Monday, March 24, 2014

All good things must come to an end

As you may have noticed, I haven't updated this blog in a week. Two things for that

1. Last week I was busy covering the NCAA Division III men's hockey Championships which were held in Lewiston this past weekend for USCHO and the Sun Journal. I didn't want to over work myself. 

2. I have decided to shutdown this blog after this post for a couple a reasons. This winter with my freelancing duties with USCHO covering the MASCAC and ECAC Northeast DIII conferences and covering Maine High School Hockey for Hockey Night in Boston it was a lot of time commitment, but I enjoyed writing for them.

Updating this blog felt like it was becoming a job and that's what this blog wasn't intended to be a job.

This spring I hope I can find other freelance work maybe covering college baseball or lacrosse.

I also want to spend more of free time this spring and summer enjoying other things I enjoy like golfing.

 I still enjoy junior hockey but at the same time I have decided I just want to keep my focus on writing original content whether its for The Sun Journal, Maine Hockey Journal, USCHO, Hockey Night in Boston or any other freelance gig I may get.

I want to to thank all of you for reading this blog, you guys kept me going. I want to thank everyone who gave me tips in the nearly six years of doing this. I met a lot of great people doing this and hope to keep interacting with everyone on Twitter (my handle is jrhockeywriter).

If you have any questions you can tweet me or shoot me an email at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com.

Again Thank you.

Nathan Fournier

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Friday, March 14, 2014

Round two starts at George Preston

Press Release

Langley, BC - The Langley Rivermen have won their first ever playoff series defeating the Surrey Eagles in six games to advance to the Mainland division final where they will face the Coquitlam Express with game one of the best-of-seven series set to begin Friday night.

With the Langley Events Centre unavailable, it’s a return to Langley’s BCHL roots at the George Preston Recreation Centre, the former home of the Langley Lords, Thunder, and Hornets.

“Returning to the George Preston Recreation Centre is nostalgic, it’s a building with plenty of history including BCHL playoffs,” said Rivermen Director of Operations, Taylor Henderson.

“The Preston family has a long history of community building in Langley and we are honoured to play in the arena that bears George Preston’s name.  We would obviously prefer to play in our home building at the Langley Events Centre, but due to circumstances out of our control this is not possible.  We will be bridging the past with the present with a brief return to George Preston and hope the people of Langley will join us for what will be an exciting start to the division final series.”

Built in 1973, the previously named Civic Centre has seen thousands of children grow up in the rink playing their minor hockey there and watching BCHL action.  The facility was renamed to honour George Preston in 2005.

Tickets are available on site only at the George Preston Recreation Centre, located at 20699 42 Ave in Langley.  Puck drop for game 1 is 7:15pm Friday with game 2 Saturday night at 7:15pm, also at George Preston. 

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Wings to hold benefit this weekend for Zach Kraft

Press Release

Hockey players are known for being tough, strong, and dedicated on the ice. But for three junior hockey players, their strength and heart also shows off the ice.

Recently, former Aberdeen Wings player Zach Kraft was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. The team had plans to hold a benefit weekend for Kraft, to help defray some medical expenses and traveling costs. But what the Aberdeen Wings organization did not know was how big the hearts of current players were.

Wings defenseman Dillon Eichstadt of Bemidji, Minnesota, approached the organization about donating his jersey from the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to help raise funds for Kraft. Immediately, Wings captain Jake Horton of Plymouth, Minnesota and forward Jonathan Grebosky of Oakdale, Pennsylvania did the same donating their Top Prospects jerseys to the fundraiser. The three Aberdeen Wings players were selected to represent Team Central at the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament held in Troy, Michigan last month.

The jerseys will be auctioned off during first intermission this Friday, March 14th as the Aberdeen Wings host the Brookings Blizzard. All proceeds from the auction will go to Zach Kraft to help offset medical expenses and travel costs for treatment. Also, raffle tickets are being sold to win the Zach Kraft’s original #19 game-worn Wings jersey with all proceeds going to the fund. Last season, the jersey was purchased by Larry and Robin Hanson of Aberdeen, a Wings billet family. Through the generosity of the Hansons and friends, they have donated the jersey back to the fundraiser.

This season while playing for the Wisconsin Wilderness, Kraft was seeing a doctor following an injury when they discovered that he had a brain tumor. Following the surgery, medical experts discovered and later diagnosed Kraft with Glioblastoma, a cancer in the brain. Zach left the hospital with a desire to stay strong through it, because he has had to his whole life. There have been many obstacles in his life, including losing his mother Scarlet to breast cancer when he was only 11 years old.

After his mother passed away, he lived with his aunt and uncle in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 2010, he moved to Fargo to live with his sister Cassie where he played hockey for the Fargo North Spartans. In overtime, at the state tournament, Kraft scored the game-winning goal. After graduating high school, Zach had the opportunity to join the Fargo Force of the USHL, before joining the Aberdeen Wings of the North American Hockey League. In 52 games with the Wings, Kraft scored 6 goals and added 8 assists.

Through the generous jersey donations by Eichstadt, Horton, and Grebosky along with the amazing support of the Aberdeen Wings family, one can truly say that junior hockey is more than just another hockey team in another hockey town. This is about supporting each other through the bright times in our lives as well as picking each other up when a teammate, a fan, or community deal with hard times.

This Friday, as the Wings host Brookings, Zach Kraft will be in attendance to say thank you to the Aberdeen Wings community for their support and prayers. If you would like to help support Zach Kraft and his battle with brain cancer, please send donations to 719 9th St. North, Fargo, ND 58102. Foundation checks can be made out to the Zach Kraft Benefit.

On behalf of the Aberdeen Wings organization, we would like to extend a thank you to all those who have shown support for Zach Kraft.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Desrosiers named the Social Media Star for the month of February

Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Thursday March 13, 2014 – Philippe Desrosiers, the Rimouski Océanic goaltender was named the social media star of the month today for February 2014. This was a big month for Desrosiers, he was named VAUGHN goaltender of the month as well as the TELUS first star of the month.

Desrosiers received many mentions on the League’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The 2nd round pick of the Dallas Stars got a total of 1300 mentions on Twitter in the form of ‘favourites', and Facebook in the form of ‘likes’. Nikolaj Ehlers of the Halifax Mooseheads also received honourable mentions for the month with 1 175 mentions.

You can follow both players by subscribing to their Twitter handles: Philippe Desrosiers @pdesro30 and Nikolaj Ehlers @NikolajEhlers24 as well as on the ice.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Blizzard defenseman Parker makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Brookings Blizzard of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that defenseman Brandon Parker has commitment to play at the University of Alabama-Huntsville next season.

“We're so happy for Brandon. He has taken charge if our defensive corps and has developed into one of the best defensemen in the league,” said Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin.

Parker is a 5’9” 180 lb. defenseman from Fairbault, MN. This is his third season with the Blizzard and has seen his role with the team increase each season. He has played in 53 games with the Blizzard this season and has recorded 28 points with 8 goals and 20 assists.

Parker has scored 8 goals and recorded 20 assists in 53 games with the Blizzard this season. His 28 points is good for fourth on the team in points and leads all defenseman. He also ranks 11th in the NAHL in scoring among defenseman.

This is the third season Brandon has been part of the Blizzard organization. He has improved and contributed more each year within the program. In 2011-12 he had 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 15 games in Alexandria. Last season he played in 26 games and had 11 points with 2 goals and 9 assists.

Defensively, He's a shut down defenseman who makes a great first pass and is not afraid to play physical.  Offensively, he possesses superior puck handling skills as well as a great shot, which is deceptive and gets very few shots blocked,” added Laylin.

In February Parker represented the Blizzard on team Central at the NAHL Top Prospects tournament in Troy, MI.  He was also named the Easton Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month for the month of December when he had 11 points in 9 games for the Blizzard.

He's great in the community and volunteers frequently.  The Blizzard organization is extremely exited for Brandon and his d opportunity at UAH,” said Coach Laylin.

The University of Alabama-Huntsville is a NCAA Division I program and competes as a member of the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association).

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Wilderness defenseman Buri makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are very pleased to announce that defenseman Richard Buri has made his NCAA Division I commitment to the University of Alabama Huntsville. Alabama Huntsville currently competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

Buri (6’5/210), the 20-year-old from Nitra, Slovakia is the fourth player from the NAHL Wilderness organization to make a NCAA Division I commitment. Buri has played 39 games with the Wilderness this season. As a defenseman he has 3 goals, 4 assists and is +8.

Buri is also one of the 100 players that was selected to play in the NAHL Top Prospect Tournament. Buri was on the Midwest Team. With the commitment, Buri is one of dozens of NAHL players who played in the event and then have made an NCAA commitment in the weeks following the event.

“Alabama Huntsville was the best option for me, their facility and plan for me was best,” said Buri.  “Alabama Huntsville was the best place for me financially and I just really want to play hockey in Alabama. It feels great having a college commitment and feels better knowing I can start next year, it relieves a lot of the pressure.” stated Buri.

“We are happy for Richard on his commitment to Alabama Huntsville. He has been a big part of our success this season. We wish him good luck and we expect him to do well.” said Wilderness head coach Corey Millen.

Buri joins teammates Brett Heikkila (Northern Michigan), Zach Jordan (Michigan Tech) and Kasimir Kaskisuo (Minnesota-Duluth) as Wilderness players who have made NCAA Division I commitments this season.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Richmond named OJHL coach-of-the-year

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League announced today that James Richmond (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) of the Aurora Tigers has been named the recipient of the 2013-14 OJHL Coach-of-the-Year Award.

After joining the Tigers during the summer of 2010 as General Manager and Head Coach, James Richmond has improved the club's record each season of his four-year tenure, capturing a second consecutive North Division crown in 2013-14, while also finishing as runner-up for the overall OJHL regular season title.  The club's 38-12-3 record for 79 points and a .745 winning percentage is the best in franchise history since 2006-07 when they went on to capture the RBC Cup, National Junior ‘A’ Championship.  They completed the impressive season with a league-best 22-4-0 record on the road; five more wins than any other team in the OJHL had when playing away from home, including a league-high 10 game winning streak and 9 game winning streak on the road (also finished the year with an 8 game road winning streak).

The defensively sound Tigers also topped the league by allowing just 122 goals against, led by OJHL Top Goaltender and 1st Team All-Star Kevin Entmaa, who personally led the league in wins, goals against average, save percentage and shutouts.  Aurora accomplished this with a disciplined game that saw them finish with the second least penalty total, taking just 694 penalty minutes, while allowing the fewest power play goals against (31) as part of the fifth best penalty killing unit (83.94%). 

With three players in the top 20 of overall OJHL scoring, the Tigers offensive game was not affected by the defensive conscious mindset.  The club finished third in the league with 220 goals for, as well as the league's best power play, firing at a 26.19% success rate.  Their offensive success was led by the forward trio of Kory Kennedy, Dylan Sikura and Taylor McCloy, while rookie defenceman Eric Williams anchored the blueline, leading all OJHL rearguards with 14 goals. 

The 49-year old native of Mississauga, Ontario, who now resides in Oak Ridges, previously coached the Georgetown Raiders from 2005-06 to 2009-10, being named the MacKinnon Division's Coach-of-the-Year in 2008-09 after leading his club to the OJHL regular season title.  After playing Junior 'B' for the famed Henry Carr Crusaders (now Orangeville Flyers), Richmond spent four seasons playing NCAA Division I hockey with the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, before turning professional in Europe.  Following a brief minor pro career in Europe and North America, Richmond set his sights on coaching and has become a well-respected teacher of the game.  This past summer, he was hired by the NHL's Los Angeles Kings in a player development role, spending time working with the club's younger players and prospects.

The OJHL Coach-of-the-Year Award is awarded to the Head Coach that is adjudged to have contributed the most to his club’s success throughout the course of the regular season.

Jason Fortier of the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots was named runner-up in the OJHL award balloting to Richmond. 

Fortier joined the Patriots this season, previously having coached the Vaughan Vipers, and led the club to their first Conference and Division regular season title in franchise history, finishing with a 35-12-6 record for 76 points and a .717 winning percentage.

The Coach Canada Most Improved Player Award recipient will be announced later this week.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Four more NOJHL awards finalized

Press Release

SUDBURY – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League announced today that four more of its annual awards have been finalized, all of which all were earned by members of the regular season champion Soo Thunderbirds.

The NOJHL’s most valuable player, in the Thunderbirds’ Joel Horodziejczyk, factored in three of the accolades for his outstanding 2013-14 campaign with Sault Ste. Marie.

He earned the Molson Trophy as the NOJHL player of the year and thus will also be the league’s representative for the RBC – CJHL national player of the year award, which will be announced during the RBC Cup Canadian Jr. A Championship May 10-18 in Vernon, B.C.

The first team all-star enters the postseason having gone unbeaten in his past 27 starts registering a very impressive 26-0-1-0 record in that span.

Horodziejczyk also won the Wayne Chase Memorial Award for posting the best goals-against average in NOJHL this season at a stingy 1.72.

The Soo stopper also teamed up with his goaltending partner Brian Kment to earn the NOJHL Team Goaltending Award, which is presented annually to the goalkeepers on the club that allowed the fewest goals against during the campaign.

In 56 games the duo gave up just 107 goals for an NOJHL-low average of 1.91 per game.

It marks the third time in the past four seasons that T-Birds goalkeepers have garnered the accolades.

The final award went to Thunderbirds captain Gavin Burbach, who earned the Jimmy Connors Memorial Trophy as the league’s regular season scoring champion.

Burbach led all NOJHL skaters in offensive production with 87 points on a league-best 48 goals along with 39 assists.

Two other NOJHL honours will be announced at a later date in the RBC Scholastic player of the year award along with the NOJHL playoff MVP plaque.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

OHL Academic Players for February

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for February, 2014, including Michael Holmes of the Saginaw Spirit, Adam Craievich of the Guelph Storm, Riley Bruce of the North Bay Battalion, and Lawson Crouse of the Kingston Frontenacs.

West Division: The West Division Academic Player of the Month for February is the Saginaw Spirit’s Michael Holmes. Holmes, a 17-year-old rookie from Barrie, ON, was  Saginaw’s 2nd round selection in 2013. While attending Heritage High School Holmes has been able to achieve great success in the classroom. While maintaining grades in the high 70’s on a tough course load which includes University prep English and Physics, Holmes has continually demonstrated that he has both the tools on the ice which made him the 28th overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection as well as in the classroom. The Saginaw Spirit would like to congratulate Michael on all his success so far and continued success in the future.

Midwest Division: The Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February is the Guelph Storms’ Adam Craievich. Craievich, a 16-year-old rookie from Sarnia, ON, is an extremely disciplined, self motivated and conscientious student. His commitment to his academic studies was evident with the demanding course load he carried earning a 91% average in five University prep courses. His teachers have described him as a “very focused student with strong leadership skills”. His high standards of excellence is a direct reflection of his positive work ethic. The Guelph Storm would like to congratulate Adam on his superb efforts in the classroom and wishing him continued success in second semester.

Central Division: The Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February is North Bay Battalion Defenseman Riley Bruce.  Bruce, a 16-year-old rookie from Carp, ON, has maintained a high honours average during his time at Chippewa Secondary School and  throughout his high school career. This past semester he excelled in his accounting and marketing classes where he showed great insight into solving case studies and analyzing business problems. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and critical thinking skills in his classes and is conscientious about staying on top of his assignments despite his busy travel schedule.

East Division: The East Division Academic Player of the Month for February is Kingston Frontenacs’ rookie Lawson Crouse. Crouse, a 16-year-old Mt. Brydges, ON, native was a first round draft pick for the Frontenacs last season. He has certainly lived up to his billing, having been selected as a member of Team Ontario for the World Under-17 Hockey challenge. Academically, Lawson attends Holy Cross CSS. He is enrolled in challenging courses and is committed to achieving high academic success. Lawson has proven himself successful in his commitment to academics and in his hockey pursuits.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Troy and Aafke Loney Join Phantoms Ownership and Operational Group

Press Release

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Troy Loney and his wife Aafke have partnered with Phantoms Owner & CEO Bruce Zoldan to become members of the club’s ownership and operational group, the team announced today.

Under the agreement, which is dependent upon league review and approval, Loney will oversee the day-to-day business and hockey operations of the Youngstown Phantoms.

“I am excited for the opportunity to build upon the foundation that the Phantoms have laid in the Steel Valley, Western Pennsylvania, and the USHL as a whole,” said Loney. “I have seen firsthand how the USHL has become a breeding ground for Division I talent, as well as the NHL. I continue to be enthused with the development of the league and its players, and I can’t wait to get started in Youngstown.”

“This is a tremendous move for the Phantoms and for the Youngstown community,” added Zoldan. “Troy brings a true historical hockey figure to our team. His connection to both Pittsburgh and Youngstown, and the Stanley Cups that he has won—including one under Edward DeBartolo, Sr.’s ownership—speak for themselves. The credibility he brings is immense, and his interest in this team further shows that the USHL is recognized by the NHL and the NCAA as the most talented developmental system in the nation.”

Loney possesses both a wealth of NHL experience and deep connections to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ front office. A veteran of over 600 NHL games, Loney was drafted by the Penguins in 1982 and spent ten seasons with the club, winning the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992. He was also named the first-ever captain of the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for the 1993-94 season.

“This is a great day for hockey in Youngstown,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Troy was a valuable player for the Penguins, contributing to two Stanley Cup championships and many exciting moments on the ice, but he also forged a very successful post-hockey career as a corporate executive in the Pittsburgh area. The Phantoms organization and their fans will benefit from his considerable experience in both the hockey and business worlds. We are big fans of the Phantoms, and we look forward to great things from Troy and his team.”

Since retiring from the NHL in 1995, Loney entered the business world, and for the past 15 years, has been a senior executive at various levels. Most recently, he served as the president of a division in a Fortune 250 company. He has continued to make his home in the Pittsburgh area since retirement from his playing career.

“Having someone of Troy’s caliber in our team’s management is a great move for this organization,” said Phantoms coach Anthony Noreen. “This helps solidify the Phantoms as a top USHL franchise, as well as adds to the long-term stability of our team in the Youngstown community.”

Adding to his ties to the Youngstown community, Loney’s son, Ty, spent two seasons playing for the Phantoms before moving on to the University of Denver. As a Phantom, Ty Loney registered 46 points in 71 games played. Currently in his junior season with the Pioneers, he has 65 points in 111 career games at the Division I level.

“When my son, Ty, played in Youngstown a few years ago, I got a firsthand view of the city and the Phantoms organization,” continued Loney. “I know that Ty had a great on- and off-ice experience in Youngstown, and he was able to develop his skills to the point where he is now playing Division I college hockey at Denver. I look at coming here as an opportunity to invest not only in the Youngstown community, but also in the Phantoms organization.”

Both Zoldan and Loney anticipate this new partnership will further solidify the commitment to the existing fan base and are hopeful that potential season ticket holders and new fans will experience Phantoms hockey firsthand. Season tickets and premium seating are available at the Covelli Centre.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Storm forward commits to Bentley University

Press Release

 The Tri-City Storm announced that forward Ryan McMurphy has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Bentley University beginning next season.

“I knew I wanted to go to a strong academic school,” McMurphy said.  “When Bentley called me I really enjoyed the fact that they have a great business school.  It’s a good spot for me.”

McMurphy has recorded 16 points (10g, 6a) through 48 games this season with the Storm.  He opened the season scoring a goal in each of the first two games for the Storm, including the lone tally in the 1-0 win against the Des Moines Buccaneers on October 5th.  The 19-year-old had a USHL career high three-point game (2g, 1a) on January 3rd in the 5-1 win against the Sioux Falls Stampede in which he scored his first shorthanded goal.  The native of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma is playing his second USHL season after appearing in 58 games last season with the Storm and recording eight points (2g, 6a).

“I think the goal for most youth hockey players is to be in the USHL because it’s the league that produces the most Division I scholarships,” McMurphy said.  “I think coming here to Tri-City definitely helped me to achieve my goal of playing D1.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Pats honour four builders

Press Release

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce the team has honoured four long time volunteers as “Builders” of the team.  Off-ice Officials Gary Renner and Bill White along with Dr. Ian Hill and Dr. Ralph Berdan join current Builders Graham Tuer, Lorne Davis, Bob Turner, Del Wilson, Gord Staseson and Al Ritchie.

As off-ice officials, Garry Renner and Bill white were key parts of Pats game nights, ensuring accurate scorekeeping and timekeeping throughout Pats games.  Renner was a member of the Pats’ off-ice officials for 44 years while White volunteered for 42 years.

“We have been very fortunate as an organization to have long term volunteers such as Gary and Bill working as off-ice officials,” commented Pats VP of Business Operations Cliff Mapes.  “Off-ice officials and game night volunteers are integral to the survival of junior hockey and we are happy to have the opportunity to honour Gary and Bill for over forty years of reliable service.”

Dr. Ian Hill served as the Pats’ team doctor for 45 years before retiring last season while Dr. Ralph Berdan will end his time as the team dentist at the conclusion of this season after 35 years with the Pats.

“It’s invaluable… you can never repay guys like that,” said Pats Athletic Therapist Greg Mayer.  “Their commitment, professionalism and passion for the team, they both bleed red white and blue.  They’ve seen every player here from probably as far back as guys like Al Dumba and (Clark) Gillies to Jordan Eberle and Jordan Weal so that’s a lot of players who have come through their door.”

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

CHL announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the twenty-fifth edition of the BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2013-14 regular season.  The weekly rankings of the Canadian Hockey League’s Top 10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 25

Rank:
Team:
Last Week Rank:
Number of Weeks Ranked:
1
Kelowna Rockets (54-11-0-4)
1
20
2
Guelph Storm (50-12-2-1)
2
25
3
Portland Winterhawks (51-13-2-3)
3
22
4
London Knights (47-13-1-4)
5
19
5
Erie Otters (49-14-2-0)
6
19
6
Baie-Comeau Drakkar (45-16-2-3)
4
22
7
Victoria Royals (48-17-1-3)
8
5
8
Rimouski Oceanic (43-15-3-4)
9
8
9
Halifax Mooseheads (45-18-0-3)
-
10
10
Edmonton Oil Kings (48-18-2-1)
-
8
       
  Honourable Mention:
   
  Calgary Hitmen (46-17-3-4)
10
6
  Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (40-16-5-5)
7
23
  Oshawa Generals (41-18-0-6)
-


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Statement from OHL Commissioner with regards to Updated Saginaw schedule

Press Release

Toronto – Yesterday, upon learning the tragic news about the Saginaw Spirit’s Terry Trafford, it was determined, in consultation with the Spirit that the game scheduled for tonight in Saginaw would be postponed and that the team’s regular season would reconvene when the Spirit players felt ready.

In speaking with the Spirit today, they have met with their players who have asked to commence playing on Friday night in Sault Ste Marie.

The OHL has extended the regular season for one day to accommodate the new schedule.

The team’s remaining regular season schedule is as follows:

Friday March 14, 2014, in Sault Ste Marie at 7:07 pm
Saturday March 15, 2014, in Saginaw against London at 7:11 pm
Monday March 17, 2014, in Saginaw against Sault Ste Marie at 7:11 pm

The League wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds in accommodating this schedule.


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Jets goalie Halladay makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that goaltender Logan Halladay has made a commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota of the BIG 10.

Halladay (6’2/180) is 17-years-old and calls Cary, North Carolina home.  This season, Halladay has appeared in 27 games and has a 16-8-1 record with a 2.32 goals against average and a 93.1% save percentage.

“We are very proud of Logan because this commitment is a result of all the hard work he puts in on and off of the ice. He has a confidence to his game that you don’t usually find in players his age. His compete level is off the charts and he improves his game every day. The Gophers are a first class program with an outstanding staff and they are getting a first class young man, it’s a great match,” said Janesville head coach Joe Dibble.

Last month, Halladay turned heads at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament where he played on the NAHL 18U Selects Team, where he posted a 1.98 goals against average and a 91.3% save percentage in the two games against the HPHL All-Star team and the USNTDP-17 Team.

Halladay is also an alumni of the NAPHL, having played in the league during the 2011-12 season for the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 16U team. During that season in the NAPHL, Halladay put up an 4-4-1 record and was in the top 8 in save percenatge with a 91% mark.

“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity that I’ve been blessed by God with to play college hockey for such an unbelievable University. It’s been a lot of hard work and I would like to thank all of my coaches for pushing me to be the best that I could and always helping me get better but especially all of my family members who have been the best support system that I could ever ask for. There is no way I could have made it this far without them so I owe it all to them,” said Halladay.

“It has been a great year here in Janesville so far. The coaching staff and management have given the players every opportunity to succeed and I am extremely thankful for the help and support they have given along the way. We have a special group of guys this year in Janesville and we have all certainly pitched in to help get wins, as well as college commitments. Although we are receiving attention for commitments that we have earned, our number one goal is winning a championship and that is not something that we will stop working for. We are extremely excited to finish out the year strong and make a run for the Robby!” stated Halladay.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)