Austin Smith should make Pro Debut on Friday VS. Oklahoma City

After Austin Smith's Colgate Career came to an end this past weekend with losses to Union College & Cornell in the ECAC Hockey Conference Championships, Austin according to several sources including Brandon Worley of Defending Big D saying that Smith signed a 2 Year Entry Level Contract last night and will be looking to make his Pro Debut on Friday Night when the Stars head North to play the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons when the Stars begin a 3 game road trip that will also include games against the Toronto Marlies on Sunday & against the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland on Tuesday Night.

Photo of Austin Smith: Courtesy of the Colgate Raiders & Alliance Bulldogs Website.



This will make him the first Texan to ever make his Pro Debut and only the 2nd Player overall to make his Debut after Edmond's Matt Donovan made his AHL Debut last spring around this time and is in the middle of his first full AHL Season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NY Islanders Affiliate).

Smith is ending a very long 5 year journey that was filled with doubts and him looking to presence of looking to show that he is a worthy prospect in the Dallas Stars Sizes. Doubts contained everything from his size where he was a very small but very fast 5'5" frame when he was playing for Gunnery Prep School in Connecticut during his Junior & Senior Years of High School before he was taken in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Stars. The doubts continued over the course of his career while at Colgate which isn't known as a great hockey team for the most part & including Smith never getting the Raiders to the NCAA Hockey Tournament during his Career.

After playing his final games of his NCAA Career at the ECAC Hockey Conference Championship and his frustrations when the game began to slip for the Colgate Raiders in their Conference Semifinal against the Eventual Champion Union College describing what his emotions were at that time. "I've never given up in a game before, ever. I always compete to the end," said Smith. "When it hit 5-1, I was trying to hold the tears back. The rest of the game I was circling and I had a million things going in my head. I wasn't very effective."

He told the College Hockey News' Rob Moore after the game ended. Smith went on to say, "I thought we dominated the first period and were with them for most of the second period. When we got that goal to make it 2-1, I believed more then anyone that we could win," said Smith. "By the middle of the third period though, he was beginning to think different thoughts. "That [fifth goal] was the goal for me where I realized it was the end of my career."

If Smith is looking to show the Stars that he is a strong prospect going forward, he needs to have a strong end to the American Hockey League Season where the Texas Stars are out of the playoff race and have been at or near the Bottom of the Western Conference for most of the last 2 months by providing a fresh energy and challenging some of the team's top prospects like Brendan Dillion & Matt Fraser as well as others like Colton Sceivour who's been getting the bill as one of the more underrated players in the AHL this season.

He will have 12 games to show the Stars that he can thrive in the Pro Game and be a force to be reckon with at the AHL Level and looking to show that he can be worthy of a Call Up next season. With the Stars having nothing to play for the rest of the season, Smith needs to show that he can make the Stars a hard team to play against as the Stars lost their 5th in a row with a 5-2 loss against Abbotsford last night and went just, 2-5, on the 7 game home stand that wrapped up last night.

Even though it took 5 years to get him from the Draft to signing with the Stars, he's still got a mountain of a journey in front of him as he looks to shine in Austin and show the Stars that he is worthy of playing for Dallas in the near future. With upcoming prospects like Rielly Smith, Scott Glennie, Jack Campbell, Matt Frasier & Brendan Dillion possibly on the horizon.

He will really have to work hard to stand out among the Stars improving Prospect Pool to earn a spot in Dallas in the future. With Austin's Speed, determination & scoring ability, he has spent his entire career to this point defining the odds and proving people wrong and he is looking forward to doing it again to play for his hometown Stars.

Here's the Remaining Texas Stars Schedule

3/23: @ Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

3/25: @ Toronto Marlies  2:00 PM

3/27: @ Lake Erie Monsters  6:00 PM

3/29: VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  7:30 PM

3/31: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  7:00 PM

4/1: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  5:00 PM

4/4: @ Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

4/5: @ Peoria Rivermen  7:00 PM

4/10: VS. Chicago Wolves  7:30 PM

4/13: @ San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

4/14: VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

4/15: @ Houston Aeros  5:05 PM

Hockey's Future has him ranked #13

Yesterday, Hockeys Future came out with their Dallas Stars Top 20 Prospects for the Spring as the NCAA & Canadian Hockey League Season is coming to an end. Smith has taken a strong jump from #18 to #13 after his strong season and being a Top 10 Candidate for the Hobey Baker Award which will be cut from 10 to 3 on March 29.

Here's Hockey's Future comments from Mike Farkas. You can see the Full Top 20 & comments on each player by clicking on the Hockey's Future Link. Here's the Austin Smith Comments.

"What a year it has been for senior Austin Smith at Colgate University. After posting a career worst 10 goals last season, Smith exploded this season for a nation high 36 goals and a career best 57 points (four off the country's top spot). After offseason surgery, Smith has comeback healthy and confident and flying. He continues to be an all situation player with good speed and tremendous work rate, he has skated circles around the ECAC This season.

While he's not projected to be an elite scorer at the NHL level by any stretches of the imagination, he has a future as a quality utility man. He's not particular big or strong but he makes up for it with world class determination and a swagger that's hard to match. Smith will also certainly be signed after his collegiate career ends and will likely finish the year in Texas if the Stars management so chooses."





American Hockey League Week Ahead 2/22-26

As the Rampage enter the final portion of their annual Rodeo Road Trip, this week could be the most important 3-in-3 weekend sets of the season as San Antonio will be playing the Peoria Rivermen. Who till after last night, were in 7th & 8th Place in the Conference till the Rivermen got an important shootout win against the Abbotsford Heat after being down 2-0 just 6 minutes into the game.

Then were down, 3-2, for a majority of the 3rd period, until Adam Cracknell's 14th goal of the season tied the game with just 47 seconds left where the Rivermen was able to win in the shootout for a 4-3 victory where the Rivermen were able to jump to 6th Place in the Western Conference.

Abbotsford on the other hand has been falling in the West as they currently sit in 7th Place, this was after the Heat were in a very tight race with Houston & Oklahoma City for most of the 1st half of the season for both the Conference & Division Lead.

After San Antonio finishes the 2 games in Illinois, they will head to Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Admirals Sunday Afternoon. This could be a make-or-break weekend for the Rampage who sit in 8th Place and after the Rodeo Road Trip wraps up with a game in Chicago on 2/29, the stretch drive will have the Rampage play 12 of the team's final 18 games in March & April and will provide a prime opportunity to further established themselves in the playoff picture.

One thing to keep in mind about the Rampage is that San Antonio has only made the playoffs twice in their decade long history & has never won a Division Title or Playoff Series in their history. The last time the Rampage made the playoffs was in 2007 where they lost in 7 games to the Toronto Marlies.

Following tonight's Home Game against the Texas Stars, the Barons will start on a 6 game road trip starting with a battle of Division Leaders against the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers where OKC will have a great chance to pull away even further from both Charlotte & Toronto as they currently sit 5 points up on the Toronto Marlies & 6 points up on the Charlotte Checkers.

Following the trip to North Carolina, OKC will head to the Mid-West for a pair of games against Peoria, sandwiched with games against Grand Rapids & Chicago during the Trip as well.

Time is beginning to run out for the Texas Stars to get into the playoff race as they sit in 13th Place and are 9 points back of in state rival San Antonio for the 8th & final playoff spot. Things won't get any easier with a road game to the Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons, followed by a weekend series against their In State Rival Houston Aeros.

Houston will be looking to take advantage of one of their lightest stretches of the season coming up as they will have just 3 games over the next week-and-a-half. Not only is the number of games at a minimum, but travel shouldn't be an excuse coming up as they will be heading to Austin for a Friday/Saturday Series against a Texas Stars Team who are looking to get out of the Western Conference basement. The Aeros are looking to get this 11 game extended road trip back on track where Houston is 2-4 so far after losing 3 straight to Milwaukee & a pair against Abbotsford last week.

This will be a great chance for the Aeros to get back into 4th Place and into the final Home Ice Spot for the AHL Western Conference Playoffs when they get underway in Mid-April. The Aeros will look to get back on track during the extended road trip prior to their 1st home game back when they return to the Toyota Center on March 10 against the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Like the Rampage, the Aeros will have a heavy home schedule over the final 18 games where 13 of their final 18 will be at home. Including a stretch starting on March 29 where the Aeros will wrap up the regular season with 7 of their final 8 at home with their only road game during the final stretch drive against Oklahoma City on April 13 which is part of the regular season's closing weekend.

This Weeks AHL Schedule

2/22

Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

2/24

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Charlotte Checkers  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Peoria Rivermen  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

2/25

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Charlotte Checkers  6:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Peoria Rivermen  7:30 PM

2/26

San Antonio Rampage VS. Milwaukee Admirals  3:00 PM

2/6-12 Southwest Hockey Schedule

Here's a look at the Southwest Hockey Schedule for the week of February 6-12.

National Hockey League

2/7: Phoenix Coyotes VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/9: Dallas Stars VS. Columbus Blue Jackets  6:00 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/10: Dallas Stars VS. Buffalo Sabres  6:30 PM (FSN Southwest Plus)

2/12: LA Kings VS. Dallas Stars  (FSN Southwest)

American Hockey League

2/7

San Antonio Rampage VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  9:00 AM

Houston Aeros VS. Chicago Wolves  11:00 AM

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM



2/8: Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

2/9:  Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsford Heat  8:00 PM (In Calgary, AB)

2/10

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Toronto Marlies  6:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

2/11

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsord Heat  9:00 PM

2/12

Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  2:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  4:00 PM

Central Hockey League

2/9

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks  11:00 AM

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

2/10

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

2/11

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Evansville IceMen VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

North American Hockey League

2/7

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

2/10

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

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/11

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/12

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  2:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/10

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:45 PM

2/11

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  2:15 PM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

2/12

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  10:00 AM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:15 AM

Strong Game by Mark Arcobello leads Barons to Convincing Win

A great start on the Oklahoma City Barons 3 Game Road Trip to Rochester & Lake Erie up in Cleveland as both teams are desperate to get into the AHL Western Conference Playoff Picture with some great momentum before the AHL All Star Break on 1/29-30 up in Atlantic City, NJ. Last night, the Barons nearly lead a huge majority of the game with the exception of the 1st 7 Minutes where Rochester's Paul Szczechura scored 7 minutes in.

However, the Barons scored 5 unanswered goals in the 1st & 2nd Periods to eventually lead to a 5-2 Barons Victory in their 1st of the 2 game series up in Western New York to take their overall record to 25-11-5 which now gives the Barons a 4 Point Lead in the West Division, a 5 point lead over 2nd Place & Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers and is now dead even with the Hershey Bears for the best overall record in the AHL.

What a night for Mark Arcobello who was a very easy choice for the 1st Star of the Game with an impressive 4 point night (2 goals, 2 assists) and has already surpassed his full season total from last year where he scored 22 points 26 games (He currently has 6 Goals & 17 Assists so far this season).

This road trip is important for the Barons not only to get some momentum going into the All Star Break, but to finally get some breathing room from both the Houston Aeros & Abbotsford Heat who have been sweating it out for the West Division Lead all season long to this point. Just 4 games left till the break and the Barons are off to a great start on their current 3 game road trip that will see them playing the Rochester Americans again tonight at 6:35 PM Tonight. Then it's off to Cleveland to play the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday Night to wrap up the Road Trip.

After the road trip, the Barons will return home for a Friday/Saturday Home Weekend to play the Houston Aeros on 1/27 & the Texas Stars on 1/28 to wrap up the Pre All-Star Game portion of their schedule. Could this be the time that the Barons make a stand and show that they could be the best team in the West Division?

Here's the Oklahoma City Barons Upcoming Schedule till the All Star Break

1/20: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

1/21: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Lake Erie Monsters  6:30 PM

1/27: Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

1/28: Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Oklahoma City Barons 5  Rochester Americans 2  (2-1, 3-1, 0-0)

Press Release by Jim Bryers on the Oklahoma City Barons Website

From Rochester, N.Y.: Marc Arcobello matched the season high with a four point game on two goals and two assists in Oklahoma City's 5-2 win over the Rochester Americans on Thrusday at Blue Cross Arena in the opener of the three game trip.



Oklahoma City matches Hershey for the most points (55) in the AHL and builds its West Division Lead to four points over Houston and Abbotsford. The Barons have a league high 25 wins at 25-11-5. Rochester falls to 17-14-8.

Arcobello's four points matched his AHL Career high for a single game, he also had two goals and two assists on March 11, 2011 against Grand Rapids.

The Barons scored five unanswered goals after Rochester opened the scoring with a rebound goal by Szczechura at 7:53 of the first period.

The Barons responded to take a 2-1 lead after one period as Hunter Tremblay received an Arcobello pass down low and tucked it past David Leggo. Arcobello put Oklahoma City in front 2-1 at 18:41 on a point shot during a delayed penalty with the Barons utilizing an extra attacker. Chris VandeVelde, who came on to the ice in that sequence to replace Yann Dennis and Tremblay picked up assists.

Arcobello snapped the Barons 0/30 power play drought with a man advantage goal at 2:38 of the 2nd period. Phillippe Cornet in his own rebound for his 18th of the season to extend the lead to 4-1 at 5:30 of the second period, followed by Teemu Hartikainen's ninth of the campigan at 18:41 on a snap shot from a steep angle.

Travis Turnbull concluded the scoring 11 seconds later on a breakaway.

Oklahoma City out-shoot Rochester 34-22. Danis improved to 18-6-1, while Leggio fell to 11-10-1.

The same two teams meet on Friday in Rochester at 6:35 PM CST.



OKC holds off a hard Charging Lake Erie Team to win 3-2

After going up 3-0 at the end of 2 periods, the Barons had to fight off a hard charging Lake Erie Monsters who had 16 shots in the 3rd period and after going up 3-2, pulled their goalie Trevor Cann in hopes to force Overtime against the Western Conference Leaders. Fortunately the Barons Defense was able to help out Goaltender Yann Dennis to preserve a 3-2 win and improves their Goals Against Average to 2.19 GAA which is now in 4th in the entire American Hockey League.

The Barons lead in the Conference has also increased to 4 points as the Barons are beginning to show some signs they can finally pull away from the West Division Lead Pack that has until recently with the Barons, Aeros & Heat exchanging the lead the regular basis so far this season.

So far the Barons are right now are 2-0 on the current road trip as they will now head to Ontario to play the Toronto Marlies on Friday Night, then Sunday Afteroon the Barons will wrap up the Road Trip against the Hamilton Bulldogs. The team's next home game is on January 13 against the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Here's the Current AHL West Division Standings as of 1/5.

Full AHL Standings

1. Oklahoma City:  35 GP  23-8-4  50 PTS  109-82

2. Abbotsford:  33 GP  22-9-2  46 PTS  88-79

3. Houston:  34 GP  18-7-9  45 PTS  97-87

4. San Antonio:  34 GP  16-16-2  34 PTS  78-95

5. Texas  31 GP  14-16-1  29 PTS  90-94

Oklahoma City Barons 3  Lake Erie Monsters 2  (2-0, 1-0, 0-2)

From the Daily Oklahoman Website

From Cleveland, Ohio: Ryan Kelly & Philippe Cornet had a goal and an assist each Wednesday Night, and the Oklahoma City Barons hung on to beat the Lake Erie Monsters 3-2 in an American Hockey League game before 4,247 fans at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Ryan O'Marra added a goal and two assists to help the Barons take a 3-0 lead. Lake Erie, the top farm team of the Colorado Avalanche, scored twice in the 3rd period but failed to tie the game in the waining seconds after pulling goaltender Trevor Cann for an extra attacker.

Cornet, defensemen Alex Plante and goaltender Yann Dennis were named on Wednesday to the AHL Western Conference All Star Team. They will join Barons Head Coach Todd Nelson at the All Star Classic January 29-30 in Atlantic City, N.J.

Cornet leads the Barons with 17 goals, and Dannis 15-5-1 with a 2.20 GAA. Plante is currently with on the Edmonton Oilers roster but is out indefinitely with a concussion.

Kelly who scored the Barons first goal Wednesday Night just 12 seconds into the game, left in the 2nd period after a vicous hit to the jaw by Adrian Foster. Kelly, who tops the Barons in scoring with 30 points in 36 games, was bleeding from the mouth. An extended loss would add to the growing list of Barons Injuries.

Oklahoma City is without defensemen Ryan Lowery, Kirill Tulupov & Dylan Yeo and forwards Gilbert Brule, Tristian Grant, Linus Omark & Andrew Lord. Edmonton has also made 12 transactions with the Barons since the Christmas Break. This week, the Oilers recalled forward Teemu Hartikainen, Josh Green & defensemen Colton Teubert.

Yet the team continues to win. Recent Central Hockey League signees, defensemen Andrew Martins of the Wichita Thunder & Sean Erickson of the Tulsa Oilers, played well in front of Goaltender Dannis on Wednesday Night. Lake Erie had 22 total shots on goal but just 6 shots through 2 periods.

Cann, the Lake Erie Goaltender, won 24 games over the 2009-2011 seasons with the Tulsa Oilers. He is usually the Monsters #2 Goalie, but starter Cedric Desjardins is out with injury. Desjardins tops the AHL with a 1.85 GAA against average and a .941 SV%.

Oklahoma City continues its four game road trip at 6:00 PM Friday at the Toronto Marlies who lead the North Division. Then on Sunday, it's a trip West to Hamilton to play the Hamilton Bulldogs.





Barons use Strong PP to crush Aeros 6-0

A very strong PP that lead to 4 Power Play Goals had the Barons burning the Aeros up all night long as Oklahoma City was able to keep their Slim Lead in the Western Conference and build their overall record to 22-8-4 for a league leading 48 points and the Barons got some more good news as their head coach Todd Nelson was officially announced as the Head Coach of the AHL Western Conference All Stars when the American Hockey League heads to Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 29 & 30 at the Boardwalk Hall Arena.

The Barons spread the scoring out where a different Barons player scored all 6 goals. In addition to the goals, Magnus Paajarvi had a big game where he also added two assists in the game as well as he got his 1st goal scoring as a member of the Oklahoma City Barons after being sent from the Edmonton Oilers on December 16 after having just 3 assists in 25 games with the Oilers this season, that was compared to a strong rookie season where he had 34 points (15G 19A) in 80 games in Edmonton last season.

Press Release by Blake Colston from the Oklahoma City Barons Website

Oklahoma City Barons 6  Houston Aeros 0  (0-0, 4-0, 2-0)

From Houston, Texas: The Oklahoma City Barons (22-8-4 48 PTS) used a franchise record tying four power play goals to defeat the Houston Aeros (18-7-9 45 PTS) and reclaim 1st place in the Western Conference.

The Victory also secured Todd Nelson's spot as head coach of the Western Conference All Stars for the AHL All Star Classic January 29 & 30 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

After a quiet 1st period the Barons offense erupted for four goals in the 2nd period, three of which came via power play goals.

Antti Tyrvainen ignited the scoring spree with a breakaway goal at 3:27 off a pass from Kevin Montgomery. The goal was Tyrvainen's second of the season and second as in many nights. It was also the only even strength goal of the period.

Just 53 seconds later Oklahoma City notched the first of their three power play goals in the period. Josh Green fired a centering pass from the right wing to Philippe Cornet in front of the net where he pushed one past Aeros net minder Darcy Kuemper to notch his team leading 16th of the season. Ryan Kelly also collected an assist on the play.

Captain Bryan Helmer notched the Barons second goal at 11:47 of the frame. Magnus Paajarvi set up Helmer for a one time opportunity and the AHL's top scoring defensemen of all time found the back of the net. Kevin Montgomery also added an assist on the play.

The scoring extravaganza was capped off at 17:16 of the 2nd by Keller. His 12th goal of the season put the Barons in front 4-0. Paajarvi & Green assisted on the goal.

Oklahoma City's Final Power Play Goal of the night was put home by Curtis Hamilton at 12:43 of the 3rd period. Curtis VandeVelde skated around the left wing faceoff circle and fed Tyrvainen behind the net. From there Tyrvainen shoveled a pass to Hamilton in the slot where he fired one past Kuemper.

Helmer & Paajarvi each picked up their first goals of the season while Green & Montogmery added two assists respectively.

Barons net minder Yann Danis stopped all 23 shots he faced and improved to 5-0 against Houston on the season. The Shutout was his third of the season and his second against the Aeros.

What a difference a season makes for the Barons against the Aeros. Last season, Oklahoma City won just one of it's 10 games against the Aeros. This season, the Barons have won all five meetings, two of them by shutout.

Oklahoma City travels to Cleveland to play the Lake Erie Monsters Wednesday Evening. Faceoff is set for 6:00 PM CST.

Oklahoma City Barons Rout Chicago 6-2 to keep pressure on San Antonino

Their was no question that the Barons were looking to catch up to the Rampage and tie them for the West Division. Despite the Rampage win, the Barons were no match for the Chicago Wolves as the stay within 2 points of the division leading Barons. This also takes OKC to 3-2 as they are 5 games through the longest home-stand of the season as the Barons have also had wins over the Texas Stars & Toronto Marlies during this stretch.

It was a big night for Ryan O'Merra (3 Assists), Liam Reddox (2 Goals) and Alexander Giroux (2 Assists) as the attack minded Barons never held the Wolves out of their sight as the Barons went up 2-0 late in the first and never looked back for the rest of the night.

In addition, Martin Gerber who was brought in because of his Experience at all levels in the NHL, AHL & in Europe also had 35 saves in a game that had a lot of flow and shots as the Barons out-shot the Wolves 43-37 where both sides had to make some key saves for the Barons to keep the lead all night long.

Despite the win, the Rampage also won their game 3-2 over Rockford to keep the lead. With the Barons not hitting the ice again until next Friday on November 19, the Barons have temporally lost their chance to jump over the Rampage to take over the West Division Lead.

The Next time the Barons hit the ice is on 11/19 against the Texas Stars, then the team will wrap up the home-stand with a pair of games against the Milwaukee Admirals on 11/21 & 23.

San Antonio will now have a chance to gain some breathing room on top of the West with games on Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Wolves on Sunday, then a special Field Trip Game for local Grade School Kids in the area on Wednesday the 17th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Chicago Wolves Highlights

OKC VS. Chicago Post Game Reaction

Game Story from Ryan Aber of the The Daily Oklahoman

From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: The first period had been a problem for the Barons for much of the season.

But Friday against Chicago, the Barons broke through early, let the Wolves back into it, then controlled the 3rd period to come away with a 6-2 win in front of 3,601 at the Cox Convention Center.

"It's something we've focused on," Barons Winger Liam Reddox said. "We've talked about it in the room. It's nice to get a couple of goals there early."

Once again, Reddox played a big part.

He scored 3:24 into the game on a shorthanded breakaway to put the Barons ahead. Reddox has two of the three Barons Shorthanded goals this season.

Later in the period, Colin Macdonald put the Barons up 2-0. It was a nice change of pace for the Barons from their early struggles as of late. The Barons have allowed goals in the first 5:35 in the last six games.

A big part of the Barons early game success was because of Martin Gerber. Gerber stopped all 16 first period shots from the Wolves as he picked up his seventh straight win.

"Streaks are always nice when they are positive," Gerber said. "It's much earlier to stay in a winning streak thenn to break out of a losing out."

But after Reddox scored his goal less then six minutes into the second, the Wolves Spencer Machacek scored two straight goals to cut the Barons lead to one entering the third period.

The Wolves out-shot the Barons 15-11 in the 2nd period.

Barons Head Coach Todd Nelson had a strong conversation with his team in the second period.

"I just told the guys, 'Don't cheat the game,'" Nelson said. "They looked like they wanted to get on the bus after jumping 3-0."

The Barons lead stayed at one through much of the third period until Chris VandeVelde, getting the puck off the draw in the zone near the boards, streaked behind the net and tried a wraparound.

VandeVelde initial shot didn't make it past Chicago Goaltender Peter Mannino, but it bounced off a Wolves player in the crease and past Mannino.

That was the first of three Barons Goals in a stretch of 5:21 stretch that quickly put the game firmly in the Barons Grasp.

Brad Moran and Shawn Belle added goals for the Barons during that stretch.

The game was the final of a four game conditioning assignment for Edmonton's J.F. Jacques. Jacques had three shots and five penalty minutes, getting into his first fight of the season and showing no effects from the back injury that had sidelined him since last season.

Ryan O'Marra assisted on three of the Barons goals, giving him 12 for the season. While O'Marra has yet to score a goal, he's already registered a professional high in assists.

The Barons (10-6-1 21 PTS) get most of the week off before resuming their eight game home-stand Friday against the Texas Stars.

The team will take the next two days off from practice, with most of the team attending today's OU Football Game before a team event on Sunday.

San Antonio holds on to slim lead in AHL West Division with 3-2 win

The Rampage continue their strong home ice performance with their 4 win in their last 5 games as all 3 goals in the 2nd period.

Including some very key goals by Mathieu Beaduoin with his team leading 9th of the season and Defensemen Mikkel Boedker who scored twice in just over a minute as the Rampage were able to break open a 1-1 game into a 3-1 game where that Boedker goal turned out to be the game winner.

Early in the 3rd period, a goal by rookie defense Nick Leddy scored and put the Icehogs within 1 at 3-2 just 3:20 into the game as that gave the Icehogs life and put pressure at numerous points in the 3rd period.

But Goaltender Al Montoya wouldn't have any of it as 14 saves in the 3rd period helped keep the Rampage up 3-2 including in the final 45 seconds when Rockford pulled goalie Alec Richards looking to force OT, but a pair of late key saves ended the Icehogs hopes last night.

In addition to the 3-2 win over Rockford, Oklahoma City has been able to keep up the pressure with a 6-2 win over the Chicago Wolves last night as the Rampage lead in the West Division stays at 2 points.

In addition to last night's game, they has been a change in the Broadcast Schedule for Sunday Afternoon when the Rampage take on the Chicago Wolves. It will be on 92.5 KRPT the Patriot instead of the usual Sports Radio 760 The Ticket due to a schedule conflict.

92.5 The Patriot Website

San Antonio Rampage Broadcast Press Release


San Antonio VS. Rockford Game Highlights

Rockford Ice Hogs 2  San Antonio Rampage 3  (0-0, 1-3, 1-0)

Game Story from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Rampage swept the Rockford Icehogs in back-to-back games as they claimed a 3-2 victory at the AT&T Center Friday Night and are now tied for first in the league with a 11-4-1 record good for 23 points.

Despite being out-shot 11-10 in the first period, the Rampage were able to get some quality shots on Rockford netminder Alec Richards but unfortunately took some unlucky bounces and the game remained scoreless heading into the 2nd period.

San Antonio claimed the first lead of the game off right wing Brett Maclean's goal 8:06 into the 2nd period. Mikkel Boedker assisted on Maclean's backhanded shot at the left post beating Richards low stick side for a 1-0 lead.

Rockford Right Wing Hugh Jessiman netted an equalizer on the power play just 1:31 later to even the score at 1-1. Nick Leddy's shot from the left faceoff circle was deflected by Jessiman to the upper right corner past Rampage goaltender Al Montoya.

The Rampage took a 2-1 advantage 16:57 into the 2nd period as leading scorer Brett Maclean scored his nineth of the season. Alex Picard sent a cross ice pass to Beaudoin at the left goal line who punched a low stick side past Richards. Vitkor was credited with the second assist.

San Antonio extended their lead to 3-1 as Boedker scored the game winning goal at the 18:04 mark of the 2nd period. Rookie Chris Summers supplied his first assists of his pro career on Boedker snap shot that went high glove side. Boedker's goal marked his fifth multi point game of the season to lead all Rampage attackers.

Icehogs defensemen Nick Leedy made it a 3-2 contest after his goal at 3:20 into the third period. Leddy fired a bullet from the left faceoff circle beating Montoya high stick side. Brian Connelly and Ryan Potunly added the helpers.

Rockford Head Coach Bill Peters pulled Richards with 45 seconds left in the game in favor of a sixth attacker, but the Icehogs could not convert the man advantage and the Rampage finalized the victory 3-2.

Montoya stopped 36 of 38 Icehog Shots while Richards made 26 saves on 29 shots on net.

The Rampage return to the AT&T Center on Sunday Afternoon as they host the Chicago Wolves at 3:00 PM.

This Weeks Southwest Schedule

After the Dallas Stars 5-0 crushing against Colorado back on Saturday Night, the Stars have plenty of time and plenty to think about as they look to rebound with several days off as they don't hit the ice again until Thursday Night when they start a 2 game, 2 night road-trip to Southern California as the Stars will take on the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the Anaheim Ducks on Friday Night.

Then the team will return home as the Stars will faceoff against the Ducks, Kings and Avalanche again next weekend.

So it will be interesting to see how the Stars will react to some the same opponent's and hit the video room to take a look at how to take down the Avalanche after losing 5-0 and looking to take down their Pacific Division Rivals.

This will be an interesting test as the Stars won't have more then two nights rest between next week and just before the Christmas Rest Period after the December 23 game against the Calgary Flames.

It's a busy week for the San Antonio Rampage and Houston Aeros as both teams will be playing 4 games this week.

For the Rampage, it's a short trip to Oklahoma City on Tuesday Night, then a 3 game home-stand as the Rampage will play back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday Night against the Rockford Iceogs as the Rampage will be battling for 2nd place in the West Division as of right now and it could be for the West Division Lead if San Antonio beats Oklahoma City tonight.

For the Rampage, it will be a Sunday Afternoon tilt against the Chicago Wolves who's looking to climb back up in the Division after winning the West Division last year and getting knocked out by the Texas Stars last year.

Houston is in the middle of a 4 game road-trip with a pair of road-trips to Abbotsford, BC and Peoria. Last night for the Aeros, it looked like it would be a win for the Aeros. But after a late comeback, the Heat ended up winning in a shootout and will faceoff again tonight.

After tonight, it's a long flight to Illinois as the Aeros play the Rivermen coming up on Saturday & Sunday which is in the middle of a string where they are currently playing 7 of their next 8 away from H-Town.

The next time the Aeros will head home will be for a single game on November 17 against the Chicago Wolves.

Both OKC & Texas will have slow weeks as the Stars will play only one game this week against the Chicago Wolves coming up on Wednesday Night.

 The Barons are in the middle of an 8 game home-stand and will only play twice this week as they will play San Antonio tonight and then Chicago on Friday Night, then it's a full week off as the Barons won't play again until November 19 against the Texas Stars.

Who can stop the Tornado?

That is the question that the Corpus Christi Icerays will try to figure out as the team's 12 game winning streak is currently the longest of the season and has taken the Tornado to the top of the entire NAHL with a 14-2-3 record with 31 points.

And with a number of players getting named to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month on both sides, the pressure will be on to perform as they will be under a big spotlight as they look to sign NCAA Scholarships.

To check out your favorite teams on the web, here's a series of links to listen online and on the Radio


Dallas Stars: Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket

AHL Live

Texas Stars:  ESPN Austin

San Antonio Rampage:  Sports Radio 760 the Ticket

Houston Aeros:  Houston News Talk 1070

 Corpus Christi Icerays:  Keys News Talk 1440


Here's this weeks Southwest Schedule

National Hockey League

11/11: @ Los Angeles Kings    9:30 PM (FSN Southwest, NHLN-CA)

11/12: @ Anaheim Ducks        9:00 PM  (FSN Southwest Plus)


American Hockey League

11/8: Houston Aeros 2  Abbotsford Heat 3  (SO) (1-0, 1-1, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)


11/9

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons   7:05 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat   9:00 PM


11/10

Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars     7:30 PM


11/11

San Antonio Rampage VS. Rockford Icehogs    7:00 PM


11/12

Chicago Wolves VS. Oklahoma City Barons     6:05 PM

Rockford Icehogs VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM


11/13

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen     7:05 PM


11/14

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen     3:05 PM


Central Hockey League

11/9

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Laredo Bucks     7:00 PM


11/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs     7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks    7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Colorado Eagles    8:05 PM


11/13

Laredo Bucks VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs    7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Odessa Jackalopes     7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Rapid City Rush     8:05 PM


11/14

Allen Americans VS. Odessa Jackalopes    4:05 PM



North American Hockey League

11/12

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners    7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado    7:30 PM



11/13

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats     7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners    7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado    7:30 PM

AHL Southwest News and Notes

From Time-to-Time, the American Hockey League delivers news and notes from all 30 of the AHL Teams. Here's the notes packages from the 4 SW Teams. To see notes for all 30 teams, click on the Conference Links.

Eastern Conference News and Notes

Western Conference News and Notes


Here's the Notes from the Houston Aeros, Oklahoma City Barons, Texas Stars & San Antonio Rampage from the American Hockey League Website.


Houston Aeros

Houston erupted for six goals in a season opening 6-1 win against Oklahoma City but has a combined six goals in their last 3 games since (1-2-0).     The Aeros scheduled had them play three of their last 4 games against Oklahoma City and they will close by opposing Oklahoma City in four of their final seven contests.   Robbie Earl has netted a goal in two straight games; Earls two goals (2G 0A) are in a three way tie for second behind Peter Kalus's three (3G 1A).     Houston is just 2-for-21 (9.5%) on the power play in the early going, including an 0-for-13 mark at home.    The Aeros host Peoria and Lake Erie this weekend, with a Saturday trip to San Antonio in-between this weekend.


Oklahoma City Barons

Oklahoma is on a three game winning streak since beginning the year 0-2-1.   The Barons totalled 3 goals in their first 3 games but have racked up 15 in their last three, including an 8-2 pounding on Houston on Sunday.    Brad Morin recorded the Barons first hat trick in team history in the victory.    Morin is tied with Alexander Giroux (3G 4A) and defensemen Shawn Belle (1G 6A) for the team scoring lead.    Giroux has collected all of his points in the past four games after going without a point in the first two games.    The Barons host San Antonio on Friday before visiting Toronto and Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday, respectfully.


San Antonio Rampage

San Antonio rallied for a late 4-2 win over Lake Erie on Wednesday, its second win against the Monsters in a four day span.   Mathieu Beaudoin had an assist in the contest, extending his scoring streak to four games (3G 1A). Beaudoin leads the team with with five goals - tied for first in the entire league - and 8 points overall.   Brett Maclean has fired 35 shots on goal thus far, second in the AHL behind the Charlotte Checkers Jermone Samson.    Maclean suppressed Joel Perault for the franchise lead in power play goals when he tallied his 23rd on Friday vs. Peoria.    The Rampage visit Oklahoma City on Friday before hosting Houston and Peoria to close the weekend.


Texas Stars

After two straight wins over San Antonio, Texas suffered its first loss of the Season on Sunday Night when it dropped a 5-2 loss to the Peoria Rivermen.    Scott Mcculloch totaled five goals in 50 games (5G 12A) as a rookie last season, but this year he already shows a team high 5 points (4G 1A) in just 3 games.    Mcculloch has the nabbed the game winning marker in both the Stars wins thus far.    Travis Morin is tied with Mcculloch for the team lead with five points (3G 2A) with a +5 Rating.    Texas continues a five game home stand with weekend games coming up against the Lake Erie Monsters and the Peoria Rivermen.

Oklahoma City Barons get first ever Shutout against the Lake Erie Monsters

After a brutal start to the season and a few bell ringers as well. The Barons are beginning to get it together with their 3rd straight win and Martin Gerber getting the Barons first ever shutout in team history as the Barons got goals from Shawn Belle, Liam Reddox and last year's top goal scorer Alexander Giroux who had 50 during the regular season last year which helped the Hershey Bears win the AHL Calder Cup last year.

Beyond that, a strong defensive performance plus a PP that went 2/4 on the night and a 35 save performance from Martin Gerber gave the North Division Foes their shutout loss of the season. After three straight losses to start the season and getting a single goal in all three games, the Barons have outscored their opposition 15-5 in the 3 wins which included an 8-2 thrashing of the Houston Aeros after the Barons got beat the by the Aeros twice in their first three games of the season.

For the Barons, they will now head north for a 5 game road trip which includes a nationally Televised Game on Sunday against the Hamilton Bulldogs on both the CBC in Canada and the NHL Network in the USA. Other games include the Toronto Marlies on Saturday Evening, plus games against the Grand Rapids Griffins, Chicago Wolves and the Peoria Rivermen as well on this road-trip.

As for the Lake Erie Monsters, their tour of the Southwest continues with a game tonight against the San Antonio Rampage, plus a trip to Austin on to face the Texas Stars on Friday Night, then the Southwest trip wraps up on Sunday against the Houston Aeros.

Lake Erie Monsters 0  Oklahoma City Barons 3  (0-0, 0-2, 0-1)

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Oklahoma City Barons Game Highlights

Oklahoma City Barons Photo Gallery

Game Story by Ryan Aber of The Daily Oklahoman

The Barons won their third consecutive AHL Game Tuesday, beating Lake Erie 3-0 in front of 2,784 at the Cox Convention Center.

"Every period we play, we get more and more confidence," Barons Goaltender Martin Gerber said. "The more you play, the better you feel and the better the team has played.

Gerber was the first star, turning in the Barons first ever shutout and making several spectacular with his glove to keep the Monsters off the board.

"Now he's starting to get into rhythm, which is good for us," Nelson said. "He's just playing well. You've got to give him credit to our defense as well and our forwards as well. The opportunities that we are giving up, a lot of them are from the outside, so Gerbie made the first save and we cleared out of the rebounds."

The Barons return to action against San Antonio at 7:05 PM. Friday, starting a tough weekend that includes a pair of road games at Toronto and Hamilton.

"We wanted to get into the weekend with some positive momentum," Nelson said. "This is a big win for us, just the way we won not giving up any goals and being able to score on the power play."

After dropping their first three games of the season, the Barons have turned things around in a big way.

It started against the Monsters with a 4-3 come-from-behind win at home Friday and has carried over throughout a tough 4 game in 5 night stretch.

The Power Play that gave them so many problems in the initial losing streak has turned into one of the team's strengths.

The Barons started the scoring on the power play against the Monsters, Shawn Belle swatting the puck off Lake Erie's Mike Carmen and over the left shoulder of goaltender at 1:22 of the 2nd period for the Barons first goal.

Then the Barons put the game away with another goal on the power play, with Alexander Giroux bashing Bacashihua just six seconds into a power play at 7:50 in the third to make it 3-0.

"It's going to take a few games to get accustomed to each other," Belle said. "Brad Moran played overseas. Giroux played in Hershey. I played in Hamilton. There are a lot of different elements. You start to learn where each other is going to be and now it's clicking."

The Power Play isn't the only special teams unit that has been solid of late for the Barons.

After holding the Monsters scoreless on the power plays Tuesday, the Barons have now killed off 21 consecutive penalties.

Liam Reddox scored the other Barons goal, putting them up 2-0 with his breakaway goal 12:00 into the second period.

"He's a good energy player for us," Nelson said. "He plays in all situations for us. He's just a solid all-around player. We're very fortunate to have him here."

 Reddox and Giroux, both held scoreless for the first two games, have now scored in consecutive games. Giroux, who lead the AHL in Goals the last two seasons, scored twice in Sunday's win in Houston.

The performance came with Oilers senior advisor and former coach Patt Quinn watching atop the arena with Barons GM Bill Scott.

Quinn will be with the team often this season as he works with the Oilers developmental system. He'll stay with the team through Friday's Game.

2010-2011 AHL Rosters

Due to my website not being able to download anything for a while. I appoligze for the timing of the AHL Rosters that came out just after the AHL Season got underway last weekend. For all 4 teams, the rosters will have around 25 names to give room for teams that send down players to the ECHL, while also having players that can fill in when they get NHL Call Ups as well as the season unfolds.

Be sure to click on the team to get the website. Then for the seperate link to find the roster for all 4 Southwest Teams as the season got underway this past weekend


Houston Aeros Website

Houston Aeros Team Roster


San Antonio Rampage Website

San Antonio Rampage Roster


Oklahoma City Barons Website

Oklahoma City Barons Roster 


Texas Stars Website

Texas Stars Roster

AHL Rosters to come out Tomorrow: Season Starts Friday Night

Q&A With Oklahoma City Barons Goalie Bryan Pitton

Which AHL Team will have the Best Season

With the American Hockey League season starting up last weekend. Their's just a couple of days left to answer the poll question on which of the 4 Southwest AHL Teams will have the best season. With the Texas Stars looking to defend the AHL Western Conference Title and looking to have another shot at the Calder Cup.

In addition to the Stars is Oklahoma City whos looking for similar success in their first season as they look to have one of the deepest teams that the Edmonton Oilers AHL Affliate that they have had a long time. They looking to forget their time in Springfield, Mass. as they were among the league's bottom feeders while the they affliated with the Springfield Falcons.

Houston & San Antonio are looking to return after finishing 6th and 7th in the West and with new head coaches and some aggressieve moves getting new players. Both teams are looking to shake up the West Division this season and return to the post-season this year.


Only a couple days left to vote, Which AHL Team will have the best season this year?

Houston Aeros

Oklahoma City Barons

San Antonio Rampage

Texas Stars

Be sure to vote and leave your comments. Either on my site or on my Twitter Page

Catching Up during the Blaine Showcase

With the North American Hockey League Blaine Showcase dominating things on the website and officially opening up the hockey season for Southwest Teams. Here's a look at other recent news and notes that have happened this week.

Stars Sign James Neal and Matt Niskanen

After long talks and nervously thinking the two of the best young players might miss the start of training camp in PEI, Canada. The Stars last night officially signed both Neal & Niskanen to 2 year deals worth $5.75 Million & $3 Million each over the next two seasons. With now Neal & Niskanen now signed, the Stars finally have all their players from last year resigned and ready to go with the team kicking off training camp in Charlottentown, PEI, Canada this weekend.

For James Neal he's going to make $2.25 Million this upcoming season and then $3.5 Million in the 2011-2012 season. Neal had 55 points (27G 28A) last season. He also had 64 penalty minutes and is looking to add some physicality along the boards and with Modano & Possibly Lehtinen gone, he looks to start adding a leadership role to the team as well for the 23 year old native of Oshawa, Ontario.

Niskanen who has admitted that he didn't have a strong season last year will make $1.25 Million this upcoming season and $1.75 Million next season. Niskanen who's also 23 years old did have a team low -15 Rating last season as he produced 15 Points (3G 12A) and will look to improve +/- rating and be more physical, despite having just 15 penalty minutes stills feel like he's a bit empty handed on the ice at times throughout the season as he played in 74 games last year.

I'm happy that Neal has been re-signed, but it's without a doubt that Niskanen is being overpaid, especially on a team that is having to work on an internal salary cap until this team gets sold. For Neal, i'm expecting another big year and for him to be a part of the Stars Next Generation. Niskanen on the other hand needs to take a big step up and show that he is worth the money next season. He was a very unreliable at times and is almost afraid of taking so called "Good Penalties" that could prevent goals because of the team's shaky defensemen.

Here's some links to read more about the Neal & Niskanen signings.

Stars Agree to Terms

Matt Niskanen Profile

James Neal Profile

Comments from Neal, Niskanen & Nieuwendyk


Begginning of Training Camp

In addition, the Charlottentown Guardian Newspaper will be covering the Dallas Stars Training Camp. Here's two of their stories about Brad Richards coming home and the team arriving.

Stars Arrive in PEI

Brad Richards training in his home Provence


Dallas Stars Midget Major Kicks off Tier 1 Season.

The Dallas Stars Midget Major Team gets their Tier 1 Elite League Season underway this weekend as they will play 4 games this weekend at the Capitol Ice Rink in Middleton, Wisconsin as they will kick off the season playing against the Illinois Division this afternoon at 4:15 PM against Team Illinois. They will also see the Chicago Fury on Saturday Morning, the Cleveland Barons on Saturday Afternoon then the weekend set wraps up against the Chicago Youth Association (CYA) on Sunday Morning.

This is how most of the schedule works as 12 of the 24 teams are in Wisconsin to kick off the Tier 1 Season. Other teams of interest competing their this weekend include the Madison Capitals who are also in the Mid-American Division and Team Illinois who has Arlington Native Cole Martin who played on the Team Illinois Midget Minor Team last year who was taken by the Lincoln Stars in the USHL Futures Draft back in May.

Speaking of the Midget Minor Team, they season gets underway gets going next weekend at the Chiller North Rink which is in Lewis Center, Ohio.

Here's the Midget Major Schedule for this weekend

9/17: VS. Team Illinois 4:15 PM

9/18: VS. Chicago Fury 8:30 AM

9/18: VS. Cleveland Barons 4:00 PM

9/19: VS. CYA 8:00 AM


Dallas Stars AAA Website

Team Roster & Stats


Texas Stars Announce 2010-2011 Promotions

The Dallas Stars AHL Affliate has announced their promotions & Special Events for the 2010-2011 season. A few of them will include a military night, wearing special Jerseys and 3-2-1 nights where you can get special deals in both the gift shots and Concession Stands.

To see the Full List, Click Here


Texas Stars & San Antonio Rampage Announce Youth Hockey Commitments

In an effort to help improve the numbers of hockey participation in both the Austin & San Antonio Areas, both the Texas Stars & San Antonio Rampage have announced major commitments to help improve youth hockey in their areas to form the Texas Junior Stars & San Antonio Jr. Rampage.

To see more on both projects, click on the team links below.

San Antonio Rampage

Texas Stars


Here's a look at the Home Openers for all 4 SW AHL Teams as the Season starts in less then a month.

Houston Aeros: 10/16 VS. Peoria Rivermen

Oklahoma City Barons: 10/9 VS. Houston Aeros

Texas Stars: 10/16 VS. San Antonio Rampage

San Antonio Rampage: 10/8 VS. Chicago Wolves


AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League Preseason Showcase

With last weekend being the Leveling Showcase for the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League Showcase. Here's a look at what the Divisions could look like at the Varsity Level when the season starts next month in the D/FW Area.

Here's a look at how the teams did last weekend in the Varsity Gold & Silver Divisions. Click on the Ind. Team to see the schedule & Their results from last weekend. Of course things can change on what the actual divisions will look like this season.

Click on the team of your choice to see their results from the weekend, plus rosters, stats as well.

Varsity Gold Division

Plano Senior 3-0-0 6 PTS

Allen 3-0-0 6 PTS

Coppell 2-1-0 4 PTS

SL Carroll 1-1-1 3 PTS

Plano West 1-1-1 3 PTS

Frisco ISD 1-2-0 2 PTS

Dallas Jesuit 1-2-0 2 PTS

Flower Mound 0-3-0 0 PTS


Varsity Silver Division

Richardson/Rockwall 3-0-0 6 PTS

Keller ISD 3-0-0 6 PTS

Mansfield ISD 3-0-0 6 PTS

FM Marcus 2-0-1 5 PTS

Highland Park 2-1-0 4 PTS

Midlothian 2-1-0 4 PTS

Prosper 2-1-0 4 PTS

Arlington Martin 2-1-0 4 PTS

Garland ISD 1-1-1 3 PTS

Mckinney ISD 1-2-0 2 PTS

Plano East 0-3-0 0 PTS

Lovejoy 0-3-0 0 PTS

Grapevine 0-3-0 0 PTS

Arlington Wild 0-3-0 0 PTS

Bishop Lynch 0-3-0 0 PTS

The American Hockey League Schedule comes out Today

In about 3 hours the full 2010-2011 AHL Schedule is expected to come out today as the final major league in North America will start getting ready for the new season in October. Be sure to find links for all 4 Southwest Teams when the schedule is expected to come out around 3:00 PM Today.

I will show the links when they come out. In addition I will also post the records from last season as all 4 teams will compete in the West Division this season.

Full AHL Schedule

AHL Season Highlights


Texas Stars Schedule

Texas Stars Schedule Highlights

Season Opener: 10/10 @ San Antonio Rampage

Home Opener: 10/16 VS. San Antonio Rampage

Longest Home Stand: 11/24-12/7 7 Games

Longest Road Trip: 2/14-2/26 8 Games

The Texas Stars will get underway on Sunday October 10 with a road game in San Antonio followed by a 5 game homestand as the Stars will look to start their 2nd season on a strong note with another game against San Antonio along with 3 games against the Peoria Rivermen on 10/17, 10/23 and 10/26 along with a match against the Lake Erie Monsters on October 22.

Some of the interesting schedule highlights include a 7 game homestand which starts the day before Thanksgiving on November 24 against the Houston Aeros.

As for long roadtrips this season away from the Austin Area, the Stars will embark on a season long 8 game roadtrip in February starting out with a weekend set against the Lake Erie Monsters along with visits to Grand Rapids, Chicago, Milwaukee & Peoria before returning to Texas with games against the both the Aeros & Rampage.

Another long set of road games will be coming up just after Christmas and in to Mid-January where they play 8-of-9 on the road.

Overall the Texas Stars, this seems to be a pretty balanced schedule full of different homestands and roadtrips through the year. For the team that's been raided since the Calder Cup Run back in June. Expect a step or two back this season for the Stars

hey hoping that the Stars will bring a strong 2nd act to the Austin Area. However, I don't expect the Stars will have quite such as a strong season as they did last year because of the massive departures of players like Matt Climie. They maybe fighting it out for a playoff spot and a lot less like the team that came within 2 wins of winning a Calder Cup last season.


Houston Aeros Schedule

Houston Aeros Schedule Highlights


Season Opener: 10/9 VS. Oklahoma City Barons

Home Opener: 10/16 VS. Peoria Rivermen

Longest Home Stand: 5 Games 3/6-3/19

Longest Road Trip: 6 Games 12/10-12/21

Houston gets underway with a pair of roadgames a week apart on October 9 & 15 up in Oklahoma City before their October 16 home opener with 2 against the Peoria Rivermen and another game against the Oklahoma City Barons as the last year's Last Place Team in the West Division and the league's new boys will get used to each other a lot in the opening month of the season.

November will be a heavy road month for the Aeros as the team will embark on a trip where they will play 6-of-7 on the road with trips to Abbotsford, Peoria and Grand Rapids on this trip.

The Aeros home schedule won't be a benefit it seems like til late in the year where late February and March will have lots of home games where a possible playoff chase could be benefited here as they will be playing a lot of teams that either just barely made it or were just awful last year including the Rockford Icehogs, Syracuse Crunch and the Manitoba Moose.


San Antonio Rampage Schedule

San Antonio Rampage Schedule Highlights


Season Opener: 10/8 VS. Chicago Wolves

Road Opener: 10/16 VS. Texas Stars

Longest Home Stand: 6 Games 3/5-3/18

Longest Road Trip: 9 Games 2/4-2/25

If San Antonio is looking to return to the playoffs for the first time in 2008 and they hoping that a favorable home start will help out. The Rampage will start the year with 9 of their first 11 at home with the Chicago Wolves on October 8.

Their only road trips in the first 11 are to Texas Stars and the Oklahoma City Barons so travel will be minimal when they do hit the road. In addition to the first 11, a 3 game road trip that will take them Abbotsford, BC and OKC.

As for the annual "Rodeo Road Trip that has the team out of the building for most of February will see them have a 5 game roadtrip with a break in between with games against Abbotsford & Chicago.

This year's Rodeo Road Trip will see them have a 9 game will see them head to Lake Erie & Manitoba for a pair of games each, also included will be a trip to Syracuse then the 2 Ontario Teams in Hamilton who came within one win of beating Texas & Making the Calder Cup.

Then a game against the Toronto Marlies that were badly affected by injuries despite being in the playoff chase til about the final month of the season where they dropped off and miss the playoffs by 9 points over the Manitoba Moose.


Oklahoma City Barons Schedule

Oklahoma City Barons Schedule Highlighights


Season Opener: October 9 VS. Houston Aeros

Road Opener: October 17 VS. Houston Aeros

Longest Home Stand: 8 Games 11/5-11/23

Longest Road Trip: 9 Games 3/15-3/27

Like the San Antonio Rampage, the Barons will also have a heavy home schedule early on with 6 of the first 7 games at the Cox Convention Center with the Barons & Aeros hooking up 3 times in the first 5.

Between that opening stretch and an 8 game home stretch that takes up a majority of November, An interesting 5 game roadtrip will be their big road test of the season which includes the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Chicago Wolves who finished on top of the West Division Standings at the end of the regular season last year.

Some interesting roadtrips will include a season long 9 game road trip late in the year which includes a 3 straight games against the Houston Aeros and a pair of games for the Chicago Wolves which could be huge for their playoff hopes as these teams will be looking to turnaround from a bad 2009-2010 season. Overall, that starts a very tough end of the season where 12 of the final 14 games where all but one will be against Divisional Matchups.

This schedule has a lot of huge chunks, and not just a whole lot of just one or two game homestands so they will have plenty of time in advance to find out what to expect ahead of time.

AHL Schedule Comes out Today

Here's a look at the opening weekend schedule for the American Hockey League which will get underway on October 8 as the San Antonio Rampage will play host to the Chicago Wolves. While the other Southwest Teams for the most part will get underway with Houston & Oklahoma City will get underway on October 9 at the Cox Convention Center.

Finally the defending Western Conference Champion Texas Stars will look to start a strong 2nd season in the Texas Capital on October 10 in the I-35 Rivalary against the San Antonio Rampage.

As for other games the expansion Charlotte Checkers will head to Conn. to play the Hartford Wolfpack while the Albany will make their AHL Return against the Adirondack Phantoms.

In addition to the Schedule, here's the Conference Alignment after the changes were made over the offseason.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division: Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Hartford Wolfpack, Manchester Monarchs, Portland Pirates, Providence Bruins, Springfield Falcons, Worcester Sharks

East Division: Adirondack Phantoms, Albany Devils, Binghamton Senators, Charlotte Checkers, Hershey Bears, Norfolk Admirals, Syracuse Crunch, W-B/Scranton Penguins


Western Conference

North Division: Abbotsford Heat, Grand Rapids Griffins, Hamilton Bulldogs, Lake Erie Monsters, Manitoba Moose, Rochester Americans, Toronto Marlies

West Division: Chicago Wolves, Houston Aeros, Milwaukee Admirals, Oklahoma City Barons, Peoria Rivermen, Rockford Icehogs, San Antonio Rampage, Texas Stars


Here's the Full American Hockey League Opening Weekend Schedule.

10/8

Abbotsford Heat VS. Grand Rapids Griffins 6:00 PM

Adirondack Phantoms VS. Binghamton Senators 6:05 PM

Springfield Falcons VS. Providence Bruins 6:05 PM

Syracuse Crunch VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:30 PM

Chicago Wolves VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

Manitoba Moose VS. Peoria Rivermen 7:05 PM


10/9

Rochester Americans VS. Toronto Marlies 2:00 PM

Manitoba Moose VS. Rockford Icehogs 4:35 PM

Adirondack Phantoms VS. Albany Devils 6:00 PM

Worcester Sharks VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 6:00 PM

Charlotte Checkers VS. Hartford Wolfpack 6:00 PM

Manchester Monarchs VS. Portland Pirates 6:00 PM

Providence Bruins VS. Springfield Falcons 6:00 PM

Norfolk Admirals VS. Binghamton Senators 6:05 PM

Hershey Bears VS. W-B/Scranton Penguins 6:05 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Syracuse Crunch 6:30 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Milwaukee Admirals 7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:05 PM


10/10

Manchester Monarchs VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2:00 PM

Worcester Sharks VS. Hartford Wolfpack 2:00 PM

Charlotte Checkers VS. Springfield Falcons 2:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage 3:00 PM

Chicago Wolves VS. Oklahoma City Barons 3:05 PM

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Peoria Rivermen 3:05 PM

Hershey Bears VS. Rochester Americans 4:05 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Rockford Icehogs 4:05 PM

AHL Schedule to come out on August 25

Pending an official league approval from the league's Board of Governors, the Texas Stars, San Antonio Rampage, Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons Schedules will be officially released at 3:00 PM CDT on August 25.

It will be interesting to see how the American Hockey League (AHL) season pans out and especially the 4 Southwest Teams in the AHL's West Division as the Texas Stars finished 2nd in the West that spurred an amazing playoff run that got them to the Calder Cup Final in their very first year.

Meanwhile, the Houston Aeros & San Antonio Rampage are looking to get back to the playoffs after finishing 6th & 7th in the West Division and look for stronger years. Finally the Oklahoma City Barons are looking for a strong debut this season.

In the meantime, here's the schedule for the preseason so fans in Austin, San Antonio, Houston & Oklahoma City can get an early look at their teams before the regular season gets underway in Mid-October.

Texas Stars

San Antonio Rampage

Houston Aeros

Oklahoma City Barons

AHL Preseason Schedule

All 3 Texas Teams in the American Hockey League have announced a series of preseason games against each other in mid-to-late September as the Texas Stars begin to prepare to defend their AHL Western Conference Championship while the San Antonio Rampage & Houston Aeros look to get back to the playoffs.

Some of these games will be played at the San Antonio Rampage & Houston Aeros Practice Facilities while the Texas Stars will have all their Games at Cedar Park Center. It was also announced yesterday that the Texas Stars will also have a game against the Oklahoma City Barons as the Barons get ready for their first season of play this year.

As for the regular season, that is expected to come out early next week with the AHL Season expected to start on or around October 8 which is the same night as the National Hockey League Season gets underway.

Northwoods Ice Center

Sugarland Ice & Sports Center


Texas Stars

9/30: @ San Antonio Rampage at Northwoods Ice Center 7:00 PM

10/2: VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

10/3: VS. Houston Aeros 5:00 PM


San Antonio Rampage

9/30: VS. Texas Stars at Northwoods Ice Center 7:00 PM

10/1: @ Houston Aeros at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center 7:00 PM

10/2: @ Texas Stars 7:00 PM


Houston Aeros

10/1: VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center

10/3: @ Texas Stars 5:00 PM


Oklahoma City Barons

10/2: @ Texas Stars 7:00 PM

Expect the AHL Schedule to come out on August 23

After weeks of waiting and with the release of the NBA Schedule coming out last week. The AHL has officially announced that the schedule will be coming out the week of August 23. One of the reasons why the American Hockey League has been one of the only Major Hockey Leagues in North America hasn't released their schedule yet is because the NBA schedule just came out yesterday.

Currently 5 AHL Teams share arenas with NBA Teams as the Houston Aeros, San Antonio Rampage, Milwaukee Admirals, Lake Erie Monsters and the Charlotte Checkers who are joining the American Hockey League this upcoming year after moving from Albany, New York (Albany River Rats).

So this is the main reason why if your wondering why the league is taking so long to make it's schedule public. This is it

Theirs also an interesting article on the AHL Website about how the American Hockey League Schedule comes together.

Behind the Scenes of making the AHL Schedule