Ryan Stastny's 2 Goals nip the Stars 2-1

Q&A with Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk

With Nieuwendyk just starting his 2nd season as GM, he's looking to help his team comeback along with head coach Marc Crawford. But with limited resources due to the ownership situation, and to comeback after releasing Modano and Turco this off-season. He's got a lot to prove if he wants to take this team back to the playoffs with a lot of young talent like Benn, Eriksson and Neal.

Plus a few unknowns like Jeff Woywitka and Kari Lehtonen looking to overcome an injury stigma that's plagued him through most of his career and having to help get support from Andrew Raycroft when he is playing as the backup goaltender.

During this Q&A, Nieuwendyk and Steve Hunt of FSN Southwest talk about the status of Jere Lethinen, the new contracts of players like Nicklas Grossman, heading to PEI for the opening of training camp. The success of players like James Neal and Jamie Benn last year, the teams top prospects like Scott Glennie and who will be the new face of the franchise since Mike Modano left the team over the summer.


Here's the Q&A by Steve Hunt of FSN Southwest

FSN: What is the latest with Jere Lehtinen?

JN: His status is still up in the air. I met with him the other day. He's been back for a couple of weeks now, His kids are in school. He's not exactly sure what he wants to do?


FSN: How do you view the pieces you've added this offseason?

JN: I'm excited about it to be honest. It goes back during the year with the acquisition of Kari Lehtonen and then with drafting Jack Campbell and having Tyler Beskorowany turn pro. Now, we've got a real solid stable of goaltenders and we realized how important that position is. That kind of transpired over the course of last season into the summer, I'm pleased. I think you have got to know Adam Burish and talk to people who knew him in Chicago, he's going to prove a valuable player for us. He's going to bring a lot to our locker room and he plays with a lot of energy, a lot of passion. One of the things I've got to try and become is a little bit more difficult team to play against, especially in the bottom group of forwards. He'll certainly provide that for us. We added Andrew Raycroft, another goaltender that gives us experience. He's had a lot of success over his NHL Career and really gives up a lot of protection in many ways.


FSN: Do you think Scott Glennie could make the team or he is more likely headed for another year of Junior?

JN: Well, we'd like for him to come in and we've expressed that message to come in with the expectation of making the team. I think that's the mentally we're looking for him to come in with. We're not a team with a lot of right shots and it's an opportunity for him. Realistically, I think the likelihood will that he'll probably end up back in Juniors because they are a lot of experiences to go through Juniors as well like the World Junior Championship and things like that. Either way, its going to be a terrific season.


FSN: Talk about opening Training Camp in Prince Edward Island (PEI) this season.

JN: I know as a player and talking to our players, they really enjoy the experience of getting right away with training camp. We used to go to Colorado for years. It's a way for guys to kind of bond and really focus on what needs to get done. To go to a place like Prince Edward Island (PEI), there are some passionate hockey fans there. So they're really excited about us coming up there. Even though we're only going to be three days, they'll be three extremely productive days. Things happen for us right away because we go there for three days and then were right into preseason play.


FSN: How excited are you and the rest of the organization with the success of Jamie Benn and James Neal had last year?

JN: That's one thing that I have stated here, that we have a number of good young players that were excited to go forward with. Because of their early success, it doesn't mean it's going to be here every year. I think those players realize the hard work involved. Nobody expected Jamie Benn to make our hockey club and have the type of season that he had. He's not going to fool anybody around the league this year. I think the experience of him going down to play for our farm team in Austin was a real beneficial experience for him to go down there, play that kind of playoff hockey environment where he was kind of a targeted guy. So he got a taste of what is liked to be keyed on.


FSN: Discuss how important it was to get an extension for Nicklas Grossman.

JN: His progression has been on the rise. Even though he doesn't give you a lot of offense, he's going to give you an honest effort every night. He's lugging more minutes year-by-year and turning into a solid top four defensemen paired with Stephane Robidas. They have good chemistry together. He is a high character guy that's a team first guy. He's going to do everything that's best for the team. He's a solid player.


FSN: Can fans expect to see more of a Marc Crawford style of hockey this year compared to last year?

JN: I think so, I think now that Marc has a year under his belt, he's extremely excited to get going in year two. He has a better feel for the players. There is an adjustment period, not only for the players adjusting to the coach, but the coach adjusting to the players. I think were putting the players in the roles that we feel comfortable with. It was a challenge in some ways to make sure that everybody was feeling the love and getting their ice-time last year. I think now with Mike Modano moving to Detroit and that situation in itself, we'll be able to allocate the minutes a little more effectively in Marcs Mind.


FSN: How important is it for this year's team to start much better then last year's squad?

JN: I think that's definitely a key. You look at Phoenix last year. They put a lot of points into the bank early and when they did have a slump here and there [they were fine]. That's always true for any team . If you can put those points in the bank early, it's key. Offensively we know were going to be able to do some things with the players and personnel they have. The two areas we need to improve on are Goals against. The biggest component of that Kari Lehtonen. It looks like he's poised to have a good season. The other area is the penalty kill. We've got to do a much better job on the penalty kill. We're pretty disciplined team where we don't take a heck of a lot we've certainly but we've certainly go to do the job when it comes to penalty kill.


FSN: Is Brad Richards the new face of the franchise?

JN: I haven't really looked it at that way. I don't know if we have on individual that's really going to be the face of the face. You can point to a number of people that are important people, Brad Richards being one of them along with Brendan Morrow. Stephane Robidas portrays what we like our Dallas Stars to be, that hardworking mentality. I think it's a little unfair to put it one guy. In the case of Mike Modano, he was that one guy no doubt about it. He was here for two decades and I think everybody and I think everybody identified not only hockey in the state of Texas but here with Mike Modano. I don't think it would be fair to put that tag on somebody else.

Q&A With Oklahoma City Barons Goalie Bryan Pitton

Austin Smith Profile on Inside College Hockey

As the College Hockey Season is now just getting underway. Joe Gladziszewski of Inside College Hockey mostly takes a look at up-and-coming players for his Segment entitled College Hockey A-to-Z. But he takes a look at some of the superstars who are looking to make their way to the NHL as well.

Recently, here's his look at D/FW Native and Dallas Stars Prospect Austin Smith as he enters his Junior Year with an improving 4th Place Finish during the regular season, but unfortunately came up short in the Conference Tournament after losing in the Quarterfinals after earning a bye in the opening round.

Before last year started, I thought that he would probably need his entire time in the NCAA before he could have a shot of making his professional debut. But if he has another strong year, I think he could seriously have a shot of making his Pro debut this season with the Texas Stars (AHL) to show the Dallas Stars Org. that he is closer then ever before to making the National Hockey League and to be the first Texan to make the NHL.

Either way, expect another great year for the Raiders star forward to take over his team to become a strong leader for the Raiders this season.

Colgate Ice Hockey Website

Austin Smith Colgate Profile

Here's Joe Gladziszewski of Inside College Hockey

Key Stats: Smith led the Raiders in scoring as a sophomore with 41 points on 16 goals and 25 assists. Six of his goals came on the power play and three were game winners. He took just 10 minor penalties last season. That backed up a breakout freshman campaign in which he had 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points. He hasn't missed a game in his career, suiting up 73 times for Colgate.

What he Does: Austin Smith isn't the type of guy you would likely find in this Inside College Hockey A-Z series because we generally try to id. emerging players, and it could strongly be argued that Smith is a proven Star in ECAC Hockey. He was recently voted to preseason All ECAC Hockey Teams by Coaches and the Media, and is a draft pick for his hometown Dallas Stars.

The Bigger Picture: Though he was a big producer for Colgate right from the start, it's Clarey his time to shine now that David Mclntyre has moved on. Smith is ready to take that challenge and will feature prominently for the Raiders. He won't be alone, as the likes of Brian Day, Francois Brisebois and Robbie Bourdon are also back for Colgate.

Austin Smith on the Upcoming Season: "I think we have a very good team and we're a lot deeper then people give us credit for. Our expectations are going to get in the top four of the league and a playoff bye and find a way to get into the NCAA Tournament. Whatever it is by getting a bid or winning the Conference."

Which AHL Team will have the Best Season

With the American Hockey League season starting up last weekend. Their's just a couple of days left to answer the poll question on which of the 4 Southwest AHL Teams will have the best season. With the Texas Stars looking to defend the AHL Western Conference Title and looking to have another shot at the Calder Cup.

In addition to the Stars is Oklahoma City whos looking for similar success in their first season as they look to have one of the deepest teams that the Edmonton Oilers AHL Affliate that they have had a long time. They looking to forget their time in Springfield, Mass. as they were among the league's bottom feeders while the they affliated with the Springfield Falcons.

Houston & San Antonio are looking to return after finishing 6th and 7th in the West and with new head coaches and some aggressieve moves getting new players. Both teams are looking to shake up the West Division this season and return to the post-season this year.


Only a couple days left to vote, Which AHL Team will have the best season this year?

Houston Aeros

Oklahoma City Barons

San Antonio Rampage

Texas Stars

Be sure to vote and leave your comments. Either on my site or on my Twitter Page

Wenatchee Wild acquire Tyler Hope

Dallas Loses Preseason Opener 4-2 to Tampa Bay

I usually don't put much into the preseason opener, but from experts like Mike Heika & Mark Stepenski are saying what's true. The Stars have a lot of work to do from getting out-shot 31-19, looked a bit sloppy and need to-do a lot to come together and field a strong team on the ice this season.

One more big thing was the crowd, very sparsely attended some thought that as little as 3,000 were at the AAC last night. I know it's just the first preseason game, but with the departure of Mike Modano & Marty Turco, plus the uncertainly of Jere Lehtinen's status this season. Combined with not making the playoffs back-to-back and starring at a 3rd straight playoff year and uncertain ownership.

This team has the strong possibility of going downhill very quickly and could easily be the worst year since the Stars moved from Minnesota back in 1993. Unfortunately, I wish fans would look at the strong play of some of the top prospects like Philip Larsen and Aaron Gagnon as they look to make the NHL, but I have a feeling it will henge on how the Ownership situation goes throughout the season.

However, some of the positive notes from last night's game include Larsen & Gagnon scoring, great contribution's from players like Hildenblacht, Wathier & Colton Sceviour who are looking to make an impact and make the team this season as they look to make their NHL Debut's this season after strong careers either in Juniors, the NCAA, the AHL and in Europe.

Here's a look at some links from Mike Heika & Mark Stepenski as they put their thoughts from last night's game against Tampa Bay.

Mike Heika's Game Points

Marc Crawford Quotes

Mark Stepenski Post-Game Thoughts

Stars VS. Lightning Game Photos


Tampa Bay Lightning 4 Dallas Stars 2 (1-0, 1-0, 2-2)

Dallas Stars Game Recap by John Tranchina

From Dallas, Texas: Hockey is Back!

In the first action of the 2010-2011 season, two goals by Adam Hall led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday Night at the American Airlines Center.

Trailing 2-0 going into the third period, the Stars mounted a valiant comeback effort, as young roster hopefuls Aaron Gagnon and Philip Larsen scored goals, but in the end, the Lightning came out on top.

Following a three day immersion of training camp in PEI, Canada the Stars returned to the Metroplex Monday and quickly started their six game exhibition season with some rust to be worked out.

Still, Coach Marc Crawford was encouraged by some of what he saw in his clubs first effort of the year, which typically has a tendency to be a bit sloopy.

"There were some positive things in the game for us - I liked the way we got after it in the third period," Crawford said. "I liked the way we fore-checked. We got a good work effort tonight from some people. Maybe our execution wasn't a high level, but we got a good working effort. I was semi-pleased with what we were looking to evaluate. Obviously, your execution, you'd want that to be at a higher level."

This contest also featured the first chance to take a look at the battle for the Stars backup goaltender job, with both Andrew Raycroft and Brent Krahn coming up with some pretty good performances.

"It was a saw-off," Crawford said of the competition. "I liked a few things that both of them did and I didn't like a few things both of them. We get a couple of weeks to really see what they can do, but tonight, it was a saw-off."

In his first action in a Dallas Stars Sweater, Raycroft looked strong, stopping 16 of 18 shots in 30:42 of action before Krahn took over for the 2nd half of the contest. Krahn finished the night with 11 saves on 13 shots.

"All in all, I felt good, I moved good, and did some good things," said Raycroft, who signed with the Stars as a free agent on July 1. "It was good to get in there and get going. With pre-season games, you never really know what you're going to get or what to expect. I think we did some good things tonight. Obviously, there's two and a half more weeks to get work done."

"I felt good in there," said Krahn, who helped the AHL Texas Stars advance to the Calder Cup Final last season. "I'd like to get the win, we were down to 2-0 in the 3rd period and came back, it's to bad that I gave up two goals. Guys are working hard and it was fun."

Down two heading into the final period, the Stars got one back 1:19 just in on an outstanding individual effort by Gagnon. Carrying the puck into the Tampa Zone, Gagnon slipped around Lightning defensemen Mathieu Roy with a slick move behind his back in his backhand, before getting goaltender Dan Ellis with a scorching backhander just inside the left post.

"I just kind of picked up at the blue line, and I just tried to fake and go wide and throw it on net and good things happen," said Gagnon, who is making a strong bid to win a spot on the Dallas Roster after leading Texas (AHL) in scoring last year.

Tampa Bay restored their two goal advantage at 3:39 when Adam Hall notched his second of the night. Krahn made a nice skate save on Dana Tyrell's shot from the left circle, but the rebound went right to the charging Hall, who drilled it into the open side of the net.

Dallas pulled within 3-2 at 7:17 on Larsen's goal. After receiving a a pretty cross-ice pass from Thomas Vincour on the right sideboards, Larsen found himself alone in the slot and fired a quick wrist shot over Ellis' Glove.

"I saw we had the puck in our zone and I saw I had a chance to go join the rush," Larsen said of the play. "I got a really nice pass by Tomas Vincour and it opened up the whole thing for me. It's always fun to score a goal and it's always special, the first one, so that was a lot of fun."

"He scored a great goal," Crawford agreed. "He's giving you a glimpse of what he can do and what he can be and it's exactly what we want, how he filled the lane and how he got up on the rush. "He did it two or three other guys in the game as well."

The Lightning put the final nail in with 9:05 left when Mattias Ohlund's slap shot from the left point found it's way through a maze of feet and past Krahn to make it 4-2.

"I didn't see it, I don't know exactly what happened," Krahn said of the goal. "I knew he was shooting the puck, I could see him, but I couldn't see the shot. I don't think I played that one the way I'd like to."

The Stars had one last premium opportunity to get close after Tampa's Steve Downie entered the penalty box with 1:31 remaining. The Stars pulled Krahn for an extra attacker, giving them a 6-on-4 advantage.

While Dallas maintained pressure in the offensive zone the whole time and had a few close calls, such as Gagnon's deflection in front of the net that sailed just wide 48 seconds to go, they were unable to find the back of the net again.

"I think we tried really hard and of course, you got to give them some credit too, they blocked a lot of shots," Larsen said of the late push. "We maybe got to work a little more to get our shots through, especially our D-Men, but I think we battled pretty hard out there. Overall, I think we tried really hard and there were a lot of good things, some bad things and that's pretty normal."

The first pre-season game started off with a bang, with the first fight of the year taking place just 1:30 in, as Brian Sutherby squared off with Tampa's Matt Smaby and cleary had an advantage.

Immediately following the ensuing face-off at center ice, Stars hopeful Francis Wathier dropped the gloves with Hall in second fight of the young season.

Trailing 1-0 entering the second period, the Stars nearly evened it up at 3:17 when Gagnon sped in on a partial breakaway, but Ellis, a former Star, denied his deke attempt.

The Lightning extended their lead to two less then three minutes later, when Ryan Malone carried into the right corner before feeding a backhand pass out front, where Dominic Moore, despite being well covered by Matt Niskanen, managed to re-directed it over Raycroft at 6:31.

Just 21 seconds after that goal, fight number four of the night saw Wathier, who racked up 101 penalty minutes last year for Texas (AHL), dropped the gloves a second time, this one with Tampa's Scott Jackson.

With the Lightning enjoying a 18-8 edge in shots-on-goal, and a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard, Krahn came into replace Raycroft with 9:18 left in the 2nd period.

About two minutes later, Tampa Bay almost went up 3, but Tyrell's wrist shot from the left face off circle off the crossbar.

The Stars will now get back to work in practice at their primary facility at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco until taking on the Colorado Avalanche in their next pre-season contest Friday Night at the AAC. (Game Time is 7:30 PM, Once again, no TV or Radio Coverage).

9/20-21 Scoreboard

The NHL Preseason got underway last night and with pretty much no action at all on Monday Night except for the Ontario Junior Hockey League, I'm basically combining both Monday & Tuesday Night.

For the NHL Preseason, look for the Boxscore and the Game Recap link as well. As for last night's Dallas Stars Preseason Game against Tampa Bay, look for the Game Recap and some notes from guys like Mike Heika & Mark Stepenski.

NHL Preseason

Columbus Blue Jackets 5 Atlanta Thrashers 2 (2-1, 1-0, 2-1)

Columbus VS. Atlanta Recap


Florida Panthers 4 Carolina Hurricanes 1 (3-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Florida VS. Carolina Recap


New Jersey Devils 3 Philadelphia Flyers 4 (SO) (1-2, 2-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

New Jersey VS. Philadelphia Recap


Ottawa Senators 5 Toronto Maple Leafs 0 (2-0, 1-0, 2-0)

Ottawa VS. Toronto Recap


Colorado Avalanche 3 St. Louis Blues 1 (1-0, 2-1, 0-0)

Colorado VS. St. Louis Recap


Vancouver Canucks 2 Calgary Flames 3 (1-0, 0-1, 1-2)

Vancouver VS. Calgary Recap


Phoenix Coyotes 4 Anaheim Ducks 1 (0-0, 4-1, 0-0)

Phoenix VS. Anaheim Recap


Pacific Region, British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)

Merritt Centennials 5 Vernon Vipers 4 (OT) (2-1, 0-1, 2-2, 1-0)

Prince George Spruce Kings 2 Pentiction Vees 3 (OT) (1-2, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1)

Tuesday's Wrap Up


Pacific Region, Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL)

Ft. Mcmurray Oil Barons 3 Bonnyville Pontiacs 5 (0-1, 1-2, 2-2)

Camrose Kodiaks 1 Brooks Bandits 3 (1-0, 0-3, 0-0)

Drumheller Dragons 4 Calgary Mustangs 3 (1-2, 2-1, 1-0)

Canmore Eagles 3 Olds Grizzlies 2 (1-1, 0-0, 2-1)


West Region, Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL)

Neepawa Natives 3 Dauphin Kings 6 (0-1, 2-0, 1-5)

Winkler Flyers 7 Winnipeg South Blues 6 (1-2, 3-1, 2-3, 1-0)


Ontario Region, Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL)

9/20

Toronto Jr. Canadians 1 Cobourg Cougars 9 (1-2, 0-5, 0-2)

North York Rangers 1 Vaughan Vipers 3 (0-0, 0-2, 1-1)

Huntsville Otters 2 Markham Waxers 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 0-1)

Collingwood Blackhawks 4 Buffalo Jr. Sabres 10 (0-5, 2-3, 2-2)

Oakville Blades 3 Hamilton Red Wings 1 (1-0, 2-0, 0-1)

9/21

Lindsay Muskies 5 St. Michaels Buzzers 8 (2-1, 1-7, 2-0)

Cobourg Cougars 5 Peterborough Stars 3 (2-1, 1-0, 2-2)

Stouffville Spirit 5 Buffalo Jr. Sabres 4 (1-2, 1-0, 3-2)


Atlantic Region, Central Tier 1 Hockey League (CT1HL)

Cornwall Colts 8 Cumberland Grads 0 (3-0, 2-0, 3-0)

Hawkesbury Hawks 7 Kanata Stallions 2 (1-0, 2-0, 4-2)

Dallas Stars Elites have impressive start to Tier 1 Season

The Dallas Stars Midget Majors went 4-for-4 in their season opening event up in Wisconsin as the Stars Elites, despite giving up the first goal in all 4 games, won all 4 games last weekend. As they went up against the Illinois/Ohio Division to start the Tier 1 Season as they took down 3 of the Illinois Teams and the only Ohio based Team against the Cleveland Barons as well.

Through the first 4 games, Tanner Karty & Garrett Cox were the leading scorers with 4 & 3 goals respectively.Other big performances coming from players like Marcus Ortiz with 3 assists, who's playing his first full season after getting noticed by the team while he played for Garland ISD in the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League midway through last season.

One of the big things that could have gone wrong by giving up the first goal, but the goaltending duo of Christian Frey (Whose a Des Moines Buccaneers Prospect) and Sean Lawrence who are able to fight it off to help the Elites win all 4 games last weekend.

If Christian Frey keeps playing like this, it may just be a matter of time before he may get a shot with the Dese Moines Buccaneers, especially if the Buccaneers have some injury problems to deal with in net. In his first two games against Team Illinois and the Cleveland Barons, he went an impressive 1.50 GAA with a 2-1 win over Team Illinois on Saturday Afternoon and a 4-2 win over Cleveland on Sunday.

As for his goaltending partner with Sean Lawrence who also just gave up 3 goals during the weekend in a 3-1 win over the Chicago Fury on Friday and a 4-2 win over the CYA on Saturday Morning.

If the Stars Elites Goaltending can keep this up, it could be a year where the team could be in a spot to at least not just contend for the Mid-American Division Title, if not the Tier 1 U18 Title this season.

One thing the Stars Elites will need to correct is the massive amount of penalties as they almost had their coach suspended due to the penalty acclimation and a 10 minute misconduct in the 2nd period by Kyle Mckenzie in the game against Team Illinois. This should be the #1 thing the Stars Elites need to work on before their next game against the Alliance Bulldogs on Friday Night, and for their next event in Arizona in Mid-October when they face the West Division Teams.

If the Stars Elites are going to be a force in the Tier 1 League this season, the number of penalties seriously needs to come down. They will have plenty of time before the next set of Tier 1 Games next month as they will head west to Arizona for 4 games in Mid-October.

However, before then it's their next game against the Dallas Alliance Bulldogs on Friday Night at the Dr. Pepper Starcenter in Valley Ranch. Earlier this month, the Stars Elites played the Alliance Bulldogs during Labor Day Weekend who won 3-0 in their first game of the season.

Also with the 4-for-4 weekend, the Stars Elites find themselves on top of the Mid-American Division with a perfect 8 points with the St. Louis Amateur Blues 2 points back who had a record of 2-0-2 last weekend


Here's the Boxscores from this past weekend.

9/17: Dallas Stars Elites 2 Team Illinois 1 (1-1, 1-0, 0-0)

9/18: Chicago Fury 1 Dallas Stars Elites 3 (1-0, 0-2, 0-1)

9/18: Dallas Stars Elites 4 Cleveland Barons 2 (1-1, 2-1, 1-0)

9/19: CYA 2 Dallas Stars Elites 4 (2-0, 0-2, 0-2)

Here's the Rosters & Stats for the Stars Elites


Here's the Dallas Stars Elites Upcoming Schedule

9/24: VS. Dallas Alliance Bulldogs 7:30 PM @ Valley Ranch Starscenter

10/15: VS. LA Selects Hockey Club 3:20 PM @ Ice Den (Scottsdale, ARZ)

10/16: VS. Colorado Thunderbirds 2:00 PM @ Ice Den

10/16: VS. LA Kings Elites 8:30 PM @ Ice Den

10/17: VS. Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 12:10 PM @ Ice Den


In addition to the Elites great start to the Tier 1 Season, the Midget Minor's kick off the Tier 1 Season this weekend in Lewis Center, Ohio as the Stars Midget Minors will take on 4-of-the-5 Detroit Division Teams this weekend.

Here's the Midget Minor Roster & Stats


Dallas Stars Midget Minor Upcoming Schedule

9/24: VS. Honeybaked Hockey 6:20 PM @ Chiller North (Lewis Center, OH)

9/25: VS. Belle Tires 1:00 PM @ Chiller North

9/25: VS. Victory Honda 8:10 PM @ Chiller North

9/26: VS. Little Caesars 8:00 AM @ Chiller North

USHL Fall Showcase gets underway tomorrow

With the start of the United States Hockey League coming up on October 1. The last of today's 3 Junior Schedules is the USHL Fall Showcase which will be taking place in Sioux City, Iowa starting tomorrow and going through Saturday where each team will play 3 games in 4 days as the 60 Game Regular Season gets underway at the beginning of next month.



United States Hockey League



Like the WHL, they are numerous Southwest Players that will be either making their Junior Debut or will be looking to sharpen their play as a couple of players have committed their NCAA Careers over the off-season.


Perhaps the biggest name will be Seth Jones who is being highly regarded for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft as he will be making his Junior Debut this season as he will be joining the USNTDP U17 Team which will be playing a little over of the USHL Schedule as the NTDP U17 & U18 Teams make up the season for the USHL.


In addition to the NTDP U17 Season, they will play in 3 different international events, the biggest of which is the U17 World Challenge that will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba during the Winter Holidays.


He's being looked upon as a speedy defensemen who can possibly join the attack at times and will be looking to have an outside chance of making the U18 Team for the U18 World Championship, as USA Hockey elects to have a majority of players from the NTDP which has had great results including back-to-back U18 World Championships the last 2 seasons when the tournament heads to Germany coming up in April.

Even though a majority of the players come from the U18 Team, the U17 Team in recent years has been more competitive in getting more players to the team for the U18 World Championships. Being a big time 2012 NHL Draft Prospect, it would be a huge statement to prospective NHL Teams for him to have a big U17 World Challenge during the Holidays and make the U18 World Championship this season.


Two other players that have already committed, but returning to the USHL are Ryan Daugherty of the Omaha Lancers & Ian Young of the Chicago Steel. Daugherty is returning to a Lancers team that is looking to get to the Clark Cup after coming within 1 win of making the Title Series and winning the championship for the 2nd time in 3 years.

Over his 2 years with Omaha, he's tallied 50 points in 99 career USHL Games and increased the amount of PP Time big time by scoring 9 PP Goals last year.


He's also not afraid to hit on the ice as he nearly doubled his penalty total from 52 in 2008 to 110 last season. Coach Bliss Littler is wants him to be a Steve Ott or Loui Eriksson type player with the ability to score some important goals in-and-around the net, and being able to bring the pain physically as well.


Daugherty is committed to play for Northern Michigan starting in 2011, it was widely believed that he was going to start his college career this year and join follow Texans C.J. Ludwig & Erik Higby this year but look for that to happen next year.


After starting last year with the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) he was called up to the Chicago Steel to bring a big booming slap shot and get pucks to the forwards in the net. Young over the off-season committed to Colorado College, but didn't decide to comeback to Chicago till midsummer.


For Young last year, his biggest moment came in his USHL Debut where he scored his first of just 2 goals. But had a great year overall by drawing penalties and contributing a dozen assists during his 31 games last year with the Steel who failed to make the playoffs as the team finished 10 points back of the Waterloo Blackhawks for the final playoff spot in the East Division last season.


Young looks to be more aggressive this year with his ability to play very fast, he's looking to increase his scoring ability and impress Colorado College Head Coach that he can be a big time player when he arrives in the WCHA in 2011.


Other Southwest Players to watch this season are Jeff Mcminimy of the Lincoln Stars who was the Leading Scorer for the Dallas Stars Midget Majors last year. Seth Johnson who's a fast defensemen who's like Ian Young in some instances who can join in on the attack and some think that with a strong early part of the season.


Some experts are thinking that they can maybe have a shot of making Team USA for the World Jr. A Challenge which will be taking place in Pentiction, B.C. coming up in Mid-November as the USA has won this event the last two years. Last year the USA won the event for the 2nd straight year the Americans beat Canada West in a closely fought 2-1 game.


As for players who are on the fringes and that need a strong Showcase to make the team include Teemu Tiitinen who's a Finnish Native but played for the Dallas Stars Elites last year and Ryan Hope who's with the Tri-City Storm right now.

Josh Berge who's another OKC Product who's looking to continue the surprising success of players from that area such as Matt Donovan (2008 NHL Draft Pick with NYI/U. of Denver). And Chase Grant who was with the Fargo Force as he committed to Minnesota State University last year. He will look to continue the success of OKC Players in both the USHL, NAHL & the NCAA.

In addition to Southwest Based Players, Waterloo will have the Dallas Stars 3rd Round Draft Pick Alex Guptill who was taken 77th overall while playing for the Orangeville Crushers of the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL).

While he was with Orangeville last year, he had 26 points (13G 13A) in 19 games after he got traded from the Brampton back in December, during his time with the Brampton Capitals, where he had 11 points in 10 games early on in the season.


Here's the Player Profile Links


Ryan Daugherty (Omaha Lancers)

Ian Young (Chicago Steel)

Teemu Tiitinen (Youngstown Phantoms)

Seth Jones (USNTDP)

Josh Berge (Lincoln Stars)

Jeff Mcminimy (Lincoln Stars)

Alex Guptill (Waterloo Blackhawks)


Here's the United States Hockey League Divisional Alignment.

East Division: Cedar Rapids Roughriders, Chicago Steel, Green Bay Gamblers, Indiana Ice, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USNTDP, Waterloo Blackhawks, Youngstown Phantoms

West Division: Des Moines Buccaneers, Dubuque Fighting Saints, Fargo Force, Lincoln Stars, Omaha Lancers, Sioux City Musketeers, Sioux Falls Stampede, Tri-City Storm


Here's the Schedule for the USHL Fall Showcase

9/22

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 1:00 PM

Omaha Lancers VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 2:00 PM

Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM

Chicago Steel VS. Fargo Force 6:00 PM

Tri-City Storm VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM


9/23

Fargo Force VS. Muskegon Lumberjacks 10:00 AM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 10:00 AM

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Chicago Steel 1:00 PM

Des Moines Buccaneers VS. Indiana Ice 2:00 PM

Tri-City Storm VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 4:00 PM

Lincoln Stars VS. Green Bay Gamblers 6:00 PM

USNTDP VS. Omaha Lancers 7:00 PM


9/24

Waterloo Blackhawks VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM

Tri-City Storm VS. Des Moines Buccaneers 10:00 AM

Chicago Steel VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM

Fargo Force VS. Cedar Rapids Roughriders 2:00 PM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Sioux Falls Stampede 4:00 PM

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Dubuque Fighting Saints 6:00 PM

USNTDP VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM


9/25

Sioux Falls Stampede VS. Indiana Ice 10:00 AM

USNTDP VS. Waterloo Blackhawks 11:00 AM

Youngstown Phantoms VS. Green Bay Gamblers 1:00 PM

Muskegon Lumberjacks VS. Lincoln Stars 4:00 PM

Omaha Lancers VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:00 PM