. I never had any serious thoughts of it until then. Now, with 22 goals, I'm kind of a contender. I know in the back of my mind, it's tough to win it from the ECAC. The last time an ECAC Player was 1989. That's also the last time an ECAC Team won the national title. If it's going to happen, it'll happen because we made it all the way through the tournament. Traditionally, the award goes to a player that takes his team to the final four or eight.

Is the fan vote important to you, or do you see it as only one percent of the ballot?

I think it's cool that people care and pay attention to it. It's good for our league because the ECAC doesn't get much recognition. It's good for our team and our small school. For me, coming after a disappointing junior season, it shows that all of the hard work is paying off. If the team has a strong finish, I feel I'm a good contender for the award on nights when I'm playing well and executing. If we make a good push as a team, I like my chances.

Game of the Week

Union VS. Yale, Friday

Union (12-5-6 overall, 6-2-3 ECAC) would appear to be the clear favorite on paper on what has been a down year for the Elis (8-7-2 overall, 5-4-1 ECAC). But for whatever reason, the Elis have had a Dutchmen's number of late.

Yale beat Union in the ECAC Tournament last season before posting a 4-0 victory at the Schenectady this season. The Elis has also won the last two meetings at Ingalis Rink.

ECAC Hockey Power Rankings

1. Cornell (10-4-3 Overall, 7-1-2 ECAC) Fans of the Big Red will be throwing fish and newspapers on the ice Saturday when Cornell hosts Harvard.

2. Union (12-5-6 Overall, 6-2-3 ECAC): After posting a 2-0 shutout against Harvard at Fenway Park, Friday, sophomore goaltender Troy Grosenick is looking like a man who plays big on the biggest stage.

3. Quinnipiac (13-8-5 Overall 5-4-4 ECAC): The Bobcats have escaped a brutal early 2012 schedule with victories over Yale & Colgate, a tie at Brown, and a 3-2 loss to Cornell. Not bad.

4. Colgate (12-8-2 Overall, 6-4-0 ECAC): The Raiders have lost four in a row, including ECAC losses to Quinnipiac & Princeton last weekend.

5. Yale (8-7-2 Overall, 5-4-1 ECAC): Every time the Elis seem primed to turn their season around, they have a weekend like the last one when they collected one point in a set of road games at St. Lawrence & Clarkson.

6. Harvard (4-6-6 Overall, 3-4-4 ECAC): The Crimson have not yet won a game in 2012. They are no easy wins this weekend with a road set at Colgate and Cornell.

7. Clarkson (10-10-5 Overall, 4-4-3 ECAC): A Couple of home games did Clarkson some good last weekend. The squad collected three points in a home set against Brown & Yale and pushed it to 7-2-1 at home this season.

8. Brown (7-7-3 Overall, 4-4-2 ECAC): The Bears jumped from 11th place in the ECAC Standings to eighth place after collecting three points last weekend with a tie against Clarkson and a win over St. Lawrence.

9. St. Lawrence (8-12-3 Overall, 4-6-1 ECAC): The Saints have to be disappointed with their results last weekend. When they collected one one point in a home set with Yale and Brown after going 3-0-2 in their previous five games.

10. Dartmouth (7-7-2 Overall, 4-4-1 ECAC): The Big Green have been outscored 11-2 in their last two games against Union & UNH. UNH Took back the RiverStone Cup from Dartmouth, which won the trophy in 2010.

11. Princeton (6-10-5, 5-8-2 ECAC): The Tigers had their best weekend of the year at home with a victory over Colgate and a tie against Cornell. To bad the Tigers only have seven league games remaining.

12. RPI (4-17-1, 1-8-1 ECAC): The Engineers need to clearn up a few disciplinary issues. In a 5-1 loss to Union Saturday, they allowed four special teams goals. However, the teams each recorded 40 shtos in the contest.

Supporting Austin Smith for the Hobey Baker Trophy

2012-01-20T18:46:00.000-06:00

Austin Smith Photo from the Alliance Bulldogs Alumni Page

A twitter page has started up to help support Austin Smith for the Hobey Baker Trophy is now up and running. This is for the Fan Voting portion of the Hobey Baker Process that will go on through March 4. The Fan vote will only count for 1% of the total, but every vote matters as the NCAA Hockey Regular Season goes on. If Austin were to win the Hobey Baker Award, he would be the first player from Texas to ever win the award as he looks to not only win the Hobey Baker this year, but also show the Dallas Stars Organazition that he is ready for the Professional Ranks and looks to be the 1st Born & Trained Player from Texas to play for the Dallas Stars.

You can vote once a day during the process, so tell your follow hockey fans and help support Austin Smith as he is leading the NCAA in goals with 22 goals (a Goal a game pace) as well as being in a 3 way tie for 2nd with Drew Shore (University of Denver) & Spencer Abbot (University of Maine). Hes also just 1 point back Jack Connolly of Minnesota-Duluth which currently has 36 points and leading the NCAA right now.

The voting will end on March 1, then the Coaches & Media will have their say on who they think will be among the Top 10 coming up on March 15 (2 Days before the Conference Championships). Then of those 10, the field will be cut from 10 to their Final 3 on March 29 who will be making their way to Tampa, Florida during the Frozen Four Weekend where the winner will be televised live (TV Network TBD).

As for this weekend, the Colgate Raiders will play Harvard tonight & Dartmouth tomorrow night at home as the Raiders look to rebound after a rough weekend that had 6-2 & 7-1 losses last weekend. The team also fell from 2nd to 4th Place in the Conference this weekend as well.

Hobey Baker Award Website

Hobey Baker Award Fan Ballot

Austin Smith Colgate Profile

Colgate Raiders Schedule

Strong Game by Mark Arcobello leads Barons to Convincing Win

2012-01-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

A great start on the Oklahoma City Barons 3 Game Road Trip to Rochester & Lake Erie up in Cleveland as both teams are desperate to get into the AHL Western Conference Playoff Picture with some great momentum before the AHL All Star Break on 1/29-30 up in Atlantic City, NJ. Last night, the Barons nearly lead a huge majority of the game with the exception of the 1st 7 Minutes where Rochester's Paul Szczechura scored 7 minutes in.

However, the Barons scored 5 unanswered goals in the 1st & 2nd Periods to eventually lead to a 5-2 Barons Victory in their 1st of the 2 game series up in Western New York to take their overall record to 25-11-5 which now gives the Barons a 4 Point Lead in the West Division, a 5 point lead over 2nd Place & Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers and is now dead even with the Hershey Bears for the best overall record in the AHL.

What a night for Mark Arcobello who was a very easy choice for the 1st Star of the Game with an impressive 4 point night (2 goals, 2 assists) and has already surpassed his full season total from last year where he scored 22 points 26 games (He currently has 6 Goals & 17 Assists so far this season).

This road trip is important for the Barons not only to get some momentum going into the All Star Break, but to finally get some breathing room from both the Houston Aeros & Abbotsford Heat who have been sweating it out for the West Division Lead all season long to this point. Just 4 games left till the break and the Barons are off to a great start on their current 3 game road trip that will see them playing the Rochester Americans again tonight at 6:35 PM Tonight. Then it's off to Cleveland to play the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday Night to wrap up the Road Trip.

After the road trip, the Barons will return home for a Friday/Saturday Home Weekend to play the Houston Aeros on 1/27 & the Texas Stars on 1/28 to wrap up the Pre All-Star Game portion of their schedule. Could this be the time that the Barons make a stand and show that they could be the best team in the West Division?

Here's the Oklahoma City Barons Upcoming Schedule till the All Star Break

1/20: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans 6:35 PM

1/21: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:30 PM

1/27: Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

1/28: Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Oklahoma City Barons 5 Rochester Americans 2 (2-1, 3-1, 0-0)

Press Release by Jim Bryers on the Oklahoma City Barons Website

From Rochester, N.Y.: Marc Arcobello matched the season high with a four point game on two goals and two assists in Oklahoma City's 5-2 win over the Rochester Americans on Thrusday at Blue Cross Arena in the opener of the three game trip.

Oklahoma City matches Hershey for the most points (55) in the AHL and builds its West Division Lead to four points over Houston and Abbotsford. The Barons have a league high 25 wins at 25-11-5. Rochester falls to 17-14-8.

Arcobello's four points matched his AHL Career high for a single game, he also had two goals and two assists on March 11, 2011 against Grand Rapids.

The Barons scored five unanswered goals after Rochester opened the scoring with a rebound goal by Szczechura at 7:53 of the first period.

The Barons responded to take a 2-1 lead after one period as Hunter Tremblay received an Arcobello pass down low and tucked it past David Leggo. Arcobello put Oklahoma City in front 2-1 at 18:41 on a point shot during a delayed penalty with the Barons utilizing an extra attacker. Chris VandeVelde, who came on to the ice in that sequence to replace Yann Dennis and Tremblay picked up assists.

Arcobello snapped the Barons 0/30 power play drought with a man advantage goal at 2:38 of the 2nd period. Phillippe Cornet in his own rebound for his 18th of the season to extend the lead to 4-1 at 5:30 of the second period, followed by Teemu Hartikainen's ninth of the campigan at 18:41 on a snap shot from a steep angle.

Travis Turnbull concluded the scoring 11 seconds later on a breakaway.

Oklahoma City out-shoot Rochester 34-22. Danis improved to 18-6-1, while Leggio fell to 11-10-1.

The same two teams meet on Friday in Rochester at 6:35 PM CST.

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado Line Brawl

2012-01-19T13:49:00.001-06:00

During the game on Sunday afternoon between the Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi on Sunday Afternoon. A massive brawl took place near the mid-way point of the third period after an Ice Rays goal by Joe Smereck made it 4-1 at the 7:16 mark of the 3rd period, a massive line brawl that involved players like Skiller Spiller, Connor Burton & Mico Solorzano for the Tornado as well as Phil Pietroniro & Ladislav Hruska for the Ice Rays as well. In addition, they were also a big time screaming match between Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Ice Rays GM Pat Dunn as well on the bench as well.

Here's the Video & Audio

From the Corpus Christi Caller

Greg Rajan Podcast where he discuss the Brawl

Puck Daddy's Reaction

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

I would definitely expect some suspensions as well as some other punishments as well from this game. Ice Rays beat writer Greg Rajan mentioned this while in a post game interview. "I have absolutely no idea (why it happened)," D'Arrisso said. "I went to the faceoff and (Spiller) didn't say anything to me.

The bad blood also spilled off the ice, with Ice Rays General Manager Patt Dunn engaging in a shouting match with Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Assistant Jason Bloomingburg, who briefly played in Corpus Christi during the Ice Rays Minor-Pro Years.

Other observation's included from Corpus Christi Icerays Head Coach Justin Quenneville as enforcer Mico Solarzano hopped over the boards, as did "one of their meatsticks," he recalled.

According to Corpus Christi Icerays Beat Writer Greg Rajan, he expects the NAHL to make a decision regarding suspensions and punishments either on Thursday or Friday Night. He think that the majority of the punishments will come on the Tornado Side. Especially targeting players like Skiller Spiller who according to a majority of the videos, was one of the major instigators of the fight. Other possible discipline could come towards Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Ice Rays GM Pat Dunn who were shouting at each other during the fight as well.

Regardless of what punishments come out of this. The Tornado will be heading north to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners in a Friday/Saturday Series (both games start at 7:05 PM). For the Corpus Christi Icerays are also on the road for a Friday/Saturday Series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats (Both Games start 7:05 PM).

How will this affect both team season? The Ice Rays are in the middle of a mid-season surge by winning 6 of their last 8 games which included a pair of critical wins against Odessa back on January 12th and 13th which saw their lead over Odessa for 4th Place from 3 to 7 points at the time (It's currently at 9) and they main job at the moment is to hold off the Jackalopes right now for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division as Topeka is 14 points ahead in 2nd right now. However for Texas, it maybe a much different story if they can't hold off the Roadrunners this weekend where they have a chance to leap frog the Tornado for 2nd Place if Topeka can get 3 out of a possible 4 points.

It's also crucial for the Tornado to have a strong series to send a message that they are still looking to show that they should be the favorite in a possible 1st Round Playoff Series come early April. If the Tornado can't come out of this series still in 2nd Place, we could start seeing the beginning of the demise of the Tornado this season that could ruin the teams hopes of looking to win the NAHL Robertson Cup on Home Ice for the 2nd time in team history when the tournament comes around in early May.

This is the 2nd massive brawl in Texas in just under a year and I think Texas Hockey Fans know what happened during the Texas HS Hockey Silver Tier Tournament Championship Game between Keller ISD & Arlington Martin last season, click here to see the Video. Especially what happened to Arlington Martin Player Jeff Sorelle who had a massive concussion & a broken jaw.

With hockey getting more & more attention in Texas, the sport can't afford to have incidents like this or many people will think that the players that play hockey in the Southwest are nothing but a bunch of low class thugs and where scouts will put less emphasis on Texas to find top level talent to play in Juniors & Beyond.

When in fact, we have 2 players that have already been signed by NHL Teams in Stefan Noesen (Plymouth Whalers OHL/Ottawa Prospect) & Matt Donovan (Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL/NY Islanders Prospect) as well as two other players who are getting in great position to sign NHL Entry Level Deals after the NCAA Season wraps up with Chris Brown (Univ. of Michigan CCHA/Phoenix Prospect) & Austin Smith (Colgate University ECAC Hockey/Dallas Prospect). In addition to Smith looking to sign with his home town Dallas Stars, he's also looking to show the NCAA that he could be a serious contender for the Hobey Baker Award this season, if he were to win it this year, this would be the states first ever Hobey Baker Award Winner. Also add in things like the Texas Stars & Houston Aeros making the AHL Calder Cup Finals in back-to-back years.

These are the type of stories that need to start getting out there a lot more to really start seeing the explosive growth in the sport of hockey like we saw in the late 90s and early 2000s to see it again to show players what is capable of playing at the highest levels, including the NHL like were beginning to see with the string of NHL Prospects we have had since 2007 when Austin Smith was taken by the Stars in the 5th Round.

Suspension Announcement

Click here to see the Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays Brawl

The North American Hockey League has announced the suspensions for the Brawl last night. The NAHL doesn't reveal the suspensions on the league website. So I had to go through both teams and Corpus Christi Caller Beat Writer Greg Rajan to get these suspensions and make sure they were in deed correct. To no one's surprise, Tornado Forward Skyler Spiller who delivered the Sucker Punch that started the fight will be out for the next 10 games and won't be able to return until March 2nd when the Tornado play in Kansas against the Roadrunners.

Other suspensions went to Conner Burton who will sit out the next 5 games, Conner won't be available to return to the ice until February 4th when the Tornado hit the road to play the Wichita Falls Wildcats. While 1 game suspensions went to Michael Hoy & Mico Solorzano for the Tornado as well as Ice Rays Defensemen Ladislav Hruska & Forward Joe Smereck as well for their roles in the Brawl as well. Both Ice Rays Players will be able to return this weekend on Saturday Night against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

One surprise from this story was that neither Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale or Corpus Christi Icerays GM Pat Dunn who also got in a shouting match with each other. And if it weren't for a piece of pexi-glass splitting the two, they could have easily thrown some punches themselves as well.

Especially for the Tornado, it will be interesting to see how paired with the injury problems the team has had recently. To put these suspensions on top will make it quite a challenge for the Tornado against the Topeka Roadrunners this weekend. Especially on Friday Night when all 4 players will have to sit out. As for Skyler Spiller who's been great on faceoffs and brings a lot of physicality, that will be tough to replace over the next month as Spiller won't be allowed to return to the ice till March 2 when the Tornado head to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners.

After sending some emails to the Texas Tornado for comment, the team hasen't answered any of my emails.

NAHL 3 Stars of the Weeks has a Southwest Flavor

2012-01-17T17:14:00.000-06:00

All the NAHL Stars of the week has a Southwest Flavor which includes Dallas Native & Wenatchee Wild Goalie Robert Nichols who was named the Top Star of the week. In addition to being named the Top Star of the Week, he's been among the league's top goaltenders all season long with an impressive 1.48 GAA and a strong 13-2-3 record and an impressive 6 Shutouts this season.

He's a '92 birth year and would still have one more season of Junior Egilibity remaining after this season. But he's also hot on the tail when it comes down to being looked by NCAA Teams. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he announces a NCAA Commitment at some point this season

In addition, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie Anthony Stolarz continued an impressive run after being ranked in the NHL Draft Rankings. He was named the #2 Star of the week after he looks to continue his dominate run and help carry the Ice Rays to the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era. While New Mexico Mustangs Forward & the team's scoring leader Adam Chapie was the #3 Star of the week as well in one of the team's better weekends of the season.

NAHL 3 Stars of the Week Press Release

By NAHL Staff: The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced the Three Stars of the Week ending January 15, 2012. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-2012 regular season that honors the top performing players of the regular season nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Robert Nichols, Wenatchee Wild Goaltender: Having already earned 3rd star honors back on September 27th, Wenatchee Goaltender Robert Nichols, 19, put together a perfect weekend in goal as he was able to post shutouts in back-to-back starts and help the Wild to a three game road sweep of the Dawson Creek Rage. On Friday, the Dallas, Texas native stopped all 27 shots in a 2-0 win. On Sunday, he made 13 saves in a 3-0 win over the Rage. Nichols (5'11" 180) set a new individual single-season Wenatchee Record for shutouts with his sixth of the season, Nichols surpassed Brandon Jaeger, who recorded five shutouts last season.

For the week, Nichols was perfect stopping all 40 shots he saw. Nichols continues to have a record breaking season. He currently leads in the NAHL in both goals against average (GAA) and save percentage (94.3%). "It makes it easier for the entire team when Robert is playing like he is. He is a smart goalie and can play the puck as well as anyone I have ever seen." said Wild Head Coach John Becanic. "To have the goalie tandem like we do really sheds some light on how well these guys are playing in goal and hopefully it leads to some NCAA Division 1 Opportunities."

2nd Star: Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie: Corpus Christi netminder Anthony Stolarz, 17, who recently committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the WCHA, arguably had his best weekend of the year as he helped the Ice Rays to three wins over the weekend to continue their current winning streak and keep a firm grip on a playoff spot in the South Division. On Friday, the Jackson, New Jersey Native allowed just one goal on 30 shots as the 'Rays beat Odessa 2-1 in a shootout. The next night, Stolarz (6'5" 200) stopped all 40 shots that came his way as Corpus Christi shutout the Jackalopes, 3-0.

On Sunday, Stolarz started his 9th consecutive game and made 33 saves in a 4-1 defeat of the Texas Tornado. For the weekend, Stolarz stopped an amazing 102 of 104 shots good for a 98.1 save % for the week and 0.64 GAA. "He delivered a complete weekend for us and continues to give us a chance to win each game," said Ice Rays head Coach Justin Quenneville. "Since his commitment to Nebraska-Omaha he has been playing his best hockey of the season. "I think he is still out to prove he is the best goalie in the country at this level."

3rd Star: Adam Chapie, New Mexico Mustangs Forward: University of Massachusetts-Lowell recruit Adam Chapie, helped the New Mexico Mustangs to their first weekend sweep since late November as the forward from Oxford, Michigan recorded five points (3G 2A) in a two game home-and-home sweep against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. On Saturday, Chapie (6'1 175) recorded a goal and two assists as the Mustangs picked up a big 5-2 road win in Wichita Falls. On Sunday, Chapie recorded two more goals, including the game-winner as New Mexico swept the Wildcats with a 7-4 win in New Mexico.

Chapie was also +5 on the weekend and scored his team leading fourth game-winning goal. Chapie leads the Mustangs in scoring with 35 points (19 Goals, 16 Assists) in 37 games played. "It has been a great year for Adam and he seems to be consistently producing every weekend," said Mustangs Head Coach Jason Kersner. "He has done a lot for the team in his two years and has stuck through it to make us feel we have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender this year."

Other players nominated were (Alphabetical): Gabe Antoni, Springfield Jr. Blues Goaltender - Tyler Bruggeman, Austin Bruins Goaltender - Mike Fazio, Chicago Hitmen forward - Alex Fons, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Goaltender - Christan George, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Forward - Jake Hebda, Minot Minotauros Goaltender - Logan Lemirande, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - Zach Lindsay, Corpus Christi Icerays Forward - Jake Lynes, Topeka Roadrunners Forward - Ken MacLean, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Goaltender - Darren McCormick, Janesville Jets Forward - Ian Miller, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - JT Osborn, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward - Shawn Pauly, Wenatchee Wild Forward - Jimmy Peplinski, New Mexico Mustangs Forward - Sean Reynolds, Chicago Hitmen Forward - Tyler Richter, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - TJ Sarcona, Amarillo Bulls Forward - Chris Sitler, Springfield Jr. Blues Forward - Castan Sommer, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - Trace Strahie, Topeka Roadrunners Defensemen

San Antonio grinds past Abbotsford 2-1

2012-01-17T11:52:00.001-06:00

The Rampage took advantage of a shorthanded Abbotsford Heat who has been battling with the Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons for the Western Conference Lead. On a night where the Heat were forced to play a man down and had another injury to Desbeins Guillaume early on in the 3rd period. That shows that the Heat are a very deep team despite the injuries to stay within striking distance. Also the San Antonio Rampage are continuing to prove that they have few guys that can score as they continue to be dead last in scoring with just 89 goals in their 39 games this season (2.28 Goals Per Game).

The Heat their Southwest Road trip 2-3 with 3 of their 5 games finishing in a 1 goal game where they went 1-2 in those 3 games (2-1 losses against San Antonio last night & Texas last Wednesday Night & a 2-1 win over Oklahoma City on Sunday). So despite the injury issues, they were able to keep those games close and show the quality of depth and character that this team is showing that they could be in the race for not only #1 Overall seed in the Western Conference. But possibly get in a deep playoff run when the AHL Playoffs begins in Mid April and take a shot of possibly winning the team's 1st ever AHL Calder Cup Championship. In addition to the 1 goal games, they also lost 3-1 to Oklahoma City and won 5-0 on Tuesday Night

Despite their problems scoring goals, they continue to be just 3 points back of the 8th Place Peoria Rivermen who currently hold down the 8th & Final Playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Rampage now have a couple of days to prepare for the dreaded 3 game in 3 night stretch with a pair of road games against Houston on Friday Night at 7:35 PM & Sunday Evening at 5:05 PM. Sandwiched in between those two games will be a very critical matchup between the Peoria Rivermen where they will have a prime opportunity to climb in the Western Conference Playoff Race.

Abbotsford Heat 1 San Antonio Rampage 2 (1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Abbotsford Heat VS. San Antonio Rampage Game Highlights

San Antonio Rampage Post Game Interviews

Updated AHL Standings

San Antonio Rampage Ticket Info

From San Antonio, Texas: Center Mark Cullen scored 7:12 into the third period to lift the San Antonio Rampage to a 2-1 triumph over the Abbotsford Heat on Martin Luther King Day at the AT&T Center.

The Rampage scored the game's first goal at 14:49 into the opening period. With San Antonio on a power play, center James Wright deflected an Evan Barlow shot from the top of the right circle and the puck found it's way past Abbotsford goalie Goaltender Danny Taylor to give the Rampage a 1-0 advantage. Forward Scott Timmins picked up the secondary assist on Wright's fourth goal of the season.

Right wing Akim Aliu answered back for the Heat with just over a minute remaining in the frame. A shot from the defensemen Jordan Henry hit Rampage backstop Dov Grument-Morris, caromed off the skate of Aliu, and glided into the net. Forward Quintin Laing also assisted on the Aliu marker, which tied the game at 1-1.

After a scoreless second period, San Antonio regained the the lead on Cullen's fifth goal of the 2011-2012 campaign. He redirected a point shot from defensemen Mike Vernace past Taylor to hand the Rampage a 2-1 edge. Center Bracken Kearns tallied his 15th assist of the year with the secondary helper on the play.

Grument-Morris made 25 saves on 26 Heat Attempts for his 8th win of the season while Taylor turned aside 29 of of 31 Rampage shots in the Abbotsford Loss.

The Rampage (19-18-2) travel to Houston on Friday at 7:35 PM (CST) contest with their in-state rivals, the Houston Aeros, at the Toyota Center

Texas Stars lost out in a strong goaltending battle

2012-01-17T10:46:00.000-06:00

Just like the Dallas Stars later in the day against the St. Louis Blues, the Texas Stars ended up losing out in a 2-0 shutout to the Rockford Ice Hogs where despite 32 saves for Andrew Raycroft. The offense couldn't muster anything past Carter Hutton who made 31 saves in the Shutout Victory. This was also Brad Lukowich's 1000th career Professional Game as well as they were looking to make his big night a success as well.

This keeps the Stars down in last in the West Division and 14th Place in the Western Conference. It also didn't help that the San Antonio Rampage pulled off a big victory over the Abbotsford Heat who have been battling hard for the Western Conference Lead against the Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons. Next up for the Stars is a hot Chicago Wolves Team who's just 2 points back of the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers.

Texas Stars 0 Rockford Ice Hogs 2 (0-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

Updated AHL Standings

From Rockford, Illinois: The Texas Stars (17-18-3) were defeated by the Rockford Ice Hogs (15-21-4 34 PTS) 2-0 in front 4717 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Monday Afternoon. Rockford center Carter Hutton (6-5-1) recorded his first shutout of the season, stopping all 31 Texas shots for the win. Goalie Andrew Raycroft (3-2-1) made 32 saves in the defeat, as the team fell to 9-11-1 on the road this year. Ice Hogs Brandon Svendson scored the eventual game winning goal at 8:49 of the second period and Rockford added an insurance goal in the third by Jeremy Morin. Texas Captain Brad Lukowich played in his 1,000 pro game in the defeat. Stars right wing Colton Sceviour had his six game scoring streak snapped as the club was shutout for the first time all season. Texas travels to Chicago for a game Wednesday at 7:00 PM to face the Wolves.

After a scoreless first period, Rockford claimed a 1-0 lead with the only goal of the 2nd period. IceHogs center Brad Pirri snapped a shot to the Texas Net from the bottom of the right wing circle. Texas goalie Andrew Raycroft made the save, but couldn't control the rebound. Rockford center Brandon Svendson poked in the puck for his 1st goal of the season at 8:49, giving the Hogs a 1-0 lead through 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, Rockford's Jeremy Morin banged in a rebound for his ninth goal of the year and a 2-0 lead with 3:59 left on the clock. Ben Smith and Brian Fahey each had an assist on the power play that rounded out the scoring.

Texas concludes a four game road trip in Chicago on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The team will return home on Friday, January 20th to host Peoria at 7:30 PM on Friday Night. The first 2,500 fans to Friday's game will receive a player magnet courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Friday is also 3-2-1 night presented by Community Impact featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 Sodas and $1 Hot Dogs. The Stars take on the Houston Aeros at home on Saturday, January 21st at 7:00 PM. The first 2,500 fans to Saturday's game will receive a player card set compliments of Goodwill. Saturday is also State Farm Family Four Pack Night consisting of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48.

Individual tickets for all four games are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.texasstarshockey.com/tickets/ or by calling 512-GO-STARS (467-8277).

2011-2012 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call 512-GO-STARS or visit www.texasstarshockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

Edmond Outlook Article about Matt Donovan

2012-01-16T16:01:00.001-06:00

Here's a look at a recent Edmond Outlook Magazine Article about NY Islanders Prospect & Edmond Native Matt Donovan as he looking to be on the door step of making his NHL Debut later this season. In addition to this article which was written by Nathan Winfrey, they was also a Q&A that Freelance Writer Terry Hull did for the December Issue of the Oklahoma Magazine.

Also in addition, here's what Hockey's Future has to say about Donovan midway through his 1st AHL Season so far.

Donovaon is playing in his 1st full season with Bridgeport. At the end of last season he decided to bypass his final two years with the University of Denver after a stellar sophomore season. In six games last season he set the bar very high for himself after posting five points in those games. In 39 games so far this season he has posted 22 points (4G 18A).

For being an offensive minded defensemen he has great size. He is built like a rock, and has a great shot from the point. Though he weighs 200 pounds, he has never been known as a physical player, but uses his long reach to his advantage. Speed has always been a problem for him, but remains a mobile skater. With more experience in Bridgeport he has the chance to be a very serviceable puck moving defensemen for the Islanders, in a mold similar to Pittsburgh Penguin Paul Martin.

Here's the Edmond Outlook Article by Nathan Winfery

Here's the Link to the Matt Donovan Q&A

It's no surprise to hear of a local sports star going pro. Oklahoma grows tremendous athletes - people who rack up gold medals and win national championships - and Oklahomans love hometown hero's who achieve the international spotlight. However, when Edmond native Matt Donovan was drafted to a professional league in 2008, he made history.

At age 18, Donovan was drafted by the National Hockey League, an extremely rare occurrence for an Oklahoman. Born and raised in a state with a climate disagreeable for skating on frozen ponds, the defensemen was selected by the New York Islanders in the fourth round.

The list of other Oklahomans in the NHL's history is a short one. Tyler Arnason, who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks in the AHL is the only other player and he was born here. Arnason grew up in Canada.

Donovan is currently assigned to the Islanders top AHL Affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He explains that the way the drafting system works is not like football, but more like baseball. For a hockey player, being drafted isn't a sure ticket to fay paychecks and lucrative product endorsement's. Hockey Players have to work their way up.

While Donovan's eyes are set on becoming a full time NHL Player, he's more then just biding time with the Sound Tigers. When he joined the team last spring, he had time for just six games with them before the season ended in April. In the off-season he got to know his teammates and when he started the new season in October, after joining the Islanders for three pre-season games, he returned as an even more invested Sound Tiger. "It's awesome knowing all the guys now," he said. "We've got a good group of guys so it's been fun so far."

Donovan hopes to help the Sound Tigers, named after the Long Island Sound, win games and make it to the playoffs. Plus, he hopes to be called up to play at least one game with the Islanders this season. His team members are mostly from the Northern U.S. States, Canada and countries like Russia, Finland & Sweden - places known for perpetual cold weather. "Everyone gets along. It's fun to hear all the different languages," he says.

Apart from being the only Okie, he's also one of the youngest on the team. "We've got a pretty young team," says the now 21 year old. The oldest player is 30 and Donovan values the experience of the guys who have some years on him. Some have been playing pro hockey for a decade. "They're veterans," he says. Donovan grew up with hockey in a way few Oklahomans have had the privilege. Over the years, his dad helped run an ice skating rink in Bethany, Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond and the Blazers Ice Center, which meant much of Donovan's formative years were spent near on the ice. "It was pretty easy getting into hockey," he recalls. "I've loved it ever since I started."

As a freshman at Edmond North High School, Donovan played AA Hockey for the OKC Junior Blazers. When he was 16, he moved to Dallas and played AAA Hockey for the Dallas Stars Elites. He finished his high school career in Iowa, playing for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the United States Hockey League (USHL). There, he was named to the USHL All Rookie Team.

His college career consisted of two seasons with the University of Denver Pioneers, after which came his historic NHL Draft. Another career landmark came in January 2010 when Donovan won a Gold Medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Canada.

Now living in Connecticut, ice is easier to come by than it was in Oklahoma, but he misses his family and friends in Edmond. "I grew up there and know everything around there," he said. Donovan picks the ocean as the biggest difference between his dry home state and where he has been transplanted, and it will be a while before he's home again for a significant length of time. The Sound Tigers are well into the new season and Donovan is optimistic. "It's going well so far," he says. "It's awesome to be drafted. I hope it proves to kids in Oklahoma playing hockey that they can make it to the NHL."

Arlington Native Colten Martin & Corpus Christi Ice Rays Goalie Anthony Stolarz ranked in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings

2012-01-16T14:41:00.001-06:00

Two players with current Texas Ties have made the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings that came out today. Unlike last year where we had Stefan Noesen & Colin Jacobs that became slam dunks to be drafted. The Southwest Region doesn't have anyone this year that will be considered slam dunks and will be fighting to continue to gain Interest from NHL Teams over the 2nd half of the Regular Season and going into the early portion of the playoffs when the End-of-Season Rankings come out in Late April.

First up is Arlington Native Colten Martin who is in the middle of his 1st season with the Kelowna Rockets (WHL). Colten is a defensemen where his strong suits including his great passing abilities, speed to occasionally join in on the counter attack and improving his game on the faceoff. He's showing his ability to improve his offensive abilities recently by being more aggressive with setting up forwards like Shane McColgan, Brett Bulmer & Carter Rigby.

Even though he was ranked #146 among NA Skaters Rankings, Kelowna Rockets Assistant Coach Ryan Cuthbret sees a lot of room of improvement over the 2nd half of the season coming up. It was also mentioned that has a great hockey IQ and is a fast learner as well. He will be looking to continue to gain NHL Scouting Interest & increase his Scouting Ranking when the End of Season Rankings come out in April by playing a big role in getting his team in the WHL Playoffs this season.

So far, the Rockets sit in 6th Place in the WHL Western Conference (3rd in the B.C. Division) with a 17-20-5 record (39 PTS). If the Regular Season ended today, the Rockets would face the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

"Colten has put himself on the map by being a competitive kid. He thinks the game well and has good instincts." Said Kelowna Rockets Assist Coach Ryan Cuthbret. Warren Henderson who is the Kelowna Rockets Beat Writer for the Kelowna Capital News, has also mentioned "that he has exceeded expectations and continues to gain confidence during his 1st season in the Western Hockey League (WHL)," about him in an email.

So far through this season, he has scored 9 points (1G 8A) in 40 games played this season. He also has 2 Multi Point Performances this season, 1st it was a 2 assist performance in a 4-2 win over the Prince George Cougars on 11/19. He also has scored his only goal of the season back on December 14th against the Regina Pats where he scored the OT Winner that night & to this point, it's his only goal of the season so far.

He's not going to be one of those players that will score a lot of points as he is more of an energy & speed guy to help out the defense get out of trouble when needed and to help set up the team's more skilled forwards. He's also looking to improve his game on faceoffs to help get the puck out of trouble, especially on defensive zone faceoffs and looking to increase the amount of time he gets on special teams (Especially on the PK).

Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie Anthony Stolarz was the only North American Hockey League (NAHL) Player to make the rankings where he was ranked #21 among North American Goalies. The Native of Jackson, New Jersey has all ready announced his NCAA commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) starting next season. So far this season for the Ice Rays, he has a strong 13-10-2 Record with a 2.54 GAA & a .924 SV% as well.

His only shutout of the season came back on December 16 against the New Mexico Mustangs with a 4-0 shutout win that came just before the league's Christmas Break, recently he has been coming up big where he has given up in 5 of the last 6 games where he has given up 2 or fewer goals and has a 4-2 record during that time going back to December 30 against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

He will continue to need to be big as the Ice Rays have been having issues finding a suitable back-up goaltender for Stolarz as no one else has been able to play more then 6 games all season to help Stolarz. His current back up Matt Laprade gave up 5 goals in his only performance which was part of a 10-3 loss where he was pulled just after the mid-way point of the game back on January 6 against the Amarillo Bulls. So he will have to continue the carry a heavy load as he looks to impress over the 2nd half of the season.

The Good News is that his effort is beginning to pay off as the Ice Rays are looking to pull away from the New Mexico Mustangs, Wichita Falls Wildcats & Odessa Jackalopes thanks to a weekend sweep which included a pair of victories over Odessa (2-1 & 3-0), as well as a win yesterday afternoon against the Texas Tornado (4-1). These results takes his record to 15-10-1 and takes his GAA to an impressive 2.38. Also, this increases the gap between the Ice Rays and the 5th Place Jackalopes to 9 points for the 4th & Final Spot in the South Division race.

Regardless of how well the team plays, it will have to go on a major hot streak in order to catch up to the Texas Tornado & Topeka Roadrunners who are still a good 14 & 16 points ahead in the Race for the 2nd Spot which would get them Home Ice in the 1st Round of the NAHL Playoffs as they will look to make a shock run to the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament that will be in Frisco in early May.

In addition to looking to get the Icerays to the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era, he will be looking to impress during the upcoming NAHL Top Prospects Tournament that will be taking place from February 20-22 coming up in Troy, Michigan where he will most likely be playing on the NAHL Selects Team which will be for the best players in the NAHL Under the age of 18.

He will be looking to be the torch barer for the North American Hockey League as he is the only NAHL Player to be ranked in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings this year and will look to climb the rankings over the 2nd half of the season.

A pair of Russians in Nail Yakupov (Sarnia Sting OHL) & Mikhail Grigorenko (Quebec City Remparts, QMJHL) are currently 1 & 2 in the NA Skaters Rankings who are coming off strong performances at the recent WJHC Tournament in Alberta, Canada. Yakupov is currently the front runner to be the #1 Overall Pick this year, while Grigorenko could have a jump of taking him down for the #1 if a major injury or something happens to Yakupov.

Overall, 7 of the top 10 players in the NA Rankings are defensemen which begins with Everett Silvertips Defensemen Ryan Murray, along with the likes of Rielly Morgan with the Moose Jaw Warriors & Matthew Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels. In all, the Western Hockey League lead the top 10 with 5 Players being ranked. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL), while the USNTDP U18 & QMJHL each had 1 player each in the top 10 among North American Skaters.

The Top American in the rankings is Jacob Trouba who was the only member of the USNTDP U18 Team that made Team USA for the World Junior Hockey Championships that wrapped up in Alberta where the Americans finished in a disappointing 7th Place this season. Which was one of the worst showings for the Americans since 1999, by finishing 7th and playing in the Relegation Round. Other members of the USTNDP U18 Team that made the Draft Rankings include Stefan Matteau who's 13th & Brady Skjei who's ranked 18th as well.

Among NA Goaltenders is Malcom Subban of the OHL's Belleville Bulls is on top of the Goaltending Lists right now. The top 5 also had Matthew Murray (Sault St. Marie Greyhounds/OHL), Brandon Whitney (Victoriaville Tigers/QMJHL) was ranked #3, Jon Gillies (Indiana Ice/USHL) is 4th, and Jake Paterson (Saginaw Spirit/OHL) round out of the top 5 this season.

Leading the European Lists has Filip Forsberg who's with Leksand in the Swedish 2nd Division. Finally among European Goaltenders has Andrei Vasilevski who's with Ufa 2nd Division which plays in the Russian 2nd Division.

Were only half way through the season right now and the End of Season Rankings will be coming out in Late April. While the 2012 NHL Draft will be taking place June 22 & 23 in Pittsburgh this upcoming summer.

Here's the Full NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings.

NA Skaters

NA Goalies

EURO Skaters

EURO Goalies

This weeks Southwest Hockey Schedule 1/16-22

2012-01-16T14:10:00.000-06:00

Here's a look at this weeks Southwest Schedule as different All Star Games are coming up. Beginning with the United States Hockey League (USHL) Top Prospects Game which is coming up on January 24.

The Dallas Stars have been delivered a massive blow with All Star Center Jamie Benn having an emergency appendectomy to really make it tough over the next couple of weeks without the team's top centers in Mike Riberio & Jamie Benn. As for this weeks schedule, a brief road trip to St. Louis to take on the Blues tonight, followed by a pair of home games against the Detroit Red Wings & Tampa Bay Lightning this week as the Stars will have to be extremely Pesky (Note the Nick Name Pesky Stars) over the next couple of weeks as they will have to rely on being successful in lowing scoring games coming up.

They will wrap up this weeks schedule with their 2nd to last game of the Pre All Star Game Schedule with a short road trip to the Minnesota Wild coming up on January 2. When the Dallas Stars return from the All-Star Game on February 1st against the Anaheim Ducks, the Stars will have just 34 games remaining in the season as they will look to gain ground on a very tight group from 6th Place Nashville to 12th Place Calgary is just 7 points right now.

National Hockey League

1/16: Dallas Stars VS. St. Louis Blues 6:30 PM (NBC Sports Network)

1/17: Detroit Red Wings VS. Dallas Stars (FSN Southwest)

1/20: Tampa Bay Lightning VS. Dallas Stars (FSN Southwest)

1/21: Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild (KTXA 21)

American Hockey League

1/16

Texas Stars VS. Rockford Ice Hogs 1:05 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. San Antonio Rampage 4:00 PM

1/18: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM

1/19: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans 6:35 PM

1/20

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans 6:35 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM

1/21

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:30 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM

1/22

San Antonio Rampage VS. Houston Aeros 5:05 PM

Central Hockey League

1/16: Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans 1:00 PM

1/17

Missouri Mavericks VS. Tulsa Oilers 7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees 7:00 PM

1/18

Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks 7:00 PM

1/20

Tulsa Oilers VS. Ft. Wayne Koments 6:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Texas Brahmas 7:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks 7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/21

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks 4:00 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Ft. Wayne Komets 6:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Texas Brahmas 7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/22

Texas Brahmas VS. Wichita Thunder 5:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Evansville Ice Men 5:15 PM

North American Hockey League

1/20

Texas Tornado VS. Topeka Roadrunners 7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM

1/21

Texas Tornado VS. Topeka Roadrunners 7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM

1/22: Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs 2:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

1/20

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads 8:00 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede 7:35 PM

1/21

Dallas Snipers VS. Texas Brahmas 2:00 PM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads 7:00 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede 7:35 PM

1/22

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede 11:30 AM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads 12:00 PM

Corpus Christi scores key victory in NAHL South Division Playoff Race

2012-01-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

Corpus Christi was able to score a huge 2-1 Shootout victory and was able to increase their South Division Lead to 5 points with the help to a great goaltending performance by Anthony Stolarz, who by the way was ranked 21st among North American Goaltenders earlier this week in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Draft Rankings.

Also the only goal in regulation, just 5 minutes later, Odessa scored their only goal of the game from Josh Obregon. After that, it was a battle of goalies where both Stolarz & Connor Hellebuyck made some great saves in the performances. For Hellebuyck, he made 34 of 35 shots while Stolarz made 29 of 30 shots in the OT Game.

Even the shootout was dominated by the goalies when Tyler Cayemberg scored 1st in the 3rd Round of the Shootout. However, they couldn't take advantage of Hellebuyck's great performance to prevent Zachary Lindsay & Dmitry Ermakov to score in the 4th & 5th Rounds to comeback to win the SO & the Game 2-1 last night at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.

Both the Ice Rays & Jackalopes will be playing again tonight at 7:05 PM as well where the Ice Rays can extend their lead again for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division. Also the Amarillo Bulls & Topeka Roadrunners are playing in Amarillo at 7:00 PM in a game where Topeka will be looking to get in a 2nd Place Tie with the Tornado in the South Division.

Finally the Texas Tornado will host the Wichita Falls Wildcats at 7:30 PM at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco tonight. The Tornado have lost 3 in a row as the team is battling injuries and a surging Roadrunners Team that has won 9 of their last 10 with a rock hard defense that has given up 2 or fewer goals in every single victory over that span. The only loss was a 7-1 defeat at home where the Wild scored 4 Power Play Goals back on December 17 just before the Christmas Break.

Odessa Jackalopes 1 Corpus Christi Icerays 2 (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Current NAHL South Division Standings

1. Amarillo 38 GP 30-3-5 65 PTS 168-86

2. Texas 37 GP 22-9-6 50 PTS 135-101

3. Topeka 36 GP 23-11-2 48 PTS 111-92

4. Corpus Christi 34 GP 16-16-2 34 PTS 100-106

5. Odessa 33 GP 12-16-5 29 PTS 69-99

6. Wichita Falls 35 GP 12-21-2 26 PTS 87-115

7. New Mexico 35 GP 10-23-2 22 PTS 94-162

By Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller

Game Photos by George Tuley

From Corpus Christi, Texas: Given the playoff stakes, it was only natural that Thursday's Game had a post-season feel to it.

There was tentative, cautious play at times and stellar goaltending was the dominant theme. In the end, the Icerays found enough timely scoring to nab themselves a critical victory. Corpus Christi outlasted the Odessa Jackalopes 2-1 in a shootout at the American Bank Center, giving the Ice Rays consecutive victories for the first time in more then two months.

The Ice Rays (16-16-2 34 PTS) moved up 5 points up on the Jackalopes (12-16-5 29 PTS) for the final playoff spot in the North American Hockey League's South Division (NAHL), with their two game set wrapping up tonight.

"There was a sense of relief that we got the point (for getting to overtime)," Ice Rays Coach Justin Quenneville said. "Realistically, that's not the goal we set to accomplish. We wanted the four point swing. We left (one) point on the table, but at the end of the day, a win is a win. We've got to build off it."

For the fifth time in the last six games, the Ice Rays allowed two goals or fewer.

"The Guys are really buying into the system," said Ice Rays Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who made 29 saves. "The maturity is coming in and the discipline is the most important thing, listening for the coaches. As long as we listen to what they have to say, I think the success in the end will definitely be worth it."

In the shootout, Stolarz out dueled Odessa Counter part Connor Hellebuyck, stopping four of the 5 Jackalopes' five attempts. Corpus Christi trailed entering it's final two shooters, but Zachary Lindsay & Dmitry Ermakov beat Hellebuyck to claim the victory.

For Ermakov, it was his second straight shootout winner. He scored in the eighth round to decide Saturday's 3-2 victory at Amarillo. Against Odessa, Ermakov used a backhand-to-forehand move and flipped a shoot over the 6'5" Hellebuck's blocker and inside the left post.

"He's been a big goalie like our goalie, so it's just a matter of getting him moving side to side and then finishing it," Ermakov said. "As our coach stated to us, (in the 2nd) half of the season we treat every game as a playoff game and and play a playoff style."

The teams traded second period goals, with Brandon Smith tallying for Corpus Christi and ex-Ice Ray Josh Obgren responding for Odessa. But otherwise, it was all about Stolarz and Hellebuyck, who from 12 feet, 9 inches of goaltender between them and showed why they're two of the top net minders in the NAHL.

"When you've got two great goaltenders playing like they did tonight, you knew it was going to be a frustrating contest in terms of offensive output," Quenneville said.

"But we showed a lot of good signs in terms of creating more four ourselves and being patient with the puck. They're frustrating steps - you want to see the results all the time and right away - but it does take time. With 15 first year junior players, we know there is going to be some heartache.

"But they're working hard and the energy is there. It's the bearing down and the execution from the top to bottom. We've got to find ways to put teams away early when we have the momentum and the opportunities."

Loose Pucks

Ice Rays goalie Anthony Stolarz was ranked #21 among NA Goalies in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's Mid-Season rankings released this week. Stolarz was the only NAHL Player to crack the CSB Rankings.

More Games Notes from Greg Rajan

New Mexico comes back to win 3-2 in SO

2012-01-13T13:41:00.000-06:00

On a night where the Rhinos could have officially tied the Ice Jets for the Mid-West Division Lead following the 3 game sweep, a plucky and aggressive New Mexico Team came back from a 2-0 deficit in the 3rd period to get the game tied and then win in a SO.

Despite the Rhinos SO Loss, this takes the Ice Jets within a single point of the Mid-West Division Leading Ice Jets, and they will have a prime opportunity to take the Division Lead both Tonight & Tomorrow Night with 2 more games against the Renegades this weekend. Both Games Friday & Saturday Night will be taking place at 7:30 PM MST (8:30 PM CST).

They are taking advantage of both the series sweep again the Ice Jets and the fact that the Ice Jets have this weekend off by using their 2 games in hand to great use right now.

Current WSHL Mid-West Division Standings.

1. Dallas Ice Jets 30 GP 20-6-4 44 PTS 125-79

2. El Paso Rhinos 29 GP 21-7-1 43 PTS 162-95

3. Texas Jr. Brahmas 26 GP 15-10-1 31 PTS 111-93

4. New Mexico Renegades 26 GP 13-11-2 28 PTS 93-96

5. Dallas Snipers 32 GP 3-29-0 6 PTS 95-213

New Mexico Renegades 3 El Paso Rhinos 2 (SO) (0-1, 0-1, 2-0, 0-0, 1-0)

El Paso Rhinos Press Release by Duke Keith

Here's the New Mexico Renegades Press Release

From El Paso, Texas: Thirty one seconds.

Leading 2-0 over a scrappy New Mexico Renegades Team in the third period, the El Paso Rhinos went to sleep at the switch for just 31 seconds. That's all it took for the Renegades to tie the game, then beat their hosts in a shootout, 3-2.

New Mexico's Adam Moon deflected a fluke goal in off a draw at 3:41. Out of a fracas right after the goal, El Paso team captain Mike Rivera was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct.

After going 0-8 with the man advantage through the prior two periods. Renegades forward Matt Uvodich broke into the Rhinos Zone between two defenders and lifted a low wrister just over the pad of El Paso Goalie Trent Casper for the power play goal at 4:12.

Embolden by the tie, New Mexico circled the wagon behind goaltender Eric Messer, not letting in another Rhinos goal through the rest of regulation, all of the five minute overtime, and even the shootout.

Though it won't show up in the stats, Messer also stopped all four Rhinos shooters in the SO, when Michael Pisarevsky rendered the fifth shooter unnecessary by the scoring New Mexico's second shootout goal.

Messer stopped 42 of 44 shots for his 10th win in net and New Mexico improves to 13-11-2. The Renegades 28 points put them just 3 points behind the Texas Brahmas for third place in the Mid-West Conference of the Western States Hockey League.

The loss is El Paso's (21-7-1, 43 Points) first in overtime or shootout this season, thus the Rhinos miss an opportunity to the Ice Jets (20-6-4 44 PTS) atop the Mid-West Conference for the first time this season.

They'll have another opportunity Friday & Saturday Night, as El Paso & New Mexico play twice more, at 7:30 PM MST both nights.

For tickets & Info, contact the Rhinos front office at 915-479-PUCK (7825) or go to www.elpasorhinos.com

Texas scores huge Final Minute win over Abbotsford

2012-01-13T13:01:00.000-06:00

In what was a goaltenders duo in Austin last night, the Stars were looking to make sure that they wouldn't get crushed like how the Rampage were crushed by Abbotsford back on Tuesday Night. Both Andrew Raycroft & Danny Taylor made some great saves to keep the scoring low last night.

But both goalies gave up goals on what looked like to be some weak turnovers, including seeing Taylor getting pulled at the 2nd intermission just over a minute after Stephen Schultz broke the scoreless deadlock.

This was one of the biggest wins of the season for the Stars as the Heat are currently leading the Western Conference by just 1 point over the Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons by a single point who are currently tied for 2nd in the Division.

To show you how tight the West Division & How strong all 3 teams are, is that all 3 teams would be division leaders in every other Division in the American Hockey League except the East Division where the Hershey Bears are leading with 53 points right now.

The Texas Stars will now begin a 4 game Mid-West Road Trip as they will get it started in Michigan to play the Grand Rapids Griffins, they will also play the Milwaukee Admirals, Rockford Ice Hogs & Chicago Wolves over the course of the Road Trip.

While Abbotsford will now head to Oklahoma City for a pair of games on Saturday Evening & Sunday Afternoon as 1st Place will be on the line once again in the Western Conference. Back in November, Abbotsford & Oklahoma City split a two game series in Oklahoma City with a pair of 4-1 games.

As for other AHL Games in the Southwest this weekend. The Aeros will be in Peoria for a weekend series against the Rivermen. While the San Antonio Rampage will only have one game this weekend at home against the lowly Rockford Ice Hogs. The Rampage are looking to comeback from a humiliating 5-0 defeat against Abbotsford back on Tuesday Night.

Here's the current AHL West Division Standings

1. Oklahoma City 37 GP 23-10-4 50 PTS 110-87

2. Houston 37 GP 20-8-9 49 PTS 105-96

3. Abbotsford 37 GP 23-11-3 49 PTS 98-87

4. San Antonio 37 GP 17-18-2 36 PTS 85-107

5. Texas 35 GP 16-16-3 35 PTS 104-107

This weekends Southwest AHL Schedule

1/13

Texas Stars VS. Grand Rapids Griffins 6:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:00 PM

1/14

Texas Stars VS. Milwaukee Admirals 7:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

1/15

Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons 4:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat 1 Texas Stars 2 (0-0, 0-1, 1-1)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars (16-16-3 35 PTS) defeated the Abbotsford Heat (23-11-3 49 PTS) in front of 3,640 fans at the Cedar Park Center on Wednesday Night. Stars Right Wing Colton Sceviour scored the game winning goal with 12 seconds remaining in the 3rd period. Forwards Stephen Schultz also scored for Texas, extending the team's point streak at 4 games (2-0-2). Sars Goalie Andrew Raycroft stopped 32 shots, as the Stars Improved to 8-7-2 at home. Abbotsford goalie Danny Taylor stopped 33 of 34 shots faced in the 1st 40 minutes of play. Joni Orto stopped 8 shots in relief, taking the loss for the Heat. Abbotsford center Quintin Laing scored the game tying goal for the Heat. Texas travels to Grand Rapids on Friday, January 13th at 6:00 PM (CST) to face the Griffins.

After a scoreless first period, Texas scored the opening goal of the night late in the 2nd period. Forward Stephen Schultz snuck the puck past Taylor with 1:04 remaining in the period. Schultz's fourth goal of the year went unassisted off a Heat Turnover, grabbing a 1-0 lead for the Stars.

Abbotsford tied the game at 1-1 as center Quintin Laing found the back of the net at 10:55 of the 3rd period. Defensemen Joe Piskula put up the assist on Lang's tenth goal of the season. Texas Right Wing Colton Sceviour netted the game winning goal with 12 seconds left in the final frame. Center Scott Glennie set up Sceviour's seventh goal of the season, closing out the 2-1 win.

Texas will embark on a four game road trip from January 13-18, making stops in Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, Chicago & Rockford. Texas will return home on Friday, January 20 to host Peoria at 7:30 PM. The first 2,500 fans to Friday's Game will receive a player magnet courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Friday is also 3-2-1 night featuring a $3 Domestic Drafts, $2 Sodas & $1 Hot Dogs. The Stars take on the Houston Aeros at home on Saturday, January 21st at 7:00 PM. The first 2,500 fans to Saturday's Game will receive a player card set compliments of Good Will. Saturday is also the State Farm Family Four Pack consisting of four tickets, four sodas & four hot dogs for $44.

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available on the Tickets Page on the Texas Stars Website or by calling 512-GO-STARS (512-467-8277).

2011-2012 Season Ticket Packages are on sale now. For more info on Texas Stars Season Tickets call (512)-GO-STARS or www.texasstarshockey/tickets/. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars Front Office.

Dallas Ice Jets El Paso Rhinos Photos

2012-01-11T22:59:00.000-06:00

The Western States Hockey League, as well as both the El Paso Rhinos VS. Dallas Ice Jets WSHL Series over the weekend at Polar Ice House in Grapevine over the weekend.

Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinos Series Photos

1/7 NCAA Scores

2012-01-11T16:26:00.000-06:00

Here's a look at last Saturday's NCAA Scores, pretty much ever conference is back up to speed after the Holiday Break with the exception of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) which was playing in some Non-Conference Games this weekend. Also the USNTDP U18 Team was in action against Northeastern University as well. Also the Hockey East Games were part of the 2012 Outdoor Event that was held at Fenway Park in Boston.

Atlantic Hockey Association

Canisius 2 Army Academy 1 (1-0, 0-0, 1-1)

Robert Morris 2 Bentley 2 (OT) (0-1, 0-1, 2-0, 0-0)

Air Force Academy 3 Holy Cross 4 (1-2, 1-0, 1-2)

Niagara 0 UCONN 2 (0-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Sacred Heart 1 Mercyhurst 3 (0-1, 0-0, 1-2)

Central Collegiate Hockey Association

Ohio State 2 Bowling Green 3 (SO) (0-1, 0-1, 2-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Miami (OH) 4 Michigan State 0 (0-0, 1-0, 3-0)

Alaska-Fairbanks 3 Northern Michigan 7 (0-1, 2-2, 1-4)

Lake Superior State 3 Michigan 2 (SO) (0-0, 1-2, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

ECAC Hockey

Quinnipiac 2 Brown 2 (OT) (0-2, 2-0, 0-0, 0-0)

Harvard 2 RPI 2 (OT) (1-2, 0-0, 1-0, 0-0)

Dartmouth 1 Union 7 (0-3, 0-2, 1-2)

Princeton 2 Yale 6 (1-2, 0-1, 1-3)

Hockey East

Maine 5 New Hampshire 4 (OT) (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 1-0)

Vermont 2 UMASS 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Non Conference

Cornell 3 Colorado College 3 (OT) (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-0)

Alabama-Huntsville 2 Denver 5 (1-2, 0-3, 1-0)

Colgate 1 Ferris State 3 (0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

Minnesota State 3 St. Lawrence 1 (0-0, 1-0, 2-1)

Notre Dame 4 Minnesota 3 (1-0, 2-1, 1-2)

Clarkson 1 North Dakota 3 (1-0, 0-2, 0-1)

RIT 1 Wisconsin 2 (0-0, 1-1, 0-1)

Minnesota-Duluth 5 Western Michigan 2 (1-1, 1-1, 3-0)

Exhibition

USNTDP U18 7 Northeastern University 4 (2-1, 1-2, 4-0)

1/7 Major Junior Scoreboard

2012-01-11T15:16:00.000-06:00

Here's a look at the January 7th Scoreboard for the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) &; the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Western Hockey League

Brandon Wheat Kings 11 Prince Albert Raiders 3 (2-1, 3-2, 6-0)

Regina Pats 3 Saskatoon Blades 4 (0-0, 2-3, 1-1)

Swift Current Broncos 3 Edmonton Oil Kings 5 (1-0, 1-3, 1-2)

Moose Jaw Warriors 3 Kootenay Ice 2 (1-0, 1-2, 1-0)

Medicine Hat Tigers 3 Red Deer Rebels 2 (OT) (1-0, 0-1, 1-0, 1-0)

Kamloops Blazers 6 Prince George Cougars 1 (2-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Portland Winterhawks 4 Vancouver Giants 8 (1-2, 0-3, 3-3)

Tri-City Americans 4 Everett Silvertips 0 (1-0, 3-0, 0-0)

Spokane Chiefs 4 Seattle Thunderbirds 2 (3-0, 0-1, 1-1)

Kelwona Rockets 4 Victoria Royals 3 (SO) (0-0, 2-2, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0)

Ontario Hockey League

Kitchener Rangers 6 Erie Otters 4 (2-2, 0-2, 4-0)

Sarnia Sting 2 Niagara Ice Dogs 4 (0-1, 2-2, 0-1)

Ottawa 67s 3 Belleville Bulls 2 (0-0, 2-2, 1-0)

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 3 Peterborough Petes 4 (SO) (1-1, 1-0, 1-2, 0-0, 0-1)

Saginaw Spirit 3 Plymouth Whalers 4 (SO) (1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

London Knights 3 Barrie Colts 2 (0-1, 2-0, 1-1)

Brampton Battalion 3 Owen Sound Attack 4 (OT) (1-0, 0-2, 2-1, 0-1)

Guelph Storm 6 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 1 (2-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Rimouski Oceanic 3 Baie-Comeau Drakkar 2 (SO) (0-0, 2-0, 0-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Chicoutimi Sagueneens 4 Victoriaville Tigers 3 (1-2, 2-0, 1-1)

St. John Seadogs 6 Halifax Mooseheads 3 (0-2, 5-1, 1-0)

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 1 Moncton Wildcats 2 (1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Gatineau Olympiques 5 P.E.I. Rockets 1 (1-1, 2-0, 2-0)

Abbotsford Blasts the Rampage 5-0

2012-01-11T14:27:00.001-06:00

In a game where basically nothing went right for San Antonio, the Abbotsford Heat just took advantage of major turnovers, poor shots, bad special teams and not much execution. The Heat took advantage of one of the worst performances of the year by the San Antonio Rampage to win 5-0.

The Rampage didn't take advantage of a major opportunity that would gotten them within one point of both the Rochester Americans & Peoria Rivermen who are currently tied for the 8th & Final Playoff spot with 39 points right now.

Abbotsford on the other hand is back within one point of the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons who they will play in a weekend series this upcoming weekend

"This was a disappointing effort for 60 minutes." San Antonio Coach Chuck Webber said in a post-game interview. "The only thing I felt we did is constantly is turnover the puck and lose one-on-one battles.

Webber was more disappointed then anything else as he mentioned a bunch of things that lead to the worst showing of the year. "Even when we lost 5-0, 4 of them were power play goals." Mentioning a game back on October 21 game at home against the Peoria Rivermen, currently the Rivermen are sitting in a tie with the Rochester Americans for the 8th & Final Playoff spot in the AHL Western Conference right now.

"We got outworked for pretty much the entire game," Rampage Forward Bracken Kearns said following the 5-0 loss. "But they were pretty hungry after how they were pretty embarrassed and they did it to use tonight." Mentioning a game back on November 25 when the Rampage beat the Heat by the same 5-0 score in a similar fashion.

San Antonio will hit the ice again on Saturday Night back at the AT&T Center against the last place Rockford Ice Hogs on Saturday Night at 7:00 PM. While the Abbotsford Heat will continue their Southwest Road Trip tonight in Austin to play the Texas Stars at 7:30 PM at the Cedar Park Center tonight.

Abbotsford Heat 5 San Antonio Rampage 0 (2-0, 2-0, 1-0)

San Antonio Rampage TV

Press Release from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Rampage were defeated by the Abbotsford Heat by a score of 5-0 at the AT&T Center on Tuesday Night.

Abbotsford scored the game's first goal at 11:00 into the opening period to take a 1-0 lead. With the Heat Shorthander, Center Quintin Laing received a feed from the right wing Guillaume Desbiens and fired a wrist shot over the right shoulder of Rampage backstop Dov Grument-Morris for his ninth goal of the season. Defensemen Chris Breen registered the secondary assist on the Laing tally.

Right wing Akim Aliu extended the Abbotsford edge to 2-0 with just over a minute remaining in the first. In a goal mouth scramble at the front of the net, Aliu was the last player to touch the puck before it slid past Grument-Morris and over the goal line. Aliu's third score of the year was assisted by the defensemen Joe Piskula and Center Ben Walter.

A power play goal from center Krys Kolanos at 3:12 of the middle stanza made the count 3-0 in favor of the Heat. From the end line, Kolanos took a pass from right wing Jon Rheault, and roofed a shot over the shoulder of Grument-Morris to tally his 17th goal of the 2011-2012 campaign. Laing picked up his second point with the secondary assist on the play.

Left Wing Raitis Ivanans converted on a two-on-rush with forwards Carter Bancks 8:54 into the second period to give Abbotsford a 4-0 advantage. Ivanans gathered a pass from Bancks before firing a shot into the right side of the net for his second tally of the year. Also notched a helper on the goal was left wing Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond.

Rheault tallied his 14th score of the year at 14:33 mark of the third period when he intercepted a San Antonio pass and quickly ripped a shot by Grument-Morris to give the Heat a 5-0 lead.

Abbotsford backstop Danny Taylor turned aside 26 Rampage shots he faced for his 2nd shutout of the season while Grument-Morris made 37 saves on 42 Heat attempts.

The Rampage celebrate their 10th anniversary on Saturday Night with a 7 PM (CST) contest against the Rockford Ice Hogs at the AT&T Center

Austin Smith Story on College Hockey News

2012-01-11T12:15:00.000-06:00

With Austin Smith looking to help his Colgate Raiders be on the Big Surprise Teams in the entire NCAA & a possible Hobey Baker Award Contender this season. The Coppell Native is looking to end his College Career with a bang before he turns pro with his ultimate goal of playing for the Dallas Stars in the near future.

One thing though that has eluded Austin Smith's College Hockey Career has been post-season success. During his Freshman & Sophomore Years, the Raiders went 1 and done in their 1st series. In 2009 after the Raiders finished 10th during the Regular Season, Quinnipiac in a series where the Best of 3 1st Round where every single game went to OT.

The 2010 Season was better after finishing 4th, they were able to earn a 1st Round Bye. However, it was more of the same as St. Lawrence beat them in 2 games in the ECAC Quarterfinals

Last year, the regular season turned out to be a nightmare as they were one of the worst teams in the entire NCAA at one point where the Raiders didn't even win a Conference Game until early February where the team won just 9 games overall in the Regular Season last year.

However when the ECAC Playoffs began, they pulled off upsets against RPI in the 1st Round & the top seeded Union College in the Quarterfinals before losing to Yale in the Conference Semifinals. The team knew that with the bad season, it was either the Conference Championship or bust to make the NCAA Tournament.

So far this season, he leads the entire NCAA in goals with 20 and is in a 3 way tie with Jack Connolly (Minnesota-Duluth) & Spencer Abbott (Maine) with 33 points right now. Smith's two way game has taken a huge step over the course of his NCAA Career where he transformed from his Travel Hockey & Junior Days with the Pentiction Vees, in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) that will help him a lot when he gets his Professional Career underway full time next season most likely.

After the BCHL Championship in 2008, they were looking to beat the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Champion Camrose Kodiaks for the Pacific Region Championship & a spot in the RBC Cup (Canadian Jr. A National Championship) spot. They lost to the Kodiaks in 5 games who went on to lose in the RBC Cup Final to the Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) 1-0 in the Championship Game.

He was taken in the 5th Round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Stars (128th Overall) and looks and is looking to be among one of the 1st Players from the Southwest to make the National Hockey League (NHL) and be the Dallas area's 1st ever born & Trained Player to make the Dallas Stars.

I like his chances of making the NHL as he has been able to work his way up the ranks and be willing to work hard and be able to make rapid improvements at every level. From Dallas Jesuit where he even played for their HS Team in the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League, then as a Senior he went to the Gunnery Prep School for his Senior Year where he got noticed by different NHL Teams to take him in the NHL Draft.

Barring a major collapse, he will most likely sign his NHL Entry Level Deal after his NCAA Season wraps up and will most likely begin his Pro Hockey Career with the Dallas Stars AHL Affiliate, the Texas Stars down in Austin to play the final part of the AHL Regular Season and playoffs if the Texas Stars make the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs in Mid-April.

He would like to finish his NCAA Career with a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament. One of the few things that has eluded him in his College Career. Also if he can continue his strong showing, they is a possibility that he could be a major contender for the Hobey Baker Award as well that will be awarded out on April 6. This is part of the NCAA Frozen Four Weekend that will take place from April 5-7 at the St. Pete Times Forum where the NCAA Hockey Frozen Four will be taking place this season.

Here's the Timeline for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award to determine the Finalist, and the winner this year.

You can vote in the Early Round here.

Hobey Baker Top Ten: March 15

Hobey Baker Final 3: March 29

Hobey Baker Award Announcement: April 6 (In Tampa, Florida)

Here's Colgate's remaining Regular Season Schedule, the entire 2nd half of the season is entirely within the ECAC Hockey Conference. Right now, the Raiders sit in 2nd Place in the Conference at 6-2-0 & 12-6-2 overall right now and will look to overtake Cornell who sit just 1 point ahead in the Conference Lead while looking hold off teams like Quinnipiac & Union as well.

Here's the remaining Regular Season Schedule for the Colgate Raiders, as well as the dates for the 2012 ECAC Hockey Tournament.

1/13: @ Princeton 6:00 PM

1/14: @ Quinnipiac 3:00 PM

1/20: VS. Harvard 6:00 PM

1/21: VS. Dartmouth 6:00 PM

1/27: @ Cornell 6:30 PM

1/28: VS. Cornell 6:00 PM

2/3: @ Union 6:00 PM

2/4: @ RPI 6:00 PM

2/10: VS. Yale 6:00 PM

2/11: VS. Brown 6:00 PM

2/17: @ St. Lawrence 6:00 PM

2/18: @ Clarkson 6:00 PM

2/24: VS. RPI 6:00 PM

2/25: VS. Union

ECAC Hockey Playoffs

1st Round: 3/2-4 Best of 3 @ Campus Sites

Quarterfinals: 3/9-11 Best of 3 @ Campus Sites

Semifinals & Finals: 3/16-17 @ Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, N.J.

Here's the Story by Adam Wodon of College Hockey News

Last season could not have been any worse for Colgate, or for Austin Smith. Picked to finish near the top of the ECAC, Colgate finished deal last, without a league win until February. Smith coming off two strong seasons, saw his goal totals plummet into single digits. A pair of series victories in the ECAC Tournament did a little to soften the blow, but not much.

As the old adage says, however. Sometimes it takes going a step back to go two steps forward. In Colgate's case, perhaps it's been three.

The Raiders are near the top of the ECAC This year, and Smith - as of the time of writing 0 was leading the nation in goal scoring. The pair's fortunes are Clarey intertwined.

"We didn't have much chemistry (last year)," Smith said. "This year, I have had two exceptional linemates. "We've clicked and bonded well." Hopefully we can replicate this and have an even better second half."

Those linemates are sophomore Chris Wagner ("We're best friends off the ice," Smith said.), and Joe Wilson, a freshman that ignites the other two.

"He's an unsung hero. He has so much energy," Smith said of Wilson, a sentiment his coach echoes.

"Joey is quiet, but he has a sponge," and I think he's enjoying the heck out of playing with those guys," Colgate Coach Don Vaughan said. "His acceleration - he can really skate. He'll hound pucks down and force turnovers, and then Chris gets it and feeds it to Austin.

Smith is also healthy for the first time in a few years. Two seasons ago, he realized he needed surgery for a torn labrum in both hips, an injury that is becoming increasingly prevalent in hockey players (six Colgate Players alone have had surgery in the last four years). But he only took care of one, and played through last season knowing he'd need surgery to the other hip this past off season.

Smith chose to play through it last year instead of taking a medical red shirt.

"I didn't want to set myself back," Smith said, about forgoing the surgery. "I had a really good sophomore year and played through it. So I knew that it was possible to play through it. I couldn't really imagine sitting out. I'm looking forward to a pro career, and fortunately, knock on wood, it's been a really big senior year and that's what I was looking for. It's kind of a contract year."

The effects were sore hips, trouble squatting, and a sharp pain that would move to the groin area.

But Smith believes he's better for the adversity.

"Maybe I need that. I had that big step in the road," Smith said. "I was in pain most of the year and things weren't going well. I could've packed it in and had surgery. But I learned a lot. I learned focus and dedication and things that will really help me in my pro career."

But it wasn't just the injury. Smith had to adjust to new linemates, after having played with an All-American like David McIntyre in years past. Smith said, playing with a player like McIntyre, he was passing all the time, trying to set him up. Most of the time, those passes paid off.

But last year, those same passes, without McIntyre, weren't leading anyway. His troubles mirrored the team's.

Initially it was (the injury)," Vaughan said. "When your confidence starts to wane, it builds upon itself. Whereas, if he was healthy and got off to a better start... he was also a victim of what was going on collectively."

As a result, though, Smith finally learned what his coach has been preaching for years - shoot more.

"I have a great shot, I know that, but something in my brain says, 'make that pass over two sticks'" Smith said.

"I learned I've got to get the puck to the net, take opportunities when you get them. This year I've scored when before I would have made the extra pass. More then anything, I've been determined and focused on that part of the game - in practice too, just every day, not just swiping one at the goalie and going through the motions. I'm trying to score."

Colgate now is moving up the polls and the ECAC Standings.

"Getting off to a good start was important," Vaughan said. "The guys will be better ... we wanted to be getting more aggressive, more north-south, and hound all areas of the rink. We did a lot of video work, going back to last year. We were reinforcing that game plan through the use of video. We wanted to show only the positive plays in our video sessions."

Smith might have a common name, but his path to college hockey is uncommon - through Dallas, Texas. On the other hand, it's becoming an increasingly popular avenue for athletes from that area. Much of the thanks for that has to come from the Dallas Stars, whose move there and success fostered an enormous upswing in hockey interest among local youth.

"It's completely what got me into hockey," Smith said. "Back then, there was 250 kids in the Metroplex (Dallas-Ft. Worth area) that played. Now there's 50,000 or more."

David McKee, a former Cornell Goaltender (2003-2006) and Hobey Baker Award finalist, was among the first from Texas to play College Hockey. McKee happens to have grown up on the same street as Smith. Others that Smith grew up with, including Locke Jillson and Keir Ross, who both went to Cornell, similarly were going to play NCAA Hockey.

But it was his mom that Smith was inspired by the most.

"When I went to Colgate, I loved the campus," Smith said. "My mom influenced me, with the academics. She really wanted that aspect as well. She was probably as much of an influence as anything... I had a good relationship with Vaughan early, and the team was good at the time."

To top it all off, the hometown Stars selected Smith in the NHL Draft. Smith said he'd spoken to the Islanders, Boston and a few other teams, but had no idea Dallas was going to select him.

"The joke is that they picked for a publicity stunt," Smith said. "But they said, 'We've got a lot of college prospects,' and they were interested. They keep a pretty close eye ... They seem genuinely interested. If I have a really good year, technically (I can be) a free agent, but I would love to play back home. That would be unbelievable.

"I've wondered about what if I went to Denver or another big school, but I'm going to get an incredible degree, I've played first or second line since my first year, logged 25 minutes (a game) and got better every day through a good coach. So you have to look at some of the intangibles."

Vaughan believes the sky is the limit for Smith the rest of the season.

"The mental part, keeping his emotions in check, even when things aren't going well. He getting better at it," Vaughan said.

El Paso completes sweep with 5-4 SO Victory

2012-01-09T17:48:00.000-06:00

El Paso Rhinos 5 Dallas Ice Jets 4 (SO) (2-1, 1-2, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0)

It was a perfect 3-for-3 this weekend for the Rhinos as they came into Sunday Afternoon's Series Finale against the Ice Jets looking to come as close as one point in the race for the WSHL's Mid-West Division Lead. Even though the Ice Jets looked better in this game then on Saturday Night; It was still the Rhinos that got off to a fast start with a strong wrist shot from the right faceoff circle at just 54 seconds into the game, with assists coming from Tobias Pehrson & Matthew Tritsch got the assists off the faceoff which helped Nelson which broke a 5 game scoreless streak which goes back to the WSHL Holiday Showcase in Las Vegas when they played the Boulder Bison.

That quick goal allowed the Rhinos to control the early portions of this game with their speed and most of the Rhinos players hitting everything one and everything in sight, in addition a strong defense that kept the Ice Jets down to 6 shots for the entire 1st period. The Rhinos continued to control the 1st period by playing some strong defense on the Ice Jets 1st 2 PP Chances with a High Sticking Penalty to Gunnar Bjorklund & an Interference Penalty against Craig Hanisch that they were able to take advantage to build momentum, to eventually lead to get the Rhinos 1-0 lead. One of the best chances for the Ice Jets in the 1st part of the game was a great breakaway that Blake Blaha was able to generate and was almost able to beat Brandon Smolarek on a Breakaway Backhand Chance just past the midway point in the 1st period.

Another folied chance came just a few minutes later when Sam Akins couldn't control what would have been a booming slap shot with traffic in front of the net .

Despite the chances, the SOG were much lower and much more even. Late in the 1st period exploded with activity with the Rhinos Dallas Szustak converting a low wrist shot to make it, 2-0 Rhinos at 16:37, with a great pass from Trey Hughes near the faceoff dot. This was a great example of making the best of their scoring chances that the Rhinos have done a great job of all weekend which was one of the biggest differences to make the Rhinos win all 3 games in this series. Tobias Pehrson also got his 2nd assist of the 1st period who's had one of his better performances of the weekend.

Just a minute later, Blaha & Craig Hanisch dropped the gloves immediately to get a short fight in where both players went to the Box for fighting. It seemed to inspire the Ice Jets who just 24 seconds later, Jefferson Wright scored his 15th of the season on a spin-o-rama shot with 2:05 left in the 1st period to cut the El Paso lead in half. The Rhinos went into the break at 2-1, but the Ice Jets were looking more inspired and into the game following the goal.

That momentum wouldn't last long though as the Rhinos scored at 3:10 as Nicholas Shadow's went through Scoggin's legs to restore the 2 goal lead on a great orginial shot by Kyle Stephens that the Rhinos were able to crash the net as Basham took the puck and slipped the pass to Shadow to put in the upper corner of the net. Just a minute later, Grant Williams scored his 3rd goal in his debut weekend after coming from the Austin Bruins in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), thanks to Hudson set him up on the 2-on-1 that had Rhinos Goalie Brandon Smolarek scrambling and basically with no chance to stop and to cut it back to a one game at 3-2 early on in the 2nd period.

After that, it was a collection of penalties that mucked up the game with that included a pair of scrums and matching minors when Johnny Henson & Trey Hughes at 5:02, then just a minute later, another scrum had the players bunched up along the boards in the neutral zone which had Tommy Mines & Joesph Matyaszek for the Ice Jets penalized for Roughing, while Rhinos Forward Tyler Basham was penalized for Unsportsmanlike Conduct as well.

Despite the Rhinos PP, the Ice Jets did a good job of being able to prevent the Rhinos PP from getting set up and build their lead. After another Ice Jets Penalty by James Barnett for a Delay of Game penalty, the team took advantage of a great turnover forced by Tommy Mines he was able to pass it to Dan Hudson where he was able to score on a backhanded goal at 16:08 to tie the game for the 1st time at 3-3.

With the SOG tied at 21 & and a 3-3 hockey game, it was felt that it was anyone's hockey game going into the 3rd period.

However, the Rhinos scored in the Opening Minute of the 3rd period with David Nelson scoring his 2nd goal of the game just 46 seconds into the 3rd period when Nelson got a great snap shot off to make it, 4-3, where the Rhinos were once again able to wrestle momentum again in the early parts of the 3rd period.

After a mostly uneventful 3rd period with only 1 penalty and some hits for both teams kept it 4-3. One of the more eventful moments came when Thomas Scoggin was rammed by the Rhinos offense where it looked like the Ice Jets Goalie could have been hurt, but he stayed in the game and helped keep the Rhinos in the game late in the 3rd & into OT where the Ice Jets stayed in the game. With 6:10 left in the 3rd period, a Johnny Henson breakaway set up by Sam Akins tied the game at 4-4 which helped get the game to OT.

In the OT, Ice Jets Goalie Thomas Scoggin helped keep the Ice Jets in this game as the Rhinos were able to out shoot the Ice Jets 7-2 in the extra period to force a SO with the Rhinos completing the OT out shooting the Jets 38-30 during the 65 minutes.

Despite getting to the SO, none of the Ice Jets Shooters were able to get it past Smolarek. While Rhinos shooters Dallas Szustak & Eric Miller helped the Rhinos win the SO 2-0 to earn a 5-4 SO Win for the Rhinos.

Ice Jets Goalie Michael Baldwin stopped just 4 of 6 shots in the 1st period before getting pulled at 16:37 mark of the 1st period. Michael Baldwin was able to make 29-of-31 shots in the SOL. While Smolarek stopped 26 of 30 shots to earn his 3rd win of the weekend.

The Ice Jets will have some time to think about this rough weekend as the Jets have next week off; nd will hit the ice again from January 20-22 in Wyoming to play the Cheyenne Stampede. Their next home series will be from January 27-29 when they host the San Diego Seagulls.

While the Rhinos will host the New Mexico Renegades at the Sierra Providence Events Center in El Paso from January 12-14. For the Rhinos to take over the Ice Jets for the Mid-West Division Lead, they need to get at least 3 out of a possible 6 points; which would have to go 1-1-1 or better next weekend.

Elsewhere across the WSHL on Sunday, the Valencia Flyers used a scoring barrage to beat the Ogden Mustangs, 12-3. This was a game where everybody was getting involved in the offense with 15 players scoring at least a point. Including a 4 Goal Game from Josiah Habighorst.

Also despite having a better performance in Southern California, the Long Beach Bombers were able to still beat the Dallas Snipers 5-4 to earn a 3 game sweep. For the Snipers, they will face the Texas Jr. Brahmas on January 21 at NYTEX Sports Center.

Poll Question: Which NHL Signed Prospect will make the NHL 1st?

2012-01-09T15:23:00.002-06:00

It's time for a new poll question that I like for you to sound off on? Of the two Southwest Based NHL prospects that have already signed NHL Entry Level Contracts in Matt Donovan (New York Islanders) & Stefan Noesen (Ottawa Senators). Who will get their chance to make their NHL Debut 1st?

Vote on our poll question and post your comments on who you think will get to be the 1st Born & Trained Player from the Southwestern Part of the Country to crack the National Hockey League?

1/6 Major Junior Scoreboard

2012-01-09T15:14:00.000-06:00

Here's last night's Scoreboard from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)

Western Hockey League

Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Prince Albert Raiders 4 (0-0, 1-3, 0-1)

Saskatoon Blades 0 Regina Pats 3 (0-0, 0-1, 0-2)

Medicine Hat Tigers 1 Lethbridge Hurricanes 3 (0-0, 0-1, 1-2)

Swift Current Broncos 3 Red Deer Rebels 2 (2-0, 1-0, 0-2)

Everett Silvertips 1 Portland Winterhawks 3 (0-0, 1-1, 0-2)

Kamloops Blazers 2 Prince George Cougars 0 (0-0, 1-0, 1-0)

Moose Jaw Warriors 2 Spokane Chiefs 5 (1-2, 0-0, 1-3)

Seattle Thunderbirds 3 Tri-City Americans 7 (0-2, 2-3, 1-2)

Kelowna Rockets 5 Victoria Royals 2 (1-0, 1-2, 3-0)

Ontario Hockey League

Sarnia Sting 4 Erie Otters 0 (2-0, 1-0, 1-0)

Owen Sound Attack 3 Niagara Ice Dogs 4 (SO) (1-1, 0-0, 2-2, 0-0, 0-1)

Guelph Storm 3 Saginaw Spirit 8 (3-2, 0-3, 0-3)

Peterborough Petes 6 Kingston Frontenacs 4 (1-1, 4-1, 1-2)

Oshawa Generals 6 Kitchener Rangers 3 (2-1, 3-1, 1-1)

Brampton Battalion 2 Mississauga St. Michaels Majors 3 (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Belleville Bulls 2 Ottawa 67s 7 (0-4, 1-0, 1-3)

Windsor Spitfires 5 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 3 (2-0, 1-2, 2-1)

London Knights 4 Sudbury Wolves 1 (1-0, 0-1, 3-0)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

PEI Rockets 5 Halifax Mooseheads 4 (2-1, 2-3, 1-0)

Gatineau Olympiques 1 Moncton Wildcats 5 (1-3, 0-1, 0-1)

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2 Acadie-Bathurst Titans 5 (2-1, 0-2, 0-2)

Rimouski Oceanic 2 Baie-Comeau Drakkar 3 (1-1, 0-2, 1-0)

Victoriaville Tigers 3 Blaineville-Boisbriand Armada 2 (SO) (0-1, 2-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Quebec City Remparts 7 Rouyn-Nornda Huskies 4 (2-1, 2-0, 3-3)

Chicoutimi Sagueneens 3 Shawinigan Cataractes 6 (2-0, 1-1, 0-5)

Drummondville Voltigeurs 4 Val-dor Floures 6 (0-1, 3-2, 1-3)

Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule for 1/9-15

2012-01-09T13:40:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at this week's Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule coming up this week. As always, if you have questions or comments about what's going on this week at the Professional, Junior & AAA Hockey Levels. If you have any questions or comments regarding any of the games this week, use the hash tag #SWHockey & use the Twitter name @tanman9.

The Stars are on the road in Southern California this week with games in Anaheim & Los Angeles coming up on Tuesday & Thursday as the team looks to eat into San Jose's Pacific Division Lead which is just 3 points, but at the same time be able to gain a lead on both the LA Kings who is currently tied for 2nd in the Division. And just 2 points ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes right now with 45 right now, so this would be a good time to gain some ground on both fronts.

As for the San Jose Sharks are also on the road against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, Winnipeg Jets on Thursday Night & the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday Evening as well. Fortunately for the Sharks it's against teams that are closer to the bottom of the league as Columbus is dead last in the Western Conference & a Winnipeg Jets team who has been red hot right now which them currently in 9th place just 1 point back of Pittsburgh for the 8th & Final Playoff Spot in the Eastern Conference right now.

They will wrap up the week on Saturday Afternoon against the Colorado Avalanche. The team will also officially reach the half way point of the Regular Season and the run to the NHL All Star Break which will go from January 26-30 this year, with the Skills Competition on Saturday the 28 & the All Star Game it self will be on January 29 this season from the from the Scotiabank Center in Ottawa, Ontario.

The American Hockey League Teams will have on of their busier weeks of the season so far today as the Aeros will go on the Northern Part of their 4 Game Road trip after beating the San Antonio Rampage 4-3 yesterday with the help of a 2nd period surge with the help of Aeros Power Play Goals from Kris Foucault & Jon Disalvatore to help beat San Antonio and are back tied with the Abbotsford Heat for 2nd in the West Division & are just 3 points back of the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons.

Speaking of the Western Conference Leading OKC Barons, they have a 3 game in 3 night home stretch this weekend; which will include a pair of games against the Abbotsford Heat on Saturday Night & Sunday Afternoon with the West Division Lead likely on the line. It will depend however on how the Heat will do against the San Antonio Rampage on Tuesday Night & the Texas Stars on Wednesday Night to determine how much 'Heat' will be on the Barons to help protect the lead. It should be a pair of fiesty games for the Division Lead.

Back in November, the Barons & Heat split a weekend series with a pair of 4-1 games between the two teams. The Barons lead Abbotsford by 3 Points going into this week. In addition to the two games against Abbotsford, they will play the Rockford Ice Hogs who are currently dead last in the Western Conference

As for the American Hockey League All Star Game, it will be taking place on January 29 & 30 at the Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, N.J. You can see the info on this year's event here and info on this year's roster here.

Saturday Night will be extremely busy for the AHL Teams as all 4 teams are in action against separate opponents. Texas is in Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Admirals, Abbotsford will host the Oklahoma City Barons, the Houston Aeros are in Illinois to play the Peoria Rivermen and the Rampage hosting the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Elsewhere around the region on Thursday & Friday Night will have a critical battle for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division as the Odessa Jackalopes & Corpus Christi Icerays will play each other at the American Bank Center. The Icerays are currently leading for the 4th Spot by 4 points, so the Jackalopes will need to win both games in regulation to get to a tie for 4th.

The League will also have the Topeka Roadrunners & Amarillo Bulls each other as the Roadrunners are looking to overtake the Tornado for 2nd Place who have lost their lost 3; and allowed the Roadrunners to get within 2 points of 2nd Place and what would be 1st Round Home Ice in the NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs.

In the Western States Hockey League, after a 3 game sweep of the Dallas Ice Jets in Grapevine over the weekend. The Rhinos have a chance to take the Mid-West Division Lead as the Rhinos will host the New Mexico Renegades this weekend. El Paso needs to get at least 3 of a possible 6 points to take the Division Lead which would at least be a win, an OT Loss & Regulation Loss or better this weekend.

Finally, it's a very busy weekend for U16AAA & U18AAA Teams with the MLK Weekend coming up.

At the U18 Level, The Dallas Stars Elites will head to Denver to play the Rocky Mountain Teams in their Tier 1 Elite League Showcase. The Ice Jets & Alliance Bulldogs will head to the High Performance Hockey League Showcase in Chicago. Finally the Texas Tornado U18 & U16 Teams will be in Troy, Michigan (just outside of Detroit) for one of the final NAPHL Regular Season.

The U16 Level will have the Stars Elites heading to Hingham, Mass (Just outside Boston). The Ice Jets will also be at the HPHL Showcase to play Shattuck St. Mary's as well as a trio of Detroit Powerhouses in Compuware, Honeybaked & Little Caesars during the MLK Weekend as well.

The TAHA State Tournament gets underway a month from tomorrow. So some teams who are going to looking to qualify for the Tier 2 State Tournament in Mid February will be looking to get in position to qualifiy for the Tournament next month.

Here's the Video & Audio Links where you can watch & Listen to games on line.

All Start Times on here are CST.

Here's this week's schedule

National Hockey League

1/10: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks 9:00 PM (FSNSW+)

1/12: Dallas Stars VS. Los Angeles Kings 9:30 PM (FSNSW)

1/14: Colorado Avalanche VS. Dallas Stars 2:00 PM (FSNSW & NHLN US)

American Hockey League

1/10: Abbotsford Heat VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

1/11

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins 6:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

1/13

Texas Stars VS. Grand Rapids Griffins 6:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:00 PM

1/14

Texas Stars VS. Milwaukee Admirals 7:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

1/15: Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons 4:00 PM

Central Hockey League

1/13

Allen Americans VS. Missouri Mavericks 7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees 7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/14

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees 7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Tulsa Oilers 7:35 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/15: RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas 5:00 PM

North American Hockey League

1/12: Odessa Jackalopes VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 7:05 PM

1/13

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

1/14

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

1/15

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs 2:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icearys 3:05 PM

Western States Hockey League

1/13: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos 8:30 PM

1/14: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos 8:30 PM

1/15: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos 5:30 PM

U18AAA

1/13

Texas Tornado VS. Omaha AAA Lancers 12:00 PM

1/14

Wenatchee Wild VS. Texas Tornado 8:00 AM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Culver Academy 1:40 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders 2:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks 4:15 PM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Chicago Young Americans 8:40 PM

1/15

West Michigan Hounds VS. Texas Tornado 8:15 AM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Honeybaked 10:40 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover 12:15 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Team Illinois 12:40 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Thunderbirds 6:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Mission 7:20 PM

1/16

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Honeybaked

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage 12:30 PM

U16AAA

1/13

Orange County VS. Texas Tornado 2:15 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Ohio Blue Jackets 11:00 AM

1/14

Texas Tornado VS. Indiana Jr. Ice 10:00 AM

Pittsburgh Hornets VS. Dallas Stars Elites 5:20 PM

Shattuck St. Mary VS. Dallas Ice Jets 7:50 PM

1/15

Compuware VS. Dallas Ice Jets 11:40 AM

Phoenix Firebirds VS. Texas Tornado 12:00 PM

Honeybaked VS. Dallas Ice Jets 6:20 PM

TPH Thunder VS. Dallas Stars Elites 9:20 PM

1/16

Texas Tornado VS. Pikes Peak Miners 6:00 AM

Buffalo Jr. Sabres VS. Dallas Stars Elites 7:00 AM

Little Caesars VS. Dallas Ice Jets 8:40 AM

TAHA Tier 2 State Tournament Qualifiers

U18

1/11

GM1 :DJHA-Kowall VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas 7:45 PM

GM1: Dallas Stars Selects VS. Alliance Bulldogs 8:00 PM

U16

1/14

GM1: Houston Hitmen VS. Texas Aces 1:30 PM

GM2: Texas Aces VS. Houston Hitmen 7:30 PM

1/15

GM3: Houston Hitmen VS. Texas Aces 8:50 AM

U14

1/12

GM2: Allen Jr. Americans VS. Dallas Ice Jets 7:30 PM

Matt Donovan Q&A in the Oklahoman Magazine

2012-01-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

Here's a recent Q&A that the Oklahoma Magazine did recently as Donovan is going through his 1st full Professional Season with the NY Islanders AHL Affiliate called the Bridgeport Sound Tigers up in Connecticut. He's used an offensive weapon from the blue line as he has been basically his entire career.

Terry Hull who's a Freelance Writer did the Interview.

In addition to the Q&A, they was also an article written about him in a magazine called Edmond Outlook (In his Hometown) that Nathan Winfrey wrote about him as well.

Edmond Outlook Magazine Article

Oklahoma Magazine

Matt Donovan's AHL Profile

Matt Donovan, 21, is the first native Oklahoman to be a National Hockey League Draft Pick who was drafted in the 4th Round of the 2008 Draft. Donovan began skating and playing hockey in Oklahoma City before leaving the state at 16 to pursue his hockey career. Moving up the Ranks from the AAA with the Dallas Stars Elites to the Junior Leagues to the NCAA and National Teams, Donovan was drafted in 2008 by the New York Islanders and is now playing for their minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Oklahoma Magazine: Matt, growing up in Oklahoma, how did you come to play hockey?

Matt Donovan: My dad helped run the Iceland Sports Center in Bethany when it was still open. Now he runs Blazers Ice Center in Oklahoma City. I grew up watching the Blazers Games.

OM: You were born and raised in Edmond, moved to Dallas when you were 16 to play AAA, then to Iowa to join the Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL), then you joined the Denver Pioneers College Team, and now you are playing in Connecticut for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. That's five cities in six years. How much do you like moving around so much?

MD: I don't mind it. It's kind of cool being in new places every year or two. I've loved every place I've been.

OM: Do you still consider yourself Oklahoman?

MD: Yes my parents still live in Edmond. I come back every Summer for three or four months. I still love Oklahoma.

OM: You joined the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in time to suit up for the last few games of the 2010-2011 season. Did you get much playing time?

MD: I played six games at the end of last season, after our season ended in Denver. I got a lot of playing time. They put me in a lot of different situations. I think they just wanted to get my feet wet. I think I did pretty well those last six games.

OM: How does the Pro Game compare to the College Level Hockey?

MD: This is a lot faster. You have to make your decisions with the puck a lot quicker. The guys are grown men, they are not college kids. They are bigger and faster.

OM: Twenty one years old and brand new to the pros. Do you feel like your fitting in well with your teammates or do you sometimes still feel like a kid?

MD: I'm fitting in pretty quickly. We actually have a pretty young team. A lot of the guys are around my age. I don't even know if we have any guys in their 30's.

OM: You finished two years at the University of Denver before the Islanders signed you. Do you plan to finish college?

MD: My parents are kind of bugging me about taking classes and working for me degree. Eventually I'll start taking classes. I'm considering a degree in business management or criminology.

OM: We know you love hockey, but we have to ask. Are you a football fan? What teams do you root for?

MD: I love football. I root for the Sooners, obviously. A also root for OSU. My Girlfriend goes to Oklahoma State.

OM: You live in Connecticut and your girlfriend is in Stillwater? That's truly a long distance romance.

MD: We've been dating for almost two years now. We've known each other since Middle School. It's tough, but it work's.

OM: Well, you are now in your first full season of pro hockey. Does this feel like the big year? What are your goals for this year?

MD: I'm hoping this is the first year in a long professional career. I'm just working my hardest, just the way I've grown up. Hopefully I'll be called up [to the Islanders] sooner or later this year. I wouldn't have signed if I didn't think I had a good chance of playing in the NHL this year.

El Paso uses Puck Possession Domination to defeat the Ice Jets 6-4

2012-01-08T20:44:00.000-06:00

El Paso Rhinos 6 Dallas Ice Jets 4 (0-1, 3-1, 3-2)

The Rhinos used a dominant puck possession lead by Rhinos lead by Travis Cornwell & Matthew Pietrzkowski with 2 goals each, as well as Dallas Szustak with 1G & 2A which included a critical SH Goal with just under 3 minutes left that iced the game to help the Rhinos win their 2nd straight game at the Polar Ice House in Grapevine and was able to continue to eat in to the Ice Jets Lead in the Mid-West Division Lead from 5 to 3 points as they are getting over a disappointing Showcase in Las Vegas just prior to Christmas.

Unlike the previous game where the Ice Jets came out firing, it was the Rhinos looking to get off a fast start where it was basically a roll reversal as the Rhinos were out-shooting the Ice Jets 10-2 at one point through the 1st 10 minutes of the game. Ice Jets Goaltender Thomas Scoggin wouldn't let it get away as as he made several superb saves to keep the game scoreless; and also got some help from his defense including a moment where the Ice Jets Defense who did a good job to prevent a great wrist shot in a strong position that Michael Riveria was looking to get the game's 1st goal.

Despite the Rhinos Possession domination, it was the Ice Jets Austin Rehwinkel shot on a great screen shot on the Power Play a Holding Penalty against Gunnar Bjorklund at 9:27 of the period. Greg Sauers got the assist on a long width of the ice pass to Rehwinkel to get the shot off to make it a 1-0 Ice Jets Lead.

Despite the lead, the Rhinos continued to dominate possession as the Rhinos continued to dominate the play by hitting everything in set and have done an extremely good job of pinning the Ice Jets Players along the boards forcing them to reduce the number of good passes they could get off, not just tonight, but over the course of the weekend series.

The 1st period with the Ice Jets leading 1-0, but it was clear who was playing better and who was carrying the momentum.

El Paso was looking to use their momentum advantage to finally get back on the board, but the Ice Jets were looking to make the Rhinos pay not being able to take advantage of their dominant possession with a great breakaway that Grant Williams & Christian Elsborg with a great breakaway that almost made it 2-0. Just a couple of minutes later Jefferson Wright made it 2-0 at 4:53 that was set up by David Dzumba on a 2-on-1 where a last minute pass had Trent Casper scrambling as he gave up the goal to put up a 2-0 lead.

A scrum happened at the 10:34 mark of the 2nd period, a scrum took place in center ice where Ice Jets Forwards Alex Deviller went for roughing & Joseph Matyaszek for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. the Ice Jets were put in a role reversal from where they were on Friday Night when they were unable to score on a 2 man advantage, tonight they were able to kill off a 2 Minute Penalty Kill.

Just when they thought they had the penalty killed and were in the clear, the Rhinos defense was able to keep the puck in the Ice Jets zone where Michael Riveria went on a solo breakaway to tie the game at 2-2 at 15:08 mark. That was just 5 seconds after the 2 Man Penalty Kill expired. That Rhinos Goal was where the Possession was finally able to make their Domination pay off.

With just under 30 seconds to go in the 2nd period, Travis Cornwell scored on the PP with just 7 seconds to go on Austin Rehwinkel's penalty for a delay of game. Szustak was the brains on the goal where sent a give and go to Cornwell in the Ice Jets Zone to give the Rhinos their 1st lead of the night at 3-2 just prior to the end of the period.

Early on in the 3rd period, the Ice Jets got off to a great start to the period when Sam Akins sent a shot off the goalpost and bounced off some traffic to make the game tied at 3-3 at the 3:27 mark of the 3rd period. The Goal was given to Dan Hudson, Jefferson Wright also had an assist on the play as he was one that helped set up the play with the initial pass.

The next several minutes made it a back-and-fourth game with both teams looking to push to get the lead in the 3rd period. One of the best opportunities for either side came when Riveria got a steal to get a dangerous shot from the faceoff circle that just missed going in near the right post and kept the game tied at 3-3.

After a Matthew Pietrzkyowski goal that made it 4-3, at 11:57 of the 3rd period. Dallas Szustak scored what turned out to be a critical goal on a shorthanded breakaway to make it 5-3 with 2:58 left in the game. It turned out to be an important goal because Dan Hudson scored his 2nd goal of the period from the edge of the of the faceoff circle near the boards from a very tough angle that went off a couple of Rhinos players to make it a 5-4 game with just under 2 minutes left in the game, just seconds later after the Ice Jets Pulled Casper with 1:15 left in the game where the Ice Jets Offensive Players just barraged Casper's net where it came just short of making it a tie hockey game.

However, the Ice Jets couldn't get another dangerous opportunity going for the final minute of the game. Then El Paso's Matthew Pietrzykowski stole the puck from the Ice Jets to send the an empty netter down the ice to clinch a 6-4 win for the Rhinos, his 2nd goal of the 3rd period. That win again eats into the Ice Jets lead from 5 to 3 points with back-to-back wins this weekend.

Both goalies had some strong showings with Ice Jets Goalie Thomas Scoggin stopped 40 of 45 shots in the loss to send his record to 8-2-1. While Rhinos Goalie Trent Casper won his 2nd game of the weekend stopped 32 of 36 shots in the win to improve his record to 9-5-0 this season.

The Final game of the series this weekend takes place at 1:00 PM tomorrow afternoon at Polar Ice House in Grapevine.

1/6 NCAA Scores

2012-01-07T15:26:00.000-06:00

Here's the Scores from Friday Night's NCAA Games. For everything NCAA Hockey related, log on to USCHO

Atlantic Hockey Assocation

Canisius 4 Army Academy 2 (2-2, 1-0, 1-0)

Robert Morris Univ. 1 Bentley 2 (0-0, 1-0, 0-2)

Air Force Academy 3 Holy Cross 3 (OT) (1-2, 2-0, 0-1, 0-0)

Sacred Heart 1 Mercyhurst 9 (0-1, 0-6, 1-2)

Niagara 2 UCONN 4 (0-1, 0-2, 2-1)

Central Collegaite Hockey Assocation (CCHA)

Miami (OH) 2 Michigan State 1 (OT) (1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Alaska 3 Northern Michigan 2 (SO) (0-0, 0-2, 2-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Lake Superior State 2 Michigan 4 (0-2, 1-1, 1-1)

ECAC Hockey

Princeton 3 Brown 2 (OT) (2-1, 0-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Dartmouth 4 RPI 3 (1-1, 3-2, 0-0)

Harvard 3 Union 3 (OT) (0-1, 1-2, 2-0, 0-0)

Quinnipiac 2 Yale 1 (1-0, 1-0, 0-1)

Hockey East

Merrimack 2 Boston University 4 (1-3, 1-1, 0-0)

Non-Conference

Cornell 3 Colorado College 1 (2-0, 0-0, 1-1)

Alabama-Huntsville 3 Denver 2 (1-2, 1-0, 1-0)

Colgate 3 Ferris State 4 (1-1, 2-1, 0-2)

Minnesota State 3 St. Lawrence 4 (0-1, 2-1, 1-2)

RIT 3 Wisconsin 6 (1-1, 0-2, 2-3)

Minnesota-Duluth 4 Western Michigan 1 (0-1, 1-0, 3-0)

El Paso's 3rd Period Surge beats the Ice Jets 4-3

2012-01-07T14:21:00.001-06:00

El Paso Rhinos 4 Dallas Ice Jets 3 (1-1, 1-2, 2-0)

Thanks to 3 unanswered goals sunk the Ice Jets at Polar Ice House in Grapevine 4-3 last night, the Rhinos were able to eat into the Ice Jets lead in the Mid-West Division from 7 to 5 points as the two teams will meet again tonight at 6:00 PM at Polar Ice House.

The game started with the Ice Jets looking to control things early as they were able to get some early shots on goal, but with some so-so scoring chances as they were out-shooting the Rhinos 6-1 in the 1st 5 minutes plus, but the Rhinos defense did a good job of protecting goalie Trent Caspar from the Ice Jets being able to get some dangerous scoring chances in front of the net.

What also hampered the Ice Jets early efforts was that despite the Rhinos committing 6 penalties in the 1st period, but couldn't take advantage on any of their Power Play Chances, including an opportunity where after the Rhinos scored to make it 1-0 thanks to an original shot by a shot from Matthew Tritsch that was saved by Ice Jets Goalie Michael Baldwin, but Riveria crashed the net to make it a 1-0 Rhinos lead with 5:03 left.

However, just after the Riveria goal, a scrum erupted behind the net that lead to Rhinos penalties against Matthew Tritsch for Unsportsmanlike Conduct & a Craig Hanisch for a Facemask Penalty, that lead to a 5-on-3 for two minutes that the Ice Jets couldn't convert. With just 19.4 Seconds left in the 1st period, Grant Williams scores his 1st goal as an Ice Jet which would launch his game where he had a strong debut performance with 3 points (2G 1A) and a minor penalty as well. His 1st goal came from Greg Sauers & Christian Elsborg to go into the 1st intermission tied at 1-1.

The 2nd period started with the Ice Jets looking sharper & quicker then anytime during the 1st period with Grant Williams scoring his 2nd of the night just 1:06 into the 2nd period from Dan Hudson with his 13th assist of the season which is currently tied for 2nd on the team as well. After that goal, the Ice Jets Physicality took over to ware down the Rhinos for most of the 2nd period and the Ice Jets allowed to control every aspect of the early portion of the 2nd period.

Despite an Ice Jets Penalty against Joseph Matyaszek at 8:33 for boarding, the Penalty Kill did a good job killing off the penalty and it lead to a 2-on-1 lead by Grant Williams & Brandon Unser which became a 3-on-1 that Austin Rehwinkel later joined in to get a pass from Williams to snap the shot past Caspar to make it a 3-1 lead at 9:19 of the 2nd period.

Just 5 minutes later, a fight with Joesph Matyaszek that was involved with seemed to give the Rhinos their life back late in the 2nd period that lead to Michael Riveria's 2nd goal on the power play that was passed by Tobias Pehrson that lead by Riveria's Booming One Timer Slap Shot from the faceoff circle to make it 3-2 with 2 minutes left in the 2nd period. Even though the Ice Jets were up 3-2, Riveria's goal have given the Rhinos new life going into the 2nd intermission 3-2 in favor of the Ice Jets.

Huge chunks of the 3rd period were controlled by the Rhinos as they were looking to build off the late goal by Riveria that had the Ice Jets scrambling early in the 3rd period and the Rhinos at one point were out-shooting the Ice Jets 9-2 early on in the 3rd period.

It eventually lead to Rhinos goals just 1:53 apart in the 3rd period when Matthew Tritsch scored his 12th goal of the season at 7:44 assisted by Michael Riveria who notched his 3rd point of the game as he now leads his team with 37 points (15G 22A) in 25 games played this season. Also Chris Wilhite who started the scoring chance with a great pass cross ice pass to set up Tritsch & Riveria. Then Tyler Basham just before the midway point of the 3rd period gave the Rhinos their 1st lead since Riveria's 1st goal of the night to make it 4-3.

Those goals once again had the Ice Jets scrambling and had a difficult time getting Goaltender Michael Baldwin pulled in the final 90 seconds of regulation, after finally being able to get the extra man with just under 30 seconds to go. The best opportunity came with just 19 seconds to go with a faceoff in the right hand Circle, but couldn't get a strong opportunity built to challenge Caspar to force OT and takes a 4-3 loss in the 1st game of the 3 game series against El Paso.

Rhinos Goaltender ups his record to 8-5-0 by making 31 of 34 shots, while Ice Jets Goalie Michael Baldwin makes 34 of 38 saves on the night to take his record to 12-4-2 so far this season.

The Ice Jets & Rhinos have two more games at Polar Ice this weekend, Saturday's Start Time is at 6:00 PM, while the game on Sunday gets underway at 1:00 PM.

In other action across the WSHL last night, the Dallas Snipers fall to a league worst 3-27-0 with a 10-5 loss. This loss takes them to giving up double digit goals for the 5th time this season. However Snipers forwards Shane Bonds & Justin Becton each had a goal and two assists last night in the loss.

Also the Boulder Bison crushed the Cheyenne Stampede 9-0 with 4 point nights from Chris Guidotti, Ryan Gauthier & Patrick Grace. Finally the Valenica Flyers shutout the Ogden Mustangs 2-0 with a 26 save shutout performance from Stephen Palmer as well as goals coming from Greg Heimann & Hunter Jensen.

I will be reporting from the Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinios Series this weekend

2012-01-06T14:18:00.001-06:00

As the Western States Hockey League gets back into action this weekend following the league's Las Vegas Showcase just before Christmas. The League gets back into action tonight with the Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinos series this weekend at Polar Ice House in Grapevine, Texas. I will be at all 3 games this weekend for this very important series which could determine who could rise as the favorite in the WSHL's Mid-West Division.

Game times are Friday Night at 7:00 PM, Saturday Night at 6:00 PM & Sunday Afternoon at 1:00 PM this weekend for what should be a very exciting series between the Division Leaders.

Look for game stories after each game as the Ice Jets Junior Team plays their 1st Home Game since November 30 when the defeated the Texas Jr. Brahmas 7-4. As for recent streaks for both teams, the Ice Jets have come a great December while they were on the road for basically the entire month, they won 2 of 3 against the Arizona Red Hawks 2-1 & 5-3 wins, they also had a 2-1 SO Loss as well to begin their series as the Renegades currently sit in 4th Place with a 12-12-1 record (25 PTS, 90-94) so far this season. Also against the the New Mexico Renegades where they also went 2-1 as well with dominating wins on December 10 (5-2) & December 11 (6-0).

Then to wrap up the Pre-Holiday Break portion of the schedule, they went 2-2 in their 4 game showcase with wins over lowly Park City (6-1) & Long Beach Bombers (3-0), while their two losses were by a single goal, including a very close loss to the Fresno Monsters (3-2) who currently have the league's best record at an impressive 28-2-1; and has a strong 19 points lead in the West Division. The Monsters are up 5 points over the Idaho Jr. Steelheads who are currently leading the Mountain Division right now.

The Ice Jets will play the Idaho Jr. Steelheads from February 17-19, while the Ice Jets VS. Fresno Monsters Game in the Vegas Showcase will be their only Head-to-Head Matchup of the regular season back on December 17. So the only time they could play each other again would be in the playoffs and possibly could faceoff at the Throne Cup Tournament in late March.

El Paso on the other hand has been up-and-down recently which included a 1-3 Vegas Showcase Record where even the team writer was discouraged about the WSHL Vegas Showcase, read about that here. Despite also losing to the Fresno Monsters & Idaho Jr. SteelHeads like the Ice Jets did as well in Las Vegas, they also barely beat an average Cheyenne Stampede team and let the game against the Boulder Bison team get away in the 2nd Half (They played 25 minute Halves during the Showcase).

What's helping the Rhinos this weekend is that they have 2 games in hand and if they can dominate the series this weekend, they could be as close as 1 point back and would make this a big time fight for the Mid-West Division Title over the rest of the regular season, this is the only regular season series in Dallas between the Division Leaders. Later in regular season, they will play again at the Sierra Providence Event Center from February 24-26 near the end of the regular season as the WSHL Regular Season will wrap up on March 4 this year.

In addition to the important regular season series, this could be a future playoff series as well as the Rhinos are set to host the WSHL Thorne Cup Championship Event from March 28-31. So this could be an important part on the road to the Throne Cup later in March.

This was coming off a great weekend against the Fresno Monsters where El Paso just hammered Fresno 7-3 back on December 10 giving the Monsters only their 2nd loss in regulation of the season. Just a couple of nights later, the Rhinos handed the Monsters their only Overtime loss of the season with a 5-4 Overtime win. This was despite El Paso giving up 2 goals in 3:24 to go from a 4-2 lead, to having the game tied at 4-4 with just under 90 seconds remaining in the 3rd period.

Game Times this weekend at Polar Ice in Grapevine Mills Mall at 7:00 PM on Friday Night, 6:00 PM on Saturday Night and 1:00 PM Sunday Afternoon. If you enter Grapevine Mills Mall in Neighborhood 5, go through the Food Court then you will pass stores like the NIKE Factory Store ; Finish Line and across the hall from Puma Store as well.

Admission is just $5 for everyone, so come out and support the Ice Jets in one of their most important home series of the season up to this point.

OKC holds off a hard Charging Lake Erie Team to win 3-2

2012-01-05T17:05:00.000-06:00

After going up 3-0 at the end of 2 periods, the Barons had to fight off a hard charging Lake Erie Monsters who had 16 shots in the 3rd period and after going up 3-2, pulled their goalie Trevor Cann in hopes to force Overtime against the Western Conference Leaders. Fortunately the Barons Defense was able to help out Goaltender Yann Dennis to preserve a 3-2 win and improves their Goals Against Average to 2.19 GAA which is now in 4th in the entire American Hockey League.

The Barons lead in the Conference has also increased to 4 points as the Barons are beginning to show some signs they can finally pull away from the West Division Lead Pack that has until recently with the Barons, Aeros & Heat exchanging the lead the regular basis so far this season.

So far the Barons are right now are 2-0 on the current road trip as they will now head to Ontario to play the Toronto Marlies on Friday Night, then Sunday Afteroon the Barons will wrap up the Road Trip against the Hamilton Bulldogs. The team's next home game is on January 13 against the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Here's the Current AHL West Division Standings as of 1/5.

Full AHL Standings

1. Oklahoma City: 35 GP 23-8-4 50 PTS 109-82

2. Abbotsford: 33 GP 22-9-2 46 PTS 88-79

3. Houston: 34 GP 18-7-9 45 PTS 97-87

4. San Antonio: 34 GP 16-16-2 34 PTS 78-95

5. Texas 31 GP 14-16-1 29 PTS 90-94

Oklahoma City Barons 3 Lake Erie Monsters 2 (2-0, 1-0, 0-2)

From the Daily Oklahoman Website

From Cleveland, Ohio: Ryan Kelly & Philippe Cornet had a goal and an assist each Wednesday Night, and the Oklahoma City Barons hung on to beat the Lake Erie Monsters 3-2 in an American Hockey League game before 4,247 fans at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Ryan O'Marra added a goal and two assists to help the Barons take a 3-0 lead. Lake Erie, the top farm team of the Colorado Avalanche, scored twice in the 3rd period but failed to tie the game in the waining seconds after pulling goaltender Trevor Cann for an extra attacker.

Cornet, defensemen Alex Plante and goaltender Yann Dennis were named on Wednesday to the AHL Western Conference All Star Team. They will join Barons Head Coach Todd Nelson at the All Star Classic January 29-30 in Atlantic City, N.J.

Cornet leads the Barons with 17 goals, and Dannis 15-5-1 with a 2.20 GAA. Plante is currently with on the Edmonton Oilers roster but is out indefinitely with a concussion.

Kelly who scored the Barons first goal Wednesday Night just 12 seconds into the game, left in the 2nd period after a vicous hit to the jaw by Adrian Foster. Kelly, who tops the Barons in scoring with 30 points in 36 games, was bleeding from the mouth. An extended loss would add to the growing list of Barons Injuries.

Oklahoma City is without defensemen Ryan Lowery, Kirill Tulupov & Dylan Yeo and forwards Gilbert Brule, Tristian Grant, Linus Omark & Andrew Lord. Edmonton has also made 12 transactions with the Barons since the Christmas Break. This week, the Oilers recalled forward Teemu Hartikainen, Josh Green & defensemen Colton Teubert.

Yet the team continues to win. Recent Central Hockey League signees, defensemen Andrew Martins of the Wichita Thunder & Sean Erickson of the Tulsa Oilers, played well in front of Goaltender Dannis on Wednesday Night. Lake Erie had 22 total shots on goal but just 6 shots through 2 periods.

Cann, the Lake Erie Goaltender, won 24 games over the 2009-2011 seasons with the Tulsa Oilers. He is usually the Monsters #2 Goalie, but starter Cedric Desjardins is out with injury. Desjardins tops the AHL with a 1.85 GAA against average and a .941 SV%.

Oklahoma City continues its four game road trip at 6:00 PM Friday at the Toronto Marlies who lead the North Division. Then on Sunday, it's a trip West to Hamilton to play the Hamilton Bulldogs.

San Antonio splits games in Charlotte with 2-1 loss

2012-01-05T15:55:00.000-06:00

A strong 45 save performance wasn't enough to help the Rampage get a sweep out of the Charlotte Checkers as the Rampage exit North Carolina with a split of the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte as both sides goalies were strong in this one. In addition to Grument-Morris' 45 saves, Charlotte Checkers Goalie John Muse was neck-and-neck in this great goaltender's duo.

After the Rampage were able to leave with a split in the 2 game series, the Rampage are still 3 points back of 8th Place Chicago thanks to a 3-2 Lake Erie Loss to the Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons. It's back home to begin a stretch where 8 of their next 10 games will be at the AT&T Center on Friday 1/6 against the Texas Stars.

San Antonio Rampage 1 Charlotte Checkers 2 (0-1, 0-0, 1-1)

San Antonio Rampage VS. Charlotte Audio Highlights

Press Release from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From Charlotte, North Carolina: San Antonio Rampage Goaltender Dov Gourment-Morris made a season high 45 saves in San Antonio's 2-1 loss to the Charlotte Checkers at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday Night.

The Checkers scored the games first goal at 16:34 of the opening period when right wing Jermone Samson fired a shot on the San Antonio net, picked up his own rebound, and backhanded the puck past Grument-Morris to give Charlotte a 1-0 lead. Forwards Brett Sutter & Riley Nash tailed the assists on Samson's 15th marker of the season.

Nash extended the Checkers lead to 2-0 with a power play goal 2:25 into the third frame. He got his stick on Michal Jordan shot from the blue line to deflect the puck by Grument-Morris for his third goal of the year and second power play point of the net. Defensemen Derek Johnson notched the secondary helper on the play.

The Rampage scored with just over a minute remaining in the game to make the count 2-1. A centering feed from the left wing Evan Barlow went off forward David Marshall and eluded Checkers Backstop John Muse before going over the goal line. Left wing Evgeni Dadonov also registered an assist, his fifth of the year, on the Marshal goal.

Muse turned aside 42 of 43 Rampage shots he faced for his second win of the 2nd while Grument-Morris denied the Checkers on 45 of 47 shooting attempts.

San Antonio (16-16-2) returns home for a 7 PM (CST) contest at the AT&T Center on Friday Night against their In-State Rivals, the Texas Stars.

USA loses to Russia 7-4 in the U17 World Hockey Challenge Final

2012-01-05T13:15:00.000-06:00

The USA was hoping to get revenge from the Team's only Group Stage Loss against Russia back on December 30 when Russian Goalie Nikita Serebryakov made 51 saves in a 3-2 win, despite a hard charging American Team that was beginning to figure him out late and that game that almost saw the Americans force OT in the 1st matchup.

This time, the Americans were caught up in a similar game where the Americans were able to fire up an impressive 49 shots on goal including 20 in the 3rd period, but it still wasn't enough as Russian Goalie was able to make the difference with the Russians leading 3-2 at the 2nd intermission.

It looked like the game would get away from the Americans in the 1st 8 minutes of the 3rd period when Sergei Tolchinski who scored on a penalty shot during a Short Handed Opportunity from a Rushan Rafikov Interference Penalty just 1:25 into the period, but the Penalty Shot Goal was good to give Russia a 4-2 lead.

Just 5 minutes later, Ivan Barbshev who was very impressive throughout the entire tournament scored his 4th goal of the event, it turned out to be such an important goal to go up by 3 at 5-2. It turned out to be a very important goal as the Americans J.T. Compher & Anthony Lewis scored twice with J.T. Compher & Anthony Lewis scoring within 3 minutes of each other to make it a 5-4 game with just 2:04 left in the 3rd period. However, the Americans couldn't get any closer as the Russians scored two Empty Net Goals by Valeri Nichushkin & Sergei Tolchinski made it the 7-4 Final for Russia to win their 1st U17 World Hockey Challenge Title since 2000.

While the Americans won the Silver Medal for the 2nd straight year, overall the U17 World Hockey Challenge has been a strong tournament for the USA where they have finished on the Medal Podium every year since 2006, including a Gold Medal back in 2010 when the tournament was held in Timmins, Ontario.

Final Tournament Rankings

Gold Medal: Russia

Silver Medal: USA

Bronze Medal: CAN Ontario

4th Place: Sweden

5th Place: CAN Pacific

6th Place: CAN Quebec

7th Place: CAN Atlantic

8th Place: Czech Republic

9th Place: Germany

10th Place: CAN West

Press Release by USA Hockey

USA 4 Russia 7 (1-0, 1-3, 2-4)

Bronze Medal Game: CAN Ontario 5 Sweden 2 (0-0, 1-2, 4-0)

From Windsor, Ontario: Will Butcher and J.T. Compher had one goal and one assist each, as the U.S. National U17 Team fell to Russia, 7-4, in the championship game here tonight at the WFCU Center. With the defeat, Team USA finished the Tournament with a 4-0-0-2 record and placed 2nd in the 10 Team Tournament for the 2nd straight year.

"The effort was there, but fatigue was a factor tonight," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National U17 Team. "We had a great experience at this tournament and will continue to grow as a team moving forward."

Evan Allen opened the scoring at 8:38 of the first frame when he chipped in a rebound shot by Tyler Kelleher. Kelleher made a quick move to his left to shake the Russian Defender and create the opportunity in front of the net. Steven Santini collected the 2nd assist on the goal. Team USA Goaltender Hunter Miska turned aside 10 shots in the period as the U.S. went into the 1st intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Russia notched two straight goals, the first tally shorthanded, at 12:04 and 15:07 of the 2nd stanza to capture the lead. Team USA answered on the power play when Butcher wristed a shot from just inside the blueline. Keaton Thompson and Compher registered assists on the goal. Russia regained the lead in the period when a puck deflected off a U.S. Defensemen's skate and over Miska's shoulder.

A penalty shot goal while shorthanded at 3:20 of the final frame increased Russia's lead to 4-2. Russia added another tally to go up by three goals at 8:26. Team USA responded on the power play when Scott Savage sent a cross ice pass to Butcher, who found Compher open in the left faceoff circle. Compher snapped a shot past Russian Goalie Nikita Serebryakov for the goal. With just two minutes remaining in regulation, Anthony Lewis made it a one goal game with a tip in tally. Kelleher earned his 2nd assist of the night on the play.

Down one goal, Team USA looked to compete the comeback and opted to pull its goalie in favor of an extra attacker. But Russia notched two empty net goals in the final minute of play to secure the win, 7-4. Miska made 27 saves, while Serebryakov stopped 45 shots in the victory for Russia.

Tournament Notes: John Hayden was named Team USA's player of the game. The U.S. went 2/7 on the power play, while Russia went 0/2 on the man advantage. Team USA Recorded 49 shots on goal, while Russia had 34. Gage Ausmus and J.T. Compter was named to the all Tournament Team. For Team USA's Full Roster, click here The 2012 World U17 Challenge includes two pools of five teams. Pool A consists of teams from CAN Atlantic, Germany, CAN Pacific, Russia & CAN West. Pool B consists of teams from the Czech Republic, CAN Quebec, Russia, CAN Atlantic & the USA. Exclusive videos will be posted on the USA Hockey Youtube Channel under the U17 World Challenge Playlist. Follow USA Hockey on Twitter at @USAHockeyScores on twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U17CHAL. All Games during the World U17 Challenge will be available via live webcasts at www.fasthockey.com. For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey National Team Development Facebook Page. The U.S. U17 & U18 National Teams train with the Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program released on October 1, 2010 that Tran's hockey sense. To learn more, visit www.usahockeyintelligym.com

USA finishes 7th at WJC with 2-1 win over Switzerland

2012-01-05T11:07:00.000-06:00

Despite a 1-3 record during the Group Stage earlier in this year's World Junior Hockey Championships, the Americans were able to finish the Relegation Round with a perfect 3-0 with a 2-1 win over Switzerland to finish 7th in this year's tournament and look to improve when the WJC heads to Ufa, Russia next season. 2013 will be the 1st time the WJC Tournament will be in Russia since 2001 when the Tournament was in Moscow.

Among the team leaders for the USA during this tournament was a bit inflated due to the big numbers put up against Denmark on opening night & against Latvia during the Relegation Round yesterday afternoon. Campbell finishes the Tournament with a 2.62 GAA & a .906 SV% as well. For Team Scoring Leaders for the United States, the goal scoring was lead by Minnesota Wild Prospect & Current Boston University Forward Charlie Coyle with 4 goals, while Austin Watson was the overall scoring leader with 9 points in the 6 games (3G 6A).

While other notables included a bit of a disappointing tournament by Emerson Etem with 4 assists with no goals and a -1 Plus/Minus Rating.

The team will return to their clubs and are expected to play their 1st game back either late this weekend or early next week as the usual custom of most teams allowing their returning players having a game or two off to rest from the tournament run.

As for other games yesterday, Latvia survived relegation with a 2-1 win over Denmark thanks to some great performances to Nikita Jevpalovs, Kriss Lipsbergs & Zemgus Girgensons who is being looked at as a possible top 10 overall pick for June's Draft this summer.

Also the Czechs used a strong 1st period against arch rival Slovakia to win 5-2 and finish in 5th Place in what was one of the better tournament showings in a long time. Don't be surprised to see Czech Goalie Petr Mrazek to be named the Tournament's Best Goalie, and possibly the Player of the Tournament for the way that he was able to stonewall their opponent's, including getting 50+ saves in a 5-2 upset over the United States back on December 30.

The Medal Round will have Russia VS. Sweden for the Gold Medal, while Canada VS. Finland for the Bronze Medal. For the Canadians, this is the 1st time since 2001 that they will not be playing for the Gold Medal, while the Finns are coming off a heart breaking loss where they were up 2-0 against Sweden going into the 3rd period, only to lose in a shutout.

Switzerland 1 USA 2 (1-2, 0-0, 0-0)

Switzerland VS. USA Game Photos

Team USA 2012 WJC Tournament Stats

Jack Campbell Comments

Josh Archibald Comments

Jason Zucker Comments

Sven Beartschi Comments

Latvia sends Denmark Down

Czechs use strong 1st Period to beat Arch Rival Slovakia

Bronze Medal Preview: CAN VS. FIN

Gold Medal Preview: SWE VS. RUS

IIHF Press Release from Lucas Askroyd

From Calgary, Alberta: In the last game of the 2012 Relegation Round, the United States Edged Switzerland 2-1. The U.S. Finished 7th, while the Swiss will settle for 8th.

It is the worst finish for the underachieving Americans in the World Juniors since 1999, when they finished 8th. That was also the only other time they played in the Relegation Round. The U.S. Came in 7th in 1977, 1980 & 1990.

The Swiss also took a step backwards after coming fourth in 2010 and fifth in 2011. They were relegated in 2008 after a ninth place finish finish in the Czech Republic.

The teams exchanged goals rapidly in the 1st period. Austin Czarnik got the Americans on the board unassisted at 11:28, but just over three minutes later, Switzerland made it 1-1 with Gaetan Haas third goal of this tournament. Kevin Gravel promptly restored the U.S. Lead at 16:15.

And then the goalies ensured they would be no more scoring, even though the Americans peppered the Swiss Cage.

With less then 6 minutes to go in the 2nd, Swiss Net minder Tim Wolf lunged cross-crease to make a great Save on U.S. forward Brandon Saad and keep his team close.

Eight minutes into the third period, American Goalie Jack Campbell likewise stood his ground when Lino Martschini skated into the slot and let a zinger go from the hash marks.

The Swiss got a final chance at the equalizer when Bill Arnold was sent off for hooking with 26 seconds left. But even with Wolf pulled for the extra attacker, they was nothing doing.

The Americans out shot Switzerland 42-22 for the game.

Prior to the game, both teams had already secured their spots in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.

1/4 Major Junior Scorebord

2012-01-04T21:26:00.001-06:00

Here's a look at the scoreboard for January 4 in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League & Western Hockey League & the United States Hockey League. Because of how late some of the WHL Games wrap up, look for the late results in the morning.

Western Hockey League

Prince Albert Raiders 3 Regina Pats 8 (0-1, 1-4, 2-3)

Lethbridge Hurricanes 3 Edmonton Oil Kings 6 (1-0, 1-5, 1-1)

Swift Current Broncos 1 Kootenay Ice 5 (1-1, 0-3, 0-1)

Calgary Hitmen 6 Vancouver Giants 4 (2-2, 1-1, 3-1)

Seattle Thunderbirds 2 Everett Silvertips 5 (1-2, 0-1, 1-2)

Spokane Chiefs 2 Kelowna Rockets 5 (1-1, 0-4, 1-0)

Moose Jaw Warriors 0 Tri-City Americans 5 (0-2, 0-0, 0-3)

Ontario Hockey League

Oshawa Generals 4 Belleville Bulls 1 (0-0, 1-1, 3-0)

London Knights 6 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 1 (1-0, 3-1, 2-0)

Plymouth Whalers 5 Saginaw Spirit 0 (3-0, 1-0, 1-0)

Sudbury Wolves 5 Barrie Colts 3 (0-1, 2-1, 3-1)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Acadie-Bathurst Titans 3 PEI Rockets 4 (1-3, 2-0, 0-1)

Chicoutimi Sagueneens 2 Blaineville-Boisbriand Armada 3 (2-0, 0-2, 0-1)

Gatineau Olympiques 2 St. John Seadogs 3 (0-1, 2-2, 0-0)

Quebec City Remparts 4 Victoriaville Tigers 5 (OT) (1-2, 1-0, 2-2, 0-1)

Shawinigan Cataractes 8 Rimouski Oceanic 3 (2-1, 2-1, 4-1)

Drummondville Voltigeurs 2 Rouyn-Nornda Huskies 3 (1-2, 0-0, 1-1)

United States Hockey League

Omaha Lancers 3 Sioux Falls Stampede 2 (2-1, 1-1, 0-0)

San Antonio grinds to a 2-0 Shutout Victory against Charlotte

2012-01-04T15:13:00.000-06:00

In San Antonio's 1st of 2 games against the Charlotte Checkers over in North Carolina resulted in a 2-0 Shutout Victory with goals by Greg Rallo & Kyle Rau in a very evenly matched game from the pace of play, to factors like SOG where the Checkers were able to barely out shot the Rampage 33-32 and with very few penalties on both sides as well (6 Minutes for SA & 8 Minutes for Charlotte).

But perhaps one of the biggest difference in this game was that San Antonio was able capitalize on the PP while Charlotte wasn't able on the two Checkers chances in this game that took place in the 1st period.

Rampage Goalie Dov Grument-Morris recorded his 2nd Shutout of the season and has an impressive 1.44 GAA so far this season in just his 8th start of the season, while Checkers Goalie Mike Murphy despite the loss had 30 saves on 32 shots and had to make some great saves to help keep the Checkers in the Game for huge chunks of this game.

The two teams will play again tonight at 6:00 PM CT in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the Rampage, a win tonight would allow them to leap frog Lake Erie & Rochester and be tied with Chicago for the 8th & Final Playoff Spot in the Western Conference.

Both Rochester & Chicago are idle tonight, while Lake Erie has a tough home game against the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons tonight.

San Antonio VS. Charlotte 1/4 Preview

San Antonio Rampage 2 Charlotte Checkers 0 (1-0, 1-0, 0-0)

San Antonio VS. Charlotte Audio Highlights

Other AHL Games last Night

Syracuse Crunch 0 Toronto Marlies 2 (0-2, 0-0, 0-0)

Press Release from the San Antonio Rampage Website

In Charlotte, North Carolina: San Antonio Rampage netminder Dov Gorument-Morris stopped all 33 shots he faced to lift the Rampage to a 2-0 victory over the Charlotte Checkers at Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday Night. Grument-Morris earned his second shutout victory of the season of the season and Mark Cullen added a goal and an assist as the Rampage improved to 16-15-2 on the season.

San Antonio forward Greg Rallo scored the game's first goal, a power-play tally, at 19:41 of the 1st period. Center Bracken Kearns started the play by feeding Cullen down low to the left of Checkers backstop Mike Murphy. Cullen, who had been returned to the Rampage earlier in the day, feathered a pass across the crease to Rallo one-timed the puck into the left side of the goal to give San Antonio a 1-0 lead.

The Rampage added to their lead 11:34 into the third to make the count 2-0. From behind the Checkers net, winger Evgeni Dadnov found Cullen at the left side of the goal. Dadonov sent Cullen a pass that Cullen buried for his fourth goal of the season and his ninth point in his last 4 AHL Games. Kearns received the secondary assist on the play for his fifth multi point game of the season.

Grument-Morris registered his fifth win of the 2011-12 campaign while Murphy turned aside 30 of 32 Rampage attempts in the Charlotte loss. The Rampage & Checkers will faceoff again for another 6:00 PM (CST) contest at the Time Warner Cable Arena

USA U17 Team advances to the U17 World Challenge Championship Game

2012-01-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Today's USA VS. Sweden Semifinal Game of the U17 World Challenge Tournament in Windsor, Ontario was mostly an uneventful game with both teams afraid to attack at times and with both teams playing for the OT, then when the Game got to OT, it felt like that Sweden was just playing to get the Shootout.

For the Americans, a smart & speedy game was played extremely well where each team had 6 penalties (12 Minutes for the USA & 20 Minutes for SWE) where both goalies in Sionas & Demko had to make some excellent saves in this low scoring affair.

Now that the Americans have clinched the Championship Game for tomorrow night, they will take on Russia who just defeated CAN Ontario also in OT 4-3 in a game that ended just a few minutes ago.

USA VS. Sweden Game Photos

Sweden 1 USA 2 (SO) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Press Release from USA Hockey

From Windsor, Ontario: Evan Allen & Anthony Lewis each scored shootout goals, as the U.S. National U17 Team earned a SO Victory over Sweden 2-1, in the 2012 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge Semifinals here this evening at the WFCU Center (Home of the Windsor Spitfires/OHL). With the win, Team USA Improves to 4-0-0-1 and advances to the championship game against the CAN Ontario VS. Russia Semifinal Winner.

"It is a great feeling to be playing tomorrow in the Title Game," said Don Granato, head coach of the USA U17 Team. "We have to rest up and be ready for an exceptional team tomorrow in the final."

Team USA had 8 shots on goal in the opening frame, but couldn't put the puck past Swedish Net-minder Ebbe Sionas, Thatcher Demko turned aside both shots he faced in the period and the teams entered the first intermission scoreless.

Sweden seized the lead off shorthanded breakaway at 17:20 of the 2nd period. The U.S. Recorded nine shots on goal in the frame, but didn't score and trailed Sweden 1-0, after two periods.

Michael McCarron tied the game for the U.S. at 3:10 of the 3rd. Scott Savage & Dawson Cook collected assists on the tally. The goal would stand as the lone tally in the period in the game and contest was sent into a 10 minute overtime.

The U.S. Pressured Sweden in the OT Session, firing eight shots on net, while holding Sweden to three. Neither team potted the game-winning goal and the contest would be decided in a best-of-three shootout.

Demko turned aside Sweden's first shooter with a stick save. Allen skated in next for Team USA and slipped the puck past Sionas gave the U.S. a one goal advantage. Demko then made a sprawling pad save on the next Swedish Shooter to preserve the lead for Team USA. Shooting next for Team USA, Louis scored with a wrist shot into the top of the net to secure the victory for Team U.S, as it defeated Sweden 2-1.

Demko turned aside 22 shots for Team USA in the victory, while Sionas made 38 saves for Sweden for Sweden in the loss.

Notes: The USA National U17 Team will face the CAN Ontario VS. Russia Winner tomorrow (Jan. 4) at 7 PM EST. The game will be held at the WFCU Center in Windsor, Ontario (Home of the Windsor Spitfires/OHL). Thatcher Demko was named Team USA's Player of the Game. The U.S. Went 0/4 on the Power Play, while Sweden went 0/5 with the man advantage. Team USA recorded 39 shots on goal, while Sweden had 23. Click here for Team USA's Full Roster. The 2012 World U17 Hockey Challenge includes 2 pools of 5 teams each from CAN Atlantic, Germany, CAN Pacific, Russia, CAN West & the USA. Exclusive videos will be posted on the USA Hockey Youtube Channel under the World U17 Challenge play list. Follow @USAHockeyScores on twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U17CHAL. All games during the World U17 Challenge will be available via webcast at Fast Hockey For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey National Team Development Program Facebook Page. The USA National U17 & U18 Teams train with the IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program released on October 1, 2010 that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit www.usahockeyintelligym.com

USA Destories Latvia in the WJC Relegation Round

2012-01-03T17:01:00.000-06:00

Wanting to show that it wasn't happy competing in this year's Relegation Round at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, Team USA showed no mercy against Latvia in their 1st of 2 Relegation Round Games with a 12-2 win over Latvia this afternoon at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. With this win, it secures the Americans Place at next year's World Junior Hockey Championships in Ufa, Russia.

They will finish up this year's WJC Tournament tomorrow at at 4:00 PM against Switzerland who thinks their victory against Denmark yesterday, they will be battling for pride and for 7th Place as the winner of the Relegation Round. However for Latvia & Denmark, it's a battle for survival as they will play at at 12:00 PM Tomorrow.

The winner will earn the final spot for next year's WJC Tournament, while the loser will finish in last place and will be relegated down to the WJC Division 1 Tournament with the likes of Norway, Austria & Slovenia next season in a location that is TBD.

As for tonight's Semifinals, 1st up is Sweden VS. Finland at 4:00 PM where Sweden ended up winning Group A with a 2-2-0-0 record with OT Wins over Sweden (4-3) & Switzerland (4-3), while also getting regulation wins over a plucky Latvia Team (9-4) and crushed Slovakia (9-1) with a 5 goal outburst in the 3rd period.

While Finland finished 2nd in Group B coming out to a bad start with an 8-1 loss to Canada in the Tournament's Opening Game. The Finns have comeback impressively with wins over the USA (4-1), Denmark (10-1) & the Czech Republic (4-0). Then in yesterday's Quarterfinal Game against Slovakia, it was the Finns winning a scoring fest with a 4 goal outburst in the 2nd period to win 8-5 over Slovakia.

The other Semifinal Game will come down to one of the world's oldest rivalries as Canada VS. Russia will duke it out in a rematch of last year's Championship Game where Russia pulled off an unlikely comeback from 3-0 down in the 3rd period to win 5-3 in last year's Gold Medal Game to win the WJC for the 1st time since 2003.

Canada had a perfect Group Stage with wins over the USA (3-2), Finland (8-3), Czech Republic (5-0) & Denmark (10-2) as they look to win the Nations first Gold Medal since 2009 when Canada won in Ottawa, Ontario.

Finally for Russia, a strong 3-0-1-0 record with an impressive +18 GD and a with one of the better Defense's in a very long time. It was wins over Switzerland (3-0), Latvia (14-0) & Slovakia (3-1). So far this year, their only loss came in their Group Stage Finale against Sweden 4-3 in OT. Then in yesterday's Quarterfinal, it was a tough battle against a Czech Republic team with arguably this year's best goalie Peter Marek who made 50+ saves in a 2-1 OT Loss against the Czech Republic.

The Russians are looking to win back-to-back Gold Medals since 2002 & 2003 as well. Also with the WJC Tournament in Ufa, Russia next season, back-to-back Gold Medals would really spark the Russian Fans to really support the Russian National Team next season.

So far this year, the Russians went 3-0-0-1 in the Group Stage with

USA 12 Latvia 2 (4-0, 7-1, 1-1)

Press Release by Andrew Podnieks of the IIHF Website

USA VS. Latvia Game Photos

From Calgary, Alberta: Austin Watson scored three goals in the first period and seven points in total to lead the United States to an easy but crucial 12-2 win over Latvia. The win ensures the U.S. will not be relegated to Division 1 for 2013 and will be in Ufa, Russia next Christmas.

Latvia's loss places a huge importance on tomorrow's game with Denmark. The winner joins the U.S. in Ufa with the rest of the Top Division Teams while the loser gets relegated.

"The biggest thing we wanted to prove is that we believe we shouldn't be in the Relegation Round," Watson said. "We wanted to come out and have a strong game. We showed that were capable of playing with the guys in the Medal Round. It was about playing for country, playing for the crest on our jersey, not worrying about what happened in the past. Just worrying about the present and the moment we're in."

The Americans finish their tournament with a game against Switzerland for 1st Place in the Relegation Round standings at stake.

"We're not where we want to be tonight, but we need to keep our heads up," added Nick Bjugstad. "We've had a rough outing, but we're playing for the sweater and it was great to have a good performance (Against Latvia). It was kind of good to show up this game from an offensive standpoint."

In addition to Watson's seven points, Nick Bjugstad had 3 goals and 5 points and Brandon Saad added four assists. The Americans doubled their opponents in SOG, 58-29.

Watson's three goals in the first were all set up by different teammates. On the opening tally, at 5:40, he redirected a Jared Tinordi point shot. On the 2nd, it was a nice fed from Jon Merrill to the side, and on the third it was Kyle Rau who found Watson in the slot.

Latvian starting goalie Kristers Gudlevskis was replaced early in the 2nd period after the fifth American Goal, but his replacement, Rihards Cimermanis fared worse, allowing six more goals in 19:04 of the 2nd. As a result Gudlevskis was back in for the 3rd period, allowing just one goal.

The first Latvian Goal came at 2:03 of the 2nd period on a shot by Zemgus Girgensons that beat Jack Campbell under the blocking arm. Their 2nd, near the end of the game, came when Teodors Blugers passed the puck in front of the U.S. Net only to have U.S. Defensemen Austin Czarnik redirect it passed his own goalie.

The huge win allowed the Americans to pad their stats, as it were. After scoring only five goals in their last three games, they piled on the goals even without even trying to hard, they were sent to the Relegation Round was an unlikely scenario, but the team bit the bullet and took it to the Latvians.

"We still have to beat Denmark, no matter what," Bulgers said. That's the big game, we need to refocus. We definitely need to play better on defense, man-to-man coverage, getting back. We had to many guys caught up in the rush and gave up too many odd-man rushes.

Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule for 1/2-8

2012-01-02T20:12:00.000-06:00

Here's this week's Southwest Hockey Schedule for this week with the region's Professional, Junior & AAA Hockey Schedule. For the Dallas Stars, it's another great clash tomorrow night on National Television on NBC Sports Network against the hated Detroit Red Wings. Also later in the week it's a trip to Nashville to take on the Predators on Thursday Night and then on Saturday it's another big time rival coming to town with the Edmonton Oilers as well, so it should be a really fun week for the Stars.

Elsewhere around the region, it's a big series as the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) as the Mid-West Division Leaders Dallas Ice Jets taking on the El Paso Rhinos on Friday Night, Saturday Night & Sunday Afternoon at Polar Ice House in Grapevine. Despite the 7 Point Lead that the Ice Jets Posses right now, the Rhinos are being looked at as the Ice Jets biggest opponent this year in the Division. If the Ice Jets take control, they can really look to putting a separation between them and the rest of the Division, if the El Paso Rhinos take the series, they can really make it a close battle in the Mid-West Division.

Also the Wichita Falls Wildcats & New Mexico Mustangs maybe on the bottom of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) South Division but a critical battle as they look to close the ground on the Corpus Christi Icerays who currently hold down the 4th & Final Spot in the South Division right now.

Also, i'm introducing a new feature on Twitter Page where if you have a question or comment about any of the games and/or issues making headlines. Use the Hashtag called #SWHockey which is short for Southwest Hockey and I will look to get back to you to answer your questions and/or comments.

All Start Times are Central Time.

This weeks Schedule

National Hockey League

1/3

Detroit Red Wings VS. Dallas Stars 7:00 PM (NBC Sports Network)

1/5

Dallas Stars VS. Nashville Predators 7:00 PM (FSNSW)

1/7

Dallas Stars VS. Edmonton Oilers 1:00 PM (FSNSW)

American Hockey League

1/3

San Antonio Rampage VS. Charlotte Checkers 6:00 PM

1/4

San Antonio Rampage VS. Charlotte Checkers 6:00 PM

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:00 PM

1/6

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Toronto Marlies 6:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM

1/7

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM

1/8

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 2:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage 3:30 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Texas Stars 5:00 PM

Central Hockey League

1/3

RGV Killer Bees VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/6

Tulsa Oilers VS. Missouri Mavericks 7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Allen Americans 7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/7

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder 7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks 7:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Arizona Sundogs 8:05 PM

1/8

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks 4:00 PM

North American Hockey League

1/5

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

1/6

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

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

1/7

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

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

Western States Hockey League

1/6

El Paso Rhinos VS. Dallas Ice Jets 7:00 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Long Beach Bombers 8:45 PM

1/7

El Paso Rhinos VS. Dallas Ice Jets 6:00 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Long Beach Bombers 9:45 PM

1/8

El Paso Rhinos VS. Dallas Ice Jets 1:00 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Long Beach Bombers 3:00 PM

Stefan Noesen signs NHL Entry Level Deal with the Ottawa Senators

2012-01-02T19:32:00.001-06:00

Just over 6 months Stefan Noesen made history as Texas' 1st ever 1st Round Pick in the NHL Draft, he officially signed his NHL Entry Level Deal with the Ottawa Senators back on December 29. He's continued to make big strides in his development on all sides on the ice, from looking to be a grinder on defense, to being one his leading scorers on offense.

Currently he has an impressive scoring streak right now where he has at least a point in 16 of his last 18 games, including a recent 4 Point Game where he had a hat trick in a 7-3 victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Prior to his game on November 11 where he had another 4 point game against the Guelph Storm that really set his season into Overdrive.

With him now officially signed, he is now looking to reach the NHL sooner rather then later & still has a couple of years of Junior Egilibity left in the Ontario Hockey League. Because of the current Egilibity rules, he is not allowed to play in the American Hockey League (AHL), so it would be either in Ottawa or Plymouth, as he looks forward to training camp next year as he looks to make a serious attempt to make his NHL Debut next year. Because of the current Rules, he would not be allowed to play for the Ottawa Senators' AHL Team in Binghamton, N.Y. of the same name who by the way are also the defending AHL Calder Cup Champions.

As for this year's Plymouth Whalers, they are having a really strong season which includes a 10 point in the West Division and they just 2 points back of the London Knights for the OHL's Western Conference Lead. After a slow start, it not just taking notice in the standings, but in the CHL Top 10 Rankings as well. After pulling off a big 1st Round Upset over the highly touted Kitchener Rangers in the OHL Playoffs last year, they have their sets even higher this season as they will look to be major contenders for the OHL & CHL Memorial Cup Championships this spring.

It would be huge for him to have a big OHL Playoff run, to not only show the Senators that he is Professional Ready, but to show USA Hockey that they made a wrong decision by not having him on their current World Junior Hockey Championship Team that is currently playing in Alberta, Canada right now that has them in the Relegation Round after going 1-3-0 with losses to Finland, the Czech Republic & Canada in the Group Stage.

They are now going to have to fight for their Tournament Spot for next year along with Switzerland, Denmark & Latvia instead of fighting for a championship like they won in 2010 in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Last year, Noesen had an impressive point-a-game pace where he also lead the team in goals with 6. His best game last year came in Game 4 of the OHL Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Kitchener Rangers where he had a 4 PT Night including a critical assist with less then 10 seconds to tie the game at 5-5, then midway through the 1st OT, scored the game winner from a feed from Beau Schmitz to win 6-5 where the Whalers went on to pull off a big 1st Round upset of the Kitchener Rangers.

Going into last year's OHL Playoffs, many experts were thinking that Kitchener was capable of making a long playoff run with the likes of Gabriel Landeskog who was the 2nd overall pick of the Colorado Avalanche & Ryan Murphy who was picked 12th Overall by Carolina as well in last year's draft. As well as players like Jerry D'Amigo as well.

They are currently ranked #6 in the Top 10 Rankings only behind the likes of the defending QMJHL & CHL Memorial Cup Champion St. John Seadogs, Conference Rival London Knights & the Tri-City Americans who currently hold the Best Record in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

For Noesen himself, he's played in 32 games played and is tied for the team scoring lead with 39 points (16G 23A) and has a +/- ranking of +9 with 34 penalty minutes as well.

Stefan Noesen OHL Player Profile:

Plymouth Whalers (OHL) Website

Ontario Hockey League Website:

OHL News Radio Edition, 9/30 Episode

Stefan Noesen on The Pipeline Show on 4/19/11

Canadian Hockey League

Press Release from the Ottawa Senators

From Ottawa, Ontario: The Ottawa Senators announced today that the club has signed forwards Stefan Noesen & Matt Pumpel to three year entry level contracts.

Noesen, 18, was Ottawa's 2nd 1st Round Pick (21st Overall) in the 2011 National Hockey League Draft. A 6'1", 198 pound right winger from Plano, Texas, Noesen has scored 13 goals, 21 assists and recorded 32 penalty minutes in 30 games with the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers this season.

Pumpel, 18, was Ottawa's third 1st Round Pick (24th Overall) in the 2011 National Hockey League Draft. A 6'1", 201 pound from Essex, Ontario, Pumpel has scored 17 goals, 15 assists and recorded 27 penalty minutes in 29 games this year with the OHL's Peterborough Petes.

Both Noesen and Pumpel participated in the 2011 Senators Summer Development Camp and played for Ottawa's winning team at the 2011 Rookie Tournament held in September in Oshawa, Ontario.

Barons use Strong PP to crush Aeros 6-0

2012-01-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

A very strong PP that lead to 4 Power Play Goals had the Barons burning the Aeros up all night long as Oklahoma City was able to keep their Slim Lead in the Western Conference and build their overall record to 22-8-4 for a league leading 48 points and the Barons got some more good news as their head coach Todd Nelson was officially announced as the Head Coach of the AHL Western Conference All Stars when the American Hockey League heads to Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 29 & 30 at the Boardwalk Hall Arena.

The Barons spread the scoring out where a different Barons player scored all 6 goals. In addition to the goals, Magnus Paajarvi had a big game where he also added two assists in the game as well as he got his 1st goal scoring as a member of the Oklahoma City Barons after being sent from the Edmonton Oilers on December 16 after having just 3 assists in 25 games with the Oilers this season, that was compared to a strong rookie season where he had 34 points (15G 19A) in 80 games in Edmonton last season.

Press Release by Blake Colston from the Oklahoma City Barons Website

Oklahoma City Barons 6 Houston Aeros 0 (0-0, 4-0, 2-0)

From Houston, Texas: The Oklahoma City Barons (22-8-4 48 PTS) used a franchise record tying four power play goals to defeat the Houston Aeros (18-7-9 45 PTS) and reclaim 1st place in the Western Conference.

The Victory also secured Todd Nelson's spot as head coach of the Western Conference All Stars for the AHL All Star Classic January 29 & 30 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

After a quiet 1st period the Barons offense erupted for four goals in the 2nd period, three of which came via power play goals.

Antti Tyrvainen ignited the scoring spree with a breakaway goal at 3:27 off a pass from Kevin Montgomery. The goal was Tyrvainen's second of the season and second as in many nights. It was also the only even strength goal of the period.

Just 53 seconds later Oklahoma City notched the first of their three power play goals in the period. Josh Green fired a centering pass from the right wing to Philippe Cornet in front of the net where he pushed one past Aeros net minder Darcy Kuemper to notch his team leading 16th of the season. Ryan Kelly also collected an assist on the play.

Captain Bryan Helmer notched the Barons second goal at 11:47 of the frame. Magnus Paajarvi set up Helmer for a one time opportunity and the AHL's top scoring defensemen of all time found the back of the net. Kevin Montgomery also added an assist on the play.

The scoring extravaganza was capped off at 17:16 of the 2nd by Keller. His 12th goal of the season put the Barons in front 4-0. Paajarvi & Green assisted on the goal.

Oklahoma City's Final Power Play Goal of the night was put home by Curtis Hamilton at 12:43 of the 3rd period. Curtis VandeVelde skated around the left wing faceoff circle and fed Tyrvainen behind the net. From there Tyrvainen shoveled a pass to Hamilton in the slot where he fired one past Kuemper.

Helmer & Paajarvi each picked up their first goals of the season while Green & Montogmery added two assists respectively.

Barons net minder Yann Danis stopped all 23 shots he faced and improved to 5-0 against Houston on the season. The Shutout was his third of the season and his second against the Aeros.

What a difference a season makes for the Barons against the Aeros. Last season, Oklahoma City won just one of it's 10 games against the Aeros. This season, the Barons have won all five meetings, two of them by shutout.

Oklahoma City travels to Cleveland to play the Lake Erie Monsters Wednesday Evening. Faceoff is set for 6:00 PM CST.