WHL Championship Game 2: Calgary contuines to Smoother Tri-City to win 4-1

It was another dominating performance for the Hitmen are half way through to the League Championship as the Hitmen had a 4-1 win over the Americans on Saturday Night. Unlike the spectacular ind. performances on Friday Night, it was a strong team defense that kept the Americans to 22 SOG during the game, including to just 13 in the first 2 periods.

Joel Broda has continued his strong post-season run with his 13th goal of the season to open the scoring midway through the 1st period. However it was early in the 2nd period with Cowan and Kosterman scoring in just over a minute apart early in the 2nd period to basically put the game away as the Hitmen turned into a defensive mood to shut down the Americans to get the win.

Now the series shifts to Kennwick, Washington as the Americans are looking to a strong home crowd to inspire them help them comeback and to reverse these 2 games were they outscored 11-1 in the 2 games so far in the WHL Final.

From the Western Hockey League Website: www.whl.ca

From Calgary, Alberta: Rookie Peter Kosterman's first career WHL Goal stood as the winner as the Calgary Hitmen downed the Tri-City Americans in Game 2 of the 2010 WHL Championship Series on Saturday Night in Calgary, AB.

The win gives the Hitmen a 2-0 lead over the Americans in the best-of-7 series final. The Hitmen blanked the Ams 7-0 in the opening game back on Friday Night.

Joel Broda, Del Cowan and Tyler Fiddler - with a goal and an assist - also scored while Brandon Kozun chipped in two assists for the Hitmen, who out-shot the Americans 30-13 through two periods and 41-22 in the contest. Martin Jones made 21 saves to record his 30th career playoff victory.

Johnny Lazo scored 4:34 into the 2nd period for the Americans, ending a 146 minute and 37 second scoreless drought versus Martin Jones, dating back to the 2008-09 regular season. Drew Owsley stopped 12 of 15 shots faced his way through 25:53 of action before giving away to Alex Pechurskiy, who turned aside 25 of 26 shots the rest of the way.

The Americans will host the Hitmen for Games 3 and 4 as the best-of-7 WHL Championship Series Continues Tuesday & Wednesday in Kennewick, Washington.


Calgary Hitmen Leads Series 2-0. Game 3 will be on Tuesday Night in Kennwick, Washington.

Tri-City Americans 1 Calgary Hitmen 4 (0-1, 1-2, 0-1)

0-1 CGY: Joel Broda (Nyren, Schultz) 10:11 1st

0-2 CGY: Peter Kosterman (Fiddler, Royer) 2:40 2nd

0-3 CGY: Del Cowan (Stone, Kozun) 3:53 2nd

1-3 TRI: Johnny Lazo (Toll, Shinnimin) 4:34 2nd

1-4 CGY: Tyler Fiddler (Kozun) 17:06 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TRI 22 CGY 38

PP: TRI 0/7 CGY 0/4

PIM: TRI 32 Minutes on 9 Penalties CGY 25 Minutes on 11 Penalties

Goalies: TRI Drew Owsley 12 SVS on 15 Shots Alexander Pechurskiy 22 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 10049

3rd Star: Alexander Pechurskiy (TRI)

2nd Star: Giffen Nyren (CGY)

1st Star: Ian Schultz (CGY)

USHL Clark Cup Final Game 2: St. Clair & Allen come up Big again to give the Force a 2-0 Lead.

Colten St. Clair & Garrett Allen both came up big again with a goal each as the Force sweep the first 2 games in Green Bay with a 4-1 win over the Gamblers to go up 2-0 and be one win away from the teams first ever League Championship.

Despite getting out-shot 15-6 in the first, the Force stormed back with a late 1st period goal by Colten St. Clair with 5 minutes left in the first period to make it 1-0. then it was where the 2nd period started getting crazy as the game started to get a bit chippy.

No fights or anything like that, but the resulted in a ton of power-play time for both teams, however, neither side was able to take advantage that much until midway through the game to make it 3-1.

After going down 3-1, the Gamblers were looking to comeback and tie the series. But it was to no avail as Force goalie Ryan Massa continued to hold firm in the 3rd period. Gamblers goalie Steve Summerhays had a strong showing as well. But no one was able to crack the opposing goalie. This is where Massa took it in his own hands in the final minute as he fired to clear the puck that ended up going in to give the Force the 4-1 win to go up 2-0 in the Best-of-5 series.

This puts the Force in great shape to clinch the League Championship on Friday as the team can win the team's first ever Clark Cup Title with a single win on either Friday or Saturday Night.

Game Story from the United States Hockey League Website: http://www.ushl.com/

It was a new game but the same story as goaltender Ryan Massa stole the show by making 31 saves and even added to the scoring column by firing a shot the length of the ice into an empty net as the Fargo Force won Game two of the USHL Clark Cup Finals.

Colten St. Clair started the scoring in the first period for Fargo as he netted a goal for the 2nd straight night. Despite being out-shot 16-6 in the first period, Fargo went into the break up 1-0. Green Bay Goalie Kevin Albers gained some early momentum in the 2nd period as a shot from the point and give the Gamblers their first goal of the game.

Fargo didn't falter as they regrouped and again took the lead on the first goal of the playoffs by John Stampohar. A little more then three minutes later, Garrett Allen tallied his 4th of the playoffs, which extended his scoring streak to five games and give the Force a 2 goal lead at 3-1.

The Gamblers had their chances, but rang a couple of shots off the post and had a third period goal waived off that was directed in by a high stick over the crossbar. Fargo was solid defensively again on the road, including killing off all six power play opportunities by the Gamblers. Massa sealed the win with just a minute remaining in the contest when he accomplished the rare feat by a goaltender by scoring a goal himself.

Southwest Players Watch

Chase Grant: No Points in the Game but had 4 SOG with a +1 in the game. No Penalties in the game for him but was big blocking shots in the game, especially on the Special Teams.

Johnnie Searfoss: Searfoss had 3 SOG in the game. No PIM or points scored in the game but had a close call in the 3rd period of this one that could have put the game away for good for the Force.

Here's a link to the Game 2 Highlights from the Clark Cup Championship. www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3236


Postgame Reaction

Fargo Force Head Coach Steve Johnson on winning twice on the Road.

"We can probably say we didn't expect that, but we are happy and excited about it. We had a rough first period, but the guys responded better. We had a little luck on our side with Green Bay hitting a couple of pipes, but just like last night, we got better as the game went on.


Johnson on the play of Force Goalie Ryan Massa

"We talked about it before, but he has been really solid for us all year and he is going to have to continue because we know Friday night will be extremely tough. We expect Green bay to play as good as they can on Friday Night. We have been doing a real good job with the penalty kill and it starts with our goaltender. He has to be your best penalty killer and he has been."


Johnson on his team responding after Green Bay scored the first goal.

"That was probably the turning point of the game because we responded really well to them scoring and did a little better job in our end and got to more loose puck. It woke us up and we got our feet moving."


Fargo forward Colten St. Clair on being up 2-0 in the Series.

"It feels really good. We came in hoping to get a split because Green Bay are a great team, so two wins is just awesome."


St. Clair on his scoring touch in the Finals.

"I was kind of struggling earlier in the playoffs so it feels really good to put the puck in the net a couple of times here. Hopefully it can give some momentum and carry that into the next game."


Force Goaltender Ryan Massa on the Game 2 Victory.

"I got my fair share of bounces, but it was all the right things again tonight. We won the loose pucks, blocked shots, won faceoffs, and really paid attention to detail tonight and that is making us successful."


Massa scoring a goal

"I have always dreamed about that to be honest. I have never had that opportunity before. I wasn't aiming, I just threw it down the ice and wanted to get it out of the zone, and fortunately it went right down the middle. I didn't really conduct myself very sportsmanlike and represent what the USHL is all about after I scored. It's not what I'm about, not what the Fargo Force is all about, and made a bad choice. I apologize for that, but it does feel great to score a goal."


Fargo Defensemen Eammonn Mcdermott on winning two games in Green Bay.

"We believe in ourselves but we never expected to have that kind of success, but we will take it."


Mcdermott on the play of goaltender Ryan Massa.

"He has always been awesome and is the reason we are playing so well. He keeps us in the game to give us a chance. He has half the amount of goals that I do this year (Then Laughs).


Mcdermott on the Force going 6/6 on the Penalty Kill

"Everyone was sacrificing, blocking shots, and getting pucks out of the zone. Everyone was doing what it takes. Green Bay didn't get many seconds chances, which is nice."


Green Bay Gamblers Head Coach on what he expects for Game 3.

"I expect us to come out on Friday Night ready to play. I am glad their is a week break. We can brush off the bad hockey karma we had going for us in this series."


Cooper on goals that were disallowed

"I think the officials made the right calls. You get those type of calls maybe once a month, and to get 3 in one night is just the way things have gone for us in this series."


Cooper on his team's chances to overcome a two game deficit in this series.

"We won 45 games during the regular season and we have won 6 games in the playoffs, which is more wins then a lot of teams have in one season in this league in the 30 years it has been around. If there is any team that can do it, it's the one in our locker room. Whatever you do, don't count them out."


Fargo Force Lead Series 2-0. Game 3 is on Friday Night in Fargo, North Dakota.


Game Boxscore

Fargo Force 4 Green Bay Gamblers 1 (1-0, 2-1, 1-0)

1-0 FAR: Colten St. Clair (Schmidt) 14:45 1st

1-1 GBG: Kevin Albers (Jensen, Mccadden) 0:47 2nd

2-1 FAR: John Stampohar (Rehkamp) 6:00 2nd

3-1 FAR: Garrett Allen (PP) (Leitner) 9:16 2nd

4-1 FAR: Ryan Massa (EN) (Unassisted) 19:00 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: FAR 31 GBG 32

PP: FAR 1/3 GBG 0/6

PIM: FAR 29 Minutes on 13 Penalties GBG 23 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: FAR Ryan Massa 31 SVS on 32 Shots GBG Steve Summerhays 27 SVS on 30 Shots

ATT: 4022

3rd Star: Nick Jensen (GBG)

2nd Star: Kevin Albers (GBG)

1st Star: Ryan Massa (FAR)

5/2 Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

2 games in both the NHL & AHL took place yesterday as most of the matchups were able to even up their series at 1-1 as the Canadians will look to continue their Giant Killer ways in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs as after a strong Pittsburgh PP doomed them in Game 1.

After Brian Gionta scored late in the first period, a pair of goals by Cammalleri made the difference in the 2nd & 3rd periods to tie the series at 1-1. Montreal looks to continue their winning ways at home as Game 3 will be on Tuesday Night for an important Game 3.

San Jose saw another showing by Joe Pavelski as he scored two more goals in the 4-3 win to takes him to 9 goals for the playoffs. This is the 3rd straight game where he has scored in this year's playoffs and already has 3 game winners.

Ryan Clowe and Joe Thorton also got goals in this game as the Sharks move to 2-0 in the series and are disparately looking to get their giant playoff monkey off their back this season. Detroit will need to look to its strong home ice advantage as they hope to comeback in this series.

The AHL is seeing a very exciting series in the North Division as the Hamilton Bulldogs tie the North Division Final against Abbotsford with a 3-1 win as this could be one of the best series in the 2nd round. Expect this series, the Atlantic Division Final between Worcester & Manchester.

Finally we have had two OT Games between the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Series as the Stars look liked that time was not on their side on this day. But Warren Peters goal with less then minute left to force OT.

Then Brent Krahn got busy as he hoped to help the Stars get a 2-0 series lead, but it was Wolves Winger Anthony Stewart who scored his 2nd of the day and his 6th of the playoffs to tie the series at 1-1. So far through 2 games, they has been very busy as both games have gone to OT and it could easily be 2-0 to either side right now as both games have been very very close in the West Division Final.

As for the Full Game Stories and Boxscores, look for the OHL Game 3, QMJHL Game 2, WHL Game 2 and the USHL Game 2 Stories as those games have been played over the weekend. Also the IHWC gets underway on Friday as the Americans will take on this year's IHWC Host Germany as they look to possibly break a world record for biggest hockey crowd for a single game. Plus Game 2 of the AHL West Division Final of the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves.

5/2

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadians 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 1 (1-1, 1-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030212

Game Recap: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030212

Series Tied 1-1, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Montreal.


Detroit Red Wings 3 San Jose Sharks 4 (2-2, 1-0, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030232

Game Recap: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030232

San Jose Leads Series 2-0, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Detroit.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Abbotsford Heat 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (1-2, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007298

Abbotsford VS. Hamilton Game Story: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-pull-even-with-3-1-win-over-heat-p142482

Series Tied 1-1, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Abbotsford, B.C.


Look for the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game Story & Boxscore.

Garrett Stafford's OT Winner gives Stars Series Opener in Chicago

A back-and-fourth game help kick off what should a great series in the West Division Finals in Chicago on Friday Night. The Stars never trailed in this one, but it wasn't out a fight as the Wolves were able to comeback from every one goal lead the Stars had in the game. Including Jamie Benn's 4th goal of the playoffs as he has been doing a strong job of helping the Stars offense is this year's Calder Cup Playoffs. Benn also got an assist on the Game Winner to give the stars the Series Opener.

Colton Sceviour & Francis Wathier also scored in the Game as both players scored their first goals of the playoffs while Brent Krahn knew he would be tested more then against Rockford. But he was still very solid as he stopped 32 of 35 shots in the Game 1 win. While Wolves goalie Peter Mannino stopped 24 of 28 shots despite the loss.

This is a clear indicator that we are going to expect a very close series throughout. Don't be surprised to see at-least a couple of OT Games mixed in and possibly some multi OT Games as well in this series. The winner of this series will play the North Division Final Winner between the Hamilton Bulldogs & Abbotsford Heat.

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Chicago, Illinois: The Texas Stars defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in OT in front of 3576 fans at the Allstate Arena. Defensemen Garrett Stafford scored a power-play goal 2:22 into the 1st Overtime to give the Stars the 4-3 victory. The Stars now lead the best-of-7 series 1-0. Texas Goalie Brent Krahn made 32 saves in the teams fifth straight playoff win. Rookie forward Jamie Benn scored and assisted on the Game Winner in OT for the Stars.

Colton Sceviour and Francis Wathier also scored as Texas improved to 3-0 on the road in the playoffs. Chicago Goalie Peter Mannino suffered the los with 24 saves. Wolves forward Anthony Stewart, Joey Crabb and Jason Krog each scored in the defeat. Game 2 of the West Division Final is Sunday Afternoon at 3:00 PM.

For their fifth straight playoff game, the Stars opened the scoring with Corey Sceviour capitalized off a Chicago Turnover at 6:34 of the 1st period. Winger Scott Mcculloch sent a pass in behind of the Chicago Net. The Puck bounced off Wolves Forward Greg Stewart to the crease and Sceviour worked a back-handed shot past Chicago Goalie Peter Mannino for the 1-0 lead.

The Wolves countered just 53 seconds later, as defensemen Artus Kulda centered the puck pass from the Left-Wing Texas corner to the crease. Captain Jason Krog redirected the pass between the legs of Texas Goalie Brent Krahn for his third goal of the playoffs. Krog's goal came at 7:27 and closed out the first period at 1-1.

The Stars claimed the second lead of the night, scoring just 1:43 into the 2nd period. Texas worked the puck along the blue-line and defensemen Maxime Fortunus blasted a shot to the Chicago net. Left Wing Francis Wathier tipped the shot past Manninio for his first goal of the playoffs and a 2-1 Texas Lead.

The Wolves countered at 6:36 with the first power-play goal of the series. Defensemen Nathan Oystrick worked the puck down the right-wing and snapped a pass to the Texas Crease. Camped out in-front of the net, Anthony Stewart redirected the puck past Texas Goalie Brent Krahn for his Fourth goal of the playoffs and to tie the game at 2-2.

Texas took its third lead of the game just 16 seconds of the 3rd period. Stars forward Jamie Benn collected a rebound off a Dan Jancevski shot and snapped in half with his 4th goal of the playoffs to give a 3-2 Texas lead. The Wolves answered late off a face-off in the Stars Zone. Forward Joey Crabb stole the puck from a Stars defender and snapped a quick wrist shot past Brent Krhan for the 3-3 tie with 5:35 left in regulation.

In overtime, the Stars took advantage of their foruth power-play goal of the night after Chicago Captain Jason Krog was whistled for high sticking 1:06 into the extra period. The Stars capitalized with 43 seconds left on the extra-man advantage. Defensemen Garrett Stafford ripped a shot from the point that blistered through traffic and into the back of the Chicago Net for the 4-3 OT Win.


Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Playoff Update:

Game 1, Texas Stars 4 Chicago Wolves 3 (OT)

Game 2, 5/2: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 3:00 PM

Game 3, 5/4: Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/5: Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/7: Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM*

Game 6, 5/9: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 3:00 PM*

Game 7, 5/11: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM*

*If Necessary

Texas & Chicago continue the West Division Final at Allstate Arena schedule for May 2 at 3:00 PM. The best-of-7 series will then shift to the Cedar Park Center for Games 3 & 4. The Stars will host the Wolves on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 PM for Game 3. Texas will also host the Wolves for Game 4 on Wednesday May 5 at 7:30 PM. Then on Friday If Necessary will be at the Cedar Park Center on May 7 at 7:30 PM.

Chicago will host Games 6 & 7 if they are needed. Game 6 will be on May 9 then Game 7 would be on May 11. The Winner of the Texas VS. Chicago Series would play the North Division Final Winner between the Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Abbotsford Heat.

To purchase a Calder Cup Playoff Package, which offers fans for all 16 possible home games. fans may call 512-go-stars. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interestred may call 512-go-stars. Ind. tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any Ticketmaster outlet or the Cedar Park Box office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com


Texas Stars Lead Series 1-0


Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 4 Chicago Wolves 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 1-0)

1-0 TEX: Colton Sceviour (Mcculloch, Wilson) 6:34 1st

1-1 CHI: Jason Krog (Kulda, Sterling) 7:27 1st

2-1 TEX: Francis Wathier (Fortunus, Hutchinson) 1:43 2nd

2-2 CHI: Anthony Stewart (PP) (Oystrick, Crabb) 6:36 2nd

3-2 TEX: Jamie Benn (Jancevski, Gagon) 0:16 3rd

3-3 CHI: Joey Crabb (Anderson) 14:25 3rd

4-3 TEX: Garrett Stafford (PP) (Benn) 2:22 OT


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 28 CHI 35

PP: TEX 1/4 CHI 1/3

PIM: TEX 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties CHI 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Brent Krahn 32 SVS on 35 Shots CHI Peter Mannino 24 SVS on 28 Shots

ATT: 3576

3rd Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

2nd Star: Joey Crabb (CHI)

1st Star: Garrett Stafford (TEX)

Huge Nights by Cook & Reaney put Rush on the Brink of the Presidents Cup

Huge night by Brendan Cook & Les Reaney with 4 points each put the Rush within 1 win of the team's first ever CHL Presidents Cup Title as they lead the Rush on an offensive explosion as the Rush had balanced scoring with 2 goals in each of the 1st & 3rd periods. Along with a 3 goal 2nd period to lead the Rush to a 7-2 win in Game 5 down in the D/FW Area. This puts the Rush in great position going back to South Dakota for the final time this season.

Despite going down 2-0 in the first 7 minutes, the Americans responded well to make it 2-1 with a goal by Justin Bowers and then Colton Yellow Horn tied the game late in the first. But that was as close the Americans got in this one as the Rush scored his first 2 of the playoffs that eventually lead to a hat trick. While Les Reaney scored his 2nd of the night to make it 5-2 in the 2nd as Chris Whitley and the Americans had no answers on this night as they suffered the biggest loss of this year's post-season.

Whitley was pulled after 2 periods. However, backup goalie David Mckee couldn't do much better as he gave up 3rd period goals to Brendan Cook & Derek Leblanc to make it a 7-2 final score.

Rapid City goes back to South Dakota in great shape as a single win will give them the Championship. While Allen will need to win on Tuesday & Friday for Games 6 & 7 to bring the Championship to the Dallas Area.

The Americans have shown they can play, during the 2 regular season games, the Americans were 1-1 as both games were one goal games. Then in Games 1 & 2 of the playoffs, Allen won Game 1 4-1 while Rapid City won Game 2 5-4 in OT. So they have shown to play well in South Dakota early on in the Finals Series.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

From Allen, Texas: The Allen Americans lost tonight to Rapid City in front of a sell-out crowd of 6,003 at the Allen Event Center on Saturday Night. The Rush have a 3-2 series lead in the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals. The Club will travel to Rapid City for Game 6 on Tuesday and Game 7 on Friday if needed.

Rapid City scored the game's first two goals before the Americans fired back with two of their own. Rush forward Derek Campbell opened the scoring at 3:10. Five Minutes later, Les Reaney hit a puck sitting on the goal line to make it 2-0.

At 9:10 of the first period, Justin Bowers snapped a wrist shot from the high slot past Rapid City Backstop Danny Battochio to cut the visitor's lead in half. Forward Colton Yellow Horn was next light the lamp. He totally came with 3:57 remaining in the opening frame on the power play. The score was tied at 2-2 at 20 minutes.

Rapid City put three more goals on in the 2nd period. Brendan Cook scored the first of two at 4:03 and 10:33. His second was on the power play. Then, Les Reaney picked up a tally with 3:02 left in the frame. Even though Allen hounded the Rush Cage, the club could not find the back of the net. Rapid City had a 5-2 advantage heading into the 3rd period.

Allen Replaced Chris Whitley in net with Goalie David Mckee to start the 3rd. Cook secured a hat trick just 47 seconds into the final frame after netting his 3rd goal. Derek Leblanc scored Rapid City's last goal of the night just 3 minutes later to make the final score 7-2.

Whitley made 10 saves on 15 shots, while Mckee stopped 5 of 7. Battochio recorded 24 saves this evening to get the win.

Tonight's contest marked the last home game of the team's first season in Allen. Game six will take place on Tuesday, May 4, in Rapid City at 7:35 PM. If Necessary, Game 7 will be Friday, May 7, at 8:05 PM. Boston Pizza in Mckinney will be hosting a Team Watching Party for fans on Tuesday Night.


Rapid City Leads Series 3-2

Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 7 Allen Americans 2 (2-2, 3-0, 2-0)

1-0 RPC: Derek Campbell (Reaney, Bostock) 3:10 1st

2-0 RPC: Les Reaney (Cook, Jarvis) 7:32 1st

2-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (Fairbarn, Whelan) 9:10 1st

2-2 ALN: Colton Yellow Horn (PP) (Benn, Bowers) 16:03

3-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (Campbell, Grimson) 4:03 2nd

4-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (PP) (Wray) 10:33 2nd

5-2 RPC: Les Reaney (Bostock) 16:58 2nd

6-2 RPC: Brendan Cook (Reaney, Wray) 0:47 3rd

7-2 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Pelle, Hansen) 4:23 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 22 ALN 26

PP: RPC 1/7 ALN 1/6

PIM: RPC 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties ALN 16 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 24 SVS on 26 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 10 SVS on 15 Shots David Mckee 5 SVS on 7 Shots

ATT: 6003

3rd Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

2nd Star: Les Reaney (RPC)

1st Star: Brendan Cook (RPC)

CHL Championship Game 4, Rapid City uses 3 goal 2nd period to tie series

Early goals by Allen Americans All-Stars Justin Bowers & Bruce Graham in the first 3 minutes wasn't enough as the Rush came-back to score 3 goals in the 2nd period which included goals from Derek Leblanc and Brandon Hodge who have been there time-and-time again for the Rush all post-season long to get the Rush a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd period.

Then in the 3rd, it was Jon Pelle who ended a goal scoring drought that goes back to the middle of the Conference Semifinal Series against the Missouri Mavericks.

Both goalies had very strong nights as Whitley had 35 saves despite losing in an ability to at-least keep the Americans of having a shot of taking a 3-1 series lead and having a chance of winning the championship at home.

As for Rapid City's Danny Battochio he had 27 saves to get the series tied to make Game 5 a huge tipping point in the series as the Best-of-7 final would go back to Rapid City for the final time this season for Game 6 which is on Tuesday Night. If a Game 7 & Championship Decider is needed, it would be on Friday Night to ultimately decide who will win the 2010 CHL Presidents Cup Championship.

Rapid City is hoping to use this Game 4 success to maybe head back up to South Dakota up 3-2 on Saturday Night. While Allen wants to end the home season on a high as a win would put them on the brink of a championship in their teams first season in league history.

Despite the 4-2 score, a huge scrum broke out with 1:12 left in the 3rd period where several fights and even abuse of officials was seen to end what was a very exciting Game 4 of the League Championship Series.

From the Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com

From Allen, Texas: The Americans dropped Game 4 tonight 4-2 to the Rapid City Rush at the Allen Event Center. The Rush tied the best-of-7 Ray Miron Presidents Cup Finals 2-2.

The Americans scored early, taking advantage of two power play opportunities. Justin Bowers struck first off a pass from Bruce Graham at 2:43 of the 1st period. Graham lit the lamp with a wrist shot from the high slot 29 seconds later that unleashed a defining roar from the crowd. Allen protected the 2-0 lead throughout the rest of the 1st period.

Rapid City scored two straight goals to tie the game by 12:12 of the 2nd period. The first Rush goal came from Derek Leblanc, while the 2nd was a power play goal right after a 5-on-3 man advantage expired. This one belonged to Brendan Lodge. Four minutes later, the Rush's leading scorer, Les Reaney, gave Rapid City its first lead in Allen. The period ended with a 3-2 Rush Advantage.

The Americans attempted a comeback in the third period, but the players had to kill off a two minute 5-on-3 advantage for Rapid City at 10:20. The Rush scored 20 seconds into the power play when Jon Pelle hacked the puck in past Whitley to bring the score to 4-2. The game contuined to the 18:48 mark when a scrum broke out. The Ref accessed 12 penalties from the stoppage. The game that ended with the 4-2 final score for the Rush to tie the series at 2-2.

Americans rookie Netminder Chris Whitley broke three records tonight. He now has played the most minutes by a goalie in the post-season with 1066, has the most appearances in a single post-season with 18 and has the most saves with 536.

Whitley ended the night with 35 saves tonight, while Rush backstop Danny Battochio stopped 27 shots. Both teams ended the night with two power play goals.

The Championship Series continues in Allen Tomorrow night with Game 5. The 7:30 PM Contest will be the last of the Americans inaugural season. To show the club's appreciation to all its fans, the Americans and the Allen Event Center are offering $2 Hot Dogs and $2 Beers. The first 5,000 fans will receive Red Americans T-Shirts in an effort to Red-Out the Rink.

Additionally, the first 2000 fans will receive free thunder sticks, and they will be a fan-fest beginning at 5:30 PM. Festivities include bounce houses, interactive gaming areas, balloon artists, a rock climbing wall and so much more.

Tickets are available by calling 972-912-1000, going to www.allenamericans.com or stopping by the Allen Event Center Box Office. The Box Offices are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Monday through Saturday. Fans interested in multiple game packages are encouraged to speak with Allen Americans representative savings off walk-up prices at 972-912-1000.


Series Tied 2-2

Game Boxscore

Rapid City Rush 4 Allen Americans 2 (0-2, 3-0, 1-0)

0-1 ALN: Justin Bowers (PP) (Graham, Yellow Horn) 2:43 1st

0-2 ALN: Bruce Graham (PP) (Benn, Musitelli) 3:12 1st

1-2 RPC: Derek Leblanc (Flamminio, Wray) 9:21 2nd

2-2 RPC: Brendon Hodge (PP) (Grimson, Wray) 13:12 2nd

3-2 RPC: Les Reaney (Cook, Fritshaw) 17:10 2nd

4-2 RPC: Jon Pelle (PP) (Hodge, Grimson) 10:39 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RPC 39 ALN 29

PP: RPC 2/8 ALN 2/6

PIM: RPC 33 Minutes on 11 Penalties ALN 70 Minutes on 16 Penalties

Goalies: RPC Danny Battochio 27 SVS on 29 Shots ALN Chris Whitley 35 SVS on 39 Shots

ATT: 5693

3rd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

2nd Star: Brendon Hodge (RPC)

1st Star: Danny Battochio (RPC)

WHL Championship Game 1: Calgary Hits often for 7-0 Win

A huge start for the Hitmen as Calgary is looking for redemption after losing in Last year's Final to Kelowna with a 7-0 win over the Tri-City Americans in Calgary on Friday Night. The 7 goal firing squad was lead by Misha Fisenko and Matt Mackenzie who each scored twice in the game. Despite the Americans best efforts, Martin Jones was able to get his 2nd shutout of the playoffs with a 26 save performance.

The Hitmen are off to a great start and will be looking to make it 2-0 at home on Saturday Night.

From the Western Hockey League Website: www.whl.ca

From Calgary, Alberta: Martin Jones made 26 saves to record his 2nd shutout of the 2010 WHL Playoffs as the Calgary Hitmen skated to a 7-0 win over the visiting Tri-City Americans in Game 1 of the 2010 WHL Championship Series on Friday Night.

Matt Mackenzie and Misha Fisenko each scored twice - with his 10th of the playoffs - Brandon Kozoun and Cody Beach also scored for the Hitmen, who scored 4 goals on 11 shots in the first period in the series-opening win. Del Cowan, Michael Stone, and Ben Wilson each added two assists.

Drew Owsley allowed four goals on nine shots in the first 10:52 of the game before giving way to the Americans back-up goaltender, who made 11 of 13 saves the rest of the way in the loss for the Tri-City Americans.

The Hitmen and Americans will go at it again in Game 2 of the WHL Championship Series on Saturday Night in Calgary.


Calgary Leads Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Tri-City Americans 0 Calgary Hitmen 7 (0-4, 0-2, 0-1)

0-1 CGY: Cody Sylvester (Schultz, Stone) 6:08 1st

0-2 CGY: Matt Mackenzie (PP) (Shattock, Stebner) 9:12 1st

0-3 CGY: Matt Mackenzie (PP) (Foucault, Bubnick) 10:01 1st

0-4 CGY: Misha Fisenko (Cowan, Stone) 10:52 1st

0-5 CGY: Brandon Kozoun (Fisenko, Wilson) 5:28 2nd

0-6 CGY: Mish Fisenko (Cowan, Kozun) 19:20 2nd

0-7 CGY: Cody Beach (Fiddler, Wilson) 15:12 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TRI 26 CGY 23

PP: TRI 0/5 CGY 2/4

PIM: TRI 23 Minutes on 6 Penalties CGY 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: TRI Alexander Pechurskiy 11 SVS on 14 Shots Drew Owsley 5 SVS on 9 Shots

ATT: 10980

3rd Star: Martin Jones (CGY)

2nd Star: Matt Mackenzie (CGY)

1st Star: Misha Fisenko (CGY)

USHL Clark Cup Final Game 1: 2nd Period Goals by Allen & St. Clair give Force the Shutout Win

A great 35 save performance which gave the Force their first shutout of the playoffs along with 2nd period goals by Garrett Allen & Colten St. Clair gave the Force a 2-0 win and taking the opener on the road in Green Bay Wisconsin as the Force will look to upset the top seeded Gamblers for the USHL Clark Cup Championship this season. Last Season, the Force won Game 1 against the Indiana Ice before losing the next 3 and losing the Final in 4 Games. Force fans are hoping that doesn't happen to them again.

Despite the loss against the Force, Green Bay Goalie Steve Summerhays were able to keep the Gamblers in the Game for good chunks for good parts of it and the defense limiting the Force's shots at time to just 23. But Green Bay powerful offense which has the likes of Anders Lee, Ryan Furne and William Kessel couldn't find an answer after Force goals in just over a minute made the difference in Game 1.

Game 2 will be taking place on Saturday Night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

From the United States Hockey League Website: www.ushl.com

From Green Bay, Wisconsin: Goaltender Ryan Massa stopped all 35 shots he faced, including 19 in the 2nd period to post the 2-0 shutout as Fargo struck first in the Clark Cup Finals gaining a key victory in Game 1.

The first period was a goaltending duel as Massa and the Gamblers netminder Steve Summerhays turned away everything that came their way and the teams entered the dressing room after 20 minutes in a scoreless tie.

Both goalies shinned in the 2nd period as well, but Fargo finally solved Steve Summerhays as Garrett Allen jammed home a rebound to give the Force a 1-0 lead. The third goals of the playoffs for Allen also provided to be his 3rd game winner of the post-season. Just over a minute later, the Force kept the momentum going on Fargo's side by scoring his first goal of the playoffs and making it a 2-0 advantage.

Green Bay wasn't able to generate much in the 3rd as the Fargo defense clamped down and allowed just 3 shots on goal and finished off the win in the first game of the best-of-5 series.

The teams meet again in less then 24 hours at the Resech Center in Green Bay.

Southwest Player Watch

Chase Grant: Even though Grant had no points. He was busy he was blocking some shots in the Game and had some great chances as well. He had 4 SOG with a +1, he also stayed out of the penalty box last night.

Johnnie Searfoss: He was also very busy, even though initially he wasn't credited with an assist, he was later on after further review and had just his 3rd point of the playoffs. He also had a +1 with NO SOG and had a minor penalty for interference late in the game.

Postgame Reaction.

Fargo Force Captain Chase Grant on Winning Game 1.

"That was huge. We wanted to get the first game of the series and we got out there and got it tonight.


Grant on Force Goaltender Ryan Massa

"He was unbelievable. He single-handily won the game for us."


Grant on hanging on despite getting out-chased early on.

"That has kind of been our playoff run so far. Teams might get more chances then us in a period, but have been able to get a few bounces our way, keep the puck out of our net, and hang around with the other team."


Fargo Force Head Coach Steve Johnson on the win.

"We got a bounce or two tonight, but we'll take it. I Thought we got better as the game went on. In the 3rd period we took care of the puck better and weren't as sloppy in our zone. But they (Green Bay) are a tough team to play against because they have big bodies in the offensive zone, they protect the puck, and they support it. It makes all five guys in the defensive zone really accountable. We know we will get Green Bay's best game tomorrow night."


Johnson on goaltender Ryan Massa

"Ryan has been really consistent and solid all year. He is a guy that makes it look easy at because he is in good position and controls the rebounds."


Fargo Force Goaltender Ryan Massa getting the Win.

"They (Green Bay) are a great team, - a complete team from the crease out and it was really our job to come out in and keep playing the way we have been playing and do all the little details. Win more faceoffs, block shots, stay disciplined and work hard. We were successful tonight because we did those things."

Massa on getting the shutout.

"My defense blocked a lot of shots in front of me tonight and deserve a lot of credit. A shutout isn't just a goaltenders great game. The forwards did their job backchecking, the defensemen did their job blocking shots, getting the puck out and clearing rebounds. My responsibility is to keep the team in it and if there is a zero on the scoreboard at the end of the night, that's great, but we really just wanted to come in here and get a win. We will enjoy it for about 10 minutes or so and then we are all business for tomorrow night."



Fargo Force Lead Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Saturday Night.

Game Boxscore

Fargo Force 2 Green Bay Gamblers 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

1-0 FAR: Garrett Allen (Leitner) 14:13 2nd

2-0 FAR: Colten St. Clair (Searfoss) 15:20 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: FAR 23 GBG 35

PP: FAR 0/3 GBG 0/4

PIM: FAR 21 Minutes on 9 Penalties GBG 19 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: FAR Ryan Massa 35 SVS on 35 Shots GBG 21 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 3466

3rd Star: Colten St. Clair (FAR)

2nd Star: Garrett Allen (FAR)

1st Star: Ryan Massa (FAR)

Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

With the rest of the leagues across North America in or near the Championship Series. I'm going to do provide updates on just the National Hockey League & American Hockey League for the rest of the season. With all the Junior League Championships in Their League Finals.

Plus events like the Memorial Cup and the Ice Hockey World Championships on the horizon, i'm going to start providing a lot more Full Boxscores and Game Stories as we crown champions in different leagues across North America.

4/30

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadians 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 6 (1-2, 1-2, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030211

Pittsburgh Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Sunday Afternoon.


5/1

Philadelphia Flyers 4 Boston Bruins 5 (OT) (0-2, 2-1, 2-1, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030221

Boston Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Monday Night


Vancouver Canucks 5 Chicago Blackhawks 1 (2-0, 3-0, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030241

Vancouver Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Monday Night


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

4/30

Worcester Sharks 0 Manchester Monarchs 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007278

Worcester VS. Manchester Game Story: http://theahl.com/bernier-monarchs-roll-to-2-1-series-lead--p142456

Manchester Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 is on Saturday Night.


Look for the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 1 Game Story.


5/1

Worcester Sharks 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (1-0, 0-2, 2-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007279

Worcester VS. Manchester Game Story: http://theahl.com/sharks-battle-back-to-even-series-p142476

Series Tied at 2-2, Game 5 is on Wednesday Night

Puck Podcast: 5/1 Episode

On this weekends episode of the Puck Podcast, Eddie and Doug talk about the end of an exciting 1st Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A surprise coaching announcement and debate on two more controversial rulings from the National Hockey League. Plus Finalists for the NHL's MVP Award and for Coach of the Year.

Puck Podcast Website: www.puckpodcast.com

May 1 Episode: www.puckpodcast.com/puck-podcast-may-1-2010