Texas Stars Complete Sweep of Rockford, Advances to Division Final

The Texas Stars completed the only series sweep of the AHL Division Semifinals with a 4-2 win over the Rockford Icehogs as the Stars used their strong defense & Goaltending to limit the Icehogs to just 5 goals in the 4 game series.

Andrew Hutchinson lead the way with 2 goals with Mathieau Beaudoin and Warren Peters scoring in the win as well, as for Jamie Benn, he also increased his scoring total to 6 points in the 4 games with another assist.

While another couple of guys who may challenge for NHL Roster Spots for next year in Raymond Sawada and Aaron Gagon had strong games as well as they used their physicality and set up some of the goals as well.

Now the Texas Stars will get to rest up for a little bit as they await the West Division Semifinal between the Chicago Wolves & Milwaukee Admirals to wrap as they will play the 7th & deciding game tonight. The Division Final should get underway later this week.

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Rockford, Illinois: The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs on Friday Night in front of 2,403 fans at the Rockford Metro Center. The Stars completed the sweep of the Hogs, winning all four games in the best-of-7 series. Stars goalie Brent Krahn stopped 38 of 40 shots in the win. Texas Defensemen Andrew Hutchison scored two power play goals, helping the Stars advance to the 2nd round for the first time in their history.

Forwards Warren Peters and Mathieu Beaudoin also scored as Texas finished 10-2-0 against Rockford for the season. Rockford's Kyle Beach scored twice, as the Icehogs dropped their 10th straight playoff decision. Icehogs goalie goalie Corey Crawford made 20 saves on 23 Stars shots in his fourth straight loss. Texas will play the winner of the Chicago VS. Milwaukee Series. Those teams play Game 7 of their series tonight in Chicago.

The Stars scored the only goal of the 1st period, taking a 1-0 lead into the locker room. It marked the fourth straight night that Texas scored the first goal of the game. The Stars worked the puck around the Rockford Zone on the power play, striking for the power play tally at 3:56. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson snapped a puck from the point, sending a shot through traffic and past Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford for the 1-0 lead. Hutchinson's first goal of the playoffs was set up be Landon Wilson and Travis Morin.

In the 2nd period, Texas tacked on two more goals to give the Stars a 3-0 lead after two periods of play. The Stars completed a rush with their 2nd goal of the night after a great passing play involving Jamie Benn & Perttu Lindgren, which was finished off by Mathieau Beaudoin. Lindgren dropped off the puck to the right wing and Benn feathered a pass to the left wing for Beaudoin, who buried his second goal in as many nights for a 2-0 Stars lead 8:38. Less then two minutes later, Texas struck again for a 3-0 lead at 10:23. Lindgren played the puck to the point and Hutchinson blasted a one-timer from the high slot for his 2nd of the night. Travis Morin picked up his 2nd assist on the power play goal.

In the Third period, Kyle Beach put the Rockford Icehogs on the board with his 2nd goal of the playoffs, trimming the Stars lead to 3-1 at 7:51. Beach added his second goal of the night with 25 seconds left in regulation, bringing Rockford within a goal at 3-2 lead. Texas sealed the win nine seconds left when as Warren Peters scored an empty net goal at 19:51 for the 4-2 final.

West Division Semifinal Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: Texas 5 Rockford 1

Game 4: Texas 4 Rockford 2 (Texas Stars win Series 4-0)

Next up will be the winner of tonight's Game 7 between the Milwaukee Admirals & Chicago Wolves.

For Tickets for the Texas Stars: Dial 512-GO-Stars or Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000

Jamie Benn has huge night, Puts Stars up 3-0 in Rockford

Jamie Benn led the way in Game 3 of the AHL West Division Semifinal as the Stars Rookie had 2 goals and 2 assists to help the Stars to a big 6-1 win over the Rockford Icehogs to move them to a 3-0 series lead and on the verge of the team's first ever playoff series victory.

Other players that had big nights included Mathieau Beadoin, plus Dan Jancevski and Aaron Gagon who each had two assists in the game.

Brent Krahn has contained his great showing with making 26 of 27 saves as his string of giving up 1 goal has continued throughout the playoffs.

Ben Smith had Rockford's only goal & Corey Crawford was pulled after the 2nd intermission. The Stars are looking to end the Icehogs season on Friday Night in Game 4 of the 1st Round Series.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Rockford, Illinois: The Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 6-1 on Wednesday Night in front of 3232 fans at the Rockford Metro Center. The Stars now lead the best of 7 series 3-0. Texas forward Jamie Benn scored twice and added two assists, helping the Stars move within 1 win of the 2nd Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Stars Goalie Brent Krahn stopped 26 of 27 Rockford Shots in the win.

Rockford Goalie Corey Crawford made 16 saves on 21 shots in two periods of play. Forwards Travis Morin and Aaron Gagnon, as well as defensemen Dan Jancevski, each added two assists as the Stars improved to 9-2-0 against Rockford this season. Texas will remain in Rockford for Game 4 on Friday April 23 at 7:05 PM.

After 19:35 of scoreless hockey, the Texas Stars took a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by defensemen Garrett Stafford. The Stars worked the puck off a faceoff to the right point and Stafford unleashed a that found the back of the net and gave Texas a 1-0 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the 1st period. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and center Jamie Benn each had an assist on the play.

Texas exploded for four goals in the middle frame, starting with Jamie Benn's 2nd goal of the playoffs and his 1st on the night. Benn snapped a shot from the left wing, beating goalie Corey Crawford for the 2-0 Texas Lead at 1:26 into the middle period. Captain Landon Wilson made it 3-0 Texas at 12:14 of the third period with his first goal of the playoffs.

Forward Travis Morin set up the Stars captain lead to 4-0 just 3 minutes later. Rallo scored off a rebound in front of the Rockford net for his first goal of the playoffs. Benn snagged his 2nd goal of the night, putting in a rebound on his own shot at 19:34, giving the Stars a 5-0 lead through two periods of play.

In the third period, Rockford Spoiled Brent Krahn's shutout bid, scoring 5:47 into the final period. Rookie Ben Smith put in a rebound and cut the Texas lead to 5-1. The Stars extended their lead back to five goals as Mathieu Beaudoin buried a one-timer at 8:23, scoring his first goal of the playoffs in the 6-1 win

Texas Stars VS. Rockford Icehogs Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: Texas 6 Rockford 1

Game 4, 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

The Series remains in Rockford for Game 4, as well as Game 5 if necessary. Game 4 will be on April 23 starting at 7:05 PM. The Series would return to Cedar Park Center For Games 6 & 7 if needed. All Games can be heard on the Stars Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM and 1530 AM.

To Purchase a Calder Cup Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or to book a group, those interested may 51-GO-STARS. Single Game Tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster outlet or by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Lead Series 3-0

Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 6 Rockford Icehogs 1 (1-0, 4-0, 1-1)

1-0 TEX: Garrett Stafford (PP) (Hutchinson, Benn) 19:35 1st

2-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Gagon) 1:26 2nd

3-0 TEX: Landon Wilson (Morin, Jancevski) 12:14 2nd

4-0 TEX: Greg Rallo (PP) (Benn, Gagnon) 15:14 2nd

5-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Jancevski, Fortunus) 19:34 2nd

5-1 RFD: Ben Smith (Kearns, Klinkhammer) 5:47 3rd

6-1 TEX: Mathieu Beaudoin (Lindgren, Morin) 8:23 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 26 RFD 27

PP: TEX 2/4 RFD 0/3

Goalies: TEX Brent Krahn 26 SVS on 27 Shots RFD Corey Crawford 16 SVS on 21 Shots Hannu Toivonen 4 SVS on 5 Shots

PIM: TEX 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties RFD 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

ATT: 3232

3rd Star: Aaron Gagon (TEX)

2nd Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

1st Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

Fortunus, Lindgren & Sawada put the Stars up 2-0 against Rockford

Another great defensive showing plus goals by Sawada, Fortunus and Lindgren, along with 2 assists from Colton Sceviour have put the Texas Stars up 2-0 and have them half way to winning the team's first ever Playoff Series as the Series will shift to Rockford, Illinois for Games 3, 4 & 5 coming up this week.

Brent Krahn has been amazing so far in the playoffs. Giving up just 2 goals so far which gives him a .967 SV% and a rock solid 1.00 GAA and he has been next to impossible for him to beat. And the goals he has given up, have been generally late in the game where the result was pretty much determined.

If they can continue this great play in Rockford this week, expect this series to be a short one and getting ready for the West Division Final either against the Chicago Wolves or the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2nd Round.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 3-1 on Saturday Night in front of 6212 fans at Cedar Park Center. The Stars now lead the best-of-7 series 2-0. Texas Forwards Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour each notched two assists as the Stars took Game 2 of the West Division Semifinal.

Texas Defensemen Maxime Fortunus and forward Colton Sceviour each scored in the first period, and right wing Raymond Sawada added a third period tally in the victory. Stars Goalie Brent Krahn stopped 31 of 32 Rockford Shots in the win. Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford made 31 saves in the loss. Texas travels to Rockford Game 3 on Wednesday April 21 at 7:05 PM.

Texas took a 1-0 lead 7:08 into the first period. Defensemen Maxime Fortunus picked up a rebound at the right point and blasted a shot past Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford. At 17:12 Stars Center Perttu Lindgren found a loose puck in front of the Rockford Net and fired a shot pass Crawford, increasing the Texas lead to 2-0. Forwards Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour assisted on both goals.

After a scoreless 2nd period, Texas extended its lead to 3-0 over Rockford just 1:06 into the frame. Winger Ray Sawada fired a shot past the Right-Wing circle, beating Crawford on the gloveside. Center Warren Peters set up Sawada's second goal of the playoff season. Rockford got on the board with 5:44 remaining in the 3rd period. Left Wing Kyle Beach scored from the right wing corner during a power for the 3-1 final score.

Current AHL West Division Semifinal Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: 4/21 @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4: 4/23 @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5: 4/24 @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6: 4/26 @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7: 4/27 @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

The Series shifts to Rockford, Illinois for Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 5 if Necessary. Game 3 is on Wednesday April 21st at 7:05 PM. Game 4 will be on Friday, April 23 at 7:05 PM. The Series would return to Cedar Park for Games 6 & 7 if needed. All Games can be heard on the Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM The Horn and on ESPN 1530 AM.

To purchase a Calder Cup Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-Stars. To rent a suite for home playoff games or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-Stars. Individual Tickets for Playoff Games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster outlet or the Cedar Park Box Office, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Lead Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Rockford Icehogs 1 Texas Stars 3 (0-2, 0-0, 1-1)

0-1 TEX: Maxime Fortunus (Morin, Sceviour) 12:52 1st

0-2 TEX: Perttu Lindgren (Sceviour, Morin) 17:12 1st

0-3 TEX: Raymond Sawada (Peters, Wathier) 1:06 3rd

1-3 RFD: Kyle Beach (PP) (Connelly, Cullen) 14:16 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RFD 32 TEX 34

PP: RFD 1/3 TEX 0/5

PIM: RFD 34 Minutes on 10 Penalties TEX 30 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: RFD Corey Crawford 31 SVS on 34 Shots TEX Brent Krahn 31 SVS on 32 Shots

ATT: 6212

3rd Star: Maime Fortunus (TEX)

2nd Star: Perttu Lindgren (TEX)

1st Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

Texas Stars Use strong Defense to win first ever Playoff Game

Calling Card all season for the Texas Stars has been a strong defense where the Stars have given up just 2 and a half goals per game during the regular season. In Friday Night's Game 1 of the AHL Calder Cup West Division Semifinals against the Rockford Icehogs, that trend continued with Jamie Benn and Raymond Sawada both scored late in the 1st & 2nd periods to go up 2-0 going into the 2nd intermission.

The 3rd period saw Brent Krahn step up his game to keep the Icehogs from coming back to attempt to win the opening game of the series. Only a Rob Klinkhammer goal 7 and a half minutes into the 3rd period was the only thing to get past Krahn where he stopped 27 of 28 shots in Game 1 to win the team's first ever playoff game.

The Texas Stars have shown they have the defense to get the job done to make a long run in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Big question is do they have a strong enough offense with players like Jamie Benn, Aaron Gagon and Perttu Lindgren to keep up in high scoring games, should they have to play teams like the Chicago Wolves & Hamilton Bulldogs in the later rounds of the playoffs should they get past the Rockford Icehogs in the opening round.

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 2-1 on Friday Night in front of a crowd of 5862 fans at Cedar Park Center. The Stars now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. Texas Wingers Jamie Benn and Raymond Sawada each scored as the Stars won Game 1 of the West Division Semifinals. Stars goalie Brent Krahn stopped 27 of 28 shots Rockford Shots in the victory. Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford made 21 saves in the loss. Texas Hosts Game 2 of the series against the Icehogs on Saturday Night at 7:00 PM.

Texas took a 1-0 lead of the first period. Winger Jamie Benn finished off a backhander through the legs of Rockford Goalie Corey Crawford after bringing the puck through center in the Rockford Zone. Center Travis Morin set up Benn for the first goal of the playoffs.

Stars Winger Raymond Sawada increased the Texas lead to 2-0 with just nine seconds remaining in the 2nd period. Sawada found a rebound in the crease and fired a shot past Crawford on the stick side. The Power-Play Goal was assisted by defenseman Garrett Stafford.

The Icehogs cut the Stars lead in half at 7:56 of the 3rd period. Left Wing Rob Klinkhammer picked up a rebound in front of the Texas Net and sent a shot past Stars Goalie Brent Krahn. Pete Macarthur and Danny Richmond tallied assists on Klinkhammer's first goal of the playoffs.


Here's a look at the Best-of-7 series between the Texas Stars & Rockford Icehogs.

Game 1: 4/16 @ Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: 4/17: @ Texas 7:00 PM

Game 3: 4/21: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4: 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5: 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 6: 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 7: 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM

The Stars will host Game 2 of the West Division Semifinal on Saturday, April 17 at 7:00 PM. The Series shifts to Rockford for Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 5 if necessary. The Series would returns to Cedar Park for Games 6 & 7.

All Games can be heard on the Stars Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM "The Horn" or ESPN Austin 1530 AM.

To Purchase a Calder Cup Playoff Package, which offer fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-Stars. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-Stars. Individual tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster Outlet, the Cedar Park Box Office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com


Texas Stars Lead Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Rockford Icehogs 1 Texas Stars 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)

0-1 TEX: Jamie Benn (Morin) 17:41 1st

0-2 TEX: Raymond Sawada (PP) (Stafford) 19:51 2nd

1-2 RFD: Rob Klinkhammer (Macarthur, Richmond) 7:56 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RFD 28 TEX 23

PP: RFD 0/3 TEX 1/5

PIM: 27 Minutes on 8 Penalties TEX 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: RFD Corey Crawford 21 SVS on 23 Shots TEX Brent Krahn 27 SVS on 28 Shots

ATT: 5826

3rd Star: Raymond Sawada (TEX)

2nd Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

1st Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

2010 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs: North & West Division Semifinals

Last night I showed the Playoff Matchups and Schedules for the East & Atlantic Divisions that make up the Eastern Conference. Now it's time for the North & West Divisions that make up the Western Conference as the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs that begin on Wednesday Night. For Southwest fans, the Texas Stars are looking to take the strong first season and take into a strong playoff run where they can give the West Division something to think about. Theirs 3 other big matchups that should be really great to follow.

After a horrible start which included a coaching change and bringing in Chris Chelios for a part of the middle part of the season. All of that has helped a lot as the Wolves took the West Division Top Seed as they will take on a Milwaukee Team who was in the Division Title Race for most of the season, but dropped off somewhat after the league All Star Game as the Admirals were never in danger of missing out in the playoffs, but they could have been a much higher seed and have had a much better situation.

Texas will be taking on a Rockford team who might have beat them in the final weekend of the season. But the Stars controlled the regular season series' by winning all but one other game during the regular season, and that other Icehogs win came in a very close game on the road. So the Stars should be going in very confident, the Stars will be going in on a strong team defense by giving up just 198 goals which was 2nd overall in the entire Western Conference only behind the North Division Champion who gave up a league low 182.

Hamilton is a very dangerous team as they could be the Western Conference's biggest threat if the Bulldogs make the Calder Cup, especially against the Hershey Bears as they could have the team that can challenge the Hershey Bears high flying offense. Hamilton has an all Canadian Matchup against Manitoba who have a lot of experience from last year's team that made it to the Calder Cup Final. Overall it's a younger team then last year, don't expect the Bulldogs to taken lightly.

In addition to Texas, Abbotsford has had a strong first season as the Heat were in a battle from 2nd to 5th where the Heat just finished 1 point back of Rochester who will have home ice in this series. I think the Rochester VS. Abbotsford Series has the ponetnital has the chance to be the best out of all the first round series as the Division Semifinals are getting underway.

North Division Semifinals


#1N Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #4N Manitoba Moose

Hamilton Bulldogs Regular Season Record: 52-17-11 115 PTS, 271 GF 182 GA

Hamilton Scoring Leaders
David Desharnais 60 GP 78 PTS (27G 51A, +30)
Brock Trotter 75 GP 77 PTS (36G 41A, +33)
P.K. Subban 77 GP 53 PTS (18G 35A, +46)

Hamilton Goaltending
Cedrick Desjardins 47 GP 29-9-4 2.00 GAA .919 SV%
Curts Sanford 41 GP 23-11-3 2.13 GAA .916 SV%


Manitoba Moose Regular Season Record: 40-33-7 87 PTS, 204 GF 232 GA

Manitoba Scoring Leaders
Marco Rosa 80 GP 55 PTS (22G 35A, +5)
Sergei Shirokov 76 GP 45 PTS (22G 23A, -1)
Peter Olvecky 70 GP 38 PTS (12G 26A, +12)

Manitoba Goaltending
Cory Schneider 60 GP 35-23-2 2.51 GAA .919 SV%
Daren Machesney 21 GP 5-14-0 3.34 GAA .894 SV%


All Hamilton Bulldogs Home Games are @ Copps Coliseum

All Manitoba Moose Home Games are @ MTS Center

Game 1, 4/15: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 4/19: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Hamilton 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#2N Rochester Americans VS. #3N Abbotsford Heat

Rochester Americans Regular Season Record: 44-33-3 91 PTS, 253 GF 247 GA

Rochester Scoring Leaders
Jamie Johnson 80 GP 71 PTS (27G 44A, -7)
Chris Taylor 80 GP 61 PTS (17G 44A, -2)
Clay Wilson 75 GP 60 PTS (14G 46A, +22)

Rochester Goaltending
Tyler Plante 27 GP 12-12-1 2.66 GAA .914 SV%
Alexander Salak 48 GP 29-14-0 2.89 GAA .910 SV%


Abbotsford Heat Regular Season Record: 80 GP 39-29-12 90 PTS, 217 GF 231 GA

Abbotsford Scoring Leaders
Jason Jaffray 72 GP 54 PTS (25G 29A, +24)
David Van der Gulik 64 GP 40 PTS (16G 24A, +13)
Cam Cunning 69 GP 38 PTS (19G 19A, +4)

Abbotsford Goaltending
David Shantz 32 GP 15-10-4 2.75 GAA .908 SV%
Leland Irving 35 GP 14-17-2 2.76 GAA .905 SV%


All Rochester Americans Home Games are @ Blue Cross Arena

All Abbotsford Heat Home Games are @ Abbotsford Sports & Enterainment Center

Game 1, 4/15: @ Rochester 6:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Rochester 6:05 PM

Game 3, 4/19: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Rochester 4:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Rochester 6:05 PM*

*If Necessary


West Division Semifinals


#1W Chicago Wolves VS. #4W Milwaukee Admirals

Chicago Wolves Regular Season Record: 49-24-7 105 PTS, 264 GF 214 GA

Chicago Scoring Leaders
Jason Krog 78 GP 75 PTS (14G 61A, +17)
Tim Stapleton 73 GP 59 PTS (30G 29A, +22)
Brett Sterling 55 GP 56 PTS (34G 22A, +20)

Chicago Goaltending
Drew Maclntyre 41 GP 20-17-2 2.54 GAA .917 SV%
Peter Mannino 38 GP 26-5-1 2.34 GAA .921 SV%


Milwaukee Admirals Regular Season Record: 41-30-9 91 PTS, 237 GF 220 GA

Milwaukee Scoring Leaders
Mike Santorelli 57 GP 59 PTS (26G 33A, +17)
Robert Dietrich 79 GP 43 PTS (6G 37A, -9)
Hugh Jessman 78 GP 42 PTS (20G 22A, +9)

Milwaukee Goaltending
Mark Dekanich 49 GP 27-16-4 2.33 GAA .914 SV%
Chet Pickard 36 GP 14-16-3 2.85 GAA .892 SV%


All Chicago Wolves Home Games are @ Allstate Arena

All Milwaukee Admirals Home Games are @ Bradley Center

Game 1, 4/14: @ Chicago 7:00 PM

Game 2, 4/16: @ Chicago 7:30 PM

Game 3, 4/17: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM

Game 4, 4/19: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Chicago 7:00 PM*

Game 6, TBD: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/26: @ Chicago 7:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#2W Texas Stars VS. #3W Rockford Icehogs

Texas Stars Regular Season Record: 46-27-7 99 PTS, 238 GF 198 GA

Texas Scoring Leaders
Aaron Gagon 78 GP 58 PTS (27G 31A, +19)
Travis Morin 80 GP 52 PTS (21G 31A, +10)
Perttu Lindgren 74 GP 47 PTS (14G 33A, +3)

Texas Goaltending
Brent Krahn 22 GP 17-4-0 1.83 GAA .945 SV%
Matt Climie 43 GP 21-17-3 2.46 GAA .919 SV%


Rockford Icehogs Regular Season Record: 44-30-6 94 PTS, 226 GF 226 GA

Rockford Scoring Leaders
Mark Cullen 62 GP 53 PTS (21G 32A, +2)
Bracken Kearns 80 GP 51 PTS (15G 36A, +8)
Jack Skille 63 GP 49 PTS (23G 26A, -1)

Rockford Goaltending
Corey Crawford 45 GP 24-16-2 2.67 GAA .909 SV%
Hannu Toivonen 32 GP 12-15-3 2.85 GAA .902 SV%


All Texas Stars Home Games are @ Cedar Park Center

All Rockford Icehogs Home Games are @ Rockford Metro Center

Game 1, 4/16: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Texas 7:00 PM

Game 3, 4/21: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

2010 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs: Atlantic & East Division Semifinals Schedule

The road to the 2010 AHL Calder Cup will get underway on Wednesday Night as the 16 teams will be starting on the road with the Division Semifinals starting later this week. For the Eastern Conference, it will be divided into the East & Atlantic Divisions as the Semifinal Winners will play for the Division Championship in the 2nd Round.

Following the Division Championships, the East & Atlantic Division Champions will play each other for the Eastern Conference Championship where the winner will advance to the AHL Calder Cup Championship to either play the North or the West Division Champions.

The Worcester Sharks eventually won the Atlantic after being in a great battle with the Portland Pirates and the Manchester Monarchs to win the Atlantic as they will play the 4th Place Lowell Devils who were in a battle with Bridgeport to force a crossover in the East Division to keep teams like the Norfolk Admirals out of the playoffs.

Portland & Manchester should be one of the more exciting battles in the Eastern Conference as the Pirates were one of the best teams overall in the 2nd half of the season, and are looking to prove to the Atlantic Division that they can give the Sharks in the Division Final if they can get past the Monarchs.

Defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears are looking at a serious attempt to defend the Calder Cup Title. The Bears finished with an impressive 123 points, 8 points over the Hamilton Bulldogs who won the North and a league best 342 goals scored. They were the only team to score over 300 goals for the regular season while no one else even came close.

Expect a very close series between the Albany River Rats and W-B/Scranton Penguins as the Rats will be looking to have a strong playoff performance as the team is scheduled to move to North Carolina after this season.


Here's a look at the Division Semifinal Series' in the Eastern Conference. All Start Times are Central Daylight Time (CDT)

Atlantic Division Semifinals

#1A Worcester Sharks VS. #4A Lowell Devils

Worcester Sharks Regular Season Record: 49-25-6 104 PTS, 275 GF 239 GA

Worcester Scoring Leaders
Danny Groulx 80 GP 66 PTS (14G 52A, +17)
Steven Zalewski 78 GP 62 PTS (22G 40A, -13)
Dan Dasilva 72 GP 53 PTS (21G 32A, +23)

Worcester Goaltending
Alex Stalock 61 GP 39-19-2 2.63 GAA .908 SV%
Frank Doyle 10 GP 6-3-0 2.94 GAA .899 SV%
Tyson Sexsmith 13 GP 4-6-1 3.94 GAA .860 SV%


Lowell Devils Regular Season Record: 39-31-10 88 PTS, 239 GF 232 GA

Lowell Scoring Leaders
Ben Walter 78 GP 58 PTS (22G 36A, -2)
Michael Swift 76 GP 55 PTS (24G 31A, 0)
Matt Taormina 75 GP 50 PTS (10G 40A, -4)


Lowell Goaltending
Mike Mckenna 50 GP 24-17-6 2.47 GAA .921 SV%
Jeff Frazee 31 GP 14-16-0 2.80 GAA .910 SV%


All Worcester Sharks Home Games are @ DCU Center

All Lowell Devils Home Games are @ Paul Tsongas Arena


Game 1, 4/14: @ Worcester 6:05 PM

Game 2, 4/15: @ Worcester 6:05 PM

Game 3, 4/17: @ Lowell 6:00 PM

Game 4, 4/20: @ Lowell 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Lowell 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/24: @ Worcester 6:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/25: @ Worcester 4:05 PM*

*If Necessary


#2A Portland Pirates VS. #3A Manchester Monarchs

Portland Pirates Regular Season Record: 45-29-11 101 PTS, 244 GF 214 GA

Portland Scoring Leaders
Mark Mancari 74 GP 73 PTS (28G 45A, +16)
Marc-Andre Grangana 66 GP 43 PTS (12G 31A, +2)
Kyle Wanvig 63 GP 38 PTS (13G 25A, -6)

Portland Goaltending
Jhonas Enroth 48 GP 28-18-1 2.37 GAA .919 SV%
J.P. Lamoureux 31 GP 14-12-2 2.98 GAA .894 SV%
Todd Forth 15 GP 7-5-1 2.51 GAA .920 SV%


Manchester Monarchs Regular Season Record: 43-28-9 95 PTS, 213 GF 200 GA

Manchester Scoring Leaders
Bud Holloway 75 GP 47 PTS (19G 28A, +1)
Corey Elkins 73 GP 43 PTS (21G 22A, +4)
Gabe Gauthier 71 GP 35 PTS (8G 27A, -21)

Manchester Goaltending
Jonathan Bernier 58 GP 30-21-6 2.03 GAA .936 SV%
Jeff Zatkoff 22 GP 10-9-0 2.92 GAA .915 SV%


All Portland Pirates Home Games are @ Cumberland County Civic Center

All Manchester Monarchs Home Games are @ Verizon Wireless Arena

Game 1, 4/16: @ Portland 6:00 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Portland 6:00 PM

Game 3, 4/19: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 4, 4/20: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/22: @ Portland 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/24: @ Manchester 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/25: @ Portland 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary


East Division Semifinals

#1E Hershey Bears VS. #5A Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Hershey Bears Regular Season Record: 60-17-3 123 PTS, 342 GF 198 GA

Hershey Scoring Leaders
Keith Aucoin 72 GP 106 PTS (35G 71A, +27)
Alexandre Giroux 69 GP 103 PTS (50G 53A, +32)
Andrew Gordon 79 GP 71 PTS (37G 34A, +22)

Hershey Goaltending
Braden Holtby 37 GP 24-8-2 2.32 GAA .917 SV%
Michal Neuvirth 22 GP 15-6-0 2.24 GAA .919 SV%
Jason Bacashihua 22 GP 17-3-1 2.48 GAA .911 SV%


Bridgeport Sound Tigers Regular Season Record: 38-32-10 86 PTS, 201 GF 220 GA

Bridgeport Scoring Leaders
Greg Mauldin 77 GP 54 PTS (25G 29A, +9)
Jesse Jonesuu 70 GP 48 PTS (14G 34A, +6)
Trevor Smith 77 GP 47 PTS (21G 26A, +5)

Bridgeport Goaltending
Nathan Lawson 36 GP 16-16-3 2.52 GAA .922 SV%
Scott Munroe 40 GP 19-16-3 2.52 GAA .920 SV%

All Hershey Bears Home Games are @ Giant Center

All Bridgeport Sound Tigers Home Games are @ Harbor Yard Arena


Game 1, 4/14: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 2, 4/16: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 3, 4/17: @ Bridgeport 6:00 PM

Game 4, 4/18: @ Bridgeport 2:00 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Hershey 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/23: @ Bridgeport 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/24: @ Hershey 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#2E Albany River Rats VS. #3E W-B/Scranton Penguins

Albany River Rats Regular Season Record: 43-29-8 94 PTS, 244 GF 231 GA

Albany Scoring Leaders
Jerome Samson 74 GP 78 PTS (37G 41A, +8)
Chris Terry 80 GP 47 PTS (17G 30A, +12)
Oskar Osala 69 GP 42 PTS (25G 17A, +1)

Albany Goaltending
Justin Peters 47 GP 26-18-2 2.54 GAA .917 SV%
Justin Pogge 27 GP 13-7-5 2.55 GAA .921 SV%
Mike Murphy 20 GP 10-9-0 2.81 GAA .917 SV%


W-B/Scranton Penguins Regular Season Record: 41-34-5 87 PTS, 239 GF 229 GA

W-B/Scranton Scoring Leaders
Dustin Jeffrey 77 GP 71 PTS (24G 47A, +16)
Chris Conner 59 GP 56 PTS (19G 37A, -9)
Mark Letesu 63 GP 55 PTS (21G 34A, +21)

W-B/Scranton Goaltending
Brad Thiessen 30 GP 14-14-1 2.45 GAA .914 SV%
John Curry 46 GP 23-19-2 2.87 GAA .891 SV%


All Albany River Rats Home Games are @ Times Union Center

All W-B/Scranton Penguins Home Games are @ Wachovia Arena at Casey Place

Game 1, 4/14: @ Albany 6:00 PM

Game 2, 4/16: @ Albany 6:00 PM

Game 3, 4/18: @ W-B/Scranton 2:05 PM

Game 4, 4/19: @ W-B/Scranton 6:05 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Albany 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/24: @ W-B/Scranton 6:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/25: @ Albany 4:00 PM*

*If Necessary

Final Weekend of the NHL & AHL Regular Seasons

As we get ready to end the regular seasons in the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League. We will take a look at the final weekend schedule's and what the current playoff matchups look like and who is still alive for playoff contention this weekend. Look for the playoff schedules to come out in both leagues and the opening round will be getting underway probably either on April 14 or 15 next week.

Current NHL Playoff Matchups.

Western Conference: All Teams have clinched.

Eastern Conference: NY Rangers is 1 point back of Boston & Montreal and is tied with Philadelphia for the 8th and final playoff spot.


Current Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Matchups.

#1 Washington Capitals VS. #8 Philadelphia Flyers

#2 New Jersey Devils VS. #7 Montreal Canadiens

#3 Buffalo Sabres VS. #6 Boston Bruins

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins VS. #5 Ottawa Senators



Current Western Conference Quarterfinal Matchups

#1 Chicago Blackhawks VS. #8 Colorado Avalanche

#2 San Jose Sharks VS. #7 Nashville Predators

#3 Vancouver Canucks VS. #6 Los Angeles Kings

#4 Phoenix Coyotes VS. #5 Detroit Red Wings


Final Weekend Schedule

4/10

Carolina Hurricanes VS. Boston Bruins 12:00 PM

Edmonton Oilers VS. Los Angeles Kings 3:00 PM

Toronto Maple Leafs VS. Montreal Canadians 6:00 PM

Buffalo Sabres VS. Ottawa Senators 6:00 PM

NY Islanders VS. New Jersey Devils 6:00 PM

Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Atlanta Thrashers 6:00 PM

Florida Panthers VS. Tampa Bay Lighting 6:30 PM

St. Louis Blues VS. Nashville Predators 7:00 PM

Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild 7:00 PM

Calgary Flames VS. Vancouver Canucks 9:00 PM

Phoenix Coyotes VS. San Jose Sharks 9:30 PM


4/11

Boston Bruins VS. Washington Capitals 11:00 AM

NY Rangers VS. Philadealphia Flyers 2:00 PM

Detroit Red Wings VS. Chicago Blackhawks 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Kings VS. Colorado Avalanche 2:00 PM

Buffalo Sabres VS. New Jersey Devils 4:00 PM

Pittsburgh Penguins VS. NY Islanders 4:00 PM

Tampa Bay Lighting VS. Florida Panthers 4:00 PM

Edmonton Oilers VS. Anaheim Ducks 7:00 PM



Current AHL Playoff Matchups

Atlantic Division: Bridgeport and Lowell are tied for the 4th and final playoff spot in the Division. However, they currently both have better records then 4th place Norfolk in the East to force a possible crossover.

East Division: The Top 3 Spots have been clinched, Norfolk needs to overtake either Bridgeport or Lowell to get the 4th and final spot and to stop an Atlantic Division Crossover.

North Division: All Spots have been clinched, Hamilton and Rochester will have home ice in the 1st round. Abbotsford & Manitoba will fight it out for 3rd.

West Division: Both 1st Round Matchups are set. Chicago will play Milwaukee, while Texas will play Rockford


Current Atlantic Division Semifinal Matchups

#1 Worcester Sharks VS. #4 Bridgeport Sound Tigers

#2 Portland Pirates VS. #3 Manchester Monarchs*


Current East Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Hershey Bears VS. #4 Lowell Devils

#2 Albany River Rats VS. #3 W-B/Scranton Penguins*


Current North Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #4 Manitoba Moose

#2 Rochester Americans VS. #3 Abbotsford Heat


Current West Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Chicago Wolves VS. #4 Milwaukee Admirals*

#2 Texas Stars VS. #3 Rockford Icehogs*

*Confirmed Matchup


Final Weekend Schedule

4/10

Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Toronto Marlies 3:00 PM

Albany River Rats VS. Adirondack Phantoms 6:00 PM

Manchester Monarchs VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 6:00 PM

Springfield Falcons VS. Hartford Wolfpack 6:00 PM

Lowell Devils VS. Portland Pirates 6:00 PM

W-B/Scranton Penguins VS. Binghamton Senators 6:05 PM

Providence Bruins VS. Worcester Sharks 6:05 PM

Hershey Bears VS. Norfolk Admirals 6:15 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:30 PM

Rochester Americans VS. Syracuse Crunch 6:30 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM

Rockford Icehogs VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

Peoria Rivemen VS. Manitoba Moose 7:30 PM

Texas Stars VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM


4/11

Hartford Wolfpack VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2:00 PM

Manchester Monarchs VS. Springfield Falcons 2:00 PM

Binghamton Senators VS. W-B/Scranton Penguins 2:05 PM

Providence Bruins VS. Lowell Devils 3:00 PM

Worcester Sharks VS. Portland Pirates 3:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage 3:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Toronto Marlies 3:00 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Milwaukee Admirals 5:00 PM

Tornado can't take down Bandits in 3OT, 5th and deciding Game on Saturday

After the first muptlie OT game of the North American Hockey League Playoffs. The Texas Tornado were unable to finish off the Bandits in Frisco. Because of the two losses on Wednesday and Thursday Night, the 5th and deciding game will be taking place on Saturday Night to determine who will play the Topeka/Springfield Winner in the South Division Final.

Joe Kalisz was the hero of the night for St. Louis scoring the opening goal of the game and finishing off the Triple OT Marathon where the game went 113 minutes which was one of the longest games in the history of the Texas Tornado. Axel Boyer and Justin Jones were the goal scorers in the game for the Tornado.

As for Jack Prince who was the team's leading scorer has pretty much been M.I.A for the most part with just a single assist in this series and has been probably the biggest disappointments for the Tornado in the playoffs.


From the Texas Tornado Booster Club Website: www.texastornadobc.com

The Texas Tornado and St. Louis Bandits played 113:47 to decide tonight's game. That's how evenly matched the two were again tonight as well as the proceeding three games. Quite a contrast to the five Tornado VS. Bandits tilts leading up to the first round of the playoffs. Since then, neither team has had a much of an upper hand.

Tonight was another low scoring game. St. Louis picked up a goal early in the first by Kalisz that quieted the sparse crowd of a few hundred. Five Penalties were called but resulted in no scoring.

The Bandits Ryan Belonger scored in the 2nd followed 30 seconds later by Alex Boyer goal (Einersen) to make it 2-1 Bandits. Another Skirmish resulted in the only penalties of the period all coming at 16:53 and mostly off-setting.

Justin Jones goal tied the game (from Rostenkowski and Howard) which really brought the fans into the game. Texas picked up one two minute minor penalty and the Bandits took the two neither resulted in scoring but, the period ended only after repeated heart stopping rushes and miraculous saves. Hockey just doesn't get any more exciting then playoff action with so much on the line. With the horn sounded the end of regulaton play still tied, many in the stands were just learning in the playoffs, there is no 5 minute 4 on 4 and then a shootout to decide the match. No, full twenty minute periods of sudden death. Clean the ice and start all over for as long as it takes to get a puck in the net.

The tension of knowing just one slip up could end the Bandits season or force a game 5 in St. Louis where no Tornado fan or player wants round one to be decided. Every pass, every shot, every rebound could be it. Watching is maddening. Playing must be much worse.

And so it went for twenty minutes and nothing. Clean the ice and do it again, nothing. Clean the ice and do it again for the 3rd overtime. Someone is going to get the goal, but who will it be? Will it be the Tornado or the Bandits? Thirteen minutes in bing, bang, boom, the pucks trickles past Dan Sullivan and it's all over. The Bandits live to play game 5 and they mob Joe Kalisz for his second goal of the night while Texas is stunned and they slowly make their way to the locker room.

101 shots in one game. Dan faced 54 shots and stopped all but 3. At the other end, Tyler Bruggeman had faced 47 shots and stopped 45. Both had played just incredible games. All the players had played incredible game! Someone had to win - eventually - the Tornado hoped it would have been.

The Series is now tied at 2-2. The final game to decide which team moves on round two will be played in St. Louis this Saturday.


The Series is tied at 2-2

St. Louis Bandits 3 Texas Tornado 2 (3OT) (1-0, 1-1, 0-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

1-0 STL: Joe Kalisz (Quakenbush, Raley) 3:04 1st

2-0 STL: Ryan Belonger (Edwards, Sheehan) 5:03 2nd

2-1 TEX: Alex Boyer (Einersen) 5:38 2nd

2-2 TEX: Justin Jones (Rostenkowski, Howard) 3:58 3rd

3-2 STL: Joe Kalisz (Sheehan, Kitto) 13:47 3OT


Game Stats

SOG: STL 54 TEX 47

PP: STL 0/5 TEX 0/5

PIM: STL 20 Minutes on 10 Penalties TEX 20 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: STL Tyler Bruggeman 45 SVS on 47 Shots TEX

ATT: 896

3rd Star: Tyler Bruggeman (STL)

2nd Star: Justin Jones (TEX)

1st Star: Dan Sullivan (TEX)

Bruggeman beats Sullivan in Goaltenders duo, Cut Series lead to 2-1

Tyler Bruggeman and Dan Sullivan put on a show Wednesday Night as the two goalies stopped a combined 48 of 49 shots combined in the game, and gave both teams a chance to win the game in Frisco last night. However, an unassisted goal by Cody Ganchar early in the 2nd period that scored the only goal of the game to help the Bandits stay alive in the playoffs and force a game 4 coming tonight as the Bandits will look to force a game 5 while the Tornado will be looking to knockout the 3 time Defending Robertson Cup Champions from the playoffs.

Game 4 will be played tonight over in Frisco, while a possible 5th and deciding game in the series would be back in Missouri coming up on Saturday Night.

From the Texas Tornado Booster Club Website: www.texastornadobc.com

The St. Louis Bandits dashed hopes of a Texas sweep in their best-of-5 round one battle. Judging by the first two games in Chesterfield where the Tornado won by close margins, a third win on Frisco Ice was conceivable. Thoughts that the three time NAHL defending champions would crumble to Texas without a big fight was not realistic as proven on Wednesday with their 1-0 win.

Both teams came out determined and got to work from the drop of the puck. perhaps the Bandits looked a little stronger early on since their backs were against the wall - if they lose the season is over. The Tornado were gunning for a win and an advancement to the NAHL Southern Division Finals.

This game was all-business. No Bravado. Don't make mistakes, play defense and stay out of the box. And they did. The hits were hard but measured. Positional play was excellent. Both goalies were sharp.

The first saw Texas out-shooting the Bandits 6-3 but no goals despite a brief 5-on-3 while the Bandits served the only 2 penalties of the period.

Cody Ganchar beat Dan Sullivan at 2:29 into the 2nd period with an unassisted goal which turned out to be the only goal of the game and of course the game winner. Texas was called for two penalties in the 2nd and they were only Tornado Penalties of the game. Both teams picked up 11 shots on goal as well.

The third was more back and fourth careful play with the Tornado forcing the pressure more and more. Great action but tense to watch. As time was closing in the Bandits Ryan Stoffer was called at 17:40 for tripping (the lone penalty of the period) and giving Tornado fans hope that the team could tie it up. Tony pulled Sullivan with 1:08 left for the man advantage but Bruggeman stoned the Tornado efforts and earned the win.

For the Bandits this game was win or die. For the Tornado, there was tomorrow. Anytime you play the Bandits for sixty minutes and you are in every second, you have played a really good game. The Team did and it was a great contest.

Thursday night is a must win for the Tornado to end the series, or they will have to go to St. Louis for a 5th and deciding game in St. Louis and that would be such a hard task.

Texas out-shot the Bandits 27 to 22. Picked up just 2 penalties but no goals and were 0-4 on the powerplay. Dan Sullivan played 58:52 of the 60 minute game stopping 21 of 22 shots. Finally Jack Prince was credited with 7 shots which was the most of any player in the game.


Texas Leads Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

St. Louis Bandits 1 Texas Tornado 0 (0-0, 1-0, 0-0)

1-0 STL: Cody Ganchar (Unassisted) 2:29 2nd

Game Stats

SOG: STL 22 TEX 27

PP: STL 0/2 TEX 0/4

PIM: STL 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties TEX 4 Minutes on 2 Penalties

Goalies: STL Tyler Bruggeman 27 SVS on 27 Shots TEX Dan Sullivan 21 SVS on 22 Shots

ATT: 1308

3rd Star: Joe Adams (TEX)

2nd Star: Shane Sooth (TEX)

1st Star: Dan Sullivan (TEX)

Southwest Players in the USHL Playoffs

Here's a look at Southwest based players that will be playing the United States Hockey League Playoffs which begin tomorrow night. I will provide a short showing of what the different players and showing their chances of skating with the USHL Clark Cup Championship this year. The Playoffs will begin tomorrow night.



This year, the Southwest has 6 prominent players that are teammates on the Omaha Lancers, Fargo Force and the Indiana Ice for this year's post-season and they is high hopes that we have players on the top 2 seeds in the West Division plus the defending champion Indiana Ice.



Here's the first Round Matchups



East Division



#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Waterloo Blackhawks



#2 Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. #3 Indiana Ice





West Division



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



#2 Fargo Force VS. #3 Sioux Falls Stampede





Omaha Lancers



F: Ryan Daugherty: http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=2288314&seasonid=4429


Hometown: Allen, Texas


2009-2010 Season Stats: 52 GP 33 PTS (18G 15A)


College/Pro Path: Northern Michigan University



Ryan is a physical forward with an increasing scoring threat during his 2 seasons with the Omaha Lancers. From just 6 goals last year, he's been able to increase has goal scoring ability to 17 this season. He's also been fantastic at getting the tough goals right in front of the net in front of traffic and, being able to clear pathways for his teammates to help out players like Seth Ambroz and Matt White who just missed winning the scoring title by one point over Tri-City's Jaden Schwartz.



Last year he had to take a much bigger load defensively as this turned out to be a bit of a weaker spot in his game. But he has shown that he can be a strong defense, however, he increased the number in penalty minutes from 52 last year to 111 this year. He's also been able increase his ability on the power play where he had no points with the man advantage last year, this year the Lancers forward was able to get 14 of his 33 points (9G 5A) on the power play. He also notched 4 game winners.



He does have a tendency to be a bit streaky this season. Going into the playoffs where he has 6 points in his final 7 games, including a 2 goal game against Fargo back on March 17. Unfortunately, earlier this season he had a 7 game scoreless streak around Thanksgiving and shortly their after. Also a minor knee injury where he missed 7 games in early and mid Feb also affected his pace for most of Feb. and in early March.



After St. Patricks Day though he was able to get back up to his normal pace and if he can keep this point streak going into the playoffs, he may be able to have a big playoff run to help the Lancers and to show the coaching staff at Northern Michigan that he deserves to play a big role with NMU when he starts up their next year.







D: C.J. Ludwig: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2288310&seasonid=4429



Hometown: Little Elm, Texas

Season Stats: 58 GP 24 PTS (7G 17A)


College/Pro Path: Northern Michigan University



C.J. Ludwig has become a double threat at his time with the Omaha Lancers. In his 2 seasons, he was known for delivering the hits as he has racked up triple digit penalty minute totals in both season in Omaha (130 in 2008-09, 152 in 2009-10). He's not afraid to fight either as he has racked up 8 fighting majors this season, including games against the Green Bay Gamblers and Sioux Falls Stampede with 21 & 32 penalty minutes in different performances this season.



He's also been able to increase his scoring ability. He was 2nd in defensive scoring on the team with 24 points, only behind Dennis Brown with 31 points. However, he did have more goals with 7 while Brown only had 4. Because of his combo of being both a physical presence and bringing a scoring punch, he was named to the USHL West Division All Star Game for the Event that was played in Indiana back in January.


Helping to get involved with the scoring, not giving up goals has also improved greatly as well as he went from a +7 last season to +15 this season. His ability to help improve his puck moving abilities to help set up the teams top forwards like Erik Haula and Matt White who both finished in the top in league scoring this season.


He's also going to be able to tune up his team game with teammate and fellow D/FW Native Ryan Daugherty who will continue to be teammates at Northern Michigan University after their junior career ends this season.



Omaha's Playoff Hopes: The Lancers have loads of playoff experience with the leadership and guidance of Omaha Lancers Head Coach Bliss Littler. Also with Seth Ambroz who has been improving rapidly during his first two seasons and is expected to be a highly converted pick when he is up for the 2011 NHL Draft next year.



Omaha is looking for their 2nd championship in 3 years after beating Sioux City, Lincoln and Waterloo for the Championship back in 2008. Their chances of getting back to the Championship are great and this team maybe one of the few will be able to challenge Green Bay's size with their speed.


Fargo Force


F: Chase Grant: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2288285&seasonid=5158


Home Town: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma


2009-2010 Stats: 59 GP 50 PTS (28G 22A)


College/Pro Path: Minnesota State University


Chase Grant leads a well balanced offense attack which has 8 players with double digit goals, 6 of which had 20 or more. Grant lead the team with 28 goals and when he gets going, he's very hard to stop, he had a steady hand as he had numerous point scoring streaks which included his best hockey of the season where he had a point in 12 of 13 games which started in late January through Early March as he scored goals in 10 of that time span.


Like Ryan Daugherty, he's had a strong power play, but he was able to increase has ability on the power play like a bullet from 3 power play points last year to 11 this season. However in his last 9 games since his points in 12 of 13 ended. He's scoring abilities have dried up as he has just 4 points (1G 3A) which dates back to March 12 against the Lincoln Stars, and in his last 4 games, he has 0 points and a minus 7 which is a string as the Force were going toe-to-toe with the Lancers for the top spot in the West Division Playoffs, but losses in 5 of the final 7 games ended those hopes.


He may be just 175 pounds, but hes been working on his hitting ability as he gets ready to head off to Minnesota State University to play in the WCHA. He should be a part of a balanced scoring attack to help his team get back to the Clark Cup Championship before losing to Indiana last year. However, if he can't get out of this slump his team is on, it could be a 1 and done to the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Division Semifinals.


F; Johnnie Searfoss: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2330628&seasonid=4429


Home Town: Colleyville, Texas

2009-2010 Player Stats: 60 GP 40 PTS (21G 19A)


College/Pro Path: University of Nebraska-Omaha


Johnnie Searfoss's job on the team has changed greatly this season. Last season despite getting 34 points last year, he was used mostly as a defensive minded forward. This season, he's been giving the green light to attack a lot more, even though his plus/minus ranking has fallen from +12 to -15 this season, his goal numbers are up to 21 and he's been able to be in his more natural role as a physical forward.



The Penalty Minute numbers were way up to 90 this season, but he's not much of a fighter. Most of the nights were he had the major penalty minute numbers were from nights when he something like a Checking from Behind Misconduct in a game against the Youngstown Phantoms back in January.



For the Force to be successful this year in the playoffs, the Force will need to be able to get out of this funk the team has been in that cost them a shot at the Top Seed. The team needs to allow Searfoss to have his combination of his scoring and hitting ability and being able to avoid the penalty box in the playoffs. Especially against a team like Sioux Falls who has fewest penalty minutes of the West Division Teams that are in the playoffs.



Fargo's Playoff Hopes: Fargo needs to have the ability to pull off another run like they did last year in the team's first year. The Force will need to be able to play a disciplined game against the Stampede and improve the team defense, the team has given up 4 or more goals in 8 of the teams 11 games of the regular season. Reports of internal fighting within the org might have been reported as well and could affect the team's performance as the playoffs get underway.


Also, some secondary scoring needs to start showing up. After the main scoring guys, no one has more then 6 goals during the season, so will fatigue be a growing concern going into the post-season.



Indiana Ice

Both of the Indiana Ice players came-over from different teams this season. First the Tri-City Storm traded Blake Coleman from the Tri-City Storm to the Indiana Ice back midway through the season. Then later in the season, Jacob Fallon left the USNTDP under mysterious circumstances who played just 6 games went to the Indiana Ice.





Blake Coleman: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=3200319&seasonid=4429


2009-2010 Stats: 58 GP 28 PTS (10G 18A)

Home Town: Plano, Texas


College/Pro Path: Miami of Ohio University



After a slow start for the Tri-City Storm, he was traded to the Indiana Ice back in December and it has helped him out as he was able to help increase his goal scoring output as he had a 2 goal game in just his 3rd game against the Chicago Steel on New Year's Eve just after the Holiday Break ended. I also think being out of the lime light of being in Jaden Schwartz shadow who won the league scoring title this season with 83 points.



His strength though is a speed game where he can help set up breakaways and set up some of the teams goal scorers like Bryon Paulazzo and Max Cook. If Coleman is going to play a big role in the Ice's playoff hopes, his physical presence has been down played a little bit and be very discplined at the same time as the Ice will be probably be in some close games as 4 of the 5 games ended in 1 goal games.


Jacob Fallon: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=3213748&seasonid=4429

2009-2010 Stats: 32 GP 11 PTS (2G 9A)

Home Town: Southlake, Texas

College/Pro Path: Michigan University

Jacob Fallon almost never had a shot at a great season as he played in just 6 games during his time in the USNTDP with very little results as he didn't make his season debut till December. After his 6 games in December where he got just 2 points in his time.

He left under pretty mysterious circumstance's and was out of the league for a few weeks while pondering his future. He decided to go to the Indiana Ice where he made his debut back on 1/22 against the Tri-City Storm. He still had some issues taking over the game where had just 1 goal in his time with the Ice.

For him to help the team in the playoffs, he needs to basically put the regular season behind him and clear his mind to have a strong playoff run this year. He needs to use his speed to join the attack where he's not much of a defensive presence for the Ice. If he can't do those things, it may be a quick ouster for the Ice for the playoffs.

Indiana's Hopes: The Ice have the ability to match up well against Cedar Rapids as 4 of the 5 matchups ended up being one goal games. However, they must keep the scores low as the Roughriders won the only high scoring game. Expect to be a very close series and just like last year, don't be surprised to see this series go the full 5 games in this series.

USHL Divisional Semifinals Schedule & Preview

The United States Hockey League playoffs get underway on Wednesday night as all 4 series' will get underway as the East Division 1st Round Series' were set up back on March 31. One of the great things about the United States Hockey League is that this league gets it right when it comes down on how many teams make the playoffs. Unlike the Canadian Jr. A, Major Junior or the NAHL which basically allows nearly all the teams make it in.

This makes the 1st Round more exciting and more unpredictable more often and you see what happens. Last year we saw both of the #3 seeds in the Indiana Ice & Fargo Force make it to the Championship. With the talent gaps being a lot bigger then last year, I don't expect any thing like that to happen this year, but expect some great series' from a 1st round rematch as the Indiana Ice and Cedar Rapids Roughriders as both teams will be facing off for the 2nd straight year.

Also the Tri-City Storm will be looking to use their momentum who won the last 3 against the Lincoln Stars, Des Moines Buccaneers and Sioux Falls Stampede to hold off a hard charging Sioux City Musketeers team in the final weekend of the season. Even though the Storm are the #4 Seed, the Storm do have the league's scoring champion in Jaden Schwartz who had 83 points (33G 50A) during the regular season.

Fargo may have some problems looking to get back to the Clark Cup Championship as the Force are ending the regular season as the Force have lost 4 in a row and some reports of some internal fighting within the team may be distracting them. Sioux Falls may have a great shot as the Stampede are going into the playoffs by getting points in 6 of their final 7 (5-1-1). The Stampede almost took over the Force in the last couple of days of the season to take over home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. Expect this series to be the best of 4 Divisional Semifinal Series'.


Here's a look at the 1st Round Series' which all begin on Wednesday Night.


East Division Semifinals


#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Waterloo Blackhawks

Green Bay Gamblers Regular Season Record: 45-10-5 95 PTS, 212 GF 140 GA

Green Bay Scoring Leaders
Anders Lee 59 GP 66 PTS (35G 31A)
Reed Seckel 54 GP 58 PTS (24G 34A)
Ryan Furne 60 GP 45 PTS (19G 26A)


Green Bay Goaltending
Steve Summerhays 39 GP 31-2-3 2.17 GAA .914 SV%
Ryan Mckay 24 GP 14-8-2 2.20 GAA .909 SV%


Waterloo Blackhawks Regular Season Record: 31-27-2 64 PTS, 227 GF 221 GA


Waterloo Scoring Leaders
J.T. Brown 60 GP 77 PTS (34G 43A)
Brock Montpetit 55 GP 69 PTS (28G 41A)
Tyler Barnes 60 GP 68 PTS (35G 33A)

Waterloo Goaltending
C.J. Motte 42 GP 21-15-0 3.28 GAA .897 SV%
Willie Yanakeff 22 GP 10-9-0 3.31 GAA .880 SV%


All Green Bay Gamblers Home Games are @ Green Bay Resech Center

All Waterloo Blackhawks Home Games are @ Waterloo Young Arena


Game 1, 4/7: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Waterloo 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Waterloo 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary



#2 Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. #3 Indiana Ice

Cedar Rapids Roughriders Regular Season Record: 38-19-3 79 PTS, 214 GF 154 GA

Cedar Rapids Scoring Leaders
Zach Lehrke 58 GP 58 PTS (25G 33A)
Bryce Aneloski 60 GP 54 PTS (15G 39A)
Jeff Costello 54 GP 48 PTS (29G 19A)

Cedar Rapids Goaltending
Troy Grosenick 44 GP 26-14-2 2.63 GAA .902 SV%
Cody Campbell 29 GP 17-8-1 2.40 GAA .905 SV%


Indiana Ice Regular Season Record: 33-24-3 69 PTS, 199 GF 187 GA

Indiana Scoring Leaders
Bryon Paulazzo 59 GP 54 PTS (21G 33A)
Max Cook 57 GP 49 PTS (23G 26A)
Antti Roppo 59 GP 45 PTS (27G 18A)


Indiana Goaltending
Cab Morris 38 GP 21-13-2 2.57 GAA .913 SV%
Casey Desmith 27 GP 11-11-1 3.18 GAA .897 SV%

All Cedar Rapids Roughriders Home Games are @ Cedar Rapids Ice Arena

All Indiana Ice Home Games are @ Pan American Plaza

Game 1, 4/7: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Indiana 6:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Indiana 6:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary



West Division Semifinals

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

Omaha Lancers Regular Season Record: 42-12-6 90 PTS, 238 GF 146 GA

Omaha Scoring Leaders
Matt White 57 GP 82 PTS (35G 47A)
Erik Haula 56 GP 72 PTS (28G 44A)
Dakota Eveland 59 GP 59 PTS (20G 39A)

Omaha Goaltending
Jeff Teglia 45 GP 30-10-5 2.27 GAA .921 SV%
John Keeney 13 GP 8-1-1 1.98 GAA .916 SV%


Tri-City Storm Regular Season Record: 29-25-6 64 PTS, 172 GF 189 GA

Tri-City Scoring Leaders
Jaden Schwartz 60 GP 83 PTS (33G 50A)
Brett Mohler 60 GP 45 PTS (13G 32A)
Radoslav Illo 50 GP 43 PTS (24G 19A)


Tri-City Goaltending
Carsen Chubak 50 GP 21-19-6 2.98 GAA .903 SV%
Steven Bolton 20 GP 8-6-0 3.10 GAA .899 SV%


All Omaha Lancers Home Games are @ Omaha Civic Center

All Tri-City Storm Home Games are @ Viaero Event Center

Game 1, 4/7: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Tri-City 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Tri-City 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Omaha 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 Fargo Force VS. #3 Sioux Falls Stampede

Fargo Force Regular Season Record: 37-17-6 80 PTS, 227 GF 214 GA


Fargo Scoring Leaders
Matt Leitner 54 GP 66 PTS (25G 41A)
Corey Leivermann 59 GP 55 PTS (20G 35A)
Nate Condon 60 GP 51 PTS (23G 28A)

Fargo Goaltending
Ryan Massa 33 GP 19-7-2 3.18 GAA .896 SV%
Dayn Belfour 19 GP 8-3-4 3.41 GAA .881 SV%


Sioux Falls Stampede Regular Season Record: 33-15-12 78 PTS, 223 GF 182 GA


Sioux Falls Scoring Leaders
Michael Voran 60 GP 74 PTS (23G 51A)
Matt Lindblad 57 GP 70 PTS (24G 46A)
Mark Antoine 60 GP 52 PTS (27G 25A)

Sioux Falls Goaltending
Clay Witt 44 GP 24-12-7 2.66 GAA .906 SV%
Lino Chimienti 19 GP 8-3-5 3.10 GAA .879 SV%


All Fargo Force Home Games are @ Urban Plains Center

All Sioux Falls Stampede Home Games are @ Sioux Falls Arena

Game 1, 4/7: @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Fargo 7:35 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Fargo 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/13: @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Fargo 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary

Texas pulls off sweep in St. Louis, Tornado Lead Series 2-0

Just one night after coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win Game 1. The Tornado pull off another big upset in St. Louis as the Tornado are on the verge of knocking out the 3 time Robertson Cup Champions out of the playoffs and advancing to the South Division Final. For the 2nd straight game, James Howard and Shane Sooth have another huge game as the Tornado had a huge 2nd period to help make the difference to stun the St. Louis Bandits over the weekend.

The Team leading scorer from the Regular Season Jack Prince put the game with an empty netter for his 1st goal of the playoffs to put the game away to make it a 3-1 final. The Bandits defense hasn't been lighted up that much, but the goals they have given up have been critical as St. Louis is now one loss away from elimination.

From the Texas Tornado Booster Club Website: www.texastornadobc.com

The game's first stanza saw the Tornado kill off three Bandits power plays but neither team was able to find the back of the net. Officially the SOG for the first period were 11-2 in favor of St. Louis. The Tornado defense kept the Bandits on the perimeter so despite the lopsided SOG count Dan Sullivan had clear looks at most shots from the outside and easily turned them aside.

The best scoring chance of the period came when the Tornado on the penalty kill, as the Bandits were passing the puck across the ice at the point where Justin Jones got his stick in the passing lane and picked it off. He flew down the middle of the ice on the short handed breakaway and made a move to the back hand but a sprawling Groh was able to make the stop against the far post.

The Bandits were 0 for 3 on the power play while the Tornado didn't have a power play opportunity.

The Tornado were finally able to break through in the 2nd period on the power play courtesy of a Kitto two handed slash below the Tornado goal line in retaliation for a check along the end boards.

Rock Einersen stopped a clearing attempt at the far point and fed the puck down the boards to Ralfs Freibergs at the half wall. James Howard had crept down from the near point to the left circle and Freibergs saucered a pass through the crease to a wide open Howard for the tally at 8:16 mark of the 1st period.

The Tornado would score again just 3 minutes when Tyler Rostenkowski pass the puck from the blue line to Jones in the left circle for a one timer. Groh made the stick save but the rebound found its way right into Shane Sooth's wheelhouse and cranked a shot high glove side to make it 2-0 Texas.

SOG were even at 11. The Tornado converted 1 of 2 power play opportunities while the Bandits were 0 for 1.

The third period was fairly even played. St. Louis was finally able to notch a goal while on a 5 on 3 power play at 12:41 of the period. Sheehan fired a slapper from the point and Sullivan made the initial save, but Olszewski was all alone just to the left of the crease and jammed home the puck to pull the Bandits within one.

With time winding down St. Louis pulled Groh and with the extra attacker a shot came through traffic, Sullivan made the save and converted the puck. A Bandits player punched the puck loose from under Sullivan's glove and across the goal line but the referee had blown the whistle waving off the goal. On the ensuing faceoff the puck was redirected into the far corner where Jack Prince grabbed it and sent it the length of the ice into the empty net to restore the two goal lead.

SOG were 9-7 in favor of the Bandits and the Bandits were 1 for 2 on the power play while the Tornado were denied on their only opportunity.

Dan Sullivan made 36 saves of 37 shots on the evening to pick up the win and the first star of the game. For the series Sullivan has turned aside 76 of 79 shots on goal. Shane Sooth netted the game winner and picked up the 2nd star of the game. James Howard notched a goal and an assist to go along his two goal performance in game one to to give him four points in the series.

The win puts the Texas up 2 games to none in the best of five series and sends the action back to Frisco for games at 7:00 PM on Wednesday April 7th and Thursday April 8th if necessary.


Texas Tornado Leads Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Texas Tornado 3 St. Louis Bandits 1 (0-0, 2-0, 1-1)

1-0 TEX: James Howard (PP) (Freibergs, Einersen) 8:16 2nd

2-0 TEX: Shane Sooth (Jones, Howard) 11:13 2nd

2-1 STL: Daniel Olszewski (PP) (Sheehan, Ciotti) 12:41 3rd

3-1 TEX: Jack Prince (EN) (Unassisted) 19:16 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 20 STL 37

PP: TEX 1/3 STL 1/5

PIM: TEX 22 Minutes on 7 Penalties STL 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Dan Sullivan 36 SVS on 37 Shots STL CJ Groh 17 SVS on 19 Shots

ATT: 639

3rd Star: Daniel Olszewski (STL)

2nd Star: Shane Sooth (TEX)

1st Star: Dan Sullivan (TEX)

Texas Tornado Stun Bandits to take Series Opener

The Texas Tornado looked like huge underdogs as the series began as the team returned to the playoffs against the St. Louis Bandits as the 3 time champions were looking to pull off a historic 4 peat in the North American Hockey League.

However, despite just getting off 13 shots in the game and a great showing by Tornado goalie by Dan Sullivan as he made 40 saves to stifle the St. Louis Bandits.

The Tornado will be looking to make this an interesting series and possibly pull off a huge upset in the North American Hockey League South Division Semifinal Series and advance to play either the Springfield Jr. Blues or the Topeka Roadrunners to advance to the South Division Championship and a shot at making the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament for the first time since 2006.

From the Texas Tornado Booster Club Website: www.texastornadobc.com

From Chesterfield, Missouri: In the opening game of the first round series, the Tornado saw the Bandits jump out to a 2 goal lead.

On the first, the Tornado turned the puck over deep in their own zone, Smith threw the puck at the net but it was blocked out front of the Tornado Defensemen. Unfortunately the puck went straight to Belonger just below the left faceoff circle dot and he buried a one timer.

The 2nd goal was almost a mirror image of the first. Sheehan fired a shot from the high slot that Dan Sullivan turned aside and the rebound found the tape of Smith again just below the left faceoff circle for another one timer.

Despite getting down early, Texas did not roll over and played well in the period. They pulled back within one goal at the 15:19 mark of the 1st period with a power play goal. The Tornado moved the puck well on the power play. Ralfs Freibergs moved the puck from the far point to Shane Sooth on the blue line. Sooth found James Howard in the nearside circle when he launched an absolute rocket past Bruggeman.

Shots on Goal for the first period were 11-6 in favor of the St. Louis Bandits. The Tornado were 1 for 2 on the power play while St. Louis was 0 for 1.

The Tornado were able to knot the score at two early in the 2nd after killing off 44 seconds of Bandits power play carried over from the first. The Bandits broke into the zone on a long outlet pass from Bruggeman to Quackenbush on the near boards at the Tornado blue line, but the Tornado defense managed to strip the puck and Joe Adams picked it up and carried it back down the far boards into the offensive zone. From the half-wall he bumped the puck to Nick Taurence cutting across the ice in the high slot. Taurence settled the puck, delayed for Bruggeman to bite then slid the puck under the blocker at 3:27 mark.

The Tornado then put themselves in a deep hole when Freibergs was called for holding at the same time as the team was changing and was hit a too many men penalty to put the Bandits on a 5 on 3 power play. Dan Sullivan made a couple of huge saves from point blank range to keep the Bandits off the board. Just as it looked like they were about to kill off the 5 on 3, Adams was whistled for a cross check meaning the penalty kill had another two minutes of work to do, and work they did as they killed off the two man advantage again.

The Tornado took the lead for the first time on the evening with three seconds left in the 2nd period on Howard's 2nd goal with the assists going to Sooth and Adams.

Neither team was able to score in the third period allowing Howard's game winning goal to stand up as the game winner. Official SOG for the third period was 10-3 in favor of the Bandits.

Rather then rolling over after falling behind by two early, the Tornado continued to play and responded with three unanswered goals to take game 1 of the series. Howard had two goals on the night and with both Sooth and Adams picking up two assists apiece. Sullivan stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced to pick up the game 1 win.


Texas Tornado Leads Series 1-0


Game Boxscore

Texas Tornado 3 St. Louis Bandits 2 (1-2, 2-0, 0-0)

0-1 STL: Ryan Belonger (Smith, Houston) 4:22 1st

0-2 STL: Brad Smith (Sheehan, Olszweski) 9:53 1st

1-2 TEX: James Howard (PP) (Sooth, Freibergs) 15:19 1st

2-2 TEX: Nick Taurence (Adams) 3:27 2nd

3-2 TEX: James Howard (Sooth, Adams) 19:57 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 13 STL 42

PP: TEX 1/3 STL 0/4

PIM: TEX 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties STL 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Dan Sullivan 40 SVS on 42 Shots STL Tyler Bruggerman 10 SVS on 13 Shots

ATT: 722

3rd Star: Ryan Belonger (STL)

2nd Star: Brad Smith (TEX)

1st Star: James Howard (TEX)