Chubak Commits to Niagara University

Press Release

The Tri-City Storm announced that goaltender Carsen Chubak has committed to Niagara University and will attend the school beginning in the fall of 2010.

"It's pretty nice to finally have this commitment over with, which takes the monkey off my back," said Chubak. "It allows me to focus on-and-off the ice about this team (the Storm) and not worrying about my plans for next season."

The 20-year-old is playing in his first USHL season. Heading into the weekend, the native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan has posted a 19-15-6 record and two shutouts for the Storm.

Two other current USHL players are committed to attend Niagara University; Waterloo Black Hawks forward Patrick Divjak and Sioux City Musketeers for Ryan Rashid.

"The hockey program has been a factory for professional hockey players and has fared well against other college programs." says Chubak. "It was appealing to see both coaches were goalies during their playing days and are well-educated in the position."

"The school has a strong business management program that has pride in their business education, which excites me to know that I'm going to a place that is reputable in something that has interested me for awhile."

Niagara University will be competing in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) next season, as the College Hockey America (CHA) conference is disbanding following the 2009-10 campaign. Five former USHL players are the Niagara roster this season; Adam Avramenko (Green Bay Gamblers), Dan Baco (Lincoln Stars), Bryan Haczyk (Green Bay Gamblers), Robert Martini (Indiana Ice), and Chris Moran (Omaha Lancers). Niagara assistant coach Tim Madsen spent two seasons as a player in the USHL (2002-04) split between the Waterloo Black Hawks and the Tri-City Storm.

"Carsen has been a big reason why we have had success this season, and he has the opportunity to become a tremendous goalie for Niagara as he moves on in his hockey endeavors," said Head Coach/General Manager Drew Schoneck. "We are extremely proud of his decision and we look forward to the rest of the season with him."

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

USHL Approves Ownership Transfer for Musketeers

Press Release

The United States Hockey League and Jim Kronschnabel, the principal owner of Siouxland Sports and the Sioux City Musketeers, today announced approval for the transfer of ownership of the Musketeers to a new ownership group headed by Donn Lux, Chairman and CEO of St. Louis-based Luxco, Inc.

Mr. Lux will serve as Chairman of SCM, LLC, the ownership entity that will operate and manage the Sioux City Musketeers organization. Luxco, his company, is a renowned manufacturer, bottler, processor, and distributor of beverage alcohol products in both the domestic and international marketplace. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management (1985) and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Tulane University (1982).

"I feel privileged to have the opportunity to become part of the United States Hockey League," said Lux, "and especially to be able to do so as the owner of an organization like Sioux City. The League continues to grow on and off the ice and has a group of owners that is second to none – and nowhere does USHL hockey shine brighter than with the Musketeers, with their rich hockey tradition, loyal fan base, and supportive community."

USHL Commissioner Skip Prince was similarly pleased. "Jim Kronschnabel and Siouxland Sports made hockey 'must-see' entertainment in Sioux City for the past eight years, and the Musketeers have become a keystone of both the USHL and this community. The transition to Donn and his group confirms the team's commitment to Sioux City – and the commitment of our Board of Directors to insure that the USHL stands not only for extraordinary hockey, but exemplary business and civic responsibility."

A first order for new ownership was extension of the current lease agreement with the Tyson Events Center, which has hosted home games for the Sioux City Musketeers since it opened in 2003, for at least three future seasons. The organization will also host the USHL Fall Classic in September through at least 2011, having been awarded that extension by the USHL during its All-Star meetings. This coming September will mark the fourth straight season the "most scouted event in hockey" comes to Sioux City.

"My years with the Musketeers and the USHL have been some of the best of my life," said Kronschnabel. "I believe in this league and what it does for the young men in it, and the communities in which we work and play. This is one of those rare opportunities in life to be involved in something where everyone wins. I will truly miss the day-to-day interaction with our supporters, fans, and the owners and GM's around the league. I have made many great friends and for that I am very thankful."

Kronschnabel and Siouxland Sports purchased the Musketeers organization in 2002, the first year the USHL was recognized as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league. He also served as the Chairman for the USHL Board of Directors for three seasons (2006-09), as well as on numerous League committees. He will remain as a consultant to new ownership through December of this year to insure a smooth transition of team and business operations.

"All of us would be amiss not to recognize Jim for his extraordinary achievements on behalf of both the Musketeers, and as a leader in building this league," added Prince. "Without him, not only the Musketeers, but the USHL might not be here to celebrate today's transition."

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Ken Hodge Named Recipient of 2010 WHL Governors Award

Press Release

Calgary – Ron Robison, Western Hockey League Commissioner, on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, announced today that former General Manager and Head Coach of the Portland Winterhawks and the winningest coach in WHL history, Ken Hodge, has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 – 10 WHL Governors Award. The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual who, through their outstanding services as a builder of the League and achievements in the game, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.

Ken Hodge was the only Head Coach in Winterhawks history from the time the franchise relocated to Portland until he stepped down from the bench following the 1992 – 93 season to concentrate solely on serving as the Club’s General Manager. During this period, Hodge set the WHL coaching all-time records including most games coached - 1411; most regular season victories – 742 and most playoff wins - 101. One of the major highlights of Hodge’s coaching career came in 1982 – 83 when the host Winterhawks became the first ever U.S. based franchise to capture the Memorial Cup. Hodge’s success continued in his role as General Manager as he later built the Winterhawks into a perennial contender and captured the Memorial Cup Championship again in 1998. During Hodge’s 32 years as Head Coach and General Manager, the Winterhawks made the playoffs 26 times and also captured two WHL Championships. Hodge, who continues to serve as a special advisor to the Winterhawks, coached close to 100 players in Portland who went on to play in the NHL.

“Ken Hodge is not only regarded as one of the most successful coaches in WHL history,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “but he also played an integral role in the Portland Winterhawks becoming one of the most dominant franchises in the WHL over two decades.”

WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will be in Portland on Sunday, March 21 to present Ken Hodge with the honor as part of the pre-game ceremonies leading up to game two in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Quarter Final between the host Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs.

The WHL Governors Award, first awarded by the WHL in 2004 – 05, is the highest honour bestowed on an individual by the WHL Board of Governors. Previous recipients were: Bob Brown (2008 – 09); Bill Hunter, Scotty Munro and Jim Piggott (2007 – 08); Bob Cornell (2006 – 07); Jack McLeod (2005 – 06); Pat Ginnell, Ernie McLean, Bill Hicke and Del Wilson (2004 – 05).

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Williams Commits to Niagara

Press Release

The Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club is pleased to announce that defenceman Matt Williams has committed to attend Niagara University next season.

The Purple Eagles are an NCAA Division I program, playing in the College Hockey America (CHA) Conference.

Williams just finished his second and final season with the Storm, posting four goals and 19 assists in 23 games during the 2009-2010 regular season.

The 20-year-old Kitchener, Ontario native also recorded one goal and six assists in nine playoff games for the Storm.

The Storm would like to congratulate Matt and his family on this great opportunity and wish him continued success in the future.

Five Storm players now hold NCAA scholarships: Williams, Zahn Raubenheimer (University of Nebraska), Dennis Rix (Michigan Tech), Tanner Fritz (Ohio State) and Rodger Craig (Cornell).

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Leafs Sign Jesse Blacker

Press Release

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday that they have signed defenceman Jesse Blacker to a standard three-year entry level contract. He will report to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) tomorrow.

Blacker, 18, was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, 58th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He played in one preseason game for Toronto in September.

Blacker skated in 57 games this season in the Ontario Hockey League, posting 33 points (six goals, 27 assists) and 74 penalty minutes. The Toronto, Ontario native played in 48 games with the Owen Sound Attack, recording six goals and 24 assists to go along with 62 penalty minutes.

The 6’1, 190-pound defenceman appeared in nine games with the Windsor Spitfires at the start of the season before being traded to the Attack, registering three assists. His second season with the Spitfires in 2008-09 culminated in a Memorial Cup Championship after 20 post-season games.


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

OHL Announces 2010 First Round Playoff Broadcast Schedule

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with broadcast partners Rogers TV, TVCogeco, Eastlink, and Shaw TV, today announced the broadcast schedule for the first round of the 2010 OHL Playoffs available on the OHL Action Pak.

The action begins tonight with two games on the schedule including the defending OHL and MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions and top Western Conference seed the Windsor Spitfires as they host the Erie Otters at 7:00 pm. The Hamilton Spectator Trophy winners the Barrie Colts represent top spot in the Eastern Conference and begin their playoff action at 7:30 pm as they host the Sudbury Wolves.

Every game in six of the eight playoff matchups will be available on the OHL Action Pak including the entire series between the Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit with Rogers TV providing coverage of the games in Saginaw. Only Windsor Spitfires home games will be available in their first round series against the Erie Otters through TVCogeco, with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds home games available through Shaw TV in their first round series against the Plymouth Whalers.

Fans can also watch Game One between the Guelph Storm and the host London Knights on Rogers Sportsnet Friday March 19 at 7:00 pm on Rogers Sportsnet Ontario.

All OHL playoffs games are available live or in archive format through pay-per-view on INSINC at http://livestream.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

Click here to see the OHL Action Pak schedule for the first round of the 2010 OHL Playoffs


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

WHL Announces 2009-10 Conference All-Star Teams and Award Finalists

Press Release

Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today the 2009-10 WHL Conference First and Second All-Star Teams and the Conference Finalists for the 2010 WHL Awards. The WHL Player of the Year finalists will be announced on Wednesday, April 14th, 2010. The winners of these awards along with the WHL Player of the Year will be announced at the 2010 WHL Awards Luncheon in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010.

The WHL announced the Finalists in the following categories.

WHL Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, BC), Red Deer Rebels
Western Conference – Shane McColgan (Manhattan, CA), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
Eastern Conference – Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Western Conference – Calvin Pickard (Winnipeg, MB), Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen
Western Conference – Tyson Barrie (Victoria, BC), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy
Eastern Conference – Jason Bast (Moose Jaw, SK) Moose Jaw Warriors
Western Conference – Jared Spurgeon (Edmonton, AB), Spokane Chiefs

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Adam Lowry (Calgary, AB) Swift Current Broncos
Western Conference – Spencer Main (North Vancouver, BC) Kelowna Rockets

WHL Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Mark Holick, Kootenay Ice
Western Conference – Craig Hartsburg, Everett Silvertips

WHL Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings
Western Conference – Bob Tory, Tri-City Americans

WHL Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Matt Fraser (Red Deer, AB) Kootenay Ice
Western Conference – Zack Dailey (Healy, AK) Everett Silvertips

WHL Marketing / Public Relations Award
Eastern Conference – Brandon Wheat Kings, Rick Dillabough
Western Conference – Everett Silvertips, Zoran Rajcic

WHL Regular Season Champions, Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy
Calgary Hitmen: GP – 72 W – 52 L – 17 OTL – 1 SL – 2 Pts – 107

WHL Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy
Brandon Kozun – (Calgary, AB) Calgary Hitmen
GP – 65 G – 32 A – 75 Pts – 107 PIM - 50

The WHL Eastern and Western Conference All-Star Teams are as follows:

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Brayden McNabb (Davidson, SK), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Jordan Eberle (Regina, SK), Regina Pats *
Forward – Brayden Schenn (Saskatoon, SK), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Brandon Kozun (Calgary, AB), Calgary Hitmen

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Darcy Kuemper (Saskatoon, SK), Red Deer Rebels
Defenceman – Travis Hamonic (St. Malo, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Defenceman – Colby Robak (Gilbert Plains, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Dustin Sylvester (Kelowna, BC), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Matt Calvert (Brandon, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Cody Eakin (Winnipeg, MB), Swift Current Broncos

WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Calvin Pickard (Winnipeg, MB), Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenceman – Tyson Barrie (Victoria, BC), Kelowna Rockets
Defenceman – Kevin Connauton (Edmonton, AB), Vancouver Giants
Forward – Craig Cunningham (Trail, BC), Vancouver Giants *
Forward – Kyle Beach (Kelowna, BC), Spokane Chiefs
Forward – Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach, CA), Spokane Chiefs

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Drew Owsley (Lethbridge, AB), Tri-City Americans
Defenceman – Jared Cowen (Allan, SK), Spokane Chiefs
Defenceman – Radko Gudas (Kladno, Czech Rep.), Everett Silvertips
Forward – Shane Harper (Valencia, CA), Everett Silvertips
Forward – Nino Niederreiter (Chur, SUI), Portland Winterhawks
Forward – Prab Rai (Surrey, BC), Seattle Thunderbirds

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)