NAHL South Division Report; Topeka Building another strong contender

With the top 4 teams in the NAHL's South Division all log jammed and separated by just a single point heading into this weekends games. The Roadrunners have a chance to go on top with a tough weekend road trip to Amarillo against the Bulls where the Roadrunners are looking to continue a strong road- trip with 2 huge wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats with 6-1 and 5-3 wins last weekend in Northwest Texas.

Now the Roadrunners will be looking to shake up one of the league's best goaltenders in Nikifor Szczerba who has been in net for all seven victories for the Bulls this season.

For the Roadrunners, they have been the team that haven't been able to finish off a strong regular season after having a strong season last year where they finished the season tied with Wenatchee for the best overall record at 44-9-5. After dominating Springfield in the first round, they ran into their arch rival St. Louis Bandits who after a back-and-fourth series that got it tied at 2-2 after four games. St. Louis dominated the 5th and final game of the series where the Bandits won 5-0 to win the series and the South Division for the 4th straight year.

Now with St. Louis going to the East Division, it will be fighting off teams like the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and the Wichita Falls Wildcats for the South Division Title this season.

Through 10 games this season, the Roadrunners are looking to get away from the Gridlock that has the top 4 teams separated by just 1 point. In addition to the Topeka VS. Amarillo Weekend Series, you have the Tornado heading west to play the New Mexico Mustangs, finally it's a single game weekend as the Wichita Falls Wildcats plays a single game set with the Corpus Christi Icerays this weekend.

Can Topeka find a way to take control of the division, or can Texas, Wichita Falls or Amarillo find a way to break away from the current pack.

Here's the Current Division Standings. Plus links to the team Stats for the NAHL South Division.

1. Wichita Falls        11 GP     7-2-2    16 PTS      41-33

2. Amarillo                11 GP     7-3-1    15 PTS      45-32

3. Topeka                   10 GP     7-2-1    15 PTS      33-22

4. Texas                      11 GP     6-2-3    15 PTS      41-37

5. Corpus Christi       11 GP     6-4-1    13 PTS      42-43

6. New Mexico            11 GP    4-5-2     10 PTS      29-47


Here's the Team Stats for each of the Teams

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Topeka Roadrunners

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Here's a look at the rest of the Divisions.

West Division, Consistency key to Avalanche Success

Central Division, Additions Bolster the Express Attack

North Division, Springfield Rebound after shaky Start


Here's the NAHL South Division Report from Zach Duncan

As host of the 2011 NAHL Robertson Cup, the Topeka Roadrunners have assured of participating in the NAHL's Championship Tournament.

However, Topeka Roadrunners Head Coach Scott Langer said his squad doesn't discuss that fact.

Instead, the Roadrunners have their sights set on defending their South Division Regular Season Title they captured last year.

"Every night it's going to be a difficult game," Langer said. "Every team that wins the South Division has to win 40 plus games to do it, and that's a lot of hockey games."

Through almost one-fifth season, only six points separate the first place Wildcats from the last Place New Mexico Mustangs.

The Roadrunners (7-2-1 15 PTS) are currently one point shy of the Wildcats thanks to a two game sweep in Wichita Falls over the weekend.

Those victories came on the heels of a disappointing home opener the weekend before, but Langer said spent Topeka last week refocusing.

"We had to replace a lot of guys like we have every year," said Langer. "We have only seven guys back, so it's a matter baby steps and growing pains. That's what were seeing right now."

Michael Hill, who bagged a hat trick in Friday's 6-3 win, has stepped up his game since becoming the team's captain. Hill has scored a team best 17 games, and his five power play goals are second in the NAHL.

Defensemen Jacob Poe is another veteran who turned down a scholarship offer to Alabama-Huntsville because he felt he had unfinished business with the Roadrunners, who were eliminated in last year's South Division Final.

"That shows a lot about his character," said Langer, who recorded his 250th win with the Roadrunners Saturday (Langer has been their coach since the organization arrived from Santa Fe in 2004).

A couple Junior A Newcomers - forwards Justin Hussar (8 Points) and Kevin Novakovich (3 Goals) - are playing well, but Langer's said his squad's strength so far this season has been in net.

Holdover Eric Rohrkemper and Finland Native Rasmus Tirronen have combined for a 2.20 GAA and a .915 SV%.

Rohrkemper played 20 games with Topeka last season before emerging as the team's number 1 goalie in the playoffs. That experience is paying dividends.

"Having to grow up so quickly against a team like the St. Louis Bandits is not easy to do," Langer said. "It's such a competitive situation right now. Those guys are fighting for minutes."

And the Roadrunners, who haven't finished lower then second in the three years since relocating to Kansas, will be fighting for a South Division title - even if a Robertson Cup Spot is not on the line.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: Despite two losses to the Tornado, the Bulls are still averaging 4.09 Goals per game, second highest in the league behind Fairbanks. Forward T.J. Sarcona has registered an assist in each of the last five games.

Corpus Christi Icerays: With a pair of shootout victories against New Mexico, Corpus Christi has bumped its record to 4-0 in shootouts this season. Five of the Icerays 11 games have been tied at the end of regulation. No team has played more OT/SO Games in the NAHL.

New Mexico Mustangs: Goaltender Brian Jones got some revenge on Thursday Night against the Wildcats, who traded him before the October 1 Roster Cuts. Jones made 36 saves and stopped all but one shootout attempt in the Mustangs 3-2 victory. He's 1-1-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .908 SV% since joining New Mexico.

Texas Tornado: Ralfs Freibergs has six assists over the weekend, including 5 in Saturday's 8-4 win over Amarillo. Freibergs 15 points are the most among NAHL Defensemen, he also heads the league in assists with 14 and power play assists (8). The Tornado are currently riding a four game winning streak.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Mikhail Sentyurin's three game streak of scoring a goal ended in Saturday's loss to Topeka. Mattia Bortolotto picked up an assists Friday in his second game with the team after being acquired by the WHL's Prince George Cougars.

Austin Smith Q&A

Austin Smith is becoming one of the major faces of Hockey in the Southwest. Since he was drafted by the Dallas Stars back in 2007, he's in a very unique position where not only he could be one of the first Texans to play professionally, but be able to play a huge part of his pro career in Texas with the Dallas Stars and also the The team's AHL Affiliate in Austin where he can show his talent in his home state.

Shortly after he got drafted, he played his one and only year of Juniors with the Pentiction Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League. He made his time count there by being 2nd overall in scoring and lead the Vees in goals during the regular season with 32 goals in 60 games. Then he lead the Vees to the 2008 BCHL Title by scoring 22 points in 15 games.

Then through his first two seasons at Colgate where he as averaged nearly a point a game by scoring 72 points in 73 career NCAA Games where he been lucky not to get injured or have anything else get in his way of his NHL Dream. After losing to St. Lawrence in the ECAC Quarterfinals last season despite finishing in 4th place and getting a first Round Bye. The Raiders are looking to beat St. Lawrence as well as ECAC Powerhouses Cornell & Yale as the Colgate Raiders will look to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.

A speedy undersized player who has a dynamite scoring threat on the ice, he's going to take on the challenge of being a marked man for the Raiders who can fly on the ice. If he can help guide his team to the ECAC Title and continue to make major strides towards both a Conference Title and a NCAA Berth, as well as getting a chance to show the Stars that he is ready to make his pro debut (perhaps in Austin with the Texas Stars), then on to Dallas where he looks to possibly be the first Texan born and trained player to play in the National Hockey League in the near future.

He's starting to realize that he could be a possible game changer when it comes down to helping promote the sport here in Texas. Not only be playing so well in the BCHL & NCAA, but by someone who could spend a huge chunk of his pro career in Texas where fans can ID. and realize that players coming from Texas can start becoming a big reality.

In addition to Smith, Chris Brown of Flower Mound was a 2009 NHL Draft Pick of the Phoenix Coyotes and just started his sophomore year with Michigan University. Also coming down the pipe are Colin Jacobs who's playing his 2nd season with the Seattle Thunerbirds (WHL) and is being considered as a player who should go pretty high in the 2011 Draft next summer. Also Seth Jones who just recently made his debut for the USNTDP and many think he could be a big time prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft as well.

In the Q&A, Austin talks about his path to the Pros, learning about becoming a more complete player and teaching others about the benefits and the excitement of promoting the NCAA & Different Junior Leagues to others who have these dreams of their own. In addition, his reaction to Mike Modano leaving Dallas and what he misses the most about living in D/FW.


Here's his profiles and recent segments and stories.

Austin Smith's Colgate Profile

A-Z Inside College Hockey

Austin Smith named All Preseason ECAC

Austin Smith Pentiction Vess Profile from the BCHL


Here's the Austin Smith Q&A

1. Even though you are expected to be the main player for Colgate at least offensively this season, what will be the biggest challenge of being a marked man and who are you expecting to help you out as well?

The biggest challenge will be to staying focused and composed. However, I enjoy the challenge and I look forward to facing whetever obstacles I come up against. My team will help me get through it this year. I believe we are very deep and have good chemistry; we will have a very successful season as a team.


2. What was the biggest thing that contributed to your ECAC Conference Tournament Disappointment against St. Lawrence in the ECAC Conference Quarterfinals last year after finishing 4th and earning a first round bye last season?

I don't know if I can point to one thing in specific, but I think we came up against a hot goaltender and a team that had our number. With that being said I think our team this year is very determined and will use that as motivation to win our league and make it to the tournament.


3. As you enter your Junior Season at Colgate University, what's been the biggest thing that Head Coach Don Vaughan has taught you both on and off the ice and how it's affected your play?

He has taught me to keep my composure and he has helped me to keep my confidence throughout all parts of the season. He is a great teacher on the ice, and I have learned a great deal about playing both ends of the ice under his close watch. He is a great mentor and I have a great relationship with him that will carry beyond my years here at Colgate.


4. How far away are you from making your professional debut? Also, what are the biggest things you still need to work on before making the step from the NCAA to the Professional Ranks?

Making the jump is about confidence and preparation. I believe I'm very close to making that step, but at the same time I like to stay focus on the present and doing what I can here in the university to become a better all around player.


5. If you do end up playing for the Stars, how do you feel that this can be a major game changer on how the sport of hockey is promoted in the state of Texas. Not just for the Stars, but also educating fans and the public about the different junior leagues and the NCAA. In addition, helping out leagues and org. like the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League and Travel Teams like the Dallas Stars Elites.

It would help all those kids who have the dream to realize it is a reality. Being born and raised in Texas fellow Texans would be able to have someone to look up to, and say he made it so why can't I? More then anything it would be the inspiration, but at the end of the day I think Texas will see an increase in professional players in the near future.


6. Even though you weren't at Dallas Stars training camp that just wrapped up as the team gets ready to start the season, how much are you in contact with them to track your progress and have they mentioned to you about your chances of maybe at least getting some playing time with the Dallas Stars AHL Affiliate in Austin if you have another strong year this season?

I have a good relationship with the organization and I do keep in touch. But I am worried about at this time is being an impact player for Colgate, and when that time comes to make a decision I will reflect on my options when the time is appropriate.


7. Every time your back in Dallas, how much have you been involved in looking to promote the NCAA and different Junior Leagues to other players who may have a shot of making these levels themselves?

I do what I can to spread the word, and I have talked to a decent amount of players in the area giving my story and my take on it all. I hope for the best for the future of Texas Hockey I would love to see more players in the position that I am in.


8. For those of whom that have never heard of Colgate University, give us an idea of what the school is like and is known for academically? Also what its like to live and play in Up State New York over the last couple of years.

Colgate University is one of the top Universities in the country. Its comparable to the likes of Cornell, Princeton, Yale, etc. The campus is incredibly beautiful, and it is an awesome place to be. I enjoy playing up here and traveling around the ECAC. The only downfall would be the brutal winters and the bitter cold.


9. Who do you feel your biggest rival is in the ECAC and who are you looking to knock off in the Conference as the season is about to begin?

For some reason we haven't beaten St. Lawrence since I have been here; so those games will be of great importance this season. Our two biggest rivals this year will be Cornell and Yale. They are both very good teams that we would enjoy beating, and if we want to finish on top they will most likely be the teams to beat.


10. Is there a current NHL Player do you try to model your game after?

Andy McDonald


Quick Hits

With the State Fair of Texas going on, what do you think of Fried Foods like Deep Fried Chili Pie, Deep Fried Pop Tarts and Fried Beer?

HAHA I mean that they taste great, but they are not good for you... So I guess I have mixed emotions.


Celebrity that you would like to meet the most?

Keira Knightley or Josh Hamilton


Your reaction to Mike Modano leaving the Stars over the Offseason?

It's disappointing because he's done so much for the organization, but Joe knows what's best for the team and I respect the decision.


Other then family, the thing you miss the most about D/FW?

I miss the food the most. I love Mexican Food, barbecue, Chickfila, Chipotle, etc. New York can't offer the same quality of food.

2010-2011 AHL Rosters

Due to my website not being able to download anything for a while. I appoligze for the timing of the AHL Rosters that came out just after the AHL Season got underway last weekend. For all 4 teams, the rosters will have around 25 names to give room for teams that send down players to the ECHL, while also having players that can fill in when they get NHL Call Ups as well as the season unfolds.

Be sure to click on the team to get the website. Then for the seperate link to find the roster for all 4 Southwest Teams as the season got underway this past weekend


Houston Aeros Website

Houston Aeros Team Roster


San Antonio Rampage Website

San Antonio Rampage Roster


Oklahoma City Barons Website

Oklahoma City Barons Roster 


Texas Stars Website

Texas Stars Roster

10/11 Major Junior Scoreboard

With Thanksgiving Day in Canada being yesterday, it was a busy day for the Western Hockey League, OHL & QMJHL yesterday.


Western Hockey League

Prince George Cougars 7  Edmonton Oil Kings 8  (OT) (3-2, 3-1, 1-4, 0-1)

Tri-City Americans 6  Moose Jaw Warriors 3  (1-1, 2-1, 3-1)

Kootenay Ice 0  Swift Current Broncos 1  (SO) (0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Prince Albert Raiders 5  Chilliwack Bruins 2  (0-2, 2-0, 3-0)

Vancouver Giants 5  Kamloops Blazers 4  (1-0, 4-3, 0-1)


Ontario Hockey League

Erie Otters 3  Kitchener Rangers 4  (OT) (1-0, 0-2, 2-1, 0-1)

Mississauga St. Michaels Majors 5  Brampton Battalion 4  (SO) (1-2, 2-2, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Ottawa 67s 4  Oshawa Generals 3  (3-0, 1-3, 0-0)

Sarnia Sting 3  Windsor Spitfires 5  (1-2, 1-1, 1-2)


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

No Games Last Night

10/11 Professional Scoreboard

Here's a look at the scores from the National Hockey League and American Hockey League from last night.


National Hockey League

NY Rangers 4  NY Islanders 6  (1-2, 2-1, 1-3)

Anaheim Ducks 1  St. Louis Blues 5  (0-2, 1-2, 0-1)

Pittsburgh Penguins 3  New Jersey Devils 1  (1-0, 1-0, 1-1)

Chicago Blackhawks 4  Buffalo Sabres 3  (1-2, 2-0, 1-1)

Colorado Avalanche 2  Philadelphia Flyers 4  (0-2, 1-0, 1-2)

Ottawa Senators 2  Washington Capitals 3  (OT)  (1-0, 1-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Florida Panthers 1  Vancouver Canucks 2  (0-1, 1-0, 0-1)


American Hockey League

Charlotte Checkers 1  Portland Pirates 5  (0-1, 0-2, 1-2)

Abbotsford Heat 3  Toronto Marlies 2  (0-1, 2-1, 1-0)

This Weeks Southwest Schedule: 10/11-17

With the Central Hockey League starting up this week, this means that all 4 of the main leagues that have teams in the Southwest will be underway this week. Opening up the CHL Season includes Southern Conference Champions taking on the their DFW Rival Texas Brahmas in a 2 game weekend set at the Allen Event Center as the Americans will be raising the Southern Conference Championship Banner during the pregame.

Other big matchups this week include the South Texas Rivalry along the Texas/Mexico Border as the Laredo Bucks & Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees will take their rivalry to the Rio Grande Valley as both teams look to comeback as the Bucks got ousted from the playoffs quickly while RG Valley was left out all together.

However, everything will focus around on Thursday Night at the AAC as the Stars will play their home opener against the Detroit Red Wings and with the return of Dallas Stars Legend Mike Modano who made his debut with Detroit last week, it should be a big crowd to greet them and they will be some kind of honor to Modano during one of the TV Timeouts to recognize all what he has done not just to the Stars, but building the sport of hockey in the State of Texas.

In addition to the Thursday Night Home Opener, a Saturday Night showdown with the Blues as the Stars and Blues will play each other for the 3rd time in recent weeks as both teams played a home-and-home during the preseason with each side winning at home during the preseason.

Texas will have their AHL Home Opener as the Stars & Rampage will faceoff for the 2nd time already this season as the Stars will raises their Western Conference Championship Banner. It will be the first of a weekend set as the team will play Sunday Afternoon at home against the Peoria Rivermen who finished 5th in the West Division last season. For the Rivermen last weekend, they played twice on opening weekend with a win on Saturday over the Manitoba Moose and a one goal loss to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Both Houston and San Antonio are doing a 3 game in 3 night weekend coming up. First for the Aeros, a strong 6-1 over the Barons have the Aeros looking to fend off their last place showing in the West last year. This weekend is going to be crazy with a return trip to OKC on Friday, the team's home opener on Saturday against the Peoria Rivermen then their first home game against OKC again on Sunday Afternoon. These are 2 of 3 straight at home which will conclude on 10/22 against the Peoria Rivermen.

San Antonio is coming off a mixed opening weekend where a 1-1 weekend saw them just cruse to a 6-3 victory over Chicago where they dominated the Wolves and were up 5-0 at one point before the Wolves had 3 goals midway through the 3rd period. Then on Sunday, Rampage Goalie Matt Climie played against his old team as the Stars pulled away what was a Goaltenders Duel where it took 55 minutes to find the first goal where Scott Mcculloch scored with 5 minutes left. Then 2 goals by Travis Morin late put the game away for the Stars first win of the season.

In the NAHL, the South Division is getting very tight with the top 4 teams separated by just a single point with Texas coming on strong in recent weeks and both Topeka & Wichita Falls cooling off since a strong start at the NAHL Blane Showcase to start the season.

The big series this weekend takes place in the Texas Panhandle as the Roadrunners will take on the Bulls as the teams will be fighting it out for first place on the line as both teams are looking to pull away from the log jam on top of the South Division.

Texas will begin a 4 game road trip this weekend with weekend series in New Mexico this weekend and Corpus Christi next weekend. Currently the Tornado have won 4 in a row and have gotten points in the last 6 as some big time roster moves, especially with new goalie Jimmy Kruger is starting to make an impact quickly. Playing last place New Mexico should give the team a chance to make a big move in the South Division.

Click on the Date Links to see the full schedule for that day's games.



This Weeks Southwest Schedule  (All Start Times are CDT)


Dallas Stars (NHL)


10/14:  VS. Detroit Red Wings      7:30 PM @ AAC  (FSN Southwest & NHLN-US)

10/16:  VS. St. Louis Blues             7:00 PM @ AAC (TXA 21)


American Hockey League

10/12

No Southwest Games


10/15

Peoria Riverman VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM 

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons       7:05 PM 


10/16

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars                     7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Oklahoma City Barons     7:05 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Houston Aeros                         7:35 PM


10/17

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Houston Aeros               4:05 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. San Antonio Rampage        4:30 PM0

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars                                5:00 PM


Central Hockey League

10/15

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

Odesssa Jackalopes VS. Missouri Mavericks       7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans                     7:30 PM

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

Wichita Thunder VS. Tulsa Oilers                           7:35 PM


10/16

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans             7:00 PM

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

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder              7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Quad City Mallards     7:05 PM

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


10/17

No Southwest Games


North American Hockey League

10/14

No Southwest Games


10/15

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls     7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats    7:05 PM

Texas Tornado VS. New Mexico Mustangs    8:30 PM


10/16

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls    7:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. New Mexico Mustangs    8:30 PM


10/17

No Southwest Games









    

Southwest Player Notes and Updated Stats

With the Junior Leagues being fully underway for a couple of weeks now, plus the NCAA Season getting underway this past weekend. This is the first at will be a weekly segment on how players are doing from around the Southwest and taking a look at a stats update from our players that are playing around North America.

Southwest Player Notes

*After Cole Martin suffered a minor injury during training camp and staying out of the first few games. He got his first USHL Point in his USHL Regular Season Debut with an assist on a Dominik Shore goal early in the 3rd period in 5-3 loss to the Waterloo Blackhawks.

*In addition to Martin's first point, OKC Native Josh Berge was named captain of the team for the upcoming season. Lincoln Stars President told me in an email that Josh is a quiet leader who leads by example and was voted by a huge margin. He also got his first point in the season in the same game on a Ryan Dzingel early in the 2nd period, where the Stars were looking to mount a comeback as they scored twice within a minute early in the 2nd period.

*Eventhough Ryan Daugherty has had a slow start for the Omaha Lancers, he was named Assistant Captian of the team along with Seth Ambroz who's expected to be a top 10 pick in the NHL Draft this season. Also being named the main captain after Daugherty and Ambroz is Mike Chiasson.

*2011 NHL Draft Pick Colin Jacobs easily had his best game of the young season by having a 3 point night in a 6-3 win over the Chilliwack Bruins. His Goal and two assists was his first multi point game of the season and was part of a huge night for the T-Birds where teammate Brandon Rouse scored a hat trick and Mitch Elliot had a goal and assist in the game as well.

*Johnnie Searfoss and Erik Higby each got their first career points at the College Level over the weekend. Searfoss scored in a big time 8-0 thrashing of Clarkson University while Higby had an assist on an Andrew Cherniwchan goal early in the 3rd period that forced OT. But later lost to Michigan Tech 4-3 when MTU scored 5 minutes into OT.

*Chicago Steel Defensemen Ian Young has been off to a hot start to the season. In his first 4 games, he's gotten himself three points, including goals in both games last weekend on Friday against the Indiana Ice and on Saturday against the USNTDP. His 3 points (2G 1A) have him among the Scoring Leaders among defensemen just 1 point back of Alexx Privitera (Muskegon) and Brandon Russo (Youngstown) who each have 4 points.

*Joe Puruill who was with the Springfield Jr. Blues when the season started has been released. He only played in 3 games this season while hardly making an impact and has dropped off in his scoring production. Last year in 47 games for the Jr. Blues, he scored 10 points (2G 8A).

*2008 NHL Draft Pick Matt Donovan is looking to impress Team USA for another shot at the WJC as he had a 2 goal night in a 5-3 win over the University of Vermont. After being named to Team USA and a World Junior Team, he's looking to continue to impress the NY Islanders Staff about maybe getting an ATO Signing with their AHL Affiliate in Connecticut with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers perhaps at the end of the season. That's assuming that Denver doesn't make another long run in the WCHA & NCAA Tournaments in the spring.

*Michael Hill has continued his great start to the season where he was an Honorable Mention in the South Division Player of the Week Voting where he fell short to Texas Tornado Defensemen Ralfs Freibergs who won the award for this week. He currently has 17 points (8G 9A) in 10 games which leads the team in scoring and is ranked 5th in the NAHL Scoring Chart behind players like Rock Einersen who leads with 20 points and Beau Walker of Corpus Christi with 18 points as we getting to the one month mark of the season. Still kind of baffaling why he decided not to go to the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) after being picked so high in the USHL Entry Draft back in the spring.


Click on the Name to see the profile of each player

Here's the Stats Update for this week.

WHL/NCAA

F: Colin Jacobs  (Seattle)              6 GP   2G  3A  5 PTS    +1  6 PIM

F: Chris Brown  (Michigan)           3 GP   0G  1A   1 PTS         0 PIM

F: Erik Higby (No. Michigan)        2 GP   0G  1A    1 PTS        8 PIM

D: CJ Ludwig (No. Michigan)        2 GP   0G   0A   0 PTS        0 PIM

F: Austin Smith (Colgate)               1 GP   1G   0A   1 PTS        0 PIM


F: Armand de Swart (Cornell)         Season Hasen't started yet

F: Locke Jillson  (Cornell)                Season Hasen't Started yet

D: Keir Ross  (Cornell)                    Season Hasen't Started yet

D: Matt Donovan (Denver)             2 GP   2G    0A    2 PTS      4 PIM

F: Johnnie Searfoss (Neb.-Omaha)     2 GP   1G   0A   1 PTS    0 PIM      

F: Chase Grant (Minn. State)        2 GP    0G    0A    0 PTS       0 PIM   


USHL

D: Ian Young  (Chicago)                4 GP     2 G    1 A    3 PTS     E   7 PIM

F: Colton Hargrove (Fargo)          4 GP     1 G    1 A    2 PTS     -1   17 PIM

F: Blake Coleman (Indiana)           3 GP     2 G   2 A     4 PTS     +2   6 PIM

D: Cole Martin  (Lincoln)               1 GP     0 G    1 A     1 PTS     -1    2 PIM

F: Josh Berge  (Lincoln)                  2 GP     0 G    1 A     1 PTS     E     0 PIM

F: Ryan Daugherty (Omaha)           3 GP     0 G    0 A     0 PTS     -1    6 PIM

D: Greg Johnson  (Sioux City)         3 GP     0 G    0 A     0 PTS     E     0 PIM

F: Mike Williams (Sioux City)          2 GP      0 G    0 A    0 PTS     -1    2 PIM

D: Seth Jones (USNTDP)                  2 GP      0 G    1 A    1 PTS     0     2 PIM


NAHL

G: Frederick Leisner (Aberdeen)     6 GP     2-4-0      4.50 GAA    .858 SV%

D: Tommy Rizzardo  (Bismarck)    11 GP       1 G    2 A     3 PTS     +3     29 PIM

F: Nicholas Miglio  (Bismarck)          7 GP       1 G    0 A     1 PTS      0       8 PIM

F: Derrek Schartz (Corpus Christi)    9 GP     1 G     1 A     2 PTS      -5     14 PIM

D: Kyle Hughes  (Corpus Christi)     11 GP      1 G     5 A     6 PTS     -4      33 PIM

F: Sean Hendrick  (Texas)                  2 GP       0 G     1 A     1 PTS     +1     1 PIM

F: Taylor Hendron (Texas)                 9 GP       2 G     2 A     4 PTS      +3     2 PIM

F: Marc Biggs  (Texas)                        9 GP       2 G     2 A     4 PTS      +5     0 PIM

F: Alex Boyer  (Texas)                        9 GP       2 G     2 A      4 PTS       +5    4 PIM

G: Jake Stafford  (Texas)                   6 GP        2-2-2      3.43 GAA    .865 SV%

D: Jacob Poe  (Topeka)                       10 GP     0 G     5 A      5 PTS       -1     14 PIM

F: Michael Hill  (Topeka)                     10 GP     8 G     9 A      17 PTS      E     16 PIM

D: Mason Miller  (Topeka)                   5 GP       0 G     0 A      0 PTS        +1    2 PIM

D: Cory Ramsay  (Topeka)                  10 GP      1 G     1 A      2 PTS        -1     10 PIM

F: Kyle Sharkley  (Topeka)                  3 GP        0 G     0 A      0 PTS         -1    2 PIM

F: Tyler Hope  (Wenatchee)                 8 GP        2 G     3 A      5 PTS         E     20 PIM   

Texas comesback to edge Amarillo 3-2

After a shaky start for the Tornado which allowed the Amarillo Bulls to make it 2-0 midway through the first period, the South Division Leaders were thinking they were on their way to an easy win. However, the Tornado responded well and started the comeback with a late goal by Jack Prince where that keeps his point scoring streak alive at 5 games with a late goal.

After that, it turned into mayhem as several fights got the Tornado going in the 2nd period where players on both sides got tossed and fired up the Tornado to take over the game after that.

In the 2nd period, they were a combined 18 penalties for 105 penalty minutes were called, a majority of them were called at 6:11 mark of the 2nd period where several fights broke out were numerous 5 minute majors, 10 minute and game misconduct's were called to players like Shawn Serapilia and Michael Erickson for the Bulls.

On the Tornado side, players like Michael Zagari, Erick Wilson and Joseph Mottiqua were called as it really changed the outlook of the game. In the end, the Tornado rallied around and scored the only goal of the period was scored by Rock Einersen which he scored his 11th of the year and is already approaching last year's total where he scored just 17 in 51 games last season.

Then midway through the 3rd period, the Tornado was complete when the Southwest duo of Taylor Hendron and Marc Biggs combined a goal a little over 8 minutes into the game to give the Tornado a 3-2 win and were able to figure out Amarillo goalie Nikifor Szczerba who last time the two teams played, edged the Tornado a 1-0 SO Loss the weekend after the NAHL Blaine Showcase.


Amarillo Bulls 2  Texas Tornado 3  (2-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Here's the Game Story from the Texas Tornado Website

From Frisco, Texas: The Texas Tornado scored the final three goals of the game, defeated the Amarillo Bulls 3-2 on Friday Night as Marc Biggs scored his first career goal, which turned out to be the game winner. The game did not start on the right foot for Texas, as the Amarillo forecheck forced the Tornado into retreat mode. Joe Kozlak scored first as he slipped rebound underneath starting goaltender Jimmy Kruger. The Bulls quickly made it 2-0 as Luke Jenkins scored his first goal of the season, as he slipped a shot through the legs of Kruger. The Tornado would respond later in the first period, as Jack Prince tipped home a point shot from Donald Olivieri on the power play to make 2-1 going into the first intermission.

The 2nd period was all Tornado thanks again to more power play. The NAHL's leading Scorer Rock Einersen would tie the game at 2-2 as he one timed a shot from the bottom of the circle to beat Amarillo Goalie Nikifor Szczerba over the glove. The rest of the period was highlighted by two breakaway saves by Kruger to keep the game tied. The 2nd period also saw a fight break out that lead to the ejection of Joseph Mottiqua and Evan Wilson for the Tornado.

The Tornado took the first lead of the night in the 3rd period, as Marc Biggs picked himself up and converted on the 3rd rebound chance to give the Tornado their first lead of the night at 3-2. Amarillo wouldn't get another good chance as more penalties sealed their fate. The win was the 3rd in a row for the Tornado, who maintained their spot in 3rd place in the South Division, now just 2 points behind of 2nd place Amarillo.

San Antonio Rampage comes up big against Chicago in Season Opener

San Antonio after a busy off-season by picking up players like Matt Climie and Mathieu Beaudoin, the Rampage were eagar to show off the new talent to show the AHL West Division that they are looking to be big time contenders in the Division after finishing 6th last season.

San Antonio did last night by spreading the scoring around which was lead by Mathieu Beaudoin who had 2 goals and 2 assists last night, other strong performances include Garrett Stafford and Ryan Hollweg who each had a goal and 2 assists.

 In all, 8 players had at least a point in the game where the Rampage were up 5-0 early in the 3rd period. With the exception of a 3 goal surge by the Wolves, the Rampage had this one sown up to win the season opener 6-3 where the Rampage won the home opener for the 6th time in team history, but they hope to begin to convert this into only their 3rd playoff appearance in their history.

Another former Texas Star Matt Climie stopped 26 of 29 Wolves shots in the game, and he's looking to take control in net for the Rampage this season after helping get the Stars to the Calder Cup Final last season.


Chicago Wolves 3  San Antonio Rampage 6  (0-2, 0-1, 3-3)

Chicago VS. San Antonio Game Highlights

Here's the Game story from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Rampage set the tone for the 2010-2011 season with a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Wolves in front of a full house with a 8,043 fans in attendance Friday Night at the AT&T Center.

Action commenced right from the gate for San Antonio, as Mikkael Boedkar jumped in front of the pack with a breakaway for the Rampage's first play of the season. He misfired the puck due to a holding penalty by Chicago defensemen Nolan Welch.

A penalty shot was awarded to Boedkar was unable to take advantage of the one-on-one match up against Wolves goaltender Drew Macintyre. Boedkar skated from the right wall and into the slot before firing a shot that was blocked by Macintyre's right leg just 23 seconds into the opening period.

This does not stop San Antonio from getting on the scoreboard first during the first period as defensemen Garrett Stafford gave the Rampage their first goal of the season at 4:54 of the first period. Rampage right wing Mathieu Beaudoin set up Stafford up perfectly in front of the net as the shot went in over Macintyre's right shoulder. Stafford and Beaudoin were both part of the Texas Stars Calder Cup Finals team last season and teamed up again tonight to help set the tone for the Rampage.

Shortly after the first goal, Beaudoin was back in action scoring on a slim angle to bring the Rampage a 2-0 lead at 6:47 mark of the first period. With the Rampage winning the faceoff, Beaudoin fired a shot from the right corner along the goal line that deflected off the back of Macintyre left leg and into the net. Ryan Hollweg and Bracken Kerns were credited with the assists.

After a quiet second period, Boedker shook things up in the 2nd period with 12 seconds to go in the middle frame by scoring on the power play to give the Rampage a 3-0 edge. Stafford sent a cross ice pass to the stick of Boedken where he then placed it directly underneath the cross bar in the right corner. Viktor Tikhnov was credited with the second assist.

The Rampage continued to dominate the scoreboard as they took a commanding 5-0 lead over the Wolves at 4:34 into the final stanza with a rebound goal by rookie Chris Summers. Center Andrew Ebbett fired a shot down the center where it was reflected off Macintyre's chest and landed at the top of the crease where Summers was able to pick it up and hit the top left corner of the net.

Chicago rallied with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation by scoring three goals in less then two minutes.

Wolves right wing Darren Haydar passed the puck from the right side of the net to set up Jamie Hunt at the left circle for a shot that escaped over the right shoulder of Rampage goalie Matt Climie and into the net for Chicago's first tally of the season at 10:47.

Just 32 seconds later, the duo repeated with the same play that surprised Climie to double the Wolves score. Both of Hunt's goals came on the power play.

At the 12:43 mark of the final frame, Chicago center Jarred Ross came from behind the net of the right side and passed the puck to the Wolves RW Spencer Machacek who was camped right in front of the net for a direct shot and into the upper right hand corner of the net and brought the Wolves within 2 at 5-3.

The Rampage sealed the victory with 2:03 left in the game when Rampage veteran Ryan Hollweg scored his first goal of the season. Hollwog skated down the left hand boards and fired a shot at Macintyre that flew past his left shoulder and into the upper right corner of the net. Beaudoin and Stafford posted the assists on the goal.

Climie stopped 26 of 29 Wolves shots for his first Rampage win while Wolves net-minder Macintyre gave up 6 goals on 31 shots.

Beaudoin was awarded the first star of the game with four points (2 Goals and 2 Assists) on the night. In 2008, Beaudoin tallied an assist in one game with San Antonio and now has five career points in two games with the Rampage.

Beaudoin, Stafford & Climie all joined the Rampage from the Texas Stars and proved to be key players in the game as Beaudoin and Stafford combined for seven points for the Rampage.

The Rampage won the home opener for the sixth time in team history. The Rampage will take on the Texas Stars this Sunday at 3 PM at the AT&T Center.

10/8 Professional Scoreboard

Here's the scoreboard for the NHL & the opening night of the American Hockey League as well. The Dallas Stars after a sluggish start where the Devils went up 2-0 in the first 10 minutes, the Stars had a furious comeback where Loui Eriksson scored his second of the night to win 4-3 up in New Jersey. The Stars head to Long Island to take on the Islanders tonight.

As for the American Hockey League, the Rampage had their way all night as the Rampage were up 5-0 at one point, before the Chicago Wolves came back to make it 5-3, before a 6-3 final for the Rampage are sending a message to the AHL West Division that they intend to be much improved this season.

In addition to the NHL & AHL, the Central Hockey League will kickoff their season next weekend.


National Hockey League

Minnesota Wild 1  Carolina Hurricanes 2 (SO) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

San Jose Sharks 3  Columbus Blue Jackets 2  (2-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Anaheim Ducks 0  Detroit Red Wings 4  (0-2, 0-2, 0-0)

Buffalo Sabres 2  Ottawa Senators 1  (1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Washington Capitals 2  Atlanta Thrashers 4  (1-1, 0-2, 1-1)


American Hockey League

Abbotsford Heat 3  Grand Rapids Griffins 2  (SO) (1-2, 0-0, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Adirondack Phantoms 1  Binghamton Senators 5  (0-2, 0-1, 1-2)

Springfield Falcons 5  Providence Bruins 1  (0-0, 4-0, 1-1)

Syracuse Crunch 2  Lake Erie Monsters 3  (1-0, 1-2, 0-1)

Manitoba Moose 4  Peoria Rivermen 3  (1-1, 0-1, 3-1)