4/28 Scoreboard & Playoff Update

The end of the Conference Quarterfinals ended last night with the biggest shock of this year's playoffs so far as the Capitals have been knocked out of the playoffs thanks to Canadians goals by Marc-Andre Bergeron and Dominic Moore in the 3rd period to put up the Canadians up 2-0 before a Brooks Laich goal with 2:16 left in the game began a frantic comeback attempt to put the game in OT. Even more fantastic was that the Canadians had to comeback from 3-1 down to comeback to win the series after loses in Games 2, 3 & 4 early on.

The other end of the equation was another amazing night Halak as he had to stop 17 shots in the 3rd period and 41 shots for the entire game. For the entire first round series for the Canadians, Halak had to make 40 or more saves a number of times in this series as he was with-out-a-doubt the MVP of this series as the Canadians will no have to play 4th Seeded and defending Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the Conference Semifinals. In every game, he had to make 30 or more saves as he was a busy boy against Washington.

With the top 3 seeds now out of the playoffs in the East, it will be Pittsburgh & Boston having home ice advantage as #4 & #6 seeds as they will play the Philadelphia Flyers & Montreal Canadians in the 2nd Round.

Here's the Saves Numbers by Halak in the 1st Round VS. Washington

Game 1: Montreal 3 Washington 2 (OT) Halak: 45 SVS ON 47 Shots

Game 2: Montreal 5 Washington 6 (OT) Halak: 31 SVS on 37 Shots

Game 3: Washington 5 Montreal 1 Halak: 10 SVS on 13 Shots (Pulled in 2nd)

Game 4: Washington 6 Montreal 3 Halak: DNP

Game 5: Montreal 2 Washington 1 Halak: 37 SVS on 38 Shots

Game 6: Washington 1 Montreal 4 Halak: 53 SVS on 54 Shots

Game 7: Montreal 2 Washington 1 Halak: 41 SVS on 42 Shots

Series Stats: 2.46 GAA, .939 SV%, Made 231 SVS on 245 Shots in the Series


Just one AHL Game last night as the Manchester Monarchs had to comeback from 2-1 down which tied the game midway through the 3rd period when Justin Azevedo scored to make it 2-2. Then early in the OT Period saw the game end just 4 minutes into OT as Bud Holloway gets a goal and an assist in this game to tie the series at 1-1.

Expect the Atlantic Division Final to be a tight one as both games have comedown to the wire and don't be shocked to maybe see a multi OT Game or two in this series as well.

The Allen Americans can think Colton Yellow Horn & Justin Bowers to help the Americans take a 2-1 series lead as Allen now has a chance to sweep the 3 games in Allen and win the Championship at home this season. Game 4 will be tomorrow night with Game 5 on Saturday. Expect some huge and crazy crowds in Allen with a chance to win the Championship this weekend.

Nothing in Junior's Last night, but we got some interesting action as Game 2 of the OHL Championship Series takes place in Barrie after the Spitfires used a late comeback to win 4-3. Also the WHL Championship Gets underway in Calgary tonight as the Hitmen take on the Tri-City Americans. Friday Night is a very busy night as the QMJHL & USHL Championship Series will get underway that night.


Professional Scores

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadians 2 Washington Capitals 1 (1-0, 0-0, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030117

Montreal Wins Series 4-3, It will be the Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Western Conference Semifinals begin tonight as the Detroit Red Wings VS. San Jose Sharks begins tonight while the Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks begins on Saturday.

Look for the Full Conference Semifinals Schedule.

AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Manchester Monarchs 3 Worcester Sharks 2 (OT) (0-0, 1-2, 1-0, 1-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007277

Manchester VS. Worcester Game Story: http://theahl.com/holloway-the-hero-again-monarchs-tie-series-p142419

Series Tied 1-1, Game 3 is on Friday Night.


CHL Presidents Cup Playoffs

Look for the Allen Americans VS. Rapid City Rush Game Story.


Major Junior Memorial Cup Playoffs

Western Hockey League

The WHL Championship Series Begins on Friday Night in Calgary between the Calgary Hitmen VS. Tri-City Americans.


Ontario Hockey League

No Games on Wednesday Night, Game 2 of the OHL Championship Series is Tonight in Barrie.
The Windsor Spitfires lead Series 1-0.


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

The QMJHL Championship Series begins on Friday Night in St. John, New Brunswick between the St. John Seadogs VS. Moncton Wildcats.


U.S.A. Junior Playoffs

USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

The USHL Clark Cup Championship Begins on Friday Night in Green Bay, Wisconsin between the Green Bay Gamblers VS. Fargo Force.


NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs

The NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament begins on May 3 in Wenatchee, Washington.

Garrett Gruenke's goal in OT sends Allen VS. Odessa Series to Game 7

It took OT and in the end of last night's game saw that a game 7 is needed in the CHL Southern Conference Final as a back and Fourth game that saw it tied at both 2-2 and 3-3 at the 2nd & 3rd intermission's probably meant that it would be a close game.

Despite getting out-shot 13-7 in the 3rd period and in the OT Period, the Jackalopes made their shots count with a critical goal with just 3 minutes left to force OT and to keep the Americans from celebrating a Southern Conference Title on their home ice.

Game 7 is on Wednesday Night where the Southern Conference Champion will be crowned at the Ector County Civic Center Arena. Odessa is looking to advance after getting eliminated in last year's Southern Conference Final by the Texas Brahmas.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Odessa, Texas: Garrett Gruenke's one-timer in the left circle gave the Odessa Jackalopes a 4-3 overtime winner over the Allen Americans on Monday Night at the Ector County Coliseum to tie the Southern Conference Final and force a deciding game 7 in Odessa on Wednesday Night.

The Overtime winner was Odessa's 2nd of the series, and Gruenke's 2nd goal of the playoffs. Sebastien Thinel put a pass from behind the net onto Gruenke's stick, who placed it inside the right post.

After skating to a scoreless first period, both teams traded a pair of goals in the 2nd period. Dominic Leveille opened up the scoring at 3:41 wristing a power play goal past Chris Whitley from the top of the right circle. Jeff Pierce picked up an assist on the goal to extend his point streak to 11 games. Allen took a 2-1 lead on a pair of goals from Matt Radslovich and Bruce Graham. Sebastien Thinel knotted the game at 2-2 on a breakaway from a David Van Drunen assist.

Allen took a 3-2 lead in period three when Nino Musitelli tapped a rebound out of the air and in the net at 15:02. Odessa Phil Plante tied the game back up at 17:04 on a feed from Dominic Leveille from behind the net.


Series Tied at 3-3


Game Boxscore

Allen Americans 3 Odessa Jackalopes 4 (OT) (0-0, 2-2, 1-1, 0-1)

0-1 ODE: Dominic Leveille (PP) (Pierce, Ramsay) 3:41 2nd

1-1 ALN: Matt Radoslovich (Huclak, Lukin) 6:31 2nd

2-1 ALN: Bruce Graham (Bowers, Salekin) 9:21 2nd

2-2 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Van Drunen) 15:20 2nd

3-2 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Gaudet, Salekin) 15:02 3rd

3-3 ODE: Philippe Plante (Leveille, Bernard) 17:04 3rd

3-4 ODE: Garrett Gruenke (Thinel, Circelli) 6:53 OT


Game Stats

PP: ALN 0/2 ODE 1/4

SOG: ALN 34 ODE 33

PIM: ALN 28 Minutes on 6 Penalties ODE 4 Minutes on 2 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 29 SVS on 33 Shots ODE Joel Martin 31 SVS on 34 Shots

ATT: 2939

3rd Star: Dominic Leveille (ODE)

2nd Star: Sebastien Thinel (ODE)

1st Star: Garrett Gruenke (ODE)

Rapid City Responds with huge 3rd period, Rush take 3-2 Lead

A huge 3rd period by Rush forwards Brendon Hodge, Colt King & Blaine Jarvis helped turn what was a 1-1 game into a 4-1 lead where the Rush were able to explode the game wide open to put the Rush within 1 win of making the team's first ever Ray Miron Presidents Cup Final.

This would be just a year after finishing 6th in the Northern and 17 points out of the final playoff spot. All 3 forwards that scored last night were part of the secondary scoring as their top players like Scott Wray were held by the Mudbugs for most of the night. However, Wray did contribute 2 assists in the game including the Empty Netter which clinched the win in the Final Minute.

Bossier-Shreveport was looking to knockout both of the top seeds while losing just 1 game in the entire playoffs up to last night. Rapid City is in great position where a win either tomorrow or Wednesday Night will put them through to their first league Final.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Bossier City, Louisiana: Accomplishing what they wanted to, the Rapid City Rush took two of 3 games in Bossier-Shreveport thinks to a 4-1 game 5 win putting the 2nd year franchise on the brink of playing for Ray Miron President's Cup. The Rush will take their 3-2 series lead lead back to South Dakota with two chances of winning the series (Tuesday & Wednesday Night).

All the offense in the 1st period came within a 1:09 stretch with Brendan Cook scoring the game's first goal giving the Rush the 1-0 lead. He was matched by Justin Aikins goal tying the game at one goal apiece.

There would be no further scoring until the third period when Brendon Hodge, Colt King and Blane Jarvis all found the back of the net making a tight game through 40 minutes a bit one-sided.

Danny Battochio made 32 saves improving the side to 7-1 in the playoffs. Game six is scheduled for Tuesday Night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.


Rapid City Rush Lead Series 3-2


Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 4 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 1 (1-1, 0-0, 3-0)

1-0 RPC: Brendan Cook (Wray, Reaney) 4:34 1st

1-1 BOS: Justin Aikins (Rutherford, Lucas) 5:43 1st

2-1 RPC: Brendon Hodge (King, Leblanc) 4:06 3rd

3-1 RPC: Colt King (Weselowski) 13:03 3rd

4-1 RPC: Blaine Jarvis (EN) (Wray) 19:08 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 31 BOS 33

PP: RPC 0/1 BOS 0/3

PIM: RPC 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties BOS 2 Minutes on 1 Penalty

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 32 SVS on 33 Shots BOS Parker Van Buskirk 27 SVS on 30 Shots

ATT: 3088

3rd Star: Brendon Hodge (RPC)

2nd Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

1st Star: Colt King (RPC)

Huge 3rd Period keeps Odessa Alive for Game 6

Another very wild and crazy game ended up positive for the Odessa Jackalopes as the Jackalopes helping them stay alive in the Southern Conference Final. And forcing Games 6 & 7 in West Texas, that will give them an improved chance of coming back from 3-1 down to win the series and advance to the CHL Presidents Cup Championship.

In Game 4, it was the 2nd period that had the wild action, it was the first period in this game as 4 goals were scored in less then 5 minutes to go from a 1-0 to a 3-2 Odessa Lead late in the 1st period.

Both teams had a a lot of SOG as both teams had double digit SOG in all 3 periods as the shots ended 41-36 in favor of Allen.

Offensively for Odessa was Sebasiten Thinel who had a 4 point night (1G 3A). But his only goal came in the final seconds to put the game away with just 28 seconds left. He was dangerous in all aspects of the game as his 3rd assist came on Mike Lesperance's goal that made it 5-3 Jackalopes with 6 minutes left in the game.

Despite the loss, Justin Bowers still had a big night as he was involved on all 3 goals that the Americans scored. This takes his total to 20 points during the playoffs (8G 12A). Fellow Americans teammate Bruce Graham scored the other goal in the game taking him to 5 goals for this year's playoffs.

The scene now shifts for Odessa for Games 6 & 7 as the Jackalopes will look to defend Home Ice coming up tonight and Wednesday where the Southern Conference Champion will be crowned.

Can the Jackalopes avoid going out in the Conference Final for the 2nd straight year?

Or can the Americans get to the Championship Series in their first season. And represent the D/FW Area in the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship Series for the 2nd straight year after the Texas Brahmas won it last year?

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Allen, Texas: Joel Martin stopped 38 saves as the Odessa Jackalopes kept their playoff run alive with a 6-3 win, game five over the Allen Americans on Saturday Night at the Allen Event Center. Odessa now trails the Southern Conference Final best-of-7 series 3-2.

It was an offensive first period as the two teams combined for five goals. Dave Van Druen, Kory Karlander, and Mike Ramsay each scored for Odessa while Allen received goals from Justin Bowers and Bruce Graham.

Odessa took a 4-2 lead on Ramsay's 2nd power play goal of the game at 9:45 of the 2nd period. Ramsay tapped in a rebound from Paul Bradley's shot from the top of the circles. The Americans closed the gap back to one as Bowers deflected a Jordie Benn shot from the point past Joel Martin just 35 seconds left in the frame. Odessa held a 4-3 lead after two periods.

The Jackalopes added a pair of third period goals from Mike Lesperance and Sebastien Thinel to seal the game. Thinel's was an empty netter.


Allen Americans Lead Series 3-2

Game Boxscore


Odessa Jackalopes 6 Allen Americans 3 (3-2, 1-1, 2-0)

1-0 ODE: Dave Van Drunen (Circelli, Thinel) 3:23 1st

1-1 ALN: Bruce Graham (Straub, Bowers) 10:59 1st

1-2 ALN: Justin Bowers (Fairbarn) 12:31 1st

2-2 ODE: Kory Karlander (Bourbeau, Dunn) 14:54 1st

3-2 ODE: Mike Ramsay (PP) (Thinel, Plante) 15:14 1st

4-2 ODE: Mike Ramsay (PP) (Bradley, Leveille) 9:45 2nd

4-3 ALN: Justin Bowers (Benn, Musitelli) 19:25 2nd

5-3 ODE: Mike Lesperance (Thinel, Pierce) 13:42 3rd

6-3 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (EN) (Unassisted) 19:32 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ODE 36 ALN 41

PP: ODE 2/6 ALN 0/5

PIM: ODE 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties ALN 36 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Joel Martin 38 SVS on 41 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 30 SVS on 36 Shots

ATT: 4919

3rd Star: Joel Martin (ODE)

2nd Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

1st Star: Mike Ramsay (ODE)

The Mudbugs blast away the Rush for 6, Ties series at 2-2

This game was all Bossier-Shreveport as a late first period goal by Shawn Limpright lit up the Rush as everything went the Mudbugs way with a strong 6-1 win where this game was never in doubt as Limpright had a 3 point night (1G 2A).

While Jamie Milam had 2 assists while other players like Travis Clayton who had a goal and assist in the game to help bury the Rush and show the series that they are not out of this series, not even close.

This will give the Mudbugs huge momentum as they look to take a 3-2 series lead this weekend and to come within 1 win of getting back to the CHL Presidents Cup Championship Series.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs entered game 4 with their back against the wall and boy did the Mudbugs respond. The Mudbugs pounded the Rapid City Rush 6-1 evening the best-of-7 Northern Conference Finals series at two wins apiece assuring a game six in Rapid City on Tuesday.

Jamie Milam continued his strong play with a pair of goals giving him 6 points (3G 3A) in eight post-season games. The Mudbugs built a 2-0 lead after one period thanks to late goals from Shawn Limpright and Milam.

The 2nd period belonged to the Bugs as well as they lit the lamp three straight times with Milam and Brett Smith scoring on the power play and David Rutherford striking even strength. The Mudbugs went 3/8 with the man advantage giving them 11 PP Goals in their last five games.

Parker Van Buskirk made 30 saves earning his second win in the series.

Riley Weselowski scored the only goal of the game for the Rush. The critical game 5 is scheduled for Saturday Night at the Century Tel Center. The winner will go up 3-2 and will be one win from the Ray Miron President's Cup Championship.


Series Tied 2-2

Rapid City Rush 1 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 6 (0-2, 0-3, 1-1)

0-1 BOS: Shawn Limpright (Clayton, St. Croix) 15:07 1st

0-2 BOS: Jamie Milam (PP) (Blaznek, Kyrzakos) 19:44 1st

0-3 BOS: David Rutherford (Aikins) 2:10 2nd

0-4 BOS: Jamie Milam (PP) (Limpright, St. Croix) 4:36 2nd

0-5 BOS: Brett Smith (PP) (Blaznek, Ori) 14:10 2nd

0-6 BOS: Travis Clayton (Limpright) 0:20 3rd

1-6 RPC: Riley Weselowski (Hansen, Pelle) 14:02 3rd


Game Stats

PP: RPC 0/6 BOS 3/8

SOG: RPC 31 BOS 26

PIM: RPC 45 Minutes on 17 Penalties BOS 54 Minutes on 16 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Miguel Beaudry 20 SVS on 26 Shots BOS Parker Van Buskirk 30 SVS on 31 Shots

ATT: 3108

3rd Star: Jamie Milam (BOS)

2nd Star: Shawn Limpright (BOS)

1st Star: Parker Van Buskirk (BOS)

Jeff Pierce Hat Trick Not Enough to Beat Americans, Allen is one win from the President Cup Final

Despite an unbelievable night from Jeff Pierce who had a hat trick with a goal in the first period and 2 in the 2nd period. It was not enough as the Americans had huge nights from a number of players from Jarret Lukin with 2 goals, Justin Bowers who had a 3 point (1G 2A) and Tyler Wooddisse with 3 assists and a +2 for the game.

Allen Goalie Chris Whitley who had another big night with 39 saves and a strong power play in the 2nd period have put the Jackalopes just one loss away from going out at the Southern Conference Final for the 2nd straight year by a D/FW Team.

If the Americans can advance to the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship Series. This would be the first time in league history that a first year team would make the championship series.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Allen, Texas: The Allen Americans kept the offense rolling on Friday Night beating the Odessa Jackalopes 6-4 moving within 1 win of a trip to the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals in their expansion Season.

The Americans once again struck early with Nino Musitelli scoring his seventh goal of the post-season just over two minutes into the game. Allen would build a 3-0 lead with Jarrett Lukin and Cotton Yellow Horn scoring first period goals as well.

The Jacks 5-1 in the 2nd period after Lukin's scored his second of the game and Justin Bowers notched his sixth of the playoffs but Odessa would mount a comeback.

Jeff Pierce scored three goals for Odessa by the 14:20 mark of the 2nd period giving him a league leading 10 goals in the playoffs. The Cushion the Americans would need after Odessa cut the lead to 5-4 came late in the 2nd period was a power play goal by Ryan Fairbarn.

Chris Whitley earned the win, his seventh of the post-season, by making 39 saves.

Bowers finished with a goal and 2 assists in the game. Allen will have a chance to clinch the series on home ice on Saturday Night.


Allen Americans Lead Series 3-1

Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 4 Allen Americans 6 (1-3, 3-3, 0-0)

0-1 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Unassisted) 2:33 1st

0-2 ALN: Jarrett Lukin (Yellow Horn, Wooddisse) 15:32 1st

0-3 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (Fairbarn, Wooddisse) 16:19 1st

1-3 ODE: Jeff Pierce (PP) (Karlander, Leveille) 18:30 1st

1-4 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (Graham, Wooddisse) 2:24 2nd

1-5 ALN: Jarrett Lukin (Benn, Bowers) 8:32 2nd

2-5 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Circelli, Plante) 8:54 2nd

3-5 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Lesperance, Plante) 14:20 2nd

4-5 ODE: Kory Karlander (SH) (Penalty Shot) 17:14 2nd

4-6 ALN: Ryan Fairbarn (PP) (Bowers, Wooddisse) 18:14 2nd


Game Stats

PP: ODE 1/3 ALN 2/4

SOG: ODE 43 ALN 30

PIM: ODE 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties ALN 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Juha Toivonen 24 SVS on 30 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 39 SVS on 43 Shots

ATT: 4785

3rd Star: Jarret Lukin (ALN)

2nd Star: Jeff Pierce (ODE)

1st Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

Rapid City holds off the Mudbugs in OT to take 2-1 Series Lead

A back & fourth game that saw the Rapid City Rush & Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs saw a 2-2 game going into the OT saw another unlikely hero for the Rush as Corey Laurysen who barely saw any playing time in the CHL This season scores his first goal of the playoffs to give the Rush a 3-2 win and a 2-1 series lead in the Northern Conference Final last night in Shreveport, Louisiana.



From the Central Hockey League Website: http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/



The Rapid City Rush outlasted the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in Game 3 of their best of 7 Conference Final series prevailing in OT 3-2. All three games in the series have been decided by one goal and both Rush wins have come in overtime.

The Rush twice built one goal leads in regulation taking a 1-0 lead at the 6:20 mark of the 2nd period with defensemen Luke Fritshaw scoring his 2nd of the post-season. In the third period, Derek Leblanc scored his fifth playoff goal at the 9:20 mark regaining the lead 2-1 for Rapid City.

Both Mudbugs answers came on the power play with Jeff Kyrzakos scoring in the 2nd period evening the score at one and then in the 3rd period Chris St. Croix scored with the man advantage tying the game and ultimately sending the game to overtime.

The winning goal came from newcomer Corey Laurysen who joined the Rush for the post-season as he recorded his first playoff point in his fifth playoff game.

Danny Battochio improved to 6-1 in the playoff stopping 37 shots and his counterpart, Parker Van Buskirk had his second solid outing in place of Ken Carroll (injured) making 39 saves but it wasn't enough.

The Mudbugs went 2 for 6 on the power play and the Rush were stopped on all four chances they had. Game four is scheduled for Friday Night in Bossier-Shreveport.

Rapid City Rush Lead Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 3 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2 (OT) (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 1-0)

1-0 RPC: Luke Fritshaw (Pelle) 6:20 2nd

1-1 BOS: Jeff Kyrzakos (PP) (Limpright, Clayton) 7:48 2nd

2-1 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Reaney, Hodge) 9:20 3rd

2-2 BOS: Chirs St. Croix (PP) (Lucas, Aikins) 13:01 3rd

3-2 RPC: Corey Laurysen (Unassisted) 15:35 OT


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 42 BOS 39

PP: RPC 0/4 BOS 2/6

PIM: RPC 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties BOS 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 37 SVS on 39 Shots BOS Parker Van Buskirk 39 SVS on 42 Shots

ATT: 2538

3rd Star: Parker Van Buskirk (BOS)

2nd Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

1st Star: Corey Laurysen (RPC)

Justin Bowers leads Offenseve Explosion as Americans take 2-1 Series Lead

Justin Bowers was a madman at the Allen Event Center last night as a goal and 3 assists helped the Americans just crush and shock the Odessa Jackalopes as the Americans take a 2-1 series lead and is just 2 wins away from advancing to the Championship's in the team's first season.

After Chants of "Lets Go Allen" fired the crowd of just over 2700 put the Jackalopes on the defense as the Americans have gained a huge confidence booster going into Games 4 & 5 that will be taking place on Friday & Saturday Night.

This will give the Americans a chance to sweep the 3 games that would oust the Top Seeded Jackalopes from the Southern Conference Final for the 2nd straight year as the Texas Brahmas did it last year on the road to the Ray Morin's Presidents Cup Championship.

Can Allen keep the momentum going into the weekend and put them through to the Championship Series?

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Allen, Texas: Fans chanted "Let's Go Allen", as the clock wound down on the 5-2 Allen Americans victory over the Odessa Jackalopes tonight at the Allen Event Center. Allen took a 2-1 series lead in the Southern Conference Finals after handing Odessa its first road loss of the 2010 playoffs. The Americans also held the Jackalopes power play unit off the board tonight for the first time in the series.

Allen quickly grabbed a two-goal lead in Game 3. Bruce Graham netted a wrist shot from the right circle at 3:39 for Allen's first goal. Not one minute later, Graham skated into the Jackalopes zone with Nino Musitelli on a two-on-one rush. Graham passed it to the winger, and Musitelli had no trouble putting the puck in the wide open net. The Jackalopes came within one at 9:03 of the first when Jeff Pierce beat Chris Whitley with a one timer on an odd-man push from Odessa. The period was fast-paced with few penalties, and Allen headed into the first intermission with a 2-1 lead.

The Americans continued to rack up the goals in the middle frame, grabbing two in the final five minutes of the period. Christian Gaudet scored his first post-season goal at 16:48 when he slapped a rebound past Odessa Net Minder Joel Martin. Then, Justin Bowers launched a wrist shot past Martin to increase Allen's lead 4-1.

Odessa backstop Juha Toivonen replaced Martin in net at the start of the final period. Pierce got his 2nd of the night on a goal at 9:39 of the third. The tally brought Odessa within two, but the Americans struck back to make it 5-2. 37 seconds after Jeff Pierce's goal, defensemen Jordie Benn scored on a slap shot from the blue line. The contest, which already featured three fights, continued to heat up as everyone grabbed a dance partner with 3.1 seconds remaining in the game. Allen Liam Huculak and Odessa's Mike Lesperance were the last to square off. After the final penalties were accessed, Allen's total was 34 minutes, and Odessa had 28.

The Bowers-Graham-Musitelli line had a combined 11 points this evening. Whitley stopped 35 shots to earn his sixth post-season win. Martin saved 17 for Odessa, while Toivonen stopped 13 of 14 shots.


Allen Americans Leads Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 2 Allen Americans 5 (1-2, 0-2, 1-1)

0-1 ALN: Bruce Graham (Musitelli, Bowers) 3:39 1st

0-2 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Graham, Bowers) 4:31 1st

1-2 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Circelli, Thinel) 9:03 1st

1-3 ALN: Christian Gaudet (Salekin, Bowers) 16:48 2nd

1-4 ALN: Justin Bowers (Musitelli) 18:38 2nd

2-4 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Plante, Thinel) 9:39 3rd

2-5 ALN: Jordie Benn (Graham, Musitelli) 10:16 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ODE 37 ALN 35

PP: ODE 0/5 ALN 0/2

PIM: ODE 28 Minutes on 8 Penalties ALN 34 Minutes on 11 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Joel Martin 17 SVS on 21 Shots Juha Toivonen ALN Chris Whitley 35 SVS on 37 Shots

ATT: 2715

3rd Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

2nd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

1st Star: Nino Musitelli (ALN)

Bossier-Shreveport wins with Scoring Spread, Mudbugs Tie Series at 1-1

A great scoring spread took place that was led by Joe Blaznek with 3 assists with the 4 goals coming from 4 different players which includes a couple of unlikely scorers in Jamie Milam who had just 6 points all year and Simon Mangos who's stock is rising who raised his scoring totals as a defensemen from 8 to 12 goals over the course of this season and scored his 3rd point of the playoffs where the Mudbugs went up 4-1 late in the 2nd period.

Despite 3rd period goals by Rapid City Superstars Les Reaney and Blaine Jarvis couldn't get the game to OT for the 2nd straight time in this series and Mudbugs goalie Parker Van Buskirk who hardly played at all this season and was brought in to help relieve Mudbugs goalie Ken Carroll who's out with an injury was stout by stopping 26 of 29 shots including some important ones late with the Rush out-shooting the Mudbugs 10-6 in the 3rd period.

Both Conference Final Series are now tied at 1-1 and all 4 of the games being one goal games and two of those went to OT as we expecting some very long series' in this Conference Finals which should set the stage for a championship series that looks like it will be more & more exciting by the day.

The Northern Conference Final will now head to Shreveport for games 3,4 & 5 on April 14, 16 & 17 this week. If Bossier-Shreveport continue their strong home form from the 1st round against Colorado, the Mudbugs have a great shot of taking the advantage in this series as the Mudbugs will look to get back to the League Championship Series this season.

From the Central Hockey League: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs built a 4-1 lead on their way to an eventual 4-3 victory over the Rapid City Rush in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Finals Sunday at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. With the victory, the Mudbugs even the best-of-7 series at one game apiece with the next 3 games to be played at the Century Tel Center.

Performing under the playoff microscope, goaltender Parker Van Buskirk made 26 saves to earn the win in his Mudbugs debut. The offense was paced by Joe Blaznek's three assists, while Jamie Milam scored the game-winner goal and assisted on another. Bossier-Shreveport also scored two more powerplay goals in the victory.

The Bugs skated to a 6-0 shot edge in the early going before Rapid City got nearly two full minutes of 5-on-3 powerplay time. Scott Wray opened the scoring during the two-man advantage to put the Rush on top 1-0 at 8:03. Bossier-Shreveport then seized the momentum and the lead late in the period when two powerplay goals in a 31 second-span. Justin Aikins started it off for the Mudbugs, shooting home the rebound of a Joe Blaznek shot in front to tie the game at one at 16:46. Simon Mangos then beat Danny Battochio with a long wrist shot through traffic to give the Mudbugs a 2-1 edge after 20 minutes.

The Bugs added to the lead with a pair of even-strength in the 2nd period. Blaznek sent a pass to the side of the net for David Rutherford, who backhanded the puck from Battochio's arm and into the net at 9:24 to make it 3-1. The lead became 4-1 for Bossier-Shreveport when Jamie Milam powered a slapshot into the net during a 3-on-2 break at 15:03. That goal chased Danny Battochio from the net as he was replaced by Miguel Beaudry.

The Rush came on strong in the 3rd period, starting with an unassisted goal by Les Reaney off a faceoff at 5:50. That turned the momentum into Rapid City's favor, and Blaine Jarvis got the home team back within one with just 3 minutes left in regulation. The Bugs were able to hold on in the final minutes, however to finish the 4-3 win and tie the series.

Van Buskirk is now 1-0 in his Mudbugs career, earning the win as the Mudbugs were out-shot 29-25 in the contest. Danny Battochio suffered his first playoff loss for the Rush after making 11 saves, while Miguel Beaudry stopped 10 saves in relief. Bossier-Shreveport scored twice on the powerplay chances and Rapid City finished 1 for 5.

The Mudbugs will now look to the lead in the best-of-seven series as its shifts to Bossier-Shreveport for the next 3 games. Game 3 is set for Wednesday night at 7:05 PM at the Century Tel Center.


Series is Tied 1-1


Game Boxscore

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 4 Rapid City Rush 3 (2-1, 2-0, 0-2)

0-1 RPC: Scott Wray (PP) (Vanderveeken, Hodge) 8:03 1st

1-1 BOS: Justin Aikins (PP) (Blaznek, Milam) 16:46 1st

1-2 BOS: Simon Mangos (PP) (Blaznek, Ori) 17:17 1st

1-3 BOS: David Rutherford (Blaznek, Kalinchuk) 9:24 2nd

1-4 BOS: Jamie Milam (Limpright) 15:03 2nd

2-4 RPC: Les Reaney (Unassisted) 5:50 3rd

3-4 RPC: Blaine Jarvis (Wray, Bostock) 17:25 3rd


Game Stats

PP: BOS 2/7 RPC 1/5

SOG: BOS 25 RPC 29

PIM: BOS 17 Minutes on 7 Penalties RPC 21 Minutes on 9 Penalties

Goalies: BOS Parker Van Buskirk 26 SVS on 29 Shots RPC Danny Battochio 11 SVS on 15 Shots Miguel Beaudry 10 SVS on 10 Shots

ATT: 4150

3rd Star: Scott Wray (RPC)

2nd Star: Joe Blaznek (BOS)

1st Star: Jamie Milam (BOS)

Scott Wray and Les Reaney lead Rapid City to OT Win in Game 1

Like Saturday's game in West Texas, the opening game of the Northern Conference Final saw OT and just like the Southern Conference Final as well, it's a great back and fourth where the teams All-Stars took over the game.

The third period saw a wild affair which started with Clay Plume scored just 2 minutes into the 3rd period to tie the game at 2-2. However, Rapid City's Scott Wray scored his 4th of the post-season to put the Rush up 3-2. He would later force OT with a goal with just 3 and a half minutes left in the third period to make it a 4-4 game.

Then Wray played the role of set up man to help Brendan Cook set up Les Reaney's game winner 5 minutes into the extra period to help the Rush take the opening game of the series against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.

Game 2 will be taking place tonight in Rapid City, S.D. as the Rush will look to go up 2-0 and have a huge advantage in looking to make the team's first ever Presidents Cup Final.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Rapid City, South Dakota: In Game one of the Northern Conference Final, the Rapid City Rush came-from-behind to tie the game and eventually triumph in OT taking a 1-0 series lead over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Les Reaney scored three points in the game including the game winner in overtime lifting his team to the 5-4 win.

Scott Wray scored a pair of goals and had an assist and it was his second goal with three and a half minutes left in regulation that sent the game to overtime. Derek Campbell had a goal and an assist for the Rush aiding the offense.

Former Rapid City Defensemen Clay Plume lead the offense for the Bugs with a pair of goals, both in the third period.

The Mudbugs scored three times in the third period holding a 4-3 lead before Wray's heroics.

Danny Battochio had 20 saves in the game improving to 5-0 in the playoffs. Ken Carroll took his first loss of the playoffs despite making 39 saves. Game two is scheduled for Sunday Night in Rapid City.


Rapid City Rush Lead Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 4 Rapid City Rush 5 (OT) (1-1, 0-1, 3-2, 0-1)

0-1 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Pelle, VanderVeeken) 0:28 1st

1-1 BOS: Joe Ori (PP) (St. Croix, Carroll) 8:35 1st

1-2 RPC: Derek Campbell (Flamminio) 6:57 2nd

2-2 BOS: Clay Plume (Kyrzakos, Clayton) 2:50 3rd

2-3 RPC: Scott Wray (Campbell, Reaney) 3:08 3rd

3-3 BOS: Simon Mangos (PP) (Smith, Blaznek) 8:44 3rd

4-3 BOS: Clay Plume (Rutherford, Lucas) 13:14 3rd

4-4 RPC: Scott Wray (Reaney) 16:23 3rd

4-5 RPC: Les Reaney (Cook, Wray) 5:06 OT


Game Stats

SOG: BOS 24 RPC 44

PP: BOS 2/4 RPC 0/5

PIM: BOS 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties RPC 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: BOS Ken Carroll 39 SVS on 44 Shots RPC Danny Battochio 20 SVS on 24 Shots

ATT: 5078

3rd Star: Clay Plume (BOS)

2nd Star: Scott Wray (RPC)

1st Star: Les Reaney (RPC)

Jeff Pierce's OT Winner Ties Southern Conference Final at 1-1

Getting out-shot 19-5 in the first period was almost no problem for the Allen Americans as the Americans were looking to make it a 2-0 series advantage going into the 3 games in Allen which start later this week.

After a 2-1 lead for Odessa, both teams were able to get in trouble on the special teams as a combined 25 penalties in the game was resulted in 15 power plays. However, just 2 power play goals were scored as strong goaltender and defense's that were afraid at times to attack that much as the game continued to be 2-1 Jackalopes heading into the 3rd period.

An early 3rd period goal by Liam Huculak put the game tied at 2-2 giving the Americans some hope and the momentum going into the rest of the 3rd period. After that, neither side was able to gain an advantage that could have ended the game in regulation time.

Then midway through the OT came a dagger for Allen as Americans defensemen Mike Salekin committed a 10 minute Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty where Odessa's Jeff Pierce scored the game winner with 3:17 left in the OT Period to tie the series at 1-1 with Game 3 coming up coming up on Wednesday Night at the Allen Event Center.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

Jeff Pierce's wrist shot from the top of the left circle beat Chris Whitley and tied the Southern Conference Finals at 1-1 as the Odessa Jackalopes beat the Allen Americans, 3-2, in OT on Saturday Night at the Ector County Coliseum.

Sebastien Thinel had the assist on Pierce's game-winner with a cross-ice pass from the right wing side. The goal was Pierce's 5th of the post-season.

Whitley did everything possible in net for the Americans to try and win the game as he made 42 saves in the game. Odessa's Joel Martin was 29 of 31.

After a scoreless 2nd period, Liam Huclak tied the game for Allen at 2-2 with just under 3 minutes into the third period to force OT.

Whitley kept it a close first period as he stopped 17 of Odessa's 19 shots in the opening frame. The Jackalopes started the game's scoring at 7:40 when Jean Bourbeau put a wrist shot in the top corner after an American's turnover in their own zone. Justin Bowers tied the game on the power play three minutes later deflecting a shot from the point. Odessa then regained the lead on a power play from Kenny Benard at 15:58.

The Overtime was Odessa's 2nd of the playoffs. The other coming in the series clincher against the Texas Brahmas. The Series now shifts to the Allen Event Center where Games 3, 4, and 5 will be played.


Series Tied 1-1


Game Boxscore

@ Ector County Coliseum

Allen Americans 2 Odessa Jackalopes 3 (OT) (1-2, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1)

0-1 ODE: Jean Bourbeau (Unassisted) 7:40 1st

1-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (Woddisse, Fairbarn) 10:46 1st

1-2 ODE: Kenny Bernard (PP) (Leveille, Karlander) 15:58 1st

2-2 ALN: Liam Huculak (Unassisted) 2:54 3rd

2-3 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Thinel, Van Drunen) 16:43 OT


Game Stats

PP: ALN 1/8 ODE 1/7

SOG: ALN 31 ODE 45

PIM: ALN 39 Minutes on 14 Penalties ODE 25 Minutes on 11 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 42 SVS on 45 Shots ODE Joel Martin 29 SVS on 31 Shots

ATT: 3000

3rd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

2nd Star: Kenny Bernard (ODE)

1st Star: Jeff Pierce (ODE)

Jarrett Lukin leads Allen in back and fourth game to win Game 1

Jarret Lukin had a huge night as the Americans had to fight both fatigue from the short turnaround after the Laredo Series and the league's best team in the Jackalopes to steal the Conference Finals opener to stun the Jackalopes and to grab an early series lead.

They looking to prove that the Americans strong defense can keep the Jackalopes strong offense under control in what should be a great series for the Southern Conference Championship.

Other players that are looking to explode like Cotton Yellow Horn adn Nino Musitelli also had huge nights in the victory. Odessa is going to feel the pressure as for the 2nd time in these playoffs, they will go into game 2 with a 1-0 deficit. They did it against the Brahmas, can they do it against the Americans as well in a strong start to this series.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Allen Americans grabbed home ice and the series advantage versus the Odessa Jackalopes on Friday Night with a 4-3 victory at the Ector County Coliseum in Game one of the Southern Conference Final.

Jarrett Lukin had 2 goals and an assist and Mike Sellan's third period shorthanded goal proved to be the game winner.

The Jacks seemed to be carrying over the momentum they built by winning 4 straight games over the Texas Brahmas in the Conference Semifinals by grabbing the early series lead with a Sebastien Thinel power play goal at the 2:40 mark, his sixth goal of the post-season.

The teams exchanged goals before the end of the period with Lukin scoring his first of two on the night at the 15:44 mark tying the game at 1-1 but Odessa would once again grab momentum with Phillippe Plante scoring another power play goal with just 8 seconds remaining in the period.

The 2nd period belonged to the Americans who scored twice taking a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes. Nino Musitelli tied the game at the 12:32 mark scoring for the third straight game and his fifth goal of the playoffs. Lukin would give his team the lead for good about three minutes later with Musitelli earning his 2nd point of the night on the assist.

In the third period, Salekin grabbed the only two goal lead of the net for either team with his shorthanded goal at 7:22; assisted by Lukin.

Mike Ramsay scored on a 3rd period power play goal just over 30 seconds later making the two-goal cushion short-lived and gave his club a chance but Allen goaltender Chris Whitley put on a show by stopping 17 of 18 and finished the game with 34 saves, good for his fifth win of the playoffs.

Odessa's Joel Martin made 26 saves but took the loss falling to 3-1 in the playoffs. Odessa finished 3/7 on the power play while Allen went scoreless in five chances.

Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday Night in Odessa.


Allen Leads Series 1-0


Game Boxscore


@ Ector County Coliseum

Allen Americans 4 Odessa Jackalopes 3 (1-2, 2-0, 1-1)

0-1 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (PP) (Pierce, Circelli) 2:40 1st

1-1 ALN: Jarrett Lukin (Yellow Horn, Adams) 15:44 1st

1-2 ODE: Philippe Plante (PP) (Leveille, Karlander) 19:52 1st

2-2 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Adams, Benn) 12:32 2nd

3-2 ALN: Jarrett Lukin (Musitelli) 15:15 2nd

4-2 ALN: Mike Salekin (SH) (Lukin) 7:22 3rd

4-3 ODE: Mike Ramsay (PP) (Leveille, Karlander) 7:56 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ALN 30 ODE 38

PP: ALN 0/5 ODE 3/7

PIM: ALN 16 Minutes on 8 Penalties ODE 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 35 SVS on 38 Shots ODE Joel Martin 26 SVS on 30 Shots

ATT: 3217

3rd Star: Dominic Leveille (ODE)

2nd Star: Nino Musitelli (ALN)

1st Star: Jarrett Lukin (ALN)

Central Hockey League: Conference Finals Schedule & Preview

With Game 7 of the Allen Americans and Laredo Bucks wrapping up last night. It's finally time for the CHL Conference Finals to get underway as the Rapid City Rush & Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have been on long layoffs as the teams finished off sweeps back on April 1 and 2.

As both teams are fresh and have had a chance to take a look at their foes as the 1st round sweeps could be a factor when the Presidents Cup Championship starts up that could give the Northern Conference Champions at least an advantage in being fresh and not being as banged up.

The Southern Conference has the best offense against the best record as the Jackalopes finished the Regular Season in the last several years as Odessa had 101 points. But had a slow start against the Texas Brahmas where they lost the first 2, only to comeback to win 4 straight to win the series in 6.

Allen will have to battle lack of rest of prep time for the Americans as they will only get one travel day to get ready for the Jackalopes as the Americans will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days in these playoffs.


Northern Conference Final

#1 Rapid City Rush VS. #3 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Rapid City Road to the Ray Morin Presidents Cup

Regular Season Record: 43-14-7 93 PTS, 253 GF 197 GA

Northern Semifinals VS. Missouri: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 2-1 W, Game 3 4-1 W, 7-6 OTW

Rapid City Scoring Leaders
Les Reaney 4 GP 9 PTS (3G 6A, +5)
Rich Hansen 4 GP 7 PTS (2G 5A, +4)
Jon Pelle 4 GP 6 PTS (3G 3A, +3)


Rapid City Goaltending
Danny Battochio 4 GP 4-0 2.23 GAA .936 SV%


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Road to the Presidents Cup

Regular Season Record: 38-22-4 80 PTS, 213 GF 180 GA

Northern Semifinals VS. Colorado: Game 1 4-3 OTW, Game 2 4-3 W, Game 3 3-1 W, Game 4 4-2 W

Bossier-Shreveport Scoring Leaders
Shawn Limpright 4 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +2)
David Pszenyczny 4 GP 4 PTS (3G 1A, +4)
Travis Clayton 4 GP 4 PTS (3G 1A, +2)


Bossier-Shreveport Goaltending
Ken Carroll 3 GP 3-0 2.17 GAA .935 SV%
John Decarlo 2 GP 1-0 2.42 GAA .927 SV%


This Series will be using the 2-3-2 Format

All Rapid City Rush Home Games are @ Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

All Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Home Games are @ Century Tel Center


Game 1, 4/10: @ Rapid City 8:05 PM

Game 2, 4/11: @ Rapid City 6:05 PM

Game 3, 4/14: @ Bossier-Shreveport 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/16: @ Bossier-Shreveport 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/17: @ Bossier-Shreveport 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/20: @ Rapid City 7:35 PM*

Game 7, 4/21: @ Rapid City 7:35 PM*

*If Necessary


Southern Conference Final

#1 Odessa Jackalopes VS. #2 Allen Americans

Odessa Jackalopes Road to the Presidents Cup

Regular Season Record: 48-11-5 101 PTS, 269 GF 187 GA

Southern Semifinals VS. Texas: Game 1 2-5 L, Game 2 2-3 OTL, Game 3 6-3 W, Game 4 5-1 W, Game 5 2-1 W, Game 6 5-4 OTW


Odessa Scoring Leaders
Sebastien Thinel 6 GP 12 PTS (5G 7A, +7)
Jeff Pierce 6 GP 10 PTS (4G 6A, +6)
Collin Circelli 6 GP 7 PTS (2G 5A, +5)

Odessa Goaltending
Juha Toivonen 4 GP 3-0 2.46 GAA .921 SV%
Joel Martin 3 GP 1-2 2.97 GAA .882 SV%


Allen Americans Road to the Presidents Cup

Regular Season Record: 42-17-5 89 PTS, 210 GF 183 GA

Southern Semifinals VS. Laredo: Game 1 3-4 L, Game 2 3-2 W, Game 3 4-1 W, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 1-5 L, Game 6 3-2 W, Game 7 4-1 W


Allen Scoring Leaders
Nino Musitelli 7 GP 9 PTS (4G 5A, +1)
Bruce Graham 7 GP 9 PTS (3G 6A, +3)
Justin Bowers 7 GP 9 PTS (3G 6A, -2)

Allen Goaltending
Chris Whitley 7 GP 4-3 2.53 GAA .909 SV%
David Mckee 1 GP 0-0 3.25 GAA .857 SV%


This Series will be a 2-3-2 format for this series.

All Odessa Jackalopes Home Games are @ Ector County Coliseum

All Allen Americans Home Games are @ Allen Event Center

Game 1, 4/9: @ Odessa 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/10: @ Odessa 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/14: @ Allen 7:30 PM

Game 4, 4/16: @ Allen 7:30 PM

Game 5, 4/17: @ Allen 7:30 PM*

Game 6, 4/19: @ Odessa 7:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/21: @ Odessa 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary

A Strong Allen Defense with big 3rd period knocks out Laredo

The Allen Americans can now add another impressive mark in their inaugural season as the Allen Americans have won their first Game 7 to advance to the Southern Conference Final against the Odessa which will get underway sometime this weekend. The Americans did with a strong power play to make it 2-0 midway through the game then the Bruce Graham goal with 4 minutes to officially put the game away. In all, the Americans gave up just 21 shots including just 5 in the 2nd period.

With the Americans defense, the Odessa Jackalopes strong offense will have their hands full as the Southern Conference Final will get underway tomorrow night. The Series will be a 2-3-2 format with Odessa hosting Games 1 & 2, then Allen will get a chance to shine in the middle of the series for games 3,4, & 5.

The series would get back to Odessa for Games 6 & 7 to crown the Southern Conference Champions and to determine who will advance to the Ray Morin Presidents Cup Final either against Rapid City or Bossier-Shreveport.


From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Allen Americans defeated the Laredo Bucks 4-1 in Game 7 of the Southern Conference Semifinals series advancing to the South Finals to meet the Odessa Jackalopes. Game one of the Americans/Jackalopes Series is schedule for Friday Night at the Ector County Coliseum.

The Americans had a tremendous defensive effort taking a 2-0 lead after two periods with a first period goal from Nino Musitelli and a second period power play goal from Tobias Whelan.

Musitelli finished with a goal and two assists aided by a goal and an assist from All-Star Bruce Graham and two assists from fellow All-Star Justin Bowers.

Chris Whitley made 21 saves earning the win improving to 4-3 in the series so far.

Todd Griffith scored his 5th goal of the series in the loss for Laredo who dropped each of the last two games in Allen to surrender the series.


Allen Wins Series 4-3. The Americans will next play the Odessa Jackalopes in the Southern Conference Final.

Game Boxscore

Laredo Bucks 1 Allen Americans 4 (0-1, 0-1, 1-2)

0-1 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Bowers, Graham) 16:41 1st

0-2 ALN: Tobias Whelan (PP) (Musitelli) 10:33 2nd

1-2 LAR: Todd Griffith (Lehr) 4:30 3rd

1-3 ALN: Jordie Benn (Gaudet, ONabigon) 11:12 3rd

1-4 ALN: Bruce Graham (PP) (Musitelli, Bowers) 15:58


Game Stats

SOG: LAR 22 ALN 34

PP: LAR 0/5 ALN 2/7

PIM: LAR 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties ALN 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier 30 SVS on 34 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 21 SVS on 22 Shots

ATT: 2988

3rd Star: Todd Griffith (LAR)

2nd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

1st Star: Nino Musitelli (ALN)

Unlikely Hero gives lift, sends series to Game 7 tonight

An unlikely hero in Matt Radoslovich who has scored just 6 points (2G 4A) all year long scored a critical goal to send the Americans to a Game 7 tonight against the Laredo Bucks tonight where the winner will face the Odessa Jackalopes for the Southern Conference Final. Allen is looking to be the D/FW's main hope for hockey glory in Texas with the Dallas Stars missing out of the playoffs and the Texas Brahmas getting eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week.

Tonight's Game 7 will be in Allen where a huge crowd is expected to help the Americans to win the team's first ever playoff series and looking to make history as the 1st expansion team to win the Presidents Cup Championship in Central Hockey League History.


From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Allen, Texas: With the home crowd behind them, the Allen Americans beat the Laredo Bucks 3-2 at the Allen Event Center. The best-of-7 Conference Semifinals series is tied at 3-3 with the deciding game tomorrow night at the Allen Event Center.

Neither team could generate a goal in the opening frame, which marked the first time the teams headed to the locker room in a 0-0 deadlock. Laredo had the first 4 shots in the game, but Allen picked up the pace and ended the period with a 17-9 shot advantage.

Forward Nino Musitelli gave Allen a 1-0 lead 4:02 into the middle frame. The Americans, already playing aggressively, cranked up the intensity after the goal. Laredo's Todd Griffith responded with his 8th point of the series to even the score at 1-1. The 2nd period ended with the score knotted at 1-1.

Hungry for a win, the Americans scored first in the 3rd period, too. Defensemen Jordie Benn found forward Matt Radoslovich in front of Pier-Olivier Pelletier at 5:28. Pelletier turned away Radoslovich's initial shot, but the forward pounded the rebound into the net to put Allen up 2-1. Seven minute later, Justin Bowers poked the puck around Pelletier's pad on a breakaway to increase the Americans' lead to two goals. Darryl Smith brought the Bucks within 1 again at 15:38 on the power play, but Allen refused to let them get back in the game.

With 1:03 remaining in the third, captain Jarret Lukin was called for a tripping penalty. Laredo called a timeout and returned with 6 skaters on the ice. Despite the two-man advantage, the Bucks could not get another puck past Americans backstop Chris Whitley. The Final score was 3-2.

Whitley made 22 saves tonight, while Pelletier stopped 40 shots.

Allen will host the can't-miss game of the season tomorrow, April 7 at 7:30 PM. Winner plays the Odessa Jackalopes in the Southern Conference Final which should get underway this weekend.


Series Tied 3-3

@Allen Event Center

Laredo Bucks 2 Allen Americans 3 (0-0, 1-1, 1-2)

0-1 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Graham) 4:02 2nd

1-1 LAR: Todd Griffith (Elliott, Deschatelets) 13:47 2nd

1-2 ALN: Matt Radoslovich (Benn, Gaudet) 5:28 3rd

1-3 ALN: Justin Bowers (Unassisted) 12:45 3rd

2-3 LAR: Darryl Smith (PP) (Deschatelets, Bes) 15:38 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: LAR 24 ALN 43

PP: LAR 1/4 ALN 0/3

PIM: LAR 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties ALN 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier 40 SVS on 43 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 22 SVS on 24 Shots

ATT: 2691

3rd Star: Pier-Olivier Pelletier (LAR)

2nd Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

1st Star: Matt Radoslovich (ALN)