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.

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

Ft. Worth Native commits to the University of Alaska

It's been a busy day for Southwest Prospects here today.

In addition to Colin Jacobs being ranked 10th by Central Scouting, our first Southwest NCAA Commit of the 2010-2011 season was announced today by the Topeka Roadrunners as Ft. Worth Native Michael Hill is announcing that he will attend the University of Alaska.

Hill is having another strong season despite not attending to go to the Waterloo Blackhawks who selected him in the top 5 of the USHL Entry Draft last spring. So far this season, he is in the top 5 in scoring league wide with 29 points (16G 13A) in 18 games played so far.

For his career in the NAHL, this is his 2nd full season in the NAHL where he scored 84 points in 63 games played and has Topeka get to the edge of the South Division Title and a Robertson Cup Spot when the Roadrunners lost to the St. Louis Bandits in 4 games last season.

He will start playing for the Nanooks which suprisly is in the CCHA and not in the WCHA where they in-state rival Alaska-Anchorage is located.

However, he will play out the rest of this season which will include a trip to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month in Boston and with the team hosting the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament this season, he will have a shot for sure to win the League Championship this season.

Currently the Roadrunners sit in 4th Place in the NAHL South Division with a record of 11-5-2 (24 Points) as the team sits just 1 point behind Amarillo and 4 points back of Wichita Falls as the rest of the South is looking to chase down the Tornado who's on a 14 game winning streak and has a league best 16-2-3.

Currently, the Alaska Nanooks are currently in 4th place in the CCHA with a 7-4-1 record (4-3-1 in Conference) and have traditionally been the stronger of the two college hockey teams in Alaska over the course of their history.

Congrats to Hill on this decision to head to the Last Frontier to play his College Hockey Career and he will be the 6th player from the Southwest to play in the CCHA if you count Ryan Daugherty who's currently with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) who committed to start playing at Northern Michigan next season.

He joins Chris Brown and Jacob Fallon (Michigan Wolverines) as well as CJ Ludwig and Erik Higby (Northern Michigan Wildcats) who also played for the Topeka Roadrunners last season when he won the NAHL Scoring & Player of the Year Title's last season.


Michael Hill Profile

Topeka Roadrunners Website

Alaska Nanooks Hockey Website

From the Topeka Roadrunners Website

In his second season as a Roadrunner, team captain and leading scorer Michael Hill has committed to play his Division 1 College Career at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks beginning in Fall of 2011.

His junior career began in Wichita Falls with the Wildcats in 2008-09, but he played only 12 games before choosing to leave the program. "I just never felt comfortable, never felt like I fit in there," Hill said of his time with the Wildcats. He had a modest two goals and three assists, but had caught the attention of Topeka Roadrunners head scout Tom Kelly, who had kept tabs on Hill as he played the rest of the season with the Dallas Stars Midget Team. The following season he easily made the Roadrunners roster and went on to score 31 goals, most on the team.

This season he was named team captain after spurning the USHL despite being a first round draft pick by the Waterloo Blackhawks. He has responded by producing at a torrid pace, leading the team with 29 points (16 Goals and 13 Assists). Now he has been rewarded with a Division 1 College Deal that he once listed as a short term goal. Getting it secured early in his final season of juniors is a blessing. "It's a huge relief, Hill said after Monday's practice. "Now I can focus on helping this team reach our collective goals."

Being named captain has been an honor, one that Hill regards with due reverence. "Topeka has a strong lineage of the captaincy and I hope live up to the expectations. "Though he doesn't view himself as a loud vocal leader," he says, "I try to treat everyone the same. Being a captain hasn't changed who I'm, how I prepare myself or how I deal with my teammates."

Roadrunners Head Coach/GM Scott Langer says, "Michael's every day work ethic is contagious. Most people see him for his ability to score goals, but he brings so much more to the ice then that." He added, "The Coaching Staff at UAF is well respected and will do a tremendous job in Michael grow as a player."

Hill plans to major in either physical therapy or kinesiology. With his junior resume, he had a few options to consider but choose UAF. "It wasn't easy", Hill said of the decision. "In the end, it was just like when I choose to return to Topeka. They really made me feel wanted and appreciated." He credits his family for providing support throughout the entire process.

"I've had a lot of big choices to make and they have helped me out so much. I'm grateful to have a strong support system at home. "Living life in the Alaskan interior is quite a departure from Ft. Worth, Texas, or Topeka, KS for that matter, but its unfazed. "I've been there before. Yeah, it's pretty cold but i'm not planning to be outside much a whole lot. I'll be there for school and hockey.

After College, Hill envisions a couple of different possible career paths. "I'd love to play hockey professionally, so we'll see what opportunities arise. If not, I will have a degree and a head start on a good career." There is one other facet he may choose to explore. "I might be interested in coaching hockey. We'll see what happens." He's had some really solid role models to inspire him in that direction during his time in Topeka. "Smacks (Scott Langer) and (assistant coach) R.J. (Enga) are the main reasons I came back to Topeka. I trusted them help advance my career and they did everything they said they would." He added, "They're the best coaches I've played for."

Playing for his coaches has been part of what fuels Michael Hill, but playing for his teammates, fans, and family is what he lists as his most rewarding part of playing junior hockey. As he continues with his follow Roadrunners in their quest for the Robertson Cup, the fans in Topeka can enjoy watching another young man entertains them with his skills as he grows before there very eyes.

Hill is the second Roadrunner from this years roster to secure his college commitment, joining Rasmus Tirronen who last month committed to Merrimack University. The Alaska Nanooks play in the CCHA. Hill will join another former Roadrunner, Aaron Gens who will be a senior at UAF next season. Hill and Tirronen are both slated to play in next months top prospect tournament in Warpole, Mass.

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.

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

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.

A Hockey Rink Rebel along the Guadalupe

Here's an interesting story that I helped out with a little bit by sending some of the info and keeping up playoffs. It was done by JT Garza of the San Antonio Express News. It covers his move from Michigan to Texas back in 2008. The honors he's won this season, the disappointment about missing out on the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament and heading to Northern Michigan University for his college career.

From JT Garza of the San Antonio Express News: www.mysanantonio.com

Erik Higby racked up quite an assortment of honors this season in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

A forward for the Topeka Roadrunners, Higby was named MVP and Forward of the Year in the 19-team league for junior players. He also won the league's scoring title with 80 points and 27 goals.

He was also the league's nominee for the 2010 USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award.

This kind of hockey recognition rarely goes to a player from South Texas.

"It doesn't feel like a big deal to me," said Higby, 20, of New Braunfels. "When you hear it, it's exciting. but it doesn't mean anything for next year.

A transplant from Michigan, Higby will attend Northern Michigan on a half scholarship and majors in Sports Management. When he finishes at the university, he hopes to stay close to hockey regardless of whether he's playing.

"I figured if I can't go any further in hockey, I want to coach and teach as many kids as possible to get into the sport," he said.

Higby's family moved from Michigan to New Braunfels in 2008 from their hometown of Warren, Michigan., after his mother, Maria, sold her textbooks shop business.

She is a currently is a property manager and his father, Mike, is a housing contractor.

His father got him into hockey, starting in rec. leagues. Higby quickly grasped playing on the ice, and by the age of 15, he was playing in the Midwest Elite Hockey League.

"Coaches played players a year older and a year younger then me, so I was able to play with kids around my age and have fun," Higby said.

The NAHL prepares players 20 and under for College Careers. Each team has 20 to 25 players, who are drafted from a pool of high school students.

The Roadrunners season came to an end in late April after losing to the three-time NAHL Champion, the St. Louis Bandits in the South Division Final of the Robertson Cup. It was the 2nd straight year that Higby lost to the Bandits in the South Division Final.

In this year's series against the Bandits, he had two assists and no goals in the five game set.

"Everybody was down," Higby said. "I was disappointed in myself for the way I played."

He would trade all of his individual accomplishments this year to win a championship because "I'm a team player.

Higby is back in town getting ready to enjoy his summer by working with his father in the Housing Business.

"I'm gone 8 months out of the year, so I miss him, "Higby said. "I would call him evey day to see how he was doing, and now i'm excited to work and spend time with him."

Higby will leave for Northern Michigan on August 15, but he plans on making his time in South Texas well Spent.

"I'm going to be working, go to the gym to better myself, and see all my family and friends," said Higby.

Topeka's Erik Higby named NAHL Player of the Year

New Braunfels, Texas Native and Topeka Roadrunners forward Erik Higby has already committed to Northern Michigan University, and won the League's Scoring Title. He's now been named the League's Player of the Year for the 2009-2010 season.

To many people this was no surprise as the Roadrunners forward had a big breakout year going from 37 points (11G 23A) to an impressive 80 points and showing the CCHA a glimpse of what to expect when he arrives at Northern Michigan University next year along with Texas Natives C.J. Ludwig & Ryan Daugherty next season.

Despite the disappointing playoff run where he had just 5 assists in the playoffs, the Roadrunners went toe-to-toe with the Bandits where the first 4 games were back-and-forth. However, Game 5 went bad when the Bandits scored 4 goals in the 2nd period to eventually doom the Roadrunners season. This won't take away from the big things he's looking forward to when he joins the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).

After winning the League's Player of the Year, he will represent the North American Hockey League for the USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award for the entire nation.

From the NAHL Website: www.nahl.com

From Wenatchee, Washington: The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced tonight at the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament banquet that Topeka Roadrunners forward Erik Higby has been named its Most Valuable Player for the 2009-2010 season, as selected by the league's coaches and Team GMs.

Higby was also selected as the NAHL's Nominee for the 2010 USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award, named Forward of the Year and to the All-NAHL Team for this season.

The 20 year old forward from New Braunfels, Texas won the NAHL Regular Season Scoring Title with 80 points which includes 27 goals. His +37 rating also lead the league during the regular season.

"Erik is a special type of player," said Roadrunners Head Coach Scott Langer. "His vision and abilities on the ice are tremendous, but what really sets him apart is the way he goes about his business; he's focused, determined, intelligent, he quietly leads by example."

Higby, who participated in January's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, has committed to North Michigan University (CCHA) for next season. His on-ice performance, earned NAHL South Player of the Week three times this season.

"Erik's production on the scoresheet is what the casual fan first sees, but it's his demeanor with his teammates and with the public that sets him apart," Langer said.

Higby's point total and 53 assists (2nd in the NAHL) also set team records for the Roadrunners, who finished 1st in the South Division in the Regular Season. The Playoffs ended on a sour note that the team lost 5-0 to the Bandits in the 5th Deciding Game in the South Division Championship that would have gotten the Roadrunners to the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament that begins Tuesday.

"For a player who led the league in scoring and rewrote pages of the team's record book, he's quite humble," said Langer. "He does all these things and is a solid citizen off the ice. What more can a coach or an organization ask for?"

Also named to the All-NAHL Team were:

Fairbanks Ice Dogs F Michael Juola

Wenatchee Wild F Jeff Jubinville

Albert Lea Thunder D Derek Docken

Alaska Avalanche D Jake Parenteau

Wenatchee Wild G Brandon Jeager


Here's a look at some of the other Award Winners from last night.

NAHL Defensemen of the Year
Derek Docken, Albert Lea Thunder

In 56 games with the Albert Lea Thunder this season, Docken totaled 24 points on 5 goals and was also a +23, The 19 year old from Northfield, Minn. He has also secured a scholarship to the University of Alaska-Anchorange in the WCHA.


NAHL Goalie of the Year
Brandon Jeager, Wenatchee Wild

A 19 year old from Champlin, Minn, Jeager fashioned a 22-3-1 record in 29 games played to compliment a NAHL Best GAA of 1.83 and a SV% of .928 in the Regular Season for the West Division Champions and NAHL Robertson Cup Hosts.


NAHL Rookie of the Year
Tanner Kero, Marquette Rangers

In his first Junior A Season, Kelo lead the NAHL with 32 goals while totalling 51 points in 57 games for the North Division Regular Season Champions Rangers. The 17 year old from Hancock, Michigan, has also signed a scholarship to Michigan Tech University in the WCHA.


NAHL Coach of the Year
Dane Litke, Janesville Jets

In the team's first season, Litke guided the expansion Janesville Jets to a 3rd place finish in the NAHL North Division with a 29-23-6 record. His team leading scorer also committed a Division 1 Scholarship for next season.


NAHL GM of the Year
Scott Langer, Topeka Roadrunners

Langer was the architect behind the Roadrunners South Division Regular Season Title, guiding the team to a 44-9-5 record, good for 93 points and tieing the Wenatchee Wild for the best overall regular season record. Under his watch, six Roadrunners players have committed to Division 1 Schools to date and orchestrated Topeka's Successful bid to host the 2011 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament.

NAHL Team of the Year
Wenatchee Wild

In its second season, the Wild drew both a league high average attendance of 3,417 and total attendance of 99,108. On the Ice, it finished with the best overall regular season record in the NAHL, with a 45-10-3 mark, good for 93 points. In addition, nine of its players have committed to Division 1 Schools to date. They also have won the West Division in both of their years in the league.


NAHL Academic Achievement
Robb Haider, Alaska Avalanche

Haider graduated Magna Cum Laude from South Anchorage High School, where he was also a member of the National Honor Society. The Anchorage Native was honored each semester with the School's All Academic Achievement award and achieved a perfect 4.0 GAA. On the Ice for the Avalanche, he had 32 points (13G 19A) in 54 games played as Alaska finished 2nd in the West Division in the Regular season before losing to Fairbanks in the West Division Semifinals.


NAHL Community Service Award
Mitch Torrel, Wenatchee Wild

Torrel contributed over 96 hours of community service work during the regular season, including leading a charge of a reading campaign with his team, which covered over 70 classrooms. The Air Force Academy Recruit from Monticello, Minn. Native was also recognized in March for his heroics in alerting the fire department and helping evacuating residents from a burning senior citizen facility. For the Wild this season, Torrel had 20 points in 43 games played which included 15 goals. So far in the post-season he's played in 4 games where he had no points.

NAHL Scoring Champion Erik Higby to play for NMU

The North American Hockey League Scoring Champion Erik Higby has decided earlier this week that he will play College Hockey for Northern Michigan University (NMU) which is a part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

The native of New Braunfels, Texas is looking to prove critics wrong as he felt like he was under the radar for most of his hockey career with a strong NAHL Playoff Run and getting a chance to play for a Northern Michigan Team that got to the CCHA Conference Semifinals before losing to a very exciting double OT game to St. Cloud State back on March 27.

He's had a strong 2 year career in the NAHL where he has averaged a point a game in the NAHL (114 GP 114 PTS) (38G 76A).

In the playoffs, he's looking to get back to the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament for the 2nd straight year after getting their with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms just missing out on the League Championship Game as the team finished 3rd as an OT Loss against the Wenatchee Wild knocked them out of contention for the Championship last year.

He's hoping to use his experience from last year to get the Roadrunners to the Robertson Cup, and having a shot at a championship before his junior career ends.

Here's a list of Southwest Based Players that have committed to different NCAA Division 1 Teams during the 2009-2010 season from both the USHL & NAHL.

Players that play for the Wichita Falls Wildcats & Texas Tornado are on this list as well, even if they not Southwest Natives. Good luck to all the players that are moving on to careers in the NCAA starting next year.


United States Hockey League

Chase Grant, Oklahoma City, OK. (Fargo Force/Minnesota State)

Johnnie Searfoss, Colleyville, TX. (Fargo Force/Nebraska-Omaha)

Blake Coleman, Plano, TX. (Indiana Ice/Miami (OH) University)

Jacob Fallon, Southlake, TX. (Indiana Ice/Michigan University)

Ryan Daugherty, Allen, TX. (Omaha Lancers/Northern Michigan University)

C.J. Ludwig, Little Elm, TX. (Omaha Lancers/Northern Michigan University)


North American Hockey League

Erik Higby, New Braunfels, TX. (Topeka Roadrunners/Northern Michigan University)

Zach Ledford, Folsom, Cali. (Wichita Falls Wildcats/Bentley University)


From the North American Hockey League Website: www.nahl.com

Topeka Roadrunners forward have announced that forward Erik Higby has committed to Northern Michigan University (CCHA) for next season.

He's the eighth player who competed in January's Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division 1 School after the Event.

"It feels great", Higby said of his decision to attend NMU. "Getting College figured out was heavy on my mind. Now I can just concentrate on the rest of the season."

Higby, from New Braunfels, Texas, was the NAHL's Scoring Champion in the regular season, tallying 80 points on 27 goals in 57 games. He also led the league in +/- rating with a +36 rating.

"He's earned it, no question", Roadrunners head Coach Scott Langer said of Erik Higby's college commitment. "I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner. It's gratifying to see a player reach his goals with persistence and hard work."

"As an organization, we're very proud of what Erik's done. He's proven himself to be a true Roadrunner."

Higby, 20, plans on pursuing a degree in Sports Management at Northern Michigan. His long-term is to stay involved in hockey after his playing days are over.

"I'm relieved, really", he said. "It's taken a lot of stress off me".

The other top prospects players who have committed to Division 1 Schools after the event are: Bismarck Bobcats Forwards (Canisius College) and Casey Kleisinger (Air Force Academy); Fairbanks Ice Dogs defensemen Josh Nelson (Minnesota State); Janesville Jets forward Rui Encarnacao (University of Connecticut); Owatonna Express forward Cory Thorson (St. Cloud State University); and defenseman Jake Sloat (Bowling Green State University); and Wenatchee Wild Forward Shawn Pauly (Air Force Academy)

Q&A with Topeka Roadrunners Forward Erik Higby

After a long wait, the answers from a recent Q&A I did with Topeka Roadrunners Forward Erik Higby who's on the South Division Leading to advance to the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship and to knock out the St. Louis Bandits who's won both the Division & League Championship the last 3 years.

This season, Topeka's leading score is looking to be the NAHL Scoring Champion as he is just 2 points back of Michael Juola of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for the league scoring title. I also asked him about moving from Michigan to San Antonio and his current status on playing NCAA Hockey.

Also the teams chances of making the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament that will be taking place in Wenatchee, Washington coming up in May.

Topeka Roadrunners Player Profile: http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=3175958&seasonid=4527

Here's the Q&A with Erik Higby.

1. With your success this season, you still haven't committed on where you may play your NCAA Hockey Career. Can you give us an update on what your status is on this, and have you felt like you have been under the radar in your hockey career?

I have been speaking with quite a few schools and I should be reaching a decision shortly. I look forward to be playing at the next level. I do feel I'm under the radar screen, but a lot of my success is because I'm playing with a lot of talented players and we have worked well as a team.

2. Your currently just 2 points back of Micheal Juola of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for the League Scoring Lead. How much attention are you putting into winning the league's scoring title with just 5 games left this season.

At the time of responding to this I'am going into our second series against the St. Louis Bandits and I'm currently just 2 points back. However, i'm taking this one game at a time and hoping my team's success continues.

3. Let's assume your team will play the St. Louis Bandits for the South Division Title and a Robertson Cup Spot. With your experience with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms last year, how big will your experience to help put the Roadrunners playoff disappointment behind them when they lost to the Bandits in the South Division Final last season?

I hope my experience will be big for us this year and help us lead to the Robertson Cup Championship, but saying that we need a big team effort for the rest of the season.

4. When you found out you were moving to San Antonio in 2008. You mentioned in a recent story on the NAHL Website that "Down in San Antonio, I live close to an ice rink and there are a lot more hockey players then I was expecting," How were you feeling that your hockey career could continue at a high level living in Texas.

I was worried, but I was able to stay in shape during the summer months and skating with players that came from Division 1 Schools and Semi Pro Teams that now live in the San Antonio Area. That helped me prepare for the current season.

5. As a follow up, how has the fact that you have several Texas Based Teammates like Jacob Poe, Micheal Hill and Cooper Frederick helped you out in the transition in terms that players from Texas can play at a high level?

Hockey in Texas (Especially in the Dallas Area) has become such a popular sport, so I wasn't surprised that Texas would have so many talented players, and these guys have been great to play with this season.

6. With the Topeka Roadrunners having the league's best record right now. Do you think it's to the point that the expectations is making the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship or Bust?

This was our goal at the beginning of the season and hopefully we will be successful once playoff time comes next month.

7. If the Roadrunners do make the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship, who do you think could be your biggest competition to win the Championship this season?

Everyone will be competitive and will take every team seriously. I think our biggest test would be playing the Wenatchee Wild since their one of the top teams as well.

Higby Proving his Point(s)

From Matt Mackinder of the North American Hockey League Website: www.nahl.com

Once Erik Higby graduated high school in his native Michigan in 2008, his family uprooted and moved down to Texas to follow his mother's new job.

What intrigued Higby is that even though he was going from a hockey hotbed to the Sunbelt, he still found plenty of hockey opportunities along the way. Higby, a 20 year old native from Shelby Township, Michigan played last year for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in their final NAHL Campaign and then joined the Topeka Roadrunners.

Higby is Topeka's leading scorer by a wide margin and has also been near the top of the league's scoring chart for much of the season. As of Mid-January, Higby had 62 points through 46 games (2nd in the NAHL) and led the league with a +23 rating. Landing in the NAHL was at the urging of Chris Coury, a longtime Midget AAA coach in Michigan. Higby played for Coury's Belle Tire Squad in 2007-08.

"After our season was over, Chris told me about some teams that were interested in me," explained Higby. "I went to Mahoning Valley's Tryout and made the team, so I decided to play there."

Higby said he was impressed with the level of play in the NAHL. "I think the talent in our league is very good, maybe a little underrated compared to other leagues. " said Higby. "All the teams in our league have top players and lines that compete very strong."

Still, moving south from the Detroit area was hard at first, but when Higby stepped aside and looked at the situation, it really wasn't all that much of a life changing situation.

"Hockey in Michigan is bigger of course, but down in San Antonio (where Higby now calls home), I live close to an ice rink and there are a lot more hockey players then I was expecting." Higby said.

"Having to move from Michigan was a big decision for my family after living there my whole life. "I miss seeing friends and family the most, but most of the time, I was away from home for hockey anyways, so it wasn't that big of a deal for me."

In Topeka, Higby is still far from Texas, but road trips to his adopted home state make it all worthwhile. "I like playing in Topeka," said Higby. "The fans and people here are great. I like being closer to so my family and friends can come to see me play. When we make trips to Texas to play Wichita Falls and the Tornado is when I see my family the most. Topeka is still a good distance away from San Antonio, through".

With the potential to play college hockey, Higby played in the Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan, last month.

"I plan on attending school next fall and play hockey as well," Higby said. "I've talked to a few schools so far and, hopefully, there are more to come.

"Top Prospects gave me more exposure. There were a lot of schools and all the teams we played were really good. "Top Prospects was very exciting and I think it'll help a lot of players out in the long run."