Aeros Goalie Joe Fallon named AHL Player of the Week

After having to come in after Matt Hacket was called up to the Minnesota Wild, Joe Fallon has been called upon to keep the Aeros in the race for the 4th & Final Spot for home ice advantage in the AHL Western Conference Playoff Race with basically a dozen games to go in the AHL Regular Season.

Fallon has had a fresh start after basically having a cup of coffee with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he played just one game back in December when he was in net for the 3rd period of a game against the Springfield Falcons where he made 6 of 7 shots in relief in a Sound Tigers loss. Since arriving in Houston back on March 3rd by signing a Professional Tryout Out Deal (PTO) after having a very impressive showing with the Las Vegas Wranglers in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

He has been very strong with a 5-1-0 record in 9 games played where he has a respectable 2.10 GAA & a .929 SV%. His strongest performances came against the Abbotsford Heat back on St. Patricks Day and has kept opponents to one goal on 4 other occassions' in his short time with the Aeros so far.

He's already beginning to put the pressure on current Aeros backup Darcy Kuemper who hasen't played in a single game since March 3rd and is looking to at least grab the back up spot from Kuemper if and when Hackett gets back (Possibly for an AHL Calder Cup Playoff Run) and look to show that he can make some crucial saves at big moments that could play a huge role when the AHL Playoffs begin next month.

With Minnesota in 13th Place & 14 Points back of the 8th & Final Playoff Spot, this is an option that you have got to think they are looking at as the Wild will once again will most likely be out of the playoffs. And the Aeros will once again will be looking to finish some unfinished business by looking to get back to the Calder Cup after reaching the Final last year, the Wild are will be looking to load up for the AHL Playoffs as the Aeros will look to have another crack at bringing the AHL Calder Cup for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.

AHL Press Release

Joe Fallon Player Profile

Here's a look at the remaining Houston Aeros Schedule

3/23: @ Rockford Ice Hogs  7:05 PM

3/24: @ Rockford Ice Hogs  7:05 PM

3/25: @ Chicago Wolves  3:00 PM

3/28: @ Milwaukee Admirals  7:00 PM

3/29: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  7:05 PM

3/31: VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  7:35 PM

4/6: VS. Chicago Wolves  7:35 PM

4/7: VS. Peoria Rivermen  7:35 PM

4/8: VS. Milwaukee Admirals  5:05 PM

4/13: @ Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

4/14: VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:35 PM

4/15: VS. Texas Stars  5:05 PM

The American Hockey League announced today the Houston Aeros goaltender Joe Fallon has been selected as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending on March 18, 2012.

Fallon made four starts during a critical week for Houston and led the team to it's first four game winning streak of the season, allowing just five goals on 125 shots (4-0-0, 1.20 GAA, .960 SV%) and helping to keep the Aeros above the fray in the wild Western Conference Playoff Race.

Fallon began the week with a 26 save effort to lead Houston to a 4-1 win over Abbotsford on Tuesday Night. He made 26 more stops in a 4-3 victory over Rockford on Friday before putting fourth a perfect performance in a rematch with the Heat on Saturday, stopping all 32 shots through regulation and overtime and denying all six shootout attempts to give Houston a 1-0 victory. Making his third start in as many days on Sunday, Fallon closed out the week with a 36 saves and making a 5-for-7 shootout effort as the Aeros downed conference leading Oklahoma City 2-1.

Fallon has a record of 5-1-0 with a 2.05 GAA and a .931 SV% in eight apperances since joining Houston on March 3. The fourth year pro from Bemidji, Minnesota, was orginally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2005 and has a career record of 27-24-1 with three shutouts in 63 AHL Apperances over four professional seasons.

In recognition of his achievement, Fallon will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Aeros Game.



Mark Guggenberger named CHL 3rd Star of the Month

After an impressive month where the Brahmas Goalie Mark Guggenberger has began to take over the Team's net after having a bit of a up-and-down season prior to February where the Brahmas were in the battle with Tulsa & RGV for the 3rd, 4th & 5th Spots in the Berry Conference Playoff Race. Now Guggenberger has begun to takeover the net and has been the biggest reason why the Brahmas have run away with the #3 Seed and are now just 1 Point back of Allen for 2nd Place which would get them first round Home Ice in the CHL Playoffs at the end of March/first of April.

Of the 11 games left this season, the Brahmas have 4 games left against the Americans including a 3 game weekend from March 16-18 which is the 2nd to last weekend of the regular season and could make the difference in who could be the #2 Seed in the Berry Conference and a possible Berry Conference Semifinal Preview with both Wichita and the Rio Grande Valley/Tulsa Battle having big gaps in the Conference.

With the playoffs now just under a month away, he will have to raise his game even more as the Brahmas have continued to score the 2nd fewest goals this season with 142 goals scored in 55 games this season. Only the Dayton Gems have scored fewer goals with 139 this season with 11 games left in the regular season.

The main playoff battle for the 2nd Seed and a possible 1st Round Home Ice could come in the weekend of March 16th through 18th when the Brahmas & Americans have a 3 game series that weekend (3/16-17 in Allen, 3/18 in NRH). Their is also a game on March 24th (The night before the end of the regular season) in Allen to wrap up the regular season series.

His best showing in February came the week of February where he had 3 straight shutouts against Allen (on 2/14), Dayton (on 2/15) and Rio Grande Valley (on 2/17) where that was part of a streak where he gave up 1 goal or less that lasted 6 straight games. He's won 9 of his last 10 starts and was also named the Goalie of the Week for the week ending on February 19th.

Here's the CHL Press Release

From the CHL Staff: Wichita Thunder Forward Matt Robinson, Evansville IceMen forward Todd Robinson and Texas Brahmas Goalie Mark Guggenberger have been named the 'Oakley Three Stars for the month of February 2012.

For winning the 'Oakley Three Star Player of the Month, Matt Robinson will receive a special gift from Oakley. Learn more about Oakley Products at www.oakley.com

Players are awarded five points for first star recognition, three points for a second star nod and a single point for being named the third star of the game. Keep up with the season standings and quest to be the Oakley Three Stars Player of the Year at www.centralhockeyleague.com

1st Star: Matt Robinson, F, Wichita Thunder

Robinson finished the month with 12 goals with five of them serving as game winners and 18 points. He was named first star four times and the second star three times, good for 29 points. The Surrey, B.C. native has 29 goals and 21 assists on the season.

2nd Star: Todd Robinson, F, Evansville IceMen

Robinson recorded a point in every game during the month of February which serves as the longest point of the CHL this season (15 Games), During the month, the Trail, B.C. Native was named the first star four times, the second star twice and third star once accounting for 27 points. On the Season, Robinson leads the league with 80 points (21G 59A)

3rd Star, Mark Guggenberger, G, Texas Brahmas

Guggenberger was the top goaltender during the month posting a 9-1-1 record with three shutouts and a 1.21 GAA. The Richfield, Minnesota native was the first star four times and third star twice, good for 22 points. Guggenberger leads the league with a 1.82 GAA and a .930 SV%.

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.