NAHL South Division Report: Tornado Trades paying off Quickly

Here's a look at the NAHL on the weekly South Division Report on the Texas Tornado recent trades that are paying off very quickly. After a bit of shaky start where the Tornado went 2-1-1 in the NAHL Blaine Showcase and then a weekend where they lost all 3 games the week after (2 In OT). The Tornado have made some moves like bringing in Jimmy Kruger.

Since then the Tornado have won 5 in a row and have gotten into a log jam with the Amarillo Bulls and the Topeka Roadrunners in a three way tie for 2nd Place with 15 points and is just one point back of Division leading Wichita Falls who have stumbled by losing 4 of their last 5.

As for the rest of the South Division, the Corpus Christi Icerays have been working overtime as 3 of the 4 games on their recent home-stand went to the SO, winning them all. In addition, they starting to bring in some of the biggest crowds in the NAHL so far this season. Averaging nearly 3,000 fans per game so far and brought in an impressive 5,762 fans for their game yesterday afternoon against the New Mexico Mustangs.

Speaking of New Mexico, after a bad start to the season, the Mustangs are in the bottom of the Division with 10 points (4-5-2). Part of that has to do with the lack of a foundation in net where the Mustangs have already played 4 different guys in net so far this season. If it weren't for 3 straight OT Games (1-2 in those games), it would be a huge mountain to climb for the Mustangs this season.

In addition to the Mustangs lack of goaltending, the scoring has been a bit anemic as well, just 5 players have scored more then 3 goals this season, with Jimmy Peplinski leading the team with just 8 points. While Joe Smereck has the team lead in goals with 5.


Here's the current standings in the NAHL South Division.

1. Wichita Falls       7-2-2    16 PTS      41-33

2. Amarillo              7-3-1     15 PTS      45-32

3. Topeka                7-2-1     15 PTS      33-22

4. Texas                   6-2-3     15 PTS      41-37

5. Corpus                 6-4-1     13 PTS       42-43
Christi    

6. New Mexico        4-5-2     10 PTS       29-47


In addition to the South Division Report, here's a look at what's going around the rest of the league.

North Division: Bandits Have High Expectations Again

Central Division: Wings celebrate first Ever Victory

West Division: Kenai River Showing Promise


By Zach Duncan of the NAHL Website

Tony Curtale said he hasn't made many moves in past seasons. But after the 2-2-3 start, the Texas Tornado Head Coach felt that changes were needed to be made, especially in the goaltending department.

So Curtale was quite busy last week, acquiring three impact players in separate trades in an effort to give his roster a boost.

"I felt we had outplayed every team we had played," Curtale said. "We had an issue with goaltending, but I had felt good with how we had playing. We just weren't getting results."

The initial aftereffects can't be argued with. The Tornado spoiled Topeka's home opening weekend with a sweep, edging the Roadrunners 3-2 in Overtime on Friday and claiming a 2-0 victory the next night.

Curtale's biggest acquisition was goaltender Jimmy Kruger, who was attained from Alexandria in a trade that happened on Friday.

Kruger's debut in a Tornado sweater couldn't have gone better, as he stopped all 20 shots he faced for his first NAHL Shutout that day.

"He had an excellent Minnesota High School Career, and he's pretty big and athletic, Curtale said of Kruger. "We hope he can continue on the line of great goaltenders we've had."

Kruger wasn't the only player picked up by the Tornado last weekend. Forwards Nathan Sliwinski (From Wenatchee) and Josh Royston (Kenai River) and a couple of 1990 born veterans who have combined to rack up 31 goals in the NAHL last season.

Royston scored scored Saturday's first goal almost eight minutes after Jack Prince cemented the outcome with a tally late in the third period.

Ralfs Freibergs and Tyler Rostenkowski are two defensemen Curtale has been pleased with, but the Tornado's biggest breakout player has been forward Rock Einersen.

No one in the NAHL has registered more points then Einersen's 17, and his 10 goals trail Fairbank's J.T. Osbourne by one for the league lead. Einersen scored all three goals in Friday's win, including the game winner with 42 seconds into Overtime.

"He did well for us last year, too. But there's a difference between rookie good and veteran good," Curtale said. "We knew he had a lot of talent. He came in here stronger and he has fantastic skill - Division 1 Skill for sure."

There was one downside to the weekend in Kansas. Captain David Rigatti broke his foot when he blocked a shot and J.D. Howard went down with a shoulder injury.

Both are expected to miss 4-6 weeks, but Curtale doesn't expect his team to miss a week.

"We have good leadership in the locker room," Curtale said. "When one guy goes down, the rest of the team knows it has to step up."

South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: Through their first nine games, the Bulls have not trailed after the first or second periods, the only NAHL Team that can make that claim. Amarillo, which is tied for the division lead with 15 points, has killed off 26 of their last 27 penalties.

Corpus Christi Icerays: More then 3,000 fans came to the American Bank Center to witness the NAHL debut in Corpus Christi. The Icerays responded with a 4-3 victory over the Wichita Falls Wildcats capped off by Beau Walker's clinching goal in the sixth round of the shootout.

New Mexico Mustangs: Kevin O'Connor and Jimmy Peplinski scored first period goals for the Mustangs. New Mexico didn't find the back of the net after that against Amarillo, but it wasn't for a lack of opportunities. The Mustangs final 49 shots in the series were stopped.

Topeka Roadrunners: Michael Hill's Game tying goal forced overtime Friday in Topeka home debut against Texas, but the Roadrunners lost in the extra session 3-2. Topeka also had three first period shots bang off pipes in a 2-0 loss Saturday, which was Texas' first regulation win in Kansas since the team moved to Topeka in 2007, a span of 15 games.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: After scoring three goals in 31 games for the Wildcats last season, Sean Keane matched that total in a 20 minute time span with a hat trick in Saturday's 8-4 victory over Corpus Christi, the South Player of the week, now has a team high seven goals this season.

USHL Divisional Finals Schedule & Preview

We are down to 4 in the United States Hockey League as the Divisional Semifinals ended last night as the Indiana Ice came back from a 2-0 series deficit to comeback to win 3-2 against the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.

Next up for Fallon, Coleman and the rest of the 3rd seeded Ice will be the Top Overall seed Green Bay Gamblers who have been off since April 10. The Green Bay Gamblers are hoping to use their size as the Gamblers are hoping to ride their regular season best 95 points all the way to the USHL Clark Cup Championship this year.

In the playoffs, you need to spread the scoring and 10 players have scored at least 1 goal so far in the 3 games they played against the Waterloo Blackhawks Leading the way on offense is Anders Lee who was a goal and 4 assists while Ryan Furne and Reed Seckel who each have 4 points in the post-season. Indiana is hoping to use their momentum with players like Max Cook has really picked up the pace since losing the first 2 against Cedar Rapids.

The West Division Final will have the Omaha Lancers & Fargo Force which are both coming off Division Semifinal Sweeps over the Tri-City Storm & Sioux Falls Stampede in the 1st Round.

Omaha is looking to a strong offense that has the likes of Seth Ambroz & Nick Oddo who's leading the playoffs with 4 goals. In all 17 goals were scored in the 3 game series against the Tri-City Storm as the Lancers are looking to continue their offensive fire power in the 2nd Round against Fargo. With the expectation of a 7-6 win in Game 2, the Force have given up just 2 goals in the rest of the series.

Ryan Massa has the good in net as he has an unbelievable 2.24 GAA and a strong .923 SV% in the games where he started. They now not to put in Dylan Belfour who's only game was the 7-6 game that the Force has to comeback to win in Game 2 against the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.

Expect the goaltender battle to be between Fargo's Ryan Massa and Jeff Teglia who's played in every minute of the playoffs so far and during the regular season. Teglia played 3/4 of the games during the regular season where he won an impressive 30 games. Just one back of Steve Summerhays who ended up 31 during the season with the Green Bay Gamblers. If both Green Bay & Omaha play for the Clark Cup Championship, that could be the marquee matchup to determine who wins the championship this year.

As for Southwest Based Talent, all the main players are still in the playoffs. Chase Grant had the best 1st Round as he had 5 points in the 3 games for Fargo with 3 Goals and 2 assists. He had 3 of his 5 points in Game 2 where he had 3 of those 5 points including the Winner with just 1:20 left which was part of a 4 goal 3rd period to complete a major comeback.


East Division Final

#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #3 Indiana Ice

Green Bay Gamblers Road to the Clark Cup

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

East DIV. Semifinals VS. Waterloo: Game 1 2-1 W, Game 2 5-1 W, Game 3 5-2 W


Green Bay Scoring Leaders
Anders Lee 3 GP 5 PTS (1G 4A, +2)
Ryan Furne 3 GP 4 PTS (2G 2A, +2)
Reed Seckel 3 GP 4 PTS (1G 3A, +3)

Green Bay Goaltending
Steve Summerhays 3-0 1.33 GAA .949 SV%


Indiana Ice Road to the Clark Cup

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

DIV. Semifinals VS. Cedar Rapids: Game 1 0-6 L, Game 2 3-5 L, Game 3 3-1 W, Game 4 6-1 W, Game 5 3-2 OTW

Indiana Scoring Leaders
Max Cook 5 GP 5 PTS (4G 1A, -3)
Shane Bershbach 5 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +3)
Anthony Bitetto 5 GP 5 PTS (2G 3A, +3)

Indiana Southwest Players
Jacob Fallon 5 GP 1 PTS (1G 0A, -3)
Blake Coleman 5 GP 1 PTS (0G 1A, +1)


Indiana Goaltending
Casey Desmith 4 GP 3-0 1.43 GAA .957 SV%
Cab Morris 2 GP 0-2 6.73 GAA .818 SV%


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

All Indiana Ice Home Games are @ Pepsi Coliseum

Game 1, 4/16: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/18: @ Green Bay 3:05 PM

Game 3, 4/23: @ Indiana 6:05 PM

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

Game 5, 4/27: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary


West Division Final

#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #2 Fargo Force

Omaha Lancers Road to the Clark Cup

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

DIV Semifinals VS. Tri-City: Game 1 7-1 W, Game 2 5-4 OTW, Game 3 5-2 W


Omaha Scoring Leaders
Matt White 3 GP 6 PTS (2G 4A, -1)
Erik Haula 3 GP 6 PTS (0G 6A, 0)
Dennis Brown 3 GP 5 PTS (2G 3A, +4)

Omaha Southwest Players
Ryan Daugherty 3 GP 3 PTS (0G 3A, +1)
C.J. Ludwig 3 GP 2 PTS (0G 2A, +4)

Omaha Goaltending
Jeff Teglia 3 GP 3-0 2.30 GAA .881 SV%


Fargo Force Road to the Clark Cup

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

DIV. Semifinals VS. Sioux Falls: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 7-6 W, Game 3 3-1 W


Fargo Scoring Leaders
Matt Leitner 3 GP 6 PTS (3G 3A, +7)
Corey Leivermann 3 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +1)
Chase Grant 3 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +5)

Fargo Southwest Players
Johnnie Searfoss 3 GP 0 PTS (0G 0A, -1)

Fargo Goaltending
Ryan Massa 3 GP 3-0 2.24 GAA .923 SV%
Dayn Belfour 1 GP 0-0 6.23 GAA .846 SV%

All Omaha Lancers Home Games are @ Omaha Civic Center

All Fargo Force Home Games are @ Urban Plans Center

Game 1, 4/16: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

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

Game 4, 4/22: @ Fargo 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/24: @ Omaha 7:05 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

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

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Divisional Round Schedule: East & Atlantic Divisions

I showed you the matchups for the West & Central Divisions earlier. Now here's the schedule and info for the East & Atlantic Divisional Round Series' as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Playoffs get underway tonight.

With St. John & Moncton having 2 of the best 3 records in the league this season. They is real hope among hockey fans in New Brunswick about a possible All N.B. Final between the Seadogs and the Wildcats. Players like Mike Hoffman who scored 47 goals Nicholas Peterson will be hoping to take their league best 109 points to a QMJHL Championship and a shot of the Memorial Cup Title this season.

Nicholas Deschamps is looking to lead the Wildcats after a shocking loss to the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quarterfinals last season. Look for them to have a strong defense as well as the Wildcats have the best defense in the league by giving up just 168 goals during the regular season and helping out the goaltender duo of Nicola Riopel and Shane Owen to give the Wildcats a shot of winning the Q League Title this season.

Some of the challengers include the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and the East Division Champion Quebec City Ramparts looking to get back to the Championship after losing to Shawinigan in the Semifinals last season.

East Division

#1E Quebec City Ramparts VS. #5A Acadie-Bathurst Titans

Quebec City Ramparts Regular Season Record: 41-20-7 89 PTS, 278 GF 232 GA

Quebec City Scoring Leaders
Dmitri Kugryshev 66 GP 87 PTS (29G 58A)
Marc-Olivier Vallerand 68 GP 75 PTS (34G 41A)
Jonathan Audy-Marchessault 68 GP 71 PTS (30G 41A)

Quebec City Goaltending
Louis Dominque 41 GP 20-17-3 2.68 GAA .906 SV%
Jean-Phillipe Gagon 20 GP 10-6-0 2.81 GAA .902 SV%
Antoine Tardif 45 GP 31-11-3 3.30 GAA ..869 SV%


Acadie-Bathurst Titans Regular Season Record: 25-37-6 56 PTS

Acadie-Bathurst Scoring Leaders
Eric Faille 68 GP 77 PTS (31G 46A)
Jonathan Lessard 68 GP 64 PTS (36G 28A)
Taylor Lambrke 67 GP 51 PTS (22G 29A)

Acadie-Bathurst Goaltending
Francois Lacerte 34 GP 11-13-1 3.92 GAA .884 SV%
Guillaume Nadeau 40 GP 10-21-2 4.39 GAA .875 SV%


All Quebec City Ramparts Home Games are @ Pepsi Coliseum

All Acadie-Bathurst Titans Home Games are @ K.C. Irving Regional Auditourm

Game 1, 3/18: @ Quebec City 6:00 PM

Game 2, 3/19: @ Quebec City 6:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Acadie-Bathurst 5:30 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Acadie-Bathurst 5:30 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Quebec City 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Acadie-Bathurst 5:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Quebec City 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#2E Rimouski Oceanic VS. #3E Chicoutimi Sagueneens

Rimouski Oceanic Regular Season Record: 34-27-7 75 PTS, 246 GF 265 GA

Rimouski Scoring Leaders
Felix Lefrancois 66 GP 83 PTS (39G 44A)
Petr Straka 62 GP 64 PTS (28G 36A)
Ryan Kavaangh 58 GP 57 PTS (18G 39A)

Rimouski Goaltending
Matthew Dopud 43 GP 22-18-1 3.59 GAA .885 SV%
Phillippe Tremblay 32 GP 12-16-2 41.03 GAA .868 SV%


Chicoutimi Sagueneens Regular Season Record: 26-33-9 61 PTS, 186 GF 257 GA

Chicoutimi Scoring Leaders
Dominic Jalbert 68 GP 63 PTS (14G 49A)
Antoine Roussel 68 GP 47 PTS (24G 23A)
Alexis Piette 69 GP 41 PTS (16G 25A)

Chicoutimi Goaltending
Robin Gusse 39 GP 16-19-4 3.67 GAA .881 SV%
Christopher Gibson 29 GP 8-19-3 3.50 GAA .884 SV%

All Rimouski Oceanic Home Games are at Rimouski Coliseum

All Chicoutimi Sagueneens Home Games are @ George Vezina Center

Game 1, 3/19: @ Rimouski 6:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Rimouski 3:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Chicoutimi 6:30 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Chicoutimi 6:30 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Rimouski 6:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Chicoutimi 3:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Rimouski 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


Atlantic Division

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

St. John Seadogs Regular Season Records: 53-12-3 109 PTS, 309 GF 187 GA

St. John Scoring Leaders
Mike Hoffman 56 GP 85 PTS (46G 39A)
Michael Kirkpatrick 67 GP 83 PTS (29G 54A)
Nicholas Petersen 59 GP 79 PTS (39G 40A)

St. John Goaltending
Karel St-Laurent 68 GP 17-5-5 2.80 GAA .902 SV%
Marco Cousineau 45 GP 25-19-4 2.82 GAA .910 SV%


P.E.I. Rockets Regular Season Record: 35-25-8 78 PTS, 215 GF 224 GA

P.E.I. Scoring Leaders
Samson Bahbod 52 GP 64 PTS (20G 44A)
Benjamin Casavant 60 GP 56 PTS (32G 24A)
Jarrad Sruthers 67 GP 45 PTS (26G 19A)

P.E.I. Goaltending
Wendell Vye 56 GP 7-9-2 2.25 GAA .928 SV%
Evan Mosher 37 GP 21-13-3 3.13 GAA .904 SV%

All St. John Seadogs Home Games are @ Harbour Station Arena

All P.E.I. Rockets Home Games are @ Charlottentown Civic Center

Game 1, 3/19: @ St. John 5:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ St. John 5:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ P.E.I. 5:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ P.E.I. 5:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ St. John 5:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ P.E.I. 2:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ St. John 5:00 PM*

*If Necessary


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

Moncton Wildcats Regular Season Record: 48-14-6 102 PTS, 276 GF 164 GA

Moncton Scoring Leaders
Nicolas Deschamps 64 GP 96 PTS (39G 57A)
David Savard 64 GP 77 PTS (13G 64A)
Randy Cameron 68 GP 68 PTS (24G 44A)

Moncton Goaltending
Nicola Riopel 25 GP 19-5-1 2.06 GAA .918 SV%
Shane Owen 18 GP 14-3-3 2.12 GAA .925 SV%


Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Regular Season Record: 41-22-5 87 PTS 238 GF 185 GA

Cape Breton Scoring Leaders
Luke Adam 56 GP 90 PTS (49G 41A)
Jacob Lagace 60 GP 73 PTS (35G 38A)
Nick Macneil 65 GP 68 PTS (32G 36A)

Cape Breton Goaltending
Olivier Roy 54 GP 32-21-2 2.62 GAA .908 SV%
Christopher Holden 12 GP 6-5-0 2.81 GAA .905 SV%

All Moncton Wildcats Home Games are @ Moncton Coliseum

All Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Home Games are @ 2000 Coliseum

Game 1, 3/19: @ Moncton 5:00 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Moncton 5:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Cape Breton 5:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Cape Breton 5:00 PM

Game 5, 3/27: @ Moncton 5:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Cape Breton 5:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Moncton 5:00 PM*

*If Necessary