Central Hockey League Week Ahead for 2/22-26

Despite seeing both the Allen Americans going to the Shootout for the 4th time in the last 6 games. It was the Brahmas who the shootout and the game for the 2nd time in 11 days and the 3rd straight time as the Brahmas have owned the Americans as of late by pulling off their 3rd straight victory over the Rivals from Colin County in a 2-1 game where Mark Guggenberger had another outstanding performance by making 26 of 27 saves to earn his 7th straight win including giving up a goal or less in 6 of those games that earned him the CHL Goalie of the Week for the week of February 13-19.

Tulsa also had their game go to Overtime that saw them lost 2-1 to Ft. Wayne that saw their gap between them and 5th Place Rio Grande Valley grow to 5 points with 2 games in hand (Tulsa with 17 GR, RGV with 15 GR) this season.

As for the rest of the week, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees has a chance to climb back in the race as they sit 5 points back with 15 games left in the regular season as they will face South Texas Rival Laredo Bucks and then a pair of games against the Turner Conference Bottom Feeder Bloomington Blaze on Friday & Saturday and hope that Guggenberger and the Rock Hard Defense will be playing the Brahmas for a 3 game weekend starting in Tulsa on Friday.

Then coming back to Dallas to play on Saturday & Sunday as the Killer Bees have one of their better chances to close the gap with Tulsa for the fourth & final playoff spot in the Berry Conference.

With the entire league coming down to the final 15 games. We could have a battle possibly brewing for the 2nd spot as many thought the Americans & Thunder would comfortably have 1st Round Home Ice while battling for home ice advantage in the Southern Conference & taking on the Evansville Ice Men & Ft. Wayne Komets for home ice throughout the entire playoffs.

However, with the Brahmas winning 7 in a row and Mark Guggenberger starting to heat up in goal, it could have the Americans sweating (Not heavily yet) about a possible battle between the DFW Rivals for 1st Round Home Ice. One big advantage for the Americans is that Allen has 2 games in hand where they can easily extend & protect their lead.

Texas will be looking to bank on a 6 game homestand that will begin Saturday Night with a pair of games against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday & Sunday. They will also play a pair of games against Rio Grande Valley as well as Missouri & Laredo to finish their final extended homestand of the regular season.

2/21

Ft. Wayne Komets 2  Tulsa Oilers 1  (OT) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 1-0)

Texas Brahmas 2  Allen Americans 1  (SO) (0-1, 1-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

2/22

RGV Killer Bees 8  Laredo Bucks 2  (1-0, 4-2, 3-0)

2/24

Laredo Bucks VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Bloomington Blaze VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/25

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Bloomington Blaze VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  7:45 PM

2/26

Bloomington Blaze VS. Laredo Bucks  4:00 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  5:30 PM



In the Crease Podcast with Justin Quenneville

It's time for another In The Crease Podcast with Corpus Christi Icerays Beat Writer Greg Rajan as he talks to Corpus Christi Icerays Head Coach Justin Quenneville as he discusses the current playoff race, Anthony Stolarz's great season he's having which included making both the NAHL U18 Selects Team for the upcoming Prospects Tournament; and him making the NHL Draft Rankings.Also what he was going through he was offered a coaching job when the IceRays made the transition from Minor League's to Juniors.

Quenneville also reflects on his favorite moments during his Pro Career with the Ice Rays and why he thanks that Junior Hockey in the NAHL has worked so well in their first 2 seasons. A big part of the appeal Quenneville thanks that has made a big impact including the entrainment factor. "The Energy, they hit so much harder and so much faster," said Quenneville. "Were going to explain first what this level is and explaining what this represents'." Showing current fans and trying to attract new fans as well as they look to show that they are capable of playing in the NCAA & Pro Ranks later in their career.

A good example of this is Anthony Stolarz who not only has made a NCAA Commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) but was also ranked 21st among NHL Goalies when the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Season Rankings came out back in January.

Also joining Greg Rajan was Brian Sandalow of The Monitor in Mcallen who covers the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in the Central Hockey League discusses' one of the most wild and wacky Games of the Central Hockey League season between the Killer Bees & Tulsa Oilers back on Sunday Afternoon that the Oilers won 9-6 back on Sunday Afternoon.

It included the Killer Bees having to comeback from a 5-1 deficit to a 5-5 tie only to lose 9-6 in what was a very important game in the CHL Berry Conference Playoff Race for the 4th & Final Playoff Spot with about a month-and-a-half left in the regular season. A huge offensive explosion for the Oilers helped them in their victory where 8 players had multiple point games.

He also gives his take on the Berry Conference Playoff Race where the Wichita Thunder are currently 4 points up on the Allen Americans for the Conference Lead and pulled off a critical victory against the Americans back on February 9th, 4-2.

2/13 In the Crease Podcast

Tulsa nips Rio Grande Valley 5-4 to climb to 3rd Place in the Berry Conference

The Tulsa Oilers & RGV Killer Bees gave the fans in Tulsa a strong game in a huge battle for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the Berry Conference. Tulsa was lead by the likes of Mike Ullrich and Jeff Terminesi to help edge the Killer Bees in a high scoring 5-4 victory for the Oilers that was determined early in the 3rd period when Michel Beausoleli scored his 11th of the season to break a 4-4 deadlock at the 1:59 mark of the 3rd period.

This win for huge, not only because the gap between the Oilers & Killer Bees is now at 5 points for the 4th & Final Playoff Spot, but also they were also able to jump ahead of the Texas Brahmas for 3rd as both teams are now tied for 3rd Place by having 1 more win (21 for Tulsa, 20 for Texas) in 1 fewer game over the course of the season.

The Oilers will now hope that the Laredo Bucks beat the Texas Brahmas tonight to keep it that way as the Bucks & Brahmas play each other tonight at 7:00 PM. Tulsa's next game will see them head to Dallas play the Allen Americans on both Friday & Saturday. RGV on the other hand will be at home to play the Wichita Thunder on Friday & the Texas Brahmas on Saturday coming up this weekend.

RGV VS. Tulsa Game Story on the Central Hockey League Website

RGV Killer Bees 4  Tulsa Oilers 5  (3-3, 1-1, 0-1)

From Tulsa, Oklahoma: With Critical points on the line, the Oilers rose to the occasion and fought off a feisty Rio Grande Valley squad to post a 5-4 victory in front of 3,633 fans at the BOK Center.

The Bees set a tone for a wild first period when Dan Gendur scored just 36 seconds into the proceedings. Dylan Clark answered right back for Tulsa, but Zac Pearson put Rio Grande Valley back in front with a shorthanded marker at 12:16. The Killer Bees pushed pushed the lead to 3-1 on Gendur's second of the game at 17:59. Unphased, the Oilers bounced back with a pair of goals by Gary Steffes and Sean Erickson in the span of 35 seconds. The squads went into the first intermission after an opening of 20 minutes that featured six goals on 21 shots.

In the final minute of the second period, the Oilers took their first lead of the night when Scott Balan inadvertently tapped the puck into his own net on a Tulsa Power Play. The home team's lead lasted all of 14 seconds. Gendur's snapped a shot past Ian Keserich with nine seconds left in the period to complete the hat trick and pull the Bees even at four apiece.

Tulsa put together a couple strong shifts early in the third and hard work paid off. Michel Beausoleil sent a backhand through the legs of Bees netminder Wylie Rogers to put the Oilers in front for good. Keserich made 11 of his 24 saves in the third to preserve the win, the Oilers sixth one-goal decision in the last seven games.

Four Oilers, Mike Ullrich, Jeff Terminesi, Steffes, and Erickson, finished with multiple points as Tulsa won back-to-back for the first time since December 27. With points in six games, the Oilers have tied their longest point streak of the season.

Tulsa returns to action Friday & Saturday for a pair of games against Allen.

I will be at the Allen Americans VS. Tulsa Oilers Game Tonight

I have plans to be at the BOK Center tonight for the Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans game up in Tulsa tonight which gets underway at 7:05 PM Tonight. If your looking for me, I will be wearing my Dallas Stars 3rd Jersey as well as a Black Leather Jacket if it gets cold.

Here's the links for tonight's game if your going as well. Also if your a college student and bring your College ID, you can get $5 off for any ticket at the box office tonight.

Tickets for Tulsa Oilers

Late Goals doom Tulsa against the Colorado Eagles

After a Gary Steffes goal that put the Oilers and Eagles tied at 1-1 late in the 2nd period. Even a Colorado Goal by long time Eagle Scott May still had them in this game after the 2nd intermission with Tulsa Goalie Tyler Simms who's stopped 21 of 24 shots in the game and had them still down a goal as late as 3 minutes left in regulation.

It Riley Nelson who finally ended the Oilers threat with 3 minutes and then an empty netter from Daymen Raycroft scored with just over a minute left to win 4-1 and send the Eagles to 4-1-0 to lead the Northern Conference while Tulsa falls to 2-2-1 with 5 points as the Oilers are currently tied with the RG Valley Killer Bees with 5 games played so far this season.

Colorado Goalie Ryan Jones was able to stop 18 of 19 shots last night for his 3rd win of the year and is currently unbeaten at 3-0 with a 2.00 GAA. Meanwhile, Tulsa Oilers Goalie Tyler Simms is 0-1-1 in 3 games played with a 2.14 GAA & a .907 SV%.

Colorado Eagles 4  Tulsa Oilers 1  (0-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Game Story from the Central Hockey League Website

From Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Colorado Eagles defeated the Tulsa Oilers, 4-1, extending their four game winning streak and remaining perfect on the road this season. Riley Nelson lead the offense with a goal and an assist, Kyle Jones was strong at the opposite end of the ice, stopping 18 of 19 Oilers shots and the Eagles penalty killers went a perfect 5-for-5 on the night to propel the team to victory.

In a fairly uneventful first 20 minutes of play, the Eagles and Oilers skated to a scoreless first period with Colorado killing three power play opportunties. Goaltender Kyle Jones was strong in net to help the Oilers off the scoreboard, while Colorado edged Tulsa in shots, 7-6.

Colorado out-shot Tulsa 14-7 in the second period and out-scored them be the 2:1 shot ratio. Kevin Ulanski got the games first goal at 5:22 when his shot from the right faceoff circle was deflected past by Tyler Sims. Riley Nelson picked up an assist on the play, given him 600 points in his Eagles career.

The Oilers countered with a goal at 13:10 when Gary Steffes knocked home a loose puck on the doorstep after a play out the left corner. Then, at 16:29, Scott May took a shot from above the left circle and had the rebound pushed past the Oilers net-minder. It appeared that Rookie Matt Glasser toched the puck last as he crashed the crease; if the score gets changed, the tally would be Glasser's first professional goal.

Colorado played a complete final frame, killing consecutive Tulsa Power Play Goals in the first half of the 3rd period. Jones continued to make stellar moves in net, and at 16:57, Nelson scored an insurance goal from the right hashes to give the Eagles some breathing room.

The tally pushed the Eagles scoring streak to six games (dating back to last season) and ketp alive his streak of recording at least two points in every game this season -- the only player in the league who can make such a claim. And with 63 seconds left on the clock, Damen Raycroft added an empty net goal (Colorado's third game in a row with one) to account for the final score.

The teams will now travel to Loveland, Colorado. for the second half of their extended home-and-home series Friday Night.

Bossier-Shreveport wins in a goal fest against Tulsa 6-4

Bossier-Shreveport continues to have Tulsa's Number in recent years as the Mudbugs beat the Tulsa Oilers for their 15th straight win over the Oilers as the Mudbugs go to 3-0-0 and temporally go to the top of the Berry Conference (South) while the Oilers have lost their first game of the year after winning a home-and-home series against the Wichita Thunder on opening weekend of the season.

Bossier-Shreveport has scored a ton of goals in the early season as the Mudbugs beat the Mississippi Riverkings scored 10 on opening night against the Riverkings as they beat them 10-1. So far through 3 games, Mudbugs forwards Brett Smith and Justin Aikins are 1-and-2 on the scoring leaders as Brett Smith has already scored 5 goals and has added 4 assists for 9 points. While Aikins has scored 7 points (3G 4A) as the Mudbugs have already scored 18 goals in 3 games (avg. 6 goals a game) so far.

For Tulsa, the Oilers are looking to turn things around as the Oilers have been in the bottom rung of the CHL the last several years, last year hopefully was a springboard as the Oilers just missed the playoffs as they were beaten by 5 points to then expansion Missouri Mavericks last season. Bossier-Shreveport on the other hand had a great season by finishing 3rd in the North and beat Colorado in the Conference Semifinals and pushed the eventual Presidents Cup Champion Rapid City Rush in 7 games.

Coming up later this week for the two teams will match up twice against the Allen Americans (Thursday & Friday), then will head to the other side of the Metroplex for a Saturday Night tilt against the Texas Brahmas.

For Tulsa, it's a trip up north to Illinois as the Oilers will face the Blommington Prairie Thunder on Saturday Night.


Game Story from the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Website

Tulsa Oilers 4  Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 6  (3-2, 1-4, 0-0)

From Bossier-City, Louisana: Three unanswered goals to end the second period helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 6-4 win over the Tulsa Oilers on Thursday Night at the Century Tel Center. The Bugs are now the only 3-0-0 team in the Central Hockey League after earning their 15th straight victory against the Tulsa Oilers.

The forward line of Justin Aikins, David Rutherford and Jeff Martins accounted for four of Bossier-Shreveport's Goals and added three assists. Rutherford scored two goals (including the game winner) and added an assist, when Martens scored for the first time as a Mudbug and chipped in two helpers as well.

The Bugs stated quick with two goals in the first 4:09 of the contest. First Aikins beat a defender on the Rush before backhanding the puck short sided on Trevor Cann, and then the Martens knocked home a rebound following an Oilers turnover in their own zone. Tulsa answered with three goals later in the period, started with Jack Combs power play tally at 9:18. Combs added a shorthanded goal less then three minutes later and Chad Costello capped off the period with a breakaway goal to make it 3-2 Oilers after one.

The Mudbugs tied at 3-3 with Jamie Milam scored on the power play early in the second, but Costello scored his second goal of the night on a rebound off the end boards to re-take the lead for Tulsa. David Rutherford wasted little time in tying it at 4-4, beating Cann from between the circles for his first goal of the season at 14:54. The Bugs went on top to stay less then three minutes later when Rutherford scored again, backhanding a shot over Cann's right pad to finish off a nice passing play with Martens and Aikins to make it 5-4.

Brett Smith extended the lead to 6-4 late in the 2nd period, crashing the net the force in his own rebound off a Tulsa player in front of the net with 1:03 left in the period. Tyler Simms relived Cann in goal for the Oilers, who pressed hard in the third period, but no goals were scored in the final frame despite an 11-2 shot advantage for the Oilers.

The Bugs will take one day off before jumping in their first set of three games in three days against Allen. The Mudbugs host the Americans on Thursday and Friday at the Century Tel Center before traveling to Texas for their first meeting against the Brahmas on Saturday Night at the NYTEX Sports Center.

Great seats are still available for the games vs. Allen on Thursday and Friday, so contact the team office at 318-752-BUGS for more info on season tickets, mini plans and group tickets. Individual tickets are available through Ticket Master at 318-741-9700, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at the Century Tel Center main box office.

Central Hockey League Rosters

With the Central Hockey League season beginning Tomorrow night, here's a look at the Southwest Teams as the final rosters are getting ready to come out. In addition to the rosters, several major rivalries are going to dominate headlines on the opening weekend, like the Brahmas & Americans at the Allen Events Center where the Americans are going to raise the CHL Southern Conference Championship Banner on October 15 and the South Texas Rivalry between the Laredo Bucks and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

Other major rivalries include the Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Mississippi Riverkings which will be a home-and-home matchup with the Mudbugs hosting the first leg on Friday Night.

Some of the big news from over the off-season includes the return of Chad Woolard who has had the nickname "Mr. Brahma" for his great play in the past with the team when it was located at the Ft. Worth Civic Center in the team's early history. This past season he was with the Corpus Christi Icerays in their final year in the Central Hockey League before leaving for the North American Hockey League to become a Junior Team.

Other teams he's played with include the Mississippi Riverkings and Quad City Mallards in the CHL. As well as some time in the ECHL with the Greensboro Generals and Jackson Bandits. As well as a short Stint in the AHL with the Utah Grizzlies, St. John's Maple Leafs and San Antonio Rampage as well. He has never suited up in an NHL Game in his career.

As for players moving, Allen Americans Defensemen Brandon Struab has signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings AHL Affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins recently.

Other Americans players that were involved in the CHL Southern Conference Championship include the offensive trio of Nino Musitelli, Justin Bowers and Bruce Graham who all combined for 215 points last season during the regular season and then 78 points combined in the post-season where the Americans came up 2 wins shy of a CHL Presidents Cup Title in their very season of professional hockey in Allen.

Here's a look at the schedule for the opening weekend of the regular season involving the CHL Southwest Teams. A lot of rivalries will be going, including Texas VS. Allen, RG Valley VS. Laredo and Tulsa VS. Wichita on Friday Night. I will also show links to the rosters for all the teams. Keep in mind that final rosters for the most part won't come out until just before the team's first game of the season.


Friday 10/15

Mississippi Riverkings VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs   7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Missouri Mavericks    7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans     7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RG Valley Killer Bees   7:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Tulsa Oilers    7:35 PM


Saturday 10/16

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans   7:00 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Mississippi Riverkings    7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder     7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Quad City Mallards   7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RG Valley Killer Bees    7:30 PM


Here's the schedules and rosters for the Southwest Central Hockey League Teams.

Allen Americans Roster

Allen Americans Schedule


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Roster

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Schedule


Laredo Bucks Roster

Laredo Bucks Schedule


Odessa Jackalopes Roster

Odessa Jackalopes Schedule


Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Roster

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Schedule


Texas Brahmas Schedule

Texas Brahmas Roster


Tulsa Oilers Schedule

Tulsa Oilers Roster

Q&A with Tulsa Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay

In this edition of "They Said It", the Tulsa Oilers are looking to turn around what's been several disappointing seasons in a row as the team have been out of the playoffs every since the 2005-2006 season as the Oilers have been near the bottom of the Conference and have been struggling to not just be competitive but getting fans and media attention in the Tulsa Area as battling for one of the last playoff spots would be a huge deal.


Currently Bruce Ramsay took over last year as he hopes to turn around what's been a culture of losing and playing in front of an empty BOK arena in Tulsa. One of the big pluses for Oilers fans was the play of Rob Hisey where he called up to the Springfield Falcons and that lead to him signing a two way contract with the New York Islanders org earlier in the offseason. Where he will start the year next year with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) but with some strong play and a touch of good fortune, he could find himself playing in Long Island for the New York Islanders.


He will be looking to get the team back to the playoffs as the Oilers are now heading to the Berry Conference (South) as they will play the 5 Texas Teams along with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Arizona Sundogs and the Mississippi Riverkings who are also switching from the North to the South this upcoming year.


Here's a look at how the Tulsa Oilers have done in the last 3 seasons.


2007-2008 Season


Regular Season: 25-35-4 54 PTS, 4th Place in Northeast DIV, 8th Place in Northern Conf.


Playoffs: Out of Playoffs




2008-2009 Season


Regular Season: 18-38-8 44 PTS, Last in Northeast DIV, 7th in Northern Conf.


Playoffs: Out of Playoffs



2009-2010 Season

Regular Season: 28-29-7 63 PTS, 6th Place in Northern Conference


Playoffs: Out of Playoffs




Here's the Other "They Said It" Features on the Central Hockey League Website.


Chris Brooks: RGV Killer Bees


Laredo Bucks: Terry Ruskowski


Quad City Mallards: Frank Anzalone


Rapid City Rush: Joe Ferras



Dayton Gems: Brian Gratz


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs: Scott Muscutt




Here's the Q&A from the Central Hockey League Website


Give us a snapshot of how your first season with the Oilers went?


My first season with the Oilers was like hiking through the Rocky Mountains. At certain points we were on a summit then at other times we were in the valley. We did not develop the consistency needed in order to be a playoff contender. Missing the playoffs for the first time as a head coach was very disappointing. All in all there were many positives introduced last season that we are going to exercise to propel the Oilers Organization back to the summit of the mountain.


Your team got off to a great start and had arguably the MVP of the first half of the season with Rob Hissey (later called to the Springfield Falcons, AHL), how tough was his departure on the team?


Our first indication of Rob Hissey's value to our club prior to his call-up when he was injured. During his injury we lost 5 games in a row. When you lose your #1 powerplay, penalty kill and forward player, it is going to affect the team in a negative fashion and as an organization, we certainly felt the effect.


There is a fine line with the development of players and trying to win hockey games, does losing a player to the AHL seem more like a good thing or is it more of a disappointment?


Losing players to the AHL should never be considered as a disappointment. One of the main focuses of a coach is to push and motivate their players to strive to be their best and that includes playing at the highest possible level. It is nearly impossible to replace a player of Rob's caliber during the season so you hope that his ability at the next level motivates and inspires his teammates to follow suit.


Rob recently signed a two way contract with the NHL/AHL and he called me and told me that I was a big part of his signing and that in and itself worth its weight in gold as a coach for the Oilers Organization. Also, having more players move up to the AHL is a positive recruiting tool for high caliber player to sign with Tulsa as they there are opportunities to get noticed and advance in their hockey career.


Your signings this off season show you are putting together a competitive, young and fast team. Is that the game plan you want to put together?

Our goal and philosophy as an organization this season has changed from a team stocked with veteran players to a team of younger players whose goals are to play at the next level.

Your defensive signings has been very solid, is this a team you see being defense first?

Our defensive signings to the point have been very solid. As the old saying goes "Championships are won on the defensive side of the ice." It comes down to the fact that if you can't get the puck out of the net, it's going to be tough to create offense. In the game as its played today, coaches look for mobility in the d-corps and with our signings so far, we definitely have added significantly to this theory.

Who do you look up to for their coaching staff, who is one of your coaching mentors/hero's?

I have worked under some great coaches that have had a positive influence on my coaching philosophy. Dave Allison and Danton Cole are two coaches that have helped me out along the way. When it comes to style of coaching I would have to say that Todd Nelson, the new head coach of the Oklahoma City Barons, and one of greatest friends, would be someone that I resemble the most.

The Oilers are one of the teams that moved conferences heading to what is essentially the South, do you see this as more of an advantage or disadvantage?

I believe it's too early to tell which conference will be stronger. The only real disadvantage I can relate to is that the new teams from the IHL had a late start recruiting due to the merger thus inhibiting them from early recruitment. Either way, to accomplish our team goal, you have to beat everyone and there will be some very strong teams in both conferences.

Central Hockey League to Name Conferences after League Legends

The Central Hockey League announced today the official names of the Northern & Southern Conferences as they will be named after legends from the CHL & IHL as the Northern Conference will be named the Turner Conference after Joseph Turner, while the Southern Conference will be named the Berry Conference after the N. Thomas Berry.

N. Thomas Berry has been involved in the sport of hockey for nearly half a century as Commissioner Emeritus for the CHL and has been involved. He spent 13 years with the IHL Serving as their commissioner from 1989-1994 as he added 7 teams under his term. He currently resides in Indianapolis has served in many capacities covering the on-ice officiating all the way to running ind. teams. He was also involved in the short lived World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers.

Joesph Turner who was a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario who played for the Red Wings before WW2 also served with the US Army. He was later killed in December of 1944 during a battle in Belgium. He was an amateur goalie in the old Michigan-Ontario Amateur league which was the predictor of the International Hockey League playing for teams both in Detroit and Windsor. The Turner Cup was later named after him shortly after WW2 ended when the IHL was officially formed.

The Joseph Turner Trophy will serve as the Northern Conference Champions, while the N. Thomas Berry Trophy will be crowned as Southern Conference Champions.

Turner Conference (North)
Bloomington Prairie Thunder
Colorado Eagles
Dayton Gems
Ft. Wayne Komets
Evansville Icemen
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush
Wichita Thunder


Berry Conference (South)
Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Laredo Bucks
Mississippi Riverkings
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers

2010-2011 Central Hockey League Schedule Announced

The schedule for the 2010-2011 season was just released moments ago as the CHL Regular Season will get underway on October 15 to start the 66 game season. One of the major highlights of opening weekend will be the D/FW Rivalry as the Allen Americans & Texas Brahmas will kick off with a Weekend series in Allen.

Other interesting matchups involving the Southwest Teams during opening weekend will be the South Texas Rivalry as the Laredo Bucks & Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees will hook up from Rio Grande City.

As for teams other in Odessa, Bossier-Shreveport and Tulsa. The Jackalopes who were ousted for the 2nd straight year in the Southern Conference Final will open up against the Missouri Mavericks and Quad City Mallards. This is part of a busy road schedule early on where 8 of the first 10 games will be on the road, the only exception will be a pair of home games against the Laredo Bucks on October 28 & 30.

Bossier-Shreveport will open with a home-and-home against the Mississippi Riverkings while the Tulsa Oilers will do the same thing against the Wichita Thunder on opening weekend.

Just like in previous years, a majority of the games will be on the weekends early on in the season. Then later on the league adds more week night games as we close in on the playoffs which begin in late March.

Some other interesting matchups starting out will be the Rapid City Rush playing in Ft. Wayne, Indiana playing the Komets and league power house Colorado taking on the Arizona Sundogs who finished last in the South last season.

Overall, the 66 game season will kick off on October 15 and will finish up on March 27. The Playoffs will have everyone except the last place teams in both conferences make the post-season which will begin in early April (More on why I don't like this idea in a later commentary).

Here's the Links for the Master Schedule & the Southwest Team Schedules.

CHL Website:

League Master Schedule:

Allen Americans:

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs:

Laredo Bucks:

Odessa Jackalopes:

RG Valley Killer Bees:

Texas Brahmas:

Tulsa Oilers:

Tulsa Oilers goalie Kevin Armstrong in the CHL Chat Room

Here's a look at Tulsa Oilers goaltender Jamie Armstrong when he answered questions from fans in the CHL Chat room recently. He was also named the Goaltender of the Week yesterday for last week. Currently the Tulsa Oilers sit in 2nd place in the Northern Conference just 1 point behind the Colorado Eagles.

Tell us what has been the key to the good start with basically a new team and new teammates, new coach, etc.

I think that you have to understand that every team is in the same position with a majority of new players every year. I think our success early on has to do with everyone doing their part, we have a lot of guys that can put the puck in the net. We're a really good offensive team, its nice to know as a goalie that the guys are going to put the puck in the net for you. I played with Rammer last year and I know what he can do as a coach, has got a winning record and he knows how to put a good team together.

Do you have any game day rituals or superstitions?

Nothing to crazy or out of ordinary. Just the nap, try to relax, watch some TV in the afternoon. When I get to the rink, I'm always doing different things, my rituals is always changing, always adding things in or taking things out, it's never really the same thing,

In your opinion, how does the CHL compare to different leagues like the ECHL and the OHL?

Well I played in the Western Hockey League, I believe that the CHL is kind of a continuation of major junior. The shots are a lot harder here because the guys are older and a lot stronger, but a lot of is pretty similar.

How did the experience playing for the Turner Cup in the IHL help jumpstart your pro career?

I think it was good experience for me to get some pro games under my belt before playing my first full season of pro. I got to learn a lot by getting used to the pro lifestyle as opposed to Junior. Playing on a good team to Muskogen last year gave me a chance to play in the playoffs in the finals, which was a great experience for me as a goaltender.

How is it more challenging to be a goaltender than someone on defense or offense?

Its definitely a unique position, it may not be as physically demanding as someone playing defense or forward because your not taking body checks all night. Its pretty tough mentally, as you have to be completely focused. All your mistakes are under an magnifying glass, its easy to see when a goalie makes a mistake but with that being said, it's a high risk, high reward type of thing because its really obvious when your playing well.

What advice would you give to someone who's new to hockey, I notice that a lot goes on that I miss. I know the rules, but how would you suggest someone who views the game?

That's a question to answer, I really don't know how to answer that.

When you guys are on the road, what do you do during the day to while away the hours before the game.

Usually catch a quick nap at the hotel room, maybe watch some TV. Once when we get to the rink its just like any other game day.

How long have you played hockey?

Since I was 8 years old, I played forward for 3 games and then it was my turn to in the rotation to get into net. I really didn't want to, but was forced. I got a shutout and stuck with it ever since.

What do you enjoy when being involved with the community? And also how is it mentally being a goalie during training camp with so many goalies competing for the number one spot.

It's always nice to do stuff in the community, helping out encouraging kids is my favorite part. In training camp its no different then competing for a win in a game, you're always competing against the guy at the other end. Its all the same, you just have to be focused on what you do and not what the other guys doing around you.

What style of Goalie are you?

I'm a butterfly goalie, typically it seems most guys are these days. Traffic in front of the net always makes things harder. You just got to find your way around it, whetever it be side to side or over the top, do what you can to find the puck.

2009-2010 Central Hockey League Schedule: North Zone

This morning, the schedule for the 2009-2010 Central Hockey League season was released for all 15 teams in the league. For the 2009-2010 season, the Divisions are all gone and it will have 7 teams in the Northern Conference while the Southern Conference will have 8 teams. The New Mexico Scorpions and Rocky Mountain Rage have decided to suspend operations for the 2009-2010 season due to arena conflicts with every intention to return in the fall of 2010. As for the Oklahoma City Blazers, they are in talks with the Edmonton Oilers to possibly become the new American Hockey League affiliate to start playing their possibly in 2010.

Regular season play gets underway on September 16 and will end on March 20 with each team playing a 64 game schedule. The Texas Brahmas go in as the defending league champions while the Missouri Mavericks and the Allen Americans will make their league debuts this season.

Central Hockey League Conferences

Northern Conference
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Colorado Eagles
Mississippi Riverkings
Missouri Mavericks
Rapid City Rush
Tulsa Oilers
Wichita Thunder


Southern Conference
Allen Americans
Amarillo Gorillas
Arizona Sundogs
Corpus Christi Icerayz
Laredo Bucks
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas

Here's the full schedule: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/leagueschedule.html?leagueid=12&seasonid=4438

Today, I will put the North Zone teams today, then the South Zone teams will be put up tomorrow.

Allen Americans

All Home Games are at the Allen Events Center

October

10/16: @ Arizona Sundogs

10/17: @ Arizona Sundogs

10/23: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

10/24: @ Laredo Bucks

10/31: @ Texas Brahmas

November

11/3: @ Tulsa Oilers

11/6: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

11/7: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

11/11: VS. Texas Brahmas

11/13: @ Colorado Eagles

11/14: @ Colorado Eagles

11/19: VS. Arizona Sundogs

11/20: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

11/21: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

11/25: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

11/27: @ Odessa Jackalopes

11/28: VS. Texas Brahmas

11/29: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

December

12/4: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

12/5: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

12/9: @ Texas Brahmas

12/11: VS. Tulsa Oilers

12/12: VS. Laredo Bucks

12/18: VS. Odessa Jackalopes

12/19: @ Odessa Jackalopes

12/22: @ Odessa Jackalopes

12/26: VS. Texas Brahmas

12/27: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

12/31: @ Wichita Thunder

January

1/1: VS. Colorado Eagles

1/2: VS. Laredo Bucks

1/8: @ Texas Brahmas

1/9: @ Mississippi Riverkings

1/15: VS. Rapid City Rush

1/16: VS. Wichita Thunder

1/18: VS. Arizona Sundogs

1/21: @ Missouri Mavericks

1/22: VS. Amarillo Gorillas

1/23: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

1/29: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

1/30: @ Missouri Mavericks

February

2/2: @ Mississippi Riverkings

2/5: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

2/6: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

2/11: VS. Tulsa Oilers

2/12: @ Amarillo Gorillas

2/13: @ Texas Brahmas

2/15: VS. Texas Brahmas

2/19: @ Arizona Sundogs

2/20: @ Arizona Sundogs

2/23: @ Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

2/25: VS. Laredo Bucks

2/26: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/27: @ Mississippi Riverkings

March

3/2: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

3/4: @ Laredo Bucks

3/5: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

3/6: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

3/10: @ Texas Brahmas

3/12: @ Rapid City Rush

3/13: @ Rapid City Rush

3/17: VS. Missouri Mavericks

3/19: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

3/20: VS. Amarillo Gorillas



Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs:

All home Games are at the Centruy Tel Center

October

10/16: VS. Laredo Bucks

10/17: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

10/23: VS. Allen Americans

10/24: @ Odessa Jackalopes

10/30: VS. Texas Brahmas

10/31: @ Mississippi Riverkings

November

11/6: VS. Odessa Jackalopes

11/7: VS. Odessa Jackalopes

11/8: @ Texas Brahmas

11/13: @ Mississippi Riverkings

11/14: VS. Rapid City Rush

11/19: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

11/20: @ Mississippi Riverkings

11/25: @ Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

11/27: @ Laredo Bucks

11/28: VS. Missouri Mavericks

December

12/1: VS. Arizona Sundogs

12/4: VS. Amarillo Gorillas

12/5: @ Texas Brahmas

12/7: @ Amarillo Gorillas

12/11: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

12/12: @ Mississippi Riverkings

12/18: @ Wichita Thunder

12/19: @ Wichita Thunder

12/20: VS. Tulsa Oilers

12/26: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

12/27: @ Allen Americans

12/30: @ Texas Brahmas

January

1/1: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

1/2: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

1/5: @ Missouri Mavericks

1/8: @ Rapid City Rush

1/9: @ Rapid City Rush

1/15: @ Colorado Eagles

1/16: @ Colorado Eagles

1/21: VS. Wichita Thunder

1/22: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

1/23: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

1/26: VS. Texas Brahmas

1/29: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

1/30: VS. Colorado Eagles

February

2/5: VS. Wichita Thunder

2/6: VS. Texas Brahmas

2/9: @ Mississippi Riverkings

2/11: @ Missouri Mavericks

2/13: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

2/14: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

2/19: VS. Tulsa Oilers

2/20: VS. Wichita Thunder

2/21: @ Tulsa Oilers

2/23: VS. Texas Brahmas

2/26: @ Allen Americans

2/27: @ Tulsa Oilers

2/28: @ Tulsa Oilers

March

3/2: VS. Allen Americans

3/5: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

3/6: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

3/7: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

3/11: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

3/13: @ Mississippi Riverkings

3/14: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

3/18: VS. Tulsa Oilers

3/19: VS. Missouri Mavericks

3/20: @ Texas Brahmas



Texas Brahmas Schedule

All Home Games will be at the NYTEX Sports Center


October

10/16: @ Colorado Eagles

10/17: @ Colorado Eagles

10/23: @ Mississippi Riverkings

10/24: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

10/30: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

10/31: VS. Allen Americans

November

11/3: @ Mississippi Riverkings

11/6: @ Amarillo Gorillas

11/7: VS. Tulsa Oilers

11/8: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

11/11: @ Allen Americans

11/13: VS. Amarillo Gorillas

11/14: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

11/19: @ Odessa Jackalopes

11/20: @ Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

11/21: @ Laredo Bucks

11/25: VS. Odessa Jackalopes

11/27: @ Tulsa Oilers

11/28: @ Allen Americans

11/29: VS. Tulsa Oilers

December

12/4: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

12/5: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

12/9: VS. Allen Americans

12/11: VS. Arizona Sundogs

12/12: @ Tulsa Oilers

12/18: @ Arizona Sundogs

12/19: @ Arizona Sundogs

12/26: @ Allen Americans

12/27: VS. Wichita Thunder

12/30: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

12/31: @ Odessa Jackalopes

Janaury

1/2: VS. Colorado Eagles

1/3: @ Laredo Bucks

1/8: VS. Allen Americans

1/9: @ Amarillo Gorillas

1/15: VS. Tulsa Oilers

1/16: VS. Arizona Sundogs

1/22: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

1/23: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

1/26: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

1/29: @ Laredo Bucks

1/30: @ Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

1/31: VS. Tulsa Oilers

February

2/5: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

2/6: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/12: VS. Laredo Bucks

2/13: VS. Allen Americans

2/15: @ Allen Americans

2/19: VS. Wichita Thunder

2/20: VS. Odessa Jackalopes

2/21: @ Wichita Thunder

2/23: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/26: VS. Corpus Christi Icerayz

2/27: @ Laredo Bucks

2/28: VS. Missouri Mavericks

March

3/4: @ Corpus Christi Icerayz

3/5: VS. Laredo Bucks

3/6: VS. Rapid City Rush

3/10: VS. Allen Americans

3/12: @ Mississippi Riverkings

3/14: VS. Laredo Bucks

3/16: @ Rapid City Rush

3/17: @ Rapid City Rush

3/20: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs



Tulsa Oilers Schedule

All Home Games are the BOK Center

October

10/16: @ Mississippi Riverkings

10/23: @ Wichita Thunder

10/24: VS. Wichita Thunder

10/27: VS. Rapid City Rush

10/30: @ Mississippi Riverkings

November

11/3: VS. Allen Americans

11/7: @ Texas Brahmas

11/10: @ Mississippi Riverkings

11/13: VS. Rapid City Rush

11/14: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

11/17: VS. Wichita Thunder

11/20: @ Missouri Mavericks

11/21: @ Wichita Thunder

11/22: VS. Wichita Thunder

11/26: VS. Missouri Mavericks

11/27: VS. Texas Brahmas

11/29: @ Texas Brahmas

December

12/1: VS. Colorado Eagles

12/4: @ Rapid City Rush

12/5: @ Rapid City Rush

12/11: @ Allen Americans

12/12: VS. Texas Brahmas

12/13: VS. Arizona Sundogs

12/18: @ Amarillo Gorillas

12/19: VS. Rapid City Rush

12/20: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

12/25: VS. Wichita Thunder

12/27: @ Laredo Bucks

12/29: @ Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

12/31: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

Janaury

1/2: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

1/3: @ Amarillo Gorillas

1/8: @ Wichita Thunder

1/15: @ Texas Brahmas

1/22: VS. Wichita Thunder

1/23: @ Wichita Thunder

1/24: VS. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

1/26: VS. Missouri Mavericks

1/29: VS. Colorado Eagles

1/30: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

1/31: @ Texas Brahmas

Febraury

2/5: @ Missouri Mavericks

2/6: @ Missouri Mavericks

2/9: VS. Colorado Eagles

2/11: @ Allen Americans

2/12: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

2/13: VS. Amarillo Gorillas

2/16: VS. Missouri Mavericks

2/18: @ Missouri Mavericks

2/19: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/21: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/24: @ Wichita Thunder

2/26: @ Missouri Mavericks

2/27: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

2/28: VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

March

3/2: VS. Mississippi Riverkings

3/5: VS. Rapid City Rush

3/6: VS. Missouri Mavericks

3/12: @ Colorado Eagles

3/13: @ Colorado Eagles

3/16: @ Amarillo Gorillas

3/18: @ Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

3/19: @ Mississippi Riverkings

3/20: @ Mississippi Riverkings