This weekend's Junior Schedule 2/24-26

With the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament now behind the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The league is back to the regular season as the final month of the NAHL Regular season is getting into high gear as the fight for 1st Round Home Ice between the Topeka Roadrunners & Texas Tornado will be getting into high gear as both teams have tough road series' this weekend as the Tornado will travel to Amarillo to face the Bulls; while the Roadrunners head to the Northwest to play the Wenatchee Wild as they are looking to overtake the Alaska Avalanche for 2nd Place in the West Coast Division with both teams having 14 & 15 games left this season.

Texas is in a part of the schedule where they are playing the Bulls 3 out of 4 weekend series as the Bulls were able to win a pair of 1 goal games where the Bulls won 5-4 & 3-2 in OT last weekend going into the Top Prospects Tournament which allowed Topeka to get a series split against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs who are leading the West Coast Division with 13 games left in the regular season. And are looking to defend the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship this year in Frisco coming up in May.

The only break from the Bulls will be on March 2nd & 3rd when the team heads to Kansas to play the Roadrunners for the final time of the regular season and possible 1st Round Playoff Preview which could be the decider to determine home ice advantage in a possible playoff series in Early April.

After this long road trip wraps up, the Tornado will finish the regular season with 4 of their final 6 at home with home series against the New Mexico Mustangs (3/16-17) & the Corpus Christi Icerays (3/30-31) to bring an end to the regular season. The Final Road of the regular season trip after this will be back in Corpus Christi on March 23rd & 24th.

Other important series in the region this weekend includes another #4 VS. #5 Series with the Corpus Christi Icerays & Odessa Jackalopes in a home-and-home this weekend where the IceRays are looking to get out of a bit of a tail spin they have been in recently after having a bit of a let down weekend against the New Mexico Mustangs where despite getting 3 out of 4 points, it didn't look that convincing as the Mustangs were able to control huge portions of both games last weekend.

New Mexico was able to have a rare strong series, it's not only the points back but the number of teams they have to jump over both Wichita Falls & Odessa to have a shot of taking down Corpus Christi for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division.

Also working against them is how the Mustangs have the fewest games remaining of the chasing pack. While Odessa (14 GR) & Wichita Falls (12 GR) still have chances to get ahead. New Mexico only has 11 games left in the regular season

The IceRays can put themselves in a position where they could be as many as 13 points up on Odessa and looking to put a knockout punch on the chasing pack of Odessa, Wichita Falls & New Mexico to end their playoff hopes as all 3 teams are looking to find a way to stay in the chase.

The WSHL has the Mid-West Division Leading El Paso Rhinos entreating the Dallas Ice Jets this weekend. With El Paso already clinching the Mid-West Division top seed, the Ice Jets are looking to use this as an opportunity to create some distance between themselves and the Texas Jr. Brahmas who are sitting in 3rd Place, just 5 points back of the Ice Jets as the Jr. Brahmas will be playing a home-and-home against the lowly Dallas Snipers who are just going through the motions of wrapping up the season as they have been out of playoff contention for weeks now.

There is also a lot of motivation for the Ice Jets after they got swept by the Rhinos just after New Years, and it wasn't just a bad weekend for the Ice Jets but a series that turned the tide in the Mid-West Division Race where the Rhinos took the Division Lead and haven't looked back ever since. Since then, the Rhinos have won 13 of their last 15 in which most of it has taken down some weak competition like scoring 14 & 10 goals in back-to-back games against the Phoenix Knights for example.

The Ice Jets on the other hand have had some issues since New Years where they are currently on a 5 game losing streak where they got swept by the Idaho Jr. Steelheads.

With the Ice Jets & Rhinos currently #1 & #2 in the Mid-West Division, this could be a possible preview for the Mid-West Division Final & a Round Robin Game in the WSHL Throne Cup as El Paso will be hosting and having an automatic spot in this year's Championship Tournament.

This weeks Junior Schedule

North American Hockey League

2/24

Texas Tornado VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

2/25

Texas Tornado VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:25 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/24

New Mexico Renegades VS. Boulder Bison  8:15 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  9:00 PM

2/25

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 AM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Boulder Bison  8:15 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

2/26

New Mexico Renegades VS. Boulder Bison  1:00 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. El Paso Rhinos  5:30 PM



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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Wichita Falls Wildcats Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Corpus Christi Icerays Schedule

2/10: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/11: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/24: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

2/25: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the NAHL Press Release

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

1st Star: Texas Tornado Forward Jack Prince

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

2nd Star: Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward Gabe Levin

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

3rd Star: Springfield Jr. Blues Forward Kyle Cook

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

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

Topeka & Texas both win blowouts

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

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

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

2/3

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/4

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM



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

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

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

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

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

Games Notes from Greg Rajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Rubber Magazine Feature on the NAHL in Texas

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

Here's the Texas Rubber Magazine Article by John Tranchina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 NAHL Top Prospects Rosters Released

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

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

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

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

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

Texas Tornado

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

Central Division

Mid-West Division

North Division

South Division

West Coast Division

NAHL U18 Selects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the NAHL Top Prospects Schedule, click here

For more info on the NAPHL, click here

For more info on the NA3HL, click here

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado Line Brawl

During the game on Sunday afternoon between the Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi on Sunday Afternoon. A massive brawl took place near the mid-way point of the third period after an Ice Rays goal by Joe Smereck made it 4-1 at the 7:16 mark of the 3rd period, a massive line brawl that involved players like Skiller Spiller, Connor Burton & Mico Solorzano for the Tornado as well as Phil Pietroniro & Ladislav Hruska for the Ice Rays as well. In addition, they were also a big time screaming match between Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Ice Rays GM Pat Dunn as well on the bench as well.

Here's the Video & Audio

From the Corpus Christi Caller

Greg Rajan Podcast where he discuss the Brawl

Puck Daddy's Reaction

Texas Tornado 1  Corpus Christi Icerays 4  (0-1, 1-1, 0-2)

I would definitely expect some suspensions as well as some other punishments as well from this game. Ice Rays beat writer Greg Rajan mentioned this while in a post game interview. "I have absolutely no idea (why it happened)," D'Arrisso said. "I went to the faceoff and (Spiller) didn't say anything to me.

The bad blood also spilled off the ice, with Ice Rays General Manager Patt Dunn engaging in a shouting match with Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Assistant Jason Bloomingburg, who briefly played in Corpus Christi during the Ice Rays Minor-Pro Years.

Other observation's included from Corpus Christi Icerays Head Coach Justin Quenneville as enforcer Mico Solarzano hopped over the boards, as did "one of their meatsticks," he recalled.

According to Corpus Christi Icerays Beat Writer Greg Rajan, he expects the NAHL to make a decision regarding suspensions and punishments either on Thursday or Friday Night. He think that the majority of the punishments will come on the Tornado Side. Especially targeting players like Skiller Spiller who according to a majority of the videos, was one of the major instigators of the fight. Other possible discipline could come towards Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale & Ice Rays GM Pat Dunn who were shouting at each other during the fight as well.

Regardless of what punishments come out of this. The Tornado will be heading north to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners in a Friday/Saturday Series (both games start at 7:05 PM). For the Corpus Christi Icerays are also on the road for a Friday/Saturday Series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats (Both Games start 7:05 PM).

How will this affect both team season? The Ice Rays are in the middle of a mid-season surge by winning 6 of their last 8 games which included a pair of critical wins against Odessa back on January 12th and 13th which saw their lead over Odessa for 4th Place from 3 to 7 points at the time (It's currently at 9) and they main job at the moment is to hold off the Jackalopes right now for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division as Topeka is 14 points ahead in 2nd right now.  However for Texas, it maybe a much different story if they can't hold off the Roadrunners this weekend where they have a chance to leap frog the Tornado for 2nd Place if Topeka can get 3 out of a possible 4 points.

It's also crucial for the Tornado to have a strong series to send a message that they are still looking to show that they should be the favorite in a possible 1st Round Playoff Series come early April. If the Tornado can't come out of this series still in 2nd Place, we could start seeing the beginning of the demise of the Tornado this season that could ruin the teams hopes of looking to win the NAHL Robertson Cup on Home Ice for the 2nd time in team history when the tournament comes around in early May.

This is the 2nd massive brawl in Texas in just under a year and I think Texas Hockey Fans know what happened during the Texas HS Hockey Silver Tier Tournament Championship Game between Keller ISD & Arlington Martin last season, click here to see the Video. Especially what happened to Arlington Martin Player Jeff Sorelle who had a massive concussion & a broken jaw.

With hockey getting more & more attention in Texas, the sport can't afford to have incidents like this or many people will think that the players that play hockey in the Southwest are nothing but a bunch of low class thugs and where scouts will put less emphasis on Texas to find top level talent to play in Juniors & Beyond.

When in fact, we have 2 players that have already been signed by NHL Teams in Stefan Noesen (Plymouth Whalers OHL/Ottawa Prospect) & Matt Donovan (Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL/NY Islanders Prospect) as well as two other players who are getting in great position to sign NHL Entry Level Deals after the NCAA Season wraps up with Chris Brown (Univ. of Michigan CCHA/Phoenix Prospect) & Austin Smith (Colgate University ECAC Hockey/Dallas Prospect). In addition to Smith looking to sign with his home town Dallas Stars, he's also looking to show the NCAA that he could be a serious contender for the Hobey Baker Award this season, if he were to win it this year, this would be the states first ever Hobey Baker Award Winner. Also add in things like the Texas Stars & Houston Aeros making the AHL Calder Cup Finals in back-to-back years.

These are the type of stories that need to start getting out there a lot more to really start seeing the explosive growth in the sport of hockey like we saw in the late 90s and early 2000s to see it again to show players what is capable of playing at the highest levels, including the NHL like were beginning to see with the string of NHL Prospects we have had since 2007 when Austin Smith was taken by the Stars in the 5th Round.

Suspension Announcement

Click here to see the Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icerays Brawl

The North American Hockey League has announced the suspensions for the Brawl last night. The NAHL doesn't reveal the suspensions on the league website. So I had to go through both teams and Corpus Christi Caller Beat Writer Greg Rajan to get these suspensions and make sure they were in deed correct. To no one's surprise, Tornado Forward Skyler Spiller who delivered the Sucker Punch that started the fight will be out for the next 10 games and won't be able to return until March 2nd when the Tornado play in Kansas against the Roadrunners.

Other suspensions went to Conner Burton who will sit out the next 5 games, Conner won't be available to return to the ice until February 4th when the Tornado hit the road to play the Wichita Falls Wildcats. While 1 game suspensions went to Michael Hoy & Mico Solorzano for the Tornado as well as Ice Rays Defensemen Ladislav Hruska & Forward Joe Smereck as well for their roles in the Brawl as well. Both Ice Rays Players will be able to return this weekend on Saturday Night against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

One surprise from this story was that neither Texas Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale or Corpus Christi Icerays GM Pat Dunn who also got in a shouting match with each other. And if it weren't for a piece of pexi-glass splitting the two, they could have easily thrown some punches themselves as well.

Especially for the Tornado, it will be interesting to see how paired with the injury problems the team has had recently. To put these suspensions on top will make it quite a challenge for the Tornado against the Topeka Roadrunners this weekend. Especially on Friday Night when all 4 players will have to sit out. As for Skyler Spiller who's been great on faceoffs and brings a lot of physicality, that will be tough to replace over the next month as Spiller won't be allowed to return to the ice till March 2 when the Tornado head to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners.

After sending some emails to the Texas Tornado for comment, the team hasen't answered any of my emails.

It's a lucky 13 for the Tornado with a 3-1 win over Corpus

Theirs just one question Tornado Opponents would like to crack, who can stop the Tornado winning streak that just keeps going and going.

 After a 3-1 win in the first of a two game weekend against the Corpus Christi Icerays, the Tornado have made it a lucky 13 to continue their winning streak in-front of the largest crowd of the season in a promotion called Pack the House Weekend as they looking to take advantage of the Stars road-trip and the Americans being on the road as well. The Tornado have just kept going and going.

Some impressive streaks were able to continue on Friday Night as Jackson Leef extended his Goal Scoring streak to 4 after being named the NAHL South Division Player of the Week last weekend.

Plano Native Marc Biggs is beginning to come alive as he has scored at least one point in 9 of his last 11 games and takes his season total to 12 points (7G 5A) after starting the season with just 1 point in his first 7 of the regular season.

Another player who had a very strong night is Mike Fleming who usually is a grinder and brings the physicality had his first career Multi Point Night of his career.

After scoring 0 points in just 12 games played in a part-time role last year has continued to improve his hitting and maybe provide the occasional point throughout the season as well.

In goal it was another great night for Jimmy Kruger who's transaction back in September has been paying off big time as he made 27 of 28 shots in the game as he is now a perfect 9-0 in his time in a Tornado Uniform along with stunning numbers in both GAA with a 1.43 and a .943 SV% this season.

For Corpus Christi, they not winning as much, but are still making some strong strides as they taking fewer penalties and improved a lot since losing 8-3 to the Tornado in Corpus Christi back on October 24.

They will play again tonight at 7:30 PM as the Tornado are looking to bring in the biggest crowd of the season tonight on this Pack-The-House Weekend to bring in some of the biggest crowds of the season. So far it's seems to be working as the attendance was averaging about 1600 per game up to this point.

Tonight brought the biggest home crowd of the season with nearly 2,400 with the game on Saturday Night expected to bring in even more.

Corpus Christi Icerays 1  Texas Tornado 3  (1-1, 0-2, 0-0)

Game Story from the Texas Tornado Website

From Frisco, Texas: In front of the largest crowd of the season, the Texas Tornado increased their winning streak to 13 straight games with a 3-1 win over visiting Corpus Christi Icerays on Friday Night at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco. Mike Fleming scored his first career goal as a Tornado and added an assist for first star honors, Michael Zagari scored the game winning goal and Tornado Goaltender Jimmy Kruger made 28 saves.

The Tornado and Icerays will faceoff again on Saturday Night November, 13 at 7:30 PM at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco. It is also a Pack The House Night. Tickets are just $5 and $25 and can be purchased by calling or stopping by the Tornado Office at 972-335-9800. The festivities began at 4:00 PM with a pre-game tail party in the South Parking Lot.

The Tornado began the game with the majority of the action in the Corpus Christi Zone. After failing to convert on two power plays, the Tornado got on the scoreboard first with a goal from Mike Fleming, who scored his first career goal on a nice pass from the slot as he fired a shot past a scrambling Phoenix Copley. The 'Rays would tie the game late in the first period with just 22 seconds left as Jonathan Sado got loose in the low slot and one timed a shot past Jimmy Kruger to tie the game at 1-1 after the first period.

The 2nd period was all Tornado as they out-shot the Corpus Christi Icerays 18-7 margin. The Tornado started strong again taking a 2-1 lead just 3 minutes into the period as Michael Zagari walked out on the corner and beat Copley between the legs.

Mike Fleming and Taylor Hendron assisted on Zagron's goal second goal of the season. The Tornado made the score 3-1 on the power play as Marc Biggs found himself alone behind the net and centered the puck to an open Jackson Leef. The reigning player of the week fired a 15 foot past Copley for his 10th goal of the season and a 3-1 Tornado lead after two periods.

The 3rd period saw Goaltender Jimmy Kruger steal the show, as he stopped all 14 Icerays shots that came his way to seal the victory for Texas, who are now just four wins away from equaling their longest regular season winning streak in franchise history.

Who can stop the Tornado? a 5-0 win gives Texas their 11th straight win

Talk about dominating the NAHL.

The amazing winning streak continues for the Tornado continues as the Tornado had no problems winning their 11th straight with a 5-0 shutout of the New Mexico Mustangs.

The Tornado were lead tonight by Alex Boyer's 2 goals as well as 2 assists from Nathan Slinwinksi, also props goes out to Czech Native Pavel Hurtik who scores his first goal as a member of the Texas Tornado and also picked up an assist in the 3rd period as well.

In all, the team is flexing its muscles and sending a message to the rest of the league that the team can contend for the NAHL Robertson Cup this season. Everything is clicking on all clyinders right now and it's been paying off in all sorts of ways.

First earlier this week, four Tornado Players as Rock Einersen, David Rigatti, Ralfs Freibergs and Jimmy Kruger will be competing at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month in Boston. In addition to the players on the ice, head coach Tony Curtale will also be behind the bench at the event.

Right now with the long homestretch and the way their playing, it will take a combo of a great effort and catching the Tornado on an off night to end this streak and send a message that they can challenge the Tornado to win the South Division and keep the Tornado from getting a shot of heading to Kansas in May to play for the NAHL Robertson Cup.

Also yesterday, Tornado Goaltender Jimmy Kruger had the achievements continue as he was named the Goaltender of the Month for October where he had an impressive 1.63 GAA and a .933 SV%.

The Tornado and Mustangs will play again tonight and theirs no reason in my mind that the Tornado can't make it a dozen in a row. Also the team has the top record in the league at 13-2-3 with 29 points and is just one point up on the Wichita Falls Wildcats who beat the Corpus Christi Icerays 4-2 last night.

"Jimmy has worked very hard since his arrival to become a better goalie and better athlete and he's helped solidify our defense, which is already a solid group," said Tornado Head Coach Tony Curtale, whose team is riding a 10 game winning streak. "He has great size (6'3", 190 pounds) and ability and makes key saves during key moments of the game, which is important."


Here's the Tornado Players at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament

Jimmy Kruger named NAHL Goaltender of the Month

Game Story from the Texas Tornado Website

New Mexico Mustangs 0  Texas Tornado 5  (0-2, 0-1, 0-2)

From Frisco, Texas: Two goals from Axel Boyer, two assists from Nathan Slinwinski and 14 saves from Jake Stafford led the Tornado to a workman like 5-0 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday Night. For the Tornado, it was there 11th straight win continuing the NAHL's longest winning streak this season. The Tornado and Mustangs will will finish out the series in Frisco on Saturday, November 6th at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the game are still available at the box office, by calling 972-335-9800 or online at http://www.tornadohockey.com/ An official tailgate party will take place prior to the game beginning at 4:00 PM in the South Parking Lot in between the parking garage and the baseball stadium.

The Tornado skated the scoring just over a minute into the game as Jackson Leef got a loose puck off a Mustangs turnover and decked the Mustangs goalie Matt Madore for his 8th goal of the season. Late in the period the Tornado made it 2-0 as some nifty stick work by Nate Slinwinski got the puck in the low slot to Axel Boyer, who one-timed a drive past Madore. Tyler Rostenkowski also assisted on the goal.

The 2nd period was the Mustangs best of the night, but every chance was met by a save Stafford including a few odd man rushes. The Tornado increased the lead to 3-0 as Pavel Hurtik scored his first goal in a Tornado Uniform as he blasted a slap shot from the point just as a Tornado Power Play expired past a screened Madore. J.D. Howard and Marc Biggs assisted on Hurtik's bomb. The 2nd period also saw two fights within a second of another as Mike Fleming and Mark Zagari both threw down for Texas.

The 3rd period was all Tornado as they out-shot the Mustangs 20-2 in the period and got one more on the stick of Boyer, who again was the recipient of some magic stickhandling by his line-mate Sliwinski. Boyer deked Madore for his second of the night and a 5-0 Tornado lead, which would end up being the final score. Hurtik assisted for his 2nd point of the night.

NAHL South Division Report: Corpus Christi bringing in Huge Crowds

Even though the Corpus Christi Icerays are currently in 5th place in the NAHL South Division, they are winning big at the gates and with the fans as they are leading the league in average attendance with just under 3500 per game and a couple of games where they have pushed 6,000 at the American Bank Center.

It's starting to look like that making the move from Minor League to Junior is turning out to be a great move for the city and the team. During the final year of the Corpus Christi Icerays playing in the Central Hockey League were they were averaging a little over 3,000 fans per game.

But they are embracing the Junior Route and hope to make a desirable destination for young players to come to their team in the near future and hoping to compete with teams like the Texas Tornado and Wichita Falls Wildcats for players in the Southwestern part of the country.

Here's a look at the rest of this Weeks Division Reports.

West Division, No Place like home for Fresno

NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan of the NAHL Website

Some Hockey fans in Corpus Christi were skeptical when it announced last May that the local pro team would be replaced by a NAHL Team.

But it hasn't taken long for those fans to be won over by the excitement of Junior A Hockey.

The Icerays lead the NAHL in attendance with an average of 3,446 fans per game. In Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Texas Tornado, 5,912 fans came out for the team's annual stars and stripes Night, in which tickets were provided to the families of Police, Fire, other law enforcement and emergency response personnel.

Another 5,762 fans showed up at the American Bank Center on October 10 to witness a 5-4 shutout victory over the New Mexico Mustangs.

Corpus Christi coach Brent Hughes said the transition from pro to junior hockey couldn't have been much smoother, and has received lots of support and positive feedback from the fans.

"It's gone really super well," said Hughes, who is enjoying his first stint coaching junior hockey after spending the last seven years in Pro Hockey in Corpus Christi and Austin. "A lot of skepticism was definitely in the air (about the league switch). A lot of people didn't know about Junior Hockey in Texas.

"It's pretty much the same speed as the pro game, and the intensity is probably higher."

Hughes said that Icerays GM Pat Dunn invited all of last year's season ticket holders to the first two home dates on October 1 and 2 and guaranteed that he'd refund their money for 2010-2011 if they were satisfied.

The result was an increase in season tickets sold. Corpus Christi has always drawn well - it averaged 3104 fans in 32 home games a year ago as a pro team - so it's not too surprising that fans have embraced a different level of hockey.

While the crowds have been stellar, the Icerays own a 3-3 record at the American Bank Center and are 6-6-2 on the season.

Hughes said he expected a slow start because his squad is young and it was assembled later then most. The Alpena team wasn't relocated to South Texas until after many teams have tendered prospects and the 2010 NAHL Draft had taken place.

"If I was told we'd be almost .500 almost two months into the season, I would have taken all day long." Hughes said. "With Junior Kids, there's a bigger learning curve. We're making headway, and the guys keep working together."

Goaltender Marco Wesiner, who played in 42 games with Alpena last year, has been pivotal to the Icerays Success early on. Hughes also said that leading scorers Beau Walker (21 Points) and Mike Benedict (15 Points) have flourished in early roles. Walker scored all of 7 points a year ago with the Alaska Avalanche.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: The Bulls have been outstanding at home this season, winning seven of eight and outscoring opponents 39-24 in the process. Forward Zack Smoot and defensemen Karl Backman are a combined +20 inside the Amarillo Civic Center. The Bulls only play two games in the next three weeks.

Here's the Amarillo Bulls Weekly Release

New Mexico Mustangs: Forward Adam Chapie has a hand in all the Mustangs goals during Saturday's 5-3 loss to Wichita Falls. Chapie, a Michigan Native, registered a goal and two assists. He leads New Mexico with 9 points this season.

Texas Tornado:  The Tornado has won eight straight and moved into sole possession of first place with a weekend sweep of Corpus Christi. Texas has scored at least eight goals once in each of the past three weekends, and J.D. Howard returned after being sidelined for three weeks with an injury to lead Texas with four points against the Icerays.

Here's some interesting news items on activities coming up.

First here's what's planned for Halloween Weekend

Texas Tornado Tailgate Parties

Topeka Roadrunners: Topeka split it's home weekend series against the St. Louis bandits. The Roadrunners rallied from a 3-1 deficit Friday behind five goals in the third period to win 6-3. Captain Michael Hill scored twice. While Jordan Davis and Nate Milam recorded shorthanded tallies a mere 45 seconds apart.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: After a 1-for-25 stretch on the power play on its previous four games, the Wildcats broke out of a slump by going 5-for-14 during a four point weekend. Mac Olson, who had a hat trick in Sunday's 5-3 win against New Mexico and Mikhail Sentyurin had two man advantage goals each.

Texas Tornado make it a lucky 7 with 2-1 win

Mike it a lucky 7 for the Texas Tornado as the team goes 3-for-3 on this current road trip after a sweep of the New Mexico Mustangs last weekend, the road success continues as the team wins their 9th game of the season and is again tied for 1st in the South Division with the Amarillo Bulls with a hard fought 2-1 win against a Corpus Christi Icerays team that is getting known as a rough and tumble team to play against that is not afraid to take penalties and deliver hits all over the ice.

Of the 9 wins for the Tornado, 6 of the 9 have come away from the Dr. Pepper Arena (Including the Blaine Showcase). Despite only playing 3 games at the Dr. Pepper Arena so far, they going to get a lot of home games coming up with next weekend starting a string from now till New Years where 14 of the next 18 will be at home.

So this will be a chance for the Tornado to make a statement to the league that they are a major contender and get to bring in some big home crowds coming up as we enter November and December.

One player that has benefited from the recent rash of injures for the Tornado is Marc Biggs with him scoring his 4th goal in his last 5 games that dates back to the October 8 game against the Amarillo Bulls, he got a very crisp pass from a fresh J.D. Howard who recently returned after missing due to his own injury to set up the 2nd and game winning goal of the game in the closing seconds of the 2nd period to give the Tornado a 2-0 lead.

In addition to Biggs goal, Nathan Sliwinski also scored early on while Jimmy Kruger made 20-of-21 saves for the Tornado in the 2-1 win while Beau Walker scored the lone goal for the Icerays last night.

From the Texas Tornado Boster Club Website

Texas Tornado 2  Corpus Christi Icerays 1  (1-0, 1-0, 0-1)

From Corpus Christi, Texas: The Texas Tornado made their first trip to the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi to take on the Icerays.

The Tornado controlled play from the drop of the puck forcing three Icerays penalties with their skating and aggressive offense. Texas took a one goal lead on a power play nearly six minutes into the period. Alex Thieda took the puck down the boards through neutral ice and into the the offensive zone then sent the puck to the high slot for a Josh Royston touch pass to Nathan Sliwinski for a quick backhander.

Despite the tilt to the ice to the Tornado were only able to solve Marco Wiesner once in the period and took the one goal lead to the locker room for the first intermission.

The action in the second period came mostly with the gloves off. At the 5:10 mark Rodney Lalonde and Brandon Marshall dropped the mitts and sized each one another up as they circled. Once they came together Marshall started throwing rights immediately but was connecting with nothing but air. Rodney was patient for an opening before he started landing rights to the side of Marshall's head. Marshall was more active in the bout but Lalonde landed about 2-1 for the clear win.

They would be another fight at 19:27 into the period when Jimmy Kruger covered and a Tyler Parker started pushing in-front of the net. Michael Zagari took the challenge and dropped the gloves. The bout was pretty even with neither side really landing that much.

Off the faceoff after the fight, the Tornado worked the puck into the zone and Marc Biggs put the puck past Weisner with an assist from JD Howard in his first game since being injured on October 2nd in Topeka. Time of the goal was 19:49.

The fisticuffs started early in the third period. The puck was frozen along the far boards in the Tornado zone when Cody Miligan came hard into the scrum. Mico Solorzano took exception to the hit and and dropped the gloves. Once they came together, Miligan threw 4 quick rabbits punches. Mico came back with two big rights with the second landing square on Miligan's chin and sending him straight to the ice on his face and a decisive win for Solorzano.

The Icerays finally got on the scoreboard on a lucky bounce at the 4:03 mark. The puck went into the corner and Beau Walker tried to send a cross a centering pass out from front well behind the goal line and the puck went off Kruger's back and dribbled into the net.

The Icerays had an opportunity to tie the game at the 12:03 when they were awarded a penalty shot when Ralfs Fribergs was called for covering the puck in the crease. Replays showed that Fribergs was cleary outside the crease. On the attempt Mike Benedict, who is Corpus' leading scorer, took the puck wide left, brought it in and tried to make a move on Kruger. Jimmy stood tall and porked the puck away with the stick to perserve the 2-1 lead.

SOG for the game were 36-21 in favor of the Tornado. The Texas Power Play also came through again scoring once in nine opportunities while the penalty kill was perfect on two man advantages for the Icerays.

The Tornado remain in a tie for first place in the division and have an opportunity to take sole possession of the Division Lead with a win tomorrow against Corpus Christi as the two teams meet again Sunday Afternoon at 3:05 PM.

NAHL South Division Report; Amarillo taking early success in stride

Here's a look at this weeks South Division Report about the Amarillo Gorillas off to a great start as they take in a new home after being in the Southern Minnesota town of Albert Lea where they were having problem after problem with the team before they moved to the Texas Panhandle.

So far, the Bulls are tied for first in the South Division with a 9-3-1 record through 13 games and will be hosting the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Friday Night for the only game of the weekend. They hoping that they can get the win and get some help from the Corpus Christi Icerays as they will host the Texas Tornado for a pair of games this weekend on Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon.

The top players for the Bulls so far has to be one of the top goalies in the NAHL with a solid .929 SV% and a 2.17 GAA in 12 games played this season.

As for offensive production, keep a look out for Zach Smoot who's leading the team in scoring with 14 points (6G 8A) as well as Cody Freeman who leads the team in goals right now with 7. In addition just announced yesterday that defensemen Kyle Sucher has been named on the NHL Central Scouting Watch list for 2011. Sucher is a commit to Bowling Green State University and has 2 goals in 8 games so far this season.

Here's the NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan

Derek Williams is a firm believer in keeping everything in an even keel. So though his Amarillo Bulls are fresh of an impressive two game sweep of the Topeka Roadrunners and are tied for the NAHL South Lead, don't expect them to be overconfident.

"It's a long season, and we'll have some highs and lows," said Williams, who came to the Amarillo Bulls after coaching at Bowling Green State Univeristy. "Whetever gets thrown at us, we just have to keep going."

Saturday Night was a perfect example of maintain composure through adversity.

After the Bulls 4-2 victory on Friday in which Dan Sherer scored twice - including the game winner with 7:15 to go - Topeka surged ahead 4-1 the next night.

But the Bulls didn't panic. When Michael Erickson scored with one second remaining in the second period, Amarillo was re-energized despite trailing by two goals.

"It gave us some life," Williams said. "In the locker room, we talked about how we've scored two goals in a lot of periods this year. We aren't going to change our game plan."

Terrance Johnson and Chris Cass responded by finding the back of the net in the final 20 minutes, and Johnson notched the difference maker in the seventh round of the shootout.

The Bulls are third in the NAHL in scoring, averaging 4.15 Goals per game. But there isn't anyone from Amarillo that's in the top 15 of the league's leading scoring leaders.

Impressive depth is the reason for that. Ten players have recorded at least 8 points, led by Zach Smoot (6G 8A) and Cody Freeman (7G 5A).

In fact, theirs not a single player on the Amarillo's current roster with plus-minus rating in the red.

"All four lines are contributing," said Williams. "I can't tell you who our #1 line is right now. We're strived for 5-on-5."

The Defense lead by captain Derek Hills, Luke Jenkins and Karl Backman, has also hunkered down, allowing just 26.42 shots per game.

Williams said that Amarillo has a good mix of veterans and junior hockey newcomers. Eight Bulls played last season with the Albert Lea Thunder, the team that relocated to Texas during the off-season.

One of those was Smoot, who Williams said he is a fast skater and good puck-handler who's elevated his game up a notch since the preseason.

Another is goaltender Nikifor Szczerba, who played in 13 games for the Thunder in 2009-2010.

"I thought at camp, he looked a little out of shape and his conditioning was suspect," Williams said. "Now's he's getting in workouts after games, going hard on a bike."

"And more and more guys are doing that. We had 12 guys doing a squat workout after Saturday's game, and that was a tough battle. "That's really nice to see."

The hard work has paid off for Szczerba, who is sporting a 9-1-1 record with a 2.17 GAA and a .929 SV% so far this season.

And it's paid off for the Bulls, who look to keep the momentum rolling Friday against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Here's the current NAHL South Division Standings.

1. Amarillo           13 GP   9-3-1    19 PTS     54-38

2. Texas               13 GP   8-2-3    19 PTS     52-40

3. Wichita Falls    12 GP   8-2-2    18 PTS     43-34

4. Topeka             12 GP   7-3-2    16 PTS     39-31

5. Corpus Christi   12 GP   6-4-2   14 PTS     43-45

6. New Mexico     13 GP    4-7-2    10 PTS    32-58


South Division Notebook

Corpus Christi Icerays: The Icerays couldn't extend Friday's 2-1 overtime loss to Wichita Falls into a shootout, but if they had, Corpus Christi would have had the owned the edge. The Icerays success rate of 55.6 % (10 of 18) trails only Austin as the league's top shootout team.

New Mexico Mustangs: Eli Riddle scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday in Saturday's loss to Texas. Only two NAHL Defensemen have scored more goals, and no blueliners have a better shooting percentage then his 31.3%.

Texas Tornado: After sweeping New Mexico, the Tornado is riding an NAHL Best 6 game winning streak and is tied for the Division lead. Sean Heidrick scored four goals in Friday's 8-2 win victory, and goalie Jimmy Kruger made 26 saves in Saturday's 3-1 outcome, boosting his record between the pipes to 5-0.

Topeka Roadrunners: Daniel Dupell scored a pair of goals in Saturday's 5-4 shootout loss to Amarillo, including his league leading second shorthanded tally of the year. Topeka killed off all 17 of the Bulls power plays over the weekend, bumping it's success rate to 91.1%, which ranks third in the league.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Tyler Green (2.46 GAA, .921 SV%) has emerged as the team's #1 netminder, starting in five of the Wildcats six last outings. His record has improved to 5-1-2 after he stopped 17 of 18 shots in Wichita Falls' 2-1 OT Victory against the Icerays.


Here's the Links to the rest of the Division Reports.

North Division, North Stars help fight Breast Cancer

Central Division, Austin Bruins continue to fight on after a slow start.

West Division

Texas Tornado sweep New Mexico, extend Winning Streak to 6

A 3rd straight weekend sweep over the struglilng New Mexico Mustangs have put the Tornado Winning Streak up to 6 games which have allowed them to storm up the South Division Standings from 4th place when the weekend began to a tie for first with the Amarillo Bulls who since their strong 7-1-1 start have struggled the last couple of weekends where they have lost 3 of their last 4 including getting a split against a strong Topeka team with a 4-2 victory on Friday Night, then losing 5-4 in a SO on Saturday Night.

A huge weekend came from Plano Native Sean Hendrick who after being held off the scoresheet for the first month of the season, exploded for a 4 goal night as a huge part of the 8-2 win over the New Mexico Mustangs, including getting his hat trick with 6 minutes left in the game and had another strong play in the final minute of the game, hopefully this is what is needed to get him going after the slow start to the season. Despite having some close chances in the early season, he finally was able to explode on Friday Night.

Other huge nights in the 8-2 win came from Jack Prince where he scored 2 PP Goals and could have had a lot more because of his 10 shots on goal in the game. Also Ralfs Freibergs and Jackson Leef also had 2 assists in the 8-2 blowout.

Saturday Night saw a more defensive showdown, despite out-shooting the Mustangs 55-27, including 30 SOG in the 2nd period, the Mustangs were able to take their only lead of the weekend with a goal late in the first period from Eli Riddle at 14:46, but that was all the Mustangs could muster on Saturday. After that the Tornado got 2nd period goals from Donald Olivieri and Tyler Royston who scored with just 16 seconds left in the 2nd period that was a gut check from goalie Bryan Jones who made 28 saves in the 2nd period and was able to help keep the Mustangs in this game.

The final nail in the coffin came from Jack Prince's 3rd point of the weekend with a goal with just under 6 minutes left in the 3rd period to secure the win and the weekend sweep.

This team is showing that they have momentum and are the only team that is on an upswing in the South Division. While other teams like Topeka and Amarillo have stalled since great starts to the season. Next weekend its another weekend series as the Tornado will travel to the Texas Coast to Corpus Christi for games on Saturday and Sunday this upcoming weekend.

This is a great sign for the Tornado that they are finally truly entering the new age after taking the 2008-2009 season off due to the Arena Reinventions and Expansion. Now what the team needs to do is find a way to help promote the team better as the crowds so far have been a bit sparse, but with the team on the road a lot this month and their next home game isn't until October 29 against the Wenatchee Wild.

This would be a good time to show them that the Tornado are truly back and that this team could have a shot of winning the Division and have a possible long playoff run that could end up at the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship in Topeka, Kansas coming up in May.

In addition, several players that should be able to play in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament later this season and signing NCAA Scholarships as well as players like Jack Prince, Rock Einersen and Ralfs Freibergs. Also several local players like Sean Hendrick and Jake Stafford who are from the DFW Area as well.

After this weekend's road trip to Corpus Christi, it will be a huge home-stand with the Tornado playing a stretch of 12 of their next 16 that will begin on October 29 against the Wenatchee Wild. If they can continue to lead and eventually take a strangle hold on the division and play like this.

The fans will surely began to fill up the Dr. Pepper Arena, the belief in a possible championship will skyrocket and it will provide hockey fans to get excited in their junior team that hasn't been there that much over the last couple of years. This will tell their season in November and December up to the League's Holiday Break which goes from December 20 through 28.

Here's the Texas Tornado Update

Texas Tornado Stats

Upcoming Schedule

10/23: @ Corpus Christi Icerays    7:05 PM

10/24: @ Corpus Christi Icerays    3:05 PM

10/29: VS. Wenatchee Wild    7:30 PM

10/30: VS. Wenatchee Wild    7:30 PM

11/5:  VS. New Mexico Mustangs    7:30 PM

11/6:  VS. New Mexico Mustangs    7:30 PM



Here's the Game Recaps from over the weekend

10/15 VS. New Mexico

New Mexico Mustangs 2  Texas Tornado 8  (4-0, 1-2, 3-0)

Game Recap from the Texas Tornado Website

It was a career night for #16 Sean Hendrick. The Tornado forward from Plano, Texas scored four goals as the Tornado throttled the New Mexico Mustangs in Rio Rancho by a score of 8-2.

It didn't take long for the Tornado to get on the scoreboard as Marc Biggs opened the scoring with his 3rd goal of the year in as many games.

Ten Minutes later, Hendrick would get his first goal of the game as he tapped home a backdoor pass from Tyler Mort on the power play to make it 2-0. Nathan Sliwinski would make it 3-0, as he scored his first goal in a Tornado Uniform thanks to a beautiful end-to-end play play from line mate Jackson Leef. Hedrick scored his second of the night, again on the power play to make it 4-0 with an assist from Ralfs Freibergs to give the Tornado the big edge heading into the locker room.

New Mexico would try to make a game of it with two straight goals early in the second period, both of which came from almost the same indenctial spot along the left wing, which eluded a screened Tornado Goaltender Jake Stafford. But that would be all the Tornado would give up as the team allowed just 17 New Mexico shots the entire game. Jack Prince would would score on the power play late in the period late to make it 5-2. and essentially put the game out of reach.

The 3rd period was all Tornado as they screened three more goals, two more off the stick of Hedrick who could not miss on the night and the other from Prince. Sliwinski, Leff, Prince, Freibergs, and Hedrick all had multiple point games as the Tornado dominated the shots, 51-17.


10/16 VS. New Mexico

Texas Tornado 3  New Mexico Mustangs 1  (0-1, 2-0, 1-0)

Game Recap from the Texas Tornado Website

The Texas Tornado overcame a slow start and dominated the 2nd half of the game to sweep the New Mexico Mustangs by a 3-1 score on Saturday Night, out-shooting New Mexico 55-27. The win is an NAHL High six in a row for Texas, who moved in a first place tie in the NAHL's South Division. Donald Olivieri, Josh Royston and and Taylor Hendron scored for Texas in the win.

The Tornado started the game with the majority of the offensive chances, but Mustangs goaltender Bryan Jones stood tall. The Tornado almost struck first with Jackson Leef made a nice deke to get free, but his backhander hit the crossbar. The Mustangs stepped up the pressure the 2nd half of the first period thanks in large part two Tornado power play which were interrupted by Texas Penalties in both instances.

The Mustangs would make the Tornado pay for the mistakes as Eli Riddle slapped home a shot from the point on a Mustangs power play to give New Mexico their first lead of the weekend. The rest of the period included some great saves from Tornado goaltender Jimmy Kruger to keep the Mustangs lead at one nothing heading into the locker room.

The 2nd period saw both teams trade shots, but the Tornado started to show their offensive firepower out shooting the Mustangs in the period by a whooping 30-7 margin. The Tornado would tie the game at 1-1 on the power play as Jack Prince passed the puck to Donald Olivieri who lasered home a one timer slap shot from the point that Jones never saw go over his right shoulder.

Tornado net-minder Jimmy Kruger against stood tall in net, stopping two breakaways in the period. The led to the Tornado go ahead goal with 16 seconds remaining in the 2nd period as Josh Royston got a pass in the high slot from Tyler Mort and beat Jones to the blocker side giving Texas their first lead of the night.

The Tornado put their defensive screws to New Mexico in the 3rd period. Jimmy Kruger was solid in net stopping all 10 shots in the period. The Tornado put the game out of reach as a nice play by Sliwinski to keep the puck in the offensive zone got the puck to Taylor Hendron who sent a rocket of the shot from the left face off dot over the glove of Jones, who sent the stick into the netting of the goal for the 3-1 lead and eventual win. The Tornado once again dominated the shot chart as the NAHL Leaders pumped out a total of 55 shots towards Jones.

Texas Tornado Jersey Contest

Both the Texas Tornado and Texas Stars are having some great contests right now that will get you involved in creating a jersey and winning a suite for a night. Either way, this is a great chance to win some great prizes to win from both hockey teams.

Texas Tornado

The Texas Tornado are having a design the jersey competition for the team's New Years Eve Game when the Tornado will play the Wichita Falls Wildcats that night. The Tornado usually do this a couple of times a season where they wear the jerseys during the games then have a silent auction for charity after the game is over. In the past, they have won them for different holidays (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) and for special occasion's like a military night they have done as well.

If your interested in entering a design, click on the following links on how to create and submit plus the contest rules as well.

This is a chance to show off your creativity and have a chance to have a jersey design during a Junior Game for the Texas Tornado, so don't be afraid and take your best shot at winning this contests. In addition to jerseys, it could be used for things like T-Shirts and Hats as well.

All Submission's are due by November 14 and you have to 18 to enter. Minors who want to enter a design have to have a parent or guardian enter the list.

Jersey Design and how to submit it

Contest Rules

NAHL South Division Report; Topeka Building another strong contender

With the top 4 teams in the NAHL's South Division all log jammed and separated by just a single point heading into this weekends games. The Roadrunners have a chance to go on top with a tough weekend road trip to Amarillo against the Bulls where the Roadrunners are looking to continue a strong road- trip with 2 huge wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats with 6-1 and 5-3 wins last weekend in Northwest Texas.

Now the Roadrunners will be looking to shake up one of the league's best goaltenders in Nikifor Szczerba who has been in net for all seven victories for the Bulls this season.

For the Roadrunners, they have been the team that haven't been able to finish off a strong regular season after having a strong season last year where they finished the season tied with Wenatchee for the best overall record at 44-9-5. After dominating Springfield in the first round, they ran into their arch rival St. Louis Bandits who after a back-and-fourth series that got it tied at 2-2 after four games. St. Louis dominated the 5th and final game of the series where the Bandits won 5-0 to win the series and the South Division for the 4th straight year.

Now with St. Louis going to the East Division, it will be fighting off teams like the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and the Wichita Falls Wildcats for the South Division Title this season.

Through 10 games this season, the Roadrunners are looking to get away from the Gridlock that has the top 4 teams separated by just 1 point. In addition to the Topeka VS. Amarillo Weekend Series, you have the Tornado heading west to play the New Mexico Mustangs, finally it's a single game weekend as the Wichita Falls Wildcats plays a single game set with the Corpus Christi Icerays this weekend.

Can Topeka find a way to take control of the division, or can Texas, Wichita Falls or Amarillo find a way to break away from the current pack.

Here's the Current Division Standings. Plus links to the team Stats for the NAHL South Division.

1. Wichita Falls        11 GP     7-2-2    16 PTS      41-33

2. Amarillo                11 GP     7-3-1    15 PTS      45-32

3. Topeka                   10 GP     7-2-1    15 PTS      33-22

4. Texas                      11 GP     6-2-3    15 PTS      41-37

5. Corpus Christi       11 GP     6-4-1    13 PTS      42-43

6. New Mexico            11 GP    4-5-2     10 PTS      29-47


Here's the Team Stats for each of the Teams

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Topeka Roadrunners

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Here's a look at the rest of the Divisions.

West Division, Consistency key to Avalanche Success

Central Division, Additions Bolster the Express Attack

North Division, Springfield Rebound after shaky Start


Here's the NAHL South Division Report from Zach Duncan

As host of the 2011 NAHL Robertson Cup, the Topeka Roadrunners have assured of participating in the NAHL's Championship Tournament.

However, Topeka Roadrunners Head Coach Scott Langer said his squad doesn't discuss that fact.

Instead, the Roadrunners have their sights set on defending their South Division Regular Season Title they captured last year.

"Every night it's going to be a difficult game," Langer said. "Every team that wins the South Division has to win 40 plus games to do it, and that's a lot of hockey games."

Through almost one-fifth season, only six points separate the first place Wildcats from the last Place New Mexico Mustangs.

The Roadrunners (7-2-1 15 PTS) are currently one point shy of the Wildcats thanks to a two game sweep in Wichita Falls over the weekend.

Those victories came on the heels of a disappointing home opener the weekend before, but Langer said spent Topeka last week refocusing.

"We had to replace a lot of guys like we have every year," said Langer. "We have only seven guys back, so it's a matter baby steps and growing pains. That's what were seeing right now."

Michael Hill, who bagged a hat trick in Friday's 6-3 win, has stepped up his game since becoming the team's captain. Hill has scored a team best 17 games, and his five power play goals are second in the NAHL.

Defensemen Jacob Poe is another veteran who turned down a scholarship offer to Alabama-Huntsville because he felt he had unfinished business with the Roadrunners, who were eliminated in last year's South Division Final.

"That shows a lot about his character," said Langer, who recorded his 250th win with the Roadrunners Saturday (Langer has been their coach since the organization arrived from Santa Fe in 2004).

A couple Junior A Newcomers - forwards Justin Hussar (8 Points) and Kevin Novakovich (3 Goals) - are playing well, but Langer's said his squad's strength so far this season has been in net.

Holdover Eric Rohrkemper and Finland Native Rasmus Tirronen have combined for a 2.20 GAA and a .915 SV%.

Rohrkemper played 20 games with Topeka last season before emerging as the team's number 1 goalie in the playoffs. That experience is paying dividends.

"Having to grow up so quickly against a team like the St. Louis Bandits is not easy to do," Langer said. "It's such a competitive situation right now. Those guys are fighting for minutes."

And the Roadrunners, who haven't finished lower then second in the three years since relocating to Kansas, will be fighting for a South Division title - even if a Robertson Cup Spot is not on the line.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: Despite two losses to the Tornado, the Bulls are still averaging 4.09 Goals per game, second highest in the league behind Fairbanks. Forward T.J. Sarcona has registered an assist in each of the last five games.

Corpus Christi Icerays: With a pair of shootout victories against New Mexico, Corpus Christi has bumped its record to 4-0 in shootouts this season. Five of the Icerays 11 games have been tied at the end of regulation. No team has played more OT/SO Games in the NAHL.

New Mexico Mustangs: Goaltender Brian Jones got some revenge on Thursday Night against the Wildcats, who traded him before the October 1 Roster Cuts. Jones made 36 saves and stopped all but one shootout attempt in the Mustangs 3-2 victory. He's 1-1-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .908 SV% since joining New Mexico.

Texas Tornado: Ralfs Freibergs has six assists over the weekend, including 5 in Saturday's 8-4 win over Amarillo. Freibergs 15 points are the most among NAHL Defensemen, he also heads the league in assists with 14 and power play assists (8). The Tornado are currently riding a four game winning streak.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Mikhail Sentyurin's three game streak of scoring a goal ended in Saturday's loss to Topeka. Mattia Bortolotto picked up an assists Friday in his second game with the team after being acquired by the WHL's Prince George Cougars.