Monday, December 13, 2010

USHL Honors - Week Eleven

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced the weekly award winners for the eleventh week of the 2010-11 USHL regular season.

Congratulations to forward Blake Coleman of the Indiana Ice, named CCM Offensive Player of the Week; defenseman Jordan Schmaltz of Sioux City Musketeers, selected as CCM Defensive Player of the Week; and Scott Diebold of the Tri-City Storm who earned honors as the Reebok USHL Goaltender of the Week.

Coleman recorded six points (3g, 3a) as he helped the Ice extend their winning streak to six games. He scored a goal in each of the team's three weekend victories. The 19-year-old scored the game-tying goal in the third period before the Ice went on to defeat Chicago 3-2 on Friday. Coleman then had multiple points in each of Indiana's wins over Team USA on Saturday and Sunday. His goal on Sunday extended his point streak to seven games as he has 13 points (5g, 8a) and a plus-eight rating during that span. The native of Plano, Texas is playing in his second USHL season. He currently ranks third overall in League scoring with 27 points (9g, 18a) and is fourth with a plus-13 rating through 21 games.

Schmaltz scored three points (2g, 1a) and posted a plus-two rating as the Musketeers earned three of four points in the standings during the week. He dished out an assist and netted the game-winning goal in the 8-3 victory against Sioux Falls on Wednesday. The 17-year-old then tallied his team's lone goal in the 2-1 shootout loss to Omaha on Friday. It was his fourth straight game with a goal as he has scored all four of his goals in his rookie USHL season during that stretch. Schmaltz is a native of Verona, Wisconsin and has recorded 10 points (4g, 6a) in 15 games for the Musketeers.

Diebold allowed just one goal as he led the Storm to their fifth win in their last six contests. Despite his team being out-shot 44-21, Diebold was stellar making a season high 43 saves in the 2-1 victory against Fargo on Saturday. It was his third victory in as many starts as he has compiled a 0.97 goals-against-average and a .971 save percentage during that win streak. The 18-year-old from Cheektowaga, New York is playing in his first USHL season. It is the second time in the past three weeks that Diebold has earned the League's weekly goaltender award.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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