Austin Smith & Jack Campbell Interviews on Austin Radio Station

As the newest members of the Dallas Stars Org. both Jack Campbell & Austin Smith were interviewed on Austin's KLBJ 93.7 which is one of Austin's best known Classic Rock Stations earlier this afternoon.

It was only a few minutes but it gives listeners a vision of what they were coming through as they were on their way to the Professional game as both players will be looking to make their Professional Debut on Friday against the Oklahoma City Barons.

He was interviewed on the B-DOE Show which comes on from 3-7 PM Weekdays on 93.7 KLBJ, Austin's Classic Rock.

Here's the Austin Smith &; Jack Campbell Interviews

93.7 KLBJ FM Classic Rock Austin

Is Austin Smith the NCAA's Best Hockey Player

This is the Question that was posted yesterday by Jason Cohen at the Texas Monthly Daily Post, which is kind of like the Daily Newspaper portion of the Texas Monthly Magazine. Going into the final weekend of the ECAC Hockey Regular Season which includes games against RPI coming up on Friday Night where Smith had a 4 goal game the last time the two teams played back on February 4th in a 8-3 victory.

Saturday Night, the Raiders will be ending the regular season on Saturday Night against Conference Leading Union where they looking to show that they are NCAA Tournament worthy, even if they don't win the ECAC Championship on, March 17. Many NCAA Hockey Experts are thanking that the ECAC could be a single team conference in this year's tournament when the NCAA Hockey Tournament 1st Round Games will be announced on March 18 (the day after the Conference Championships wrap up).

Colgate's main goal this weekend is to hold on to a top 4 spot as the gap from 3rd Place Colgate to 8th Place St. Lawrence is 4 points. If the Raiders do hold on to a top 4 spot, not only would that get them a 1st Round Bye but would also guarantee themselves a home series during the Quarterfinals which take place from March 9-11. That would be a huge advantage for the Raiders as they not only look to win the Conference but also to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. When they were in the NCAA Hockey Tournament in 2005, the Raiders lost, 6-5, to the WCHA's Colorado College Tigers.

However, his feature takes a look at his chances of possibly winning the Hobey Baker Award this year and compares to him to other major individual achievements like Robert Griffin III winning the Heisman Trophy as well as former Texas Longhorn Basketball Players T.J. Ford (2003) & Kevin Durant (2007) winning the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year Awards in College Basketball over the last decade.

Texas Monthly Magazine

Texas Monthly Daily Post

Here's the Final Weekend of the Colgate Hockey Schedule, as well as the ECAC Playoffs Schedule.

2/24: VS. RPI  6:00 PM

2/25: VS. Union  6:00 PM

3/2-4: ECAC 1st Round (Best of 3 @ Campus Sites)

3/9-11: ECAC Quarterfinals (Best of 3 @ Campus Sites)

3/16-17: ECAC Championship Weekend (In Atlantic City, N.J.) 

By Jason Cohen of the Texas Monthly Daily Post

Baylor's Robert Griffin III brought the Heisman Trophy back to Texas in December. University of Texas hoops stars T.J. Ford & Kevin Durant have both won the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. And now a Dallas Native - and future Dallas Stars Player - just might win the biggest individual prize in college hockey: the Hobey Baker Award.

That's right: A hockey player. From Dallas. Named Austin.

Now it should be noted that Texas doesn't even have an NCAA College Program. And the state's two most famous NHL Players are NHL Hall of Fame defensemen Brian Letch, who was merely born in Corpus Christi, and Buffalo Sabres defensemen Tyler Myers, a 6'8" behemoth from Katy who spent a few years as a Houston Aeros Fan before moving with his family to Canada at the age of ten.

But we get to legitimately claim Austin Smith, the 23 year old senior at Colgate University. He learned the game in Texas, played all of his youth hockey around the metroplex (Hi Tim), as well as two years at Dallas Jesuit High, to finish his development, Smith spent two years at a Connecticut Prep School and one season in a Canadian Junior League before entering Colgate, a small private school in Hamilton, New York (which also produced Texas Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong), in 2008.

By then, Smith was already good enough to be selected by his hometown team, the Dallas Stars, in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL Draft. Now he leads the country with 33 goals in 32 games - ten more goals then the next player behind him.

But will that be enough? Last week, Inside College Hockey, elevated Smith to the top of it's Hobey Tracker feature. He has sometimes led, but is currently running third, in Hobey Baker Fan Voting (which only counts for one percent of the awards final voting tally), behind Spencer Abbot of the University of Maine and Jack Connolly of the University of Minnesota-Duluth - players from two larger, more historic hockey programs that boast six past Hobey Winners and three National Championships between them.

In that sense, Smith is actually more of an underdog then RG3, who at least played in the Big 12. A closer comparison would be to Case Keenum of the University of Houston, who put up record setting numbers in a conference that was outside college football's power circle.

As Brian Sullivan of U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) Wrote:

[Smith] has to be considered - at this point - a no brainer for the Hobey Hat Trick [Editor's Note: i.e., one of the three finalist]. It makes me sad to consider that where he plays will likely work against him.

[Other Players] are considered - by many narrow minded eyes - the "real" contenders, because they play in Championship conferences: Hockey East & and the WCHA, in these cases. They play real competition, where areas ECAC Hockey is well, somehow, not.

And I say, that's baloney.

Sullivan goes on to highlight some of the Smith's best performances against teams from other conferences. He also dismisses the fact that Connolly and Abbot have more "points". (That is goals plus assists) then Smith, not only because goals are more important, but because it's easier to pile up assists, both in practice (If your the second to last guy to touch the puck before a goal is scored you get one, even if you went off your skate) and conspiracy theory: "Some rinks/teams/scorers have a reputation for handing out assists with unjustifiable exuberance, and there's no time like a Hobey race to inflate the states at every possible opportunity," Sullivan writes.

Below, Smith is interviewed for Colgate's Youtube Channel. Like many hockey players, he's both humble and milquetoast (but check out that sweet mustache):

Austin Smith Interview

Colgate Raiders Hockey

Austin Smith Profile

ECAC Hockey

Fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award continues through March 1. The Hobey Winner will be announced on April 6 during the Frozen Four Weekend in Tampa, Florida (Florida? There's Hockey in Florida?!).

Austin Smith's case for the Hobey Baker by Brian Sullivan

In Brian Sullivan's Weekly ECAC Hockey Column for USCHO, in addition to the Weekend Wrap up of the Conference Action where he gives out who he thinks is a contender and a pretender as the conferences gets into his final month of the ECAC Hockey Conference Regular Season. He writes the case for Austin Smith being a major contender for the Hobey Baker Trophy as were closing in on a month to go before the fan voting on the Hobey Baker Website wraps up on March 1st.

Currently the Colgate Raiders sit in 3rd Place in the ECAC (14-9-3 Overall, 8-5-1 Conference) with 8 games left to play as they sit just 4 points back of Conference Leading Union. However, they are also just 2 points back of Clarkson who sit in 5th Place, so it's shaping up to see that Colgate will be fighting it out to finish in the top 4 which would get them a 1st Round Bye in the ECAC Playoffs and a guarantee home series in the Quarterfinals which would really help their chances of making the ECAC Championship Week on March 16-17 in Atlantic City, N.J.

In the NCAA Pairwise Rankings, the Raiders sit in 22nd right now so making the Tournament as an At Large Bid is currently proving to be a hard proposition at the moment, in fact, some experts are thinking that the ECAC Could be a Single Team Conference this year so it's critical for the Raiders to look sharp going into the Playoffs to have the best chance possible to win the Conference to get an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament when it gets underway on March 23.

Here's this week's ECAC Column from Brian Sullivan on USCHO

Who's Hot Today

No point pretending anymore: this league is flat out wacky. Cornell's seven game unbeaten streak? Gone. Colgate's six game winless slide? Gone in the same series; not it's a two game winning streak. Harvard kicked it's eight-game winless skid to the curve; turning it into a 4 game unbeaten run.

Yale, ECAC Hockey's recent standard barer, was 5-1-1 and 8-6-2 earlier in the year; The Bulldogs are now 9-10-2. Clarkson - once 6-1-2, then 9-10-5 is now back on top at 12-11-5 with only one loss in its last five games. Rensselaer, once left for dead by most pundits (I'll even include myself in that group to some extent), is 4-2-1 in its last seven.

Here's the facts: Dartmouth has nine games left. Union, Harvard & Princeton have seen left. The standings by points are the same as by winning percentage, with the exception of Harvard and Clarkson: the Golden Knights have the edge on the Crimson at their current respective paces. Nothing has been mathematically determined yet, but the weight is definitely increasing on St. Lawrence and RPI to climb out of the cellar.

It always seem as through there's a long way to go and a lot of hockey to played there... until there isn't.

Dutchman Flying

You'll have to forgive me; there just aren't that many puns out there that incorporate "Dutch". Fortunately, i'm not the only one stumped by Union: the Schenactdy icers are blasting through all comers lately, winning six of seven (6-1-0) and having lost only once in the Eastern Time Zone since Mid-November (10-1-3) the non EST Losses were at Denver & Colorado College in late December.

It's not as though November marked some major turning point either. Union was 5-3-3 prior, but also 2-2-0 against ECAC. The guys in garnet haven't sniffed .500 since, stacking W's like flapjacks and turning 2-2-0 into 9-3-3 and sole possession of first place.

A couple of sudden replacements have paid massive dividends in the Capital District. Newly minted head coach Rick Bennett has done a masterful job of taking over the program builder Nate Leaman, building what is currently the highest scoring, defensively stingiest team in the Conference. Sophomore Troy Grosenick deserves quite a bit of credit in his own right, stepping into the boots left behind by New Jersey Devils Prospect Keith Kinkaid; he's excelled. The Dutchman's backstop leads the conference in league goals against average (1.49), save percentage (.946) and winning percentage (.792, 9-2-1).

Union is in the Drivers Seat, with two big weekends against the Cornell-Colgate traveling tandem yet to play. I can't muster another prediction... but the Dutch have done all that could be asked of a team that is seeking it's second Cleary Cup in as many years, and it's second in program history.

Colgate, Smith make a splash

Quoth the Raiders: We're not dead yet!

Colgate did all it could end a dreary January on a positive note, smothering Cornell at Lynah (2-1) and blasting them at Starr (5-3). The wins ended up maintaining the 'Gates' hold on third place, once all the results were in, giving it a one point lead on Harvard (and a game in hand) and a two point lead Quinnipiac. It's never to early to count points in a 22 game regular season... especially when you've only earned one lead in the first three weeks of the month.

Senior forward Austin Smith rolls on, accumulating his 25th and 26th goals of the season on Saturday, and points number 39,40 & 41 on the weekend. He's annihilating the rest of the country in goals-per-game (a perfect 1.00 per game - 26 goals in 26 games, 0.22 ahead of second place), he has 12 multi point games (including three three point-nights and one four point outing), and has been held off the score sheet twice all year. He's not even padding his own total with power play goals (only four so far)... in fact, he has more shorthanded goals then he does's PPG (six).

Yeah, that deserves it's own paragraph: six shorthanded goals! (Most in the Country, of course).

Smith is one point shy of the national scoring lead (as calculated by points-per-game) and has to be considered - at this point a no brain er for the Hobey Hat Trick. He has pulled far, far away from any of the ECAC's Hockey other potential hobey canadidates, and it makes me sad to consider that where he plays will most likely work against them. Who else in the big boy pool of Hobey Baker Contenders? players like Spencer Abbot (Maine, leads the nation in scoring). Players like Jack Connolly (Minnesota-Duluth, fourth in scoring, but a title winner). Players like Ryan Schwartz (Colorado College) and Nick Bjugstad (Minnesota, tied with Schwartz for second nationally in goals per game).

They are considered - by narrow minded eyes - the real contenders, because they play in the championship conferences: Hockey East and the WCHA, in these cases. They play "real competition", where area's ECAC Hockey is... well, somehow, not.

And I say, that's baloney.

Smith scored a goal and an assist at Nebraska-Omaha. He had two goals - one each night - against Miami (OH). He notched assists against Vermont and against Merrimack, and tallied a goal and a helper against Ferris State. (That's not even including his 5-5-10 line against Atlantic Hockey Foes this season). The only opponents who successfully kept him off the books were Yale and Quinnipiac... both on the road, by the way.

Furthermore, there is more to be said for accumulating points with goals (rather then assists) then meets the eye. Obviously, nobody ever won a game with assists - goals are the only thing that count on the big board - but there is also a dirty little seceret around college hockey that many assists aren't even worth the pixels their published with. Some/rinks/teams/scorers have a reputation for handling only assists with unjustifiable exuberance, and there's no time like a Hobey Baker Race to inflate the stats at every possible opportunity. I'm not making any specific accusations, mind you, but i'm not saying any such activity would surprise me in the least, either. On Smith's behalf, it's almost impossible to create a goal to award. Assists however - especially on the secondary variety - are quite more malleable product.

Last and no means least, I will ask you all one thing: all things being equal, would you rather have a guy who gets a goal a game, or an assist per game? Because here and now, that's what the the contenders are sporting. And only one of them can boast the former @AustinforHobey

Austin Smith Q&A with the New England Hockey Journal

Here's a look at yet another article for Dallas Stars Prospect & Coppell Native Austin Smith as he looks to show the country that he is becoming a major contender for the Hobey Baker Award and looks to be the 1st Born & Trained Player to make the Dallas Stars.

Also in addition to the Austin Smith Q&A. The website USCHO had their 1st Hobey Baker Watch Feature of the season and it features the debate over Fan Voting.

The Q&A Article was done by Dan Guttenplan of the New England Hockey Journal

At last look, Colgate Senior Forward Austin Smith was leading the fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award.

Although the honor doesn't even come close to clinching the award for Smith - the fan vote only accounts for one percent of the overall balloting - it does prove that college hockey fans have taken note of Smith's Breakout Season.

Smith leads the nation in goals (22), averaging a goal per game for the Raiders. He has already more then doubled his goal tally from last season (10), which was a struggle for both him and his Colgate Teammates. This season, Smith has the Raiders (12-8-2 overall, 6-4-0 ECAC Hockey) in the hunt for an ECAC Title. As recently as last week, Colgate was ranked nationally before falling to Princeton & Quinnipiac over the weekend.

Smith, who was drafted by his hometown Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2007 draft, recently shared his thoughts on the Hobey Baker Award with the New England Hockey Journal.

Are you surprised to be leading the fan voting for the Hobey Baker?

"The School here is doing a good job of getting the word out. It helps that all the parents of players are voting. I guess people back home in Dallas found out and got online to vote.

How Satisfying has the season been after the way your struggled with injuries last year?

I had  torn labrums in both hips. I knew that going into my junior year. I found out mid-summer, and I knew I couldn't get both done before the season. I picked one and decided to do other one after the season. I probably came back too soon. I played with one torn labruim all season, and it was kind of a mess. I got through it, and it made me better for the experience.

Do you regret playing? Should you have red-shirted?

No, I wish I would have figured it out sooner. If I had surgery right after my sophomore season, it would have healed before I came back for the pre-season. I came back in 12 or 13 weeks, and I needed 16-20. It was way to soon. I was at 70 percent. The big thing with hockey is confidence. I got off to a slow start, the team was struggling, and it all compounded.

When did you start to get your confidence back?

I felt good at the end of last year, at least confidence-wise. After the second surgery, I felt 100 percent. We went to Europe over the summer and had a team bonding experience. We played really well over there. We came back to school with a new spirit. The first game. I felt like the same player I was during my sophomore year. As the year has gone on, I've been exploring more of my potential.

Is winning the Hobey Baker a goal for you?

Going into my freshman year, a Princeton Assistant Coach - John Riley - recruited me. He told me I'd win the Hobey Baker one day. I never had any serious thoughts of it until then. Now, with 22 goals, I'm kind of a contender. I know in the back of my mind, it's tough to win it from the ECAC. The last time an ECAC Player was 1989. That's also the last time an ECAC Team won the national title. If it's going to happen, it'll happen because we made it all the way through the tournament. Traditionally, the award goes to a player that takes his team to the final four or eight.

Is the fan vote important to you, or do you see it as only one percent of the ballot?

I think it's cool that people care and pay attention to it. It's good for our league because the ECAC doesn't get much recognition. It's good for our team and our small school. For me, coming after a disappointing junior season, it shows that all of the hard work is paying off. If the team has a strong finish, I feel I'm a good contender for the award on nights when I'm playing well and executing. If we make a good push as a team, I like my chances.

Game of the Week

Union VS. Yale, Friday

Union (12-5-6 overall, 6-2-3 ECAC) would appear to be the clear favorite on paper on what has been a down year for the Elis (8-7-2 overall, 5-4-1 ECAC). But for whatever reason, the Elis have had a Dutchmen's number of late.

Yale beat Union in the ECAC Tournament last season before posting a 4-0 victory at the Schenectady this season. The Elis has also won the last two meetings at Ingalis Rink.

ECAC Hockey Power Rankings

1. Cornell (10-4-3 Overall, 7-1-2 ECAC) Fans of the Big Red will be throwing fish and newspapers on the ice Saturday when Cornell hosts Harvard.

2. Union (12-5-6 Overall, 6-2-3 ECAC): After posting a 2-0 shutout against Harvard at Fenway Park, Friday, sophomore goaltender Troy Grosenick is looking like a man who plays big on the biggest stage.

3. Quinnipiac (13-8-5 Overall  5-4-4 ECAC): The Bobcats have escaped a brutal early 2012 schedule with victories over Yale & Colgate, a tie at Brown, and a 3-2 loss to Cornell. Not bad.

4. Colgate (12-8-2 Overall, 6-4-0 ECAC): The Raiders have lost four in a row, including ECAC losses to Quinnipiac & Princeton last weekend.

5. Yale (8-7-2 Overall, 5-4-1 ECAC): Every time the Elis seem primed to turn their season around, they have a weekend like the last one when they collected one point in a set of road games at St. Lawrence & Clarkson.

6. Harvard (4-6-6 Overall, 3-4-4 ECAC): The Crimson have not yet won a game in 2012. They are no easy wins this weekend with a road set at Colgate and Cornell.

7. Clarkson (10-10-5 Overall, 4-4-3 ECAC): A Couple of home games did Clarkson some good last weekend. The squad collected three points in a home set against Brown & Yale and pushed it to 7-2-1 at home this season.

8. Brown (7-7-3 Overall, 4-4-2 ECAC): The Bears jumped from 11th place in the ECAC Standings to eighth place after collecting three points last weekend with a tie against Clarkson and a win over St. Lawrence.

9. St. Lawrence (8-12-3 Overall, 4-6-1 ECAC): The Saints have to be disappointed with their results last weekend. When they collected one one point in a home set with Yale and Brown after going 3-0-2 in their previous five games.

10. Dartmouth (7-7-2 Overall, 4-4-1 ECAC): The Big Green have been outscored 11-2 in their last two games against Union & UNH. UNH Took back the RiverStone Cup from Dartmouth, which won the trophy in 2010.

11. Princeton (6-10-5, 5-8-2 ECAC): The Tigers had their best weekend of the year at home with a victory over Colgate and a tie against Cornell. To bad the Tigers only have seven league games remaining.

12. RPI (4-17-1, 1-8-1 ECAC): The Engineers need to clearn up a few disciplinary issues. In a 5-1 loss to Union Saturday, they allowed four special teams goals. However, the teams each recorded 40 shtos in the contest.

Supporting Austin Smith for the Hobey Baker Trophy



Austin Smith Photo from the Alliance Bulldogs Alumni Page

A twitter page has started up to help support Austin Smith for the Hobey Baker Trophy is now up and running. This is for the Fan Voting portion of the Hobey Baker Process that will go on through March 4. The Fan vote will only count for 1% of the total, but every vote matters as the NCAA Hockey Regular Season goes on. If Austin were to win the Hobey Baker Award, he would be the first player from Texas to ever win the award as he looks to not only win the Hobey Baker this year, but also show the Dallas Stars Organazition that he is ready for the Professional Ranks and looks to be the 1st Born & Trained Player from Texas to play for the Dallas Stars.

You can vote once a day during the process, so tell your follow hockey fans and help support Austin Smith as he is leading the NCAA in goals with 22 goals (a Goal a game pace) as well as being in a 3 way tie for 2nd with Drew Shore (University of Denver) & Spencer Abbot (University of Maine). Hes also just 1 point back Jack Connolly of Minnesota-Duluth which currently has 36 points and leading the NCAA right now.

The voting will end on March 1, then the Coaches & Media will have their say on who they think will be among the Top 10 coming up on March 15 (2 Days before the Conference Championships). Then of those 10, the field will be cut from 10 to their Final 3 on March 29 who will be making their way to Tampa, Florida during the Frozen Four Weekend where the winner will be televised live (TV Network TBD).

As for this weekend, the Colgate Raiders will play Harvard tonight & Dartmouth tomorrow night at home as the Raiders look to rebound after a rough weekend that had 6-2 & 7-1 losses last weekend. The team also fell from 2nd to 4th Place in the Conference this weekend as well.

Hobey Baker Award Website

Hobey Baker Award Fan Ballot

Austin Smith Colgate Profile

Colgate Raiders Schedule



Austin Smith Story on College Hockey News

With Austin Smith looking to help his Colgate Raiders be on the Big Surprise Teams in the entire NCAA & a possible Hobey Baker Award Contender this season. The Coppell Native is looking to end his College Career with a bang before he turns pro with his ultimate goal of playing for the Dallas Stars in the near future.

One thing though that has eluded Austin Smith's College Hockey Career has been post-season success. During his Freshman & Sophomore Years, the Raiders went 1 and done in their 1st series. In 2009 after the Raiders finished 10th during the Regular Season, Quinnipiac in a series where the Best of 3 1st Round where every single game went to OT.

The 2010 Season was better after finishing 4th, they were able to earn a 1st Round Bye. However, it was more of the same as St. Lawrence beat them in 2 games in the ECAC Quarterfinals

Last year, the regular season turned out to be a nightmare as they were one of the worst teams in the entire NCAA at one point where the Raiders didn't even win a Conference Game until early February where the team won just 9 games overall in the Regular Season last year.

However when the ECAC Playoffs began, they pulled off upsets against RPI in the 1st Round & the top seeded Union College in the Quarterfinals before losing to Yale in the Conference Semifinals. The team knew that with the bad season, it was either the Conference Championship or bust to make the NCAA Tournament.

So far this season, he leads the entire NCAA in goals with 20 and is in a 3 way tie with Jack Connolly (Minnesota-Duluth) & Spencer Abbott (Maine) with 33 points right now. Smith's two way game has taken a huge step over the course of his NCAA Career where he transformed from his Travel Hockey & Junior Days with the Pentiction Vees, in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) that will help him a lot when he gets his Professional Career underway full time next season most likely.

After the BCHL Championship in 2008, they were looking to beat the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Champion Camrose Kodiaks for the Pacific Region Championship & a spot in the RBC Cup (Canadian Jr. A National Championship) spot. They lost to the Kodiaks in 5 games who went on to lose in the RBC Cup Final to the Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) 1-0 in the Championship Game.

He was taken in the 5th Round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Stars (128th Overall) and looks and is looking to be among one of the 1st Players from the Southwest to make the National Hockey League (NHL) and be the Dallas area's 1st ever born & Trained Player to make the Dallas Stars.

I like his chances of making the NHL as he has been able to work his way up the ranks and be willing to work hard and be able to make rapid improvements at every level. From Dallas Jesuit where he even played for their HS Team in the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League, then as a Senior he went to the Gunnery Prep School for his Senior Year where he got noticed by different NHL Teams to take him in the NHL Draft.

Barring a major collapse, he will most likely sign his NHL Entry Level Deal after his NCAA Season wraps up and will most likely begin his Pro Hockey Career with the Dallas Stars AHL Affiliate, the Texas Stars down in Austin to play the final part of the AHL Regular Season and playoffs if the Texas Stars make the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs in Mid-April.

He would like to finish his NCAA Career with a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament. One of the few things that has eluded him in his College Career. Also if he can continue his strong showing, they is a possibility that he could be a major contender for the Hobey Baker Award as well that will be awarded out on April 6. This is part of the NCAA Frozen Four Weekend that will take place from April 5-7 at the St. Pete Times Forum where the NCAA Hockey Frozen Four will be taking place this season.

Here's the Timeline for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award to determine the Finalist, and the winner this year.

You can vote in the Early Round here.

Hobey Baker Top Ten: March 15

Hobey Baker Final 3: March 29

Hobey Baker Award Announcement: April 6 (In Tampa, Florida)

Here's Colgate's remaining Regular Season Schedule, the entire 2nd half of the season is entirely within the ECAC Hockey Conference. Right now, the Raiders sit in 2nd Place in the Conference at 6-2-0 & 12-6-2 overall right now and will look to overtake Cornell who sit just 1 point ahead in the Conference Lead while looking hold off teams like Quinnipiac & Union as well.

Here's the remaining Regular Season Schedule for the Colgate Raiders, as well as the dates for the 2012 ECAC Hockey Tournament.

1/13: @ Princeton  6:00 PM

1/14: @ Quinnipiac  3:00 PM

1/20: VS. Harvard  6:00 PM

1/21: VS. Dartmouth  6:00 PM

1/27: @ Cornell  6:30 PM

1/28: VS. Cornell  6:00 PM

2/3: @ Union  6:00 PM

2/4: @ RPI  6:00 PM

2/10: VS. Yale  6:00 PM

2/11: VS. Brown  6:00 PM

2/17: @ St. Lawrence  6:00 PM

2/18: @ Clarkson  6:00 PM

2/24: VS. RPI  6:00 PM

2/25: VS. Union

ECAC Hockey Playoffs

1st Round: 3/2-4  Best of 3 @ Campus Sites

Quarterfinals: 3/9-11 Best of 3 @ Campus Sites

Semifinals & Finals: 3/16-17 @ Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, N.J.



Here's the Story by Adam Wodon of College Hockey News

Last season could not have been any worse  for Colgate, or for Austin Smith. Picked to finish near the top of the ECAC, Colgate finished deal last, without a league win until February. Smith coming off two strong seasons, saw his goal totals plummet into single digits. A pair of series victories in the ECAC Tournament did a little to soften the blow, but not much.

As the old adage says, however. Sometimes it takes going a step back to go two steps forward. In Colgate's case, perhaps it's been three.

The Raiders are near the top of the ECAC This year, and Smith - as of the time of writing 0 was leading the nation in goal scoring. The pair's fortunes are Clarey intertwined.

"We didn't have much chemistry (last year)," Smith said. "This year, I have had two exceptional linemates. "We've clicked and bonded well." Hopefully we can replicate this and have an even better second half."

Those linemates are sophomore Chris Wagner ("We're best friends off the ice," Smith said.), and Joe Wilson, a freshman that ignites the other two.

"He's an unsung hero. He has so much energy," Smith said of Wilson, a sentiment his coach echoes.

"Joey is quiet, but he has a sponge," and I think he's enjoying the heck out of playing with those guys," Colgate Coach Don Vaughan said. "His acceleration - he can really skate. He'll hound pucks down and force turnovers, and then Chris gets it and feeds it to Austin.

Smith is also healthy for the first time in a few years. Two seasons ago, he realized he needed surgery  for a torn labrum in both hips, an injury that is becoming increasingly prevalent in hockey players (six Colgate Players alone have had surgery in the last four years). But he only took care of one, and played through last season knowing he'd need surgery to the other hip this past off season.

Smith chose to play through it last year instead of taking a medical red shirt.

"I didn't want to set myself back," Smith said, about forgoing the surgery. "I had a really good sophomore year and played through it. So I knew that it was possible to play through it. I couldn't really imagine sitting out. I'm looking forward to a pro career, and fortunately, knock on wood, it's been a really big senior year and that's what I was looking for. It's kind of a contract year."

The effects were sore hips, trouble squatting, and a sharp pain that would move to the groin area.

But Smith believes he's better for the adversity.

"Maybe I need that. I had that big step in the road," Smith said. "I was in pain most of the year and things weren't going well. I could've packed it in and had surgery. But I learned a lot. I learned focus and dedication and things that will really help me in my pro career."

But it wasn't just the injury. Smith had to adjust to new linemates, after having played with an All-American like David McIntyre in years past. Smith said, playing with a player like McIntyre, he was passing all the time, trying to set him up. Most of the time, those passes paid off.

But last year, those same passes, without McIntyre, weren't leading anyway. His troubles mirrored the team's.

Initially it was (the injury)," Vaughan said. "When your confidence starts to wane, it builds upon itself. Whereas, if he was healthy and got off to a better start... he was also a victim of what was going on collectively."

As a result, though, Smith finally learned what his coach has been preaching for years - shoot more. 

"I have a great shot, I know that, but something in my brain says, 'make that pass over two sticks'" Smith said.

"I learned I've got to get the puck to the net, take opportunities when you get them. This year I've scored when before I would have made the extra pass. More then anything, I've been determined and focused on that part of the game - in practice too, just every day, not just swiping one at the goalie and going through the motions. I'm trying to score."

Colgate now is moving up the polls and the ECAC Standings.

"Getting off to a good start was important," Vaughan said. "The guys will be better ... we wanted to be getting more aggressive, more north-south, and hound all areas of the rink. We did a lot of video work, going back to last year. We were reinforcing that game plan through the use of video. We wanted to show only the positive plays in our video sessions."

Smith might have a common name, but his path to college hockey is uncommon - through Dallas, Texas. On the other hand, it's becoming an increasingly popular avenue for athletes from that area. Much of the thanks for that has to come from the Dallas Stars, whose move there and success fostered an enormous upswing in hockey interest among local youth.

"It's completely what got me into hockey," Smith said. "Back then, there was 250 kids in the Metroplex (Dallas-Ft. Worth area) that played. Now there's 50,000 or more."

David McKee, a former Cornell Goaltender (2003-2006) and Hobey Baker Award finalist, was among the first from Texas to play College Hockey. McKee happens to have grown up on the same street as Smith.  Others that Smith grew up with, including Locke Jillson and Keir Ross, who both went to Cornell, similarly were going to play NCAA Hockey.

But it was his mom that Smith was inspired by the most.

"When I went to Colgate, I loved the campus," Smith said. "My mom influenced me, with the academics. She really wanted that aspect as well. She was probably as much of an influence as anything...  I had a good relationship with Vaughan early, and the team was good at the time."

To top it all off, the hometown Stars selected Smith in the NHL Draft. Smith said he'd spoken to the Islanders, Boston and a few other teams, but had no idea Dallas was going to select him.

"The joke is that they picked for a publicity stunt," Smith said. "But they said, 'We've got a lot of college prospects,' and they were interested. They keep a pretty close eye ... They seem genuinely interested. If I have a really good year, technically (I can be) a free agent, but I would love to play back home. That would be unbelievable.

"I've wondered about what if I went to Denver or another big school, but I'm going to get an incredible degree, I've played first or second line since my first year, logged 25 minutes (a game) and got better every day through a good coach. So you have to look at some of the intangibles."

Vaughan believes the sky is the limit for Smith the rest of the season.

"The mental part, keeping his emotions in check, even when things aren't going well. He getting better at it," Vaughan said.

Austin Smith Q&A

Austin Smith is becoming one of the major faces of Hockey in the Southwest. Since he was drafted by the Dallas Stars back in 2007, he's in a very unique position where not only he could be one of the first Texans to play professionally, but be able to play a huge part of his pro career in Texas with the Dallas Stars and also the The team's AHL Affiliate in Austin where he can show his talent in his home state.

Shortly after he got drafted, he played his one and only year of Juniors with the Pentiction Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League. He made his time count there by being 2nd overall in scoring and lead the Vees in goals during the regular season with 32 goals in 60 games. Then he lead the Vees to the 2008 BCHL Title by scoring 22 points in 15 games.

Then through his first two seasons at Colgate where he as averaged nearly a point a game by scoring 72 points in 73 career NCAA Games where he been lucky not to get injured or have anything else get in his way of his NHL Dream. After losing to St. Lawrence in the ECAC Quarterfinals last season despite finishing in 4th place and getting a first Round Bye. The Raiders are looking to beat St. Lawrence as well as ECAC Powerhouses Cornell & Yale as the Colgate Raiders will look to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.

A speedy undersized player who has a dynamite scoring threat on the ice, he's going to take on the challenge of being a marked man for the Raiders who can fly on the ice. If he can help guide his team to the ECAC Title and continue to make major strides towards both a Conference Title and a NCAA Berth, as well as getting a chance to show the Stars that he is ready to make his pro debut (perhaps in Austin with the Texas Stars), then on to Dallas where he looks to possibly be the first Texan born and trained player to play in the National Hockey League in the near future.

He's starting to realize that he could be a possible game changer when it comes down to helping promote the sport here in Texas. Not only be playing so well in the BCHL & NCAA, but by someone who could spend a huge chunk of his pro career in Texas where fans can ID. and realize that players coming from Texas can start becoming a big reality.

In addition to Smith, Chris Brown of Flower Mound was a 2009 NHL Draft Pick of the Phoenix Coyotes and just started his sophomore year with Michigan University. Also coming down the pipe are Colin Jacobs who's playing his 2nd season with the Seattle Thunerbirds (WHL) and is being considered as a player who should go pretty high in the 2011 Draft next summer. Also Seth Jones who just recently made his debut for the USNTDP and many think he could be a big time prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft as well.

In the Q&A, Austin talks about his path to the Pros, learning about becoming a more complete player and teaching others about the benefits and the excitement of promoting the NCAA & Different Junior Leagues to others who have these dreams of their own. In addition, his reaction to Mike Modano leaving Dallas and what he misses the most about living in D/FW.


Here's his profiles and recent segments and stories.

Austin Smith's Colgate Profile

A-Z Inside College Hockey

Austin Smith named All Preseason ECAC

Austin Smith Pentiction Vess Profile from the BCHL


Here's the Austin Smith Q&A

1. Even though you are expected to be the main player for Colgate at least offensively this season, what will be the biggest challenge of being a marked man and who are you expecting to help you out as well?

The biggest challenge will be to staying focused and composed. However, I enjoy the challenge and I look forward to facing whetever obstacles I come up against. My team will help me get through it this year. I believe we are very deep and have good chemistry; we will have a very successful season as a team.


2. What was the biggest thing that contributed to your ECAC Conference Tournament Disappointment against St. Lawrence in the ECAC Conference Quarterfinals last year after finishing 4th and earning a first round bye last season?

I don't know if I can point to one thing in specific, but I think we came up against a hot goaltender and a team that had our number. With that being said I think our team this year is very determined and will use that as motivation to win our league and make it to the tournament.


3. As you enter your Junior Season at Colgate University, what's been the biggest thing that Head Coach Don Vaughan has taught you both on and off the ice and how it's affected your play?

He has taught me to keep my composure and he has helped me to keep my confidence throughout all parts of the season. He is a great teacher on the ice, and I have learned a great deal about playing both ends of the ice under his close watch. He is a great mentor and I have a great relationship with him that will carry beyond my years here at Colgate.


4. How far away are you from making your professional debut? Also, what are the biggest things you still need to work on before making the step from the NCAA to the Professional Ranks?

Making the jump is about confidence and preparation. I believe I'm very close to making that step, but at the same time I like to stay focus on the present and doing what I can here in the university to become a better all around player.


5. If you do end up playing for the Stars, how do you feel that this can be a major game changer on how the sport of hockey is promoted in the state of Texas. Not just for the Stars, but also educating fans and the public about the different junior leagues and the NCAA. In addition, helping out leagues and org. like the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League and Travel Teams like the Dallas Stars Elites.

It would help all those kids who have the dream to realize it is a reality. Being born and raised in Texas fellow Texans would be able to have someone to look up to, and say he made it so why can't I? More then anything it would be the inspiration, but at the end of the day I think Texas will see an increase in professional players in the near future.


6. Even though you weren't at Dallas Stars training camp that just wrapped up as the team gets ready to start the season, how much are you in contact with them to track your progress and have they mentioned to you about your chances of maybe at least getting some playing time with the Dallas Stars AHL Affiliate in Austin if you have another strong year this season?

I have a good relationship with the organization and I do keep in touch. But I am worried about at this time is being an impact player for Colgate, and when that time comes to make a decision I will reflect on my options when the time is appropriate.


7. Every time your back in Dallas, how much have you been involved in looking to promote the NCAA and different Junior Leagues to other players who may have a shot of making these levels themselves?

I do what I can to spread the word, and I have talked to a decent amount of players in the area giving my story and my take on it all. I hope for the best for the future of Texas Hockey I would love to see more players in the position that I am in.


8. For those of whom that have never heard of Colgate University, give us an idea of what the school is like and is known for academically? Also what its like to live and play in Up State New York over the last couple of years.

Colgate University is one of the top Universities in the country. Its comparable to the likes of Cornell, Princeton, Yale, etc. The campus is incredibly beautiful, and it is an awesome place to be. I enjoy playing up here and traveling around the ECAC. The only downfall would be the brutal winters and the bitter cold.


9. Who do you feel your biggest rival is in the ECAC and who are you looking to knock off in the Conference as the season is about to begin?

For some reason we haven't beaten St. Lawrence since I have been here; so those games will be of great importance this season. Our two biggest rivals this year will be Cornell and Yale. They are both very good teams that we would enjoy beating, and if we want to finish on top they will most likely be the teams to beat.


10. Is there a current NHL Player do you try to model your game after?

Andy McDonald


Quick Hits

With the State Fair of Texas going on, what do you think of Fried Foods like Deep Fried Chili Pie, Deep Fried Pop Tarts and Fried Beer?

HAHA I mean that they taste great, but they are not good for you... So I guess I have mixed emotions.


Celebrity that you would like to meet the most?

Keira Knightley or Josh Hamilton


Your reaction to Mike Modano leaving the Stars over the Offseason?

It's disappointing because he's done so much for the organization, but Joe knows what's best for the team and I respect the decision.


Other then family, the thing you miss the most about D/FW?

I miss the food the most. I love Mexican Food, barbecue, Chickfila, Chipotle, etc. New York can't offer the same quality of food.

Austin Smith Profile on Inside College Hockey

As the College Hockey Season is now just getting underway. Joe Gladziszewski of Inside College Hockey mostly takes a look at up-and-coming players for his Segment entitled College Hockey A-to-Z. But he takes a look at some of the superstars who are looking to make their way to the NHL as well.

Recently, here's his look at D/FW Native and Dallas Stars Prospect Austin Smith as he enters his Junior Year with an improving 4th Place Finish during the regular season, but unfortunately came up short in the Conference Tournament after losing in the Quarterfinals after earning a bye in the opening round.

Before last year started, I thought that he would probably need his entire time in the NCAA before he could have a shot of making his professional debut. But if he has another strong year, I think he could seriously have a shot of making his Pro debut this season with the Texas Stars (AHL) to show the Dallas Stars Org. that he is closer then ever before to making the National Hockey League and to be the first Texan to make the NHL.

Either way, expect another great year for the Raiders star forward to take over his team to become a strong leader for the Raiders this season.

Colgate Ice Hockey Website

Austin Smith Colgate Profile

Here's Joe Gladziszewski of Inside College Hockey

Key Stats: Smith led the Raiders in scoring as a sophomore with 41 points on 16 goals and 25 assists. Six of his goals came on the power play and three were game winners. He took just 10 minor penalties last season. That backed up a breakout freshman campaign in which he had 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points. He hasn't missed a game in his career, suiting up 73 times for Colgate.

What he Does: Austin Smith isn't the type of guy you would likely find in this Inside College Hockey A-Z series because we generally try to id. emerging players, and it could strongly be argued that Smith is a proven Star in ECAC Hockey. He was recently voted to preseason All ECAC Hockey Teams by Coaches and the Media, and is a draft pick for his hometown Dallas Stars.

The Bigger Picture: Though he was a big producer for Colgate right from the start, it's Clarey his time to shine now that David Mclntyre has moved on. Smith is ready to take that challenge and will feature prominently for the Raiders. He won't be alone, as the likes of Brian Day, Francois Brisebois and Robbie Bourdon are also back for Colgate.

Austin Smith on the Upcoming Season: "I think we have a very good team and we're a lot deeper then people give us credit for. Our expectations are going to get in the top four of the league and a playoff bye and find a way to get into the NCAA Tournament. Whatever it is by getting a bid or winning the Conference."

Comments by Hockeys Future on Southwest NHL Prospects

The great Prospects Website called Hockeys Future are in the process of updating their Top 20 Prospects for every NHL Team and so far, 2 of the 3 NHL Teams that have Southwest Prospects have been featured and the good news is that the news seems to be positive that the Southwest Prospects continue to make their way to the NHL.

Austin Smith & Matt Donovan have already been featured while Chris Brown's assessment with the Phoenix Coyotes will be coming soon. The big thing with Chris Brown is to see if he cracks the top 5 after being ranked #6 back in the spring during the CCHA & NCAA Tournaments.

Also with Collin Jacobs and possibly Jeff Mcminny in the 2011 Draft, plus Seth Jones in the 2012 Draft Year. The Future of big time hockey talent coming from the Southwest looks bright.


Hockeys Future

For Austin Smith, even he dropped 2 spots on the Dallas Stars Top 20 from 10th to 12th. The team still seems to like his progress as he looks ahead to his Junior Year at Colgate University as he will be looking to make a much bigger impact after one of the big offensive linemates in David Mclntyre to help out with the offense.

Here's the Official Hockey's Future Comments on Austin Smith

Ranked #12 with DAL: Another strong season for Austin Smith for Colgate University is certainly enticing to the Stars brass. He led his club in points with 41 points in 36 games. Smith will have a challenge ahead of him in 2011-12 as he will no longer able to rely on older linemate and friend David Mclntyre for offensive support. He will likely have the services of Brian Day but even more of the offensive load is going to fall on the speedy Juniors shoulder.

Smith is a ball of energy and should meet the challenge quite well. He seems passionate for the game and displays an excellent compete level. In terms of translating his skills to the next level, Smith will need to continue to put on some size without sacrificing his speed and agility. Its likely that Colgate will live and die with the talents of Smith for the next two seasons.



Matt Donovan had a stellar year for the University of Denver which included scoring 5 points (2G 3A) at the World Junior Championships in the road to winning a gold medal. Overall the offensive defensemen which is starting to fill out on his physical ability to play and create opportunities for his teammates along the boards.

He moved up 3 spots from 17-to-14 since the last rankings back in the spring and with another strong year while avoiding the sophomore slump, and any remaining doubts about his NHL Chances should start going away.


Here's Matt Donovan's Comments from Hockey's Future

Ranked #14 with NYI: Donovan had a stout freshman season with the University of Denver, leading all WCHA Rookie Defensemen with 7 goals and adding 14 assists for 21 points in 36 games. He also played a key role for the USA at the 2010 World Junior Championships, posting three goals and two assists in five games. The 6'0" 195 LB Oklahoma Native is good all around defensemen with good mobility, strong offensive instincts, and a hard shot from the point.

Despite his size, he isn't afraid to get physical is often willing to get dirty in the corners and along the boards. The upcoming season is important for Donovan as many young players are prone to the dreaded sophomore slump. If he can continue playing at a high level, he should erase any lingering doubts about his NHL Potential.



Chris Brown right now to me is the closest of the Southwest Prospects from making his debut at the Pro Ranks (Esp. the AHL) as he was ranked #6 in the last rankings in the Phoenix Coyotes organization. After a strong freshman year for the Michigan Wolverines that saw him take a huge step up in his hitting ability.

He could bring the perfect match of scoring ability and physical ability to be a high quality NHL Prospect and possibly being the first Southwest Player to reach the pro ranks and possibly the NHL. After my discussion with San Antonio Rampage Head Coach Ray Edwards, some on his staff think he may not be that far off towards at least making his AHL Debut.

He had 28 points (13G 15A) last season, but he had 58 PIM last year and he will need to improve on that part of his game to be in the box less. And he had the same issue during the World Junior Camp earlier this summer in Lake Placid, NY.

Here's Chris Brown's from Hockeys Future.

Ranked #8 with PHX: A team-mate of Summers at the University of Michigan, Brown enjoyed a very successful freshman season in Ann Arbor. Brown was one of the top scoring freshman in the nation posting 13 goals and 28 points in 45 games. Those 28 points were the fourth highest total on the team as Brown became a go-to-guy for head coach Red Berenson as the season progressed.

A rare hockey prospect hailing from the State of Texas, Brown heads into his sophmore season looking to become a top player in the country for the Wolverines who will look to return to national prominence.

Brown is a prototypical power forward on the wing with great size and strength with good speed and an ability to find loose pucks around the goal area. The 19 year old is also unafraid to mix it up was one of the team's most aggresive players on a consistent basis.

Southwest Prospects Update

Sorry it's been a few weeks since we have done a prospects update from players from around the Southwest.

Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Colin continues to play very well despite the teams struggles in the first 2 months of the season, currently the Thunderbirds are still in 9th place in the WHL Western Conference and are out of the playoff spots right now. Colin has started to pick it up stats wise by getting assists in back to back games against the Spokane Chiefs and the Portland Winterhawks back on November 6 and 7. In their last game against the Chilliwack Bruins back on November 8, he got in a fight midway through the game with the Bruins Tyler Stahl.

When Jacobs doesn't have the puck, he's been throwing his weight around by getting 45 penalty minutes in 21 games played so far this season, compared to not getting a single penalty in his 6 games at the end of last season for the T-Birds and is improving rapidly by fighting for pucks and winning faceoffs.

However, the team around him just doesn't have a lot of fire power right now as the team currently has the 2nd worst offense in the WHL and is 6 points back of 8th place Chilliwack and are only ahead of last place Prince George who have just 3 wins this season.

Upcoming Schedule: The Thunderbirds have a busy week coming up as the weekend will have 3 games in 3 nights as the team hits the road for games in Kamloops, Everett and Vancouver coming up. After the weekend, it's one more road game in Kennwick for a game against the Tri-City Americans before returning home on November 20 against the Kamloops Blazers.

11/13: @ Kamloops Blazers

11/14: @ Everett Silvertips

11/15: @ Vancouver Giants

11/17: @ Tri-City Americans

11/20: VS. Kamloops Blazers


Austin Smith (Colgate, NCAA [ECAC])

The Colgate Raiders are off to a good start in Conference Play as the Raiders got a pair wins over Harvard and Dartmouth. Smith had a huge impact on both games as he scored twice in a part of a 4 goal 3rd period as the Raiders came back from trailing 4-1 to come back to win a 5-4 win. In addition to the 2 goals, he also assisted on David Mcintyre Power Play goal in the opening minute of the 3rd period to make it a 4-2 game.

The next night against Dartmouth, Smith had 2 assists in a 3-2 win over Dartmouth which includes Brian Day's game winner early in the 3rd period as the Raiders topped Dartmouth 3-2 at Colgate's Starr Rink as the Raiders seeped the weekend series during their ECAC Conference Openers. Colgate will be looking for a strong year in the ECAC after finishing 10th in the Conference last year by winning just 6 games in the Conference before losing to Quinnipiac in the ECAC Conference Tournament last year.

For Smith, he's continuing to have a great early season with 11 points (6G 5A) with a +3 so far through 9 games and has not been afraid to play the body. Even though he doesn't have the size of a player like Austin Smith, he's got the speed to get away from opposing defenders and when he's on the break away, this is where he's at best.

He's looking to blow his 2008-2009 totals out of the water with a much better understanding of the Colgate system and lead the Raiders to have a great season and to get back in the NCAA tournament. Colgate last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2005 before losing to Colorado College in the Midwest Regional Semifinal.

Upcoming schedule: Colgate will continue it's ECAC schedule with a pair of road games this weekend as the Raiders will visit Brown and Yale before a weekend series against Quinnipiac and Princeton before heading to Cornell a couple of days before Thanksgiving.

Here's some recent Articles from Colgate Hockey:

Austin Smith Scores twice: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/10/31/MHOCKEY_1031093316.aspx

Mclntyre reaches 100 point mark: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/11/6/WVB_1106095950.aspx

Long and Day lead Colgate over Dartmouth in ECAC Clash: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/11/7/MHOCKEY_1107092852.aspx

11/13: @ Brown

11/14: @ Yale

11/20: VS. Quinnipiac

11/21: VS. Princeton

11/24: @ Cornell


Chris Brown (Michigan, NCAA [CCHA])

After an impressive weekend against Lake Superior on the road, the Wolverines ran into the freight train that is Miami of Ohio as the #1 team in the nation continued it's near perfect season as Miami of Ohio is currently 8-1-1 so far overall and has a 5-1-0-0 record in Conference with it's only loss being against Michigan State in OT.

Chris Brown had one of the few bright spots for Michigan against Miami of Ohio where Brown had the only goal in the 3-1 loss back on November 6. On Saturday, it looked like Michigan had a glimmer of hope as the Wolverines scored the first goal before the Redhawks scored 5 answered goals in front of a crowd of over 6,000 for both games as the Redhawks continue to be the #1 team in the country right now and for good reason.

Brown overall has had 4 points through 6 games so far with 3 goals as this could be a down year for the Wolverines currently sit in 6th place in the CCHA with a 2-2-0-0 record in the conference and a 4-4-0 record overall. The Wolverines will be looking so-so this season with a respectable 2.51 GAA and a shaky .895 SV% so far this year. They may be looking up at teams like Miami of Ohio and their arch rival Michigan State as the leaders of the CCHA and will be fighting it out in the middle of the Conference with teams like Norte Dame and Ferris State.

Upcoming Schedule: A pair of home and home series will be coming up with arch rival Michigan State coming up this weekend. Then it's a trip to Ohio to take on winless Bowling Green. Then the day after Thanksgiving, it's a pair of non conference games as they take on Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Brown scores loan marker as UM Falls to the Miami Redhawks:
www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/110609aaa.html

11/13: VS. Michigan State

11/14: @ Michigan State

11/20: VS. Bowling Green

11/21: @ Bowling Green

11/27: VS. Minnesota

11/28: VS. Wisconsin

Prospects Update

Here's a look at the Southwest Prospects this week.

Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Times have not been good for Seattle and Colin as the Thunderbirds continue to struggle near the bottom of the Western Conference as the team is currently 3-7-1 through 11 games which is currently 9th in the Western Conference on ahead of the Prince George Cougars and dead last in the U.S.A. Division. The Thunderbirds have lost 4 of their last 5 including games against the Everett Silvertips which could be important as they will most likely be fighting it out with Chilliwack and Prince George for the last playoff spots in the Western Conference.

As for Colin, he's been struggling being pointless in their last 3 and his last goal coming against the Portland Winterhawks on October 10, he's also been starting to pick his hitting in the game with his 6'2" 194 frame and the number of penalty minutes have been steadily increasing as he's currently up to 22 penalty minutes.

He's continuing to use as size to bring his physical play up to help bring any kind of positive momentum to the team to help their season and his performance as this may be the one of the only ways to keep the team competitive this season.

In addition, he hasn't been that much of a defensive liability, but the team did have a bad night when they lost to the Prince Albert Raiders 6-4 back on October 13. The only part of good news they have had was a 4-2 win over the lowly Prince George Cougars where the PP was really strong with the PP going 2-5 in the game including scoring the empty netter in the final minute to clinch the win.

Someone will need to step up it all over the ice to get them out of the Western Conference basement, or it's starting to look like it may be a very long season for the Thunderbirds.

Coming up for Seattle, a home game against the Brandon Wheat Kings and then the long 6 game road trip against the entire Central Division which includes the Calgary Hitmen who made it to the WHL Championship Series last season.

Also the Edmonton Oil Kings who are much improved and the Medicine Hat Tigers who will be looking to go on top of the Eastern Conference, currently the Tigers are just 2 points of co Conference Leaders Moose Jaw and Calgary.

10/23: VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 9:35 PM

10/25: @ Calgary Hitmen 3:00 PM

10/27: @ Red Deer Rebels 8:00 PM

10/28: @ Edmonton Oil Kings 8:00 PM

10/30: @ Lethbridge Hurricanes 8:00 PM

10/31: @ Medicine Hat Tigers 8:30 PM

11/1: @ Kootenay Ice 7:00 PM


Nick Lazorko (Winkler Flyers, MJHL)

Scoring wise, Nick is on a slower pace then in previous seasons. Currently through 17 games this season, Lazorko currently has only 14 points so far this season (5 G, 9 A). Part of the reason is that they wanted him to increase his physical presence on the ice with his 6'0" 180 pound frame this season. He's also been on a 5 game goal scoring drought since scoring twice in a game on October 9 against the Dauphin Kings, he's only had 2 assists in that time.

His penalty minutes are also up with the number of hits he's been throwing out their. However, he did take it to far with a slashing major which later turned into a 10 minute miscoundnct where he got tossed back on October 15 against the Winnipeg Saints when the Saints were leading 5-1 in the middle of the 3rd period. His actions almost got him suspended for a couple of games, but because this was first offense this season, he didn't get a suspension.

The last few games have been very rough for the Flyers where they have lost the last 4 games where they have been crushed in most of the games, it started in Selkirk with a 7-0 lost to the Steelers, a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Saints back on Thursday night.

However, the worst loss came against the expansion Steinbach Pistons 9-2 back on Saturday where the Pistons had a 6 goal 3rd period to pull away. Last night against the Dauphin Kings with a 5-3 lost where the team looked better but still lost to the team that's going to host the 2010 RBC Cup this season.

Like Colin Jacobs for the Seattle Thunderbirds, he's been a bit slow in the scoring department as of late by scoring just 2 assists and having a 5 game goal scoring drought. Part of it has been the Flyers getting crushed in recent games where they have been outscored 27-6 in the last 4 games. which include getting shutout against Selkirk and a 9-2 loss against the Steinbach Pistons. Last night, the Flyers looked better, but still a 5-3 loss against the Dauphin Kings increased their losing streak to 5.

Nick has also been increasing his physical play, however he took it to far in the game against the Winnipeg Saints where a 5 minute slashing major and 10 minute misconduct penalties took his total penalty minutes to 37 for the season. To get them out this funk, playing physical led by Lazorko and company to get back up in the Addison Division standings.

A ton of PP Time for the Winnipeg Saints helped to make it a 6-1 final against the Flyers. The Flyers will be hungry to get back up in the Addison Division Standings with them looking up at the Selkirk Steelers and the Winnipeg South Blues.

Out in the Sherwood Division, the Duphin Kings have been running away with the Division lead by winning 15 of their 17 games so far this season and have an impressive 13 point lead in the Sherwood Division. Duphin will be hosting the RBC Cup this season coming up in May and they want to make sure that the Kings will be tough to beat this season and in the National Championship at the end of the season

The team is looking for answers on the road as 4 of the final 5 games in October will be on the road as next up for the Flyers is the 2 time MJHL Defending Champion Portage Terriers coming up tomorrow night. After a Sunday home game against OCN, it's 3 straight on the road as they will play the Winnipeg Saints and a pair against the Swan Valley Stampeders coming up on 10/30 & 31.

10/22: @ Portage Terriers 7:30 PM

10/25: VS. OCN Blizzard 3:30 PM

10/27: @ Winnipeg Saints 7:30 PM

10/30: @ Swan Valley Stampeders 7:30 PM

10/31: @ Swan Valley Stampeders 7:30 PM


Chris Brown (Michigan Wolverines, NCAA (CCHA)

Not much to report from Chris Brown as they have had some time off since the trip to Alaska. If you remember, Brown had 2 goals in the teams first win of the year against Alaska Anchorage. They will return home for the team's home opener tomorrow night against the Niagara Purple Eagles before a road trip which includes Boston University and a weekend set against Lake Superior.

After the 3 game road trip, it's a pair of games against the very tough Miami of Ohio who are currently on top both major polls. The USA Today NCAA Hockey Poll and the USCHO poll.

10/22: VS. Niagara 6:35 PM

10/24: @ Boston University 6:00 PM

10/30: @ Lake Superior 6:05 PM

10/31: @ Lake Superior 6:05 PM

11/6: VS. Miami of Ohio 6:35 PM

11/7: VS. Miami of Ohio 6:35 PM


Austin Smith (Colgate Red Raiders, NCAA (ECAC))

The recent home weekend against Nebraska Omaha had a loss and a tie last weekend. Back on October 15, a 1-1 tie where Kurtis Bartliff scored the only goal in the 1-1 tie on Friday night. Then on Saturday, it's was the team's 1st loss of the season as Nebraska Omaha in a 4-1 loss which snapped a streak of 14 games in a row dating back to the end of last season where the last 14 straight games in a one goal result or less.

Austin Smith was pretty much a non-factor in either game except for a couple of penalties during the weekend as he stays on 2 points from the 2 goal game he had in the opening weekend against RIT.

Coming up for Colgate, a couple of non conference games continue as a battle with UMass-Lowell on the road before a 4 game home stand which has the Army Academy and Harvard who's looking to be a big player in the ECAC this season

10/23: @ UMass-Lowell 6:00 PM

10/30: VS. Army Academy 6:30 PM

10/31: VS. Niagara 6:30 PM

11/6: VS. Harvard 6:00 PM

11/7: VS. Dartmouth 3:00 PM