Allen Americans win big Road Game to Advance to the CHL Championship

For the 2nd straight year in the CHL Southern Conference. It was D/FW VS. West Texas for a spot in the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Final.

Just like last year's Conference Final it's the D/FW Team that's going to advance as the Allen Americans took advantage of an Odessa Jackalopes Team that barely showed up to play as the Americans unknown stars such as Tobias Whelan and Erik Adams played key roles to knock out the Jackalopes at the Southern Conference Final for the 2nd straight year.

The Allen Americans will now face Northern Conference Champion Rapid City Rush as the Rush in only their 2nd season will be playing for the teams first League Championship. It's a battle of CHL New Comers for this year's Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship.

From the Central Hockey League: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Odessa, Texas: Capping off an incredible expansion season, the Allen Americans advanced to the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals with a Game 7 win over the Odessa Jackalopes by a 4-2 score. The win was the 2nd Game 7 win for the Americans in their brief history (won in deciding versus Laredo in the Conference Semifinals.)

The Americans will now face the Rapid City Rush in the league finals beginning on Friday Night in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Allen's Tobias Whelan gave his team an early lead with a late first period goal and it helped propel his team to the early lead. In the 2nd period, Colton Yellow Horn scored his first of his two goals on the night making it 2-0 Allen.

The Americans would see Collin Circelli cut the lead in half but would quickly respond with the fifth score of the series by Nino Musitelli which ultimately served as the game winner.

Justin Bowers finished his series with two assists in the game with 14 points in the series (5G 9A). Chris Whitley won his 8th game of the playoffs by stopping 26 shots in the game.

The loss for Odessa marked the 2nd straight year that the Jacks have fallen in Game 7 of the Southern Conference Final to a D/FW Team. Last year, the Jackalopes lost in brutal fashion as they lost 8-1 to the Texas Brahmas.


The Allen Americans Win the Series 4-3, Allen will face the Rapid City Rush for the 2010 CHL Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship Series.


Game Boxscore

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

1-0 ALN: Tobias Whelan (Lukin, Bowers) 17:02 1st

2-0 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (Fairbarn, Wooddisse) 5:04 2nd

2-1 ODE: Collin Circelli (PP) (Thinel, Ramsay) 15:22 2nd

3-1 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Bowers, Adams) 19:16 2nd

4-1 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (PP) (Graham, Onabigon) 6:35 3rd

4-2 ODE: Jeff Pierce (EA) (Karlander, Thinel) 19:35 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ALN 38 ODE 28

PP: ALN 1/4 ODE 1/4

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

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 26 SVS on 28 Shots ODE Joel Martin 34 SVS on 38 Shots

ATT: 3914

3rd Star: Sebastien Thinel (ODE)

2nd Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

1st Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

Parker Van Buskirk's Shutout forces Game 7 in Rapid City

A strong 27 save performance by Mudbugs starter Parker Van Buskirk has put a 2nd Game 7 on the schedule for tonight to determine who will be playing for the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship this season.

In addition to the shutout, 2nd period goals by Tyrel Lucas and Brett Smith were more then enough as the Mudbugs defense was able to keep the Rush's explosive offense off the board and keeping them 27 shots in the Game as the Rush slightly out-shot the Mudbugs 27-24 in the game.

Now it comes down to the Game 7's tonight with the winners playing for the League Championship which should be starting up sometime this weekend.

Here's a look at where the Championship Matchups would start pending on the outcomes tonight.

Odessa VS. Rapid City: Series Starts in Odessa

Odessa VS. Bossier-Shreveport: Series Starts in Odessa

Allen VS. Rapid City: Series Starts in Rapid City

Allen VS. Bossier-Shreveport: Series Starts in Allen


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

From Rapid City, South Dakota: Parker Van Buskirk's first pro shutout helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 2-0 victory over the Rapid City Rush in Game 6 of the Northern Conference Finals Tuesday Night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The wins ties the best-of-7 series at three for Bossier-Shreveport, forcing a deciding a Game 7 tomorrow night here in Rapid City.

Van Buskirk stopped all 27 shots he saw to improve to 3-2 and earned his first pro shutout, regular season or playoffs. Tyrel Lucas and Brett Smith both scored on odd-man rushes in the 2nd period and the Bugs killed off all six Rapid City Power-Play on their way to the win.

Both teams looked sharp during a spirited first period in which the Mudbugs out-shot the Rush 10-7. Neither team found the back of the net though as both goaltenders came up with big saves. The Bugs opened the the scoring on a 2-on-1 break at 5:07 of the 2nd period when Tyrel Lucas sent a pass across Adam Basford, who gave the puck right back to Lucas for a tap in goal and a 1-0 lead.

Bossier-Shreveport added to the advantage midway through the 2nd period on another 2-on-1 break. Brett Smith and David Rutherford executed a nice give and go play that ended with Smith beating Danny Battochio high to the glove side at 9:45 of the 2nd period to make it 2-0 after 40 minutes.

The Rush out-shot the Bugs 9-3 in the third period and had three power play chances, but couldn't solve the Mudbugs Defense on their young goaltender to get on the scoreboard. Van Buskirk stopped numerous screened shots and rebounds in front to preserve the goose-egg as Rapid City failed to mount a late comeback.

With the 27 save effort, Van Buskirk earned the tenth shutout in Mudbugs playoff history and first since David Cacciola had one in the 2006 Conference Semifinals. Danny Battochio stopped 22 shots in goal for the Rush, who out-shot the Bugs 27-24. Neither team converted on the power play with Bossier-Shreveport finishing 0/3 and Rapid City finishing 0/6.

The Mudbugs will now play a Game 7 for the 4th time in team history tomorrow night in Rapid City as they try to advance to the Presidents Cup Finals for the 6th Time. The winner of tomorrow night's game will face the winner of Game 7 in the Southern Conference Final between Allen & Odessa, which is also being played Wednesday Night.


Series Tied 3-3


Game Boxscore

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

1-0 BOS: Tyrel Lucas (Basford) 5:07 1st

2-0 BOS: Brett Smith (Rutherford, Ori) 9:54 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: BOS 24 RPC 27

PP: BOS 0/3 RPC 0/6

PIM: BOS 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties RPC Danny Battochio 22 SVS on 24 Shots

Goalies: BOS Parker Van Buskirk 27 SVS on 27 Shots RPC Danny Battochio 22 SVS on 24 Shots

ATT: 4520

3rd Star: Brett Smith (BOS)

2nd Star: Tyrel Lucas (BOS)

1st Star: Parker Van Buskirk (BOS)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Odessa has huge 3rd period comeback to win in OT, knocks out defending champions

What started out as a great series and a chance to knockout the Jackalopes for the 2nd straight year turned into a nightmare as the Jackalopes turned up the jets to take control of the series to win in 6. It's said that successfully defending a championship is one of the toughest things to do in sports, and the Brahmas learned that the hard way.

Texas had another great season after winning 32 games during the regular season. Texas made quick work of Corpus Christi in the Play In Round. The Brahmas have proven once again that playing in the Play In Round is no hurdle for the Brahmas. Since the inclusion of the Play In Round in 2008, the Brahmas have pretty much been the only team to have any success after playing in the Play In Round. Here's a list of teams how they have done since Play In Round was introduced.

2008

Southern Conference: Play in Round: Odessa beats Austin 2-1, Conference Semifinals Laredo beats Odessa 4-0

Northern Conference: Play In Round, Texas Beats Mississippi 2-1, Conference Semifinals Texas beats Bossier-Shreveport 4-0, Conference Final, Colorado Beats Texas 4-3


2009

Southern Conference: Play In Round, RG Valley beats Corpus Christi 2-1, Conference Semifinals Texas beats RG Valley 4-0

Northern Conference: Play In Round, Bossier-Shreveport beats Rocky Mountain 2-1, Conference Semifinals Colorado Beats Bossier-Shreveport 4-0


2010

Southern Conference: Play In Round, Texas beats Corpus Christi 2-0, Conference Semifinals Odessa beats Texas 4-2

Northern Conference: Play In Round, Missouri Beats Mississippi 2-1, Conference Semifinals Rapid City Beats Missouri 4-0


If you look at the short history of the Play In Round. The Brahmas are the only team to even win a game, much less a series when they started in the Conference Play In Round. Everybody else has gotten Sweeped in the Conference Semifinals. This shows you how the Brahmas want to make sure they can be a force to be dealt with regardless of how they start in the playoffs either in the Conference Play In Round or in the Conference Semifinals when they won the Championship in 2009.

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

From North Richland Hills, Texas: Collin Circelli's overtime winner sent the Odessa Jackalopes to the Southern Conference Finals as the team beat the Texas Brahmas, 5-4, on Monday Night at the NYTEX Sports Center. The finish gave the Odessa Jackalopes a 4-2 win in the best-of-seven series.

Jeff Pierce and Garrett Gruenke tallied the assists on Circelli's game-winner at 2:04 of the first overtime period. Circelli drove the net after Texas turned the puck at the blue line. It marks the second straight season that Odessa has lost the first two games of a Conference Semifinal series at home, only to win four straight and advance.

The Jackalopes forced overtime after scoring a pair of third period goals to eliminate a 4-2 deficit. Kory Karlander netted a power play goal from the front of the net at 5:04. Sebastien Thinel tied the game at 7:38 when he lifted a backhanded shot into the top corner.

Both teams traded goals in the first period as Kenny Benard and Jeff Pierce each scored for Odessa. Jason Deitsch and Lee Jubinville both scored for Texas.

The Brahmas picked up the play in the 2nd period two as Deitsch scored his second of the game at 3:01 to make it 3-2, Texas. Jordan Cameron made it 4-2 at 15:57 when he took the puck from the left-wing corner, around the boards, then through the right circle before depositing a backhanded shot past Juha Toivonen. Texas held the two goal lead entering the break to set up Odessa's late heroics.

Joel Martin replaced Toivonen in the third period and finished the game with just four saves, but recorded the win. Toivonen stopped 16 of 20 in net.

The series win for Odessa marks just the third time in CHL History that a team won the first two games of a series on the road only to lose the series. Odessa defeated Laredo in 2009. New Mexico topped Arizona in 2007. Texas won the first two games of the series in Odessa to take a 2-0 series lead before Odessa's comeback with four straight wins.

The Jackalopes will await the winner of the Laredo VS. Allen series for their next round opponent.


Odessa Jackalopes win Series 4-2. Odessa will play either the Allen Americans or the Laredo Bucks in the Conference Finals.


Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 5 Texas Brahmas 4 (OT) (2-2, 0-2, 2-0, 1-0)

1-0 ODE: Kenny Bernard (PP) (Ramsay, Karlander) 3:43 1st

1-1 TEX: Jason Deitsch (Hiebert, Jubinville) 6:22 1st

1-2 TEX: Lee Jubinville (PP) (Sellars, Kinnunen) 8:56 1st

2-2 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Circelli, Thinel) 13:40 1st

2-3 TEX: Jason Deitsch (Hiebert, Jubinville) 3:01 2nd

2-4 TEX: Jordan Cameron (Gale, Rouleau) 15:57 2nd

3-4 ODE: Kory Karlander (PP) (Dunn, Leveille) 5:04 3rd

4-4 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Bourbeau, Pierce) 7:38 3rd

5-4 ODE: Collin Circelli (Pierce, Gruenke) 2:04 OT


Game Stats

SOG: ODE 44 TEX 24

PP: ODE 2/4 TEX 1/5

PIM: ODE 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties TEX 23 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Juha Toivonen 16 SVS on 20 Shots Joel Martin 4 SVS on 4 Shots TEX Brett Jeager 39 SVS on 44 Shots

ATT: 2200

3rd Star: Lee Jubinville (TEX)

2nd Star: Jason Deitsch (TEX)

1st Star: Collin Circelli (ODE)

Laredo Runs away with Game 5, Takes 3-2 Series Lead

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

From Laredo, Texas: It doesn't seem that long ago that Brent Cullaton was a championship hero for the Laredo Bucks and after coming out of retirement to join this year's post-season edition, the veteran is up to his old tricks.

Cullaton scored a pair of goals and had an assist in Laredo's 5-1 victory over the Allen Americans in Game five of the best-of-7 semifinal series that now gives the Bucks a 3-2 series lead. Game Six will be back in Allen on Tuesday Night.

Laredo's Rookie Goaltender Pell Pelletier had another solid performance making 41 saves including 19 in the 2nd period.

Jeff Bes and Darryl Smith each had a pair of goals and Sylvain Deschatelets had three points (1G 2A) in the 2nd period alone.

Bruce Graham scored the Americans lone goal in what was the most lopsided game of the series so far.

The Series will return North to Allen for Game 6 back on Tuesday Night with a possible Game 7 being on Wednesday Night if necessary.


Laredo Bucks Win Series 3-2


Game Boxscore

Allen Americans 1 Laredo Bucks 5 (0-2, 1-2, 0-1)

0-1 LAR: Evan Schwabe (Griffith, Deschatelets) 1:16 1st

0-2 LAR: Sylvain Deschatelets (PP) (Smith, Looby) 13:50 1st

0-3 LAR: Brent Cullaton (PP) (Bes, Deschatelets) 3:06 2nd

0-4 LAR: Mike Looby (Cullaton, Trimm) 15:57 2nd

1-4 ALN: Bruce Graham (PP) (Fairbarn, Bowers) 16:59 2nd

1-5 LAR: Brent Cullaton (Bes, Smith) 10:55 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ALN 42 LAR 28

PP: ALN 1/4 LAR 2/5

PIM: ALN 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties LAR 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 11 SVS on 14 Shots David Mckee 12 SVS on 14 Shots LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier

ATT: 3126

3rd Star: Sylvain Deschatelets (LAR)

2nd Star: Brent Cullaton (LAR)

1st Star: Pier-Olivier Pelletier (LAR)

Thinel and Plante make difference in a defensive showdown

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

From Odessa, Texas: The Odessa Jackalopes moved within one game of pulling off another magic act as they now lead the best-of-seven conference semifinals series' with the Texas Brahmas three games to two. The Jacks won a defensive duel at the Ector County Coliseum 2-1.

Should the Jackalopes win one of the next two games, they would for the second consecutive season erase a 2-0 series deficit losing both games on home ice and then coming back to winning the series.

The teams skated to a scoreless game all the way until the third period when Sebastien Thinel struck for his 4th goal of the series at the 5:32 mark of the final period. Philippe Plante made it 2-0 when he scored a power play goal at the 14:14 mark of the period.

Texas would score a late goal with an extra skater as Tyler Skworchinski scored his fifth goal of the post-season but that is as close as the Brahmas could get.

Both goaltenders were sharp in the game as Joe Palmer made 35 saves for the Brahmas starting his first game of the playoffs after getting action in relief in each of the last two games.

Juha Toivonen started his third straight game and earned his third straight win making 34 saves. His all-time post-season record improves to 10-1.

Game six is scheduled for Monday Night in Texas and Game 7 would be on Wednesday in Odessa if needed.


Odessa Jackalopes Lead Series 3-2


Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 2 Texas Brahmas 1 (0-0, 0-0, 1-2)

0-1 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Pierce, Circelli) 5:32 3rd

0-2 ODE: Philippe Plante (PP) (Thinel, Leveille) 14:14 3rd

1-2 TEX: Tyler Skworchinski (EA) (Rouleau) 19:47 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 35 ODE 37

PP: TEX 0/3 ODE 1/8

PIM: TEX 23 Minutes on 10 Penalties ODE 13 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Joe Palmer 35 SVS on 37 Shots ODE Juha Toivonen 34 SVS on 35 Shots

ATT: 3278

3rd Star: Joe Palmer (TEX)

2nd Star: Sebastien Thinel (ODE)

1st Star: Juha Toivonen (ODE)

A 3 goal 1st Period helps Odessa tie the Series against the Brahmas

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

From North Richland Hills, Texas: The Odessa Jackalopes got 27 saves from Juha Toivonen and a pair of goals from Sebastien Thinel as they topped the Brahmas, 5-1, at the NYTEX Sports Center on Friday Night. The win evens up the Southern Conference Semifinals series at 2-2 as the road team has won every game in the series so far.

Thinel's first tally was part of a three-goal first period as the Jackalopes took the lead and early control in the game. Mike Ramsay opened the scoring at 7:09, followed by Collin Circelli at 12:53 on the power play, and then Thinel at 15:07 as he took a pass on the right side of the net, and buried his own rebound for Odessa.

The game's scoring was halted until the third period, when Odessa's Jeff Pierce scored on a rebound at 7:11 to extend the Jacks lead to four. Kevin Seibel scored the lone goal for the Brahmas as his wrist shot from the point slipped through traffic, and past Toivonen who never saw the puck.

Thinel capped off the game with his second of the night at 18:47, a bad-angle shot from the left-wing corner on a Brahmas turnover.

It was the second straight game that the Jackalopes ended the first period with a 3-0 lead and the second straight game that Brahmas goaltender, Joe Palmer, came in for relief for Brett Jeager.

The Win now extends the series to at least six games in order to decide a winner. Game five will be played on Saturday back in Odessa at Ector County Coliseum.


Series tied 2-2


Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 5 Texas Brahmas 1 (3-0, 0-0, 2-1)

1-0 ODE: Mike Ramsay (Lesperance, Bernard) 7:09 1st

2-0 ODE: Collin Circelli (PP) (Dunn, Bernard) 12:53 1st

3-0 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Pierce, Circelli) 15:07 1st

4-0 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Mbaraga, Thinel) 7:11 3rd

4-1 TEX: Kevin Seibel (Chorneyko, Burto) 14:18 3rd

5-1 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Unassisted) 18:47 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ODE 38 TEX 28

PP: ODE 1/8 TEX 0/6

PIM: ODE 18 Minutes on 9 Penalties TEX 31 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Juha Toivonen 27 SVS on 28 Shots TEX Brett Jeager 7 SVS on 10 Shots Joe Palmer 26 SVS on 28 Shots


ATT: 2312

3rd Star: Collin Circelli (ODE)

2nd Star: Jeff Pierce (ODE)

1st Star: Juha Toivonen (ODE)

Odessa Uses Strong 1st Period to make it a 2-1 series

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

Destined to show the skill and strength that led them to 101 points during the regular season, the Odessa Jackalopes came out flying on Wednesday Night handing the Texas Brahmas just their third loss on home ice in the past three playoff seasons (15-2 at NYTEX Sports Center before tonight). The final was 5-2 and the win for the Jacks got them back in the best-of-7 series now trailing two games to one and guaranteeing they'll head back home at least for a game five on Saturday Night.

Odessa scored twice in the first period when Jeff Pierce's power play goal at 4:50 setting the tone. A pair of D-Men would strike net with Garrett Gruenke and Alex Dunn each scoring goals before the end of the opening frame making the score 3-0 after 20 minutes.

The Brahmas battled back in the 2nd period with Jordan Cameron and Justin Kinnunen each scoring power play goals making the score 3-2 after two periods but that is as close as the defending champions would get.

The Jacks gained some distance and put the game away in a 47 second stretch of the final period when Pierce scored his second of the game and Mike Ramsay struck making the score 5-2.

Sebistan Thinel had 4 assists in the game and Collin Circelli helped out on three of Odessa's goals.

Odessa outshot Texas 44-31 as Juha Toivonen, seeing his first action of the post-season, made 27 saves earning the win.

Brett Jeager, unbeaten in his previous seven playoff games, was pulled after allowing his 5th Odessa Goal and he took the loss stopping 32 of 37 shots he faced.

Texas Brahmas Lead Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Odessa Jackalopes 6 Texas Brahmas 3 (3-0, 0-2, 3-1)

1-0 ODE: Jeff Pierce (PP) (Circelli, Thinel) 4:50 1st

2-0 ODE: Garrett Gruenke (Thinel, Cricelli) 7:20 1st

3-0 ODE: Alex Dunn (Thinel, Pierce) 10:32 1st

3-1 TEX: Jordan Cameron (PP) (Deitsch, Rouleau) 3:51 2nd

3-2 TEX: Justin Kinnunen (PP) (Skworchinski, Cameron) 10:33 2nd

4-2 ODE: Jeff Pierce (Circelli, Thinel) 5:54 3rd

5-2 ODE: Mike Ramsay (Swiniarski) 6:41 3rd

5-3 TEX: Adam Chorneyko (Pierce, Gale) 14:43

6-3 ODE: Dominic Leveille (EN) (Plante, Karlander) 18:42 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ODE 44 TEX 31

PP: ODE 1/3 TEX 2/5

PIM: ODE 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties TEX 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: ODE Juha Toivonen 28 SVS on 31 Shots TEX Brett Jeager 32 SVS on 37 Shots Joe Palmer 6 SVS on 6 Shots

ATT: 2178

3rd Star: Justin Kinnunen (TEX)

2nd Star: Juha Toivonen (ODE)

1st Star: Jeff Pierce (ODE)

American Superstars Take a 2-1 Series Lead

From the Central Hockey League: www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Allen Americans dominated the Laredo Bucks 4-1 on the road to take a 2-1 series lead in the Conference Semifinals. The lead is the first series lead in the team history for the expansion club.

For the first time in the series, Allen kept Laredo off the scoreboard in the opening period. The Americans scored two goals in an 11-shot frame for both teams. 2010 CHL All-Star Starter Justin Bowers redirected a shot to give Allen the first goal of the game at 7:17. Four minutes later Ryan Fairbarn gave the Americans a two goal cushion.

Laredo cut Allen's lead in half 6:53 into the 2nd period. Forward Todd Griffith scored on a backhander to make it 2-1. The heat between the clubs continued to escalate until Allen agitator Mike Salekin and Griffith dropped the gloves immediately after a faceoff four minutes later. Salekin landed five quick right punches before sitting in the sin bin. Any momentum the Bucks got in the middle frame was squashed when Captain Jarret Lukin found Erik Adams rushing to the net. Adams beat Laredo backstop Pier-Olivier Pelletier for his 19th career playoff point.

Allen started the third with a 3-1 lead and did not give Laredo any opportunities. The Americans limited the Bucks to three shots in the final period. With 32.8 seconds remaining in the game, Justin Bowers sealed the deal with an empty-net goal. The final score was 4-1.

The Allen Penalty Killing unit continued to shutout the Bucks, killing off all four Laredo Power Plays Tonight. Chris Whitley made 24 saves, while Pelletier made 29 stopped 29 pucks.


Allen Americans Lead Series 2-1

Game Boxscore

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

1-0 ALN: Justin Bowers (Musitelli, Fairbarn) 7:17 1st

2-0 ALN: Bruce Graham (Fairbarn, Bowers) 11:13 1st

2-1 LAR: Todd Griffith (Deschatelets, Lehr) 6:53 2nd

3-1 ALN: Erik Adams (Lukin, Yellow Horn) 19:24 2nd

4-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (EN) (Musitelli) 19:28 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: ALN 33 LAR 25

PP: ALN 1/6 LAR 0/3

PIM: ALN 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties LAR 19 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 24 SVS on 25 Shots LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier 29 SVS on 32 Shots

ATT: 4017

3rd Star: Bruce Graham (ALN)

2nd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

1st Star: Justin Bowers (ALN)

Allen uses physical a game to win first ever Playoff Game & Tie Series

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

The Allen Americans played a physical game to beat Laredo 3-2 and earn their first franchise playoff win. The Conference Semifinals series of the 2010 Ray Miron President's Cup Playoffs is tied at 1-1.

Laredo jumped out to an early lead after Todd Griffith backhanded a shot into the cage less then three minutes into the game. The Americans had the score tied up at 10:10, but the referee waived off the goal due to an interference penalty by Allen's Captain, Jerry Lukin. The Americans fought off 4 Laredo Power Plays in the 1st period and Allen had the extra-man advantage twice. There were 16 combined penalty minutes in the opening frame, which is the same amount that was called in last night's contest. Allen went into the first intermission 1-0.

The Americans came out strong in the 2nd period, scoring three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. Just 1:16 into the frame, Colton Yellow Horn made the Bucks pay after they could not clear the traffic in front of the net. Yellow Horn's tally was the first career playoff goal. Then, forward Nino Musitelli skated into the Bucks zone and went top shelf to give Allen's its first lead of the night four minutes later. The goal was Musitelli's first career playoff goal as well. With 7:38 remaining in the middle frame, Musiteelli's first career playoff goal as well. With 7:38 remaining in the middle frame, Musitelli's poked a rebound around Buck Pier-Olivier's pad on the power play to gave Allen a two goal cushion.

Laredo staged a comeback in the third but could not find the firepower to get past Chris Whitley more then once. Ryan Lehr brought Laredo within one at 5:48. The Bucks put on the extra attacker with 1:12 remaining in the game as the crowd rose to their feet cheering them on its home team. The final score was 3-2.

Whitley recorded his first career playoff win, stopping 30 shots this evening. Pelletier made 21 shots. The teams combined for 64 career penalty minutes in the game, and Allen stopped all nine Laredo Power Plays.

Allen Continues its best-of-7 series in Laredo on March 30, April 1 and April 3. If the series is forced to six games, Allen will host Laredo April 6 at 7:30 PM.

Series Tied at 1-1


Game Boxscore

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

1-0 LAR: Todd Griffith (Looby, Agarunov) 2:36 1st

1-1 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (Graham, Musiteli) 1:16 2nd

1-2 ALN: Nino Musiteli (Graham, Bowers) 5:13 2nd

1-3 ALN: Nino Musiteli (PP) (Fairbarn, Bowers) 12:22 2nd

2-3 LAR: Neil Trimm (Lehr, Griffith) 5:48 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: LAR 32 ALN 24

PP: LAR 0/9 ALN 1/5

PIM: LAR 32 Minutes on 12 Penalties ALN 32 Minutes on 16 Penalties

Goalies: LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier 21 SVS on 24 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 30 SVS on 32 Shots

ATT: 3377

3rd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

2nd Star: Todd Griffith (LAR)

1st Star: Nino Musitelli (ALN)

Brahmas win Back & Fourth Affair in OT, Take 2-0 Series Lead

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

It may be another playoff season but some things never change as last year's championship hero's for the Texas Brahmas, Brett Jeager and Tyler Skworchinski, are at it again the Brahmas to a 3-2 OT Victory in Odessa on Saturday Night giving the defending champions a 2-0 lead in their best of 7 series. The Series' shifts back to Texas for Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday & Friday Nights respectively.

Skworchinski had an unbelievable post-season a year ago scoring 13 times including 5 game winners and this season is taking the same shape if not one that is more impressive. On Saturday night, Skworchinski scored a pair of goals including the game winner in OT with less then 10 seconds remaining in the extra session. He now has four goals in his last three games this season.

Jeager made 46 saves in the game winning his fourth straight decision in this year's playoffs and seventh straight dating back to last year's Ray Miron President's Cup Championship Season. The Brahmas never trailed in Game Two as Lee Jubinville scored less then two minutes into the first period giving Texas a 1-0 lead. Odessa battled back with Sebastien Thinel scoring just under 10 minutes into the first making it 1-1.

In the 2nd period, Skworchinski scored a power play goal making it 2-1 Texas which is where it stayed until the third period where Kory Karlander tied the game early in the final frame. In the OT, the Jacks had two power play chances taking the league's best man advantage during the regular season and having a chance to tie the series but Jeager made several key saves.

Joel Martin finished with 27 saves but takes the loss as he was also awesome throughout most of the game but with less then 10 seconds remaining in the first OT a puck got away from him and was directed in by a crashing Skworchinski.

The Jacks lose back-to-back home games for the first time since late November and for just the second time this season.

Texas Brahmas Lead This Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Texas Brahmas 3 Odessa Jackalopes 2 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

1-0 TEX: Lee Jubinville (Burto) 1:54 1st

1-1 ODE: Sebastien Thinel (Pierce, Van Drunen) 9:11 1st

2-1 TEX: Tyler Skworchinski (PP) (Deitsch, Jubinville) 8:27 2nd

2-2 ODE: Kory Karlander (Van Drunen, Leveille) 2:23 3rd

3-2 TEX: Tyler Skworchinski (Kinnunen, Cameron) 19:53 OT


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 30 ODE 48

PP: TEX 1/6 ODE 0/8

PIM: TEX 18 Minutes on 9 Penalties ODE 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Brett Jeager 46 SVS on 48 Shots ODE Joel Martin 27 SVS on 30 Shots

ATT: 3622

3rd Star: Dave Van Drunen (ODE)

2nd Star: Lee Jubinville (TEX)

1st Star: Tyler Skworchinski (TEX)

Laredo D-Men spark 3rd period comeback against the Americans

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

The Laredo Bucks beat the Allen Americans 4-3 Friday night in one of the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference Semifinals at the Allen Event Center. The Bucks lead the best of 7 series' one to nothing with game two on Saturday Night.

Laredo trailed 3-2 entering the third period but struck twice in the final frame to improve to 15-4 all-time in game one of a playoff series. Pier Pelletier stopped 33 of 36 shots he faced including all in the third period as he won his pro playoff debut. Going back to the regular season Pelletier is 10-0-2 in his last 12 games.

Neil Trimm gave Laredo a 4-3 lead with 10:50 left in the game when he scored on a slap shot from the top of the slot to pick up his first career CHL Playoff Goal.

Mike Looby scored his 2nd goal of the night just 2:46 into the third period to tie the contest at 3-3. Looby entered Friday's game with just one career CHL Playoff Goal. The Americans had an empty net for the final 1:09 of the game but could not tie it as Pelletier made several key stops to hang on for the win. Allen was 28-1 after two periods during the regular season.

Laredo would battle back and take a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Looby tied the game at 1-1 at the 9:32 mark of the first when he scored from the top of the right circle off of an Allen Turnover. The strike was Looby's second career CHL Playoff Goal.

The Bucks took a 2-1 lead with just 42.5 seconds left in the first period. Jarred Mohr picked up a loose puck in Allen's zone and found a wide-open Darryl Smith in front of the net who scored on a backhander. The Goal was Smith's sixth career CHL Playoff Goal.

Laredo was out shot 11-10 in the 1st period. Allen would strike twice in a span of one minute to take a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes.

Tobias Whelan tied the game at 2-2 at the 5:31 mark of the 2nd period on a broken power play in the Bucks Defensive zone. Just one minute later Eric Adams put the Americans up 3-2 when he jammed in a rebound into the back of the net after a breakaway attempt by Bryce Graham.

The Bucks out shot the Americans 13-9 in the 2nd period but were out shot in the game 36-32. Chris Whitley suffered the loss for Allen as he set aside 28 of 31 shots he faced. Jeff Bes picked up an assist in the game to score his 100th career CHL Point.

Laredo Bucks Lead Series 1-0

Laredo VS. Allen Boxscore

Laredo Bucks 4 Allen Americans 3 (2-1, 0-2, 2-0)

0-1 ALN: Liam Huculak (Radoslovich, Gaudet) 4:34 1st

1-1 LAR: Mike Looby (Deschatelets, Bes) 9:32 1st

2-1 LAR: Darryl Smith (Mohr) 19:17 1st

2-2 ALN: Tobias Whelan (Huculak, Fairbarn) 5:31 2nd

2-3 ALN: Erik Adams (Graham) 6:31 2nd

3-3 LAR: Mike Looby (Giosa, Billsten) 2:46 3rd

4-3 LAR: Neil Trimm (Griffith) 9:10 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: LAR 32 ALN 36

PP: LAR 0/3 ALN 0/5

PIM: LAR 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties ALN 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: LAR Pier-Olivier Pelletier 33 SVS on 36 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 28 SVS on 31 Shots

ATT: 2493

3rd Star: Tobias Whelan (ALN)

2nd Star: Mike Looby (LAR)

1st Star: Pier-Oiliver Pelletier (LAR)

Texas Brahmas Finish 2 Game Sweep of Corpus Christi

Press Release from the Texas Brahmas Website: www.brahmas.com

The Brahmas sealed up the opening round series Wednesday evening in a sweep over the Corpus Christi Icerays in a 2-0 victory.

The Brahmas held their advantage, "The NYTEX Factor" in Game Two onto a remarkable 14-2 home record in the postseason in their barn. To Improve their record needed to play their top game against a tough Corpus Christi Team, and a R.G. Flath hooking call kick started the Brahmas offense when Matt Pierce shelved his second postseason goal with :22 remaining on the powerplay. Tyler Skworchinski gave the Brahmas a 2 goal edge when he took a feed from Jordan Cameron and Kevin Seibel at the 13:19 mark of the opening period.

It was a scoreless 2nd period thanks to a remarkable 4 minute powerplay killing effort by the purple and black who outshot the Rays on their own man advantage. In the end, it was about the man in the mask for the Brahmas as Brett Jeager was in playoff mode stopping all 28 shots faced earning his third postseason shutout of his career and Texas' bid to face Odessa in the Conference Semifinals.

The Southern Conference Semifinals begins in Odessa on Friday & Saturday night in the 2-2-1-1-1 series format. The Brahmas host game 3 on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:05 PM @ NYTEX Sports Center. For tickets please contact the Brahmas Box Office at 817-336-4423.

Here's a look at the Southern Conference Semifinals Schedule between the Texas Brahmas and the Odessa Jackalopes.

Game 1, 3/26: @ Odessa 7:05 PM

Game 2, 3/27: @ Odessa 7:05 PM

Game 3, 3/31: @ Texas 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/2: @ Texas 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/3: @ Odessa 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/5: @ Texas 7:05 PM*

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

*If Necessary


Game Boxscore

@NYTEX Sports Center

Corpus Christi Icerays 0 Texas Brahmas 2 (0-2, 0-0, 0-0)

0-1 TEX: Matt Pierce (PP) (Jacobsen, Hiebert) 9:01 1st

0-2 TEX: Tyler Skworchinski (Cameron, Seibel) 13:19 1st

Game Stats

SOG: CRC 28 TEX 30

PP: CRC 0/3 TEX 1/4

PIM: CRC 12 Minutes on 6 Pen. TEX 10 Minutes on 5 PEN.

Goalies: CRC Kevin Beech 28 SVS on 30 Shots TEX Brett Jeager 28 SVS on 28 Shots

Att: 2231

3 Stars:
3rd Star: Matt Pierce (TEX)

2nd Star: Tyler Skworchinski (TEX)

1st Star: Brett Jeager (TEX)


Missouri Mavericks VS. Mississippi Riverkings

A mostly defensive showdown dominated play in Mississippi last night. Kevin Truelson and Bobby Chaumont scored goals about 6 minutes into the 1st & 2nd periods to overcome the Missouri Mavericks and force a 3rd Game tonight. Winner of Game 3 will play Rapid City in the Northern Conference Semifinals.

Game Boxscore

@Desoto Civic Center

Missouri Mavericks 1 Mississippi Riverkings 2 (0-1, 1-1, 0-0)

0-1 MIS: Kevin Truelson (PP) (Landmesser, Desment) 6:57 1st

0-2 MIS: Bobby Chaumont (Godoy) 6:47 2nd

1-2 MIZ: Jeff Macdermid (Christian) 7:23 2nd

Game Stats

SOG: MIZ 23 MIS 32

PP: MIZ 0/1 MIS 1/4

PIM: MIZ 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties MIS 2 Minutes on 1 Penalty

Goalies: MIZ Charlie Effinger 30 SVS on 32 Shots MIS Kyle Mcnulty 22 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 1963

3rd Star: Jeff Macdermid (MIZ)

2nd Star: Kevin Truelson (MIS)

1st Star: Bobby Chaumont (MIS)