U.S.A. Women's Olympic Roster

For Team U.S.A. they come into Vancouver 2010 as the defending Bronze Medalist and it marked the first time in the Women's Olympic Hockey Tournament History where U.S.A. and Canada didn't play each other for the Championship.

The USA will be favorites to win the group and get back to the final, but the Women's field is getting deeper all the time and it's getting tougher with Olympic Tournament and Women's World Championship.

This time, the USA will face Finland, Russia and China as they are expected to get by Russia and China, but the challenge will come in Finland as they will look to get back on the Medal Podium since finishing 3rd in 1998.

The USA has an impressive list of talented players and that have won a lot of events at the International and NCAA levels in the U.S.A. Here's a list of achievements that the USA has on this roster who's looking to reclaim the gold medal for the first time since the first ever Women's Olympic Tournament back in 1998.

Here's the USA Women's Team Group Stage Schedule

2/14: VS. China

2/16: VS. Russia

2/18: VS. Finland

• 6 Previous Olympians
• 19 World Champions
• 19 returnees from the 2009 U.S.A. Women's National Team
• 10 Members from the 2008-2009 U.S.A. Women's Select Team
• 8 Players that have played in the Western Women's Hockey League
• 11 NCAA Division 1 Players (2008-2009)
• 10 players that played in the 2009 NCAA Tournament
• 9 NCAA National Champions
• 7 participants in the 2009 NCAA Women's Frozen Four
• 4 Winners of the 2009 NCAA National Championship
• 3 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Recipients

Goaltenders

Brianne Mclaughlin (Robert Morris University, CHA)

Molly Schaus (Boston College, Hockey East)

Jessie Vetter (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)


Defensemen

Kacey Bellamy (University of New Hampshire, Hockey East)

Caitlin Cahow (Harvard University, ECAC)

Lisa Chesson (Ohio State, WCHA)

Molly Engstrom (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Angela Ruggiero (Harvard University, ECAC)

Kerry Weiland (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)


Forwards

Julie Chu (Harvard University, ECAC)

Natalie Darwitz (University of Minnesota, WCHA)

Hilary Knight (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Jocelyne Lamoureux (University of North Dakota, WCHA)

Erika Lawler (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Gigi Marvin (University of Minnesota, WCHA)

Jenny Porter (University of Minn.-Duluth, WCHA)

Kelli Stack (Boston College, Hockey East)

Karen Thatcher (Providence College, Hockey East)

Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Olympic Rosters

The Prelim rosters for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver will be starting to come out tomorrow with the Belarus roster and will continue to come out throughout the holidays with the USA rounding out the roster announcements on New Years Day during the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston.

Be sure to watch for more info as the rosters start to come out. Fore more info, log on to the International Ice Hockey Federation website at www.iihf.com

For the Men's rosters: they will have the prelim rosters with the final rosters being registered on 2/15 which is the day before the tournament stars.

Belarus: 12/23

Canada: 12/31

Czech Republic: 12/30

Finland: 12/30

Germany: 12/30

Latvia: 12/29

Norway: 12/29

Russia: 12/25

Slovakia: 12/29

Sweden: 12/27

Switzerland: 12/30

USA: 1/1 (During NHL Winter Classic)

As for the Women's Rosters, no prelim rosters will be needed. The Final Rosters will be registered on 2/12. Speaking of rosters, the USA and Canada Rosters have already been announced.

In case you forget, here's the groups for both the Men's and Women's rosters.

Men's Tournament

Group A: Canada, U.S.A., Switzerland, Norway

Group B: Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia

Group C: Sweden, Finland, Belarus, Germany


Women's Tournament

Group A: Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia

Group B: U.S.A., Finland, Russia, China

This Weeks Schedule: 12/21-27

With pretty much all of the Junior and College Schedules on break for the Christmas Holidays this week. It will be focused on the NHL with a few CHL and AHL games going on as well. For the National Hockey League, the Dallas Stars will play 3 games this week as the league is going to be very busy to make up for the 2 week break the NHL will take in February during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

For Dallas, it's a tough week with the San Jose Sharks tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets coming up on Wednesday. Then after taking both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Stars return to action on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche. This will begin a run of 6 of their next 7 games at home which includes the traditional New Years Eve home date against the Anaheim Ducks which will be a part of the Big D NYE Celebration in Victory Plaza after the game that night.

For the AHL teams, a majority of the teams will be off for Christmas where the Houston Aeros and San Antonio Rampage will be off until December 26 where the Rampage will take on the Aeros. As for the Stars, a road trip to San Antonio will await their return on December 27. However the big games coming up is a road trip to Winnipeg to play the Manitoba Moose on New Years Eve and then on January 2.

The Central Hockey League will be kind of busy this week as the Corpus Christi Icerayz will take on Mississippi while the Allen Americans will travel to Odessa to take on the league leading Jackalopes. Also the Laredo Bucks will travel to Missouri to take on the Missouri Mavericks.

Since the Junior and College teams are off this week, I will have the entire schedule for the NHL, AHL and the CHL since It will be very busy with Christmas and the start of the WJC Tournament on Saturday.

Professional Scores

National Hockey League

December 21

Buffalo Sabres 3 Toronto Maple Leafs 2 (OT) (1-0, 0-2, 1-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020531

Tampa Bay Lighting 4 NY Islanders 2 (0-2, 2-1, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020532

Florida Panthers 4 Philadelphia Flyers 1 (1-0, 1-0, 2-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020533

NY Rangers 3 Carolina Hurricanes 1 (0-0, 1-1, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020534

Montreal Canadiens 4 Atlanta Thrashers 3 (OT) (0-1, 2-0, 1-2, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020535

Boston Bruins 2 Carolina Hurricanes 0 (0-0, 0-0, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020536

New Jersey Devils 4 Pittsburgh Penguins 0 (1-0, 3-0, 0-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020537

Colorado Avalanche 4 Minnesota Wild 3 (1-0, 3-1, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020538

San Jose Sharks 4 Dallas Stars 2 (0-0, 2-0, 2-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020539

St. Louis Blues 7 Edmonton Oilers 2 (1-1, 4-1, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020540

Columbus Blue Jackets 2 Phoenix Coyotes 5 (0-2, 1-2, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020541


December 22

San Jose Sharks 3 Chicago Blackhawks 2 (1-0, 1-0, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020542

Anaheim Ducks 4 Colorado Avalanche 2 (0-1, 0-0, 4-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020543

Nashville Predators 1 Vancouver Canucks 4 (0-0, 0-2, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009020544


December 23

Atlanta Thrashers 4 Boston Bruins 6 (2-3, 0-1, 2-2)

Toronto Maple Leafs 1 NY Islanders 3 (0-0, 0-2, 1-1)

Florida Panthers 1 NY Rangers 4 (1-1, 0-1, 0-2)

Ottawa Senators 2 Pittsburgh Penguins 8 (1-1, 0-5, 1-2)

Buffalo Sabres 2 Washington Capitals 5 (0-2, 2-1, 0-2)

Montreal Canadiens 5 Carolina Hurricanes 1 (4-1, 1-0, 0-0)

Edmonton Oilers 1 Minnesota Wild 3 (1-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Philadelphia Flyers 5 Tampa Bay Lighting 2 (2-0, 0-2, 3-0)

Chicago Blackhawks 3 Detroit Red Wings 0 (0-0, 1-0, 2-0)

Columbus Blue Jackets 1 Dallas Stars 3 (1-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Anaheim Ducks 0 Phoenix Coyotes 4 (0-2, 0-1, 0-1)

St. Louis Blues 2 Calgary Flames 1 (SO) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 1-0)

December 26

Ottawa Senators 3 Buffalo Sabres 2 (SO) (0-0, 2-2, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Montreal Canadiens 3 Toronto Maple Leafs 2 (OT) (2-0, 0-1, 0-1, 1-0)

NY Islanders 3 NY Rangers 2 (OT) (1-0, 1-0, 0-2, 1-0)

New Jersey Devils 1 Washington Capitals 4 (1-2, 0-1, 0-1)

Philadelphia Flyers 4 Carolina Hurricanes 3 (SO) (2-0, 0-0, 1-3, 0-0, 1-0)

Columbus Blue Jackets 1 Detroit Red Wings 2 (1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Atlanta Thrashers 3 Tampa Bay Lighting 4 (1-1, 1-1, 1-2)

Chicago Blackhawks 4 Nashville Predators 1 (1-0, 3-1, 0-0)

St. Louis Blues 3 Minnesota Wild 4 (0-1, 1-0, 2-3)

Los Angeles Kings 2 Phoenix Coyotes 3 (1-2, 0-0, 1-1)

Dallas Stars 1 Colorado Avalanche 4 (0-1, 0-1, 1-2)

Edmonton Oilers 1 Vancouver Canucks 4 (0-0, 1-2, 0-2)

Anaheim Ducks 2 San Jose Sharks 5 (0-2, 1-3, 1-0)

December 27

Philadelphia Flyers 2 NY Islanders 1 (1-0, 1-1, 0-0)

Boston Bruins 2 Florida Panthers 1 (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)

Buffalo Sabres 5 St. Louis Blues 3 (1-1, 1-2, 3-0)

Toronto Maple Leafs 4 Pittsburgh Penguins 3 (2-1, 1-1, 1-1)

Nashville Predators 4 Chicago Blackhawks 5 (1-1, 1-0, 2-4)

Vancouver Canucks 5 Calgary Flames 1 (4-1, 1-0, 0-0)

American Hockey League

December 22

Rochester Americans 2 Lake Erie Monsters 6 (2-1, 0-1, 0-4)

http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006513

December 26

Hartford Wolfpack 2 Bridgeport Sound Tigers 3 (SO) (0-0, 0-1, 2-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Chicago Wolves 7 Grand Rapids Griffins 4 (4-2, 2-1, 1-1)

Syracuse Crunch 1 Hershey Bears 4 (0-0, 0-2, 1-2)

Providence Bruins 1 Lowell Devils 5 (0-2, 1-2, 0-1)

Manchester Monarchs 2 Portland Pirates 1 (OT) (0-1, 0-0, 1-0, 1-0)

Adirondack Phantoms 3 Binghamton Senators 2 (0-2, 0-0, 3-0)

Hamilton Bulldogs 2 Rochester Americans 4 (1-0, 0-1, 1-3)

Albany River Rats 1 W-B/Scranton Penguins 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)

Springfield Falcons 2 Worcester Sharks 7 (0-3, 1-2, 1-2)

Toronto Marlies 2 Lake Erie Monsters 4 (2-3, 0-1, 0-0)

Milwaukee Admirals 2 Rockford Icehogs 4 (0-2, 2-0, 0-2)

San Antonio Rampage 4 Houston Aeros 2 (3-0, 0-2, 1-0)

December 27

Providence Bruins 0 Manchester Monarchs 2 (0-1, 0-1, 0-0)

Hartford Wolfpack 4 Springfield Falcons 3 (OT) (2-2, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Lowell Devils 2 Worcester Sharks 3 (0-0, 1-2, 1-1)

Rockford Icehogs 6 Chicago Wolves 4 (2-1, 1-2, 3-1)

Peoria Rivermen 5 Grand Rapids Griffins 1 (3-0, 1-0, 1-1)

Texas Stars 1 San Antonio Rampage 4 (1-1, 0-1, 0-2)

Lake Erie Monsters 7 Toronto Marlies 0 (4-0, 1-0, 2-0)

W-B/Scranton Penguins 3 Albany River Rats 2 (1-0, 0-1, 2-1)

Norfolk Admirals 1 Hershey Bears 7 (0-1, 1-3, 0-3)

Binghamton Senators 3 Rochester Americans 5 (0-0, 1-3, 2-2)

Abbotsford Heat 1 Manitoba Moose 4 (0-1, 0-3, 1-0)

Central Hockey League

December 22

Mississippi Riverkings 5 Corpus Christi Icerayz 3 (2-0, 1-2, 2-1)

www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1067615

Laredo Bucks 5 Missouri Mavericks 6 (1-1, 3-2, 1-2, 0-0, 0-1)

www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1067616

Allen Americans 1 Odessa Jackalopes 5 (0-1, 1-3, 0-1)

www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1067617

Colorado Eagles 6 Rapid City Rush 5 (0-0, 5-3, 1-2)

www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1067618

December 25

Wichita Thunder VS. Tulsa Oilers (postpoined due to Bad Weather)

December 26

Corpus Christi Icerayz 5 Laredo Bucks 4 (OT) (2-2, 2-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Texas Brahmas 2 Allen Americans 3 (OT) (0-1, 2-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Arizona Sundogs 5 Odessa Jackalopes 6 (3-2, 0-4, 2-0)

Missouri Mavericks 6 Wichita Thunder 2 (2-0, 1-2, 3-0)

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 4 Amarillo Gorillas 3 (SO) (2-1, 1-0, 0-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Mississippi Riverkings 3 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 1 (0-0, 2-1, 1-0)

December 27

Tulsa Oilers 5 Laredo Bucks 4 (0-1, 3-2, 2-1)

Arizona Sundogs 3 Odessa Jackalopes 4 (1-2, 1-1, 1-1)

Wichita Thunder 0 Texas Brahmas 2 (0-1, 0-1, 0-0)

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 0 Amarillo Gorillas 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 3 Allen Americans 4 (SO) (1-1, 2-0, 0-2, 0-0, 0-1)

Rapid City Rush 5 Colorado Eagles 2 (2-0, 2-1, 1-1)

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan, Quest for the WJC

With just 5 days to go till the start of the World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan. Both Southwest players Chris Brown and Matt Donovan have made the main cut from 30 to 24 players and just recently completed a pre tournament training camp which involved both on ice and off ice training sessions and had involved some player meeting to discuss their chances and how they would be best used for team USA at the World Junior Championships.

Back on Saturday, a pre tournament game against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux where Team USA won 4-2 back on December 19.

Here's the Press Release from US College Hockey Website www.uscho.com

In an exhibition game featuring Dean Blais against his former protege Dave Hakstol, the Blias coached U.S. Under 20 team downed North Dakota 4-2, at Ralph Engelstad.

Blais, who's currently in his first year with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will coach the U.S. National Junior Team during the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships December 26 from January 5 in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

13 of the 19 starters on the U.S. Team come from the NCAA Ranks. The others are Americans that play in the Canadian Juniors or on the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Boston College Freshman Chris Kreider had two goals for the U.S. while Danny Kristo, a UND freshman playing for the U.S. scored an empty netter with 17 seconds left to seal the win. Wisconsin's Derek Stepan added two assists for the U20 Team.

During his ten years as head coach of UND, Blais won two national championships and 6 WCHA Titles. He also recommended Hakstol, his assistant, for the top spot when he left for the NHL back in 2004.

"Its always an emotional thing to look there and see the green and white and not cheer against them, but try to beat them," Blais said of his return to Engelstad Arena. "That was hard, I knew I'd have a tough time with it."

"It's been great to have Dean around here for a few days," Haskol said. "He's a guy that second to none in importance in our program, and he's done well personally."

However, once the puck dropped, both coaches were all business.

"It's not something you think about much during the 60 minutes, but certainly at the end of game, it's nice to shake his hand and wish them well going up their and winning a medal," Haskol related.

An odd moment-something probably seen only in an exhibition game-occurred at the end of the first period when Kristo and UND's Brad Malone staged a shoving match before leaving the ice.

"We talked a little bit before the game," Kristo explained. "We were trying to get coincidentals so we could hang out in the box for a couple of minutes."

Their act apparently wasn't good enough, because the officials didn't buy it.

Kreider got the U.S. on the board first with a power play tally at 6:51 of the 2nd period. Camped in front of the crease, he deflected defensemen Cam Fowler blast from the point over the shoulder of UND Goalie Brad Eidsness.

About half way through the 2nd period, Blais replaced goalie Mike Lee (St. Cloud State)-who had stopped all 12 shots he faced-with Jack Campbell. Hakstol substituted freshmen Aaron Dell for Eidsness, who had 13 saves on 14 shots.

The Fighting Sioux answered with a power play goal at 17:37 of the 2nd period. Defenseman Jake Marto found Malone unmarked in front of the U.S. Net. He dished the puck to forward Evan Trupp, who roofed it over a sprawling Campbell to knot it up at 1-1.

At 3:36 of the 3rd period, the U.S. went ahead for Good on Kreider's 2nd goal. Just as timed expired on a UND Penalty, Denver Defensemen Matt Donovan centered the puck from the left of the goal. Kreider got his stick on it and knocked it past Dell to give the U.S. at 2-1.

U.S. Forward Jason Zucker fired a wrister from the left dot that beat Dell short side at 8:57 of the 3rd period to make it 3-1. The Las Vegas native tally stood as the game winner.

With 49 seconds left, the Sioux cut the margin to one when Trupp scored a back hander with Dell pulled the goalie for an extra leader. However, Kristo empty netter in the last 17 seconds sealed the win, giving the U.S. the 4-2 win.

"In the 3rd period, it was kind of a defining moment for the kids," Blais said. "Can you win a close game? Can you gut it out? Can you do things we've asked for the last few days."

"They're a talented bunch. It's just whatever they could play together and generate any offense together. I don't think anyone was really rattled, and it kind of surprised me."

Kreider said that even an exhibition win will be beneficial to the U.S. Team heading into tournament play.

"Any win will give you confidence," he noted. "From my prospective, (UND) is a really good college team. They're big, they're fast. They're certainly physical and play with an edge. I think we should have an edge after playing well against North Dakota."

Campbell finished with 20 saves on 22 shots while Dell had nine saves on 11 shots. The Sioux out shot the U.S. 34 to 26 and went one for six on the power play. The U.S. was one for four on the man advantage

Besides missing leading Kristo, UND was without two of its 3 seniors. Defensemen and captain Chay Genoway remains out indefinitely with a head injury and assistant captain Darcy Zajac will miss 4-6 weeks. Trupp acknowledged that the team needs work.

"It was good to get some our players, who probably haven't gotten enough ice time, to get more ice time tonight, and get more comfortable on work on some chemistry as a team, he said.

The U.S. will play an exhibition against the Czech Republic in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, December 22 before opening play in the IIHF World Junior Championships December 26 against Slovakia. UND next plays Niagara on January 2 and then either Colgate or Norte Dame on January 3 in the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.

For Chris Brown, the USA team was impressed with his physical presence and could be best used as a physical forward in the WJC. He's had a great run since being named the CCHA Forward of the Week just after he was named to the prelim roster. Look for him to be dishing out the hits and looking for rebounds around the net when he hits the ice in Saskatchewan.

As for Matt Donovan, he's been used a great set up defensemen which included getting an assist on the U.S.A.'s 2nd goal of the game to make it 2-1 early in the 2nd period. Don't expect to be a big scoring threat, but he will look to set up plays and be a critical puck mover as well.

For both players, the outlook is really good as the U.S.A. will have to cut 2 more players after tomorrow's pre tournament game against the Czech Republic tomorrow.

Here's a look at the USA Schedule in Saskatoon during the World Junior Championships.

12/26: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/27: VS. Switzerland 3:00 PM

12/29: VS. Latvia 3:00 PM

12/31: VS. Canada 7:00 PM

Some of the games during the World Junior Championships will be broadcast on the NHL Network, check your local listings.

Professional Standings as of 12/20

National Hockey League

Eastern Conference

1. New Jersey 34 GP 25-8-1 51 PTS 102-75

2. Washington 36 GP 22-8-6 50 PTS 130-100

3. Buffalo 34 GP 21-10-3 45 PTS 91-74

4. Pittsburgh 36 GP 25-10-1 51 PTS 116-91

5. Ottawa 35 GP 18-13-4 40 PTS 100-101

6. Atlanta 34 GP 18-13-3 39 PTS 112-104

7. Boston 34 GP 16-11-7 39 PTS 88-87

8. Florida 37 GP 15-15-7 37 PTS 107-121

9. NY Rangers 35 GP 16-16-3 35 PTS 96-101

10. Montreal 37 GP 16-18-3 35 PTS 93-104

11. Tampa Bay 35 GP 12-14-9 33 PTS 87-107

12. Toronto 36 GP 13-16-7 33 PTS 104-127

13. NY Islanders 36 GP 13-16-7 33 PTS 88-116

14. Philadelphia 34 GP 15-17-2 32 PTS 94-99

15. Carolina 35 GP 9-20-6 24 PTS 88-128


Western Conference

1. Chicago 33 GP 22-8-3 47 PTS 100-71

2. San Jose 35 GP 20-8-7 47 PTS 115-93

3. Colorado 37 GP 20-11-6 46 PTS 109-107

4. Nashville 36 GP 22-11-3 47 PTS 106-101

5. Los Angeles 37 GP 22-12-3 47 PTS 111-108

6. Calgary 35 GP 20-11-4 44 PTS 101-87

7. Phoenix 36 GP 21-13-2 44 PTS 91-83

8. Detroit 35 GP 18-12-5 41 PTS 98-93

9. Dallas 35 GP 15-9-11 41 PTS 105-108

10. Vancouver 35 GP 20-15-0 40 PTS 109-90

11. Minnesota 35 GP 17-15-3 37 PTS 90-99

12. Anaheim 35 GP 14-14-7 35 PTS 99-111

13. Columbus 36 GP 14-15-7 35 PTS 103-126

14. Edmonton 35 GP 15-16-4 34 PTS 105-113

15. St. Louis 33 GP 14-14-5 33 PTS 81-94


American Hockey League


Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1. Manchester 33 GP 21-9-3 45 PTS 95-70

2. Bridgeport 35 GP 18-14-3 39 PTS 87-88

3. Lowell 32 GP 17-12-3 37 PTS 106-94

4. Portland 33 GP 16-12-5 37 PTS 98-96

5. Worcester 30 GP 16-12-2 34 PTS 84-92

6. Hartford 32 GP 15-13-4 34 PTS 92-95

7. Providence 31 GP 16-14-1 33 PTS 85-87

8. Springfield 33 GP 10-16-7 27 PTS 79-115


East Division

1. Hershey 31 GP 21-8-2 44 PTS 116-70

2. Albany 32 GP 18-11-3 39 PTS 90-79

3. Binghamton 29 GP 14-11-4 32 PTS 98-83

4. Norfolk 32 GP 15-16-1 31 PTS 83-83

5. W-B/Scranton 30 GP 14-14-2 30 PTS 82-78

6. Adirondack 28 GP 13-13-2 28 PTS 65-87

7. Syracuse 31 GP 10-17-4 24 PTS 75-121


Western Conference

North Division

1. Hamilton 31 GP 19-7-5 43 PTS 92-64

2. Rochester 31 GP 20-9-2 42 PTS 102-86

3. Manitoba 35 GP 17-14-4 38 PTS 80-94

4. Grand Rapids 31 GP 18-12-1 37 PTS 102-90

5. Abbotsford 33 GP 15-14-4 34 PTS 90-96

6. Toronto 30 GP 13-12-5 31 PTS 81-101

7. Lake Erie 30 GP 10-17-3 23 PTS 72-97


West Division

1. Texas 33 GP 20-9-4 44 PTS 93-71

2. Peoria 30 GP 17-10-3 37 PTS 94-91

3. Milwaukee 30 GP 16-9-5 37 PTS 80-83

4. Houston 32 GP 16-13-3 35 PTS 79-72

5. Rockford 34 GP 16-15-3 35 PTS 88-89

6. Chicago 30 GP 14-14-2 30 PTS 85-86

7. San Antonio 30 GP 11-15-4 26 PTS 79-94


Central Hockey League

Northern Conference

1. Colorado 24 GP 19-4-1 39 PTS 110-65

2. Rapid City 25 GP 17-7-1 35 PTS 97-71

3. Bossier-Shreveport 25 GP 15-10-0 30 PTS 76-73

4. Tulsa 26 GP 13-12-1 27 PTS 91-95

5. Mississippi 25 GP 12-11-2 26 PTS 78-79

6. Missouri 25 GP 10-14-1 21 PTS 67-90

7. Wichita 26 GP 3-20-3 9 PTS 52-104


Southern Conference

1. Odessa 27 GP 20-4-3 43 PTS 114-73

2. Allen 25 GP 17-6-2 36 PTS 81-67

3. Texas 27 GP 14-10-3 31 PTS 81-81

4. Laredo 24 GP 13-7-4 30 PTS 76-72

5. Rio Grande Valley 25 GP 12-10-3 27 PTS 81-85

6. Corpus Christi 26 GP 9-13-4 22 PTS 77-85

7. Amarillo 28 GP 9-15-4 22 PTS 85-110

8. Arizona 26 GP 9-14-3 21 PTS 75-91

Major Junior Standings as of 12/20

Like the U.S.A. Juniors, the Major Juniors will have their Christmas Break this week as the teams and some of the players get ready for the World Junior Championships to start up on December 26. All 3 leagues are just past the midway point of the season as the (WHL Plays a 72 game season while the OHL & QMJHL play a 68 Game Season).

Western Hockey League

Eastern Conference

1. Calgary 37 GP 26-9-2 54 PTS 134-105

2. Saskatoon 35 GP 24-7-4 52 PTS 123-93

3. Brandon 38 GP 25-11-2 52 PTS 163-118

4. Medicine Hat 39 GP 22-11-6 50 PTS 162-137

5. Prince Albert 39 GP 20-16-3 49 PTS 138-128

6. Kootenay 37 GP 19-15-3 41 PTS 126-116

7. Swift Current 38 GP 19-17-2 40 PTS 130-133

8. Red Deer 35 GP 18-15-2 38 PTS 107-113

9. Moose Jaw 35 GP 17-15-3 37 PTS 129-121

10. Regina 39 GP 16-20-3 35 PTS 136-147

11. Edmonton 38 GP 10-20-8 28 PTS 94-142

12. Lethbridge 34 GP 10-20-4 24 PTS 97-136


Western Conference

1. Tri-City 35 GP 26-9-0 52 PTS 141-90

2. Vancouver 37 GP 22-12-3 47 PTS 134-110

3. Spokane 34 GP 21-10-3 45 PTS 111-76

4. Portland 38 GP 22-15-1 45 PTS 139-137

5. Everett 35 GP 19-13-3 41 PTS 107-99

6. Kelowna 37 GP 18-18-1 37 PTS 119-118

7. Chilliwack 38 GP 15-17-6 36 PTS 116-139

8. Kamloops 36 GP 14-17-5 33 PTS 115-156

9. Seattle 37 GP 13-19-5 31 PTS 95-124

10. Prince George 35 GP 7-26-2 16 PTS 81-159


Here's a look at how the Playoff matchups would look like right now as we reach the Christmas Break in the WHL.

Eastern Conference

#1 Calgary Hitmen VS. #8 Red Deer Rebels

#2 Saskatoon Blades VS. #7 Swift Current Broncos

#3 Brandon Wheat Kings VS. #6 Kootenay Ice

#4 Medicine Hat Tigers VS. #5 Prince Albert Raiders

Western Conference

#1 Tri-City Americans VS. #8 Kamloops Blazers

#2 Vancouver Giants VS. #7 Chilliwack Bruins

#3 Spokane Cheifs VS. #6 Kelowna Rockets

#4 Portland Winterhawks VS. #5 Everett Silvertips

Ontario Hockey League

Eastern Conference

1. Barrie 34 GP 29-4-1 59 PTS 167-85

2. Peterborough 38 GP 19-17-2 40 PTS 130-152

3. Mississauga 35 GP 24-7-4 52 PTS 128-83

4. Ottawa 37 GP 17-15-5 39 PTS 125-123

5. Oshawa 35 GP 16-15-4 36 PTS 120-132

6. Kingston 36 GP 16-18-2 34 PTS 114-140

7. Brampton 36 GP 13-16-7 33 PTS 88-102

8. Sudbury 36 GP 14-18-4 32 PTS 104-133

9. Belleville 37 GP 11-20-6 28 PTS 95-140

10. Niagara 36 GP 11-20-5 27 PTS 98-135


Western Conference

1. Windsor 37 GP 29-4-4 62 PTS 189-103

2. Kitchener 35 GP 24-8-3 51 PTS 146-107

3. London 34 GP 24-9-1 49 PTS 133-101

4. Plymouth 37 GP 20-16-1 41 PTS 129-108

5. Sault St. Marie 37 GP 19-15-3 41 PTS 126-110

6. Saginaw 34 GP 17-14-3 37 PTS 123-125

7. Erie 35 GP 15-15-5 35 PTS 114-135

8. Owen Sound 37 GP 14-19-4 32 PTS 120-158

9. Guelph 35 GP 14-18-3 31 PTS 112-144

10. Sarnia 37 GP 13-22-2 28 PTS 98-143

Here's a look at the current playoffs set up in the Ontario Hockey League.

Eastern Conference

#1 Barrie Colts VS. #8 Sudbury Wolves

#2 Peterborough Petes VS. #7 Brampton Battalion

#3 Mississauga St. Micheals Majors VS. #6 Kingston Frontenacs

#4 Ottawa 67s VS. #5 Oshawa Generals


Western Conference

#1 Windsor Spitfires VS. #8 Owen Sound Attack

#2 Kitchener Rangers VS. #7 Erie Otters

#3 London Knights VS. #6 Saginaw Spirit

#4 Plymouth Whalers VS. #5 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

West Division

1. Rouyn-Nornda 39 GP 20-16-3 43 PTS 144-139

2. Gatineau 36 GP 19-14-3 41 PTS 128-100

3. Montreal 35 GP 16-16-3 35 PTS 110-112

4. Val-dor 36 GP 14-19-3 31 PTS 129-154


Central Division

1. Drummondville 37 GP 25-10-2 52 PTS 162-117

2. Victoriaville 37 GP 25-10-2 52 PTS 146-104

3. Shawinigan 35 GP 17-13-5 39 PTS 116-132

4. Lewiston 35 GP 11-23-1 23 PTS 97-143


East Division

1. Quebec City 37 GP 24-8-5 53 PTS 155-126

2. Rimouski 37 GP 19-13-5 43 PTS 131-141

3. Chicoutimi 34 GP 13-13-8 34 PTS 107-123

4. Baie-Comeau 35 GP 10-22-3 23 PTS 96-154


Atlantic Division

1. St. John 38 GP 31-6-1 63 PTS 167-102

2. Moncton 35 GP 21-11-3 45 PTS 128-91

3. Cape Breton 37 GP 20-12-5 45 PTS 125-114

4. P.E.I. 37 GP 20-13-4 44 PTS 129-124

5. Acadie-Bathurst 37 GP 14-18-5 33 PTS 110-152

6. Halifax 37 GP 8-26-3 19 PTS 103-155


Here's a look at how the playoff picture looks at the Christmas Break in the QMJHL.

West Division

#1 Rouyn-Nornda Huskies VS. #4 Val-dor Fourures

#2 Gatineau Olympiques VS. #3 Montreal De Junior


Central Division

#1 Drummondville Voltigeurs VS. #4 Lewiston Maineiacs

#2 Victoriaville Tigers VS. #3 Shawinigan Cataractes


East Division

#1 Quebec City Ramparts VS. #4 Acadie-Bathurst Titans

#2 Rimouski Oceanic VS. #3 Chicoutimi Sagueneens


Atlantic Division

#1 St. John Seadogs VS. #4 P.E.I. Rockets

#2 Moncton Wildcats VS. #3 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

U.S.A. Junior Standings as of 12/20

Here's a look at the standings for the United States Hockey League and the North American Hockey League as we reach the Christmas Break for both leagues. For the USHL, the league will return to action on December 29, as for the North American Hockey League, they will return on December 28. In addition for the NAHL, the standings will be used to determine how many players from each team will get to play in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament which will be played in Ann Arbor, Michigan from January 18-20.

United States Hockey League

East Division

1. Green Bay 27 GP 18-6-3 39 PTS 91-64

2. Indiana 26 GP 14-11-1 29 PTS 77-70

3. Cedar Rapids 27 GP 13-12-2 28 PTS 89-91

4. Youngstown 25 GP 12-11-2 26 PTS 90-99

5. Chicago 26 GP 11-11-4 26 PTS 88-93

6. Waterloo 24 GP 9-14-1 19 PTS 89-110

7. USNTDP 25 GP 8-14-3 19 PTS 78-100


West Division

1. Omaha 27 GP 21-5-1 43 PTS 117-65

2. Sioux Falls 25 GP 14-4-7 35 PTS 100-75

3. Fargo 26 GP 16-9-1 33 PTS 100-91

4. Tri-City 26 GP 11-9-6 28 PTS 80-85

5. Sioux City 24 GP 12-11-1 25 PTS 62-72

6. Des Moines 27 GP 12-14-1 25 PTS 102-111

7. Lincoln 25 GP 9-15-1 19 PTS 57-88


These would be the Playoff Matchups in the USHL Right now as we hit the Christmas Break.

East Division

#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Youngstown Phantoms

#2 Indiana Ice VS. #3 Cedar Rapids Roughriders


West Division

#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #4 Tri-City Storm

#2 Sioux Falls Stampede VS. #3 Fargo Force


North American Hockey League

North Division

1. Marquette 28 GP 18-10-0 36 PTS 87-70

2. Janesville 28 GP 16-10-2 34 PTS 93-80

3. Traverse City 29 GP 16-11-2 34 PTS 100-94

4. Motor City 28 GP 10-12-6 26 PTS 76-87

5. Alpena 29 GP 11-18-0 22 PTS 76-91


Central Division

1. Bismarck 32 GP 18-8-6 42 PTS 97-79

2. Owatonna 29 GP 15-11-3 33 PTS 95-103

3. North Iowa 30 GP 13-15-2 28 PTS 92-122

4. Alexandria 26 GP 10-13-3 23 PTS 65-74

5. Albert Lea 30 GP 8-20-2 18 PTS 73-126


South Division

1. Topeka 31 GP 23-5-3 49 PTS 130-74

2. St. Louis 27 GP 21-5-1 43 PTS 95-57

3. Springfield 34 GP 14-15-5 33 PTS 104-106

4. Texas 30 GP 14-14-2 30 PTS 90-101

5. Wichita Falls 30 GP 9-16-5 23 PTS 96-127


West Division

1. Wenatchee 34 GP 27-5-2 56 PTS 109-71

2. Fairbanks 35 GP 22-12-1 45 PTS 137-105

3. Alaska 31 GP 17-8-6 40 PTS 102-83

4. Kenai River 35 GP 7-26-2 16 PTS 79-138


Here's a look at the Playoff Matchups as where they stand right now going into the Christmas Break

North Division

#1 Marquette Rangers VS. #4 Motor City Metal Jackets

#2 Janesville Jets VS. #3 Traverse City North Stars


Central Division

#1 Bismarck Bobcats VS. #4 Alexandria Blizzard

#2 Owatonna Express VS. #3 North Iowa Outlaws


South Division

#1 Topeka Roadrunners VS. #4 Texas Tornado

#2 St. Louis Bandits VS. #3 Springfield Jr. Blues


West Division

#1 Wenatchee Wild VS. #4 Kenai River Brown Bears

#2 Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. #3 Alaska Avalanche


Here's a look at how many players that each team will get in the Prospects Tournament.

North Division

Marquette Rangers (6)

Janesville Jets (5)

Traverse City North Stars (3)

Motor City Metal Jackets (3)

Alpena Ice Diggers (2)


Central Division

Bismarck Bobcats (6)

Owatonna Express (5)

North Iowa Outlaws (3)

Alexandria Blizzard (3)

Albert Lea Thunder (2)


South Division

Topeka Roadrunners (6)

St. Louis Bandits (5)

Springfield Jr. Blues (3)

Texas Tornado (3)

Wichita Falls Wildcats (2)


West Division

Wenatchee Wild (6)

Fairbanks Ice Dogs (5)

Alaska Avalanche (4)

Kenai River Brown Bears (4)

Family Medical Problems

If your wondering why I have hardly posted at all this week. It's because I have been in Tulsa dealing with a family medical issue involving my grandmother where she's been in the hospital since Saturday. She had a massive blood loss which almost killed her. She's getting better right and could be out of the hospital tomorrow! I'm hoping to get back home soon and start catching up on the news that I missed after she gets out.

In the meantime, please pray for my grandmother's health and that she can get better from this.

If you have any questions while I'm away, please email my at tjames-1@hotmail.com

12/13 Scores

Here's a look at the scorelines from games played on December 13. I will add game summaries and stories later!

Professional Scores

National Hockey League

Tampa Bay Lighting 0 Chicago Blackhawks 4 (0-1, 0-2, 0-1)

Calgary Flames 2 Colorado Avalanche 3 (0-1, 1-2, 1-0)


American Hockey League

W-B/Scranton Penguins 2 Adirondack Phantoms 3 (1-2, 0-0, 1-1)

Chicago Wolves 3 Lake Erie Monsters 7 (1-3, 0-0, 2-4)

Abbotsford Heat 0 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (0-0, 0-1, 0-2)

Albany River Rats 2 Hartford Wolfpack 1 (SO) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Manchester Monarchs 2 Providence Bruins 0 (1-0, 1-0, 0-0)

Grand Rapids Griffins 7 Toronto Marlies 2 (2-1, 3-0, 2-1)

Rockford Icehogs 1 Houston Aeros 4 (0-1, 1-1, 0-2)


Central Hockey League

Odessa Jackalopes 9 Amarillo Gorillas 2 (3-1, 5-0, 1-1)

Arizona Sundogs 4 Tulsa Oilers 2 (2-0, 0-1, 2-1)


Major Junior

Western Hockey League

Kootenay Ice 2 Calgary Hitmen 3 (SO) (1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Medicine Hat Tigers 5 Lethbridge Hurricanes 4 (1-2, 3-1, 1-1)

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

Swift Current Broncos 2 Tri-City Americans 6 (0-0, 0-4, 2-2)


Ontario Hockey League

Oshawa Generals 4 Brampton Battalion 3 (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Kingston Frontenacs 5 Guelph Storm 3 (3-0, 1-2, 1-1)

Ottawa 67s 0 Mississauga St. Micheals Majors 8 (0-2, 0-2, 0-4)

Kitchener Rangers 5 Windsor Spitfires 2 (0-1, 3-0, 2-1)

Sarnia Sting 2 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 4 (0-0, 0-0, 2-4)


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Quebec City Ramparts 7 Baie-Comeau Drakkar 4 (2-1, 2-2, 3-1)

Montreal De Junior 6 Gatineau Olympiques 8 (1-2, 4-4, 1-2)

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 3 Lewiston Maineiacs 1 (0-0, 2-1, 1-0)

St. John Seadogs 3 Moncton Wildcats 7 (1-1, 1-4, 1-2)

Acadie-Bathurst Titans 2 P.E.I. Rockets 7 (0-2, 2-3, 0-2)


NCAA

CCHA

Michigan 0 Norte Dame 2 (0-0, 0-2, 0-0)

Non Conference

Sacred Heart 4 Dartmouth 1 (4-1, 0-0, 0-0)


U.S.A. Juniors

North American Hockey League

Albert Lea Thunder 2 Alexandria Blizzard 4 (0-0, 0-2, 2-2)

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 5 Kenai River Brown Bears 3 (1-0, 4-2, 0-1)

Professional Standings as of 12/14

National Hockey League

Eastern Conference

1. Washington 33 GP 20-7-6 46 PTS 118-94

2. New Jersey 31 GP 22-8-1 45 PTS 91-68

3. Buffalo 30 GP 19-9-2 40 PTS 105-87

4. Pittsburgh 33 GP 22-10-1 45 PTS 105-87

5. Boston 31 GP 16-9-6 38 PTS 83-77

6. Ottawa 31 GP 16-11-4 36 PTS 90-93

7. Atlanta 30 GP 16-11-3 35 PTS 96-88

8. Montreal 33 GP 15-15-3 33 PTS 85-95

9. NY Islanders 32 GP 12-13-7 31 PTS 83-100

10. Tampa Bay 32 GP 11-12-9 31 PTS 77-94

11. Florida 33 GP 12-14-7 31 PTS 88-111

12. NY Rangers 31 GP 14-15-2 30 PTS 86-93

13. Philadealphia 30 GP 14-15-1 29 PTS 87-87

14. Toronto 32 GP 11-14-7 29 PTS 94-114

15. Carolina 32 GP 7-19-6 20 PTS 77-117


Western Conference

1. Los Angeles 34 GP 21-10-3 45 PTS 106-101

2. Colorado 35 GP 19-10-6 44 PTS 103-99

3. Chicago 31 GP 20-8-3 43 PTS 92-67

4. San Jose 34 GP 19-8-7 45 PTS 111-92

5. Calgary 32 GP 19-9-4 42 PTS 93-77

6. Phoenix 32 GP 19-11-2 40 PTS 79-72

7. Nashville 32 GP 18-11-3 39 PTS 83-88

8. Dallas 32 GP 14-8-10 38 PTS 93-94

9. Detroit 32 GP 16-11-5 37 PTS 89-87

10. Vancouver 32 GP 18-14-0 36 PTS 101-84

11. Edmonton 32 GP 15-13-4 34 PTS 98-100

12. Columbus 32 GP 14-12-6 34 PTS 96-112

13. Minnesota 32 GP 15-14-3 33 PTS 84-93

14. St. Louis 30 GP 13-12-5 31 PTS 74-82

15. Anaheim 32 GP 12-13-7 31 PTS 91-103


American Hockey League

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1. Manchester 31 GP 20-8-3 43 PTS 92-67

2. Lowell 29 GP 15-11-3 33 PTS 96-88

3. Portland 30 GP 14-11-5 33 PTS 92-91

4. Bridgeport 31 GP 15-13-3 33 PTS 77-83

5. Worcester 28 GP 15-11-2 32 PTS 78-87

6. Hartford 30 GP 14-12-4 32 PTS 85-90

7. Providence 29 GP 15-13-1 31 PTS 80-81

8. Springfield 29 GP 10-13-6 26 PTS 76-102


East Division

1. Hershey 28 GP 18-8-2 38 PTS 103-64

2. Albany 30 GP 17-10-3 37 PTS 83-74

3. Binghamton 27 GP 13-10-4 30 PTS 92-76

4. W-B/Scranton 27 GP 13-12-2 28 PTS 74-70

5. Norfolk 29 GP 13-15-1 27 PTS 74-77

6. Adirondack 26 GP 12-12-2 26 PTS 61-80

7. Syracuse 28 GP 10-14-4 24 PTS 68-106


Western Conference

North Division

1. Rochester 27 GP 19-7-1 39 PTS 88-70

2. Hamilton 27 GP 16-6-5 37 PTS 77-56

3. Manitoba 33 GP 16-13-4 36 PTS 77-91

4. Grand Rapids 27 GP 17-10-0 34 PTS 90-75

5. Abbotsford 32 GP 15-13-4 34 PTS 87-92

6. Toronto 26 GP 12-10-4 28 PTS 72-83

7. Lake Erie 28 GP 9-16-3 21 PTS 69-94


West Division

1. Texas 30 GP 19-7-4 42 PTS 84-60

2. Peoria 28 GP 15-10-3 33 PTS 86-85

3. Rockford 32 GP 15-14-3 33 PTS 84-85

4. Milwaukee 26 GP 13-8-5 31 PTS 67-71

5. Houston 28 GP 13-12-3 29 PTS 65-61

6. Chicago 28 GP 13-13-2 28 PTS 79-81

7. San Antonio 26 GP 9-14-3 21 PTS 69-85


Central Hockey League

Northern Conference

1. Colorado 21 GP 16-4-1 33 PTS 90-57

2. Rapid City 22 GP 15-6-1 31 PTS 86-64

3. Tulsa 23 GP 12-10-1 25 PTS 84-84

4. Bossier-Shreveport 22 GP 12-10-0 24 PTS 63-68

5. Mississippi 24 GP 11-11-2 24 PTS 74-76

6. Missouri 22 GP 10-11-1 21 PTS 60-76

7. Wichita 23 GP 3-17-3 9 PTS 46-87


Southern Conference

1. Odessa 24 GP 17-4-3 37 PTS 104-70

2. Allen 23 GP 17-5-1 35 PTS 79-61

3. Texas 25 GP 13-9-3 29 PTS 75-75

4. Laredo 22 GP 12-6-4 28 PTS 71-66

5. Rio Grande Valley 23 GP 11-9-3 25 PTS 73-76

6. Corpus Christi 23 GP 8-11-4 20 PTS 68-75

7. Amarillo 26 GP 8-14-4 20 PTS 78-105

8. Arizona 23 GP 8-12-3 19 PTS 68-81