Allen losses again against Quad City, 3-2

The Americans blew another chance to take advantage of their games in hand as they continue to get away from the Texas Brahmas in the race for 2nd Place and Home Ice Advantage in a possible 1st Round Series, 3-2, against the Quad City Mallards lat night in the 1st night of a 2 game set against the Mallards who are battling with the Rapid City Rush & Missouri Mavericks for the final 2 playoff spots in Turner Conference with basically 10 games left in the season.

This was one of Allen's 3 games in hand over the final 3 weeks and it could have given them a chance to continue to separate themselves from the Texas Brahmas as they look to protect 2nd Place as the Wichita Thunder are close to clinching the top Seed in the Berry Conference and will be looking to hold off the Ft. Wayne Komets & Evansville IceMen for Home Ice Throughout the entire playoffs as well.

One of the big things that is hurting the Americans is the absence of the team's leading scorer Bruce Graham who was injured in the February 4th Game against the Tulsa Oilers. His injury has made him that much more valuable as he was named a Finalist for the CHL MVP this season. Since then, the team has struggled to score most nights as they have been held to 2 goals or less in 8 of the last 12 games as the Brahmas have gotten hot as well behind the great goaltending of Mark Guggenberger. Both the Brahmas & Americans still have 4 head-to-head games coming up (Including a 3-in-3 night stretch that could very well decide who will finish in 2nd Place).

Both Allen & Quad City will meet again tomorrow night at the Allen Event Center as the game will start at 7:05 PM. Next up for the Brahmas on the other hand will be on Friday Night, March 9 when the Brahmas face the Missouri Mavericks. A Brahmas win and an Americans loss on Thursday will put the Brahmas back in 2nd Place in the Berry Conference.

Press Release from the Allen Americans

Quad City Mallards 3  Allen Americans 2  (2-0, 1-0, 0-2)

From Allen, Texas: The Quad City Mallards scored two first period goals, on their way to a 3-2 victory Tuesday Night at the Allen Event Center. The Mallards opened the scoring in the first period when Mallards Forward Micky Lang fired one from just inside the blue line that hit the arm of Americans netminder Rejean Beauchemin and trickled behind him.

Beauchemin tried to knock the puck away with his stick but pushed it across the line and Mallards were on top by a score of 1-0. Fifteen seconds later it was Lang again, this time on a feed from CHL All Star Brendon Marino from the right face-off circle. Lang fired a quick shot that beat Beauchemin to the glove side and the Mallards were on top by a score of 2-0. Allen out shot Quad City 7-5 in the opening period.

The Mallards added to their lead in the second despite being out shot 17-13 through two periods and 10-8 in that second period, as Quad City forward Jason Kostadine followed up a rebound in front of the Allen net putting one top-shelf shot on the back-hand to give Quad city a 3-0 cushion. The Americans had several chances in that second period but former Americans netminder David McKee turned away shot after shot keeping the Americans off the scoreboard from 40 minutes.

In the third, the Americans finally solved McKee, as Colton Yellow Horn found Jim McKenzie in front of the Allen net to make it a 3-1 game. McKenzie's 19th of the season and his third goal in his last three games. The Americans cut the lead to one goal at the 10:52 mark on the power play when Dylan King let one rip from the right side beating McKee and the Americans were back in it. However, a late charge by Allen would fall just a little short, as McKee would not allow the tying goal despite Allen Pressure, and the Mallards would win the game 3-2 in the first ever meeting between the two clubs. The Americans host Quad City on Thursday Night at 7:05 PM at the Allen Event Center

Central Hockey League Week Ahead for 2/22-26

Despite seeing both the Allen Americans going to the Shootout for the 4th time in the last 6 games. It was the Brahmas who the shootout and the game for the 2nd time in 11 days and the 3rd straight time as the Brahmas have owned the Americans as of late by pulling off their 3rd straight victory over the Rivals from Colin County in a 2-1 game where Mark Guggenberger had another outstanding performance by making 26 of 27 saves to earn his 7th straight win including giving up a goal or less in 6 of those games that earned him the CHL Goalie of the Week for the week of February 13-19.

Tulsa also had their game go to Overtime that saw them lost 2-1 to Ft. Wayne that saw their gap between them and 5th Place Rio Grande Valley grow to 5 points with 2 games in hand (Tulsa with 17 GR, RGV with 15 GR) this season.

As for the rest of the week, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees has a chance to climb back in the race as they sit 5 points back with 15 games left in the regular season as they will face South Texas Rival Laredo Bucks and then a pair of games against the Turner Conference Bottom Feeder Bloomington Blaze on Friday & Saturday and hope that Guggenberger and the Rock Hard Defense will be playing the Brahmas for a 3 game weekend starting in Tulsa on Friday.

Then coming back to Dallas to play on Saturday & Sunday as the Killer Bees have one of their better chances to close the gap with Tulsa for the fourth & final playoff spot in the Berry Conference.

With the entire league coming down to the final 15 games. We could have a battle possibly brewing for the 2nd spot as many thought the Americans & Thunder would comfortably have 1st Round Home Ice while battling for home ice advantage in the Southern Conference & taking on the Evansville Ice Men & Ft. Wayne Komets for home ice throughout the entire playoffs.

However, with the Brahmas winning 7 in a row and Mark Guggenberger starting to heat up in goal, it could have the Americans sweating (Not heavily yet) about a possible battle between the DFW Rivals for 1st Round Home Ice. One big advantage for the Americans is that Allen has 2 games in hand where they can easily extend & protect their lead.

Texas will be looking to bank on a 6 game homestand that will begin Saturday Night with a pair of games against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday & Sunday. They will also play a pair of games against Rio Grande Valley as well as Missouri & Laredo to finish their final extended homestand of the regular season.

2/21

Ft. Wayne Komets 2  Tulsa Oilers 1  (OT) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 1-0)

Texas Brahmas 2  Allen Americans 1  (SO) (0-1, 1-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

2/22

RGV Killer Bees 8  Laredo Bucks 2  (1-0, 4-2, 3-0)

2/24

Laredo Bucks VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Bloomington Blaze VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/25

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Bloomington Blaze VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  7:45 PM

2/26

Bloomington Blaze VS. Laredo Bucks  4:00 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  5:30 PM



A 3rd Period Surge keeps the Thunder in 1st Place VS. The Americans

After going up 2-0 with a steady stream of shots of goal and a stringent defense for the Americans for the first 2 periods, the Americans were looking to regain the lead in the very tight Berry Conference Race. But a 3rd period surge which included the Thunder scoring the game winner with just under 4 minutes left which was lead by Jarred Mohr who scored both goals to complete the comeback and extend their Conference Lead to 3 points (Wichita with 62 PTS; Allen with 59 PTS with 22 games left) as the race continues to be very tight as both teams are looking to fight for the rest of the season battling for not only the Conference Top Seed. But possibly home ice advantage as both Allen & Wichita continue to both have better records then the Turner Conference Leading Ft. Wayne Komets.

Both teams will be hitting the ice again tonight as the Thunder return home to play the Tulsa Oilers, while the Allen Americans will make their way across the DFW Metroplex to play the Texas Brahmas at the NYTEX Sports Center tonight. In addition to the Berry Conference Lead, it's another night with both teams looking to fight off desperate teams as the Oilers & Brahmas will look to pull away from the 5th Place RGV Killer Bees who defeated the Laredo Bucks 5-3 last night where the gap from 3rd through 5th place is just 2 points going into tonight's action.

I know were still about a month-and-a-half before the regular season, but it's never to early to a look at what the current playoff matchups would look like in both conferences. After last year's "Playoff Race" where only the last place teams would advance. This year, only the top 4 in both conferences will advance to the playoffs this season.

If the playoffs began today, here's what the Conference Semifinal Matchups would like. The Wichita Thunder would have home ice advantage in the playoffs right now as they would stand right now. Also, a possibility of an All DFW Playoff Series could become a growing possibility as the Americans & Brahmas are currently 2nd & 3rd right now.

Up North, it's starting to become a 5 team race for the Turner Conference as the Dayton Gems & Bloomington Blaze are starting to fall the way side. Currently the Ft. Wayne Komets are leading with 58 points through 43 games played while the chasing gap is separated by just 7 points where the Quad City Mallards sit with 51 points through 44 games played this season. It's going to be a very tight race in the North with any of the 5 teams that could get into the playoff race and possibly have a shot of fighting for the top seed

Here's what would the Conference Semifinals would look right now.

Berry Conference (South)

#1 Wichita Thunder VS. #4 Tulsa Oilers

#2 Allen Americans VS. #3 Texas Brahmas

In the Chase

#5 RGV Killer Bees, 1 PT behind #4 Tulsa & 2 PTS behind #3 Texas

Turner Conference (North)

#1 Ft. Wayne Komets VS. #4 Rapid City Rush

#2 Evansville IceMen VS. #3 Missouri Mavericks

In the Chase

#5 Quad City Mallards, 1 PT behind #4 Rapid City

This weekend's Central Hockey League Schedule

2/10

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

2/11

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:35 PM

Evansville Icemen VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers 4:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Wichita Thunder Game Highlights

Wichita Thunder 4  Allen Americans 2  (0-1, 0-1, 4-0)

Press Release from the Allen Americans

In Allen, Texas: The Wichita Thunder erased a 2-0 Allen lead after two periods, scoring four unanswered goals in the third for a 4-2 win Thursday Night at the Allen Event Center.

The Americans opened the scoring in the first when Adam Pineault put one back of the net, with a blast from the slot to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. Nick Layton had the only assist. It was Pineault's first goal of the season, in his first game from Allen. The Americans out shot Wichita 10-4 after one period of play.

The Americans added to their lead in the second as Colton Yellow Horn netted his 20th of the season, on a feed from Adam Pineault. It was Pineault's second point of the night. Jarrett Lukin drew the second assist and the Americans went up 2-0 after two periods of play.

The Thunder cut the lead in half at 3:45 mark of the third, when former Americans forward Dustin Donaghy let one fly from the right wing boards to make it 2-1 Allen. The Americans surged the net had come off before the puck went in the net, but the goal would stand. Six minutes later, it was Donaghy again, with a quick nab from the left side on the power play, to tie the score at two.

The Thunder would grab the lead for the first time at the 16:09 mark of the third period, when Jarred Mohr beat Rejean Beauchemin with a quick shot right off the faceoff to make it 3-2 Thunder. Mohr added an empty netter late in the third for his second of the game, and the Wichita Thunder would go on to win by a score of 4-2.

The loss drops Allen three points behind Wichita heading into tomorrow night's game at the Texas Brahmas.

American Goaltender Called up to the San Antonio Rampage

After having a strong season for the Allen Americans to get them in a major battle with the Wichita Thunder for the Berry Conference Lead. Americans Goaltender Rejean Beauchemin has been rewarded to earn a shot with the San Antonio Rampage as the team is beginning to prepare for the Post  All Star Break Portion of the season as San Antonio will be getting ready to travel to Oklahoma City to play the league leading  Barons on Thursday Night, then returning home to play the Lake Erie Monsters on Friday Night.

A Professional Tryout Contract usually lasts 25 games where the team can have enough time to let the player have a chance to show that he is worthy to play in the AHL. If he is, then the team will sign him to a regular contract. If not, then the player will be released and most likely returned to where he was playing prior to the PTO that was signed.

Rejean Beauchemin is currently playing in his 1st season for the Americans and has 3 Shutouts on the season and has been part of a goaltending carousel where 5 players have played in goal for the Americans this season. This hasn't hampered the Americans efforts where they trail the Wichita Thunder by just 1 point with both teams having 25 games left to play in the regular season which is scheduled to end on March 25.

It's important that the Rampage have a strong weekend as the team will prepare for their annual Rodeo Road Trip with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo that will be at the AT&T Center from February 9-26 as the team will embark on an 11 game road trip where the Rampage where they will start with a 4 games up north in Toronto & Hamilton in Ontario, also Rochester & Grand Rapids during that time. Then they will have a pair of games against the Texas Stars on the 17th & 18th then up to Oklahoma City on Sunday the 19th to complete a 3 game in 3 night series.

Then the road trip wraps up in the Mid-West to play 2 against Peoria and will wrap it up against Milwaukee & Chicago on February 29. The Rampage will return home on March 3 against the Houston Aeros.

In addition to the Americans battling for the Top Spot in the CHL Berry Conference and even for home ice advantage for the playoffs. This is also an important part of the season coming up for the San Antonio Rampage as they are currently in the middle of a 7 game winning streak that has helped the Rampage climb to 7th Place in the Western Conference and are currently sitting just 4 points back of the Houston Aeros who sit in 4th Place.

In addition, they are also just 3 points back of the 8th Place Peoria Rivermen and just 4 points ahead of the Milwaukee Admirals & Rochester Americans who are tied with 46 points. So the Rampage could see themselves possibly continue to climb up or slide down the Western Conference Standings in a hurry when the AHL Resumes their regular season tomorrow night against Oklahoma City tomorrow night. In all, the team has 32 games left in the regular season that will be played over the next 2 and-a-half months to wrap up the regular season that will end on April 15.

Upcoming San Antonio Rampage Schedule

2/2: @ Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

2/3: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  7:00 PM

2/7: @ Hamilton Bulldogs  9:00 AM

2/10: @ Toronto Marlies  6:00 PM

2/11: @ Rochester Americans  6:35 PM



San Antonio Rampage Press Release

Florida Panthers Exc. Vice President & GM Dale Tallon announced today that the club has recalled goaltender Brian Foster. In addition, the Rampage have announced that they have signed goaltender Rejean Beauchemin to a Professional Tryout Deal (PTO).

Foster, 24, earned his third call up of the season to the Panthers. In 11 games with San Antonio this season, Foster is 4-6-0 with a 3.55 GAA. In 10 games with Cincinnati this year, Foster is 8-1-1 with a 2.47 GAA and a 911 SV%. The Pembroke, N.H. native was drafted by Florida in the fifth round (161st overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft.

Beauchemin, 26, has appeared in 18 games with the Allen Americans (CHL) this season posting a 10-4-4 record with a .932 SV%. In 25 career AHL Games, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Native has posted a 5-15-1 record with a .855 Save Percentage and a 3.71 Goals Against Average split between Philadelphia (2005-07), Houston (2008-09) and Manitoba (2009-10). He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round (191st overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

The Rampage will host their second annual Pink in the Rink Night this Friday at 7:00 PM at the AT&T Center. The ice will be dyed pink and the team will wear pink themed jerseys that will be auctioned off post-game to benefit the San Antonio affiliate of Susan G. Komen. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased by calling a Rampage Rampage representative at 210-444-5554 or online at www.sarampage.com

The Americans Complete Sweep of Arizona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release from the Allen Americans

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

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

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

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

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

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



I will be at the Allen Americans VS. Tulsa Oilers Game Tonight

I have plans to be at the BOK Center tonight for the Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans game up in Tulsa tonight which gets underway at 7:05 PM Tonight. If your looking for me, I will be wearing my Dallas Stars 3rd Jersey as well as a Black Leather Jacket if it gets cold.

Here's the links for tonight's game if your going as well. Also if your a college student and bring your College ID, you can get $5 off for any ticket at the box office tonight.

Tickets for Tulsa Oilers

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Game Story from the Allen Americans Website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Quote from Allen Americans Head Coach Dwight Mullins

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


Tonight's Three Stars

1. David Rutherford (BOS)

2. Jarrett Lukin (ALN)

3. Dave Bonk (ALN) 

Stars VS. Ducks Preview Plus AHL & CHL Previews

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

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

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

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

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

Adam Burish's NHL 2011 Response

Here's the links for tonight's Action.

Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars   8:00 PM

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

Mike Heika: Scouting the Ducks

Crawford Unsure on who will sit out Tonight

Defending Big D: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks Preview

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

Defending Big D Dallas VS. Anaheim Game Thread


Defending Big D: Attendance Problems


Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars   7:30 PM

Peoria VS. Texas Game Preview


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

Bossier-Shreveport Gameday Preview


Colorado Eagles VS. Tulsa Oilers    7:00 PM

Colorado VS. Tulsa Game Preview

Central Hockey League Rosters

With the Central Hockey League season beginning Tomorrow night, here's a look at the Southwest Teams as the final rosters are getting ready to come out. In addition to the rosters, several major rivalries are going to dominate headlines on the opening weekend, like the Brahmas & Americans at the Allen Events Center where the Americans are going to raise the CHL Southern Conference Championship Banner on October 15 and the South Texas Rivalry between the Laredo Bucks and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

Other major rivalries include the Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Mississippi Riverkings which will be a home-and-home matchup with the Mudbugs hosting the first leg on Friday Night.

Some of the big news from over the off-season includes the return of Chad Woolard who has had the nickname "Mr. Brahma" for his great play in the past with the team when it was located at the Ft. Worth Civic Center in the team's early history. This past season he was with the Corpus Christi Icerays in their final year in the Central Hockey League before leaving for the North American Hockey League to become a Junior Team.

Other teams he's played with include the Mississippi Riverkings and Quad City Mallards in the CHL. As well as some time in the ECHL with the Greensboro Generals and Jackson Bandits. As well as a short Stint in the AHL with the Utah Grizzlies, St. John's Maple Leafs and San Antonio Rampage as well. He has never suited up in an NHL Game in his career.

As for players moving, Allen Americans Defensemen Brandon Struab has signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings AHL Affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins recently.

Other Americans players that were involved in the CHL Southern Conference Championship include the offensive trio of Nino Musitelli, Justin Bowers and Bruce Graham who all combined for 215 points last season during the regular season and then 78 points combined in the post-season where the Americans came up 2 wins shy of a CHL Presidents Cup Title in their very season of professional hockey in Allen.

Here's a look at the schedule for the opening weekend of the regular season involving the CHL Southwest Teams. A lot of rivalries will be going, including Texas VS. Allen, RG Valley VS. Laredo and Tulsa VS. Wichita on Friday Night. I will also show links to the rosters for all the teams. Keep in mind that final rosters for the most part won't come out until just before the team's first game of the season.


Friday 10/15

Mississippi Riverkings VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs   7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Missouri Mavericks    7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans     7:30 PM

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

Wichita Thunder VS. Tulsa Oilers    7:35 PM


Saturday 10/16

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans   7:00 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Mississippi Riverkings    7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder     7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Quad City Mallards   7:05 PM

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


Here's the schedules and rosters for the Southwest Central Hockey League Teams.

Allen Americans Roster

Allen Americans Schedule


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Roster

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Schedule


Laredo Bucks Roster

Laredo Bucks Schedule


Odessa Jackalopes Roster

Odessa Jackalopes Schedule


Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Roster

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Schedule


Texas Brahmas Schedule

Texas Brahmas Roster


Tulsa Oilers Schedule

Tulsa Oilers Roster

Central Hockey League to Name Conferences after League Legends

The Central Hockey League announced today the official names of the Northern & Southern Conferences as they will be named after legends from the CHL & IHL as the Northern Conference will be named the Turner Conference after Joseph Turner, while the Southern Conference will be named the Berry Conference after the N. Thomas Berry.

N. Thomas Berry has been involved in the sport of hockey for nearly half a century as Commissioner Emeritus for the CHL and has been involved. He spent 13 years with the IHL Serving as their commissioner from 1989-1994 as he added 7 teams under his term. He currently resides in Indianapolis has served in many capacities covering the on-ice officiating all the way to running ind. teams. He was also involved in the short lived World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers.

Joesph Turner who was a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario who played for the Red Wings before WW2 also served with the US Army. He was later killed in December of 1944 during a battle in Belgium. He was an amateur goalie in the old Michigan-Ontario Amateur league which was the predictor of the International Hockey League playing for teams both in Detroit and Windsor. The Turner Cup was later named after him shortly after WW2 ended when the IHL was officially formed.

The Joseph Turner Trophy will serve as the Northern Conference Champions, while the N. Thomas Berry Trophy will be crowned as Southern Conference Champions.

Turner Conference (North)
Bloomington Prairie Thunder
Colorado Eagles
Dayton Gems
Ft. Wayne Komets
Evansville Icemen
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush
Wichita Thunder


Berry Conference (South)
Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Laredo Bucks
Mississippi Riverkings
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers

Former Redhawk has big presence in Allen's first Year

In addition to the recent announcement of Chris Whitley's Return, a former Miami Redhawk Nino Musitelli had a huge year who scored 63 points and had an impressive 40 assists during the Americans first year as a team.

The Miami Redhawks Hockey team website had an interesting story on their former player recently.

From the Miami of Ohio Redhawks Website: http://www.muredhawks.com/

Often times in sports an expansion franchise struggles in their inaugural campaign, but thinks to the efforts of former Redhawk hockey Player Nino Musitelli, the Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League found great success in their first year on the ice.

Musitelli was a three year letterwinner for Miami from 2006-2008, played in 62 of 64 regular season games for the Americans, which became a franchise in April of 2009 and are an affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars. The Macomb, Michigan native played on Allen's first line and totaled 63 points by tallying 23 goals and 40 assists. The 63 points and 40 assists both ranked third on the team while his 23 goals were tied for 2nd.

Behind Musitelli's offensive prowless, the Americans finished 2nd in the Southern Conference with a 42-17-5 record and earned a playoff birth in the first season. Just making the playoffs were not enough for the undersized (5'8") forward and the rest of the Allen Americans teammates however, as the Americans held off the Laredo Bucks in seven games in the Southern Conference Semifinals and again won a seven game series over top seeded Odessa in the Conference Finals to claim the Southern Conference Championship.

Allen ultimately fell to the Rapid City Rush, the top seed in the Northern Conference, in six games for the Ray Morin Presidents Cup Finals, but the 25 year old Musitelli finished the playoffs tied for second in the league with 26 points while playing in 20 playoff games. The former Hawk registered 13 postseason goals with three of his tallies serving as game winners.

"Nino was a huge part of our success. He is an exciting, dynamic player that can break open a game," said Americans Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins."

At one point during the 2009-2010 campaign, Musitelli had a 17 game point streak, the longest of the season by an American, as he racked up 21 points during that stretch. He was also the Oakley CHL Player of the Week the final week of the regular season after scoring five goals and adding four assists in just three contests.

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Chris Whitley will stay with the Americans

One of the biggest decisions was decided for the Americans over the off-season was one of relief for Allen as standout goalie Chris Whitley has decided to stay with the Americans for the 2010-2011 season.

After a strong expansion season that saw them finish 2nd in the Southern Conference during the regular season, a trip to the CHL Presidents Cup Championship capped off an incredible season for the Stars CHL Affiliate.

Now with many of the important pieces still intact, they hoping that a 2nd helping will be just as good as the first as the 2010-2011 CHL Season will get underway in mid-October.

Chris Whitley Profile:

Allen Americans Website:

Netminder Chris Whitley called into a live show today at the Allen Event Center to announce his much anticipated decision to re-sign with Allen for the 2010-2011 season.

"Allen was always the team I was going to return to if I didn't persure my teaching career. I had a few offers in Europe, but I didn't get an offer that was better then Allen in my opinion," Whitley said. "The decision was also made easy with some key guys re-signed like Graham, Yellow, Nino, and Tobias, so that was another thing that factored into my decision."

The backstop return from an exceptional rookie season with the Americans. Whitley set CHL Playoff Records, played in the American Hockey League, earned accolades and took the Americans all the way to the Ray Morin Presidents Cup Finals.

During the regular season, Whitley went 31-8-1, only two wins shy of the rookie record for wins in a season in the CHL. His GAA and SV% were 2.60 and .914, respectively. The netminder started all 20 playoff games and posted a 10-10 record. The 27 year old broke three playoff records for a single postseason: most saves 636, most appearances (20) and most minutes (1205).

The backstop is anxious to get between the pipes for the Americans. "I'm hoping to complete what we almost did last year, which is win a championship. We were so close, and I still think quite often how close we were to winning in our first year as a team."

The netminder was also named the Goaltender of the Week three times (11/23, 1/4 and 1/22). He was also a finalist for Outstanding Goaltender and Rookie of the Year.

"Chris' return is really important to our team. He's an all star on and off the ice," Americans head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins said. "I know he feels we have some unfinished business to take care of."

Hailing from Oshawa, Ontario, Whitley stands at 6'1" and weighs 215 pounds. He attended the Detroit Red Wings rookie development and training camp last year, and he hopes to receive an invite to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL) Training Camp.

Whitley also points to Allen's fan base as a reason for his return. "I feel really comfortable with the city of Allen. The city really took us in with open arms last year and showed tremendous support through the season and in the playoff run as well. I know this season will be better then last and can't wait to get back on the ice. at the AEC."

Season Tickets for Allen's second season are now on sale. Ticket Prices start as low as $9 per game with free parking at the Allen Event Center. For more info, call 972-912-1000.

2010-2011 Central Hockey League Schedule Announced

The schedule for the 2010-2011 season was just released moments ago as the CHL Regular Season will get underway on October 15 to start the 66 game season. One of the major highlights of opening weekend will be the D/FW Rivalry as the Allen Americans & Texas Brahmas will kick off with a Weekend series in Allen.

Other interesting matchups involving the Southwest Teams during opening weekend will be the South Texas Rivalry as the Laredo Bucks & Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees will hook up from Rio Grande City.

As for teams other in Odessa, Bossier-Shreveport and Tulsa. The Jackalopes who were ousted for the 2nd straight year in the Southern Conference Final will open up against the Missouri Mavericks and Quad City Mallards. This is part of a busy road schedule early on where 8 of the first 10 games will be on the road, the only exception will be a pair of home games against the Laredo Bucks on October 28 & 30.

Bossier-Shreveport will open with a home-and-home against the Mississippi Riverkings while the Tulsa Oilers will do the same thing against the Wichita Thunder on opening weekend.

Just like in previous years, a majority of the games will be on the weekends early on in the season. Then later on the league adds more week night games as we close in on the playoffs which begin in late March.

Some other interesting matchups starting out will be the Rapid City Rush playing in Ft. Wayne, Indiana playing the Komets and league power house Colorado taking on the Arizona Sundogs who finished last in the South last season.

Overall, the 66 game season will kick off on October 15 and will finish up on March 27. The Playoffs will have everyone except the last place teams in both conferences make the post-season which will begin in early April (More on why I don't like this idea in a later commentary).

Here's the Links for the Master Schedule & the Southwest Team Schedules.

CHL Website:

League Master Schedule:

Allen Americans:

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs:

Laredo Bucks:

Odessa Jackalopes:

RG Valley Killer Bees:

Texas Brahmas:

Tulsa Oilers:

Allen's Chris Whitley to announce his 2010-2011 Plans & CHL Schedule Release

Allen Americans Goalie Chris Whitley will be announcing at a team Open House Event on Saturday to officially announce where he will be playing the 2010-2011 season. The Americans goaile who was a first year pro was a corner-stone of a team that finished 2nd in the regular season. Then in the playoffs, the Americans beat the Laredo Bucks and the Odessa Jackalopes to win the Southern Conference Title before losing to the Rapid City Rush for the 2010 CHL Presidents Cup.

Chris Whitley Profile:

From the Allen Americans Website: http://www.allenamericans.com/

Chris Whitley, the Allen Americans Number One Goaltender last year, will be doing a live show Saturday, July 24, at the open house at the Allen Event Center. Whitley will call in at noon with Tommy Daniels, the voice of the Americans, and revel his plans for next year. Fans unable to attend the Open House can listen on the Internet at http://www.sportsjuice.com/

The netminder had an exceptional rookie season with the Americans in 2009-2010. Whitley set three playoff records, won his first game played in the American Hockey League, earned numerous accolades and took the Americans all the way to the Ray Morin Presidents Cup Finals.

The Americans are partnering with the Tom Thumb Texas Stampede and Allen Event Center to host the Open House this Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Allen Event Center. Attendees will be able to win an Americans Jersey by 2002 Stanley Cup Champion and Americans Owner/President Steve Duchesne, as well as the Tom Thumb Texas Stampede Prize Packages. They will be free popcorn and bounce houses. Available seats for the 2010/2011 season, as well as Stampede two day event, will be tagged and available for purchase.

Season tickets for Allen's second season are on sale now. Ticket Prices start as low as $9 a game with free parking at Allen Event Center. For more info, call 972-912-1000.


2010-2011 CHL Schedule

The League will reveal the schedule for the 2010-2011 season in the new look Central Hockey League on Friday as the league has grown from 15-to-18 with the CHL/IHL Merger and will be slightly increased from 64-to-66 games this season.

The Official names of the Conferences will be named after legends of the two leagues.

Here's a reminder of the Conferences with 2 Conferences of 9 teams each.


Northern Conference
Bloomington Prairie Thunder
Colorado Eagles
Dayton Gems
Evansville Icemen
Ft. Wayne Komets
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush
Wichita Thunder


Southern Conference
Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Laredo Bucks
Mississippi Riverkings
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers

Allen Americans host End-of-Season Party

Even though the Allen Americans came just a couple of wins short from the CHL Presidents Cup Championship.

You have one last chance to celebrate the team's amazing first season by celebrating tonight at Dodies Place Sports Grill just across from the Allen Event Center as the team had all sorts of success' from winning the Southern Conference, getting 4 AHL Call Ups during the season and winning some of the best of the best awards including the Best Team Logo in the entire league.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

The Allen Americans are hosting a post-season party Friday, May 7 to celebrate their inaugural season. The party lasts from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Dodie's Place Sports Grill across from the Allen Event Center in the Village in Allen.

The entire team, plus coaches and staff, will be on hand to welcome the fans. Additionally, the Americans inflatable slap-shot cage will be outside as other games. Andrew Dutton will be providing live music.

This will be the last chance for fans to see the players and coaches before they go home for the summer.

The Americans accomplished a great deal in their first season. A few of the highlights included.

• Finishing 4th overall in the regular season with a 42-17-5 record, including 23-5-4 at home.
• Won two playoff series against the Laredo Bucks & Odessa Jackalopes.
• Won the 2010 Southern Conference Championship
• Sent four players up to the American Hockey League at different parts of the season (Charlie Effinger, Justin Bowers, Chris Whitley, and Brandon Straub)
• Won four of the League's best of the Awards: Best Team Logo, Best Team Uniforms, Best City and Best Host Hotel

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2010-2011 season. Ticket Prices start as low as $9 a game. As always parking is free at ever game. For more Info. call 972-912-1000

For more info on tonight's Party:

Dodie's Sports Grill Website: www.dodiesplacesportsgrill.com

Dodie's Grill Phone Number: 972-678-4550

Texas Stars & Allen Americans in Action Tonight

Two huge games in the Southwest tonight as the Allen Americans are looking to force a championship deciding Game 7 tonight down in Rapid City. After a couple of very rough games for the Americans. They need to turn around their momentum that has killed them in the 2nd period the last couple of games.

Friday's Game 4 saw a 2-0 lead evaporate with a 3 goal 2nd period to put the Rush up 3-2. Then a goal by Jon Pelle who ended a 10 game goal scoring drought that goes back to the Conference Series against the Missouri Mavericks to have the 4-2 win to tie the series.

Then on Friday Night, the Rush got off to a very hot start as Derek Campbell scored just 3 minutes in then Les Reaney scored his 9th goal of the playoffs, which took him to 25 points overall for the playoffs which puts him 2nd overall in playoff scoring.

Despite coming back late in the 1st to make it 2-2. It was a bad 2nd period with 2 goals by Brendan Cook and another by Les Reaney that put the game out of reach at 5-2 where the Rush would later win 7-2.

If Allen is going to force a Game 7 tonight in South Dakota, they will need to figure out a way to keep in the game for all 3 periods. Things like Goalie Performances and SOG haven't been the problem. Game 5 was only the 2nd time in the entire playoffs where he got pulled and the SOG have been pretty even as well for the most-part. Except for the 2nd period in Game 4 where the Rush out-shot the Americans 18-9.

Texas took both games to OT in Chicago to start the Calder Cup Division Finals against the Wolves. Game 1 saw a quick end in OT as the Garrett Stafford scored just 2 minutes into the extra frame. While game 2 saw a great finish to the game where forward Warren Peters scored his 2nd of the playoffs to make it 3-3 to force OT. However it was Chicago's Anthony Stewart who scored his 2nd of the game to win Game 2 and give the Stars their first loss of the playoffs.

If Texas is going to have a shot beating the Wolves. The Offensive pressure on Wolves goalie Peter Mannino will need to increase. In the first 2 games, The Stars have had just 27 & 29 in regulation. Even though the defense has been strong so far, the Wolves offense is starting to turn up the pressure. Players like Aaron Gagon, Travis Morin and Warren Peters will need to turn it up to help Jamie Benn who's been brought down to help out the team in the Texas Stars Playoff Run.

Tonight is the first of 3 this week as Game 3 will be tonight, Game 4 is on Wednesday. Then after a day off on Thursday, it's a Friday Night showdown on March 7. Texas needs to have some of the best games of the season to keep the Wolves pressure at bay to be successful this week.

However, with the announcement that Stars Defensemen Garrett Stafford for his actions on Sunday, he will be out for the next 3 games and won't be coming back till a possible Game 6 which would be on May 9. If the Stars sweep these 3 games and win the series this week, then he would return for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final either against Hamilton or Abbotsford.


Links for Stories and info on tonight's Games.


Allen Americans VS. Rapid City Rush Game 6

CHL Shots on the Point: www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=4632

Allen Americans in Elimination Games: www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=4634

Keys for Victory in Game 6: www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=4636

Game 6 on CHL-TV: www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=4633


Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 3

Game 3 Preview: www.texasstarshockey.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=290

AHL Morning Skate: http://theahl.com/ahl-morning-skate-may-4-p142510

Andrew Hutchinson Suspension: http://theahl.com/ahl-announces-suspension-p142506


Tonight's Schedule:

Allen Americans VS. Rapid City Rush Game 6 7:35 PM

Rapid City Leads Championship Series 3-2


Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars Game 3 7:30 PM

Series Tied 1-1

Huge Nights by Cook & Reaney put Rush on the Brink of the Presidents Cup

Huge night by Brendan Cook & Les Reaney with 4 points each put the Rush within 1 win of the team's first ever CHL Presidents Cup Title as they lead the Rush on an offensive explosion as the Rush had balanced scoring with 2 goals in each of the 1st & 3rd periods. Along with a 3 goal 2nd period to lead the Rush to a 7-2 win in Game 5 down in the D/FW Area. This puts the Rush in great position going back to South Dakota for the final time this season.

Despite going down 2-0 in the first 7 minutes, the Americans responded well to make it 2-1 with a goal by Justin Bowers and then Colton Yellow Horn tied the game late in the first. But that was as close the Americans got in this one as the Rush scored his first 2 of the playoffs that eventually lead to a hat trick. While Les Reaney scored his 2nd of the night to make it 5-2 in the 2nd as Chris Whitley and the Americans had no answers on this night as they suffered the biggest loss of this year's post-season.

Whitley was pulled after 2 periods. However, backup goalie David Mckee couldn't do much better as he gave up 3rd period goals to Brendan Cook & Derek Leblanc to make it a 7-2 final score.

Rapid City goes back to South Dakota in great shape as a single win will give them the Championship. While Allen will need to win on Tuesday & Friday for Games 6 & 7 to bring the Championship to the Dallas Area.

The Americans have shown they can play, during the 2 regular season games, the Americans were 1-1 as both games were one goal games. Then in Games 1 & 2 of the playoffs, Allen won Game 1 4-1 while Rapid City won Game 2 5-4 in OT. So they have shown to play well in South Dakota early on in the Finals Series.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

From Allen, Texas: The Allen Americans lost tonight to Rapid City in front of a sell-out crowd of 6,003 at the Allen Event Center on Saturday Night. The Rush have a 3-2 series lead in the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals. The Club will travel to Rapid City for Game 6 on Tuesday and Game 7 on Friday if needed.

Rapid City scored the game's first two goals before the Americans fired back with two of their own. Rush forward Derek Campbell opened the scoring at 3:10. Five Minutes later, Les Reaney hit a puck sitting on the goal line to make it 2-0.

At 9:10 of the first period, Justin Bowers snapped a wrist shot from the high slot past Rapid City Backstop Danny Battochio to cut the visitor's lead in half. Forward Colton Yellow Horn was next light the lamp. He totally came with 3:57 remaining in the opening frame on the power play. The score was tied at 2-2 at 20 minutes.

Rapid City put three more goals on in the 2nd period. Brendan Cook scored the first of two at 4:03 and 10:33. His second was on the power play. Then, Les Reaney picked up a tally with 3:02 left in the frame. Even though Allen hounded the Rush Cage, the club could not find the back of the net. Rapid City had a 5-2 advantage heading into the 3rd period.

Allen Replaced Chris Whitley in net with Goalie David Mckee to start the 3rd. Cook secured a hat trick just 47 seconds into the final frame after netting his 3rd goal. Derek Leblanc scored Rapid City's last goal of the night just 3 minutes later to make the final score 7-2.

Whitley made 10 saves on 15 shots, while Mckee stopped 5 of 7. Battochio recorded 24 saves this evening to get the win.

Tonight's contest marked the last home game of the team's first season in Allen. Game six will take place on Tuesday, May 4, in Rapid City at 7:35 PM. If Necessary, Game 7 will be Friday, May 7, at 8:05 PM. Boston Pizza in Mckinney will be hosting a Team Watching Party for fans on Tuesday Night.


Rapid City Leads Series 3-2

Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 7 Allen Americans 2 (2-2, 3-0, 2-0)

1-0 RPC: Derek Campbell (Reaney, Bostock) 3:10 1st

2-0 RPC: Les Reaney (Cook, Jarvis) 7:32 1st

2-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (Fairbarn, Whelan) 9:10 1st

2-2 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (PP) (Benn, Bowers) 16:03

3-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (Campbell, Grimson) 4:03 2nd

4-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (PP) (Wray) 10:33 2nd

5-2 RPC: Les Reaney (Bostock) 16:58 2nd

6-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (Reaney, Wray) 0:47 3rd

7-2 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Pelle, Hansen) 4:23 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 22 ALN 26

PP: RPC 1/7 ALN 1/6

PIM: RPC 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties ALN 16 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 24 SVS on 26 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 10 SVS on 15 Shots David Mckee 5 SVS on 7 Shots

ATT: 6003

3rd Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

2nd Star: Les Reaney (RPC)

1st Star: Brendan Cook (RPC)

CHL Championship Game 4, Rapid City uses 3 goal 2nd period to tie series

Early goals by Allen Americans All-Stars Justin Bowers & Bruce Graham in the first 3 minutes wasn't enough as the Rush came-back to score 3 goals in the 2nd period which included goals from Derek Leblanc and Brandon Hodge who have been there time-and-time again for the Rush all post-season long to get the Rush a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd period.

Then in the 3rd, it was Jon Pelle who ended a goal scoring drought that goes back to the middle of the Conference Semifinal Series against the Missouri Mavericks.

Both goalies had very strong nights as Whitley had 35 saves despite losing in an ability to at-least keep the Americans of having a shot of taking a 3-1 series lead and having a chance of winning the championship at home.

As for Rapid City's Danny Battochio he had 27 saves to get the series tied to make Game 5 a huge tipping point in the series as the Best-of-7 final would go back to Rapid City for the final time this season for Game 6 which is on Tuesday Night. If a Game 7 & Championship Decider is needed, it would be on Friday Night to ultimately decide who will win the 2010 CHL Presidents Cup Championship.

Rapid City is hoping to use this Game 4 success to maybe head back up to South Dakota up 3-2 on Saturday Night. While Allen wants to end the home season on a high as a win would put them on the brink of a championship in their teams first season in league history.

Despite the 4-2 score, a huge scrum broke out with 1:12 left in the 3rd period where several fights and even abuse of officials was seen to end what was a very exciting Game 4 of the League Championship Series.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

From Allen, Texas: The Americans dropped Game 4 tonight 4-2 to the Rapid City Rush at the Allen Event Center. The Rush tied the best-of-7 Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals 2-2.

The Americans scored early, taking advantage of two power play opportunities. Justin Bowers struck first off a pass from Bruce Graham at 2:43 of the 1st period. Graham lit the lamp with a wrist shot from the high slot 29 seconds later that unleashed a defining roar from the crowd. Allen protected the 2-0 lead throughout the rest of the 1st period.

Rapid City scored two straight goals to tie the game by 12:12 of the 2nd period. The first Rush goal came from Derek Leblanc, while the 2nd was a power play goal right after a 5-on-3 man advantage expired. This one belonged to Brendan Lodge. Four minutes later, the Rush's leading scorer, Les Reaney, gave Rapid City its first lead in Allen. The period ended with a 3-2 Rush Advantage.

The Americans attempted a comeback in the third period, but the players had to kill off a two minute 5-on-3 advantage for Rapid City at 10:20. The Rush scored 20 seconds into the power play when Jon Pelle hacked the puck in past Whitley to bring the score to 4-2. The game contuined to the 18:48 mark when a scrum broke out. The Ref accessed 12 penalties from the stoppage. The game that ended with the 4-2 final score for the Rush to tie the series at 2-2.

Americans rookie Netminder Chris Whitley broke three records tonight. He now has played the most minutes by a goalie in the post-season with 1066, has the most appearances in a single post-season with 18 and has the most saves with 536.

Whitley ended the night with 35 saves tonight, while Rush backstop Danny Battochio stopped 27 shots. Both teams ended the night with two power play goals.

The Championship Series continues in Allen Tomorrow night with Game 5. The 7:30 PM Contest will be the last of the Americans inaugural season. To show the club's appreciation to all its fans, the Americans and the Allen Event Center are offering $2 Hot Dogs and $2 Beers. The first 5,000 fans will receive Red Americans T-Shirts in an effort to Red-Out the Rink.

Additionally, the first 2000 fans will receive free thunder sticks, and they will be a fan-fest beginning at 5:30 PM. Festivities include bounce houses, interactive gaming areas, balloon artists, a rock climbing wall and so much more.

Tickets are available by calling 972-912-1000, going to www.allenamericans.com or stopping by the Allen Event Center Box Office. The Box Offices are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Monday through Saturday. Fans interested in multiple game packages are encouraged to speak with Allen Americans representative savings off walk-up prices at 972-912-1000.


Series Tied 2-2

Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 4 Allen Americans 2 (0-2, 3-0, 1-0)

0-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (Graham, Yellow Horn) 2:43 1st

0-2 ALN: Bruce Graham (PP) (Benn, Musitelli) 3:12 1st

1-2 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Flamminio, Wray) 9:21 2nd

2-2 RPC: Brendon Hodge (PP) (Grimson, Wray) 13:12 2nd

3-2 RPC: Les Reaney (Cook, Fritshaw) 17:10 2nd

4-2 RPC: Jon Pelle (PP) (Hodge, Grimson) 10:39 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 39 ALN 29

PP: RPC 2/8 ALN 2/6

PIM: RPC 33 Minutes on 11 Penalties ALN 70 Minutes on 16 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 27 SVS on 29 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 35 SVS on 39 Shots

ATT: 5693

3rd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

2nd Star: Brendon Hodge (RPC)

1st Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

Yellow Horn & Bowers have huge nights, Gives the Americans a 2-1 Series Lead

Huge nights with Colton Yellow Horn's Hat Trick plus Justin Bower's 2 goals in the first period stunned the Rapid City Rush who was looking to continue their momentum from the Game 2 OT Win at the Allen Event Center.

In addition to Yellow Horn & Bowers, Americans goalie had to take on a ton of Rush shots as the Rush out-shot the Americans 37-25 in the game, including 14-7 in the 2nd period. For that, they have rookie goalie Chris Whitley to think as he stopped 35 of 37 shots in the game to allow Yellow Horn's 2nd period goals to go up 4-1 and eventually be a big difference in game. Other great nights came from Jarrett Lukin & Tyler Wooddisse who each had two assists in the game.

Rapid City Goals by Brendan Cook & Scott Wray made the score 4-2 late in the 3rd period. But Whitley was able to keep the Rush from coming any closer in this game. Rapid City Goalie Danny Battochio also had to be pulled after the Americans made it 4-0 in the 2nd period. Despite Beaudry stopping all 12 shots and giving the Rush a chance to comeback late, it was to little to late as Yellow Horn scored an empty netter to give him his first pro hat trick of his career.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

From Allen, Texas: Colton Yellow Horn scored his first professional hat trick tonight en route to an Allen Americans 5-2 win at the Allen Event Center. The win gives the Americans a 2-1 series lead over Rapid City in the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Final.

The Americans started off their first final's home game by bringing in North Texas hockey icon Norm Green to do the ceremonial puck drop. The former Dallas Stars Owner arrived ready for playoff hockey, wearing his tie that he dons for postseason action.

After the Green Puck Drop, the Americans went on to open the game with a power play at 2:10. Justin Bowers shoved the puck past Rush Netminder Danny Battochio from the top of the crease for his ninth playoff goal. With 6:22 remaining in the first period, Allen increased its lead to two. Bowers scored his 2nd of the night off of a pass from Veteran Erik Adams. After 20 minutes, Allen led 2-0.

Allen's offense continued to score in the middle frame, even when the club was shorthanded. Colton Yellow Horn deked around the Rapid City Defender with an incredible move and lit the lamp 1:25 into the 2nd period on the penalty kill. Yellow Horn grabbed another goal on a three-on-two rush later in the 2nd. Nino Musitelli left a drop pass from Captain Jarrett Lukin, who passed the puck a fallen defender to an open Yellow Horn. The forward poked the puck in his 8th of the playoffs at 10:10.

The Rush replaced Battochio in net with Miguel Beaudry after the fourth Allen Goal of the game similar to Game one. Rapid City got on the scoreboard at 12:11 when Brendan Cook's shot from the high slot hit the back of the net. The goal brought the score to 4-1.

The next goal of the game came at 12:12 of the final period, when Scott Wray grabbed a tally on a slap shop to bring the Rush within two. Rapid City put an extra attacker on the ice with two minutes to go, but Yellow Horn ruined any hopes of the visitors had a comeback when he scored an empty netter to earn a hat trick. The final score 5-2.

Allen's record is now 3-0 in Game 3's in this year's playoffs.

The Championship Series continues in Allen for Game Four and Five on April 30 and May 1, respectively. To show the club's appreciation to all its fans, the Americans and the Allen Event Center are offering $2 beers and $2 hot dogs at the last home games of the team's inaugural season. Additionally, the first 2,000 fans at each game will receive free thunder sticks, and there will be a fan fest before every game at 5:30 PM. Festivities includes bounce houses, interactive gamezones, balloon artists, a rock climbing wall and so much more. Both games start at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are available by 972-912-1000, going to gettix.net or by stooping by the Allen Even Center Box Office. The Box Office is open from 10 AM to 6 PM Mondays through Saturdays. Fans interested in tickets to multiple playoff games are encouraged to speak with an Allen Americans representative regarding savings at walk up prices at 972-912-1000.

Allen Americans Leads Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 2 Allen Americans 5 (0-2, 1-2, 1-1)

0-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (Graham, Yellow Horn) 2:10 1st

0-2 ALN: Justin Bowers (Adams, Fairbarn) 13:38

0-3 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (SH) (Wooddisse, Lukin) 1:33 2nd

0-4 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (Lukin, Musitelli) 10:10 2nd

1-4 RPC: Brendan Cook (Bostock) 12:11 2nd

2-4 RPC: Scott Wray (Reaney, Leblanc) 12:12 3rd

2-5 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (EN) (Wooddisse) 19:08 3rd


Game Stats

PP: RPC 0/6 ALN 1/4

SOG: RPC 37 ALN 25

PIM: RPC 18 Minutes on 9 Penalties ALN 20 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 8 SVS on 12 Shots Migueal Beaudry 12 SVS on 12 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 35 SVS on 37 Shots

ATT: 3532

3rd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

2nd Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

1st Star: Colton Yellow Horn (ALN)

CHL Shots from the Point on the Presidents Cup Final

3 times a week during the playoffs. The Central Hockey League does a segment called "Shots from the Point" to provide news and notes, quick-hits and briefs on the Playoffs. Here's today's edition which will get you ready for the 3 Games in Allen which begin tonight as the battle for the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship continues.

From The Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Rapid City Rush and Allen Americans will met in Game 3 of the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup Championship Series with the series tied at 1-1. Tonight mark's the first of three straight games at the Allen Event Center where the Americans are 5-2 during the post-season.

Game's 4 & 5 are scheduled for Friday & Saturday Night at the Allen Event Center. Game 3 has not been much of an indicator in the past as the team that has won Game 3 has won either the CHL or the WPHL Championship 13 of 21 times in league history. The Game 3 winner has won the series in each of the past two seasons and in three of the last 4.


Presidents Cup Championship Update:

Game 1, 4/23: Allen Americans 4 Rapid City Rush 1
www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1269586

Game 1 Story: http://centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/index.html?article_id=4603


Game 2, 4/24: Allen Americans 4 Rapid City Rush 5 (OT)
www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1269587

Game 2 Story: http://centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/index.html?article_id=4605


Game 3, 4/28: @ Allen 7:30 PM

Game 4, 4/30: @ Allen 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/1: @ Allen 7:30 PM

Game 6, 5/4: @ Rapid City 6:35 PM MDT*

Game 7, 5/7: @ Rapid City 7:05 PM MDT*

*If Necessary

Game 1: Allen Americans 4 Rapid City Rush 1

Allen goaltender Chris Whitley made 48 saves and the Americans scored four times in the 2nd period to earn the Game 1 win. Nino Musitelli led the way offensively scored a pair of goals in the win.

Game 2: Allen Americans 4 Rapid City Rush 5 (OT)

Rapid City Defensemen Dave Grimson scored the game tying goal with less then a minute remaining and Blane Jarvis scored his first professional OT Game Winner as the Rush evened the Series. Allen Chris Whitley's made 52 saves in the losing effort. Brendon Hodge and Les Reaney each had three helpers for the Rush.


CHL TV

Catch all of the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Playoffs live on CHL-TV. Individual Live Games and archives are available as well as the packages that allow you purchase a series at a time. Throughout the post-season, the CHL has partnered with Bieler Bros. Records (www.bilerbros.com) giving each Live Game or archive purchase a free download from Bieler Bros. Records Artists and for every playoff package, fans receive a free Bieler Bros. Record CD. Visit http://chltv.insinc.com for more info.


Close Calls

The Americans will play each of the next three games on home ice where they are 5-2 during the post-season. Although they have an impressive home record, the Americans have only outscored the opposition 27-21 in their seven playoff contests. The line of Justin Bowers, Bruce Graham, Nino Musitelli have combined for 39 points (14G 25A) with a +22 in the seven home games so far.


Comfy in Allen

The Rapid City Rush have lost home-ice advantage but they have good memories in their only previous visit to the Allen Event Center. On Friday, January 15, the Rush dismantled the Americans 6-1 handing them one of the biggest losses of the season on home ice during the regular season. Les Reaney scored a pair of goals and Scott Wray and had a goal and two assists. Danny Battochio stopped 33 of 34 shots earning the win.


Series Quick Hits

• Nino Musitelli leads all skaters with 12 goals in the post-season (CHL Playoff Record is 17). He is currently on a four game goal scoring streak with five goals over that time.
• Rapid City's OT Win on Saturday's moves their OT Record in the Post-Season to 4-0. Conversely, the Americans are 0-3 in playoff games this post-season.
• Allen's goaltender Chris Whitley has made 100 saves on 106 shots in the two games combined so far versus Rapid City. The rookie stopped 48 shots in Game 1 and 52 in Game 2. Whitley is 9-7 in the playoffs so far and with his next appearance, he will tie the CHL record for most appearances by a goaltender in the playoffs (Chad Erickson of San Angelo and Steven Plouffe of Ft. Worth). Whitley is within reach as well of breaking Erickson's records for most minutes played and saves in a playoff season.
• The imporantance of drawing first blood is magnified with the Rush and the Americans as the team strikes first typically wins the game. So far in the playoffs, the Rush and the Americans are a combined 14-3 when scoring first and through the first two games of the Finals, the team that scored first won the game.