Rocky Mountain Regional Tier 1 U18 Championship

A few weeks after the Dallas Stars Elites dominated the Tier 1 State Tournament from February 10-12. Both the Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs will now move on to the upcoming Rocky Mountain Regional Championships that will take place from March 1-4 up at Big Bear Arena in Denver as the Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs at the U12, U16 & U18 levels with the opportunity to represent the Rocky Mountain Region at the USA Hockey National Tier 1 Championship that will take place in Buffalo, N.Y. from March 28 through April 1.

Unlike the Tier 2 Teams where the State Champions go straight to Nationals, the Regional is used because of the small number of teams of each state (or none at all in some states like Oklahoma & New Mexico) to use to determine who will play at Nationals. After seeing the action of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) back earlier this month, I feel that Texas should have had only one team at Regional because of the great disparity of the Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs over the last couple of years.

For instance, in addition to the U12, U16 & U18 Tier 1 Teams getting sweeped by the Stars Elites at the State Tournament; the Alliance Bulldogs U14 Tier 2 Team made it the Final only to get crushed by the Ice Jets as well. So that tells you the decline of the Alliance Bulldogs Program in recent years (But that's another story for another day).

The U18's are coming off a very strong season in the Tier 1 Elite League where they went 27-8-5 where they ran away with the Pacific Division Title winning by 16 points over the LA Jr. Kings & finished in a tie for 2nd Place with the Chicago Fury with 59 points. Even in the Tier 1 Elite League Season Finale when the Stars Elites played Victory Honda, they were leading 2-0 at the end of 2 periods before 3 unanswered goals for Victory Honda helped them win 3-2 in a 3rd period comeback. If you include all their games, they finished the regular season 32-8-5 where most recently, the Stars Elites went 3-1 during their final Tier 1 Elite League Showcase of the season in the Detroit Area with wins over the Cleveland Barons, Oakland Grizzlies & Belle Tire over the course of the Showcase.

Coming up this we as they have been drawn with the Alliance Bulldogs again during the Regional Tournament Group Stage, they will also play the Pikes Peak Miners which compete in the North American Prospects Hockey League & finished  finished 3rd in the Colorado Tier 1 League behind power houses Colorado Rampage & Colorado Thunderbirds, as well as the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes who in 4 games this season, the Stars Elites went 3-0-1 during the Tier 1 Elite League Season.

It was a series where all 4 games were close including in the first head-to-head matchup of the season on October 10 where despite not trailing for the entire game, the Jr. Coyotes were able to get the game tied on every occasion to earn a 4-4 draw. Also back in the December, the Stars Elites had to comeback from a 3-2 deficit when Brad Ferguson started a 3rd period surge where the Special Teams shined big time by scoring twice in the final 7 minutes of the game. Ferguson tied the game with 6:48 left in the 3rd period to tie it at 3-3. He also scored a an empty netter in the final seconds to win 5-3. William Clark also scored the game winner with just under a minute left to eventually put the game out-of-hand for the Jr. Coyotes

These close games should provide the team with a big confidence booster to play them in the upcoming Regional. But the team shouldn't take them lightly knowing how they have challenged them over the course of the season. They should be seen at least as a slight favorite to possibly win the group. Despite the Pikes Peak Miners finishing 3rd in Colorado, the strong Crop of Tier 1 Talent in Colorado as well as the improving North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) should prepare them well for this tournament.

Alliance will be looked as a major underdog this year after losing 4 of 5 games overall this year against the Stars Elites. As well as struggling in events like their 2 High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) Events this year in early December & Mid-January where they lost every game in those Showcases. Including getting wipped by Honeybaked 10-0 on January 15th & a 6-3 loss to the Ice Jets back on December 3rd where in a game that got away from them after the Bulldogs had the game tied at 3-3 at one point only to lose 6-3.

Other low lights of the season came back in Mid-December where during a trip to Colorado in a game against the Colorado Rampage where a 5 goal 3rd period end any hopes of upset against one of Colorado's Best Teams at the Tier 1 Level. They went on to go winless that weekend which also included a 9-1 loss against the Pikes Peak Miners & a 5-1 loss to the Colorado Rampage that weekend.

Also closer to home, saw the team tie the Dallas Oilers U18 AA Team 3-3 the weekend before the State Tournament. Even though this is part weakness' of the Alliance Bulldogs & part of the growing strength the Dallas Oilers are having in winning the U18 Tier 2 State Championship. No matter how strong a AA Team is, the AAA Team, especially a Tier 1 Team, should be a sizeable favorite no matter how good a team because of the amount of practice & Game Time differences have in the two levels. By pulling a tie against the Alliance Bulldogs AA, this should set them up well for a possible strong U18 Tier 2 Tournament Run in Michigan that starts up a month from today

In all, the U18 Tier 1 Tournament will have 8 teams divided into 2 groups of 4. Group A will feature the Colorado Powers in the Colorado Thunderbirds & Colorado Rampage as well as the Phoenix Firebirds & the Utah Regulators. While Group B will feature the Dallas Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs along with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes & Pikes Peak Miners. Each team will play once per day during the Group Stage on Thursday, Friday & early on Saturday.

The Semifinals will take place on Saturday Night with the winners playing each other for the Regional Championship Game Sunday Afternoon. The winner will move on the National Championships in Buffalo, N.Y. from March 28 through April 1 in Buffalo, N.Y. Last year, both the Stars Elites & Alliance Bulldogs advanced to the Semifinals and even were matched up against each other where the Stars Elites defeated the Alliance Bulldogs 3-2 in the Semifinals only to roughed up in the Final where they lost to the Colorado Thunderbirds 7-2 for the Regional Championship when the Tournament was in Dallas.

With Nationals on the line, expect everybody to be putting everyone on the line as a spot in Nationals is on the line and everyone else bascially planning to wrap up their season after this weekend. One of the few execptions to this rule is the Dallas Stars Elites heading up Fairbault, Minnesota to play Shattuck St. Marys the weekend of 3/17-18 that will be used as a National Championship Tune up.

If they don't quailify, they will still play but it will be looking to end the season on a high and it will have a very different tune for the Stars Elites as Shattuck will be playing their final games before the National Championship with the Stars Elites as a team will have nothing to play for.

For Alliance, any kind of big victory would be a huge achomplishment after the down season the team has had this year as they will be viewed as one of the weakeast teams in this year's Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament. Especially with them being paired in the same group as the Stars Elites after losing 4-of-5 this season. It's most likely going to be a long weekend for the Bulldogs this weekend.

Here's the Full U18 Tier 1 Regional Championship Schedule in Denver, Colorado

Group A: Colorado Rampage, Colorado Thunderbirds, Phoenix Firebirds, Utah Regulators

Group B: Alliance Bulldogs, Dallas Stars Elites, Phoenix Jr. Coyotes, Pikes Peak Miners

3/1

Colorado Rampage VS. Phoenix Firebirds  5:45 PM

Utah Regulators VS. Colorado Thunderbirds 6:00 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Phoenix Jr. Cyotes  8:00 PM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners  8:15 PM

3/2

Colorado Rampage VS. Colorado Thunderbirds  5:45 PM

Utah Regulators VS. Phoenix Firebirds  6:00 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Pikes Peak Miners  8:00 PM

Phoenix Jr. Coyotes VS. Alliance Bulldogs  8:15 PM

3/3

Colorado Rampage VS. Utah Regulators  12:30 PM

Phoenix Firebirds VS. Colorado Thunderbirds  12:45 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Alliance Bulldogs  2:45 PM

Phoenix Jr. Coyotes VS. Pikes Peak Miners  3:00 PM

SF #1: 1A VS. 2B  9:15 PM

SF #2: 1B VS. 2A  9:30 PM

3/4

Final: SF Winners  1:30 PM



Hatcher Brothers and Jeremy Roenick inducted into USA Hockey Hall of Fame

Former Dallas Stars Defensemen & Captain Derian Hatcher as well as his brother Kevin, plus one of the USA's best players from the last 2 decades in Jeremy Roenick have been officially inducted into the USA Hockey Hall-of-Fame which was on Thursday Night up in Buffalo, New York.

Derian Hatcher spent a dozen seasons with the Stars as he was with them from 1991-to-2003 while his brother Kevin was with the team with just 2 years from 1994-to-1996 during the early years when the Dallas Stars were first starting out after their move from the Twin Cities. For Stars fans, the biggest moment with both Derian Hatcher broke Jeremy Roenick's Jaw back in April of 1999.

Here's Derian Hatcher breaking Jeremy Roenick's Jaw


Here's a look at the profiles of the newest members.

Art Berglund

Derian Hatcher

Kevin Hatcher

Dr. V George Nagobads

Jeremy Roenick

Ceremony Photos


Here's the Press Release from USA Hockey

The USA Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2010 - Art Berglund, Derian Hatcher, Kevin Hatcher, Dr. V. George Nagobads and Jeremy Roenick - was formally enshrined here tonight at an induction ceremony and dinner held at HSBC Arena, home of the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. Nearly 400 people were on hand for the night's sold out celebration.

"We have a sensational class joining the US Hockey Hall of Fame tonight," said Dave Ogrean EXC. Director of USA Hockey. "I'd particulars like to think the Buffalo Sabres for hosting a great celebration."

"I want to think the selection committee that nominated and selected me for the Hall of Fame. I cherish this evening," said Berglund. "I also want to give a special thanks to USA Hockey and all the directors and members and members of the exc. committee who are here tonight."

"It is a great night for myself, my family and for everyone here," said Derian Hatcher. "I like to think the USA Hockey Hall of Fame and all of USA Hockey for making this possible. I'm truly honored. This is quite an achievement and i'm very humbled."

"This is truly an honor for me and my family to all be here on such a special night," said Kevin Hatcher. "I'd like to think the selection committee and the other inductees. To be associated with them is truly an honor. USA Hockey has been such a tremendous experience for me."

"I just don't have enough words to express my happiness and the honor I fell," said Nagobads. "I would like to think USA Hockey administration, the USA Hockey Hall of Fame committee that give me the opportunity to join this very highly distinguished group, and to my family who has been so supportive of me."

"It's real special to be here and i'm extremely humbled," said Roenick. "To go into this prestigous Hall of Fame, with the people that have come before me, it's really special. I would like to thank USA Hockey, not only for this award, but for what it has done for me. There's no way myself, Derian, Kevin, Tony [Amonte] would be here if it weren't for USA Hockey and the development it's put into its place.

USA Falls in their 2nd Game against Sweden

The USA dropped their first and only game of the Junior Evaluation Camp against Sweden 4-1 as Sweden returned the favor on the fast starts as the Americans had 6-3 and 8-3 wins in their first 2 International Games.

Chris Brown wasn't much of a factor in this game while Chris Brown took the day off in this game.

Press Release from USA Hockey: www.usahockey.com

From Lake Placid, NY: Team USA dropped a 4-1 decision to Sweden here this afternoon in its third international game of the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

The contest featured 22 of the 28 U.S. Players currently participating in the camp and auditioning for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team that will take part at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5 2011, in Buffalo NY.

"We needed to take fewer penalties," said Keith Allain, head coach of the 2011 U.S. Junior National Team. "We'll learn from today's game and see how our guys respond against Finland tomorrow."

Sweden scored three goals on consecutive power play opportunities over a three minute span in the 2nd period. They extended their lead to 4-0 six minutes into the third period with yet another goal on the man advantage.

Team USA found the back of the net midway through the third period to cut Sweden's lead to three. Patrick Wey fired a long snap shot from the blue line that slipped through traffic to the crease. Zach Budish was there to redirect the shot past the Swedish Goalie Robin Lehner.

The U.S. could not complete a comeback, however, and took its first loss of the camp. Team USA goalie Zach Gothberg made 24 saves in the loss, while Lehner turned aside 22 shots in a winning effort. The U.S. will return to action tomorrow at 4 PM EDT against Finland in the final game of the camp. A full schedule and results are below.

Game Summary

Sweden 4 USA 1 (0-0, 3-0, 1-1)

1-0 SWE: Lander (PP) (Almqvist, Paajarvi-Svensson) 5:18

2-0 SWE: Jarnkrok (PP) (Wannstrom) 5:52

3-0 SWE: Wallen (PP) (Larsson) 7:33

4-0 SWE: Cehlin (Landeskog, Fasth) 6:17

4-1 USA: Budish (Wey) 11:44


SOG: SWE 28 USA 23

Goaltenders

SWE: Lehner 22 SVS on 23 Shots

USA: Gothberg 24 SVS on 28 Shots


PP: SWE 4/10 USA 0/6

PIM: SWE 5 PEN for 12 MIN USA 12 PEN on 32 Minutes

USA Has another fast start to beat Finland at Junior Evaluation

Another game, another fast start for the American Team in New York as the 2nd game saw another great start lead to a 6-3 win over Finland. It was very similar in a lot of ways as a great comeback effort was too little, too late for the Finns to comeback from as the Americans head to 2-0 in the 4 Game Exhibition Series as they play both the Finns & Swedes twice in this series and it will last through this weekend.

Campbell had the day off and it was well deserved after beating Sweden, for Chris Brown, he had his first goal of the international series and 2nd overall in the camp after scoring once on in the Inter Squad Series earlier in the camp.

After a day off today, it's the 2nd game against Sweden which will start at 3:00 PM at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the same arena that the 1980 Olympic Team won the Gold Medal and played the Miracle on Ice Game.

Chris Brown Profile

Jack Campbell Profile

From the USA Hockey Website: http://www.usahockey.com/

From Lake Placid, NY: For the 2nd straight game, Team USA jumped out to a 4-0 lead en route to a 6-3 win over Finland here at the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

The contest featured 22 of the 28 U.S. Players currently participating in auditioning for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team that will take part in the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, in Buffalo, NY.

"I thought we displayed a lot more synergy tonight," said Keith Allian, head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. "Once again" we jumped out to a quick lead, which is something we definitely want to carry into Buffalo."

The U.S. took an early 1-0 lead with a power play goal less then three minutes into the game. Jeremy Morin collected a feed from Adam Clendening and snapped over a shot over the blocker of Jonathan Lilahti from above the left circle.

Midway through the first period, Team USA Grabbed a two goal advantage when Nick Bjugstad and buried a rebound opportunity off a shot by Justin Faulk. Chris Brown made the score 3-0 heading into the first intermission when he intercepted a pass into the neutral zone, chipped the puck over a defensemen and lifted a shot past Lilahti's glove.

Less then five minutes into the second period, Brock Nelson gave the U.S. a 4-0 lead with a tap in power play goal from the crease. Then, following a Finland goal by Julius Junttila, Chris Kreider redirected a floating wrist shot by Derek Forbort between Lilahti's pads to restore Team USA's Four Goal Advantage.

Finland cut the U.S. Lead to three again while on the two-man advantage. But Bjugstad notched his second of the game on the right side of the net with less then 10 seconds remaining in the period to give the U.S. a 6-2 lead after two periods.

Finland scored the lone goal of the 3rd period, but could not mount a comeback. U.S. Goalie Andy IIes made 18 saves in the win, while Lilahti turned aside 20 shots in the losing effort.

The U.S. will return to action Friday August 6 at 3:00 PM CDT against Sweden. A full camp schedule is below.

USA uses fast start to beat Sweden in Junior Camp Opener

The United States Started the Game Schedule of the USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp as the team is starting to begin in their preps to defend the Gold Medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships which will be in Buffalo, NY which starts the Day After Christmas. A 4 goal 1st period put the Americans over the top en route to a 6-3 victory over last year's Bronze Medalists Sweden.

Two players with Texas Ties, Dallas Stars first Round Jack Campbell and Flower Mound Native Chris Brown both made it to this point in the camp. Campbell had another strong day by stopping 24 of 27 shots while Brown was starched to make the IIHF Roster Requirements.

The Americans have 28 players at this point of the camp, but only 22 will play at a time. Each player will probably be stracthed once to meet these requirements and to rest players when needed.

Next up for the USA will be the first of two games against Finland at 3:00 PM while the Americans will play Sweden again on on August 6.

Here's the Profiles for both Players on the USA Hockey website to better track their progress during the camp.

Jack Campbell

Chris Brown

Press Release from the USA Hockey Website: www.usahockey.com

From Lake Placid, NY: The United States scored four times in the first five minutes of play en route to a 6-3 win over Sweden in its first of four international games here at the 2010 USA Hockey National Evaluation Camp.

The contest featured 22 of the 28 players currently participating in the camp and auditioning for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team that will take part in the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5 2011, in Buffalo, NY.

"I thought we had a good all-around effort," said Keith Allain, head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. "We need to improve on our systems, but this is the first time in a long time a lot of these guys have played together, and this camp will prepare us for December."

Jason Zucker got the U.S. on the board less then 90 seconds into the game when he drove to the front of the net, shielded off a Swedish Defensemen and lifted a shot past Goalie Robin Lehner.

The U.S. then crashed in on consecutive Swedish penalties, as defensemen Derek Forbort and Justin Faulk notched power-play goals with wrist shots above the faceoff circles. Charlie Coyle then scored at the 4:05 mark of the first to complete Team USA's early Scoring Spree.

Sweden trimmed the U.S. lead to 4-3 with a late first period goal and a pair of goals in the second. But Faulk's 2nd period power play goal of the game midway through the 3rd period gave the U.S. some breathing room, and Brock Nelson's late empty net goal closed out the scoring.

Jack Campbell made 24 saves in the victory, while Swedish Goalies Lehner and Fredrik Petterson-Wentzel turned aside 18 shots in the loss.

The U.S. will be back in action tomorrow at 4PM EDT against Finland. A full schedule is available is below.

Game Notes: Team USA went 3-for-11 on the power play, while Sweden was 2-for-10 with the man advantage... For a full camp schedule, including live scoring and stats from the international games, a blog, photos, videos, and rosters, click here .... All four of the remaining international featuring the U.S., Sweden and Finland will be webcast at http://usahockey.fasthockey.com The 2011 World Junior Championships will take place from Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY., and Niagara University's Dwyer Arena in Lewiston, NY. Additional info including a full prelim round tournament schedule and ticket details can be found at www.buffaloworldjuniors.com The 2011 U.S. National Junior Team will be selected in late December following a pre-tournament camp that will take place in Mid December... Keith Allain, head men's ice hockey coach at Yale University, will serve as head coach of the 2011 US National Junior Team. Allain will be assisted by Mark Osiecki, head mens ice hockey coach at the Ohio State University; Phil Housley, head boys ice hockey coach at Stillwater HS (Minn); and Joe Exter, USA Hockey's National Goaltender Coach. Mark Carlson, head coach and GM of the USHL's Cedar Rapids Roughriders, and Greg Brown assistant men's at Boston College, will also participate in Lake Placid as camp coaches. Jim Johannson is serving as the GM of the National Junior Team for the 2nd straight year, meanwhile, Tim Taylor, former US Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach and longtime Yale University Men's Hockey Team Head Coach, is also serving his second straight year as Team USA's director of player personnel.

Game Summary

Sweden 3 U.S.A. 6 (1-4, 2-0, 0-2)

0-1 USA: Zucker (Bennett, Dumoulin) 1:16

0-2 USA: Forbort (PP2) (Clendening, Nelson) 1:24

0-3 USA: Faulk (PP) (Bennett, Morin) 3:07

0-4 USA: Coyle (Palmieri, Ramage) 4:05

1-4 SWE: Lander (PP) (Larsson, Paajarvi-Svensson) 17:21

2-4 SWE: Cehlin (Norman) 7:49

3-4 SWE: Josefson (PP) (Norman, Cehlin) 11:31

3-5 USA: Faulk (PP) (Merrill) 9:41

3-6 USA: Nelson (EN) (Palmieri) 19:48


SOG: SWE 27 USA 24

Goaltenders:
Lehner (SWE) 4:05 2 Saves on 6 Shots
Petterson-Wentzel (SWE) 54:34 16 Saves on 17 Shots
Campbell (USA) 60:00 24 Saves on 27 Shots

Special Teams

PP: SWE 2/10 USA 3/11
PIM: SWE 13 PEN. for 26 Minutes USA 13 PEN. for 26 Minutes


Evaluation Camp Schedule

8/2: Sweden 5 Finland 3

8/3: Sweden 3 U.S.A. 6

8/4: Finland VS. U.S.A.

8/5: Finland VS. Sweden

8/6: U.S.A. VS. Sweden

8/7: U.S.A. VS. Finland

Derian Hatcher voted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame

Earlier this week it was made official that former Dallas Stars Defensemen and Captain Derian Hatcher will be enshrined into the USA Hockey Hall-of-Fame as a member of the 5 member class. Others joining him include Ex NHL'ers Jeremy Roenick, Derian's Older Brother Kevin Hatcher who are being enshrined.

Also joining them will be Art Berglund who has been part of international hockey for nearly five decades and Dr. V. George Nagobads who has served as the team doctor for the Minnesota Golden Gophers Hockey Team for 35 years.

Derian Hatcher played 16 seasons in the NHL and had accumulated 331 points including 251 assists. After getting drafted in 1990, he spent a majority of his career with the then Minnesota North Stars turned Dallas Stars from 1991-2003 was a major part helping out some of the Stars Greats from the early years like Neal Broten, Shane Churla and Andy Moog in helping to build and popularize the sport of hockey in the DFW Area.

He was also the first American Born Captain to win the Stanley Cup when the Stars won the Cup back in 1999. This was a major part that ending the stereotype that American Born Players couldn't lead on big time teams. After he left the Stars, he also played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers before retiring

Perhaps his most memorable moment not just in his career but in the Stars History came in the first Round of the 1998 Playoffs between the Dallas Stars & Phoenix Coyotes where Hatcher had a long suspension in the early portion of the playoffs on the road to the Western Conference Final before losing to eventual Champion Detroit before retiring in 2008.

Here's the Video:

His international presence was huge for Team USA where he was also part of the Gold Medal Winning Team that won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Tournament by scoring 5 points in that event. Hatcher was also a member of Two Olympic Teams and played in the Ice Hockey World Championships twice.

He was another major part of the USA's Golden Generation which included the 2002 Olympic Silver Medal, and helped the Americans rise at the Junior Ranks which currently includes being the defending Champions at the U20 & U18 Levels right now.

Here's a link to the Full Story and Bios of this years Class. The Induction Ceremony will be taking place in Late October in Buffalo, NY.

USA Hockey Hall-of-Fame 2010

Derian Hatcher Bio

Kevin Hatcher Bio

Jeremy Roenick Bio

Dr. V George Nagobads

Art Berglund:

Full US Junior Camp Eveluation Roster

The Evaluation Roster for the 2011 World Junior Championship is now out and once again, Chris Brown of Flower Mound, Texas has been selected again to have a shot at the team after falling at the final possible hurdle just a couple of days before last year's WJC got going in Saskatchewan, Canada where the Americans ended Canada's 5 year Gold Medal Streak in the WJC.

For Brown, last year's disappointment of not making the team should be a huge motivation for him and I would expect that he should make the team given he has another strong year for the University of Michigan.

If the Wolverines forward can improve on his 28 points in 45 games played. Which also included a strong player on the PP and had 4 game winning goals last season after having a mediocre regular season for the team, the Wolverines and shocked everyone by winning the CCHA Tournament. If they failed to win, it would have been the first time in nearly 25 years the team would have failed to make the NCAA Hockey Tournament.

His assistants include Mark Osiecki who's the head coach of Ohio State University, and Phil Housely who's the head coach of the famous Minnesota High School Program in Stillwater, Minnesota.

This year should be even more competitive as the Americans are looking to win the WJC on home ice and defending it for the first time in the tournament's history. With the group set up as the Americans have avoided all 3 main rivals in the WJC (CAN, SWE & RUS), it should give the Americans a strong chance as the USA will play Switzerland & Finland as the main rivals with Germany & Slovakia rounding out the group.

In all 44 players will make the roster of hopefuls coming from all over North America with the USNTDP, the NCAA & Major Juniors making up the majority of players of hopefuls. Even though a couple of high school players and Beau Bennett who's one of the nation's top Canadian Junior A Players playing in the BCHL also made the roster.

Watch out for Emerson Etem who's looking to be one of the most successful players to come out of California who had a great year for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League

In all 9 players are back on the roster which includes Cam Fowler who's scheduled to be one of the top defensemen, Jack Campbell who's the #1 Ranked Goalie in the Scouting Rankings for this weeks Draft that will be taking place in Los Angeles this weekend.

Of the 44 players, only 30 will make the first cut which will be taking place in November as the team will start to schedule pre tournament games and take a look at their efforts for their club teams in the first part of the season to determine who's moves on and who will be left off the team.

USA Hockey Coaching Staff for 2011 WJC: www.usahockey.com/world_junior_championships/default.aspx?id=287916

More info on the Junior Camp Roster: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_01_06&id=288578&DetailedNews=yes

Here's the Junior Evaluation Camp Roster

Goalies

Jack Campbell 6'2" 185 L Pt. Huron, Mich USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Zach Gothberg 6'1" 177 L Grand Forks, N.D. Thief Rivers HS (HS-Minn)

Michael Houser 6'1" 180 L Wexford, PA London Knights (OHL)

Andy Iles 5'8" 179 L Ithaca, N.Y. USNTDP U18 (USHL)


Defensemen

Mark Alt 6'4" 205 R St. Paul, Minn. Cretin-Derhim Hall (HS-MN)

Brandon Archibald 6'3" 200 R Pt. Huron, Mich St. Sault Marie Greyhounds(OHL)

Adam Clendening 5'11" 190 R Niagara Falls, NY USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Brian Dumoulin 6'4" 203 L Biddeford, Maine Boston College (HEA)

Justin Faulk 5'11" 195 R St. Paul, Minn. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Derek Forbot 6'4" 195 L Duluth, Minn. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Cam Fowler 6'2" 190 L Farmington Hills, Mich. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Stephen Jones 6'3" 215 R Wampum, PA USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Nick Leddy 5'11" 180 L Eden Prairie, Minn U. of Minnesota (WCHA)

Jon Merrill 6'3" 200 L Brighton, Mich. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

John Ramge 6'0" 195 R St. Louis, Missouri U. of Wisconsin (WCHA)

Philip Samuelsson 6'3" 198 L Scottsdale, Ariz. Boston College (HEA)

Jarred Tinordi 6'5" 202 L Millersville, Md. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Patrick Wey 6'2" 200 R Pittsburgh, PA Boston College (HEA)


Forwards

Beau Bennett 6'1" 180 R Gardena, Calif. Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Nick Bjugstad 6'4" 188 R Blaine, Minn. Blane HS (HS-MN)

Ryan Bourque 5'9" 166 L Boxford, Mass. Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL)

Connor Brickley 6'2" 193 L Everett, Mass. Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

Chris Brown 6'2" 194 R Flower Mound, TX. U. of Michigan (CCHA)

Zach Budish 6'3" 220 R Edina, Mass. U. of Minnesota (WCHA)

Charlie Coyle 6'2" 207 R East Weymouth, Mass. South Shore Kings (EJHL)

Jerry D'Amigo 5'11" 190 L Binghamton, NY Rensselaer (ECAC)

Emerson Etem 6'0" 198 R Long Beach, Calif. Medicine Hat Tiers (WHL)

Kevin Hayes 6'2" 201 L Boston, Mass. Noble & Greenough School (HS-Mass)

Chris Kreider 6'2" 205 L Boxford, Mass. Boston College (HEA)

Phil Lane 6'2" 194 R Rochester, NY Brampton Battalion (OHL)

Kevin Lynch 6'1" 198 R Gross Pointe, Mich U. of Michigan (CCHA)

Tyler Maxwell 5'9" 179 L Manhattan Beach, Calif Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Jeremy Morin 6'1" 196 R Auburn, NY Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Brock Nelson 6'3" 205 L Minneapolis, Minn Warroad HS (HS-MN)

Matt Neito 5'11" 182 L Long Beach, Calif. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Kyle Palmieri 5'11" 195 R Montvale, N.J. U. of Norte Dame (CCHA)

Tyler Pitlick 6'1" 196 L Centerville, Minn Minnesota State (WCHA)

Bryan Rust 5'11" 191 R Bloomfield, Hills, Mich. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Brandon Saad 6'1" 196 L Gibsonia, PA USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Drew Shore 6'2" 190 R Denver, Colo. Univ. of Denver (WCHA)

Nick Shore 6'0" 186 R Denver, Colo. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

Austin Watson 6'3" 187 R Ann Arbor, Mich. Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Steve Whitney 5'7" 168 R Reading, Mass. Boston College (HEA)

Jason Zucker 5'10" 168 L Las Vegas, Nev. USNTDP U18 (USHL)

2011 World Junior Championship Schedule & Groups

The Tournament Schedule & Groups for the 1st Round were recently announced and confirmed as the cities of Buffalo & Niagara, New York will host the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships from December 26 thru January 5 2011 as the Americans are looking to win back-to-back Gold Medals for the first time ever on American Ice (2010 was in Saskatchewan while 2004 was in Finland).

With the Groups now out, it came up all roses for the Americans were able to avoid all three of the major rivals in Junior Hockey as Canada, Sweden & Russia were bunched up in Group B along with the Czech Republic who finished 7th last year & Norway who were promoted from the U20 Division 1 Tournament by finishing 2nd behind Germany.

The Americans got lucky as Switzerland and Finland will be the teams main opponents for next year's World Juniors. The Swiss are starting to become a more dangerous team in Junior Competitions as they had one of they best years ever by finishing 4th at the WJC & 5th at the U18 World Championships last year.

Finland is looking to come back after several sour performance's in juniors in recent years. The worst performance was in 2009 when the U20 Team was in the relegation round, but hope is starting to come back as the Finns have won the Bronze Medal at each of the last two U18 World Championships.

Rounding out the group is Slovakia who barely survived relegation with a nail bit ting win over Austria and getting crushed to arch rival Czech Republic. Germany ended up winning the U20 DIV. 1 Tournament and won promotion as well.

No Ind. Tickets are on sale right now, however, if they do go on sale. They will be more expensive then the ticket packages per game that you can get either with the Gold, Silver or Bronze Packages right now.

The host arenas will be the HSBC Arena (Home of the Buffalo Sabres) and Dwyer Arena which is on the campus of Niagara University (Home of the Niagara Purple Eagles) as a majority of the games will be at the HSBC Arena. All Group A and Playoff Round Games will be played at the HSBC Arena as well as all the Group B Games involving Canada. The rest of the Group B Games and all the Relegation Round Games will be at the Dwyer Arena.

First Round Groups

Group A:
USA
Switzerland
Finland
Slovakia
Germany

Group B:
Canada
Sweden
Russia
Czech Republic
Norway


USA Group Stage Schedule (All Times are CDT)

12/26: VS. Finland 7:00 PM

12/28: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/30: VS. Germany 6:00 PM

12/31: VS. Switzerland 7:00 PM


The way it's set up for the USA, it's Taylor Made for the Americans to defend gold next season; with Canada, Sweden & Russia all beating each other up in Group B.

Hopefully the Americans should be able to control this group with relative ease and by the time the Americans reach the Knockout Rounds, hopefully either CAN, SWE or RUS will be so beat up that they may not have much left.

This is a great shot for the USA to have a shot of defending the Gold for the first time ever and winning it on American Soil for the first time.

2011 World Junior Championship Website: http://www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/

2011 World Junior Championship on Twitter: http://twitter.com/2011WorldJrs


Full Prelim Round Schedule: www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/scheduleT.asp

Full Playoff & Relegation Round Schedule: www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/scheduleP.asp


Here's the info for tickets.

Ticket Package: www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/tickets.asp

IND. Tickets: www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/ticketsI.asp

Tickets FAQ: www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/ticketsF.asp

2010-2011 International Tournament Schedule

The schedule for the 2010-2011 International Tournament Schedule is now out with the majority of the events that the USA will be taking part in. With just a few exceptions regarding tournament details and cities where a couple of the smaller tournaments will be in.

The USA is hoping to repeat a strong international season what they had in 2009-2010, which included gold medals in both the WJC & U18 World Championships, plus the Olympic Silver Medal in Vancouver.

The only major downfall was the 13th place showing at the Ice Hockey World Championships that they showed in Germany.

A couple of the major events have been known for some time, the USA will be hosting next year's World Junior Championships as the HSBC Arena in Buffalo and Niagara University in Niagara, New York will play host for the World Junior Championships next season.

Slovakia will host the Ice Hockey World Championships in the major cities of Bratislava and Kosice as Slovakia is hosting the IHWC for the first time since the breakup of Czechoslovakia in the early 90s. Slovakia is hoping that some home cooking to can help bring them success like Germany did this year.

Slovakia have missed the Quarterfinals each of the last 3 years, however, they did finish 4th in the Olympics back in Vancouver which has been their best Olympic Showing ever in the era of being an indendpent nation.

Other major events include the World Women's Championships being in Switzerland, Germany will be hosting the U18 World Championships after a successful job hosting the IHWC which just wrapped up over the weekend. Also the 4th edition of the U18 World Women's Championship will be in Sweden.

As for the non IIHF Events, the World Junior A Challenge will be back in BC as the USA looks to win the Jr. A Challenge Title for the 3rd straight year. While the U17 World Challenge will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba as a part of the Canada Winter Games next season.


Here's a look at the Tournament Schedule

2011 IIHF World Championships

Bratislava & Kosice, Slovakia April 29 - May 15 2011

Tournament Teams: Austria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA


2011 World Women's Championships

Zurich & Winterthru, Switzerland April 15-24 2011

Tournament Teams: USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Switzerland


2011 World Junior Championships

Buffalo & Niagara, New York December 26 2010 - January 5 2011

Tournament Teams: USA, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway


2011 World U18 Championships

in Germany (Cities TBD) April 14-24 2011

Tournament Teams: USA, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Canada, Germany, Norway


2011 World Women's U18 Championship

In Sweden (Cities & Dates TBD)

Tournament Teams: Canada, USA, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic


NON IIHF Events


2010 World Junior A Challenge

Penticton, B.C. November 8-14

Tournament Teams: Canada East, Canada West, USA, European Teams TBD


2011 World U17 Challenge

Winnipeg, Manitoba December 28, 2010 - January 4, 2011

Tournament Teams: Canada Atlantic, Canada Pacific, Canada Ontario, Canada Quebec, Canada West, USA, European Teams TBD

Southlake Carroll Dragons at HS Hockey Nationals

The newly created HS Hockey National Championships will be getting underway tomorrow in Chicago as the Southlake Carroll Dragons will represent Texas as the Dragons will be going up against the Nations best to fight it out and to be crowned the nations first HS Hockey National Championships. After Southlake clinched the State Championship with a win over the Allen Eagles on back on March 28.

In addition to Allen, the Dragons beat Fair/Creek of the Houston Area in the QFS, then in the Semifinals, it was revenge as the Dragons beat the Coppell Cowboys who beat them in the Metroplex Semifinals earlier that week.

Southlake has a boat load of talent which includes the Offensive trio of Marcel Toure, Drew Cossu and Connor Morrow who combined for nearly 130 points during the regular season. The playoffs continued that trend as the goal streak continued during the Metroplex Playoffs plus the State Tournament.

On Defense, Shane Piggott was named the D/FW Defensemen of the year who can beat you both major ways. He can hit and transport the puck, but on offense has the ability to join the attack and be a scoring threat.

After having 22 points during the regular season (8G 14A). During the playoffs, his ability turned much more defensive as the Dragons went through the playoffs. However, when the team goes up against the best in the country. Theirs no doubt that they will need Piggott to be a threat on offense when needed.

In net are Will Talkington & AJ Smith who have been splitting time this season and both goalies had GAA of just over 2.00 and have sv% of just under 89% during the regular season. Talkington took over the goalie position in the post-season as he had a .933 SV% during the post season which averages out at around 91% for the post-season (Both Metroplex Playoffs & State Tournament).

Overall the Dragons are stocked with talent and should be looking to Texas proud and have a shot of advancing out of the Group Stage to have a shot of possibly winning the National Championship which begins tomorrow in Chicago.

Southlake Carroll has been placed in a group with teams from Illinois, Colorado & Pennsylvania. With all 3 states known for having great hockey, Southlake Carroll will have a tough road to the national Championship. But it has proven to take on tough tasks of all kinds during the season.

The Dragons begin against New Trier (Illinois), with the state of Illinois hosting the tournament, expect a huge crowd for the two host teams for this event. Next up on Thursday is Brophy of Colorado, the State of Colorado was able to get 2 teams in the event due to USA Hockey National Rankings. Finally, the Dragons will wrap up the group stage against Shaler Area of Pennsylvania which could be the make or brake game depending on the standings.

In all 24 teams will be playing in the tournament. In order to advance to the Quarterfinals, Southlake will either need to win their group, or be one of the top 2 Group Runner Ups.

If the Southlake Carroll Dragons provide Game Stories, I will post them on the site throughout the tournament.

Here's the Southlake Hockey Website: www.southlakehockey.com


Here's some of the other rules of note during this tournament.

Offside- High School Rules- Tag Up

3 Minute Wram Up

17 Minute Periods

Ice Cuts before each game and after 2nd period

Overtime rules and ties will follow USA Hockey National Tournament Rules.


Southlake Carroll Nationals Schedule

4/14: Southlake Carroll VS. New Trier (Illinois 2) 5:00 PM

4/15: Southlake Carroll VS. Brophy (Colorado 2) 4:00 PM

4/16: Southlake Carroll VS. Shaler Area (Pennsylvania) 5:00 PM


American Bracket


Group A1

JSerra (California)

Grandview (Colorado 1)

Loyola (Illinois 1)

John Jay (New York)


Group A2

Brophy (Colorado 2),

New Trier (Illinois 2),

Southlake Carroll (Texas),

Shaler Area (Pennsylvania)


National Bracket

Group B1

Marquette (Missouri)

St. Thomas Aquinas (Florida)

Lakota East (Ohio)

Woodbridge (Virginia)


Group B2

Norte Dame (Arizona)

Fishers/HSE (Indiana)

Des Moines Capitals (Iowa)

Monroe (Wisconsin)


International Bracket

Group C1

North Gwinnett (Georgia)

Skyline Idaho (Idaho)

Allen (Tennessee)

Skyline Utah (Utah)


Group C2:

Huntsville (Alabama)

St. Xavier (Kentucky)

Tulsa Union (Oklahoma)

Fort Dorchester (South Carolina)


Here's the Link to the Full Schedule: www.oswebs.com/usah/public/dir.asp?dir=rpt&lg=USA+Hockey+National+High+School+Championship&k=-1&t=5

2010 Team USA U18 World Championship Roster

The roster for Team U.S.A. for this year's IIHF World Championship was revelled back on March 31 as the Americans are looking to defend their title that they won in Fargo, N.D. and Morehead, Minnesota last year. This season's World U18 Championship will be taking place in Minsk and Bobruisk in Belarus from April 13-23. Since the U18 World Championship was started by the IIHF in 1999, the Americans have won this tournament 4 times throughout the event's history.

All the games between the local time in Belarus and the Central Time Zone is 8 hours so it may be a bit difficult to cover some of the games, especially when they play early in the day. Also no Southwest Based players have made the roster for this year's tournament, not even Collin Jacobs of the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) who's from Coppell, Texas made it.

My Analysis: Despite the weak season the USNTDP had during the United States Hockey League Regular Season. USA Hockey has for the most part gone with a roster that's heavy on talent from the USNTDP during the entire history of this event since its creation back in 1999. The results speak for themselves as they have gold 4 times in this event's history and has walked out with a medal in 7 of the last 8 years.

For the goaltenders, look for Jack Campbell has a ton of international experience including winning the World Junior Championship earlier this season and last year's U18 World Championship as a backup by playing a couple of games as well.

Defense wise they going with size with 5 of the 7 defense being at 195 pounds or more and a couple of players that are expected to be great puck mover including Adam Clending who had 17 points and a +16, so he's expected to help set up of the top forwards like Matthew Nieto and Austin Czarnik who lead the team this season with 29 and 28 points, even though they played just 24 and 26 games during the season. Keep in mind that the U17 & U18 NTDP's play half of the schedule which is a part of the USHL Regular Season.

One forward that's expected to bring the hits is Matthew Rust who's one of the more physical forwards and can make some of the faster teams like Russia and Finland a hard time of opposing defense's to make a run on the team.

Overall, it's going to be much tougher this year with Russia looking for revenge after the U.S.A. ran away with the Final in the 3rd period. Also with teams like Belarus & Latvia looking to impress and avoid relegation, they will be playing their heart's out early on to get in a spot to keep their spot and to play well on home ice.

The Americans will be in the tougher group to start out the tournament as the Americans will play Canada who almost knocked out the Americans in the Semifinals last year. Also the Swedes are looking to get back it in after finishing 5th last year. Rounding out the Group is Switzerland and Tournament Host Belarus.

I expect the Americans to win a Medal again, but with the Americans winning gold 3 times in recent years, the opposition will be eager to knock them off. I don't have the feeling that the Americans will defend the Gold again this year. I think a team like Canada or Russia will edge them out this year.

Group B will be headed by Russia and Finland as the Silver & Bronze Medalist from last year. Joining them will be the Czech Republic and Slovakia who will be looking to avoid the relegation Round. Rounding them out will be Latvia who fought off a tough challenge from Austria and Denmark to win promotion last year.


Here's a look at the roster and schedule plus the team press release from USA Hockey.

From the USA Hockey Website: http://www.usahockey.com/

From Ann Arbor, Michigan: USA Hockey today announced the 22 man roster for its 2010 U.S. Men's National U18 Team that will compete at the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's U18 Championship from April 13-23 in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus.

Highlighting the roster are five returnees from the National Under 18 Team that captured Gold at the 2009 IIHF World Men's U18 World Championship in Fargo, N.D. and Moorhead. Minn. Goaltender Jack Campbell (Port Huron, Michigan), who was named to the Media All Star Team at last year's event, will return between the pipes. Defensemen Adam Clendening (Niagara Falls, NY) and Jon Merrill (Brighton, Michigan) and forwards Matthew Nieto (Long Beach, California) and Jason Zucker (Las Vegas, Nevada) will also be competing in their 2nd IIHF World Men's U-18 Championship.

In addition, Campbell and Zucker were also part of the U.S. National Junior Team that won the Gold Medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships in Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan in January.

Team U.S.A. will carry seven defensemen at the 2010 IIHF World Men's U18 Championship including clendening, Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minnesota), Derek Forbort (Duluth, Minnesota) Stephen Jones (Wampum, Pennsylvania), Merrill, Frankie Simonelli (Bensenville, Illinois) and Jarred Tinordi (Millersville, Maryland).

Nieto and Zucker highlighted the group of 13 forwards, which also included Bill Arnold (Needham, Mass.) Chase Bailey (Fullerton, California) Tyler Biggs (Cincinnati, Ohio) Connor Brickly (Everett, Mass.) Austin Czarnik (Washington, Michigan) Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, California) Luke Moffatt (Paradise Valley, Arizona), Bryan Rust (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) Brandon Saad (Gibsonia, PA), Nick Shore (Denver, Colorado) and Austin Watson (Ann Arbor, Michigan).

Team USA will be backstopped by goaltenders Campbell and Andy Iiles (Ithaca, NY).

The U.S.A. Men's National U18 Team will open the tournament play against the Sweden on April 13 at Bobruisk Arena at 7:00 PM Local Time (11 AM CDT). Team U.S.A. Full Schedule can be found below.


Team U.S.A. Notes: The U.S.A. Men's National U18 Team will be lead by head coach Kurt Kleinendorst, who will be participating in his first IIHF World Men's U18 Championship. John Wroblewski, Tam Taylor, Joe Exter and Cole Bassett will serve as assistant coaches for Team U.S.A. Twenty of the 22 players on Team U.S.A.'s roster come from USA Hockey's National Team Developmental Program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Connor Brickley plays for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League, while Austin Waston plays for the Peterborough Petes (OHL). The Roster includes 20 players born in 1992 and two from the 1993 birth year. Forward Tyler Briggs, born April 30, 1993 is the U.S.A.'s youngest player while goaltender Jack Campbell, born Jan. 9, 1992 is the oldest. Biggs and Rocco Grimaldi were part of the U.S.A National U-17 Team that captured the 2010 U-17 World Hockey Challenge title in Timmins, Ontario, in January. The United States captured medals at a record 6 straight IIHF Men's U18 World Championship (Gold in 2005, 2006, 2009 Silver in 2004 and 2007 Bronze in 2008). Additionally, no other country has more gold medals then Team U.S.A. since the IIHF World Men's U-18 World Championship was created in 1999. In addition to the United States, the tournament includes Tournament Host Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden and Switzerland. Team U.S.A. will play two pre-tournament games against Belarus and Slovakia in Bobruisk and Soligorsk, Belarus.


Here's a look at the Tournament Groups and Team U.S.A. Pre Tournament and Group Stage Schedule.

Group A in Bobruinsk: U.S.A., Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Belarus

Group B in Minsk: Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia


Team U.S.A. Pre-Tournament and Group Stage Schedule (All Game Times are Local Time and CDT)

4/8: VS. Belarus 6:00 PM/10:00 AM @ Soligorsk*

4/10: VS. Slovakia 5:00 PM/9:00 AM @ Bobruisk*

4/13: VS. Sweden 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk

4/14: VS. Switzerland 3:30 PM/7:30 AM @ Bobruisk

4/16: VS. Canada 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk

4/18: VS. Belarus 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk


*Pre Tournament Games


Team U.S.A. Roster

Goalies

1. Jack Campbell 6'2" 185 1/9/92 Port Huron, Michigan USNTDP U18

29. Andy Iles 5'8" 179 1/30/92 Ithaca, N.Y. USNTDP U18


Defensemen

5. Adam Clendening 5'11" 190 10/26/92 Niagara Falls, N.Y. USNTDP U18

27. Justin Faulk 5'11" 193 3/20/92 South St. Paul, Minn. USNTDP U18

3. Derek Forbot 6'4" 195 3/4/92 Duluth, Minn. USNTDP U18

28. Stephen Johns 6'3" 215 4/18/92 Wampum, PA. USNTDP U18

15. John Merill 6'3" 200 2/3/92 Brighton, Michigan USNTDP U18

17. Frankie Simonelli 5'10" 187 10/29/92 Bensenville, Ill. USNTDP U18

24. Jarred Tinordi 6'5" 202 2/20/92 Millersville, MD USNTDP U18


Forwards

10. Bill Arnold 5'11" 217 5/13/92 Needham, Mass. USNTDP U18

13. Chase Balisey 5'10" 170 2/2/92 Fullerton, Calif. USNTDP U18

4. Tyler Biggs 6'2" 202 4/30/93 Cincinnati, Ohio USNTDP U17

20. Connor Brickley 6'2" 195 2/25/92 Everett, Mass. Des Moines, Buccaneers (USHL)

18. Austin Czarnik 5'7" 155 12/12/92 Washingon, Mich. USNTDP U18

21. Rocco Grimaldi 5'6" 157 2/8/92 Rossmoor, Calif. USNTDP U17

7. Luke Moffatt 6'0" 179 6/11/92 Paradise Valley, Ariz. USNTDP U18

19. Matthew Nieto 5'11" 191 11/5/92 Long Beach, Calif. USNTDP U18

12. Bryan Rust 5'11" 191 5/11/92 Bloomfield Hills, Mich. USNTDP U18

22. Brandon Saad 6'1" 196 10/27/92 Gibsonia, PA. USNTDP U18

23. Nick Shore 6'0" 186 9/26/92 Denver, Colo. USNTDP U18

14. Austin Watson 6'3" 171 1/13/92 Ann Arbor, Mich. Peterborough Pets (OHL)

16. Jason Zucker 5'10" 168 1/16/92 Las Vegas, Nev. USNTDP U18

Reamining 2009/2010 International Events

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games now over with, the U.S.A. is looking to continue it's momentum where the Americans have won medals in nearly every major tournament its entered in this season. It started back in November where the Americans won the World Junior A Challenge in Prince Edward Island.

Then the Americans had a gold rush just after the New Years Holiday with winning both the U17 World Challenge in the Central Ontario City of Timmins. Then a couple of days, it was ending the Canadian Domination of the World Junior Championship in Saskatoon Saskatchewan by winning only the nations 2nd ever World Junior Championship Gold Medal as the Americans look ahead to hosting the WJC in New York State next season.

As for the rest of this season, pretty much all of the non IIHF Events are done with for the year. Most of the main attention will come into play as we have 3 Major IIHF Events left this season.

Starting with the World Junior Women's Championship where the U.S.A. has won both of the first 2 Championships in Calgary, Alberta and Fussen, Germany in the tournaments first 2 years.

As you would expect for most Women's Events, Canada will be the main challenger, but they has been some surprises as the Czech Republic has been able to reach the Bronze Medal Game in the events first 2 years in the tournaments short history (Bronze in 2008, 4th Place in 2009). Which is a good sign for the Women's Game as the Czech National Women's Team is in the WWC Division 2 Level right now.

Also, a bit of a surprise of when Switzerland was relegated to this years Division 1 Tournament. They have been seen as the main challenger in Europe to Sweden and Finland in some Women's Events in recent years.

For the first time, the U.S.A. is going to host the World Junior Women's Championship in Chicago this season in late March and early April. Usually this event is held in February, but was pushed back due to the Winter Olympics.

For the U18 World Championship, the U.S.A. is the defending champions here as a dominating game over Russia delivered the U18 World Title as the Americans look to defend the title which will be in Belarus this season.

After finishing 2nd in the Group Stage where Group B ended in a 3 way tie between Russia, the U.S.A. and Finland. The Americans crushed the Czech Republic in the Quarterfinals and held off Canada in the Semifinals after trailing 1-0 at the 2nd intermission to win 2-1 in the 3rd period. Then when the Final came against Russia, where the game was never in doubt where the Americans won 5-0.

This year the U18 World Championship is in Belarus and with teams like Belarus, Latvia and Russia looking to impress this year in front of large home crowds they looking for. Expect another tough battle for Young American Team looking to defend the U18 Gold.

Finally the international season wraps up with the IIHF World Championship in May which will be in Germany. With the Americans finishing in 4th last season in Switzerland, this is the only IIHF Event where the Americans are looking to improve to get on the medal podium this season.

To start the tournament this year, they will be in a part of a World Record Attempt against the Tournament Host Germany at the home of the German Soccer Giants FC Schakle that will look to bring in 75,000 fans in the city of Gelsenkirchen. After the Opening game, the Americans will play Northern European Hopefuls Finland and Denmark who's looking to improve after barely avoiding relegation last year.

With the Americans holding medals in nearly every major tournament over the last calender year. The Americans players at all ages will look to keep the momentum as we go through the later stages of the season to bring home more hardware from the worlds biggest hockey events.

Here's a look at what's left in store for the remaining events for the 2009/2010 International Hockey Tournament Season.

2010 World Junior Women's Championship

Dates and Location: March 27-April 3 in Chicago

Arena: Seven Bridges Arena

Teams and Format

Group A: U.S.A. (Defending Champions), Czech Republic, Finland, Japan (Promoted from 2009 WJWC DIV 1)

Group B: Canada, Sweden, Germany, Russia

The 8 teams will start in 2 groups of 4 playing a round robin format. Then after the Round Robin, the Group Winners will advance automatically to the Semifinals, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will cross over and play each other.

The Winners will advance to play the Group Winners in the Semifinals will the QF Losers will play each other for 5th and 6th place in this tournament. After the Semifinals, the Winners will play each other for Gold while the Losers will play for the Bronze Medal Game.

In the Relegation Round, the 4th Place Teams will play a best of 3 series where the winner will finish 7th and keep their spot for next season, while the loser will finish 8th and will be relegated to Division 1 for the 2010/2011 season.


2010 U18 World Championship

Dates and Cities: April 13-23 in Minsk & Bobruisk, Belarus

Home Arenas: Minsk Palace & Bobruisk Arena

Teams and Tournament Format

Group A: U.S.A. (Defending Champions), Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Belarus (Promoted from 2009 U18 DIV 1)

Group B: Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia (Promoted from 2009 U18 DIV 1)

Tournament Format: After the Round Robin where each team plays 4 games. The top 3 teams advance to the Knockout Rounds where the Group Winners will automatically advance to the Semifinals.

While the 2nd and 3rd Place Teams will cross over for the Quarterfinals, the winners will advance to play the Group Winners in the Semifinals, while the QF Losers will play for 5th and 6th place. The SF Winners will advance to play for Gold while the Losers play for the Bronze Medal.

In the Relegation round, the 4th and 5th place teams will play the other 2 teams from the opposing groups. The game between the 4th and 5th place teams will carry over and will be part of the Relegation Round Robin. After the Relegation Round, the 1st and 2nd place teams will finish 7th and 8th and keep their spots for the 2011 U18 World Championship.

While the 3rd and 4th place teams will finish 9th and 10th, and they will relegate to the 2011 U18 Division 1 Tournament.

2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship

Dates & Cities: May 7-23 in Cologne, Mannheim, and Gelsenkirchen in Germany

Home Arenas: LANXESS Arena, SAP Arena, Veltins-Arena

Teams and Format

Group A: Russia (Defending Champions), Belarus, Slovakia, Kazakhstan (Promoted from 2009 IHWC DIV 1)

Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Latvia, Italy (Promoted from 2009 IHWC DIV 1)

Group C: Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway, France

Group D: Finland, U.S.A., Germany, Denmark

Tournament Format: The Tournament opens with the 4 1st round groups where the top 3 move on to the 2nd round to form 2 groups of 6. (Groups A & D Combine to make Group E), (Groups B & C Combine to make Group F). In the 2nd Round, the teams will cross over and will carry over the standings from the 2 teams that they advanced to the 2nd Round, while the matches against the 4th place team is dropped.

After the 3 2nd Round Games are finished, the top 4 teams will advance to the Quarterfinals where it becomes a single elimination format to determine the champions. For the 2nd Round, the Groups cross over again where E1 will take on F4, E2 takes on F3 and etc.

The winners play each other in the Semifinals, where the winners will play for Gold, while the losers play for Bronze Medals.

In the Relegation Round, the 4 4th place teams will play a Round Robin Format where the results are thrown out from the Prelim Round. After the 3 game Relegation Round Robin is over, the top 2 teams will finish 13th and 14th, and will keep the spots for the 2011 IHWC tournament. While the 3rd and 4th place teams will finish 15th and 16th, and will be relegated to the Division 1 IHWC Tournament for next season.