In the Crease Podcast with Justin Quenneville

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

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

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

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

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

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

2/13 In the Crease Podcast

Weekly Southwest Hockey Schedule for 2/13-20

Here's a look at this week's Weekly Hockey Schedule as the Tier 1 & Tier 2 State Champions have now been crowned and are now looking forward to prepare for Nationals which will be taking place in Late March & Early April for the Tier 2 Teams. Tier 1 Teams on the other hand will have to get through Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament from March 1-4 in Denver with the winners clinching a spot in Nationals which will be in Buffalo, N.Y. for the Tier 1 Teams this season.

This week will be crucial for the Stars as the schedule begins to toughen up as the team currently sits in 11th Place and are still 3 points back of 8th Place Phoenix and will have a chance to catch up as they will play the Calgary Flames on Thursday & the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday with a chance to make up some ground in the playoffs. But first, it's a very tough matchup against the Detroit Red Wings where they won a NHL Record Tying 20 Home Games in a row where they haven't lost since November 1st in a 2-1 OT Loss to the Minnesota Wild when the Wild were on they sup rising start earlier in the season, where, like the Stars have fallen back in the standings recently.

After their critical games against Phoenix, Calgary & Detroit the Stars will finish the week on Sunday Night against the Nashville Predators who are in 5th Place in the West in which the Central Division has been the Group of Death right now where Detroit is leading the Conference with 78 points, while even the Predators and Blues sit in 2nd & 3rd in the Central Division (4th & 5th Conference) with 75 & 70 points respectively in their Conference. If the Regular Season ended today, the Nashville Predators & St. Louis Blues would play each other it would most likely be a very exciting 1st Round Playoff Series.

The Aeros & Rampage both continue their mammoth road trips where both teams won't return home till March (The Aeros on 3/10 & Rampage on 3/3). Houston continues to be in a solid 4th Place, but a struggling Abbotsford Heat team has allowed the Chicago Wolves to overtake them for 5th Place as the Wolves will look to catch up on the Aeros as they would currently hold down the final home ice birth for the Conference Quarterfinals right now.

The Aeros will wrap up their Mid-Western Section of their Road Trip after beating the Grand Rapids Griffins in back-to-back games 5-1 & 5-4 back on 2/10-11 last weekend. Houston will next head to Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Admirals where they will look revenge after losing 2-1 back on February 5th.

After a game in Wisconsin, the Aeros head to B.C. to take on the Abbotsford Heat for a pair of games on 2/17-18 as they will look to continue the Heat's Woes as they have lost 9 of their last 11 dating back to a January 15th loss in Oklahoma City near the end of their Southwestern Road Trip. Since then, the Heat have fallen from 5th to 7th Place in the Western Conference and are of danger of falling out of the Western Conference Playoff picture as the gap from 7th Place Abbotsford to 11th Place Milwaukee is just 4 points right now as they expecting to see a very desperate Heat Team.

Since winning 7 in a row back in January, the Rampage have used that as a spring board as they continue to overcome their slow start to the season as they have jumped to 6th Place out West after winning 2 of 3 last weekend against the Toronto Marlies & Rochester Americans before ending the weekend with a 7-4 loss to Grand Rapids. This weekend will see the Rampage stay closer to home with a 3 game in 3 night stretch with a Friday/Saturday Set against the last place Texas Stars, then a trip north of the Red River to play the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons Sunday Afternoon.

Texas will wrap up their short road trip after losses to Rochester & Hamilton will look to end on a positive note against the Lake Erie Monsters Wednesday Morning as the Monsters will be playing in their team's annual School Day Field Trip Game for Cleveland Area Grade School Kids. Following the road trip, the Stars will return home for a Friday/Saturday Series against the San Antonio Rampage.

Oklahoma City will be off until Friday Night as they look to continue to grow their Conference Lead over their Division Rival Houston Aeros & Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers as they have a weekend series against the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday & Saturday followed by a Sunday Afternoon Game against the San Antonio Rampage.

Elsewhere we have a pair of Turner Conference Teams in the Central Hockey League as the Evansville Icemen & Dayton Gems will be coming down South for some important games. Especially for the Ice Men who are battaling with Ft. Wayne for the Turner Conference Lead. The Ice Men will play a pair in Mcallen against the RGV Killer Bees on Tuesday & Wednesday Night, then will head up north to play Tulsa on Friday Night.

While the Gems who for the most part are way out of the Playoff Race, will also play the Oilers on Tuesday Night, then will head South to Dallas to play the Brahmas on Wednesday Night.

Elsewhere in the CHL will have another important series at NYTEX Sports Center as the Killer Bees & Brahmas will play a weekend series as the Killer Bees look to recover after losing a 9-6 game on Sunday Afternoon where at one point, the Killer Bees were able to comeback from 5-1 down in the 2nd period to get the game tied at 5-5 only for the Oilers to pull away in the 3rd period to get a huge win and an important 2 points for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the Berry Conference.

It will be a slow weekend for the Southwest Area Junior Teams as the Texas Tornado & Dallas Snipers will be having the weekend off in the Dallas Area. Also, Amarillo, Odessa & Wichita Falls also have the weekend off this weekend. That leaves just leaves 2 Junior Series in the Southwest this weekend, 1st in the NAHL, it's the Corpus Christi Icerays hosting the last place New Mexico Mustangs for a pair on Thursday & Friday Night.

Despite the Mustangs being in Last Place, it hasn't been a slam dunk as the Ice Rays are just 4-2-0 in 6 games against New Mexico this season and they looking to rebound after losing 4-of-their-last-5 and letting the lead against Wichita Falls slip to 6 points, however, Corpus Christi does have games in hand against all 3 of their playoff challengers in New Mexico, Wichita Falls & Odessa.

The only WSHL Team hosting a series this weekend is the El Paso Rhinos where they will be playing the Texas Jr. Brahmas for the 2nd straight weekend after taking 2-of-3 against the Jr. Brahmas at NYTEX Sports Center last weekend. The Ice Jets will be heading North to Idaho for a series against one of the WSHL's Best Teams in the Idaho Jr. Steelheads.

This is after a two-and-a-half week layoff since the Ice Jets lost to the Jr. Brahmas 4-2 back on February 1st. The Extended layoff has allowed the El Paso Rhinos to build the Division Lead to 12 points in the Mid-West Division Lead thanks to the last 2 Rhinos Series against the Long Beach Bombers & Park City Moose where they were able to destroy both teams in recent weeks.

Finally, with the Road to Nationals getting in high gear, the area AAA Teams are playing their last handful of Showcase & Tournament Events of the Regular Season. Both the Dallas Stars Elites U18AAA & U16AAA Teams will play their Final Tier 1 Elite League Showcase Events of the Season this weekend as the U18AAA will head to Orland Park, Illinois to play the Great Lakes Division, including the league leading Victory Honda Team.

The U16AAA will head West to Scottsdale,Arizona to play the Rocky Mountain Division Teams as well as the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes to finish the Tier 1 Elite League Regular Season.

Both Teams will be using this to prepare for the Rocky Mountain Tier 1 Regional Tournament that will take place in Denver from 3/1-4. The Winners will quailify for the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championships that will be in Buffalo, N.Y. from March 28 through April 1.

Also playing one of their final Showcase Events of the Season is the Dallas Ice Jets U16AAA where they head to Woodrige, Illinois which will include a game against the highly touted Shattuck St. Mary's Prep School.

Here's the Full Schedule

NHL

2/14: Dallas Stars VS. Detroit Red Wings  6:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/16: Calgary Flames VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/18: Dallas Stars VS. Phoenix Coyotes  7:00 PM (KTXA 21)

2/19: Nashville Predators VS. Dallas Stars  6:00 PM (FSN Southwest)


AHL

2/14: Houston Aeros VS. Milwaukee Admirals  7:00 PM

2/15: Texas Stars VS. Lake Erie Monsters 9:45 AM

2/17

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat  9:00 PM

2/18

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat  9:00 PM

2/19: San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons  4:00 PM


Central Hockey League

2/14

Evansville Ice Men VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:00 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Dayton Gems VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:05 PM

2/15

Dayton Gems VS. Texas Brahmas  7:00 PM

Evansville Ice Men VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:00 PM

2/17

Allen Americans VS. Dayton Gems  6:00 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Evansville Ice Men VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Rapid City Rush  8:05 PM

2/18

Allen Americans VS. Ft. Wayne Komets  6:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Rapid City Rush  8:05 PM


North American Hockey League

2/16: New Mexico Mustangs VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

2/17: New Mexico Mustangs VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM


Western States Hockey League

2/17

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

2/18

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

2/19

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  5:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM


U18AAA

2/17

Texas Tornado VS. Indiana Jr. Ice  10:00 AM

Texas Tornado VS. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes  4:00 PM

2/18

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks  8:15 AM

Cleveland Barons VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:15 PM

2/19

Oakland Grizzlies VS. Dallas Stars Elites  12:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. West Michigan Hounds  4:00 PM

Belle Tire VS. Dallas Stars Elites  8:15 PM

2/20

Victory Honda VS. Dallas Stars Elites  2:15 PM


U16AAA

2/17

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks  10:00 AM

Texas Tornado VS. New Jersey Jr. Titans  4:15 PM

2/18

Texas Tornado VS. Orange County  10:15 AM

Colorado Thunderbirds VS. Dallas Stars Elites  5:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Team Illinois  11:40 AM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Mission  6:20 PM

2/19

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Young Americans  8:10 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover  11:10 AM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Shattuck St. Mary  2:00 PM

Colorado Rampage VS. Dallas Stars Elites  7:00 PM

2/20

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders  9:00 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Phoenix Jr. Coyotes  3:00 PM

Tyler Hope scores twice in 3-2 upset of the South Division Leading Bulls

Wichita Falls was able to hand the Bulls only their 5th regulation loss of the season with a surprise 3-2 win over the Bulls at the Kay Yeager Coliseum back on Tuesday Night. Tyler Hope (McKinney, Texas) was able to score twice in the game as well as Patrick Yudez being able to assist on all three of the Wildcats goals as they were able to climb within a point of 5th Place Odessa and look to continue to be in close distance of the Corpus Christi IceRays as they sit just 7 points back.

However, Corpus Christi has the advantage as the IceRays have 3 games in hand (17 GMS left for Corpus Christi, 14 GMS left for Wichita Falls, 17 GMS left for Odessa) for the battle for teh 4th & Final Playoff Spot in the NAHL's South Division heating up.

A critical weekend series is on the horizon as the IceRays will host the Wichita Falls Wildcats for a weekend series at the American Bank Center this weekend where the IceRays can continue their lead for the final Playoff spot. While a Wichita Falls Domination could be as close as 3 points with a month and a half left in the regular season.

Amarillo on the other hand will travel to Frisco to play the Texas Tornado on Friday & Saturday this upcoming weekend (Both games are at 7:30 PM).

Upcoming Wichita Falls Wildcats Schedule

2/10: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

2/11: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

2/24: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

2/25: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

2/27: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

Upcoming Corpus Christi Icerays Schedule

2/10: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/11: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/24: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

2/25: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

3/1: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

Amarillo Bulls 2  Wichita Falls Wildcats 3  (0-1, 1-1, 1-1)

Game Report by Zach Duncan of the Wichita Falls Times Record News

In Wichita Falls, Texas: By recently trading away a couple of veterans for 2012-13 tenders, first year coach Paul Baxter's plan is to build the Wildcats into a Division contender for next year.

But nights like Tuesday are a reminder that the Wildcats haven't given up on this season, and they can play with anybody at the Kay Yeager Coliseum.

Tyler Hope scored twice and linemate George Pagonis added another goal in a 3-2 victory over league leading Amarillo, which has now lost five times in regulation.

With the win, the Wildcats (16-24-4) moved to within seven points of idle Corpus Christi for the NAHL South's Final Playoff spot. All victories are worth the same two points, but beating the Bulls (34-5-7) definitely provided a boost.

"I just feel like we're a team that we really need all 20 guys going to be successful, and we've been doing that lately," said Patrick Yudez, who finished with three assists. "Hopefully we can keep that up the rest of the season and make a run at the playoffs."

The hard working Hope-Yudez-Pagonis line has accounted for six of the Wildcats 10 goals' over the past three games.

Pagonis was picked up over the Christmas Break and has meshed with Yudez, a fellow Colorado Native.

"We played together growing up, and when he got picked up, I was pretty stoked about playing together with him again," Yudez said. "We just kind of grind away at the opposition, and it seems to work."

The Bulls were without NAHL Leading scorer Brooks Behling, who was serving a one game suspension for a hit last week. But Amarillo still has six other forwards who have scored more then any Wildcat this season and wasn't an easy out.

Amarillo entered with a 24-0-3 record when scoring first, but the Bulls weren't able to add to that impressive streak Tuesday.

In an evenly matched opening period, it was Hope who slammed home a rebound after Matt Purmal's high slap shot seemed to surprise Amarillo Goalie Mike Taffe.

After surviving Amarillo's surge early in the second period, the Wildcats increased their lead to 2-0 at the 12:42 mark when Hope scored his 10th goal after a scramble in front of the Bulls net.

"We played with some urgency and we won some loose puck battles," Baxter said. "I thought that we had a high compete level, and that's what you need at this time of year. That's what you need to compete. "The Bulls converted on the power play with 5:49 left in the second when Mike Erickson scored from the side of the goal."

Nothing came easy for the Wildcats, but Pagonis' third goal in as many games gave the team a 3-1 advantage with 14:07 to play.

Matt Leon was solid in net throughout, stoning Greg Gibson twice in the second period from close range as part of his 28 saves.

Amarillo's Omar Mullen did beat the Wichita Falls held its ground in the waning minutes to secure its second win in seven games against the Bulls.

The Wildcats now head to Corpus Christi with momentum for their last two games this season against the IceRays.

"Those are two big games," Yudez said. "If we can sweep Corpus Christi this weekend, we'll be right back in the race."

Notes: The Wildcats played without forward Tyler Bruneteau who suffered a concussion last Friday. But forward Jacob Batcha returned for the first time since when he suffered a concussion on December 16 after 29 games without a penalty, Yudez has now received a two minute minor in the past three Wichita Falls was 0/6 against the league's top penalty kill and only managed one shot. The Wildcats are 0-for-28 over the last eight games with the man advantage.

Jack Prince named NAHL's 1st Star of the Week

Jack Prince with his strong week including a hat trick in Thursday Night's 6-0 win helped the Tornado forward to a team leading 62 points (31G 31A) and it was enough to get him the NAHL's 1st Star of the week.

Here's the NAHL Press Release

The North American Hockey League toady announced the Three Stars of the week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending on February 5, 2012. The three stars of the week is a weekly feature during the 2011-2012 season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Texas Tornado Forward Jack Prince

For someone who has amassed over 170 points in his NAHL Career, Texas Tornado forward and captain Jack Prince is saving his best season for last. Prince, 20, put up some big numbers this week as the Tornado went 2-1-0 in three games to keep pace for 2nd Place in the South Division. The native of England opened up the week with with a hat trick and an assist on Thursday Night with a 6-0 home shutout of Wichita Falls. The next night, Prince scored two goals, including the game-winner, both in the 3rd period in a 4-2 win. On Saturday, Prince assisted in both Tornado Goals in a 4-2 loss at Wichita Falls. For the week, Prince recorded five goals and three assists for eight points. He not only leads the Tornado in scoring, but ranks second in the NAHL with 31 goals this season and ranks 4th with 62, both of which are career highs. "I think Jack has developed in a premier player in the league." said Tornado coach Tony Curtale. "He is rightfully earning some major Division 1 interest because of his ability to score goals. Jack not only does that on a consistent basis, but he has also worked hard on the other parts of his game to become a complete, all-around player."

2nd Star: Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward Gabe Levin

For someone who is leading the NAHL in scoring, Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Gave Levin does it quietly and methodical precision. Levin, 20, may not be the flashiest scorer in the league, but he maybe the smartest. This past weekend was again evidence of that the Marino del Ray, California, as he helped the Ice Dogs to a weekend split on the road in Wenatchee. Amazingly, Levin (5'8"/165) had a hand in all seven goals the Ice Dogs scored this weekend. On Friday, Levin scored the game's first goal (the game winner) and then assisted on the next four for a five point night as Fairbanks shutout Wenatchee, 5-0. The next night, Levin assisted on both Fairbanks goals in the close 3-2 loss. Levin, who is a graduate of the North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) currently leads the NAHL in points with 68 and assists with 54. "Gabe is so smart on the ice, which maybe the key reason that he factors in on so many of our scoring plays," said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart. "He knows where everyone is on the ice, he knows how to read plays and he understand his teammates. Since he doesn't put up a lot of goals, he may not get the credit that some other goal scorers do, but he is the key to our offense."

3rd Star: Springfield Jr. Blues Forward Kyle Cook

The Springfield Jr. Blues are currently on a resurgence having won six of their last seven games and a big reason why was the play of forward Kyle Cook this past weekend. Cook, 19, is Springfield's leading scorer this season with 42 points, the Mercyhurst recruit helped the Jr. Blues take four of six points this weekend in Chicago against the Hitmen as he registered three goals and five points in the weekend series. In both of Springfield's wins over the weekend, it was Cook who scored the game winning goals. On Friday, the native Middleburg Heights, Ohio scored twice (including the game winner) and assisted twice in a big 10-2 win. After being shutout on Saturday, Cook (6'4"/215) came back on Sunday with yet another game winning goal late in the 3rd period as Springfield beat the Hitmen, 6-5. "Kyle has been playing very well all year, but he has improved because of his work ethic." said Springfield Head Coach Joe Dlibble. "As a veteran he understand all of the game scenarios, which enables him to come up big in situations. If he isn't scoring points, he is doing something positive for his team and is an all around work horse."

Honorable Mentions, (Alphabetical order): Alex Brooks, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Defensemen - Adam Chapie, New Mexico Mustangs Forward - Brian Christie, Topeka Roadrunners forward - Lawrence Cornellier, Odessa Jackalopes Forward - Alex Frere, Kenai River Brown Bears - Jordan Greenberg, Texas Tornado Forward - Jake Hedba, Minot Minotauros Forward - Evan Johnston, New Mexico Mustangs Forward - Shigenobu Kakudate, Chicago Hitmen forward - Ryan Matthews, Dawson Creek Rage Forward - Connor McBridge, Janesville Jets Forward - Ethan Nauman, Springfield Jr. Blues Forward - Steve Perry, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Goalie - Taylor Porter, Odessa Jackalopes forward - Brock Raffaele, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings - Sean Reynolds, Chicago Hitmen Forward - Austin Severson, Kenai River Brown Bears Forward - Thomas Sholl, Fresno Monsters Goaltender - Ryan White, Topeka Roadrunners Forward.

Topeka & Texas both win blowouts

It didn't take long for both the Texas Tornado & Topeka Roadrunners as both teams were able to get off to quick starts and were able to run away in both their games last night. Also included in the Big Victories was hat tricks by Jack Prince (Texas Tornado) & Ryan White (Topeka Roadrunners) in the big wins last night.

As for the rest of the weekend, the IceRays are done for the week and won't hit the ice again till February 10th when they start a stretch with 6 of their next 7 games at home starting with a weekend series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. While the Texas Tornado continue a 3 game series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats where they will play at the Dr. Pepper Arena again tonight, then will head to Wichita Falls to play the Wildcats on Saturday Night.

Here's the Weekend schedule for the Southwest Region NAHL Teams.

2/3

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/4

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM



Here's the NAHL Press Release for all of last night's Game

Wichita Falls Wildcats 0  Texas Tornado 6  (0-4, 0-2, 0-0)

In Frisco, Texas: The Texas Tornado scored three power play goals - all of which came in the first period - as they coasted to a 6-0 victory over the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Thursday Night. Jack Prince added a goal and three assists. Hunter Leisner earned his first shutout as a member of the Tornado, stopped all 16 shots that came his way. The first marker of the period came on a snap shot from the left-wing circle by Marc Biggs. Two and half a minutes later, Prince took a shot that was stopped. Drew Allen was right on the doorstep to slam it home, though, to score his second goal in as many games and give Texas a 2-0 lead, Prince took a shot that was stopped. The first of Prince's three goals also came on the power-play, coming at 8:34 of the opening period. Then in the final minutes of the first, Prince scored again, but this time it was shorthanded.

Texas picked up right where it left off in the second period, continuing to dominate play in all three zones. Jordan Greenberg gave the Tornado a 5-0 lead as he skated into the zone on the left wing, waited as long as he could for Allen to join the rush, and snapped a wrist shot over the glove of Matt Leon, who started the second period in goal for Wichita Falls. In the later stages of the second period, Prince struck again, giving him his 29th goal and fourth hat trick of the season. Prince recorded a power play, shorthanded and even strength goal in the win.

Corpus Christi Icerays 2  Topeka Roadrunners 8  (1-3, 0-1, 1-4)

Games Notes from Greg Rajan

In Topeka, Kansas: Ryan White recorded his first hat trick and 13th multi-point game of the season as Topeka cruised to an 8-2 victory at home to sweep. Corpus Christi and remain in 2nd Place in the South Division. White and the Roadrunners scored early and often taking a 4-1 lead after two periods with two goals from White and others from Brian Christi and Cory Ramsey. Four more goals in the 3rd period sealed the IceRays fate, who got goals from Beau Walker and Eric Purcell. Anders Schultz, Andrew O'Leary and Sean Gaffney also scored for Topeka.

Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 2  Jamestown Ironmen 3  (1-3, 1-0, 0-0)

In Jamestown, N.Y.: Joe Gladnick made 32 saves and Bryan Whitt's power play goal late in the 1st period proved to be the game winner as Jamestown helped their playoff chances with a 3-2 home win over the visiting K-Wings. Blake Kelly got the scoring going just 1:29 into the game for the Ironmen, but that was quickly answered by a goal from Kalamazoo's Jacob McDowell. After two more Ironmen Goals from Steve Frangione and Watt, the Ironmen led 3-1 after the 1st period. Alex Brooks scored in the 2nd period for the K-Wings, but that is as close as they would get as Gladnick the door the rest of the way.

Kenai River Brown Bears 5  Dawson Creek Rage 2  (0-0, 3-2, 2-0)

In Dawson Creek, B.C.: The Rage jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the Brown Bears stormed back to score five unanswered goals in a 5-2 win on the road in Dawson Creek. The win moved Kenai River into the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division. After opening goals from Scott Fellnermayr and Shawn Mueller, the Rage were looking good. However, Kenai River came back with three goals from Brett Lubanski, Vincent Stefan and Bobby Murphy in the period to take a 3-2 lead into the locker room. Two more goals from Chris Nuth in the 3rd period put the game away for the Brown Bears.

Dallas Native & Wenatchee WIld Goaltender Robert Nichols named NAHL Goaltender of the Month for January

Just a couple of weeks after Robert Nichols was named the NAHL Player of the Week on January 17th. The Wild Goaltender who has an impressive 7 Shutouts and a 1.49 Goals Against Average (Both League Leaders) has been named the Goaltender of the Month for January as he has helped the Wild move up to 3rd Place in the NAHL West Division after starting the season.

He hopes to bring the Wild back into the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament when it comes to Frisco in May after making the League's Championship Event in both 2009 & 2010. The team's biggest year came in 2009 when the Wild got to the Robertson Cup Championship Game before losing to the St. Louis Bandits, 3-2, in OT.

However, one of the big surprises so far this season is that he was left off the NAHL Top Prospects Game that will be taking place later this month in Troy, Michigan.

Prior to his time with the Wenatchee Wild, he spent his time playing AAA Hockey with the Colorado Thunderbirds who currently compete in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (Same League as the Dallas Stars Elites) who have turned into one of Colorado's Strongest AAA Teams which included their U16AAA Team winning a National Championship back in 2010. 

His time came with the Thunderbirds during the 2010-2011 season where he played for their U18AAA Team and was also called up to play 7 games with the Wild last season and also played a single game for the Bulls while he was looking to assert himself in the North American Hockey League.

He also has won this for the 2nd time the Wenatchee Wild has won the Goaltender of the Month Award. Back in October, Greg Lewis, also took home the League Honors during the early portion of the regular season.

Robert Nichols has been one of the best Goaltenders in the NAHL All Season. Photo Courtesy of both the North American Hockey League & Wenatchee Wild

NAHL Press Release

The North American Hockey League has announced that Wenatchee Wild Goaltender Robert Nichols has been named the Brian's Custom Sports NAHL NAHL Goaltender of the Month for January. Nichols, 19, posted a 4-2-0 record in six games played during the month of January. Nichols (5'11"/180) also posted three shutouts during the month and stopped 129 of a possible 136 shots, which was good for a .949 Save Percentage and a goals against average of just 1.18.

"Our goaltending has been a big factor in our success this year and Robbie has been a big part of that," said Wenatchee Wild Head Coach John Becanic. "He Consistently gives us a chance to win every game and his competitiveness is something that is a huge asset for him. His work ethic and drive is based on one thing, winning. That is something you love to see and what separates good goalies from great goalies."

Nichols posted three shutouts in a span of four starts. He posted Shutouts in back-to-back starts in Dawson Creek back on January 13th and 15th, earning him the NAHL's #1 Star that week. He then posted a shutout in his final start in January back on January 28th, a 2-0 win over the Kenai River Brown Bears. Those three shutouts during the month moved Nichols into a 1st place tie in NAHL Shutouts with seven so far this season.

"I think it's more a reflection of the team then it is an individual," said Nichols. "My teammates allow me the opportunity to be successful on the ice because there is such attention to detail, especially defensively. We don't give up a lot of chances, so I just try and remained focused make sure I am keeping us in the game."

Nichols allowed just three goals in each of his two losses during the month and he hasn't allowed more then four goals in a game this season. It is a big reason why Nichols currently leads the NAHL in both goals against average (1.49) and save percentage (.942) this season. Half of Nichols 14 wins this season have been shutouts and despite splitting time with fellow Wild Goaltender Greg Lewis (who previously won October's NAHL goalie of the month), Nichols has managed to post an impressive 14-3-3 record so far this season.

Becanic made it clear at the start of the season he would platoon both Nichols and Lewis, with each starting every other game. True to his word, that Trent has continued all season long and and one that he plans to continue into the 2012 Robertson Cup Playoffs. "It makes it really easy on a coach when both goalies of Robbie (Nichols) and Greg (Lewis) caliber and both are capable of winning us a game on any given night," said Becanic. "Both push each other to be better every day in games and in practice, and that type of competition and respect among teammates is something that fuels them."

Nichols sees it the same way as his coach, "It is easier on us knowing we only usually play one game per weekend. It allows us to prepare better and have the proper mindset going into each game," said Nichols. "It is also good for the team because they know that either one of us can win the game, so it doesn't matter who starts in goal."

Nichols came to the Wild after playing the last two seasons for the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Major Tier 1 team. He signed a tender with the Wild last season, which ultimately lead to his spot this season. Prior to playing in Colorado, Nichols was born and grew up playing hockey in Dallas, Texas.

Other Goaltenders nominated were (Alphabetical): Gabe Antoni, Springfield Jr. Blues - Tommy Burke, Bismarck Bobcats - Alex Fons, Fairbanks Ice Dogs - Connor Hellebuyck, Odessa Jackalopes - Tony Kujava, Janesville Jets - Ken MacLean, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings - Jacob Meyers, Alexandria Blizzard - Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi Icerays - Mike Taffe, Amarillo Bulls - Peter Traber, Topeka Roadrunners

Previous 2011-2012 Brians NAHL Goaltender of the Month winners - September 2011, Tony Kujava, Janesville Jets - October 2011, Greg Lewis, Wenatchee Wild - November 2011, Jacob Meyers, Alexandria Blizzard - December 2011, Peter Traber, Topeka Roadrunners.

About Brian Custom Sports

The official goaltending Equipment Supplier of the NAHL, Brian's has been a leading Canadian Supplier of custom built goal equipment since 1984. The factory is located in Kingsville, Ontario near the Southern tip of Canada with ready access to supplying the North American Market. As one of the original and remaining custom goal equipment manufacturers Brian's remains committed to continuing to lead the industry with exceptional design and quality. visit Brian's online here

Ice Jets take 2-of-3 against the San Diego Gulls

The Ice Jets had another strong series by taking 2 of the 3 games this weekend against the San Diego Gulls over the weekend at the Polar Ice House in Grapevine. One of the biggest themes of this series was that was decided with all 3 games having the winner get into a scoring burst with the winning team scoring twice in a minute or less. First on Friday Night it was Jefferson Wright & Austin Rehwinkel scoring on both ends of a 5-on-3 power play in just 17 seconds which was part of a 4 goal 1st period and lead to a 5-1 victory.

1/27: San Diego Gulls 1  Dallas Ice Jets 5  (1-4, 0-0, 0-1)

1/28: San Diego Gulls 2  Dallas Ice Jets 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

1/29: San Diego Gulls 4 Dallas Ice Jets 2 (1-1, 2-1, 1-0)



Next on Saturday Night, it was a comeback victory after a slow start to where the Gulls were won 1-0 and after a bit of an uneventful 2nd period where Giovannetti scored late in the 1st period on the Power Play with just 1:15 left in the 1st period where Tyler Giovanetti was one of the big standouts for the Gulls this weekend where he scored goals number nine and ten of the regular season this weekend.

After Grant Williams got his 3rd straight multi point game (1G 5A) over that stretch of time where he assisted on Brandon Unser's game winner at the 3:37 mark of the extra frame and the Ice Jets were looking at not only get a rare series sweep, but also leap frog the El Paso Rhinos for the Mid-West Division Lead.

Sunday was San Diego day to advert the sweep and to keep the Ice Jets from getting the Mid-West Division Leading. But it got off to another great start for the Ice Jets thanks to Christian Elsborg who was able to continue a strong scoring run as he was able to get his 6th goal in the last 5 games, including a hat trick on January 22 against the Cheyenne Stampede.

That goal made it 1-0 just 1:14 into the game as they were able to play one of the better overall periods as they were able to smother the Gulls by out shooting San Diego 22-7 through the 1st period. It didn't prevent the Gulls Tyler Giovannetti from scoring his 2nd goal of the weekend with just under 5 minutes on a great feed from Kyle Clements.

This lead to a big time momentum shifter that goal as the Gulls were able to get off to a fast start which included 7 shots on goal and being able to hold the Ice Jets to just 4 shots on goal during the 2nd period.

The Gulls were able to gain the lead at 10:56 of the 2nd period where Justin Lazalde fired a shot from the high slot was deflected by Aaron Peterson just in front of the net to give them a 2-1 Gulls. Just 16 seconds later Tomas Busek got a laser beam sort of a pass from Stoyakn to give the Gulls a 3-1 lead.

After an Aaron Peterson Penalty for boarding at 14:07 to give the Ice Jets a Power Play opportunity when Austin Rehwinkel scored on a great slap shot sent from Dylan Campbell to trim the Gulls lead down to one at 3-2 with less then 5 minutes left in the 3rd period.

It wasn't enough through as the Gulls got the insurance goal from Arseny Stoyakn to put the game at 4-2 with just over 12 minutes left in the 3rd period. But not without some late chances from the Ice Jets to get back in this game and try to force OT like when Austin Rehwinkel almost took advantage of a bad clearing opportunity by Brian Walters.

It was quick strikes in all 3 games that decided this series. Despite the two wins, the Ice Jets still find themselves just 1 point behind the Mid-West Division Leading El Paso Rhinos who sweeped the Park City Moose by a combined score of 28-3 in the 3 games including a 14-1 win back on Friday Night.

Elsewhere in the DFW Area oer the weekend included the Texas Tornado getting a 6-2 win over the Fresno Monsters in their only game of the weekend. The Victory included Frederick Leisner 1st win as a Tornado Goalie since the trade that brought the Garland based Net Minder from the Aberdeen Wings. It also had Ondrej Kopta's 1st multi point game of his Junior Career for the 16 year old of the Czech Republic.

Also the Dallas Snipers continued their winless streak which now sits at 9 games and they haven't won since December 17 when they beat the Phoenix Knights at the WSHL Vegas Showcase. Also the Texas Jr. Brahmas were able to win of 2 of their 3 games against the New Mexico Renegades out in Rio Rancho, New Mexico over the weekend.

As for the current standings in both the WSHL Mid-West Division & NAHL South Division. The Mid-West Division Title will probably be the most exciting race as the Regular Season enters the final month as El Paso leads the Division by a single point. Currently the Jr. Brahmas are 18-11-1 (37 PTS) in 3rd Place, while the New Mexico Renegades are 4th with 30 Points (14-18-2). While the Snipers sit in last with a league worst 6 points (3-33-0) who is already officially eliminated in the WSHL Playoffs.

Texas is still battling with the Topeka Roadrunners for 2nd and that all important 1st Round Home Ice as the two teams are tied with 58 points with Topeka having the current tie breaker with 2 more wins in 1 fewer game (Texas is 43 GP, 26-11-6; Topeka is 42 GP, 28-12-2).

This upcoming weekend will be busy with a 3 game series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats (Thursday & Friday at Home, Saturday at Home). While Topeka is at home for a rare mid-week series on Wednesday and Thursday against the Corpus Christi Icerays.

While the WSHL Teams will be in action, especially the Jr. Brahmas with 4 games in 5 nights this week starting with a late night matchup on Wednesday against the Dallas Ice Jets at NYTEX Sports on Wednesday Night.

Later in the week the Long Beach Bombers come into town for a weekend series with this being the start of a 7 game home stand which will also include against El Paso next weekend.

Also the Dallas Snipers will play in a series that will mean very little where they will play the Park City Moose in a series that will mean next to nothing with both teams having the worst records in the WSHL This season.

Amarillo blast Odessa in front of full house

The Jackalopes were looking to impress in front of one their biggest crowds of the season of nearly 5,000 as the Bulls continued to show that they are the best team in the NAHL South Division which included a hat trick from Joe Kozlak that took the Bulls an impressive 15 point lead over both the Topeka Roadrunners & Texas Tornado and basically on the verge of officially clinching the 1st Playoff Spot in the South Division this season as the Bulls look to show that they can get back to the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament in Frisco coming up in May.

Game Report from Dave Henry of the Amarillo Globe News

Odessa Jackalopes 2  Amarillo Bulls 7  (1-2, 0-2, 1-3)

From Amarillo, Texas: Even if the 4,936 fans had paid to get in the doors of the Cal Farley Coliseum, they still would have had more then got their money's worth.

The Amarillo Bulls put on an impressive show on "Sonic Sunday" - the team's 2nd free admission game in two seasons - by storming past the Odessa Jackalopes, 7-2.

And the game had a little bit of everything, from fights to natural hat tricks to playoff implications. Amarillo stretched its streak of non losses (games in which the Bulls have not lost regulation and earned at least one point) to 21 straight games, the best streak in the North American Hockey League this season.

The Bulls also clinched at least a tie for a playoff birth and will earn a post-season spot outright with their next win.

And for the second straight night, the Bulls weren't shy about dropping their gloves with their opponent.

The Bulls and Jackalopes had four fights, including a rare goaltending tussle between Amarillo's Mike Taffe & Odessa's Justin Davis 21 seconds into the third period when the net-minders charged each other at center ice.

"We talk about us a group playing tough hockey. It is a team game and we ask guys to stick up for each other," and that's what we've been doing," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "Our Penalty Kill has been good right now, but obviously there are some penalties there that I don't like - the slashing and the hooking. A penalty for boarding or a hard hit, hey, that happens. We just don't need to take those lazy penalties."

Bulls forward Joe Kozlak did come out lazy as he had Amarillo's first three goals, including two on the power play, and the Bulls were in control from that point.

"I just got to the front of the net," said Kozlak, who has 19 goals.

"One was just a shot from the slot and the others were putting the puck on the net from the dirty areas. We've always been a physical team, that is our nature. We don't always do things pretty. We just wanted to work their defense down low and use that to our advantage."

"We had some fights, we had some hits and we had some goals, and I think everyone had fun tonight. I know we had a lot of fun tonight."

The Bulls recent penchant for fisticuffs was evident when Taffe and Davis stormed from their respective nets during another fight between Bulls defensemen John Rey and Odessa Defensemen Tyler Minx. Both goalies received fighting/game misconducts and hit the showers.

"(Davis) kind of asked me during the second TV Timeout. He had a couple of choice words for me and I didn't want to have anything to do with it," said Taffe, who stopped 10 of 11 shots and improved to 16-1-3."

"After our first little scrum, I said 'Why Not?' There's 4,500 fans and I don't like being called out and i'm not afraid to throw them down if I have to.

"If your going to hit us, we're going to hit you right back."





Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule for 1/30-2/5

The All Star & Top Prospects Game continue for some leagues across North America this week as the American Hockey League All Star Game takes place tonight up in Atlantic City, New Jersey after the Western Conference winning the Skills Competition last night 18-10. Highlights including former Texas Tornado Goalie Ben Bishop won the Top Goaltender so far this season which leads the league with 6 shutouts was one of the top goaltenders by stopping 16 of 19 shots when in net. Also Ryan Keller of the Oklahoma City Barons was the co champion of the Accuracy Shot by hitting all 4 targets in just 5 shots along with Abbotsford Heat Forward Brian Connelly as well.

You can read about the entire AHL All Star Skills Competition here as well as the full results here.

With the NHL All Star Break now behind us, the league will resume the Regular Season tomorrow night with the Stars beginning a huge 2 game road trip to California to play the Ducks on Wednesday & the Sharks on Thursday as the Stars will look to eat into the Pacific Division Gap as they sit 8 points back of the Division Leading San Jose Sharks. Following the California Road Trip, it's back home to the Stars as they face the Minnesota Wild who currently holds down the 8th & Final Playoff Spot who like the Stars, have fallen back some what after an impressive start to the regular season.

Eddie Belfour will also be on hand for his NHL Hall of Fame Recognition after he got inducted back in November. He is the 3rd player from the Stars 1999 Stanley Cup Winning Team to be inducted into  the NHL Hall of Fame along with Joe Nieuwendyk who also got inducted along with Belfour & Brett Hull who was inducted back in 2009.

The 1st 7 games on February are critical to the team's Playoff Chances as they will be playing teams that are all very winnable and that are critical to the playoff run with 34 games left in the regular season that will take place over the final 2 months of the regular season which will wrap up on April 7.

When the AHL All Star Break wraps up after tonight's All Star Game. The American Hockey League will get back to business on Thursday Night with all 4 Regional Teams in action with San Antonio playing the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons while the Texas Stars will take on the Houston Aeros.

Oklahoma City will look to cool off a surging Rampage Team that has now risen to 7th Place thanks to a 7 game winning streak that goes back to January 14th win against the Rockford Ice Hogs. In addition to Rockford, San Antonio has also 3 wins over Houston & a victory over the Abbotsford Heat as well who are battling with Houston for 4th & get in a position where they would have home ice advantage in the 1st Round. Overall, the gap from from the 4th Place Houston Aeros to 7th Place San Antonio Rampage is now just 4 PTS.

Other big games in the AHL This week includes a battle of the West Division Leading Oklahoma City Barons against the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers on Friday in OKC. Charlotte will also visit the Texas Stars on Saturday, while the Lake Erie Monsters are also visiting the Southwest by playing the Rampage on Friday & the Aeros on Saturday Night as well.

Elsewhere in the Region this week will have an important battle for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the Berry Conference between the Tulsa Oilers & RGV Killer Bees in Tulsa. RGV needs to respond after losing 2 of 3 last weekend after a OT Loss to South Texas Rival Laredo Bucks & a 4-1 loss to the Allen Americans on Sunday last weekend that allowed the Oilers to gain a slight lead where they were able to gain points in all 3 games with wins over the Texas Brahmas & Laredo Bucks as well as forcing OT in Kansas over the Wichita Thunder who are battling with Allen for the Conference Lead right now.

Among the Junior Ranks, we will see an all Dallas Area Game on Wednesday Night as the Ice Jets will play their final game before being off for two weeks as they will look to go ahead of the El Paso Rhinos for the Mid-West Division. This game is a virtual must win to help the Ice Jets Chances as the Rhinos still has two games in hand (three after Wednesday Night) as the Rhinos will have another Favorable Series against West Coast Division Cellar Dwelling Phoenix Knights after El Paso outscored Park City 28-3 in the 3 game series that wrapped up yesterday.

In the NAHL, the Texas Tornado & Wichita Falls Wildcats will play a 3 game series as the Tornado will host the series on Thursday & Friday before both teams head to Wichita Falls on Saturday Night. Also it will be a chance for the Corpus Christi Icerays to show that not only they can make the playoffs, but show they will be a dangerous foe as the Icerays travel to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners on Wednesday & Thursday Night.

Finally the Dallas Stars Elites at both the U18AAA & U16AAA Levels will play their 2nd to Final Tier 1 Elite League Showcases of the season as the U18's will head to LA while the U16's will be in Denver. This weekend will also be used a tune up for the TAHA State Championship where both teams will play the Alliance Bulldogs in the Best of 3 State Tournament Series. Speaking of Alliance, the Alliance Bulldogs U18 team will play the Dallas Oilers on Sunday; while the U16's will head to Colorado to play the Pikes Peak Miners in an exhibition series up in Colorado this weekend.

National Hockey League

2/1: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks  9:30 PM (FSN Southwest+)

2/2: Dallas Stars VS. San Jose Sharks  9:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/4: Minnesota Wild VS. Dallas Stars  7:00 PM (FSN Southwest+)

American Hockey League

1/30 (All Star Game) 6:00 PM in Atlantic City, New Jersey

2/2

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. Houston Aeros  7:05 PM

2/3

Charlotte Checkers VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

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

2/4

Charlotte Checkers VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Houston Aeros  7:35 PM

2/5: Milwaukee Admirals VS. Houston Aeros  12:05 PM

Central Hockey League

1/31: RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:05 PM

2/1: Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:00 PM

2/3

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

2/4

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

North American Hockey League

2/1: Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

2/2

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/3

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/4

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/1: Dallas Ice Jets VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  9:30 PM

2/3

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  9:00 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  9:00 PM

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  9:00 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  9:30 PM

2/4

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  3:45 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  6:30 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  8:45 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  9:00 PM

2/5

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:15 AM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  12:45 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  1:30 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  3:00 PM

U18AAA

2/3

Phoenix Jr. Coyotes VS. Dallas Stars Elites 10:00 AM

Colorado Thunderbirds VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:15 PM

2/4

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage  10:30 AM

Russell Stover VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:45 PM

2/5

Rocky Mountain Roughriders VS. Dallas Stars Elites  10:30 AM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Dallas Oilers AA  8:00 AM

U16AAA

2/3

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders  3:30 PM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners  6:30 PM

2/4

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover  12:15 PM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners  3:00 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Thunderbirds  6:30 PM

DJHA U18 AA VS. Dallas Ice Jets  7:00 PM

2/5

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners 9:00 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage  12:30 PM



Corpus Christi fires back at Wichita Falls

After getting sweeped last weekend against the Wichita Falls Wildcats in a pair of losses (4-2 last on Friday & 2-1 (OT) on Saturday) to continue to show the rest of the South Division that they are the favorites to finish 4th and get into the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era as the Ice Rays are now 8 points up on the Jackalopes right now. Both teams will be playing again tonight at 7:05 PM at the American Bank Center.

Else where in the South Division Coming up tonight, the Amarillo Bulls visit Odessa while the Texas Tornado play their only game of the weekend as they entertain the Fresno Monsters while Topeka welcomes the New Mexico Mustangs this weekend.

Wichita Falls Wildcats 2  Corpus Christi Icerays 5  (1-1, 0-4, 1-0)

By Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller

Game Photos from Michael Zamora

Even More thoughts from Greg Rajan



From Corpus Christi, Texas: Ice Rays Head Coach Justin Quenneville said his team really didn't play any differently against the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Thrusday then on eight previous occasion's.

There was one notable difference, though: the goal light behind Matt Leon's net finally got some use.

Corpus Christi ended Leon's run of dominance in a big way, rolling to a 5-2 victory over Wichita Falls at the American Bank Center.

The IceRays (19-17-3, 41 Points) moved eight points up on Odessa (14-19-5, 33 Points) and 10 on Wichita Falls (14-23-3, 31 PTS) for the final playoff spot in the North American Hockey League South Division. Corpus Christi also matched it's win total from last year, it's first in the NAHL.

"We had more pose tonight," Quenneville said. "I haven't even watched the game film, but I can tell you that we didn't play any different then we did the nights before. We kept things simple, made the plays and were effective at both ends of the ice," he added. "The goals just went in tonight. The guys buried (chances) and I'm proud of them. We had a ton of chances. I'm glad they started going in for them."

The story entering the game was Leon. the Wichita Falls Goalie who was 6-0 against Corpus Christi and had allowed just seven total goals. But by the end of the second period, the IceRays had pumped five pucks past him to turn a close game into a rout.

"Honestly, I can't tell you exactly (what we did differently)," said Forward Joe Smereck who had a goal and played a strong two way game. "Hockey is a funny sport, and sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. But I guarantee tonight we worked a lot harder then we have any other night."

"Tonight we just found our niche. Sometimes, you just can't find it," he added.

The Icerays trailed 1-0 late in the first period before a strong individual effort by Perry D'Arrisso gave them a spark.

The forward beat the Wichita Falls Wildcats Defensemen Tucker Poolman to a loose puck, skated in Leon and faked the goalie to the ice before slipping in the equalizer at 15:22.

"That's a goal scorers goal right there," Quenneville said. "He recognized had a bead on the defensemen. We had been preaching a long time to the guys to make that move to the outside, gain speed and then the power to move to the net.

"Yeah, you take a licking, but you'll get a great (chance) out of it," he added. "That was a great play by him and a big (confidence) builder for us."

The IceRays then got to Leon for four goals in 14 minutes during the second, giving goalie Anthony Stolarz - who made 41 saves - plenty of offensive support.

First, Beau Walker's left circle shot went off Leon's right shoulder under the crossbar at 4:14, then at 9:22, A.J. Jarosz snapped a wirst shot from the high slot off the left post and in on the power play.

At 14:33, Smereck tailed after a strong rush down left wing and around the defense. Erik Purcell then capped the second period scoring from the low slot at 18:04 and Captain Frank Misuraca pinched in from the right point and found Purcell alone in front.

"On the Bench, were going wild," Jarosz said. "It just felt good to finally put five up against him."

"With Leon, he stays in the net, and you've got to be patient with him and wait for him to go down. I think we played pretty well tonight against him."

Lose Pucks

IceRays defensemen Ladislav Hruska left the game with 10:35 left in the first period with an ankle injury after a collision along the left wing boards with Wildcats Forward Renato Engler. Hruska was down on the ice for several minutes before being helped off and didn't return.



Texas Rubber Magazine Feature on the NAHL in Texas

Here's a recent magazine article that was featured in Texas Rubber Magazine by John Tranchina about the North American Hockey League's Growth in Texas with 5 teams and a growing number of youth players it's effected as well.

Here's the Texas Rubber Magazine Article by John Tranchina

With no less then 5 of it's 28 franchises based in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the United States only Tier 2 Junior A League, is the nations largest state is a testament how far the sport has progressed.

That Texas host more NAHL Clubs then any other state marks a dramatic increase from a low of one (Wichita Falls Wildcats) just four seasons ago in 2008-2009, when the four time Robertson Cup Champion Texas Tornado suspended operations to allow for the renovation of the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco. Since then, the Tornado returned, switched ownership and gained new rivals with expansion teams in Amarillo (Bulls), Corpus Christi (Icerays) & Odessa (Jackalopes).

Each of the three newest Texas squads resides in cities that previously housed in the Central Hockey League (CHL) clubs that were forced to ceased operations. Now, showcasing in the NAHL's exciting brand of junior hockey, they are all thriving, with each of the five Texas clubs among the league's top nine in attendance.

"In all of those cases, they were basically markets that became available and they are interested in the North American Hockey League model and it seems to be paying off for them." noted NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld, whose league headquarters are based in Frisco. "Our strategy, in general, is you want to have good partners and close divisional rivalries. That's our strategy in Michigan or whereever you're considering expanding, but in Texas, there was no strategy there, just the change of the times with the economy and ownership changes. It's really more of a natural progression of a model and a benefit to our league. Had we not existing partners in Texas & Wichita Falls, that probably would not have evolved."

Having built in rivalries with the other Texas Teams has been a major factor in each of the new teams successes, both as far as keeping travel costs down and in having familiar opponents for their fans to root against.

"Most definitely it's good for us because if it wasn't for those teams, we couldn't be in this league," acknowledged Patt Dunn, general manager of the second year Icerays. "Already, we have to go to New Mexico & Topeka and we have 14, 15 hour bus rides. That's far enough, I'd hate to see if our closest rivals, so definitely it's a plus. And there are other teams that were in the Central Hockey League at one point, so for the fans, that's there familiarity."

The transition from Professional Hockey to high-level juniors has progressed smoothly for each of the three newcomers, both at the ticket window and within the community. "We're in our second year, but we had been in pro hockey for 13 years and it was rough," remarked Dunn, we also spent several years working for the CHL incarnation of the IceRays. "We enjoyed it and really enjoyed the product, but it was just time to move on. We went to the NAHL and have been very happy and our fans have embraced it. We had to educate our fans on what the product was, but after they got to witness it themselves, they're really excited about it and enjoying the quality of play."

One other positive each of the three newcomer NAHL Cities have experienced is more of a commitment by the clubs to serve the community. With teenage players between the ages of 16 and 20, they are more eager participants to giving back to the communities, and that higher visibility in turn helps more kids to the local youth hockey programs.

"They're a big reason we're doing so well as we are this year." stated Amarillo Hockey Association, Inc. (AHAI) president Kenneth Creamer, whose organization maintains a strong connection with the NAHL's Bulls. "They are in the community and they're promoting youth hockey a lot more then we used to get with the pro team. These guys are not getting paid, it's not their job, so they doing everything they can to be involved in the community and to grow hockey in our area."

With the tremendous escalation of the game at the grassroots level in Texas over the last decade plus, more and more locally produced players are ending up on NAHL Rosters and that serves as further inspiration for the kids in those youth programs.

"Any time you read a program and you see half the team is from Plano or Flower Mound or Dallas, it just excites everybody and makes them think, 'Hey we could be that guy,'" Dunn said. "So the younger kids believe it and they're thinking they could be the next guy playing here, that you don't have to have ice in your backyard to become a hockey player. Kids down here in the South are really good athletes and are getting into hockey."

Austin Sutter, who serves as the Amarillo Youth Programs ice coordinator while doubling as business development manager for the Bulls, illuminates how profoundly the relationship can be mutually beneficial. "The bigger the youth hockey program grows, the more revenue we can bring in for the NAHL Team and vice versa," said Sutter, who played four plus seasons for the former Amarillo Gorillas in the CHL before retiring in 2010 to get into youth coaching. "The Bulls understand the value of that partnership and so does youth hockey. When the Bulls fans come to games, they can see that we offer quite a program for kids here for kids that want to play and try the game. We do work hand-in-hand."

"Everywhere, the youth programs grow when you have a junior team there," Frankenfeld said. "That situation is good for everybody, with more people playing hockey."

About Texas Rubber Magazine: Texas Rubber Magazine is a brand new digital magazine that debut last fall and it's a monthly magazine with different features on different Youth & Junior Teams around the State. Including Texas, Rubber Magazine also does similar magazine for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado & Florida.

Greg Rajan In the Crease Podcasts

A recent addition to Greg Rajan's hockey coverage of the Corpus Christi Icerays is his Podcast called In the Crease where he talks to current & Former Players Junior & Minor League Players. As well as coaches, GMS, Owners and Media that cover these levels of hockey.

A couple of his recent interviews included former Corpus Christi Iceray from the CHL Days and current Texas Brahmas Forward Chad Wollard about the league's new playoff format, who he thinks the Brahmas biggest rival is and and a bizarre episodes that he has witnessed over the course of his career including when a rival folded in Mid-Season and became the teams new head coach.

Also in his recent episode is Brian Sandalow of The Monitor in McAllen where he covers the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees who has been one of the league's biggest surprises this season after many felt the team was going to fold last summer. Currently the Killer Bees sit in 5th Place just a point back of the Tulsa Oilers for the 4th & Final Playoff Spot in the Berry Conference with just under 30 games left in the regular season.

1/24 Episode

He was also able to get a fans perceptive from Ice Rays Fan Robert Hutchinson who has been a huge fan and season ticket holder of the Corpus Christi Icerays since the early days of the team playing in the Central Hockey League. Rajan got his thoughts on main issues like the team's lack of success on the ice, but it how continues to gain big crowds. The recent brawl between the Tornado & Ice Rays that resulted in 6 different players getting suspended, including Skyler Spiller for 10 games.

Also the biggest pros & cons of the Junior Game and losing South Texas Rivals with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and the Laredo Bucks as well as looking to see where they futures could be if the Central Hockey League can't survive with all the problems the league has had in recent years regarding teams either folding or moving to different leagues like the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the North American Hockey League.

1/17 Episode

2012 NAHL Top Prospects Rosters Released

The 6 teams for this year's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament that will be taking place from February 20-22 with the 6 teams taking place at this year's Top Prospects Event from each of the 5 Divisions (Central, Mid-West, North, South, West Coast). As well as a U18 Selects Team for the best players under the age of 18 which includes Anthony Stolarz who was ranked #21 among North American Goalies during the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings earlier this month.

Also from Southwest Teams that will be playing for the NAHL U18 Selects is Tornado Forward Justin Greenberg who's been among the top rookies in the NAHL this season. Finally among the Major Snubs is Wenatchee Wild Goalie & Dallas Area Native Robert Nichols who's leading in both GAA (1.59) & SV% (.940).

Here's the Press Release from the North American Hockey League

Also the Links to the Southwest Teams & their players that will be competitng in Troy, Michigan as well.

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

Texas Tornado

In addition to the Southwest Team Sites reporting on their players that made the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. Here's the links to the full rosters for all 6 teams.

Central Division

Mid-West Division

North Division

South Division

West Coast Division

NAHL U18 Selects

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the rosters for next month's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, presented by Combat Hockey, which will be held from February 20-22 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan.

At the event, six teams - Central, Mid-West, North, South, West Coast & the NAHL U18 Selects - will each play three games. Each team consists of a 20 man roster as chosen by the NAHL Top Prospects Selection Committee as nominated by the league's 28 head coaches, with minor player crossovers among the six teams.

All NAHL Players are eligible to participate in the Top Prospects Tournament, regardless if they've committed to a NCAA School. Each of the teams will contain 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. The number of players represented by each NAHL Team was based on each team's winning percentage as of January 16th.

In conjunction with the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, all North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) teams - Midget Major (U18), Midget Minor (U16) & Bantam Major (U14) will compete in the PHL Championship Tournament Series for the right to be crowned league champions. That event will also run from February 17-20, also at the Troy Sports Center.

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) will also have representation at the Top Prospects Tournament, as 8 of the league's 16 teams (Battle Creek, Cleveland, Flint, Metro, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Queen City & Toledo) will play four regular season games from February 19-22 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan.

For more info on the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, click here

Here's the NAHL Top Prospects Schedule, click here

For more info on the NAPHL, click here

For more info on the NA3HL, click here

1/23-29 Southwest Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Hockey League

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

1/26: NHL All Star Fantsay Draft

1/28: NHL Super Skills Competition

1/29: NHL All Star Game

American Hockey League

1/27

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/28

Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/29: AHL Skills Competition 3:00 PM

1/30: AHL All Star Game  7:00 PM

Central Hockey League

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

1/27

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

1/28

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

1/29

Laredo Bucks VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  5:05 PM

North American Hockey League

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

1/27

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

Amarillo Bulls VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

1/28

Fresno Monsters VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

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


Western States Hockey League

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


1/27

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

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

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

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


1/28

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

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

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

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


1/29

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  11:00 AM

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

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