NAHL 3 Stars of the Weeks has a Southwest Flavor

All the NAHL Stars of the week has a Southwest Flavor which includes Dallas Native & Wenatchee Wild Goalie Robert Nichols who was named the Top Star of the week. In addition to being named the Top Star of the Week, he's been among the league's top goaltenders all season long with an impressive 1.48 GAA and a strong 13-2-3 record and an impressive 6 Shutouts this season.

He's a '92 birth year and would still have one more season of Junior Egilibity remaining after this season. But he's also hot on the tail when it comes down to being looked by NCAA Teams. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he announces a NCAA Commitment at some point this season

In addition, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie Anthony Stolarz continued an impressive run after being ranked in the NHL Draft Rankings. He was named the #2 Star of the week after he looks to continue his dominate run and help carry the Ice Rays to the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era. While New Mexico Mustangs Forward & the team's scoring leader Adam Chapie was the #3 Star of the week as well in one of the team's better weekends of the season.

NAHL 3 Stars of the Week Press Release

By NAHL Staff: The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced the Three Stars of the Week ending January 15, 2012. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-2012 regular season that honors the top performing players of the regular season nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Robert Nichols, Wenatchee Wild Goaltender: Having already earned 3rd star honors back on September 27th, Wenatchee Goaltender Robert Nichols, 19, put together a perfect weekend in goal as he was able to post shutouts in back-to-back starts and help the Wild to a three game road sweep of the Dawson Creek Rage. On Friday, the Dallas, Texas native stopped all 27 shots in a 2-0 win. On Sunday, he made 13 saves in a 3-0 win over the Rage. Nichols (5'11" 180) set a new individual single-season Wenatchee Record for shutouts with his sixth of the season, Nichols surpassed Brandon Jaeger, who recorded five shutouts last season.

For the week, Nichols was perfect stopping all 40 shots he saw. Nichols continues to have a record breaking season. He currently leads in the NAHL in both goals against average (GAA) and save percentage (94.3%). "It makes it easier for the entire team when Robert is playing like he is. He is a smart goalie and can play the puck as well as anyone I have ever seen." said Wild Head Coach John Becanic. "To have the goalie tandem like we do really sheds some light on how well these guys are playing in goal and hopefully it leads to some NCAA Division 1 Opportunities."

2nd Star: Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie: Corpus Christi netminder Anthony Stolarz, 17, who recently committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the WCHA, arguably had his best weekend of the year as he helped the Ice Rays to three wins over the weekend to continue their current winning streak and keep a firm grip on a playoff spot in the South Division. On Friday, the Jackson, New Jersey Native allowed just one goal on 30 shots as the 'Rays beat Odessa 2-1 in a shootout. The next night, Stolarz (6'5" 200) stopped all 40 shots that came his way as Corpus Christi shutout the Jackalopes, 3-0.

On Sunday, Stolarz started his 9th consecutive game and made 33 saves in a 4-1 defeat of the Texas Tornado. For the weekend, Stolarz stopped an amazing 102 of 104 shots good for a 98.1 save % for the week and 0.64 GAA. "He delivered a complete weekend for us and continues to give us a chance to win each game," said Ice Rays head Coach Justin Quenneville. "Since his commitment to Nebraska-Omaha he has been playing his best hockey of the season. "I think he is still out to prove he is the best goalie in the country at this level."

3rd Star: Adam Chapie, New Mexico Mustangs Forward: University of Massachusetts-Lowell recruit Adam Chapie, helped the New Mexico Mustangs to their first weekend sweep since late November as the forward from Oxford, Michigan recorded five points (3G 2A) in a two game home-and-home sweep against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. On Saturday, Chapie (6'1 175) recorded a goal and two assists as the Mustangs picked up a big 5-2 road win in Wichita Falls. On Sunday, Chapie recorded two more goals, including the game-winner as New Mexico swept the Wildcats with a 7-4 win in New Mexico.

Chapie was also +5 on the weekend and scored his team leading fourth game-winning goal. Chapie leads the Mustangs in scoring with 35 points (19 Goals, 16 Assists) in 37 games played. "It has been a great year for Adam and he seems to be consistently producing every weekend," said Mustangs Head Coach Jason Kersner. "He has done a lot for the team in his two years and has stuck through it to make us feel we have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender this year."

Other players nominated were (Alphabetical): Gabe Antoni, Springfield Jr. Blues Goaltender -  Tyler Bruggeman, Austin Bruins Goaltender - Mike Fazio, Chicago Hitmen forward -  Alex Fons, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Goaltender -  Christan George, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Forward -  Jake Hebda, Minot Minotauros Goaltender - Logan Lemirande, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - Zach Lindsay, Corpus Christi Icerays Forward - Jake Lynes, Topeka Roadrunners Forward - Ken MacLean, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Goaltender - Darren McCormick, Janesville Jets Forward - Ian Miller, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - JT Osborn, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward - Shawn Pauly, Wenatchee Wild Forward - Jimmy Peplinski, New Mexico Mustangs Forward - Sean Reynolds, Chicago Hitmen Forward - Tyler Richter, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - TJ Sarcona, Amarillo Bulls Forward - Chris Sitler, Springfield Jr. Blues Forward - Castan Sommer, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - Trace Strahie, Topeka Roadrunners Defensemen





Who can stop the Tornado? a 5-0 win gives Texas their 11th straight win

Talk about dominating the NAHL.

The amazing winning streak continues for the Tornado continues as the Tornado had no problems winning their 11th straight with a 5-0 shutout of the New Mexico Mustangs.

The Tornado were lead tonight by Alex Boyer's 2 goals as well as 2 assists from Nathan Slinwinksi, also props goes out to Czech Native Pavel Hurtik who scores his first goal as a member of the Texas Tornado and also picked up an assist in the 3rd period as well.

In all, the team is flexing its muscles and sending a message to the rest of the league that the team can contend for the NAHL Robertson Cup this season. Everything is clicking on all clyinders right now and it's been paying off in all sorts of ways.

First earlier this week, four Tornado Players as Rock Einersen, David Rigatti, Ralfs Freibergs and Jimmy Kruger will be competing at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month in Boston. In addition to the players on the ice, head coach Tony Curtale will also be behind the bench at the event.

Right now with the long homestretch and the way their playing, it will take a combo of a great effort and catching the Tornado on an off night to end this streak and send a message that they can challenge the Tornado to win the South Division and keep the Tornado from getting a shot of heading to Kansas in May to play for the NAHL Robertson Cup.

Also yesterday, Tornado Goaltender Jimmy Kruger had the achievements continue as he was named the Goaltender of the Month for October where he had an impressive 1.63 GAA and a .933 SV%.

The Tornado and Mustangs will play again tonight and theirs no reason in my mind that the Tornado can't make it a dozen in a row. Also the team has the top record in the league at 13-2-3 with 29 points and is just one point up on the Wichita Falls Wildcats who beat the Corpus Christi Icerays 4-2 last night.

"Jimmy has worked very hard since his arrival to become a better goalie and better athlete and he's helped solidify our defense, which is already a solid group," said Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale, whose team is riding a 10 game winning streak. "He has great size (6'3", 190 pounds) and ability and makes key saves during key moments of the game, which is important."


Here's the Tornado Players at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament

Jimmy Kruger named NAHL Goaltender of the Month

Game Story from the Texas Tornado Website

New Mexico Mustangs 0  Texas Tornado 5  (0-2, 0-1, 0-2)

From Frisco, Texas: Two goals from Axel Boyer, two assists from Nathan Slinwinski and 14 saves from Jake Stafford led the Tornado to a workman like 5-0 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday Night. For the Tornado, it was there 11th straight win continuing the NAHL's longest winning streak this season. The Tornado and Mustangs will will finish out the series in Frisco on Saturday, November 6th at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the game are still available at the box office, by calling 972-335-9800 or online at http://www.tornadohockey.com/ An official tailgate party will take place prior to the game beginning at 4:00 PM in the South Parking Lot in between the parking garage and the baseball stadium.

The Tornado skated the scoring just over a minute into the game as Jackson Leef got a loose puck off a Mustangs turnover and decked the Mustangs goalie Matt Madore for his 8th goal of the season. Late in the period the Tornado made it 2-0 as some nifty stick work by Nate Slinwinski got the puck in the low slot to Axel Boyer, who one-timed a drive past Madore. Tyler Rostenkowski also assisted on the goal.

The 2nd period was the Mustangs best of the night, but every chance was met by a save Stafford including a few odd man rushes. The Tornado increased the lead to 3-0 as Pavel Hurtik scored his first goal in a Tornado Uniform as he blasted a slap shot from the point just as a Tornado Power Play expired past a screened Madore. J.D. Howard and Marc Biggs assisted on Hurtik's bomb. The 2nd period also saw two fights within a second of another as Mike Fleming and Mark Zagari both threw down for Texas.

The 3rd period was all Tornado as they out-shot the Mustangs 20-2 in the period and got one more on the stick of Boyer, who again was the recipient of some magic stickhandling by his line-mate Sliwinski. Boyer deked Madore for his second of the night and a 5-0 Tornado lead, which would end up being the final score. Hurtik assisted for his 2nd point of the night.

NAHL South Division Report: Corpus Christi bringing in Huge Crowds

Even though the Corpus Christi Icerays are currently in 5th place in the NAHL South Division, they are winning big at the gates and with the fans as they are leading the league in average attendance with just under 3500 per game and a couple of games where they have pushed 6,000 at the American Bank Center.

It's starting to look like that making the move from Minor League to Junior is turning out to be a great move for the city and the team. During the final year of the Corpus Christi Icerays playing in the Central Hockey League were they were averaging a little over 3,000 fans per game.

But they are embracing the Junior Route and hope to make a desirable destination for young players to come to their team in the near future and hoping to compete with teams like the Texas Tornado and Wichita Falls Wildcats for players in the Southwestern part of the country.

Here's a look at the rest of this Weeks Division Reports.

West Division, No Place like home for Fresno

NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan of the NAHL Website

Some Hockey fans in Corpus Christi were skeptical when it announced last May that the local pro team would be replaced by a NAHL Team.

But it hasn't taken long for those fans to be won over by the excitement of Junior A Hockey.

The Icerays lead the NAHL in attendance with an average of 3,446 fans per game. In Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Texas Tornado, 5,912 fans came out for the team's annual stars and stripes Night, in which tickets were provided to the families of Police, Fire, other law enforcement and emergency response personnel.

Another 5,762 fans showed up at the American Bank Center on October 10 to witness a 5-4 shutout victory over the New Mexico Mustangs.

Corpus Christi coach Brent Hughes said the transition from pro to junior hockey couldn't have been much smoother, and has received lots of support and positive feedback from the fans.

"It's gone really super well," said Hughes, who is enjoying his first stint coaching junior hockey after spending the last seven years in Pro Hockey in Corpus Christi and Austin. "A lot of skepticism was definitely in the air (about the league switch). A lot of people didn't know about Junior Hockey in Texas.

"It's pretty much the same speed as the pro game, and the intensity is probably higher."

Hughes said that Icerays GM Pat Dunn invited all of last year's season ticket holders to the first two home dates on October 1 and 2 and guaranteed that he'd refund their money for 2010-2011 if they were satisfied.

The result was an increase in season tickets sold. Corpus Christi has always drawn well - it averaged 3104 fans in 32 home games a year ago as a pro team - so it's not too surprising that fans have embraced a different level of hockey.

While the crowds have been stellar, the Icerays own a 3-3 record at the American Bank Center and are 6-6-2 on the season.

Hughes said he expected a slow start because his squad is young and it was assembled later then most. The Alpena team wasn't relocated to South Texas until after many teams have tendered prospects and the 2010 NAHL Draft had taken place.

"If I was told we'd be almost .500 almost two months into the season, I would have taken all day long." Hughes said. "With Junior Kids, there's a bigger learning curve. We're making headway, and the guys keep working together."

Goaltender Marco Wesiner, who played in 42 games with Alpena last year, has been pivotal to the Icerays Success early on. Hughes also said that leading scorers Beau Walker (21 Points) and Mike Benedict (15 Points) have flourished in early roles. Walker scored all of 7 points a year ago with the Alaska Avalanche.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: The Bulls have been outstanding at home this season, winning seven of eight and outscoring opponents 39-24 in the process. Forward Zack Smoot and defensemen Karl Backman are a combined +20 inside the Amarillo Civic Center. The Bulls only play two games in the next three weeks.

Here's the Amarillo Bulls Weekly Release

New Mexico Mustangs: Forward Adam Chapie has a hand in all the Mustangs goals during Saturday's 5-3 loss to Wichita Falls. Chapie, a Michigan Native, registered a goal and two assists. He leads New Mexico with 9 points this season.

Texas Tornado:  The Tornado has won eight straight and moved into sole possession of first place with a weekend sweep of Corpus Christi. Texas has scored at least eight goals once in each of the past three weekends, and J.D. Howard returned after being sidelined for three weeks with an injury to lead Texas with four points against the Icerays.

Here's some interesting news items on activities coming up.

First here's what's planned for Halloween Weekend

Texas Tornado Tailgate Parties

Topeka Roadrunners: Topeka split it's home weekend series against the St. Louis bandits. The Roadrunners rallied from a 3-1 deficit Friday behind five goals in the third period to win 6-3. Captain Michael Hill scored twice. While Jordan Davis and Nate Milam recorded shorthanded tallies a mere 45 seconds apart.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: After a 1-for-25 stretch on the power play on its previous four games, the Wildcats broke out of a slump by going 5-for-14 during a four point weekend. Mac Olson, who had a hat trick in Sunday's 5-3 win against New Mexico and Mikhail Sentyurin had two man advantage goals each.

NAHL South Division Report; Amarillo taking early success in stride

Here's a look at this weeks South Division Report about the Amarillo Gorillas off to a great start as they take in a new home after being in the Southern Minnesota town of Albert Lea where they were having problem after problem with the team before they moved to the Texas Panhandle.

So far, the Bulls are tied for first in the South Division with a 9-3-1 record through 13 games and will be hosting the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Friday Night for the only game of the weekend. They hoping that they can get the win and get some help from the Corpus Christi Icerays as they will host the Texas Tornado for a pair of games this weekend on Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon.

The top players for the Bulls so far has to be one of the top goalies in the NAHL with a solid .929 SV% and a 2.17 GAA in 12 games played this season.

As for offensive production, keep a look out for Zach Smoot who's leading the team in scoring with 14 points (6G 8A) as well as Cody Freeman who leads the team in goals right now with 7. In addition just announced yesterday that defensemen Kyle Sucher has been named on the NHL Central Scouting Watch list for 2011. Sucher is a commit to Bowling Green State University and has 2 goals in 8 games so far this season.

Here's the NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan

Derek Williams is a firm believer in keeping everything in an even keel. So though his Amarillo Bulls are fresh of an impressive two game sweep of the Topeka Roadrunners and are tied for the NAHL South Lead, don't expect them to be overconfident.

"It's a long season, and we'll have some highs and lows," said Williams, who came to the Amarillo Bulls after coaching at Bowling Green State Univeristy. "Whetever gets thrown at us, we just have to keep going."

Saturday Night was a perfect example of maintain composure through adversity.

After the Bulls 4-2 victory on Friday in which Dan Sherer scored twice - including the game winner with 7:15 to go - Topeka surged ahead 4-1 the next night.

But the Bulls didn't panic. When Michael Erickson scored with one second remaining in the second period, Amarillo was re-energized despite trailing by two goals.

"It gave us some life," Williams said. "In the locker room, we talked about how we've scored two goals in a lot of periods this year. We aren't going to change our game plan."

Terrance Johnson and Chris Cass responded by finding the back of the net in the final 20 minutes, and Johnson notched the difference maker in the seventh round of the shootout.

The Bulls are third in the NAHL in scoring, averaging 4.15 Goals per game. But there isn't anyone from Amarillo that's in the top 15 of the league's leading scoring leaders.

Impressive depth is the reason for that. Ten players have recorded at least 8 points, led by Zach Smoot (6G 8A) and Cody Freeman (7G 5A).

In fact, theirs not a single player on the Amarillo's current roster with plus-minus rating in the red.

"All four lines are contributing," said Williams. "I can't tell you who our #1 line is right now. We're strived for 5-on-5."

The Defense lead by captain Derek Hills, Luke Jenkins and Karl Backman, has also hunkered down, allowing just 26.42 shots per game.

Williams said that Amarillo has a good mix of veterans and junior hockey newcomers. Eight Bulls played last season with the Albert Lea Thunder, the team that relocated to Texas during the off-season.

One of those was Smoot, who Williams said he is a fast skater and good puck-handler who's elevated his game up a notch since the preseason.

Another is goaltender Nikifor Szczerba, who played in 13 games for the Thunder in 2009-2010.

"I thought at camp, he looked a little out of shape and his conditioning was suspect," Williams said. "Now's he's getting in workouts after games, going hard on a bike."

"And more and more guys are doing that. We had 12 guys doing a squat workout after Saturday's game, and that was a tough battle. "That's really nice to see."

The hard work has paid off for Szczerba, who is sporting a 9-1-1 record with a 2.17 GAA and a .929 SV% so far this season.

And it's paid off for the Bulls, who look to keep the momentum rolling Friday against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Here's the current NAHL South Division Standings.

1. Amarillo           13 GP   9-3-1    19 PTS     54-38

2. Texas               13 GP   8-2-3    19 PTS     52-40

3. Wichita Falls    12 GP   8-2-2    18 PTS     43-34

4. Topeka             12 GP   7-3-2    16 PTS     39-31

5. Corpus Christi   12 GP   6-4-2   14 PTS     43-45

6. New Mexico     13 GP    4-7-2    10 PTS    32-58


South Division Notebook

Corpus Christi Icerays: The Icerays couldn't extend Friday's 2-1 overtime loss to Wichita Falls into a shootout, but if they had, Corpus Christi would have had the owned the edge. The Icerays success rate of 55.6 % (10 of 18) trails only Austin as the league's top shootout team.

New Mexico Mustangs: Eli Riddle scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday in Saturday's loss to Texas. Only two NAHL Defensemen have scored more goals, and no blueliners have a better shooting percentage then his 31.3%.

Texas Tornado: After sweeping New Mexico, the Tornado is riding an NAHL Best 6 game winning streak and is tied for the Division lead. Sean Heidrick scored four goals in Friday's 8-2 win victory, and goalie Jimmy Kruger made 26 saves in Saturday's 3-1 outcome, boosting his record between the pipes to 5-0.

Topeka Roadrunners: Daniel Dupell scored a pair of goals in Saturday's 5-4 shootout loss to Amarillo, including his league leading second shorthanded tally of the year. Topeka killed off all 17 of the Bulls power plays over the weekend, bumping it's success rate to 91.1%, which ranks third in the league.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Tyler Green (2.46 GAA, .921 SV%) has emerged as the team's #1 netminder, starting in five of the Wildcats six last outings. His record has improved to 5-1-2 after he stopped 17 of 18 shots in Wichita Falls' 2-1 OT Victory against the Icerays.


Here's the Links to the rest of the Division Reports.

North Division, North Stars help fight Breast Cancer

Central Division, Austin Bruins continue to fight on after a slow start.

West Division

NAHL South Division Report; Topeka Building another strong contender

With the top 4 teams in the NAHL's South Division all log jammed and separated by just a single point heading into this weekends games. The Roadrunners have a chance to go on top with a tough weekend road trip to Amarillo against the Bulls where the Roadrunners are looking to continue a strong road- trip with 2 huge wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats with 6-1 and 5-3 wins last weekend in Northwest Texas.

Now the Roadrunners will be looking to shake up one of the league's best goaltenders in Nikifor Szczerba who has been in net for all seven victories for the Bulls this season.

For the Roadrunners, they have been the team that haven't been able to finish off a strong regular season after having a strong season last year where they finished the season tied with Wenatchee for the best overall record at 44-9-5. After dominating Springfield in the first round, they ran into their arch rival St. Louis Bandits who after a back-and-fourth series that got it tied at 2-2 after four games. St. Louis dominated the 5th and final game of the series where the Bandits won 5-0 to win the series and the South Division for the 4th straight year.

Now with St. Louis going to the East Division, it will be fighting off teams like the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and the Wichita Falls Wildcats for the South Division Title this season.

Through 10 games this season, the Roadrunners are looking to get away from the Gridlock that has the top 4 teams separated by just 1 point. In addition to the Topeka VS. Amarillo Weekend Series, you have the Tornado heading west to play the New Mexico Mustangs, finally it's a single game weekend as the Wichita Falls Wildcats plays a single game set with the Corpus Christi Icerays this weekend.

Can Topeka find a way to take control of the division, or can Texas, Wichita Falls or Amarillo find a way to break away from the current pack.

Here's the Current Division Standings. Plus links to the team Stats for the NAHL South Division.

1. Wichita Falls        11 GP     7-2-2    16 PTS      41-33

2. Amarillo                11 GP     7-3-1    15 PTS      45-32

3. Topeka                   10 GP     7-2-1    15 PTS      33-22

4. Texas                      11 GP     6-2-3    15 PTS      41-37

5. Corpus Christi       11 GP     6-4-1    13 PTS      42-43

6. New Mexico            11 GP    4-5-2     10 PTS      29-47


Here's the Team Stats for each of the Teams

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Topeka Roadrunners

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Here's a look at the rest of the Divisions.

West Division, Consistency key to Avalanche Success

Central Division, Additions Bolster the Express Attack

North Division, Springfield Rebound after shaky Start


Here's the NAHL South Division Report from Zach Duncan

As host of the 2011 NAHL Robertson Cup, the Topeka Roadrunners have assured of participating in the NAHL's Championship Tournament.

However, Topeka Roadrunners Head Coach Scott Langer said his squad doesn't discuss that fact.

Instead, the Roadrunners have their sights set on defending their South Division Regular Season Title they captured last year.

"Every night it's going to be a difficult game," Langer said. "Every team that wins the South Division has to win 40 plus games to do it, and that's a lot of hockey games."

Through almost one-fifth season, only six points separate the first place Wildcats from the last Place New Mexico Mustangs.

The Roadrunners (7-2-1 15 PTS) are currently one point shy of the Wildcats thanks to a two game sweep in Wichita Falls over the weekend.

Those victories came on the heels of a disappointing home opener the weekend before, but Langer said spent Topeka last week refocusing.

"We had to replace a lot of guys like we have every year," said Langer. "We have only seven guys back, so it's a matter baby steps and growing pains. That's what were seeing right now."

Michael Hill, who bagged a hat trick in Friday's 6-3 win, has stepped up his game since becoming the team's captain. Hill has scored a team best 17 games, and his five power play goals are second in the NAHL.

Defensemen Jacob Poe is another veteran who turned down a scholarship offer to Alabama-Huntsville because he felt he had unfinished business with the Roadrunners, who were eliminated in last year's South Division Final.

"That shows a lot about his character," said Langer, who recorded his 250th win with the Roadrunners Saturday (Langer has been their coach since the organization arrived from Santa Fe in 2004).

A couple Junior A Newcomers - forwards Justin Hussar (8 Points) and Kevin Novakovich (3 Goals) - are playing well, but Langer's said his squad's strength so far this season has been in net.

Holdover Eric Rohrkemper and Finland Native Rasmus Tirronen have combined for a 2.20 GAA and a .915 SV%.

Rohrkemper played 20 games with Topeka last season before emerging as the team's number 1 goalie in the playoffs. That experience is paying dividends.

"Having to grow up so quickly against a team like the St. Louis Bandits is not easy to do," Langer said. "It's such a competitive situation right now. Those guys are fighting for minutes."

And the Roadrunners, who haven't finished lower then second in the three years since relocating to Kansas, will be fighting for a South Division title - even if a Robertson Cup Spot is not on the line.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: Despite two losses to the Tornado, the Bulls are still averaging 4.09 Goals per game, second highest in the league behind Fairbanks. Forward T.J. Sarcona has registered an assist in each of the last five games.

Corpus Christi Icerays: With a pair of shootout victories against New Mexico, Corpus Christi has bumped its record to 4-0 in shootouts this season. Five of the Icerays 11 games have been tied at the end of regulation. No team has played more OT/SO Games in the NAHL.

New Mexico Mustangs: Goaltender Brian Jones got some revenge on Thursday Night against the Wildcats, who traded him before the October 1 Roster Cuts. Jones made 36 saves and stopped all but one shootout attempt in the Mustangs 3-2 victory. He's 1-1-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .908 SV% since joining New Mexico.

Texas Tornado: Ralfs Freibergs has six assists over the weekend, including 5 in Saturday's 8-4 win over Amarillo. Freibergs 15 points are the most among NAHL Defensemen, he also heads the league in assists with 14 and power play assists (8). The Tornado are currently riding a four game winning streak.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Mikhail Sentyurin's three game streak of scoring a goal ended in Saturday's loss to Topeka. Mattia Bortolotto picked up an assists Friday in his second game with the team after being acquired by the WHL's Prince George Cougars.

New Mexico nipps Division Leading Wichita Falls in SO

The New Mexico Mustangs are recovering nicely from the slow start that got them in last place for now. Last night a back-and-fourth game in Rio Rancho saw Evan Johnston and Adam Chapie score in the SO to beat the Wichita Falls Wildcats 3-2 and to get the Mustangs back on track after a rough weekend that saw them get outscored 13-2 in a pair of games against the Amarillo Bulls last weekend.

As for the remainder of the weekend, New Mexico will head to the Coastal Bend to play the Corpus Christi Icerays will the Wichita Falls Wildcats play a pair of home games against the Topeka Roadrunners on Friday & Saturday Night coming up.


Here's the Game Boxscore and Story from last night.

Wichita Falls Wildcats 2  New Mexico Mustangs 3  (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

9/20-26 This Weeks Southwest Schedule

With the North American Hockey League Season getting underway last week and with things like NHL & AHL Preseason about to start up. Every Monday, I'm going to present a Southwest Schedule so you can see which teams in which leagues are in action so you can make your plans on games that fans may want to head up to. So far, the Stars are back from Prince Edward Island and will begin their regular practice schedule from the Dr. Pepper Starcenter in Frisco.

With the NAHL Blaine Showcase now over, the home schedule for the NAHL Teams get underway this week with everybody execpt the Corpus Christi Icerays starting the home schedule this week, for Corpus Christi, they first home game will be on October 1.

Here's this weeks home schedule. All Start Times are CDT.

NHL Preseason

9/21: VS. Tampa Bay Lightning 7:30 PM

9/24: VS. Colorado Avalanche 7:30 PM

9/25: VS. St. Louis Blues 7:00 PM


NAHL Schedule

9/24

Texas Tornado VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM


9/25

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM


9/26

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Amarillo Bulls 6:00 PM

NAHL Blaine Showcase Scoreboard, Day 1

Here's a look at the scores from Day 1 at the NAHL Blaine Showcase up in the Twin Cities. For the Southwest Teams, it's been a mixed bag so far as Amarillo & Wichita Falls have beaten Michigan & Chicago today, while the New Mexico Mustangs got blasted by the Janesville Jets and the Corpus Christi Icerays had a fustrating day against Traverse City in a 1-0 loss.

Currently the Texas Tornado are on the ice in their season opener against the Motor City Metal Jackets. Other action tonight involves the Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alexandria Blizzard & the Owatonna Express VS. Wenatchee Wild.

Look for the last 3 games late tonight to see the links to the Boxscores.

Alaska Avalanche 8 Aberdeen Wings 5 (2-0, 2-2, 4-3)

Corpus Christi Icerays 0 Traverse City North Stars 1 (0-1, 0-0, 0-0)

Michigan Warriors 3 Amarillo Bulls 4 (1-2, 2-1, 0-1)

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3 Austin Bruins 4 (SO) (0-2, 1-1, 2-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Bismarck Bobcats 7 Fresno Monsters 2 (6-0, 0-1, 1-1)

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 2 Coulee Region Chill 5 (0-2, 0-2, 2-1)

Wichita Falls Wildcats 8 Chicago Hitmen 1 (2-0, 3-0, 3-1)

St. Louis Bandits 3 Dawson Creek Rage 0 (0-0, 0-0, 3-0)

New Mexico Mustangs 0 Janesville Jets 7 (0-3, 0-4, 0-0)

Springfield Jr. Blues 1 Kenai River Brown Bears 4 (0-0, 0-1, 1-3)

Owatonna Express 3 Wenatchee Wild 5 (0-0, 0-3, 3-2)

Topeka Roadrunners 6 Alexandria Blizzard 4 (4-0, 1-3, 1-1)

Texas Tornado 4 Motor City Metal Jackets 5 (OT) (1-2, 3-0, 0-2, 0-1)

Day 1 Recap


Here's a look at tomorrow's schedule.

Coulee Region Chill VS. St. Louis Bandits 10:00 AM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 10:15 AM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Janesville Jets VS. Alaska Avalanche 1:15 PM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 1:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Austin Bruins 1:45 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Owatonna Express 4:30 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Alexandria Blizzard 4:45 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Aberdeen Wings VS. Michigan Warriors 7:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM

Twitter Updates during NAHL Blaine Showcase

Be sure to look for my twitter page starting today through Saturday as the North American Hockey League (NAHL) will kick off the season opening Blaine Showcase up at the Schwan Super Rink today. Schwan Super Rink is one of the biggest public rinks in the country boasting of 8 ice rinks, numerous practice facilities and workout areas for teams and players of all sizes and ability levels.

The Showcase gets going in a little over an hour with the Alaska Avalanche taking on the expansion Aberdeen Wings at 10:00 AM. As for Southwest Teams, the Amarillo Bulls will hit the ice at 10:30 AM against the Michigan Warriors. Also the Corpus Christi Icerays will get underway this morning at 10:15 AM against the North Division Champion Traverse City North Stars as they look to defend the Division Championship and get back to the Robertson Cup Tournament this year in Topeka, Kansas.

For full schedule and stats updates, check out the NAHL Page on Pointstreak and look for game summaries of the 5 Southwest Teams going on throughout the Showcase Event. This is not just to open the season but a chance for the players to play in front of NCAA & Professional Scouts as they get looked at throughout the season.

For the latest News, check out the NAHL Showcase Website

To check out the latest Scores & Stats Updates, click Here

Check out the venue for the Showcase, the Schwan's Super Rink

My Twitter Page

Southwest Team Websites

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Southwest Teams Schedule for this Week. To see the full schedules, click on the Dates.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

Watch the NAHL Blaine Showcase on Fast Hockey

After the last several years on B2TV, the NAHL are changing their Internet broadcast service to Fast Hockey and they will be making their debut tomorrow when the NAHL Blaine Showcase in Minnesota gets underway. You can watch every game live and can get them on Demand as well if you can't watch them live.

It all starts tomorrow morning as the Alaska Avalanche will open the showcase against the Aberdeen Wings, as for Southwest Teams kicking off their Showcase action, that will be the Corpus Christi Icerays facing off against the defending North Division Champion Traverse City North Stars.

Other games tomorrow include the Amarillo Bulls against the Michigan Warriors, Wichita Falls who goes up against Chicago who had a rough opening weekend last weekend losing all 3 games against Traverse City & a pair against the Janesville Jets. Later in the day it will be the New Mexico Mustangs and the Janesville Jets, then the Texas Tornado will wrap up the first day with a game against the emerging Motor City Metal Jackets.

To get the info on what you need to get on board and watch the North American Hockey League all season long, here's a Press Release on what you need to know to be on board this season.

In addition to the North American Hockey League, you can use your credits that you gain to help follow other leagues and events that Fast Hockey Broadcasts during the season which includes several international events including the World Jr. A Challenge, 4 & 5 Nations Cups amongst others.

In addition to the NAHL Blaine Showcase, Fast Hockey will also show the North American Prospects Hockey League Futures Showcase which will be from September 16-19. With some of these teams affiliated with the NAHL Teams, some are looking to maybe get a call up with a NAHL Team like Mico Solarizo had for a few games last year with the Texas Tornado and is expected to be on the team full time this season.

NAHL on Fast Hockey

North American Hockey League Blaine Showcase

To Log in, Click Here

It was also announced that Mark Messier will be at the Showcase Event to help introduce his new helmet that he helped produce along with league Commissioner Mark Frankfeld and the project lead by Mary-Kay Messier. He will also do a ceremonial faceoff tomorrow at 10:30 AM at the kickoff of the Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls Game.

The new helmet called the "M11" will be joining over 250 associations which brings head protection to the next level to prevent and lower the impact of concussions and head injuries to players all over the world. He will also be available to the Media for questions at several times throughout the day to ask questions and get reaction about the new helmets starting at just after 11:00 AM.

To Learn More about the new helmets, click on the following links.

Mark Messier at NAHL Blaine Showcase

The Messier Project


Here's the Southwest Schedule at the NAHL Blaine Showcase. To see the Full Schedule, click on the date.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins (MN) VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 AM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

Still time to answer the Poll Questions

Theirs still a few days left to answer both of my poll questions as we get close to the start of the NAHL Season and the Dallas Stars Training Camp.

On the North American Hockey League (NAHL), it's about expansion teams as 3 new teams from Amarillo, Corpus Christi & Albuquerque all joining the league this year after long stints in the Central Hockey League.

So, which NAHL South Division Expansion Team will have the best season?

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs


As for the Dallas Stars ownership situation, not much has changed in terms of any of the main guys getting close. It's a battle of the 2 Western Canadian Billionaires who are both involved in the Western Hockey League (WHL) as Bill Gallacher of the Portland Winterhawks & Tom Galgardi of the Kamloops Blazers who have interest.

Also I have as a possible wild card is Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with how close he came to getting the Texas Rangers, don't be surprised to hear him as a possible wild card. And I think he would be a much needed boost to the National Hockey League with his style of ownership and how forward thinking he's been since he's been the owner of the Mavericks.

So who do you want to own the Dallas Stars?

Bill Gallacher (Portland Winterhawks Owner)

Tom Galgardi (Kamloops Blazers Owner)

Mark Cuban

Somebody Else


Be sure to post your comments as well either on here or on my twitter page at http://twitter.com/tanman9

2010-2011 NAHL Rosters

All 26 teams in the North American Hockey League has revelled their 25 man rosters as the league will be getting ready for the regular season which gets underway on September 15 with the NAHL Blaine Showcase starting up the season.

As for the Southwest Teams, surprisingly, neither the New Mexico Mustangs, Wichita Falls Wildcats or Amarillo Bulls had no Southwest Based players as they looking for talent and I would expect to work the DFW Metroplex in future years as the teams start to get more developed and gets more well known throughout the season.

In all 16 players from the Southwest made NAHL Rosters including 3 they found at the DFW Prospects Camp the team had in July. Also having multiple members include Tom Rizzardo and Nicholas Miglio who are joining the defending NAHL Robertson Cup Champion Bismarck Bobcats as well.

As for the Texas Tornado, they will have the only Oklahoma kid in the league in Tyler Herndon and Axel Boyer who is making his return for the Tornado this season and Sean Heidrick and Jake Stafford who were both with the Texas Tornado AAA Team last year along with Mico Solorzano who started last season with the Texas Tornado Midget Major Team, but made history as the first player from the newly created North American Prospects Hockey League to be called up to a Junior Team last season.

Topeka has most of their Texas guys back this year with defensemen Jacob Poe and Cory Ramsey, as well as Mason Milner who's joining the team. Two of the biggest weapons from last in NAHL Scoring Champions & Player of the Year Erik Higby who's heading to Northern Michigan University and the possibly of Michael Hill of making the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL).

Some other Southwest Players making their NAHL Debut will be Frederick Leisner who's part of the expansion Aberdeen Wings and Joe Purull who's heading to the Springfield Jr. Blues.

This is a decent number, but with the number of high level talent getting into the USHL. This number is growing as well and the definition of success are big time honors, players looking to help be a part of a title contender and players looking to play in the NCAA Division 1 Level. 6 teams currently have Southwest Players and with Corpus Christi, Amarillo & New Mexico joining the league this year.

Hopefully we can see this number skyrocket as the competition should take a jump for roster spots in both the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the different Canadian Jr. A Leagues as Austin Smith played in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and Nick Lazorko who's heading to Castleton State College in Vermont which is a Division 3 School in the ECAC East Division.

Here's the Rosters for the Southwest Teams in the NAHL. In addition, I will provide links to player profiles for the Southwest based players playing throughout the league. Even though the number is at 25 for all 26 teams, each team will have to cut 2 more players by October 1, and the place to show that you are worthy of being a strong player will be at the NAHL Blaine Showcase which will get underway on September 15 in Blaine, Minnesota. I will post the cuts for the teams when they come in which are expected to happen just before the deadline on October 1.

As you would expect, a majority of the players are from the DFW Area as 11 of the 16 players are from the different parts of the DFW Area. However, you have Kyle Hughes who's from Round Rock which is one of Austin's biggest surburbs. In addition Alex Rosado from Cypress which is in the Western part of the Houston area.

As well as 2 Oklahoma based players as Tyler Herndon is from Oklahoma City and Kyle Sharkley who's from Moore which is also part of the Oklahoma City Area.

Here's the Rosters for the 5 Southwest Teams.

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Wichita Falls Wildcats


All 26 Team Rosters Linked up here


Here's the Ind. Players who made NAHL Rosters throughout the League this season.

Aberdeen Wings

G, Frederick Leisner (Garland, TX.)


Bismarck Bobcats

D, Tom Rizzardo (Highland Village, TX)

F, Nicholas Miglio (Boerne, TX)


Corpus Christi Icerays

F, Derrek Schartz (Plano, TX)

D, Kyle Hughes (Round Rock, TX)

F, Alex Rosado (Cypress, TX)


Springfield Jr. Blues

F, Joe Purull (Dallas, TX)


Texas Tornado

F, Axel Boyer (Keller, TX)

F, Sean Heidrick (Plano, TX)

F, Taylor Herndon (Oklahoma City, OK.)

G, Jake Stafford (Frisco, TX)


Topeka Roadrunners

D, Jacob Poe (Arlington, TX)

F, Michael Hill (Ft. Worth, TX)

D, Mason Miller (Grand Prairie, TX)

D, Cory Ramsey (Colleyville, TX)

F, Kyle Sharkley (Moore, OK)


Blaine Showcase Schedule, all games are the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. To see the full schedule for each day, click the Date Links.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin (MN) Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

New Poll Question: NAHL Expansion Teams

With 3 new Junior Teams entering the North American Hockey League in Amarillo & Corpus Christi in Texas. Along with the New Mexico Mustangs as well, the poll question I just posted is a very simple one.

Which NAHL Expansion Team will have the Best Season?

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Be sure to vote on the Poll Question as well as post comments here or on my Twitter Page at http://twitter.com/tanman9

NAHL Blane Showcase Schedule

Here's a look at the NAHL Showcase Schedule as many of the league's 26 teams will open the season in Blane, Minnesota which is part of the Twin Cities area which is a part of the NAHL's Blane Showcase. This event will get many players exposed to NCAA & Professional Scouts during the 4 day event where all 26 teams will play 4 games against teams outside of their division.

For the Texas Tornado, 2 games will be played against Central Division Teams against the Coluee Region Chill and Austin Bruins. Plus Games against the West & North Divisions as the Tornado will play against the Motor City Metal Jackets and Kenai River Brown Bears as well in the early part of the showcase.

Wichita Falls will start the weekend before with a weekend series in New Mexico against the Mustangs. After those 2 games will be matches against Chicago, Wenatchee, the defending Champion Bismarck Bobcats and will wrap up the showcase by playing first game of the day on Saturday against the expansion Aberdeen Wings.

After hosting the Wichita Falls Wildcats, the New Mexico Mustangs open the showcase against the Janesville Jets and Fairbanks Ice Dogs before wrapping it up with with games against the Springfield Jr. Blues & Alexandira Blizzard.

Amarillo got a bunch of the league's new teams as they will faceoff against first year franchises in the Fresno Monsters and Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons. Prior to those games it's a matchup against the Michigan Warriors to open up Showcase and will wrap it up on Saturday against League Powerhouse St. Louis Bandits.

Look for more details on this event as we draw closer to the start of the regular season in Mid September.

Here's a look at the NAHL Showcase Schedule which will be in Blane, Minnesota. All Games are at the Blane Super Rink and start Times are CDT.

Teams in Colors are the Colors of the Logos.

September 15

Alaska Avalanche VS. Aberdeen Wings 10:00 AM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Austin Bruins 10:30 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 1:15 PM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Fresno Monsters 1:30 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Coluee Region Chill 2:30 PM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Dawson Creek Rage 4:30 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. Kenai River Brown Bears 5:00 PM

Owatonna Express VS. Wenatchee Wild 7:45 PM

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alexandria Blizzard 8:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


September 16

Coluee Region Chill VS. St. Louis Bandits 10:00 AM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 10:15 AM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Janesville Jets VS. Alaska Avalanche 1:15 PM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 1:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Austin Bruins 1:45 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 2:30 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Owatonna Express 4:30 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Alexandria Blizzard 4:45 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Aberdeen Wings VS. Michigan Warriors 7:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 8:15 PM


September 17

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alaska Avalanche 10:00 AM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 10:15 AM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Michigan Warriors 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:30 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coulee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Aberdeen Wings 2:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Wenatchee Wild 4:30 PM

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 4:45 PM

Austin Bruins VS. Janesville Jets 5:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. St. Louis Bandits 7:45 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


September 18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Owatonna Express 9:30 AM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Bismarck Bobcats 9:45 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 12:15 PM

Janesville Jets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 12:30 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 12:45 PM

Alaska Avalanche VS. Traverse City North Stars 1:00 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 3:30 PM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3:45 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 4:00 PM

Coulee Region Chill VS. Kenai River Brown Bears 4:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 6:45 PM

2010-2011 NAHL Schedule Released

The Regular Season Schedule for the North American Hockey League was announced back on July 10 with the NAHL Regular Season starting on September 10 and ending on March 27 this season.

For the 5 Southwest Teams, the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and Corpus Christi Icerays will get their season's going at the NAHL's Blane Showcase which is the Leagues Showcase Event for players to play in front of NCAA & Professional Scouting Staffs which will be from September 15-18 in Blane, Minnesota.

Before that though, 2 of the new teams will play on the league's opening weekend as the New Mexico Mustangs will host the Wichita Falls Wildcats from the Santa Ana Star Center on September 10 and 11 to kick off the season and to help open the era for the expansion franchise from Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

As for the opponents at the Blane Showcase, here's the list of who the Southwest Teams will be playing from September 15-18. In addition to the Blane Showcase, I will also show the home opener's for all 5 Southwest Teams.

With the Pt. Huron Fighting Hawks now completing what was a very busy period of expansion and relocation to the NAHL. Here's a look at how the Divisional Alignment for 2010-2011 with the Central, South and West each having 6 teams. While the North Division will have 8.

Central Division
Aberdeen Wings
Alexandria Blizzard
Austin Bruins
Bismarck Bobcats
Coulee Region Chill
Owatonna Express


North Division
Chicago Hitmen
Janesville Jets
Michigan Warriors
Motor City Metal Jackets
Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons
St. Louis Bandits
Springfield Jr. Blues
Traverse City North Stars


South Division
Amarillo Bulls
Corpus Christi Icerays
New Mexico Mustangs
Texas Tornado
Topeka Roadrunners
Wichita Falls Wildcats


West Division
Alaska Avalanche
Dawson Creek Rage
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fresno Monsters
Keani River Brown Bears
Wenatchee Wild

Here's a breakdown of the teams by state/Provence

4: Michigan, Texas

3: Alaska, Minnesota

2: Illinois, Wisconsin

1: British Columbia, California, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington State,


Full League Schedule: www.nahl.com/schedule/index.cfm

Amarillo Bulls

9/15: VS. Michigan Warriors

9/16: VS. Fresno Monsters

9/17: Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons

9/18: St. Louis Bandits

9/24 (Home Opener): VS. Texas Tornado

Full Amarillo Bulls Schedule:


Corpus Christi Icerays

9/15: Traverse City North Stars

9/16: Chicago Hitmen

9/17: Owatonna Express

9/18: Dawson Creek Rage

10/1 (Home Opener): VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats

Full Corpus Christi Icerays Schedule:


New Mexico Mustangs

9/15: Janesville Jets

9/16: Fairbanks Ice Dogs

9/17: Springfield Jr. Blues

9/18: Alexandria Blizzard

9/10 (Home Opener): Wichita Falls Wildcats

Full New Mexico Mustangs Schedule


Texas Tornado

9/15: Motor City Metal Jackets

9/16: Kenai River Brown Bears

9/17: Coulee Region Chill

9/18: Austin Bruins

9/25 (Home Opener): Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Full Texas Tornado Schedule


Wichita Falls Wildcats

9/15: Chicago Hitmen

9/16: Wenatchee Wild

9/17: Bismarck Bobcats

9/18: Aberdeen Wings

9/24 (Home Opener): Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Full Wichita Falls Wildcats Schedule:

Some of the other big events to look forward to is the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament which is usually in late January/early February which is usually held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube which is home to the USNTDP. Also for the playoffs which usually starts on the first weekend in April with the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament which is in Topeka, Kansas.

The NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament will also have a new format this year. It will be back down to 4 teams as the 2 Division Champions with the fewest points during the regular season will play a best of 3 play in to determine who will be the final spot in the Robertson Cup Tournament next year.

Also after the Round Robin ends, the top team goes the championship automatically while the 2nd & 3rd place teams will play a single game semifinal to determine the 2nd spot in the final while the 4th place team is eliminated from the tournament.

Here's a full look at the league's playoff format

NAHL Entry Draft Results

Here's a look at the NAHL Entry Draft Results from the 5 Southwest Teams that took place last week. For the Texas Tornado & Wichita Falls Wildcats, a short day as both teams will have very few players leaving by either aging out of Juniors or signing with NCAA Teams (Texas Tornado with 4, Wichita Falls Wildcats with 2).

The 3 new teams in Corpus Christi, Amarillo & Rio Rancho, New Mexico were the busy ones as all 3 teams selected well into the double digit number of players as the teams either moved, switched leagues or were granted an expansion franchise.


Amarillo NAHL Team (Team Name TBD)

R1, 10th Overall: F Dan Desalvo Team Illinois

R1, 15th Overall: F Dan Scherer Milwaukee AAA Jr. Admirals

R1, 24th Overall: F Adam Mendoza Greenway H.S.

R2, 35th Overall: F Tim O'Brien Chicago Young Americans

R2, 39th Overall: F Mitch Rogge Eden Prairie H.S.

R3, 68th Overall: D Will Serber Team Illinois

R4, 84th Overall: F Jonathan Davis Colorado Rampage

R4, 93th Overall: F Mitch Huges Tri-City Storm (USHL)

R5, 101st Overall: F Luke Baumgarten Team Illinois

R6, 117th Overall: F Charlie Wemyss Boston Jr. Rangers


Corpus Christi Icerays

R1, 11th Overall: F Joey Sanchez Chicago Missions

R2, 34th Overall: F Marc Biggs Dallas Stars AAA

R2, 36th Overall: D Robbie Hall Chicago Missions

R4, 81st Overall: F Alex Rosado Alliance

R4, 82nd Overall: F Cody Bisbiing P.F. Chang's

R5, 102nd Overall: D Greg Johnson Dallas Stars AAA

R6, 118th Overall: F Joey Parizek Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

R7, 131st Overall: D Tyler Lovejoy Pittsburgh Hornets

R9, 156th Overall: F Daniel Swink Lansing Capitals

R10, 166th Overall: D Alex Grupe Pikes Peak Miners

R11, 175th Overall: F Forest Mudgett Alliance

R12, 184th Overall: D Scott Relf P.F. Chang's

R13, 190th Overall: G Jonathan Drago Ohio AAA Blue Jackets


New Mexico Mustangs

R1, 5th Overall: G Zack Cisek Detroit Central Catholic

R2, 30th Overall: D Mike Matthes Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

R3, 53rd Overall: D Sean Mcallister Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

R3, 56th Overall: F Chris Tracy Junior Flyers (Traded from Fairbanks)

R3, 64th Overall: F Darren Lapic Russell Stover AAA (Traded from Fairbanks)

R5, 97th Overall: F Adrian Copeland Buffalo Jr. Sabres

R6, 114th Overall: D Matt Lanzilotti Detroit Compuware

R7, 128th Overall: G Trent Casper Russel Stover

R8, 141th Overall: D Kevin O'Connor Toledo, CSHL

R9, 153th Overall: F Evan Johnston St. Mary Prep HS

R10, 163th Overall: F Jimmy Steele Gabrielle Richard HS

R11, 173th Overall: F Michael Woynick Livonia Churchhill HS

R12, 182th Overall: D Casey Dennis Valencia Flyers, WSHL

R14, 192th Overall: F Daniel Chang Merritt Centennials, BCHL


Texas Tornado

R1, 13th Overall: D Alec Thieda Peterborough Stars, CCHL

R3, 58th Overall: D JD Carrabino Youngstown Phantoms, USHL

R3, 60th Overall: G Sam Locke South Kent Prep

R4, 76th Overall: D Ross Mancuso Dallas Stars U18



Wichita Falls Wildcats

R1, 9th Overall: F Teemu Tiitinen Dallas Stars AAA

R3, 69th Overall: G Eric Garavaglia Chicago Missions AAA