Rio Grande Valley Falls to Evansville for the 2nd straight night

After nearly pulling off a SO Victory on Tuesday Night, the Killer Bees couldn't find a way to keep the Turner Conference Leaders from getting a series sweep as the Icemen continue to keep a slim lead over the Ft. Wayne Komets for the Conference Lead, while the Killer Bees, paired with the Brahmas victory over the Dayton Gems last night are now 4 points out of the Tulsa Oilers for the final playoff spot in the Berry Conference with 18 games left to play.

The bad news for the Killer Bees is that in addition to seeing their chances of catching up to Tulsa are beginning to diminish (Especially after a 9-6 loss on Sunday), they have also played the most games in the Conference shard with Texas as both teams are nearing the 50 game mark of the season.

Rio Grande Valley was able to keep it at a 1-0 game till just after the 3rd period where Sean O'Connor was able to score for the 2nd straight game against the Killer Bees to make it 2-0. Despite being down 2-0 & Thomas Klempa made it 2-1 with just over 5 minutes left in the 3rd period. He also came close on a couple of occasion's including missing an open net early in the 3rd period that could have tied the game at 1-1 and could have changed the outlook of the game.

The Killer Bees failed on an opportunity that they still could have been serious playoff contenders and not only make the playoffs. But look to show that they could play tough against anybody in the League as they were only able to get a point in the 2 games against Evansville. Lucky for them, Tulsa has been off since the 9-6 victory against the Killer Bees back on Sunday Afternoon; so the Oilers couldn't take advantage of the Killer Bees missed opportunities.

Next up for Rio Grande Valley is an important road trip to the Dallas Area for a weekend series against the Texas Brahmas as they look to close in on the 3rd Place Brahmas and once again close in on the playoff gap.

As for the Oilers who the Killer Bees are chasing is a game on Friday Night against the same Evansville Icemen finish off their 3 game Road Trip. This is the Oilers' only game of the weekend as they continue their 5 game home stand. So far, the Oilers are 2-1 on the home stand with a 4-1 loss against Evansville, as well as a 4-2 win over the Dayton Gems back on Tuesday Night.

Evansville Icemen 3  RGV Killer Bees 1  (0-0, 1-0, 2-1)

Game Story from Brian Sandalow of The Monitor

From Hildago, Texas: Dan Gendur tried to take the blame for the Killer Bees' 3-1 loss Wednesday to the Evansville Icemen.

He pointed out a breakaway on which he was stopped by Evansville Goalie Bryan Gills and an open net he missed early in the 3rd period. But Gendur - who assisted on Thomas Klempa's 3rd period goal - wasn't nearly the problem for the Bees (20-22-7 47 PTS) during a loss that kept them four points behind Tulsa for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Berry Conference.

Instead, that would be the Bees' struggles on the special teams. Evansville first two goals came on its power play while the Turner Conference Leading IceMen (30-13-4, 64 PTS) stopped the Bees on their four chances with an advantage.

Those issues overshadowed an improved performance, albeit one not good enough for a win and two crucial points.

"I thought it was even game. I feel like I may have cost the team the game tonight," Gendur said. "Missed a wide open and missed a breakaway I probably should have scored on. I'll take a responsibility and I feel pretty bad considering it would have made it a 2-2 game and possibly could have gotten us a point."

Bees coach Terry Ruskowski didn't see it that way.

What he saw was a team that played a solid defensive game in front of goalie Wylie Rogers (26 Saves on 29 Shots), but one didn't do enough on special teams or get enough production from anybody besides the Gendur-Klempa-Brandon Campos line.

"It's just not all fitting together in one spot but I thought we played hard today," Ruskowski said. "I'd like to see us play more physical but we just don't have that physical team."

What the Bees also seem to be lacking is an ability to put everything together at the same time. On some nights they score plenty but break down defensively, like in Sunday's 9-6 loss at Tulsa. On Wednesday, they matched one of the league's best teams at even strength.

But the difference was special teams. Evansville's Malcom Gwilliam scored on the power play in the second after a failed clearance. Then with 8:16 left in the game Sean O'Connor got lost in the shuffle and beat Rogers from the goalie's right side after receiving a sharp diagonal pass from IceMen defensemen Steve Makway to double Evansville's lead.

Though Klempa's goal with 5:16 left in the game cut the deficit in half, Evansville held and clinched the win when former Bees center Brian Bicek hit an empty net with five seconds remaining.

"I thought it was a better performance (than Tuesday). We were moving the puck," Ruskowski. "They're a good hockey team. They move the puck very well. They play good position and when you make a mistake they make you pay for it."

The Bees learned that Wednesday.

Game Notes: Bicek's goal is his 30th of the season and makes him the first player in the league to reach that total.   Evansville played with 14 skaters.   The Bees play again on Friday & Saturday when they visit the Texas Brahmas. The Brahmas beat Dayton 2-0 on Wednesday to pull 9 points ahead of the Bees for third place in the Berry Conference.  The Bees are winless in their last four games.



In the Crease Podcast with Justin Quenneville

It's time for another In The Crease Podcast with Corpus Christi Icerays Beat Writer Greg Rajan as he talks to Corpus Christi Icerays Head Coach Justin Quenneville as he discusses the current playoff race, Anthony Stolarz's great season he's having which included making both the NAHL U18 Selects Team for the upcoming Prospects Tournament; and him making the NHL Draft Rankings.Also what he was going through he was offered a coaching job when the IceRays made the transition from Minor League's to Juniors.

Quenneville also reflects on his favorite moments during his Pro Career with the Ice Rays and why he thanks that Junior Hockey in the NAHL has worked so well in their first 2 seasons. A big part of the appeal Quenneville thanks that has made a big impact including the entrainment factor. "The Energy, they hit so much harder and so much faster," said Quenneville. "Were going to explain first what this level is and explaining what this represents'." Showing current fans and trying to attract new fans as well as they look to show that they are capable of playing in the NCAA & Pro Ranks later in their career.

A good example of this is Anthony Stolarz who not only has made a NCAA Commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) but was also ranked 21st among NHL Goalies when the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings came out back in January.

Also joining Greg Rajan was Brian Sandalow of The Monitor in Mcallen who covers the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in the Central Hockey League discusses' one of the most wild and wacky Games of the Central Hockey League season between the Killer Bees & Tulsa Oilers back on Sunday Afternoon that the Oilers won 9-6 back on Sunday Afternoon.

It included the Killer Bees having to comeback from a 5-1 deficit to a 5-5 tie only to lose 9-6 in what was a very important game in the CHL Berry Conference Playoff Race for the 4th & Final Playoff Spot with about a month-and-a-half left in the regular season. A huge offensive explosion for the Oilers helped them in their victory where 8 players had multiple point games.

He also gives his take on the Berry Conference Playoff Race where the Wichita Thunder are currently 4 points up on the Allen Americans for the Conference Lead and pulled off a critical victory against the Americans back on February 9th, 4-2.

2/13 In the Crease Podcast

2/6-12 Southwest Hockey Schedule

Here's a look at the Southwest Hockey Schedule for the week of February 6-12.

National Hockey League

2/7: Phoenix Coyotes VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/9: Dallas Stars VS. Columbus Blue Jackets  6:00 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/10: Dallas Stars VS. Buffalo Sabres  6:30 PM (FSN Southwest Plus)

2/12: LA Kings VS. Dallas Stars  (FSN Southwest)

American Hockey League

2/7

San Antonio Rampage VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  9:00 AM

Houston Aeros VS. Chicago Wolves  11:00 AM

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM



2/8: Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

2/9:  Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsford Heat  8:00 PM (In Calgary, AB)

2/10

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Toronto Marlies  6:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

2/11

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsord Heat  9:00 PM

2/12

Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  2:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  4:00 PM

Central Hockey League

2/9

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks  11:00 AM

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

2/10

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

2/11

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Evansville IceMen VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

North American Hockey League

2/7

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

2/10

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

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/11

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/12

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  2:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/10

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:45 PM

2/11

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  2:15 PM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

2/12

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  10:00 AM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:15 AM

Laredo use strong Special Teams to blast the Brahmas

The Laredo Bucks maybe near the Bottom of the Central Hockey League's Berry Conference for most of the year, but they didn't play like it last night when they hosted the Texas Brahmas who are fighting for 3rd Place with the Tulsa Oilers.

A strong special teams game which included going  3-for-4 on the Power Play and the team also added a shorthanded goal near the start of the game which launched the Bucks Night. The likes of Neil Trimm & Ryan Sparling helped lead the way as 9 players were able to record at least a point in the victory while Bucks Goalie Torrie Jung stopped all 29 shots to get the easy win in the process.

For Laredo this was the great start they were looking for their current 4 game home stand as the Bucks & Brahmas will play again tomorrow night and the Wichita Thunder coming up on Saturday Night. For Texas after playing the Bucks tomorrow night, their South Texas Road Trip continues against the RGV Killer Bees on Saturday Night in another big battle for the 3rd & 4th Place Spots in the Berry Conference. After losing to Tulsa on Tuesday Night, the Killer Bees can't afford to lose even more ground on both the Brahmas & the Tulsa Oilers in the playoff race.

While the battle for the 3rd & 4th Place Spots is getting heated up, both the Allen Americans & Wichita Thunder who are gunning for the Top Spot will be on different parts of the region. The Americans will begin a weekend series against the Tulsa Oilers from the Allen Event Center, while the Thunder will make their way South to play the RGV Killer Bees on Friday, then up to DFW to play the Texas Brahmas on Saturday Night in what should be a great with both playoff races in focus.

Upcoming Schedule for this weekend

2/3

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

2/4

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Game Report from the Central Hockey League Website

From Laredo, Texas: The Laredo Bucks are dealing with two very hot properties, goaltender Torre Jung, and the duo helped lead the way on Wednesday Night as the Bucks pounded the Texas Brahmas 6-0 at the Laredo Energy Arena.

June remained one of the better goaltenders in the league in recent weeks making 29 saves and earning his second shutout in his last three decisions. Jung is 4-0-1 in his last five decisions allowing just 7 goals over that stretch (he is 14-11-1 on the season).

Trimm extended his league active best point streak to eight games accumulating 13 points (2-11=13) over that span.

Texas played Adam Avramenko in net, just signed this week after Steve Silverthon left to play in Europe, and he struggled in his debut with the Brahmas allowing six scores on 30 shots.

A shorthanded goal from Justin Styffe got the Bucks rolling just over two minutes into the game and it turned out to be all Laredo needed. It was the first winning goal of the season for Styffe and his sixth goal overall.

Later in the first, David Inman connected on the first of three power play scores for Laredo giving plenty of cushion for Jung to work his magic the rest of the night.

The second period was the busiest for Jung, 13 saves, but it was also the most productive for the home team who struck three times. Ryan Sparling and Trimm scored PP Goals and Rusty Masters added an even strength strike making the score 5-0 after 40 minutes.

Early in the third, Matt Boyd added to the total with his 10th goal of the season and Bucks would cost from there in a fast moving final frame.

Matt Pierce added a pair of assists helping set up the Bucks Cause.

Laredo finished the game 3/4 on the power play with the man advantage and stopped all five PP Chances for the visitors.

The Brahmas lost for the second time in their last three games and were shutout for the fourth time this season. Texas' offense has struggled recently scoring just five times in the last four games.

The defense has been good through as the six goals allowed tonight by Texas matches what they had allowed in their previous four games combined.

The two teams will battle again on Friday Night in Laredo.

Texas still leads the season series winning five of the eight games so far.

1/23-29 Southwest Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Hockey League

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

1/26: NHL All Star Fantsay Draft

1/28: NHL Super Skills Competition

1/29: NHL All Star Game

American Hockey League

1/27

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/28

Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/29: AHL Skills Competition 3:00 PM

1/30: AHL All Star Game  7:00 PM

Central Hockey League

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

1/27

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

1/28

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

1/29

Laredo Bucks VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  5:05 PM

North American Hockey League

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

1/27

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

Amarillo Bulls VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

1/28

Fresno Monsters VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

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


Western States Hockey League

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


1/27

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

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

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

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


1/28

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

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

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

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


1/29

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  11:00 AM

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

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

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

Bossier-Shreveport wins in a goal fest against Tulsa 6-4

Bossier-Shreveport continues to have Tulsa's Number in recent years as the Mudbugs beat the Tulsa Oilers for their 15th straight win over the Oilers as the Mudbugs go to 3-0-0 and temporally go to the top of the Berry Conference (South) while the Oilers have lost their first game of the year after winning a home-and-home series against the Wichita Thunder on opening weekend of the season.

Bossier-Shreveport has scored a ton of goals in the early season as the Mudbugs beat the Mississippi Riverkings scored 10 on opening night against the Riverkings as they beat them 10-1. So far through 3 games, Mudbugs forwards Brett Smith and Justin Aikins are 1-and-2 on the scoring leaders as Brett Smith has already scored 5 goals and has added 4 assists for 9 points. While Aikins has scored 7 points (3G 4A) as the Mudbugs have already scored 18 goals in 3 games (avg. 6 goals a game) so far.

For Tulsa, the Oilers are looking to turn things around as the Oilers have been in the bottom rung of the CHL the last several years, last year hopefully was a springboard as the Oilers just missed the playoffs as they were beaten by 5 points to then expansion Missouri Mavericks last season. Bossier-Shreveport on the other hand had a great season by finishing 3rd in the North and beat Colorado in the Conference Semifinals and pushed the eventual Presidents Cup Champion Rapid City Rush in 7 games.

Coming up later this week for the two teams will match up twice against the Allen Americans (Thursday & Friday), then will head to the other side of the Metroplex for a Saturday Night tilt against the Texas Brahmas.

For Tulsa, it's a trip up north to Illinois as the Oilers will face the Blommington Prairie Thunder on Saturday Night.


Game Story from the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Website

Tulsa Oilers 4  Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 6  (3-2, 1-4, 0-0)

From Bossier-City, Louisana: Three unanswered goals to end the second period helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 6-4 win over the Tulsa Oilers on Thursday Night at the Century Tel Center. The Bugs are now the only 3-0-0 team in the Central Hockey League after earning their 15th straight victory against the Tulsa Oilers.

The forward line of Justin Aikins, David Rutherford and Jeff Martins accounted for four of Bossier-Shreveport's Goals and added three assists. Rutherford scored two goals (including the game winner) and added an assist, when Martens scored for the first time as a Mudbug and chipped in two helpers as well.

The Bugs stated quick with two goals in the first 4:09 of the contest. First Aikins beat a defender on the Rush before backhanding the puck short sided on Trevor Cann, and then the Martens knocked home a rebound following an Oilers turnover in their own zone. Tulsa answered with three goals later in the period, started with Jack Combs power play tally at 9:18. Combs added a shorthanded goal less then three minutes later and Chad Costello capped off the period with a breakaway goal to make it 3-2 Oilers after one.

The Mudbugs tied at 3-3 with Jamie Milam scored on the power play early in the second, but Costello scored his second goal of the night on a rebound off the end boards to re-take the lead for Tulsa. David Rutherford wasted little time in tying it at 4-4, beating Cann from between the circles for his first goal of the season at 14:54. The Bugs went on top to stay less then three minutes later when Rutherford scored again, backhanding a shot over Cann's right pad to finish off a nice passing play with Martens and Aikins to make it 5-4.

Brett Smith extended the lead to 6-4 late in the 2nd period, crashing the net the force in his own rebound off a Tulsa player in front of the net with 1:03 left in the period. Tyler Simms relived Cann in goal for the Oilers, who pressed hard in the third period, but no goals were scored in the final frame despite an 11-2 shot advantage for the Oilers.

The Bugs will take one day off before jumping in their first set of three games in three days against Allen. The Mudbugs host the Americans on Thursday and Friday at the Century Tel Center before traveling to Texas for their first meeting against the Brahmas on Saturday Night at the NYTEX Sports Center.

Great seats are still available for the games vs. Allen on Thursday and Friday, so contact the team office at 318-752-BUGS for more info on season tickets, mini plans and group tickets. Individual tickets are available through Ticket Master at 318-741-9700, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at the Century Tel Center main box office.

10/19 Professional Scoreboard

Watch for the Game Stories from last night's 2 Southwest Games as the Oklahoma City Barons took down the Lake Erie Monsters. While the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs beat the Allen Americans in a very high scoring game last night.

National Hockey League

Boston Bruins 3  Washington Capitals 1  (2-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Calgary Flames 1  Nashville Predators 0  (OT) (0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Vancouver Canucks 2  Minnesota Wild 6  (1-3, 0-3, 1-0)

Carolina Hurricanes 5  San Jose Sharks 2  (2-0, 1-2, 2-0)


American Hockey League

Manchester Monarchs 2  Portland Pirates 3  (SO) (0-0, 1-0, 1-2, 0-0, 0-1)

Rochester Americans 2  Hamilton Bulldogs 5  (0-2, 0-1, 2-2)


Central Hockey League

Check out the Game Story for the Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs game.

This weeks Southwest Schedule: 10/18-24

Here's a look at this week's Southwest Hockey Schedule. Usually I do this on Tuesday's, but to last night's Stars Games, I will show the Game Boxscore to that link. It's a busy night this week as we have AHL Action on both Tonight and Tomorrow Night. Also another chance for the Texas Tornado and Amarillo Bulls and Texas Tornado to fight it out for first place in the NAHL South Division. Also the Oklahoma City Barons Game this Sunday against the Hamilton Bulldogs will be on the NHL Network and CBC this weekend.

Also, it's still a couple of days to regroup and to get ready for the Stars VS. Panthers game on Thursday Night after the Stars lost 5-4 to Tampa Bay to lose their first game of the year. After the Florida trip, it's back home to take on the Nashville Predators on Saturday Night as the Predators are also looking to fight it out towards one of the last playoff spots in the Western Conference this season as well.

Here's a look at this weeks schedule.

Dallas Stars (NHL)

10/21: @ Florida Panthers    6:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

10/23: VS. Nashville Predators   7:00 PM (TXA 21)


American Hockey League

10/19

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Oklahoma City Barons    7:05 PM


10/20

Lake Erie Monsters VS. San Antonio Rampage     7:00 PM


10/22

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons    7:05 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Texas Stars     7:30 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Houston Aeros     7:35 PM


10/23

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Toronto Marlies    4:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage     7:00 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars     7:00 PM


10/24

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Hamilton Bulldogs    12:00 PM (NHL Network)

Peoria Rivermen VS. San Antonio Rampage     3:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Houston Aeros    4:05 PM


Central Hockey League

10/19

Tulsa Oilers VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs    6:35 PM


10/21

Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs   6:35 PM


10/22

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Bloomington Prairie Thunder   7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs    7:05 PM

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM


10/23

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Dayton Gems    6:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Bloomington Prairie Thunder   7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Wichita Thunder    7:05 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks    7:30 PM


North American Hockey League

10/22

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Amarillo Bulls    7:00 PM


10/23

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays     7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs   8:30 PM


10/24

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays    3:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs    6:00 PM

Watch for Twitter Updates of Southwest Action

Even though the Dallas Stars are off tonight. They will be plenty of Twitter Updates tonight as it's a busy night of Southwest Hockey Action. The highlights tonight include the start of the Central Hockey League Season which includes 2 very high profile rivalries as the Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans will face off from the Allen Event Center as the Americans will raise their Conference Champion Banner that they won from last year.

Also tonight is the Border Rivalry as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and Laredo Bucks will faceoff.

Elsewhere, we have another battle between the Houston Aeros and Oklahoma City Barons try to win their first game in franchise history tonight after losing twice against Houston and Chicago last weekend. In addition to the Aeros & Barons is the San Antonio Rampage will take on the Peoria Rivermen tonight as well.

Finally in the Junior Ranks is the Topeka Roadrunners traveling south to Amarillo. Texas will faceoff against New Mexico for the very first time in their history. While Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi will continue in Northwest Texas as well.

Check out my Twitter Account to see the updates tonight.

Here's tonight's Schedule (All Games are CDT)

American Hockey League

Peoria Rivermen VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons   7:05 PM


Central Hockey League

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


North American Hockey League

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls    7:00 PM

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

Texas Tornado VS. New Mexico Mustangs    8:30 PM

This Weeks Southwest Schedule: 10/11-17

With the Central Hockey League starting up this week, this means that all 4 of the main leagues that have teams in the Southwest will be underway this week. Opening up the CHL Season includes Southern Conference Champions taking on the their DFW Rival Texas Brahmas in a 2 game weekend set at the Allen Event Center as the Americans will be raising the Southern Conference Championship Banner during the pregame.

Other big matchups this week include the South Texas Rivalry along the Texas/Mexico Border as the Laredo Bucks & Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees will take their rivalry to the Rio Grande Valley as both teams look to comeback as the Bucks got ousted from the playoffs quickly while RG Valley was left out all together.

However, everything will focus around on Thursday Night at the AAC as the Stars will play their home opener against the Detroit Red Wings and with the return of Dallas Stars Legend Mike Modano who made his debut with Detroit last week, it should be a big crowd to greet them and they will be some kind of honor to Modano during one of the TV Timeouts to recognize all what he has done not just to the Stars, but building the sport of hockey in the State of Texas.

In addition to the Thursday Night Home Opener, a Saturday Night showdown with the Blues as the Stars and Blues will play each other for the 3rd time in recent weeks as both teams played a home-and-home during the preseason with each side winning at home during the preseason.

Texas will have their AHL Home Opener as the Stars & Rampage will faceoff for the 2nd time already this season as the Stars will raises their Western Conference Championship Banner. It will be the first of a weekend set as the team will play Sunday Afternoon at home against the Peoria Rivermen who finished 5th in the West Division last season. For the Rivermen last weekend, they played twice on opening weekend with a win on Saturday over the Manitoba Moose and a one goal loss to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Both Houston and San Antonio are doing a 3 game in 3 night weekend coming up. First for the Aeros, a strong 6-1 over the Barons have the Aeros looking to fend off their last place showing in the West last year. This weekend is going to be crazy with a return trip to OKC on Friday, the team's home opener on Saturday against the Peoria Rivermen then their first home game against OKC again on Sunday Afternoon. These are 2 of 3 straight at home which will conclude on 10/22 against the Peoria Rivermen.

San Antonio is coming off a mixed opening weekend where a 1-1 weekend saw them just cruse to a 6-3 victory over Chicago where they dominated the Wolves and were up 5-0 at one point before the Wolves had 3 goals midway through the 3rd period. Then on Sunday, Rampage Goalie Matt Climie played against his old team as the Stars pulled away what was a Goaltenders Duel where it took 55 minutes to find the first goal where Scott Mcculloch scored with 5 minutes left. Then 2 goals by Travis Morin late put the game away for the Stars first win of the season.

In the NAHL, the South Division is getting very tight with the top 4 teams separated by just a single point with Texas coming on strong in recent weeks and both Topeka & Wichita Falls cooling off since a strong start at the NAHL Blane Showcase to start the season.

The big series this weekend takes place in the Texas Panhandle as the Roadrunners will take on the Bulls as the teams will be fighting it out for first place on the line as both teams are looking to pull away from the log jam on top of the South Division.

Texas will begin a 4 game road trip this weekend with weekend series in New Mexico this weekend and Corpus Christi next weekend. Currently the Tornado have won 4 in a row and have gotten points in the last 6 as some big time roster moves, especially with new goalie Jimmy Kruger is starting to make an impact quickly. Playing last place New Mexico should give the team a chance to make a big move in the South Division.

Click on the Date Links to see the full schedule for that day's games.



This Weeks Southwest Schedule  (All Start Times are CDT)


Dallas Stars (NHL)


10/14:  VS. Detroit Red Wings      7:30 PM @ AAC  (FSN Southwest & NHLN-US)

10/16:  VS. St. Louis Blues             7:00 PM @ AAC (TXA 21)


American Hockey League

10/12

No Southwest Games


10/15

Peoria Riverman VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM 

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons       7:05 PM 


10/16

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars                     7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Oklahoma City Barons     7:05 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Houston Aeros                         7:35 PM


10/17

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Houston Aeros               4:05 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. San Antonio Rampage        4:30 PM0

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars                                5:00 PM


Central Hockey League

10/15

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

Odesssa 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


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


10/17

No Southwest Games


North American Hockey League

10/14

No Southwest Games


10/15

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls     7:00 PM

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

Texas Tornado VS. New Mexico Mustangs    8:30 PM


10/16

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls    7:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. New Mexico Mustangs    8:30 PM


10/17

No Southwest Games









    

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

Southwest Weekend Preview

Despite the start of the Vancouver Olympics tonight, they is still plenty of action around the southwest as the Dallas Stars will play their final game for 2 and a half weeks. Tomorrow night, the Stars will travel to Phoenix to play them for the 2nd time in a week after the Stars continue to have problems against the Phoenix Coyotes this season. However, the Stars did beat the Coyotes 4-0 back on 2/6. For the Stars, they hoping it's the final game of a successful road trip where the Stars are starting to gain their confidence back on the road for the first time since the start of the season back in October and early November.

It's also important in the standings as last night's 3-1 win in Calgary got the Stars up from 11th to 9th in the standings with the help of their win and the San Jose Sharks beating the Detroit Red Wings in a SO last night. After the two week break, the Stars will play their final 21 games (12H, 9R) in just 41 days, so it will be a game basically every other day starting on March 2 against the Los Angeles Kings. Included in that final stretch is a 6 game home stand, plus a huge roadtrip out east playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres.

All 3 of these teams will be looking to get in a position where they can be big time Stanley Cup Contenders out of the Eastern Conference, so this would be a huge chance to send a statement that they won't miss the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time since the team's move to Texas in 1993.

A busy weekend in the AHL will have all 3 Texas Teams in big weekend sets. The Texas Stars have a pair of games against the Chicago Wolves which will include Ivan Vishnevskiy making his debut with the Wolves. With how tight the West is, this could be a preview of things to come in the playoffs as the top 4 teams are just separated by just 1 point. Right now it would be the Texas Stars playing the Milwaukee Admirals, while the Rockford Icehogs would get the Chicago Wolves in the other West Division Semifinal Series.

Houston will be in a huge series against Grand Rapids Griffins where both teams are looking to close the gap on the playoff spots in their respective divisions. Last Saturday was the first of a 3 game set over 2 weekends where the Aeros came back from a 2-0 hole they suffered early in the 2nd period, then late in the 2nd, Petr Kalus helped spark a comeback in which follow forwards Cody Almond and Peter Zingoni scored in the third to comeback to get a huge road win. A busy 3 game weekend awaits them with a pair of games against the Grand Rapids Griffins, then followed by a Sunday Afternoon clash against the Chicago Wolves which could help them close the gap in the playoff race.

Houston would like to have a big home weekend before embarking on 6 of their next 8 games on the road, including a huge West Division Roadtrip that takes them to Milwaukee, Chicago and Peoria next weekend.

San Antonio continues their infamous "Rodeo Road Trip" as the Rampage travel to Peoria as the basement teams will be looking to get back in the Playoff race as the Rampage sit 13 points back with 30 games left, so it's critical that they can get on a strong positive run when the team will return home on 2/26 for a weekend home stand against the Manitoba Moose. For San Antonio to have a successful weekend, the Rampage need Kyle Turris needs to find his form as he had scored just 6 points since New Years (2G 4A).

And has been a huge reason that the Rampage defense has been leaking goals on numerous occasions on this road trip, including a 5-4 SO Loss against the lowly Syracuse Crunch and a pair of critical losses in Milwaukee. In all, the Rampage has played a ton of OT lately as 6 of their last 8 games have gone 3-1-4 in that timespan.

Among the top stories in the Central Hockey League is a huge match for the Odessa Jackalopes on the road against the Rapid City Rush. Odessa is closing on being the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot, while Rapid City continues to be in a fight with Colorado for the top spot in the North. Both teams have been on fire with a recent 6-1-0 record on their 7 game road trip. S

Since then they have tripped up some what with a split against the Colorado Eagles last weekend, after a 5-3 loss on Friday, the Jackalopes came back with a 9-4 win on Saturday where Sebastien Thinel is playing some of his best hockey of the year where he has scored points in 8 of his last 9, and in that stretch he has had 3 or more points in 5 of those games. In his last game against Colorado, he had his 2nd 5 point night of the season with 5 assists in the victory which takes him to 62 points in 47 games played this season.

That takes him to 3rd overall in the league only behind the Colorado duo of Kevin Ulanski with 75 points (23G 52A), and Riley Nelson with 68 points (22G 46A). He will hae to have some more big games like that if he will close the gap on the Eagle teammates and win the League scoring title for the 2nd straight season. Rapid City will have to find a way to stop Thinel, but the Rush have a strong offensive trio to fight back with Les Reaney (60 PTS), Scott Wray (58 PTS), and Brendan Cook (57 PTS) that should make this a great weekend series and what could be a possible Championship preview.

Texas and Laredo have a huge game tonight as both teams are looking to avoid the Southern Conference Play In Round as the Bucks are up by just a point over the defending champion Brahmas (LAR 52 PTS, TEX 51 PTS). With the Brahmas hosting this game, it should benefit as this series has gone to the home team. For Texas, it's a busy 3 games in 4 days as that Saturday night will have the Brahmas play Allen at the NYTEX.

Then on Monday night, it's the return leg at the Allen Event Center. Laredo will head back to South Texas after this one, the Bucks will take on the Killer Bees on Saturday night, then the two will meet again in Laredo on Sunday afternoon.

Currently, both teams have played the same amount of games (45), but the Bucks have a point edge, so the Brahmas need to get the win tonight, then have a strong home and home against Allen to take them over for 3rd.

The race for the final spot in the South is currently between the RGV Killer Bees and Corpus as both teams are tied, but the Killer Bees have the game in hand. Both teams are looking to get back on track as the Killer Bees have ended up losing 6 of their last 8, but to help them in the standings has been that 4 of the games have gone to OT.

But still, 3 of the 4 games they still lost. The only OT Victory in that span was a 3-2 win over the Laredo Bucks back on 2/4. Starting goalie Andy Franck needs to find his confidence as he has won just 3 of his last 10 starts and have leaked some big goals including a huge 3-2 SO Loss where the Bucks went up 2-0 in the first period. So questions about the confidence of both goalies is starting to erode. Backup Wylie Rogers has taken a fall since his surprising first season with the club last year, with just a 8-7-2 record and a 3.59 GAA and a .899SV%. Compared to an 18-10-3 record with a GAA of just over 3 and a solid .908 SV%.

On Saturday, Amarillo and Tulsa will fight to keep their playoff hopes intact. For the Oilers, following a shameful 4-2 loss against Wichita. The Oilers thought a pair of road wins against the Missouri Mavericks would help them out, however, 2 games in the midweek saw them loss 4-3 against Colorado and a 2-1 OTL against the Allen Americans. Even though Tulsa is up by 3 points, this continues to open the door for Missouri to get back in the playoff race.

In addition to the Amarillo game, another huge game against Mississippi Riverkings as the Kings are starting to get dragged into the Northern Conference Play in Round Race with Bossier-Shreveport went 3-2 in a recent 5 game home stand, including a 4-3 OT win over Colorado against 1/30. The Mudbugs are in the midst of a 3 game road trip with wins over the Mississippi Riverkings and Missouri Mavericks. This weekend is a home and home against Corpus Christi this weekend.

The Texas Tornado will embark on their 2nd trip to Alaska this season, will begin a 6 game road trip that takes place over the next 3 weekends. It starts with the Icedogs, after a successful 3 game homestand against them last week, the Tornado will look to solidify their playoff spot in the South Division. The Tornado will need to stop the league leading score Michael Juola who lit the Tornado for a 7 point night in Frisco back on 2/3. For Fairbanks, for them it's about claiming 1st round home ice as the Wenatchee Wild are off until 2/19. Back in November, the Tornado split a weekend series by beating the Icedogs 6-2 on 11/13, then the Icedogs got revenge the next night with a 5-2 win.

Wichita Falls Playoff hopes are beginning to slip away as a tough road trip to St. Louis awaits them. Last week, the Wildcats were only able to gain an OT loss back on 2/6 where a 3 goal 3rd period helped the game get to OT before Edgars Lipsbergs continues his strong season by scoring his 15th goal of the season. Wichita Falls needs players like Tyler Lundley, Daniel Gentzler and Adam Kuhn to help out the team's leading score Brian Sheehan for the rest of the season if the Wildcats are going to eat in to the Texas Tornado and Springfield Jr. Blues in the playoff race. A 3 game road trip awits them as a 9-7 loss is a part of the season series back in early October, overall, the Wildcats have not beaten the Bandits all season.

Southwest Weekend Schedule

National Hockey League

2/13: Dallas Stars VS. Phoenix Coyotes 8:00 PM


American Hockey League

2/12

San Antonio Rampage VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:00 PM

Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM


2/13

Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:30 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM


2/14

San Antonio Rampage VS. Milwaukee Admirals 4:00 PM

Chicago Wolves VS. Houston Aeros 4:05 PM


Central Hockey League

2/12

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas 7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Amarillo Gorillas 7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerayz VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 PM

Mississippi Riverkings VS. Tulsa Oilers 7:35 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM


2/13

Allen Americans VS. Texas Brahmas 7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 PM

Amarillo Gorillas VS. Tulsa Oilers 7:35 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz 7:45 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Rapid City Rush 8:05 PM


2/14

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks 4:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerayz VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 4:05 PM

Arizona Sundogs VS. Amarillo Gorillas 4:05 PM


North American Hockey League

2/12

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. St. Louis Bandits 7:05 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Fairbanks Icedogs 7:30 PM Alaska Time


2/13

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. St. Louis Bandits 7:05 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Fairbanks Icedogs 7:30 PM Alaska Time


2/14

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. St. Louis Bandits 2:00 PM