Colton Hargrove announces NCAA Committment to Western Michigan University



Colton Hargrove sending a slap shot in a recent game. Photo from the Fargo Force Staff

The Fargo Force has announced the 3rd NCAA Commitment from a DFW Based Player this season yesterday when Fargo Force Forward Colton Hargrove announced his commitment to Western Michigan University which competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Hargrove is in the middle of his 2nd season for the Force in the USHL as he has been a part of the top line which also includes Austin Farley (Minnesota-Duluth) & Bryn Chyzyk (North Dakota).

Hargrove is known for his hard nosed style of play where he brings a physical component and an improving scoring touch over the course of the season since he went scoreless during his first 7 games of the season. However, since the Christmas Break he has registered just over half of his 23 points in 34 total games played this season. He's also is tied for 2nd in assist for the team Willie Corin with 14 assists, in addition to his strong assist totals, he also has registered 9 goals with 67 Penalty Minutes and a Plus/Minus Rating of +3 so far this season.

When it came time for Hargrove to announce his decision, it came down to Western Michigan & Minnesota-Duluth and choose Western Michigan he had high praise for WMU Head Coach Andy Murray. "I made my decision because of the coaching staff at WMU and it's a good school. They are going to have a great team the next few years and I can't wait to play there," Said Hargrove when talking about his decision. "It felt good to get the commitment finally," Said Hargrove. "Now I can stop worrying about that and worry about playing my game."

Western Michigan has gone from being a doormat to an emerging power in the CCHA in recent years. Last year the Broncos reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996 and nearly upset the Denver Pioneers by pushing Denver to Double OT before eventually losing 3-2 which it turned out to be the only Multiple OT Game during the NCAA Tournament last season. They also were able reach the CCHA Conference Championship game for the 1st time since 1986 when they lost to the Miami (OH) University Redhawks 5-2 in the Conference Title Game as well.

The Broncos are in the midst of a very impressive season as the Broncos are in a very intense fight as the gap from the Conference Leading Miami (OH) Redhawks to 5th Place Lake Superior Lakers is just 2 points right now. And will be looking to fight it out for Home Ice Advantage in the Quarterfinals and get the best possible seeding for the CCHA Championship Weekend when it takes place March 16 & 17 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Western Michigan will be a part of the CCHA for the rest of next season and next year.

But starting in the 2013-2014 season, the Broncos will join the newly created National Collegaite Hockey Conference with fellow CCHA Member Miami (OH) University; along with a half a dozen current WCHA Members Colorado College, University of Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota & St. Cloud State. The Conference recently confirmed that the 1st season will have these 8 teams, however, they has been no word about when or if new teams will be added in the near future.

With the NCAA Commitment now out of the way for Hargrove, his next goal will be to finish the regular season strong and help the Force go deep in the playoffs. Currently, Fargo sits 4th in the Western Conference just 1 point back of 3rd Place Waterloo (42) and 3 points back of 2nd Place Lincoln (44). The battle for 2nd is huge because the top 2 seeds in the USHL Playoffs get a 1st Round Bye and earn guaranteed home ice in the USHL Division Semifinals.

Last year, the Force were able to sweep the Lincoln Stars in the best of 3 first round, but that was before the defending USHL Champion Dubuque Fighting Saints sweep ed them during the West Division Semifinals in 3 games straight. In their short history, the Force have been able to get the USHL Championship Series twice in their 3 years in the USHL History. During their inaugural season in 2008-2009 finished 3rd in the Western Conference during the regular season, then in the playoffs, the Force defeated the Omaha Lancers & Lincoln Stars on route to the Clark Cup Championship Series before losing to Indiana in 4 games.

2010 brought similar results by finishing 2nd in the Regular Season and getting back to the Clark Cup Championship by beating Sioux Falls & Omaha in the Western Conference Playoffs. Then lost in a very tough 5 game series to the Green Bay Gamblers. The 2010 playoffs were even more impressive as they went through 2 huge buzz saws of teams in the Omaha Lancers in the Western Conference Final & the Green Gamblers in the league championship series who ran away with the top seed in their conferences during the 2009-2010 regular season.

Hargrove joins Duggie Lagrone (Des Moines Buccaneers/Colorado College Commitment) & Jacob Fallon (Indiana Ice/Univ. of Vermont Commitment) as the 3rd DFW Based Player to make his NCAA Hockey Commitment this season in which are all are USHL Players. Other DFW Area Players to possibly keep an eye on include Robert Nichols (Wenatchee Wild) who's been among the NAHL's Best Goalies this year which included being named the NAHL Goalie of the Month for January just yesterday for instance. Also, The Woodlands Native Matt Tyson has had a strong season for the Alberta Junior Hockey League's (AJHL) Brooks Bandits who's been a great enforcer for the Bandits this season helping them reach the #1 Seed for the upcoming AJHL Playoffs that start later this month.

1/4 Major Junior Scorebord

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)

11/9 Southwest Players Update

Here's another news update with local players recently.

*First off, Aberdeen Wings Goalie Frederieck Lesiner was named the League's Goalie of the Week back on November 1 after a huge weekend where he stopped 79 of 83 saves in a pair of victories which included both his first shutout with a 3-0 win and his first shootout of the season (both against the Coluee Region Chill).

He's been a big part of the season's turnaround as well as forwards like Cody Ward who's in a 3 way tie for 3rd in goals scored with 13 along with Rock Einersen (Texas Tornado) and Ft. Worth Native Michael Hill (Topeka Roadrunners).

After the Wings started the season losing 5 of their first 6, the Wings are slowly beginning to turn-around their season as Aberdeen is now in 4th place with 15 points (7-9-1) and is just 3 points back of both the defending Champion Bismarck Bobcats and Owatonna Express.

*Nebraska-Omaha's Johnnie Searfoss ended his five game pointless streak in a big way as he helped blow open a 3-0 lead into a 5-0 victory as he scored 2 goals in just 29 seconds on both sides of a 2 man advantage. He also assisted on the opening goal of the game where the UNO Mavericks continue to be unbeaten in WCHA Play at 4-0 and is 7-1-0 overall through 8 games. They trail by just 1 point to Minnesota-Duluth who's 4-1-1 in conference.

His big weekend didn't end there for the UNO Mavericks, he also scored his scored on Saturday in a 5-2 win in the 2nd game against Minnesota State. This takes his total from 1 point going into the weekend to 5 now, including 4 goals in 8 games played.

*Colin Jacobs had  an assist in the battle where it brought in a lot of Dallas Interest as he went up against Dallas Stars Prospect Scott Glennie and the Brandon Wheat Kings back on Saturday Night. The 2011 NHL Draft Prospect is beginning to find his grove after a lack-luster season last year where the Thunderbirds had one of the youngest teams in the entire WHL last season.

 He also had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Red Deer Rebels which included one of the best goals of his career as he had a great backhanded goal to make it 2-0 in the 2nd period.

Here's the Video of Colin Jacobs Backhand Goal VS. Red Deer


Here's the Latest Stat Update. Click the Players Name to see their player profile.

WHL/NCAA

Colin Jacobs  (Seattle)   15 GP  12 PTS  (5G 7A),  +1  24 PIM

Austin Smith  (Colgate)    6 GP    6 PTS   (2G 4A), 2 PIM

Armand De Swardt (Cornell)    2 GP   0 PTS   (0G 0A), 2 PIM

Locke Jillson  (Cornell)     4 GP   3 PTS   (1G 2A), 6 PIM

Keir Ross (Cornell)      4 GP   1 PTS   (0G 1A), 0 PIM

Chris Brown (Michigan)   10 GP   6 PTS   (1G 5A), 0 PIM

Jacob Fallon (Michigan)   5 GP   1 PTS    (1G 0A), 6 PIM    

Erik Higby (No. Michigan)   6 GP    2 PTS   (1G 1A),   10 PIM

CJ Ludwig (No. Michigan)    7 GP   0 PTS   (0G  0A),   26 PIM

Johnnie Searfoss (Neb.-Omaha)  8 GP   5 PTS   (4G 1A), 4 PIM

Matt Donovan (Denver)    10 GP   5 PTS  (3G 2A), 24 PIM

Chase Grant (Minn. State)    10 GP   5 PTS   (3G 2A)   2 PIM


USHL

Ian Young  (Chicago)    12 GP    8 PTS   (1G 7A),  +4  15 PIM

Tyler Aumgurgey (Dubuque)    10 GP   0 PTS (0G 0A), +1  14 PIM

Colton Hargrove (Fargo)    12 GP  3 PTS  (2G 1A), -5  36 PIM

Blake Coleman (Indiana)    10 GP   12 PTS  (4G 8A), +4  19 PIM

Josh Berge  (Lincoln)      6 GP  5 PTS  (2G 3A), +1 0 PIM

Cole Martin (Lincoln)     6 GP   3 PTS   (2G 1A), +2  6 PIM

Ryan Daugherty (Omaha)    8 GP  3 PTS   (1G 2A), +2  12 PIM

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

Mike Williams (Sioux City)   8 GP   1 PTS  (0G 1A), -4  14 PIM

Seth Jones  (USNTDP)    6 GP     3 PTS  (1G 2A), +1  6 PIM


NAHL

Frederick Leisner (Aberdeen)   15 GP   7-7-1   3.54 GAA   .899 SV%

Tommy Rizzardo (Bismarck)    17 GP   6 PTS  (4G 2A), +5  33 PIM

Nicholas Miglio  (Bismarck)    10 GP   1 PTS  (1G 0A),  -1    8 PIM

Kyle Hughes (Corpus Christi)   16 GP  11 PTS  (1G 10A), -5   45 PIM

Axel Boyer  (Texas)     17 GP  9 PTS  (4G 5A), +9  27 PIM

Sean Hederick (Texas)   9 GP  7 PTS  (4G 3A), +4  2 PIM

Taylor Hendron (Texas)   15 GP   7 PTS  (3G 4A), +6  2 PIM

Marc Biggs  (Texas)    17 GP   10 PTS  (7G 3A),  +12  6 PIM

Jake Stafford (Texas)   9 GP    5-2-2    2.85 GAA   .874 SV%

Jacob Poe  (Topeka)    16 GP   8 PTS  (0G 8A),  E  37 PIM

Michael Hill (Topeka)   16 GP   26 PTS  (13G 13A), -4  34 PIM

Mason Miller  (Topeka)  7 GP   0 PTS  (0G 0A),  E  2 PIM

Cory Ramsay  (Topeka)   16 GP   3 PTS   (1G 2A), -4  25 PIM

Kyle Sharkley (Topeka)   6 GP   2 PTS  (1G 1A), -1  10 PIM

Tyler Hope  (Wenatchee)   16 GP  7 PTS  (3G 4A), E  34 PIM

11/6 US Junior Scoreboard

United States Hockey League

USNTDP 4  Muskegon Lumberjacks 7  (2-1, 1-3, 1-3)

Green Bay Gamblers 3  Sioux City Musketeers 4  (SO) (1-0, 2-2, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Fargo Force 2  Lincoln Stars 3  (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Youngstown Phantoms 4  Sioux Falls Stampede 8  (1-0, 0-3, 3-5)

Cedar Rapids Roughriders 2  Des Moines Buccaneers 3  (0-1, 1-1, 1-1)

Chicago Steel 0  Waterloo Blackhawks 4  (0-2, 0-1, 0-1)


Current USHL Standings

Current USHL Scoring Leaders

Current USHL Goaltending Leaders


North American Hockey League

Traverse City North Stars 1  Michigan Warriors 3  (0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

Springfield Jr. Blues 6  Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 3  (3-2, 3-0, 0-1)

Chicago Hitmen 2  Motor City Metal Jackets 5  (1-1, 1-1, 0-3)

Bismarck Bobcats 4  Owatonna Express 3  (OT) (0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 1-0)

St. Louis Bandits 1  Janesville Jets 2  (SO) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Alexandria Blizzard 0  Coluee Region Chill 1  (0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Austin Bruins 4  Aberdeen Wings 3  (0-2, 2-1, 2-0)

New Mexico Mustangs 1  Texas Tornado 3  (0-0, 0-1, 1-2)

Dawson Creek Rage 5  Wenatchee Wild 2  (2-0, 2-1, 1-1)

Kenai River Brown Bears 6  Alaska Avalanche 1  (2-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 6  Fresno Monsters 5  (2-0, 2-3, 2-2)


Current NAHL Standings

Current NAHL Scoring Leaders

Current NAHL Goaltending Leaders

10/25 Local Players Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Here's a Stats Update for this week.

WHL/NCAA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


USHL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


NAHL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/24 Canadian Jr. A & US Junior Scoreboard

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

United States Hockey League

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

Current USHL Standings


North American Hockey League

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

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

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

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

Current NAHL Standings


British Columbia Hockey League

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

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

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

Current BCHL Standings


Alberta Junior Hockey League

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

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

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

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

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

Current AJHL Standings


Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

No Games Yesterday



Manitoba Junior Hockey League

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

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

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

Current MJHL Standings


Superior International Junior Hockey League

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

Current SIJHL Standings


Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League

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

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

Current NOJHL Standings


Ontario Junior Hockey League

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current OJHL Standings


Central Tier 1 Hockey League

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

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

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

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

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

Current CTIHL Standings


Maritime Hockey League

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

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

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

Southwest Players Stats Update for 10/18

Here's a stats update and some Southwest Player Quickhits from the past week across North America. As always, if i'm missing someone, email me so I can find out where I can follow them as well.

*Colin Jacobs had a very strong weekend in 2 games against the Vancouver Giants where he had the game tying goal where the Thunderbirds later won in a shootout 4-3 where he is now tied in team scoring with 7 points (3G 4A) in 8 games. Even though he was held pointless in their 2nd game against the Calgary Hitmen, he was still able to be a physical presence to atleast keep the Thunderbirds in the game before losing 3-2 to the Hitmen.

This takes the T-Birds to 5-2-1 for 11 points and despite still being in 4th place in the U.S. Division, they have also played the fewest number of games along witht he Spokane Chiefs. This week will be a slow one where they have just one game on Friday Night against the Portland Winterhawks.

*Rock Einersen was named the NAHL South Division Player of the week by stepping up because of some crucial injuries to players like J.D. Howard and David Rigatti who are going to be out for several weeks. He had a 4 goal night in an 8-2 blowout of the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday Night. This is the 2nd straight week that a Tornado Player has won this award as Lativan Defensemen Ralfs Freibergs won it last week. Even though he was held pointless in Saturday's 3-1 win on Saturday, he was still a +2 over the weekend.

Here's Tony Curtale's Comment on the Plano, Texas Native

"Because of injuries, Sean has stepped in and made the most of his opportunity," said Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale. "He worked very hard to get into the lineup and improve as a player, to see that pay off last weekend was a nice reward for Sean and his teammates."

*Chris Brown got his first goal of the season in a 3-3 in a game where the Michigan Power Play tallied on all 3 goals in the Draw against the University of New Hampshire which plays in Hockey East. It came near the midway part of the game when the Wolverines from a great past from Center Matt Rust to Left Winger Carl Hagelin as he pasted it to Brown to deliver the one timer goal which eventually give the Wolverines a 2-1 lead on the power play.

It was his second point of the game and through 4 games, it's still early, he's looking to prove that USA Hockey should put him on the roster for the 2011 World Junior Championship after just missing it last year where the Americans beat Canada in a dramitic Gold Medal game in Saskatoon last season.

*What a way to get your first career NCAA Goal for Chase Grant at Minnesota State as he was able to force a 5-5 tie against Michigan Tech with under 5 minutes left. Grant was able to get all along to frame and tip a great shot from defensemen Channing Boe as a part of a great power play that the Minnesota State Mavericks forced their 3rd tie of the young season as the Mavericks are 0-1-3 and have yet to win a game this season.

The Mavericks hope to get their first win of the season when they continue WCHA Play against Colorado College will play their Conference Opener next weekend.

*Despite being held without a point, he was in more an energy role on the 3rd and 4th lines to help the UNO Mavericks pull off an impressive sweep against the Minnesota Golden Golphers. On Friday Night, the Mavericks were up 4-0 early in the 2nd period, depsite Minnesota being able to tie the game at 4-4 before Hudson scored with just over a minute and a half left to win 5-4.

Then on Saturday Night it was a similar story as the UNO Mavericks went up 3-0, before Minnesota scored twice in the 3rd to close in within 1, but it was the same story second time as the UNO Mavericks scored with 10 seconds left. They are the surprise WCHA Leaders with a 4-0 record and a 2-0 record within the WCHA. This weekend will bring another tough test and perhaps a chance to be a part of the national consveration in the early season with a home weekend against the Michigan Woverines.

*One of the big surprises of the early season is Aberdeen Wings Goalie Frederick Lesiner as he's looking to keep the Wings in many games, despite having a thin roster in-front of him. In the game back on Friday against the Bismarck Bobcats as he held the defending league champion Bismarck Bobcats as he bent, but didn't break on several occasions despite having just 3 power play chances for the Bobcats, he was able to keep them off the scoresheet with the man advantage.

He also has gotten the Wings out of the Central Division Cellar after losing their 5 of their first 6 games to start the season, including being the only team to go winless at the Blaine Showcase.

*Finally an Austin Player that is being a great playmaker for the Icerays as Kyle Hughes from Round Rock, Texas (Just outside of Austin) has 5 assists in the last 5 games (Including 3 game point scoring streak). He has taken over Ben Hughes for the lead in defensemen in scoring for the Icerays.

*Despite the 5-3 loss to Waterloo on Saturday Night, Lincoln Stars Capitan Josh Berge had his best game of the season that saw him score twice. If it weren't for a 4 goal 3rd period by the Blackhawks in the 3rd period, it would have probably would have helped win the game and despite the loss, he was still voted the first Star of the Game for his strong overall efforts. Unfortunatley for his team, the Stars sit in Last place in the West Division with a 1-3-0 record.

Unfortunalty, they have been studering a little bit recently by going to 3 straight OT Games including the loss against Wichita Falls in their opening game of the weekend after Cody Milligan scored to make it 1-1 midway through the 1st period. This team is showing that they have strong talent with players like Beau Walker, as well as Mike Benedict and Sam Cheraso who are tied for the team goal scoring lead with 7 goals in 12 games played this season.

If they can find a way to turn some of their OT Losses into wins and have a better killer instict in regularition, this team would be higher up in the South Division as the team continues to be in 5th place in the South Division. As for the upcoming weekend, the Icerays will have one of their toughest showdowns coming up this weekend with a surging Texas Tornado team that has won 6 in a row and are tied for first place with Amarillo in the South Division.


Here's the Stats Update

WHL/NCAA

Colin Jacobs (Seattle)   8 GP    3G     4A   7 PTS      +2    8 PIM

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

Armand de Swardt (Cornell)   Season hasen't started yet.

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

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

Chris Brown (Michigan)   4 GP   1G  1A    2 PTS             0 PIM

Jacob Fallon (Michigan)   1 GP   0G   0A    0 PTS            0 PIM

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

CJ Ludwig (No. Michigan)   3 GP     0 G   0 A   0 PTS    2 PIM

Johnnie Searfoss (Neb.-Omaha)  4 GP    1 G   0 A   1 PTS    2 PIM

Chase Grant (Minn. State)   4 GP    1 G    1A     2 PTS    0 PIM

Matt Donovan (Denver)    4 GP    2 G    0 A      2 PTS     12 PIM

Justin Jones (Denver)        0 GP     0 G   0 A      0 PTS      0 PIM


USHL

Ian Young (Chicago)      6 GP    1 G    3 A      4 PTS      +4    9 PIM

Tyler Amburgey (Dubuque)   4 GP   0 G   0 A   0 PTS    -1   6 PIM

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

Blake Coleman (Indiana)    5 GP   2 G     3 A    5 PTS    +1   13 PIM  

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

Cole Martin (Lincoln)    2 GP     0 G     1 A       1 PTS      -1    4 PIM

Ryan Daugherty (Omaha)    4 GP    0 G   0 A   0 PTS      -1    8 PIM

Greg Johnson (Sioux City)    4 GP    0 G   0 A   0 PTS     -1    0 PIM

Mike Williams (Sioux City)   4 GP    0 G   0 A   0 PTS     -3    6 PIM

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


NAHL

Frederick Lesiner (Aberdeen)   8 GP    3-4-1     4.33 GAA    .871 SV%

Tom Rizzardo (Bismarck)      12 GP    1 G   2 A   3 PTS    +1   29 PIM

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

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

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

Axel Boyer (Texas)     11 GP    2 G    3 A     5 PTS     +5    4 PIM

Sean Hendrick (Texas)    4 GP    4 G   1 A    5 PTS     +3    0 PIM

Taylor Hendron (Texas)   11 GP   4 G   3 A   7 PTS    +5     2 PIM

Marc Biggs  (Texas)       11 GP      3 A   2 A   5 PTS    +6    2 PIM

Jake Stafford (Texas)     7 GP      3-2-2       3.23 GAA    .867 SV%

Jacob Poe  (Topeka)      12 GP     0 G    6 A   6 PTS    E    33 PIM

Michael Hill (Topeka)    12 GP     9 G    10 A    19 PTS    -1   24 PIM

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

Cory Ramsay (Topeka)   12 GP    1 G    1 A      2 PTS      -4    10 PIM

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

Tyler Hope (Wenatchee)   10 GP    2 G   3 A      5 PTS      E     25 PIM


   

Southwest Player Notes and Updated Stats

With the Junior Leagues being fully underway for a couple of weeks now, plus the NCAA Season getting underway this past weekend. This is the first at will be a weekly segment on how players are doing from around the Southwest and taking a look at a stats update from our players that are playing around North America.

Southwest Player Notes

*After Cole Martin suffered a minor injury during training camp and staying out of the first few games. He got his first USHL Point in his USHL Regular Season Debut with an assist on a Dominik Shore goal early in the 3rd period in 5-3 loss to the Waterloo Blackhawks.

*In addition to Martin's first point, OKC Native Josh Berge was named captain of the team for the upcoming season. Lincoln Stars President told me in an email that Josh is a quiet leader who leads by example and was voted by a huge margin. He also got his first point in the season in the same game on a Ryan Dzingel early in the 2nd period, where the Stars were looking to mount a comeback as they scored twice within a minute early in the 2nd period.

*Eventhough Ryan Daugherty has had a slow start for the Omaha Lancers, he was named Assistant Captian of the team along with Seth Ambroz who's expected to be a top 10 pick in the NHL Draft this season. Also being named the main captain after Daugherty and Ambroz is Mike Chiasson.

*2011 NHL Draft Pick Colin Jacobs easily had his best game of the young season by having a 3 point night in a 6-3 win over the Chilliwack Bruins. His Goal and two assists was his first multi point game of the season and was part of a huge night for the T-Birds where teammate Brandon Rouse scored a hat trick and Mitch Elliot had a goal and assist in the game as well.

*Johnnie Searfoss and Erik Higby each got their first career points at the College Level over the weekend. Searfoss scored in a big time 8-0 thrashing of Clarkson University while Higby had an assist on an Andrew Cherniwchan goal early in the 3rd period that forced OT. But later lost to Michigan Tech 4-3 when MTU scored 5 minutes into OT.

*Chicago Steel Defensemen Ian Young has been off to a hot start to the season. In his first 4 games, he's gotten himself three points, including goals in both games last weekend on Friday against the Indiana Ice and on Saturday against the USNTDP. His 3 points (2G 1A) have him among the Scoring Leaders among defensemen just 1 point back of Alexx Privitera (Muskegon) and Brandon Russo (Youngstown) who each have 4 points.

*Joe Puruill who was with the Springfield Jr. Blues when the season started has been released. He only played in 3 games this season while hardly making an impact and has dropped off in his scoring production. Last year in 47 games for the Jr. Blues, he scored 10 points (2G 8A).

*2008 NHL Draft Pick Matt Donovan is looking to impress Team USA for another shot at the WJC as he had a 2 goal night in a 5-3 win over the University of Vermont. After being named to Team USA and a World Junior Team, he's looking to continue to impress the NY Islanders Staff about maybe getting an ATO Signing with their AHL Affiliate in Connecticut with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers perhaps at the end of the season. That's assuming that Denver doesn't make another long run in the WCHA & NCAA Tournaments in the spring.

*Michael Hill has continued his great start to the season where he was an Honorable Mention in the South Division Player of the Week Voting where he fell short to Texas Tornado Defensemen Ralfs Freibergs who won the award for this week. He currently has 17 points (8G 9A) in 10 games which leads the team in scoring and is ranked 5th in the NAHL Scoring Chart behind players like Rock Einersen who leads with 20 points and Beau Walker of Corpus Christi with 18 points as we getting to the one month mark of the season. Still kind of baffaling why he decided not to go to the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) after being picked so high in the USHL Entry Draft back in the spring.


Click on the Name to see the profile of each player

Here's the Stats Update for this week.

WHL/NCAA

F: Colin Jacobs  (Seattle)              6 GP   2G  3A  5 PTS    +1  6 PIM

F: Chris Brown  (Michigan)           3 GP   0G  1A   1 PTS         0 PIM

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

D: CJ Ludwig (No. Michigan)        2 GP   0G   0A   0 PTS        0 PIM

F: Austin Smith (Colgate)               1 GP   1G   0A   1 PTS        0 PIM


F: Armand de Swart (Cornell)         Season Hasen't started yet

F: Locke Jillson  (Cornell)                Season Hasen't Started yet

D: Keir Ross  (Cornell)                    Season Hasen't Started yet

D: Matt Donovan (Denver)             2 GP   2G    0A    2 PTS      4 PIM

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

F: Chase Grant (Minn. State)        2 GP    0G    0A    0 PTS       0 PIM   


USHL

D: Ian Young  (Chicago)                4 GP     2 G    1 A    3 PTS     E   7 PIM

F: Colton Hargrove (Fargo)          4 GP     1 G    1 A    2 PTS     -1   17 PIM

F: Blake Coleman (Indiana)           3 GP     2 G   2 A     4 PTS     +2   6 PIM

D: Cole Martin  (Lincoln)               1 GP     0 G    1 A     1 PTS     -1    2 PIM

F: Josh Berge  (Lincoln)                  2 GP     0 G    1 A     1 PTS     E     0 PIM

F: Ryan Daugherty (Omaha)           3 GP     0 G    0 A     0 PTS     -1    6 PIM

D: Greg Johnson  (Sioux City)         3 GP     0 G    0 A     0 PTS     E     0 PIM

F: Mike Williams (Sioux City)          2 GP      0 G    0 A    0 PTS     -1    2 PIM

D: Seth Jones (USNTDP)                  2 GP      0 G    1 A    1 PTS     0     2 PIM


NAHL

G: Frederick Leisner (Aberdeen)     6 GP     2-4-0      4.50 GAA    .858 SV%

D: Tommy Rizzardo  (Bismarck)    11 GP       1 G    2 A     3 PTS     +3     29 PIM

F: Nicholas Miglio  (Bismarck)          7 GP       1 G    0 A     1 PTS      0       8 PIM

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

D: Kyle Hughes  (Corpus Christi)     11 GP      1 G     5 A     6 PTS     -4      33 PIM

F: Sean Hendrick  (Texas)                  2 GP       0 G     1 A     1 PTS     +1     1 PIM

F: Taylor Hendron (Texas)                 9 GP       2 G     2 A     4 PTS      +3     2 PIM

F: Marc Biggs  (Texas)                        9 GP       2 G     2 A     4 PTS      +5     0 PIM

F: Alex Boyer  (Texas)                        9 GP       2 G     2 A      4 PTS       +5    4 PIM

G: Jake Stafford  (Texas)                   6 GP        2-2-2      3.43 GAA    .865 SV%

D: Jacob Poe  (Topeka)                       10 GP     0 G     5 A      5 PTS       -1     14 PIM

F: Michael Hill  (Topeka)                     10 GP     8 G     9 A      17 PTS      E     16 PIM

D: Mason Miller  (Topeka)                   5 GP       0 G     0 A      0 PTS        +1    2 PIM

D: Cory Ramsay  (Topeka)                  10 GP      1 G     1 A      2 PTS        -1     10 PIM

F: Kyle Sharkley  (Topeka)                  3 GP        0 G     0 A      0 PTS         -1    2 PIM

F: Tyler Hope  (Wenatchee)                 8 GP        2 G     3 A      5 PTS         E     20 PIM   

USHL Fall Showcase gets underway tomorrow

With the start of the United States Hockey League coming up on October 1. The last of today's 3 Junior Schedules is the USHL Fall Showcase which will be taking place in Sioux City, Iowa starting tomorrow and going through Saturday where each team will play 3 games in 4 days as the 60 Game Regular Season gets underway at the beginning of next month.



United States Hockey League



Like the WHL, they are numerous Southwest Players that will be either making their Junior Debut or will be looking to sharpen their play as a couple of players have committed their NCAA Careers over the off-season.


Perhaps the biggest name will be Seth Jones who is being highly regarded for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft as he will be making his Junior Debut this season as he will be joining the USNTDP U17 Team which will be playing a little over of the USHL Schedule as the NTDP U17 & U18 Teams make up the season for the USHL.


In addition to the NTDP U17 Season, they will play in 3 different international events, the biggest of which is the U17 World Challenge that will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba during the Winter Holidays.


He's being looked upon as a speedy defensemen who can possibly join the attack at times and will be looking to have an outside chance of making the U18 Team for the U18 World Championship, as USA Hockey elects to have a majority of players from the NTDP which has had great results including back-to-back U18 World Championships the last 2 seasons when the tournament heads to Germany coming up in April.

Even though a majority of the players come from the U18 Team, the U17 Team in recent years has been more competitive in getting more players to the team for the U18 World Championships. Being a big time 2012 NHL Draft Prospect, it would be a huge statement to prospective NHL Teams for him to have a big U17 World Challenge during the Holidays and make the U18 World Championship this season.


Two other players that have already committed, but returning to the USHL are Ryan Daugherty of the Omaha Lancers & Ian Young of the Chicago Steel. Daugherty is returning to a Lancers team that is looking to get to the Clark Cup after coming within 1 win of making the Title Series and winning the championship for the 2nd time in 3 years.

Over his 2 years with Omaha, he's tallied 50 points in 99 career USHL Games and increased the amount of PP Time big time by scoring 9 PP Goals last year.


He's also not afraid to hit on the ice as he nearly doubled his penalty total from 52 in 2008 to 110 last season. Coach Bliss Littler is wants him to be a Steve Ott or Loui Eriksson type player with the ability to score some important goals in-and-around the net, and being able to bring the pain physically as well.


Daugherty is committed to play for Northern Michigan starting in 2011, it was widely believed that he was going to start his college career this year and join follow Texans C.J. Ludwig & Erik Higby this year but look for that to happen next year.


After starting last year with the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) he was called up to the Chicago Steel to bring a big booming slap shot and get pucks to the forwards in the net. Young over the off-season committed to Colorado College, but didn't decide to comeback to Chicago till midsummer.


For Young last year, his biggest moment came in his USHL Debut where he scored his first of just 2 goals. But had a great year overall by drawing penalties and contributing a dozen assists during his 31 games last year with the Steel who failed to make the playoffs as the team finished 10 points back of the Waterloo Blackhawks for the final playoff spot in the East Division last season.


Young looks to be more aggressive this year with his ability to play very fast, he's looking to increase his scoring ability and impress Colorado College Head Coach that he can be a big time player when he arrives in the WCHA in 2011.


Other Southwest Players to watch this season are Jeff Mcminimy of the Lincoln Stars who was the Leading Scorer for the Dallas Stars Midget Majors last year. Seth Johnson who's a fast defensemen who's like Ian Young in some instances who can join in on the attack and some think that with a strong early part of the season.


Some experts are thinking that they can maybe have a shot of making Team USA for the World Jr. A Challenge which will be taking place in Pentiction, B.C. coming up in Mid-November as the USA has won this event the last two years. Last year the USA won the event for the 2nd straight year the Americans beat Canada West in a closely fought 2-1 game.


As for players who are on the fringes and that need a strong Showcase to make the team include Teemu Tiitinen who's a Finnish Native but played for the Dallas Stars Elites last year and Ryan Hope who's with the Tri-City Storm right now.

Josh Berge who's another OKC Product who's looking to continue the surprising success of players from that area such as Matt Donovan (2008 NHL Draft Pick with NYI/U. of Denver). And Chase Grant who was with the Fargo Force as he committed to Minnesota State University last year. He will look to continue the success of OKC Players in both the USHL, NAHL & the NCAA.

In addition to Southwest Based Players, Waterloo will have the Dallas Stars 3rd Round Draft Pick Alex Guptill who was taken 77th overall while playing for the Orangeville Crushers of the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL).

While he was with Orangeville last year, he had 26 points (13G 13A) in 19 games after he got traded from the Brampton back in December, during his time with the Brampton Capitals, where he had 11 points in 10 games early on in the season.


Here's the Player Profile Links


Ryan Daugherty (Omaha Lancers)

Ian Young (Chicago Steel)

Teemu Tiitinen (Youngstown Phantoms)

Seth Jones (USNTDP)

Josh Berge (Lincoln Stars)

Jeff Mcminimy (Lincoln Stars)

Alex Guptill (Waterloo Blackhawks)


Here's the United States Hockey League Divisional Alignment.

East Division: Cedar Rapids Roughriders, Chicago Steel, Green Bay Gamblers, Indiana Ice, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USNTDP, Waterloo Blackhawks, Youngstown Phantoms

West Division: Des Moines Buccaneers, Dubuque Fighting Saints, Fargo Force, Lincoln Stars, Omaha Lancers, Sioux City Musketeers, Sioux Falls Stampede, Tri-City Storm


Here's the Schedule for the USHL Fall Showcase

9/22

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 1:00 PM

Omaha Lancers VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 2:00 PM

Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM

Chicago Steel VS. Fargo Force 6:00 PM

Tri-City Storm VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM


9/23

Fargo Force VS. Muskegon Lumberjacks 10:00 AM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 10:00 AM

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Chicago Steel 1:00 PM

Des Moines Buccaneers VS. Indiana Ice 2:00 PM

Tri-City Storm VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 4:00 PM

Lincoln Stars VS. Green Bay Gamblers 6:00 PM

USNTDP VS. Omaha Lancers 7:00 PM


9/24

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM

Tri-City Storm VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 10:00 AM

Chicago Steel VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM

Fargo Force VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 2:00 PM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Sioux Falls Stampede 4:00 PM

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 6:00 PM

USNTDP VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM


9/25

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM

USNTDP VS. Waterloo Blackhawks 11:00 AM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM

Omaha Lancers VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM

2010 USHL Fall Classic Schedule

The schedule for the annual United States Hockey League Fall Classic has been out for a few weeks. This year it will be in Sioux City, Iowa (Home of the Sioux City Musketeers) at the IBP Ice Arena and the Tyson Events Center Which is the home arena of the Musketeers.

Even though they are no Southwest Based Teams in the league, a number of players are either returning or will be looking to make the team this upcoming season as the Fall Classic is from September 22-25 with each team playing 3 games in 4 days and get a chance to be scouted and looked at by Professional & NCAA Scouting Staffs, some for the first time as they make Junior Debut. Also making their return is Houston Area Native Ian Young will be entering his final year with the Chicago Steel before beginning his college career with Colorado College

While others will be looking to make an impression as the players and teams are looking to make decisions regarding their next steps in their career as they look to make it to the NHL.

The most prominent returning player is Ryan Daugherty who already has committed to Northern Michigan but will return for his third season. Among new players in the USHL include Seth Jones who's joining the USNTDP, Michael Hill who was the Waterloo Blackhawks first Round Pick and 2010 Dallas Stars 3rd Round Draft Pick Alex Guptill who came from the OJHL's Orangeville Crushers.

One player who's expected to make a big impact and could be the first Southwest Player to sign with a NCAA Team of the new season is Greg Johnson who was one of the top defensemen for the Dallas Stars AAA last year. He will be looking to make a big impact for the Sioux City Musketeers as one of the top defensemen and some think he could have an outside shot of possibly making Team USA for the World Jr. A Challenge which will be in Pentiction, BC coming up in November.

The USA has won this event the last 2 years and has medaled every year it's entered since making their tournament debut back in 2007. In addition to the USA, they will be 2 teams from Canada plus Russia, Sweden & Switzerland as well.

A few others that could be fighting for a spot include Teemu Tiitinen of the Youngstown Phantoms and Tyler Hope of the Tri-City Storm.

After the Fall Classic wraps up on September 25, the regular season gets underway on October 1.

2010 USHL Fall Classic Schedule


Arena Code

TEC=Tyson Events Center

IBP=IBP Ice Arena


Wednesday 9/22

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 1:00 PM @ TEC

Omaha Lancers VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 2:00 PM @ IBP

Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM @ TEC

Chicago Steel VS. Fargo Force 6:00 PM @ IBP

Tri-City Storm VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM @ TEC


Thursday 9/23

Fargo Force VS. Muskegon Lumberjacks 10:00 AM @ TEC

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 10:00 AM @ IBP

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Chicago Steel 1:00 PM @ TEC

Des Moines Buccaneers VS. Indiana Ice 2:00 PM @ IBP

Tri-City Storm VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 4:00 PM @ TEC

Lincoln Stars VS. Green Bay Gamblers 6:00 PM @ IBP

USNTDP VS. Omaha Lancers 7:00 PM @ TEC


Friday 9/24

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM @ TEC

Tri-City Storm VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 10:00 AM @ IBP

Chicago Steel VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM @ TEC

Fargo Force VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 2:00 PM @ IBP

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Sioux Falls Stampede 4:00 PM @ TEC

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 6:00 PM @ IBP

USNTDP VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM @ TEC


Saturday 9/25

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM @ TEC

USNTDP VS. Waterloo Blackhawks 11:00 AM @ IBP

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM @ TEC

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM @ TEC

Omaha Lancers VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM @ TEC