Sweden World Junior Prelim Roster

For Sweden, the last 2 years have been really close as they have lost to Canada in the Gold Medal Game at the World Juniors. The only time Sweden has ever won the U20 was back in 1981 when the tournament when they beat arch rival Finland when the tournament was held in West Germany.

Also unlike most of the teams that have a huge prelim roster that will include some cuts. Sweden is basically naming their team already so they can get to know each other and have more time to prepare for the tournament. In goal for Sweden is Jacob Markstrom was named last year's best goalie in the World Juniors in Ottawa, Ontario last season.

Currently not on the roster Erik Karlsson could be named later as the Ottawa Senators will get him released for the Championship as he was the best defender last season and has been getting bumped between the Ottawa Senators and their AHL Affiliate in Binghamton, N.Y.

So it could be a part of who he's with come tournament time on whatever or not he will join Sweden in Saskatchewan Canada later this month. Another defensemen that won't be with the team is Victor Hedman who was the #2 overall draft pick and is playing on a regular basis with the Tampa Bay Lighting. The Tampa Bay Head Coach has announced that he will not relase the young defensemen reguardless of who's on the roster.

Other surprises came when the Swedes decided not to bring up 3 of it's best players currently playing the Major Junior Leagues in Canada. These players were Robin Lehner (Sault St. Marie Greyhounds, OHL), Defensemen Alexander Urbom (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL), and Forward Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers, OHL).

A majority of the team will come from the Swedish Elite League

Goaltenders

Anders Nilsson, HF Lulea (SWE, Elite League)

Jacob Markstrom, Brynas Gavle (SWE, Elite League)


Defensemen

Luksa Kilstrom, SK Sodertalje (SWE, Elite League)

Olivier Ekman Larsson, IK Leksands (SWE, Elite League)

Adam Larsson, AIK Skelleftea (SWE, Elite League)

David Rundblad, AIK Skelleftea (SWE, Elite League)

Tim Erixon, AIK Skelleftea (SWE, Elite League)

Mattias Ekholm, IK Mora (SWE, Elite League)


Not Nominated Yet

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators (NHL)

Simon Bertilsson, Brynas (SWE, Elite League)


Forwards

Mattias Tedenby, HV 71 Jonkoping (SWE, Elite League)

Jacob Josefsin, Djurgarden Stockholm (SWE, Elite League)

Marcus Johansson, Farjestad Karlstad (SWE, Elite League)

Dennis Rasmussen, VIK Vasteras (SWE, Elite League)

Jakob Silfverberg, Brynas Gavle (SWE, Elite League)

Anton Lander, IK Timra (SWE, Elite League)

Carl Klingberg, Frolunda Gothenburg (SWE, Elite League)

Anton Rodin, Brynas Gavle (SWE, Elite League)

Andre Petersson, HV 71 Jonkoping (SWE, Elite League)

Magnus Paajarvia Svensson, IK Timra (SWE, Elite League)

Marcus Kruger, Djurgarden Stockholm (SWE, Elite League)

Daniel Brodin, Djrugarden Stockholm (SWE, Elite League)

Martin Lundberg, AIK Skelleftea (SWE, Elite League)

This Weekends Southwest Action

I'm having to take another trip to Oklahoma to deal with some family issues this weekend, so here's this weekend preview.

Just one game for the Stars this weekend as the Stars face the Oilers in the first afternoon matchup of the season at the AAC. Last night, the Stars won with 2 of the most unlikely goals you will probably see this season after giving up a Ducks goal in the first 2 minutes this season.

If the Stars will get a chance to win against Edmonton, the defense will need to be show up as the Oilers had an impressive 4-1 win over the Red Wings last night.

Dustin Penner will need to be stopped as he's leads the team 30 points (15G 15A) and will need to stop Nikolai Khabibuln as he has a 7-9-2 record at the moment, he also has been not as good as he used to be. But he can be as he very athletic and one of the few goalies of the NHL that can handle the puck as good as Turco and he will be used like a 3rd defenesemen on the ice.

The Stars will also need to match the Oilers desperation as the Oilers are currently 13th in the Western Conference and are just 5 points back of 8th place Nashville. Edmonton has also been in the roller coaster ride the last few weeks since a 6 game losing streak in Mid November that they have suffered where 5 of those games were at home.

In the AHL, the San Antonio Rampage got a much needed 6-3 win in Houston last night as the Rampage have just won 2 of their last 13 games and are looking to dig out of a deep hole in the West Division. As the Rampage and Aeros will play again tonight before another home game on Sunday against West Division Leading Texas Stars.

For the Texas Stars, a 3 game road trip which includes trips to Milwaukee and Chicago before coming back to San Antonio on Sunday night. Since winning 6 of their last 8, Chicago have been improving fast since a coaching change and bringing the ageless Chris Chelios aboard and have them up to 6th place in the West. But the Wolves are just 4 points back of 2nd place Rockford as the Wolves look to get back in the playoffs after finishing 6th last season.

Houston also has 3 games this weekend with a road trip to San Antonio before returning home to take on the Peoria Rivermen and Rockford Icehogs this weekend. The Aeros are starting to get dragged into this tight race as the gap between 2nd and 6th is just 4 points and with playing the Rivermen and Icehogs as they hope to stay in the playoff places as the Aeros have been shaky on home ice as of late with just 1 home win in their last 5.

This will be a good chance to get that turned around against some teams they could be battling for playoff spots later in the season with 7 of their next 8 at home. In that stretch, they will play Grand Rapids Griffins, matches against Texas and San Antonio in the Lone Star Faceoff and the Syracuse Crunch to end the home stand.

For the Texas Tornado, this may be their chance to prove that they can challenge in the South Division with the high scoring Topeka Roadrunners who have scored 102 goals through 24 games played which is 3rd in overall scoring, only behind the Wenatchee Wild and Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

In 2 weeks, the Tornado will head to Kansas to play their final games of the season's first half, this will take them into the league's Holiday Break which goes until December 28. For the Tornado, they first game back won't be until January 8 against the Topeka Roadrunners.

They need to get it done at home, because they play the Roadrunners on December 18 and 19 in Kansas which will be a huge challenge to win in Topeka where they have a 9-1-1 home record. The Tornado will need to be physical and stop their 3 top scores Cole Schneider (14 G), Erik Highby (12 G) and Bryce Johnson (10 G). If the Tornado can at least split this home stand, it would prove that the Tornado will need to be taken seriously.

For Wichita Falls, the Wildcats travel host the Springfield Jr. Blues this weekend as the Wildcats will need to stop Nick Curry and Jared Rickord who are in the top 5 overall in scoring with 32 and 31 points to their credit. Wichita Falls needs a strong December to start digging out of this hole that the Wildcats are in. If they contuine to struggle, it's going to be a long season and no playoff chances for the Wildcats this season.

This weekend's Southwest Schedule

NHL

12/5

@American Airlines Center
Edmonton Oilers VS. Dallas Stars 12:30 PM


AHL

12/4

@Bradley Center
Texas Stars VS. Milwaukee Admirals 7:00 PM

@AT&T Center
Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM


12/5

@Allstate Arena
Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM

12/6

@AT&T Center
Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage 5:00 PM


CHL

12/4

@Century Tel Center
Amarillo Gorillas VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 7:05 PM

@Ector County Civic Center
Laredo Bucks VS. Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 PM

@NYTEX Sports Center
Corpus Christi Icerayz VS. Texas Brahmas 7:05 PM

@Allen Event Center
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans 7:30 PM

@Rushmore Plaza Civic Arena
Tulsa Oilers VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM


12/5

@American Bank Center
Allen Americans VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz 7:05 PM

@Independence Events Center
Amarillo Gorillas VS. Missouri Mavericks 7:05 PM

@NYTEX Sports Center
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Texas Brahmas 7:05 PM

@Laredo Enterainment Center
Odessa Jackalopes VS. Laredo Bucks 7:30 PM

@Dodge Arena
Arizona Sundogs VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 PM

@Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Tulsa Oilers VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM


NAHL

12/4

@Kay Yeager Coliseum
Springfield Jr. Blues VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

@Dr. Pepper Arena
Topeka Roadrunners VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM


12/5

@Dr. Pepper Arena
Topeka Roadrunners VS. Texas Tornado 7:00 PM

@Kay Yeager Coliseum
Springfield Jr. Blues VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Tornado Surging with sweeps over Wichita Falls

The month of November became a good one for the Texas Tornado after a sweep in Washington against the Wenatchee Wild with a 6-4 and 3-1 losses at the first of November. However, after a split in Alaska against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs with an impressive 6-2 win over the Fairbanks Ice Dogs back on November 13.

Then after a loss against Fairbanks the next night, 2 weekend sweeps over the Wichita Falls Wildcats with 4 straight wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats have helped propel them up to a battle with the Springfield Jr. Blues for 3rd and just 5 points back of the St. Louis Bandits for 2nd which would get them home ice advantage in the first round of the NAHL Playoffs.

Jack Prince has really started to lift his game in November with a 6 game point streak where he scored 12 points in that time (7G 5A) and is clearly becoming the best player on the team and is gong to be a huge factor for any kind of success the team has this season. Scott Deur is also now the team leader in assists with 13 as he has surprised his career total in the NAHL when he had 16 points (6G 10A) with the Kenai River Brown Bears back in the 2007-2008 season.

Just 6 games for the Tornado coming up in December, but the next 4 are at home with weekend series against the Topeka Roadunners this weekend and the Wichita Falls Wildcats next weekend. Finally, just before the Winter Break, the Tornado head back to Kansas to play the Roadrunners which will take them into the League's Holiday Break which will go on until early Jan.

The games against Topeka are huge, because will see if the Tornado can challenge the Roadrunners and St. Louis Bandits in the South Division as we head into the 2nd half of the season. If the Tornado can play well against Topeka, it could become a 3 team race down South.

For the Wichita Falls Wildcats, a 6 game losing streak has the team sinking in the league. Just 5 wins through 23 games this season (5-14-4 overall) has them 12 points back of the Texas Tornado for 4th place.

In the entire league, the team also has the 3rd worst record overall, only better then the Albert Lea Thunder and the Kenai River Brown Bears who are tied with 12 points in the league standings. The team has probably nothing but doubt right now as nothing has been going right and turning out to be one of the biggest disappoiments this season in the entire NAHL.

One of the few bright spots for the Wildcats right now is Brian Sheehan who's leading the team with 18 goals. However the defense has been weak as only Ian Young and Ryan Frost are the only players who have positive plus/minus ratings.

Goaltending wise, Phillip Graveline has been having a hard time adjusting to more playing time with a 3.67 GAA and a .895 SV% during the regular season. He needs to find the magic that helped him out during the playoff series last year where they almost upset the Topeka Roadrunners in the South Division Semifinals last season.

Currently, theirs no worries about head coach John Bowkus losing his job. But he better find a way to turn around and salvage the season. If theirs no improvement soon, he could be on the hot seat in Wichita Falls in what is turning out to be a very long season for the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Odessa tops CHL Coaches Poll for the 3rd time

For the 3rd straight time, the Odessa Jackalopes have topped the Central Hockey League Coaches poll as the Jackalopes continue to dominate the league and the poll with 13 of the 15 1st place votes once again totaling 139 points. As for the other 2 1st place votes, the Allen Americans have climbed to 2 with a 13-4-1 record.

Elsewhere, the Colorado Eagles have dropped a spot to #3 as they are in a battle with the Tulsa Oilers for the top spot in the Northern Conference. The biggest jumper is the Rapid City Rush as they jumped 3 spots from #8 to #5 while the Laredo Bucks have dropped 4 spots to #7.

The defending champion Texas Brahmas have jumped to #9 after being on the bottom of the poll last time while the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have jumped back up to the tail end of the poll at #10 after being out of the top 10 last time.

For the Amarillo Gorillas, the Gorillas are on the outside looking in as they have dropped out last time, since a great start to the season, they have fallen flat on their face as the team is now 6th in the Southern Conference.

The only teams not to get any votes on the poll this time are the Wichita Thunder and Arizona Sundogs who have been the leagues biggest disappointment this season.

CHL Coaches Poll

1 (1). Odessa Jackalopes (13) (15-3-2) 139 PTS

2 (4). Allen Americans (2) (13-4-1) 121 PTS

3 (2). Colorado Eagles (12-3-1) 111 PTS

4 (5). Tulsa Oilers (12-5-1) 110 PTS

5 (8). Rapid City Rush (10-6-1) 76 PTS

6 (6). Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (10-6-3) 74 PTS

7 (3). Laredo Bucks (9-4-3) 72 PTS

8 (7). Mississippi Riverkings (9-9-2) 48 PTS

9 (10). Texas Brahmas (8-9-3) 37 PTS

10 (NR). Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (9-8-0) 21 PTS

Dropped Out: Amarillo Gorillas 3 PTS

Also Getting Votes: Corpus Christi Icerayz 12 PTS, Amarillo Gorillas 3 PTS, Missouri Mavericks 1 PTS

Russia and Slovakia WJC Prelim Rosters

Russia

As we get closer to the tournament, look for the rosters of the European Teams as we get ready for the start of the World Juniors which begin on December 26.

In addidition to the USA and Canada, Russia and Slovakia have both reveled their prelim rosters for the WJC. For Russia, the last 2 years have finished in 3rd place as the Russians will take 33 players to a camp that will eventully be cut to 28 players for the final camp in the Moscow suburb of Novogorsk. Before the tournament starts, they have set up 2 pre tournament games against Switzerland and Latvia where 5 North America Based players will join them as well.

A majority of the team plays in Russia, but several notable North America Players will have a shot at the team as weel, this includes Dimitri Kulikov who was the Florida Panthers first round draft pick last year. Also Vyacheslav Voinov of the Manchester Monarchs in the American Hockey League and Dmitri Kugryshev of the Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL).

Another notable Nikita Filatov who started the year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but was recently decided to go back home to play for Russian Power house CSKA Moscow.

Russian Pre Tournament Roster

Goaltenders

Igor Bobkov, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Zalivin, Dynamo Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Ramis Sadikov, Erie Otters (OHL)

Alexei Trifonov, Lada Togliatti (RUS, KHL)


Defensemen

Anton Klementiev, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

Dmitri Orlov, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS, KHL)

Maxim Chudinov, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS, KHL)

Dmitri Kostromitin, Rouyn-Nornda Huskies (QMJHL)

Nikita Zaitsev, Sibir Novosibirsk (RUS, KHL)

Nikita Pivtsakin, Avangard Omsk (RUS, KHL)

Konstantin Plaksin, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Tarasov, MVD Balashikha (RUS, KHL)

IIldar Isangulov, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (RUS, KHL)

Kirill Yuriev, Lada Togliatti (RUS, KHL)

Vyacheslav Voinov, Manchester Monarchs (AHL)

Dmitri Kulikov, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)


Forwards

Nikita Filatov, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Burmostrov, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Vladimir Tarasenko, Sibir Novosibirsk (RUS, KHL)

Pavel Dedunov, Amur Khabarovsk (RUS, KHL)

Ivan Telegin, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Maxim Kitsyn, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS, KHL)

Maxim Trunev, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS, KHL)

Sergei Plotnikov, Amur Khabarovsk (RUS, KHL)

Evgeni Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Evgeni Timkin, Avangard Omsk (RUS, KHL)

Vyacheslav Kulemin, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Egor Dugin, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Kirill Petrov, AK Bars Kazan (RUS, KHL)

Magomed Gimbatov, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS, KHL)

Petr Khokhryakov, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (RUS, KHL)

Dmitri Kugryshev, Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL)

Evgeni Grachev, Hartford Wolfpack (AHL)


Slovakia

After a great tournament where they finished 4th which was one of the best junior performances ever. The Slovaks are wanting to prove that last year was no fluke. This was just 2 years after where they got a miracle to stay in the top level with a 9-0 bashing of Belarus where it was enough to put Germany and Belarus down to the Division 1 level. This year, Slovakia is hoping that they recent NHL Draft picks Tomas Tatar and Richard Panik will lead them on offense as they hope to have another strong tournament this season.

A couple of other forwards to look for is winger Jakub Gasparovic has scored 32 points (13G 19A) for the U20 Team which plays in the Slovak Extraliga. Also from the U18 squad is Libor Hudacek featured on the U18 Team after a strong tournament last year is looking ahead with him as he has 15 points which ranks 2nd on the U20 Team.

On defense is Martin Stajnoch has emerged as a defenseve leader with a +10 rating and is the featured defense on the team and should be a lock to make the squad. Earlier this season, Slovakia played in the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge where they went a perfect 3-0-0 in the event against Norway, Switzerland and Germany.

They were most impressed with the win against Switzerland since they will play them in the Group Stage. It's a tough start in front of them as they will play the USA on the opening day on December 26.

Slovakia Pre Tournament Roster

Goalies

Mark Ciliak, Kometa Brno (Extraliga, CZE)

Tomas Halasz, HC Kosice (Extralia, SVK)

Tomas Pek, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)


Defensemen

Peter Hrasko, HKm Zvolen (Extraliga, SVK)

Henrich Jabornik, HK 36 Skalica (Extraliga, SVK)

Ivan Jankovic, HK 36 Skalica (Extraliga, SVK)

Adam Janosik, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Martin Marincin, HC Kosice (Extraliga, SVK)

Matus Rais, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Michal Siska, HKm Zvolen (Extraliga, SVK)

Peter Slimak, HC Kosice (Extraliga, SVK)

Martin Stajnoch, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)


Forwards

Martin Bakos, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)

Lukas Cingel, MsHK Zilina (Extraliga, SVK)

Jakub Gasparovic, Dukla Trencin (Extraliga, SVK)

Frantisek Gerhet, HC Litvinov (Extraliga, CZE)

Maros Grosaft, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Libor Hudacek, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)

Radoslav IIIo, Tri-City Storm (USHL)

Andrej Kudrna, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Adam Lapsansky, HK Popard (Extraliga, SVK)

Samuel Mlynarovic, HK Proprad (Extraliga, SVK)

Richard Panik, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Andrej Stastny, Dukla Trencin (Extraliga, SVK)

Jan Sykora, HC Banska Bystrica (Extraliga, SVK)

Tomas Tatar, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Martin Uhnak, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Michael Vandas, HK Popard (Extraliga, SVK)

Marek Viedensky, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

U.S.A. and Canada World Junior Prelim Roster

The prelim rosters for the U.S.A. and Canada National Teams have been named as we get closer to the World Junior Championships which gets underway on December 26. For the U.S.A. 29 players will meet up for a weekend prep camp in Ann Arbor, Michigan to get an idea on who will get to play for the USA Team for the World Junior Hockey Championshps later this month.

As for Southwest based players, Chris Brown from the Michigan Wolverirens has made it to the prelim roster, in add as well as Matt Donovan from Edmond, Oklahoma who plays for the Denver University Pionners have made it to the roster of wearing the Team USA roster coming up in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Americans are looking to get back on the medal stand as the team has been shutout the last 2 seasons, last year the Americans were shocked by Slovakia in the Quarterfinals last season. In all, the Americans are bringing 2 goalies, 11 defensemen, and 16 forwards.

As we go through the month of December, the Officals from U.S.A. Hockey will take a look at how the players are doing to see who will be on the final roster that will head to Saskatchewan for the World Juniors just after Christmas.

As we get ready for the World Juniors, look for the team rosters for the rest of the field as we get ready for the tournament to start up.

U.S.A. Prelim Roster

Goalies

Jack Campbell: Port Huron, Michigan: U.S. National U18 Team (USNTDP)

Mike Lee Roseau: Minnesota: St. Cloud State University (WCHA)


Defensemen

John Carlson: Colonia, New Jersey: Hershey Bears (AHL)

Matt Donovan: Edmond, Oklahoma: University of Denver (WCHA)

Justin Faulk: South St. Paul, Minnesota: U.S. National U18 Team (USNTDP)

Cam Fowler: Farmington Hills, Michigan: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Jake Gardiner: Minnetonka, Minnesota: University of Wisconsin (WCHA)

Brian Lashoff: Albany, New York: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Jon Merill: Brighton, Michigan: U.S. National U18 Team (USNTDP)

John Moore: Winnetka, Illinois: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Max Nicarstro: Thousand Oaks, Cali: Boston University (Hockey East)

John Ramage: St. Louis, Missouri: University of Wisconsin (WCHA)

David Warsofsky: Marshfield, Mass: Boston University (Hockey East)


Forwards

Ryan Bourque: Boxford, Mass.: Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL)

Chris Brown: Flower Mound, Texas: University of Michigan (CCHA)

Jerry D'Amigo: Binghamton, N.Y.: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institue (ECAC)

A.J. Jenks: Wolverine Lake, Michigan: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Tyler Johnson: Spokane, Washington: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Chris Kreider: Boxford, Mass. : Boston College (Hockey East)

Danny Kristo: Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Univeristy of North Dakota (WCHA)

Phillip Macrea: Chesterfield, Missouri: London Knights (OHL)

Jeremy Morin: Auburn, N.Y.: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Kyle Palmieri: Montvale, N.J. University of Norte Dame (CCHA)

Vinny Saponari: Powder Springs, Georgia: Boston University (Hockey East)

Jordan Schroeder: Prior Lake, Minnesota: University of Minnesota (WCHA)

Derek Stepan: Hastings, Minnesota: University of Wisconsin (WCHA)

Luke Walker: Portland, Oregon: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

David Wohlberg: South Lyon, Michigan: Univeristy of Michigan (CCHA)

Jason Zucker: Las Vegas, Nevada: U.S. National U18 Team (USTNDP)


Team Canada

Team Canada is going to look at 36 players, a majority of them coming from the major junior leagues. A handful of them also have come from the NCAA and the Canadian Junior A Legues as well. In all, Team Canada is going to look at 4 goalies, 12 defensemen and 20 forwards. Among them was the Dallas Stars 1st round draft pick from the 2009 draft Scott Glennie.

Goalies

Jake Allen: Fredricton, N.B.: Montreal De Junior (QMJHL)

Matt Hacket: London, Ontario: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Martin Jones: North Vancouver, B.C.: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Olivier Roy: Causapscal, Quebec: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)


Defensemen

Jared Cowen: Allan, Saskatchewan: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Calvin De Haan: Carp, Ontario: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Nicholas Deslauriers: St. Anicet, Quebec: Rouyn-Nornda Huskies (QMJHL)

Ryan Ellis: Freelton: Ontario: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Brandon Gormley: Murray River, P.E.I.: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Travis Hamonic: St. Malo, Manitoba: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Shawn Lalonde: Orleans, Ontario: Belleville Bulls (OHL)

Dylan Olsen: Calgary, Alberta: Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)

Alex Pietrangelo: King City, Ontario: Niagara Icedogs (OHL)

Marco Scandella: Montreal, Quebec: Val-dor Foueres (QMJHL)

Colten Teubert: White Rock, B.C.: Regina Pats (WHL)

Patrick Wiercioch: Maple Ridge, B.C.: University of Denver (WCHA)


Forwards

Luke Adam: St. John's, New Foundland: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

Gabriel Bourque: Baie-Comeau, Quebec: Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

Jordan Caron: Sayabec, Quebec: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Patrice Cormier: Cap-Pele, N.B.: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Philippe Cornet: Val Senneville, Quebec: Rouyn-Nornda Huskies (QMJHL)

Stefan Della Rovere: Maple, Ontario: Barrie Colts (OHL)

Cody Eakin: Winnipeg, Manitoba: Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

Jordan Eberle: Regina, Saskatchewan: Regina Pats (WHL)

Scott Glennie: Winnipeg, Manitoba: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Taylor Hall: Kingston, Ontario: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Adam Henrique: Burford, Ontario: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Cody Hodgson: Markham, Ontario: Brampton Battalion (OHL)

Nazem Kadri: London, Ontario: London Knights (OHL)

Brandon Kouzon: Calgary, Alberta: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Louis Leblanc: Kirkland, Quebec: Harvard (ECAC)

John Mcfarland: Richmond Hill, Ontario: Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Brandon Mcmillan: Delta, B.C.: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Brayden Schenn: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Tyler Seguin: Brampton, Ontario: Plymouth Whalers

All Star Game Info

American Hockey League

Yesterday was the first day that fans could vote for who they think should be in the 2010 American Hockey League All Star game which will be at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine.

Unlike the NHL where they have a selection process on who makes the ballot, the A.H.L. has a majority of their players on the roster where the fans can vote for a forward, Defensemen and the goalie for team Canada and Planet U.S.A. which is combination of players from the USA and Europe.

In addition to the voting, fans can register to win different prizes. The grand prize this year is a team signed All Star Jersey and 10 2nd place winners will win All Star Game T-Shirts as well. This year's A.H.L. All Star game will be held on January 18 and 19 in Portland Maine. The voting will go until December 27 at midnight and you can vote on the A.H.L. website.


North American Hockey League

The schedule for the North American Hockey League Top Prospects Tournament which will be from January 18-20 in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now out. Once again, the Tournament will be at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube which is the home of the U.S. N.T.D.P. and will be a 4 team tournament comprised of the Division All Star Teams.

All players will get a chance to play in front of college and pro scouts to some of them haven't gotten good looks yet and would be a great chance to make an impression to play for a college team after their junior career is over.

The number of players that each team will get will be based on how the team is doing in the standings as of New Years Day. So basically, the higher the team in the standings, the more players the team gets. For the 3 5 team Divisions (North, Central, South) They will be 6 players from the Division Leaders, 4 from the runner ups, 3 from the 3rd place teams and then 2 from the 4th and 5th place teams.

In the West Division where they is just 4 teams, 6 players will go from the Division Leaders, 5 from the Runner ups, 4 from the 3rd place team and 3 from the last place team.

In addition to the League Standings, the coaching staff will get a couple of coaches picks to round out the rosters on all 4 teams. To determine the coaching staff, the Division Leaders will get to be the head coach, while the Runner up as of New Years Day will be the Assistant coach.

For the Texas Tornado, look for Jack Prince to be on the roster as he is leading the team in scoring and is clearly the best player on the team. For Wichita Falls, it's going to be a much tougher desicion as the team is struggling, and is currently last in the South Division as they have the 3rd worst record overall in the NAHL. The Wildcats are only above the Albert Lea Thunder and the Kenai River Brown Bears who are tied for the worst record with 12 points.

The Tournament is a 3 game round robin which takes from Janaury 18-20

1/18

Central Division VS. North Division 3:30 PM

West Division VS. South Division 6:30 PM


1/19

North Division VS. South Division 3:30 PM

West Division VS. Central Division 6:30 PM


1/20

Central Division VS. South Division 9:00 AM

North Division VS. West Division 12:00 PM

Look for more info on different All Star Games as we get more info on them.

New Dallas Stars Poll Question

This time, the poll question revolves around the Dallas Stars goal scoring leaders Brenden Morrow, James Neal and Loui Eriksson as they are currently leading the way in scoring as we enter December.

Currently James Neal and Brenden Morrow are tied for the team scoring lead with 11 goals while Loui Eriksson is just behind them with 9 goals but also has 12 assists which is 3rd in assists with the team behind Mike Ribeiro with 13 assits and Brad Richards who's leading the team by a huge margin with 25 assists so far this season.

So the poll question is who will finish the season as the teams goal scoring leader? Brenden Morrow, James Neal or Loui Eriksson as we are currently 27 games into the season. I like to see your comments on this and see your pick to be the Dallas Stars goal scoring leader.

Right now, the Dallas Stars is in the 8th and final playoff spot right now, he's currently tied with Nashville and Phoenix with 31 points.

The Stars will need find their grove as the gap from 5th place Los Angeles to 10th place Vancouver is just 4 points right now and if even one of those teams can start to pull away. It's going to be very tough to get up in the standings, and get into the top 4 and be fighting it out for home ice at least in the 1st round and be fighting it out for the Division title. Most likely the San Jose Sharks who's currently leading the Western Conference right now.

Brent Krahn named AHL Goalie of the Month

The American Hockey League has announced earlier today that the Texas Stars Goalie Brent Krahn has been named the leagues goalie of the month for November. In his starts, he's had an impressive 5-1-0 record going with a 1.16 GAA and a strong .967 SV% which if it weren't for splitting time for Matt Climie, he would probably be one of the best goalies in the American Hockey League.

In addition to his impressive stats, he also had shutouts against the San Antonio Rampage back on 11/15 and the Rockford Icehogs on November 13. This is helping the Texas Stars have an 8 point lead over the Houston Aeros in the West Division and if the team can keep this up throughout the season, the Stars could challenge for home ice advantage come playoff time with teams like the Rochester Americans, Hershey Bears and the Manchester Monarchs come playoff time.

Right now, I'm starting to think that Krahn may be better then Climie as the #1 as he's starting to play more constantly and more fierce then Matt Climie and he's giving the Stars a lot of confidence that if Turco or Auld go down for a big chunk of the season. the Stars have a lot of confidence that they are deep in goal and if he continues to put up this kind of pace.

He could have a shot of being in the NHL full time soon and the Dallas Stars could have something to consider if they don't resign Turco as his contract will be up at the end of this season.

In the meantime, the Texas Stars are looking that his play continues to play this well as the season goes on and could be a big part of a potential playoff run when the playoffs come around in April.

For his recognition, he's going to be presented with a crystal award with his name on it during an upcoming Stars home game.

So far in 12 games for the Texas Stars this season, Krahn has posted a record of 10-2-0 with 3 shootouts and he leads the league with a 1.41 GAA and a .958 SV%, allowing just 17 goals on 402 shots. He was also a first round draft pick of the Calgary Flames in 2000, in his AHL Career Krahn is 87-67-14 with 16 shutouts in 180 career AHL Games. The 27 year old from Winnipeg made his NHL Debut with the Dallas Stars last season, playing in just 1 game near the end of the season.

For more Texas Stars hockey: log on to www.texasstarshockey.com

Texas HS Update: 12/1

As we get closer to the Christmas break, we are nearing the midway point of the HS Season in the Dallas area as most teams have played 10 of the 24 games during the season. Currently, the Allen Eagles still hold on to the lead in the Gold Tier, however the Southlake Carroll Dragons are starting to pull within striking distance of the league leading Eagles.

This week, the Dragons and Allen Eagles will play each other at the Euless Starcenter where a Dragons win would pull them within 1 point of the Gold Tier lead. Elsewhere, Plano West (7-3-0), Coppell (7-3-0) and Plano Senior (6-2-2) are tied for 3rd with 14 points as they contuine to look up to Southlake Carroll and Allen as we close in the leagues Holiday break which begins on December 19.



After the Coppell Cowboys, they is a huge dropoff as Flower Mound, Dallas Jesuit and Frisco ISD are all tied with 8 points while Mckinney ISD and Highland Park are in 9th and 10th place and would be out of the playoffs right now.

Only the top 8 make the playoffs in the Gold Tier, so it could turn out to be Southlake Carroll and Allen be fighting it out for home ice throughout the post season. For Flower Mound, Dallas Jesuit and Frisco ISD, it's will be a case of holding off Mckinney ISD and Highland Park to get into the last playoffs spots this season.



In the Silver Tier, November turned out to be a great month for FM Marcus as they now lead the Silver Central Division with a great offense with 39 goals in the last 4 games. Which includes 12 against Grapevine last week in a 12-7 win where they used a 4 game homestand to good use. Denton County has been on a 4 game losing streak where they only point came in a 5-4 OT Loss to the Richardson ISD Stampede

Out west, Keller ISD contuines to keep it's slim margin over Midlothain despite having a 7-1-1 record and just being 3 points back of the Division Lead. After a slow start, HEB-Birdville is starting to find their grove with them winning 5 of their last 6 games.

Garland ISD contuines to dominate the East with a perfect 10-0-0 record. So far this season, the biggest threat to the perfect season came on November 5 when FM Marcus used a goal by Jake Consolver with just 5 seconds left force the game to OT. Then in the extra frame, Marcus Ortiz scored early in OT to keep the perfect season alive.

Last week against Rockwall where they fell 3-0 to Rockwall midway through the game, a goal early in the 2nd and 2 in the 3rd got the game tied at 3-3 before Joey Thomas scored on the PP to win 4-3. An impressive feat that the 3 goals in regulation came shorthanded. After Garland ISD, it's going to be a tight battle for 2nd place as Richardson ISD, Rockwall, and Plano East are all within 3 points of 2nd place.

Up to date Standings and this weeks Schedule

Gold Tier

1. Allen 10 GP 9-0-1 19 PTS 50-22

2. S.L. Carroll 10 GP 7-1-2 16 PTS 54-24

3. Plano West 10 GP 7-3-0 14 PTS 47-25

4. Plano Senior 10 GP 6-2-2 14 PTS 36-23

5. Coppell 10 GP 3-5-2 8 PTS 36-30

6. Flower Mound 10 GP 4-6-0 8 PTS 28-36

7. Dallas Jesuit 10 GP 4-6-0 8 PTS 18-28

8. Frisco ISD 10 GP 4-6-0 8 PTS 28-42

9. Mckinney ISD 10 GP 2-7-1 5 PTS 24-58

10. Highland Park 10 GP 1-8-1 3 PTS 12-45


Silver Tier

West Division

1. Keller ISD 10 GP 9-1-0 18 PTS 59-21

2. Midlothian 9 GP 7-1-1 15 PTS 44-28

3. HEB-Birdville 10 GP 5-4-1 11 PTS 31-43

4. Arlington Martin 11 GP 5-6-0 10 PTS 41-39

5. Mansfield ISD 10 GP 4-6-0 8 PTS 23-34

Central Division

1. FM Marcus 10 GP 6-3-1 13 PTS 63-43

2. Denton Co. Spartans 11 GP 6-4-1 13 PTS 50-43

3. Colleyville Heritage 10 GP 4-2-4 12 PTS 39-40

4. S.L. Carroll 10 GP 4-3-3 11 PTS 23-32

5. Grapevine 11 GP 4-7-0 8 PTS 48-61

East Division

1. Garland ISD 10 GP 10-0-0 20 PTS 59-20

2. Richardson ISD 10 GP 6-3-1 13 PTS 42-41

3. Rockwall 9 GP 5-3-1 11 PTS 47-44

4. Plano East 10 GP 5-5-0 10 PTS 54-44

5. Bishop Lynch 10 GP 2-7-1 5 PTS 20-48

6. Plano West 9 GP 2-7-0 4 PTS 16-56

7. Plano Senior 10 GP 1-9-0 2 PTS 16-56


This Weeks Schedule

Gold Tier

Flower Mound VS. Coppell 5:30 PM Farmers Branch Starcenter

Mckinney ISD VS. Frisco ISD 6:45 PM Frisco Starcenter

Highland Park VS. Dallas Jesuit 8:15 PM Richardson Ice Training Center

Allen VS. Southlake Carroll 8:45 PM Euless Starcenter

Plano West VS. Plano Senior 8:45 PM Plano Starcenter


Silver Tier

HEB-Birdville VS. Rockwall 6:30 PM Richardson Ice Training Center

Keller ISD VS. Plano West 7:00 PM Plano Starcenter

FM Marcus VS. Southlake Carroll 7:00 PM Euless Starcenter

Colleyville Heritage VS. Richardson ISD 7:15 PM Mckinney Starcenter

Denton Co. Spartans VS. Grapevine 7:15 PM Farmers Branch Starcenter

Midlothian VS. Plano Senior 8:30 PM Frisco Starcenter

Arlington Martin VS. Bishop Lynch 9:00 PM Mckinney Starcenter

Plano East VS. Mansfield ISD 9:00 PM Farmers Branch Starcenter


Interscholastic Hockey League (ISHL)

In Hoston, neither the South or North Divisions have had anyone had a chance to start pulling away. Right now, Fair/Creek is currently leading the North Division by 2 points over the Woodlands whos currently tied with Klein for 2nd in the North Division with 8 points through 6 games played. Down South, Katy Cinco Ranch has a one point over the Clear Brook/Creek Springs as the Tigers are tied for 1st in goal scoring with 27 with Klein.

On the scoring front, Tyler Reith of Clear Brook/Creek Spring are leading the scoring lead with 14 points (8G 6A) who's not far off the goals lead with Ross Miller of Cy-Woods with 9 goals in the early portion of the season.

On leading the way for goalies is Dan Smiley and Michael Mealey with Smiley leading the way in GAA with a 1.00 GAA and a strong .933 SV%. For Mealey he's leading the way on SV% with a .956 SV% with a 1.25 GAA by only giving up 3 and 5 goals allowed this season.

Up to date Standings and this weeks Schedule

North Division

1. Fair/Creek 6 GP 4-0-2 10 PTS 23-12

2. Woodlands 5 GP 4-1-0 8 PTS 16-8

3. Klein 6 GP 3-1-2 8 PTS 27-13

4. Cy-Woods 5 GP 2-3-0 4 PTS 18-22

5. College Park 6 GP 1-4-1 3 PTS 13-21

6. Brazons Valley Bucks 6 GP 0-4-2 2 PTS 4-24

7. Memorial West 6 GP 1-5-0 2 PTS 10-27


South Division

1. Cinco Ranch 6 GP 4-1-1 9 PTS 27-15

2. Clear Brook/Creek Springs 6 GP 4-2-0 8 PTS 23-11

3. Taylor 5 GP 3-1-1 7 PTS 19-14

4. Seven Lakes 5 GP 3-2-0 6 PTS 24-13

5. Clear Lake 5 GP 3-2-0 6 PTS 20-12

6. Pearland/Friendswood 5 GP 2-2-1 5 PTS 10-18

7. FB Clements 5 GP 1-4-0 2 PTS 6-24

8. FB Austin 5 GP 1-4-0 2 PTS 24-30


This Weeks Schedule

December 4

College Park VS. Taylor 6:45 PM Sugar Land Ice Center

CY-Woods VS. The Woodlands 7:00 PM Willowbrook Aero Dome

Clear Brook/Creek Springs VS. Pearland/Friendswood 7:10 PM Space City Ice Station

Fair/Creek VS. Austin 8:15 PM Sugar Land Ice Center

F.B. Clements VS. Clearlake 8:35 PM Space City Ice Station

December 6

Clearlake VS. F.B. Austin 6:30 PM Sugar land Ice Center

Sevel Lakes VS. College Park 7:15 PM Willowbrook Aerodome

Taylor VS. Brazos Valley Bucks 7:15 PM Artic Wolf Ice Center

Memorial West VS. Cinco Ranch 8:00 PM Sugar land Ice Center

Clear Brook/Creek Springs VS. Klein 8:40 PM Willowbrook Aerodome