Wednesday, October 31, 2012

KNIGHTS’ RAINE SUSPENDED

Press Release

LONDON, ONTARIO: General Manager Mark Hunter received word from the Ontario Hockey League today on London Knights defenseman Kevin Raine’s pending suspension for his hit on Peterborough Petes forward Stephen Nosad.  The Ontario Hockey League announced that Kevin Raine will be suspended 6 games retroactive Friday, October 26th.  He will be eligible to return to action Saturday, November 10th in Plymouth.

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

Giants Move Musil to Edmonton to Bolster Their Future

Press Release

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Vancouver Giants made a bold move today by trading 19 year-old Edmonton Oilers draft pick and Delta native David Musil to the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for 17 year-old defensive prospect Mason Geertsen and a 1st-round draft pick in 2013

Here’s what Vancouver General Manager Scott Bonner had to say on this decision: “Moving David was a hard things to do, however with the current stage in our system it was important to acquire a solid 17 year old prospect as well as a 1st-round pick to rebuild the program.” 

Musil was into his 4th full season with the Giants, collecting 92 points in 206 games, including 8 points in 14 games this season.

Geertsen, meanwhile, who’s from Rocky Rapids, Alberta and stands 6’4, 203lbs, is now in his second full season with the Oil Kings. He has collected 7 assists and 106 penalty minutes in 52 games so far, including 4 assists in 15 games this season. Geertsen is expected to be in the lineup for the Giants tomorrow night when the visit the Medicine Hat Tigers.


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

CHL Announces BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 Rankings

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the seventh edition of the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 Rankings for the 2012-13 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 MasterCard Top 10 Rankings – Week 7

Rank:
Team:
Last Week Rank:
Number of Weeks Ranked:
1
Kamloops Blazers (16-0-0-1)
1
6
2
Halifax Mooseheads (15-1-0-0)
2
7
3
Quebec Remparts (12-3-0-0)
3
7
4
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (11-3-0-2)
5
7
5
Owen Sound Attack (10-2-0-2)
6
4
6
Barrie Colts (11-3-0-1)
10
3
7
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (12-3-0-1)
-
2
8
Portland Winterhawks (9-3-1-0)
9
7
9
Guelph Storm (10-4-0-1)
7
2
10
Prince Albert Raiders (10-4-0-2)
8
4
       
  Honourable Mention:
   
  Edmonton Oil Kings (9-3-1-2)
-
4
  Oshawa Generals (9-5-0-2)
4
5
  Spokane Chiefs (11-5-0-0)
-


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

Rocket Sign Free Agent

Press Release

The PEI Rocket have signed free-agent forward, Jack Nevins.  Nevins, 6’2” and 200 lbs, played in 59 games last hockey season in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs and Sarnia Sting.  He had 5 goals and 6 assists to go with 13 fighting majors and 85 penalty minutes.  He started this season with the OHL’s London Knights but a hip injury kept him sidelined for the most part.  He did play in 2 games before being released.

Coach Gordie Dwyer says, “ We are always looking to make our team better and when the opportunity arose to sign Jack, we jumped at it.  We are looking forward to the presence and grit he adds to our line-up.”

Nevins had other options in the QMJHL as Quebec Remparts and Gatineau Olympiques also showed interest but he felt PEI was the best fit for him.


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

McDavid and Hall added to Team OHL

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Ontario Hockey League today announced that forwards Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters and Zach Hall of the Barrie Colts will compete in the 2012 SUBWAY® Super Series for Team OHL on Thursday November 8 in Guelph, ON.

McDavid and Hall are added to the roster as replacements for Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals and Brendan Gaunce of the Belleville Bulls who are unable to compete due to injury.

McDavid, a 15-year-old from Newmarket, ON, currently leads all OHL rookies in scoring with seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 15 games.  McDavid was the first overall pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection and becomes the youngest player to compete in the 10-year history of this event.

Hall, a 19-year-old from Belleville, ON, is playing in his third full OHL season with the Colts.  He is currently fourth in league scoring with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 13 games.

Team OHL enters the tenth anniversary of this event with a perfect 18-0 record against Team Russia following a 10-7 win last season in Ottawa, and a 6-3 victory in Sault Ste. Marie.

The 2012 SUBWAY® Super Series is supported by CHL associate sponsors, Bank of Montreal, Old Dutch, and Post.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet with QMJHL games shown on TVA Sports.


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

PHL announces Pointstreak Peak Performers for October

Press Release

The North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) announced its Pointstreak Peak Performers for the month of October.  The players were selected based upon their performance at the second PHL showcase event of the season, which was held at Sharks Ice in San Jose, California, from October 19-22, 2012.

MIDGET MAJOR (18U) POINTSTREAK PEAK PERFORMER-Jason Semchak, goaltender, California Titans

The Pointstreak Peak Performer for the 18U Division of the PHL from the San Jose event is goaltender Jason Semchak from the California Titans.  Semchak, 18, played a big role in helping the California Titans go undefeated at the San Jose event with a perfect record of 4-0-0 and help the Titans move into a share of 1st place in the 18U Red Division with a 7-2-0 overall record to date.

The native of Bakersfield, California, played in two of the four Titans games in San Jose.  He posted shutouts in both of the games as California allowed a total of three goals in the four games played during the event.  It was Semchak’s first two games of the season and made for quite the 2012-13 debut.  That is because Semchak had been sidelined earlier this summer and for the first part of the season with Valley Fever, which is an infection that occurs when the spores of a fungus enter the body through the lungs.  It was a very serious health concern for Semchak, which affected his lungs and breathing, making hockey the last thing on his mind.  He worked hard for months to get back into playing shape and once healthy, he made his first two starts of the season in San Jose.

Semchak’s (6’0/185) first game of the event came on the first day, as he made 31 saves in a 2-0 shutout of the host San Jose Jr. Sharks.  That game included 10 power plays for San Jose, all of them going unanswered because of Semchak’s stellar goaltending.  A day later, he made 24 saves in another 2-0 shutout of the Phoenix Firebirds.  Phoenix had eight power play chances that were all thwarted by Semchak and he made 14 saves in the 3rd period alone.

“Not only was his performance outstanding in San Jose, but coming off an illness like he had, it was a testament to his hard work to get back into playing shape and his natural ability as a goaltender,” said California 18U head coach Luc Beausoleil.  “Jason is very athletic goaltender and a very good all-around athlete.  He moves very well from side-to-side and really knows how to challenge the shooter.  His technique is also very sound for being in his first full season of Tier I hockey.”

Semchak played most of the 2011-12 season with the California Titans AA midget team, but was called up late last season and made his PHL debut with the Titans in the PHL Championship series, an event they eventually won.  In his lone start, Semchak made 40 saves in a 3-2 loss to Pikes Peak in the round robin.

MIDGET MINOR (16U) POINTSTREAK PEAK PERFORMER-Elijiah Barriga, forward, Anaheim Jr. Ducks

Another team that had a remarkable run at the second PHL event in San Jose was the Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U team.  The Ducks put together a perfect 4-0-0 record in San Jose and now sit atop of the PHL’s 16U White Division with a 7-0-1 record through two events.  Leading the offensive charge in San Jose was 16-year-old Elijiah Barriga.   “It has taken a couple of months, but we are finally playing as a team and Elijiah led that charge in San Jose,” said Ducks 16U head coach Jim Burcar.  “It takes a little longer with 15 and 16-year-olds, but with Elijiah now in his second year with us, he has really provided the leadership we have been looking for.”

The native of West Covina, California, recorded seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in the four games in San Jose, which included a game-winning goal.  Barriga (5’11/185) began the event with a three point game in a 6-1 win over the Wenatchee Wild.  The next game, he scored the game-winning goal in a 5-1 win over the Texas Tornado.  After being held scoreless in a 1-0 win over San Jose later that day, Barriga posted another three-point game on the final day, which ended up being a 6-3 win over the Phoenix Firebirds.

“I think Elijiah is one of the best forwards in the entire PHL,” said Burcar.  “He has great vision of the ice, great skill and I think he will make a great junior player one day very soon.  He also has a very strong hockey IQ, which makes him a smart player and someone that I think scouts are going to take notice of.”

As a first-year 16U forward last season playing for the then Orange County Hockey Club (which this season became the Anaheim Jr. Ducks), Barriga was the team’s #1 offensive threat as a 15-year-old.  He led the team with 19 points in 18 games played.  This season, he has picked up right where he left off last season, as he leads the Ducks in scoring with 11 points in eight games played thus far.  He has recorded at least a point in six of the team’s eight games played, something that Burcar says is even more evidence to his abilities.  “We tend to be more of a defensive-minded team, so for a guy to contribute the way he has offensively, with limited opportunity because of our style, really says something about where he is at as a hockey player.  He is responsible defensively, which when combined with the ability to generate offense, really makes him a good, all-around player.”

Both Ducks teams are off to incredible starts, something that is attributed to players like Barriga, but also due to the organizational shift that took place over the summer.  “We all are seeing the big picture,” said Burcar.  “When we aligned ourselves with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks we wanted to continue to help grow the game at the grass roots level, so that players like Elijiah have the opportunity to develop, compete and then potentially advance their careers and education by playing hockey.  We are trying to prepare our players in the PHL to play junior and college hockey and have the specific mindset and work ethic to do so.”

The third PHL event of the 2012-13 season will take place from November 9-12 at Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville, Illinois, and will feature 10 teams from the 18U division and 10 teams from the 16U division.  The PHL is comprised of seven regular-season events leading up to its Championship Tournament Series in which the top teams at each level compete for a league championship. The PHL season concludes with its Top Prospects Tournament, which will be held in conjunction with the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament in May 2013.


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

Hansen is a Pioneer

Press Release

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) are proud to announce the scholarship commitment of Coltyn Hansen to Sacred Heart University beginning with the 2013-14 season. Sacred Heart University is a NCAA Division I school located in Fairfield Connecticut.

Coltyn Hansen is an off-season acquisition of the Prince George Spruce Kings. Considered to be one of the fastest skaters in the BCHL, Hansen has seen his speed and skill result in 7 goals and 9 assists so far this season.

"We are very excited as an organization for Coltyn," said Spruce Kings General Manager, Mike Hawes. "He is an electrifying player and a tremendous young man who has been very good for us this season. He is very deserving of this scholarship and will do well at Sacred Heart."

"I’'m very excited," said Hansen. "Getting a scholarship has always been a big goal of mine while playing junior hockey. (Sacred Heart University) has shown a lot of confidence in me and my game."
"I'm going to continue to work hard on my game," continued Hansen. "Dave Dupas (Spruce Kings head coach) has helped me to become a better player defensively and I think I can be better still, both offensively and defensively."

Hansen becomes the second Spruce Kings player this season to earn a scholarship joining Brad Ryan who committed to the University of Vermont earlier in the month.


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

Saints Forward Commits to Yale University

Press Release

Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Frank DiChiara has committed to play collegiate hockey at Yale University following his USHL career.

The 19-year-old has helped the Saints to a perfect 9-0-0 record during his first USHL season.  He has collected six points (4g, 2a) and a plus-four rating.  DiChiara has scored a goal in each of his last two games, including the game-winner in the 4-2 victory over Des Moines on October 26th.  The Ronkokoma, New York native was selected by the Dubuque Fighting Saints during the 2012 USHL Entry Draft.
Six other USHL players are also committed to play hockey at Yale University – Alex Lyon (Omaha Lancers), Joe Snively (Sioux City Musketeers), Tim Bonner (Tri-City Storm), John Hayden (Team USA), Ryan Hitchcock (Team USA), and Patrick Spano (Youngstown Phantoms).

Yale University is a member of the ECAC and the Ivy League school has nine USHL alumni on the Bulldogs roster this season; Josh Balch (Chicago Steel), Anthony Day (Sioux Falls Stampede), Tommy Fallen (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Nick Maricic (Tri-City Storm), Andrew Miller (Chicago Steel), Ryan Obuchowski (Indiana Ice), Connor Wilson (Chicago Steel), Stu Wilson (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), and Mitch Witek (Waterloo Black Hawks).


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

IceDogs Send Beukeboom to Guelph In Exchange for Picks

Press Release

Niagara IceDogs Head Coach and General Manager Marty Williamson has announced that the IceDogs have traded overage defenceman Brock Beukeboom to the Guelph Storm in exchange for Oshawa's 4th round pick in 2013, London's 2nd round pick in 2014 and Brampton's 6th round pick in 2014.

Beukeboom played in 63 games for the IceDogs after being acquired from Sault Ste. Marie prior to the 2011-12 season.  Beukeboom had played in all 16 games for the IceDogs so far this season, picking up eight assists in those games.

The entire IceDogs organization would like to thank Brock for his efforts during his time here and we wish him all the best in the future!


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

RED COMES FROM BEHIND AGAIN, BEATS BLUE FOR SECOND WIN

Press Release

CALGARY, Alta. – Brandon Morley (Burnaby, B.C./Coquitlam, BCHL) scored the winner with less than seven minutes to go as Red posted a comeback win for the second night in a row, beating Blue 2-1 Tuesday night at Canada West selection camp.

One night after erasing a 2-0 deficit after 20 minutes, Red battled back from a 1-0 hole with just under 11 minutes left to finish camp with an unblemished 2-0 record in intrasquad play.

James de Haas (Mississauga, Ont./Penticton, BCHL) had the other goal for Red, which won despite being outshot for the second time in as many nights, 27-25. Red actually was on the wrong end of an 18-10 shot clock after 40 minutes before holding a 15-9 advantage in the third.

Wade Murphy (Victoria, B.C./Penticton, BCHL) was the lone goal-scorer for Blue, finally breaking open a scoreless game on a power play early in the third period.

Goaltenders shared playing time on both sides – Chad Katunar (Victoria, B.C./Penticton, BCHL) took over for Curtis Skip (Grande Prairie, Alta./Grande Prairie, AJHL) in the Red goal midway through the second period, while Tyler Steel (Vernon, B.C./Merritt, BCHL) and Jonah Imoo (Surrey, B.C./Powell River, BCHL) played 30 minutes apiece for Blue.

Blue will look to avoid a winless intrasquad schedule when it takes on White in the final camp game on Wednesday night (7 p.m. MT).

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

BYRON HAS TWO POINTS, MANICCIA GETS WINNER AS GOLD TOPS GREEN

Press Release

TORONTO, Ont. – Blaine Byron (Manotick, Ont./Kemptville, CCHL) assisted on the game-tying goal midway through the second period and scored the insurance marker in the third as Gold evened its record at the Canada East selection camp with a 3-1 win over Green on Tuesday night.

Byron set up Mike Soucier (Caledon, Ont./Wellington, OJHL) to even the game 1-1 less than five minutes after Marly Quince (Thunder Bay, Ont./Cornwall, CCHL) had given Green the lead with the game’s first goal.

Chris Maniccia (St. Catharines, Ont./Smiths Falls, CCHL) had the other goal for Gold, scoring the game-winner on a power play just 1:59 after Soucier had tied the game.

Despite just four goals there was no shortage of chances for both teams – Green held a 41-36 advantage in shots on goal, although both teams managed 27 shots apiece over the final 40 minutes.

Just as Black and Gold did in Monday’s camp opener, the teams split the goaltending duties – Daniel Mannella (Woodbridge, Ont./Georgetown, OJHL) got the start for Gold before giving way to Charlie Finn (North Vancouver, B.C./Kingston, OJHL), while Kevin Entmaa (Milton, Ont./Aurora, OJHL) replaced Adrian Ignagni (Mississauga, Ont./St. Michael’s, OJHL) in the Green goal midway through.

Green will look for its first victory when it meets Black in Wednesday’s camp finale at the MasterCard Centre (6:30 p.m. ET).

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

RED WING-ICEHAWKS GAME RESCHEDULED

Press Release

Game #198 between the Hamilton Red Wings and Milton Icehawks has been rescheduled to be played on Monday, November 5 at 7:30pm at the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena in Hamilton, Ontario.
Originally scheduled to be played on October 29, the game was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy on Southwestern Ontario.
For the full OJHL schedule, please CLICK HERE.


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

Tornado forward Reuschlein makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Texas Tornado, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce that forward C.J. Reuschlein has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Army, The United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y, beginning in the 2013-2014 season.

“I’m thrilled to playing hockey at West Point next season,” Reuschlein said. “Making the decision to go to there isn’t the easiest one in the world, but the opportunities afforded to you after you graduate make it absolutely worth it in the end.”

All students who attend the United States Military Academy are required to serve for five years after they graduate. Athletes aren’t excluded from that, but Reuschlein is planning to use his education to serve his country in a non-traditional way.

“I want to go there and try to become a doctor,” Reuschlein said. “Depending on your class rank, you get priority on choosing where you want to serve. I’ve always been at or near the top of my class grades-wise, and I’m confident I can do that at West Point even while playing hockey.”

“Serving your country is the ultimate honor,” he added. “I don’t think I would have been able to go to such a prestigious academy if it weren’t for hockey,”

Reuschlein, from E. Lansing, Michigan, began his junior hockey career with the Tornado last season, playing in 38 games and scoring 18 goals and 16 assists before being traded to the Aberdeen Wings. He scored 5 goals and 8 assists in 20 games with Aberdeen at the tail-end of last season before returning to Frisco to start the 2012-2013 campaign. In 14 games played this season, he’s averaging just under a point a game, with 5 goals and 7 assists.

“Coming to Texas at the start of last season allowed me to get playing time right away and really develop as a player,” Reuschlein said. “You’re playing with good players every day here, and you can’t take a day off.”
“We’re excited for C.J.,” Tornado head coach and general manager Tony Curtale said. “He’s an extremely bright kid whose goal since he came to the Tornado was to not only play at the next level, but do so at an outstanding academic institution. West Point is one of the top schools in the country, and we think C.J. will be just as valuable to their hockey team as he is here with the Tornado.”

Reuschlein credits his coach’s attention to detail as something which really helped his game progress, allowing him to play at the next level. “Tony makes you work hard every day and hammers home the little things,” he said. “Stuff like working hard in the corners and getting after pucks. Not everyone pays attention to that, but it’s something that I’ve worked on since I came here.”

Reuschlein was initially contacted by Army after playing in a showcase in Boston over the summer, who made a point to see him play at the Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn. in September.
“I talked to three of their coaches in Blaine,” Reuschlein said. “They all told me that my I’ve got good skill and a good shot, but the fact that I work really hard really fit their style of play. They also told me I should be able to come in and got a lot of playing time right away, which I’m obviously excited about.”

He took his official visit to West Point a couple of weeks ago and was blown away by both the campus and the hockey program, which made the decision that much easier. “The campus is amazing,” he said. “I also watched practice while I was there and it looked like a really good hockey team. I’m excited to get started there next season.”


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

Jets forward Ford commits to NCAA DI Bemidji State

Press Release

Jason Ford, a forward for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and former Team Wisconsin standout, has accepted a scholarship offer to play NCAA Division I hockey and attend school at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

It is anticipated that Jason will start college hockey during the 2015-16 school year.  The Bemidji State Beavers currently play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

To-date, Ford (6'0", 180 lbs) is the leading scorer for the Janesville Jets with 15 points (9 goals, 6 assists) in 16 games.  He also has an impressive +7 plus/minus scoring rating.  (Please see attached action photo of Jason Ford.)

Jason graduated from Waunakee (WI) High School in 2012, playing hockey there for three seasons as well as the last two for Team Wisconsin.

"For me, I have always had to work hard and it has paid off big time," said Ford.  "I am very excited to go play for such a great hockey program and coaching staff.  It is an excellent fit for me with Bemidji State.  I want to thank all those who have believed in me, including the Janesville Jets organization."

"Jason has worked extremely hard to achieve this goal of receiving and accepting a Division 1 scholarship," stated Jets Head Coach Joe Dibble.  "He has developed into a go-to-guy for us in Janesville.  Bemidji State is a first-class organization and they are getting a first-class young man."

Past Janesville Jets players to commit to Division 1 hockey schools include Garrett Cecere (Colorado College), Alec McCrea (Harvard), Ross Mauermann (Providence), Larkin Jacobson (University of Denver) and Rui Encarnacao (University of Connecticut).


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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Petes’ Michael Giugovaz Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Peterborough Petes rookie netminder Michael Giugovaz is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.44 and save percentage of .964 for the week ending October 29.

Giugovaz backstopped the Petes to two straight wins for the first time this season making 80 saves in a pair of starts to close out the month of October.  He made 35 saves including 18 in the third period on Saturday night as second star of a 3-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit, then made 45 saves on Sunday plus stopped two shootout attempts as the game’s third star preserving a 3-2 shootout win over the East Division leading Oshawa Generals.

Giugovaz, a 17-year-old from Brampton, ON, is playing in his first OHL season with the Petes after being a tenth round pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.  He carries a 4-2-2-0 record with a 3.39 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage in nine games this season.

Also considered for the award this week was Ty Rimmer of the Lethbridge Hurricanes who posted a 3-1-0-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against-average and a .960 save percentage, and Philippe Cadorette of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar who went 2-0-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against-average and a .940 save percentage.


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

Tigers’ Curtis Valk Named CHL Player of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Curtis Valk of the Medicine Hat Tigers is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 29 after scoring seven goals with three assists for 10 points in four games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Valk helped lead the Tigers to four wins last week beginning with a two-goal performance Wednesday night as third star of a 4-3 shootout win against the Kelowna Rockets.  He followed that up by producing the best offensive game of his career on Friday scoring four goals with one assist as first star of a 10-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen.  His week wrapped up with a two-assist game on Saturday as second star of a 5-4 win over the Regina Pats before scoring a single goal in a 3-2 overtime win over the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Valk, a 19-year-old from Medicine Hat, AB, is playing in his third full WHL season with his hometown Tigers.  Currently riding a career-high seven-game point streak, Valk sits fourth in WHL scoring with 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 17 games this season.

Also considered for the award this week were a pair of defencemen including Detroit Red Wings prospect Xavier Ouellet of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and Vancouver Canucks prospect Frank Corrado of the Sudbury Wolves.  Ouellet scored once with seven assists for eight points in three games, while Corrado contributed seven points in three games scoring once with six assists.


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

Kalamazoo involved in multi-team transaction

Press Release

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League’s North division, announce a number of roster transactions that have been completed in the last 24 hours.
 
First, forward Nolan Culver has been traded to the Bay State Breakers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Culver had seen action in 15 games during the season, in which he was able to post three goals and five assists for eight points, while playing to a +4 rating. The 19-year-old Sylvania, Ohio native will head out to Rockland, Massachusetts to play with the Tier III Jr. A team.
 
In a separate transaction, Kalamazoo has shipped Jacob McDowell to the Fresno Monsters (NAHL) for forward Mikhail Bushinski. Bushinski (Stats) is a 20-year-old native of Woodbury, Minnesota, who was the leading scorer for the Monsters at the time of the trade. He is a two-year veteran of the NAHL, and was fourth on the team in scoring last season (17 goals, 16 assists, 33 points). Bushinski also showed great durability last season, as he was the only member of Fresno that played in all 60 regular season games. He is set to make his debut on Saturday against the Port Huron Fighting Falcons.
 
In yet another move, Kalamazoo traded future considerations to the Wenatchee Wild (NAHL) for defenseman Brendan Vetter. Vetter (Stats) is an 18-year-old defenseman who hails from Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin. He too has a year of NAHL experience under his belt, as he has spent this season and with the Wild, however this season he has only dressed in two games due to injury. In 55 career games, he has 14 points (0 goals, 14 assists) and is a career +9. He was a former teammate of Jr. K-Wing Sam Johnson, and also played alongside Brett Beauvais at last years NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the 18U Selects team.
 
Lastly, in a separate move, Kalamazoo has released defenseman Donovan Gardiner.
 


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

STATEMENT FROM THE SCREAMING EAGLES HOCKEY CLUB

Press Release

Sydney, NS - Earlier this afternoon we received an application from the Canadian Hockey League Players’ Association (CHLPA) seeking to be certified as a bargaining agent for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.  We do not believe that any third party can provide programs and support better than what the Screaming Eagles and other league teams currently voluntarily provide to our players.
 
The Screaming Eagles take our commitment to our players very seriously; that is why we will be actively arguing that the CHLPA is not a recognized union and therefore cannot legally apply for certification or represent our players.  Furthermore, we also believe that all players who could be affected by this union drive should have their wishes count. We will say, among other things, that all of our players not just those on the active roster, be given the right to express their wishes on unionization. We believe this is only fair.
 
In terms of the certification application, we will follow the rules and guidelines for union certification as defined by the Nova Scotia Relations Board (NSLB). In the coming days, we will continue to speak with our players and their families and ask that before they agree to anything that they do their research into the CHLPA and who is behind it.


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

3HL announces Movember campaign

Press Release

During November each year, ‘Movember’ is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the United States and around the world. With their Mo's, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men's health issues.  This year, the North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) has announced that it will be a part of Movember with their own campaign involving all 17 teams and the almost 400 players in the league.

The 3HL Movember campaign is all about bringing back the moustache, having fun and doing it for a serious cause; men's health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.  Here is how it works: First, players in the 3HL will start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Also supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, the 3HL and their Movember Mo Bros raise funds for awareness for their Mo-growing efforts.  Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November.

Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.  The moustache is the ribbon, the symbol which generates conversations, awareness and raise funds for men's health.  By joining one of the 3HL teams, fans will automatically be a part of the their team’s 3HL Network page which is a great way to connect with the other teams and individuals and keep up to date with the other Movember Moustache merchants. Fans are encouraged to tweet pictures of their Mo's (mustaches) to @NA3HL

Fans and players alike are encouraged to register at www.movember.com.  Once registered, you are ready to help Movember continue to Change the Face of Men’s Health. Donations to your favorite team will accumulate under each teams account. Although Mo Bros don’t begin to grow until Movember 1st, October is the most important time for Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to register. To follow/donate to your favorite team, click their link below:
Alexandria Blizzard
Battle Creek Revolution
Breezy Point North Stars
Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks
Flint Jr. Generals
Granite City Lumberjacks
Metro Jets
Michigan Mountain Cats
Minnesota Flying Aces
North Iowa Bulls
Peoria Mustangs
Quad City Jr. Flames
Queen City Steam
St. Louis Jr. Blues
Three Rivers Vengeance
Toledo Cherokee
Twin City Steel

In 2011, over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world got on board, raising $126.3 million USD. Each year, in increasing numbers, communities across America are embracing the moustache and getting on board with Movember. The levels and types of support vary from one community to the next, but the combined impact of these grassroots efforts play a vital role in helping Movember achieve its awareness and fundraising goals. If you would like help getting registered or have any Mo related questions go to www.movember.com, send an email to info.us@movember.com or contact Movember directly at 310-450-3399, and a friendly Movember team member can assist.


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

DIENO’S OVERTIME WINNER GIVES RED CAMP-OPENING WIN OVER WHITE

Press Release

CALGARY, Alta. – Rhyse Dieno (Davidson, Sask./La Ronge, SJHL) scored 2:04 into overtime to complete Red’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit and give it a 3-2 win over White in the opening game at Canada West selection camp on Monday night.

Red was outshot 10-2 in the first period and trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes before pulling even midway through the second period on goals from Brett Boehm (Martensville, Sask./Flin Flon, SJHL) and Evan Richardson (Nanaimo, B.C./Powell River, BCHL) just 1:23 apart.

After a scoreless third period, Dieno took a pass on the right wing from Russell Trudeau (Landmark, Man./Selkirk, MJHL) and snapped a shot past White netminder Michael Stiliadis (Woodbridge, Ont./Victoria, BCHL) for the winner.

Hudson Friesen (East St. Paul, Man./Selkirk, MJHL) and Patrick Lee (Calgary, Alta./Brooks, AJHL) scored the goals for White, which held a 26-17 advantage in shots on goal, but didn’t find the back of the net after Lee’s power-play marker at 12:48 of the first period.

Both teams switched goaltenders midway through the second period to give all four netminders in camp a chance to see game action – Stiliadis took over for Marc-Olivier Daigle (Delson, Que./Drayton Valley, AJHL) in the White goal, while Curtis Skip (Grande Prairie, Alta./Grande Prairie, AJHL) replaced Chad Katunar (Victoria, B.C./Penticton, BCHL) for Red.

Red will go for a 2-0 camp when it faces Blue on Tuesday night at the Markin MacPhail Centre (7 p.m. MT), while White will try for a split of its intrasquad games in the camp finale against Blue on Wednesday (7 p.m. MT).


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

CAMPBELL GETS SHOOTOUT WINNER AS BLACK EARNS COMEBACK WIN

Press Release

TORONTO, Ont. – Colin Campbell (Batesman, N.S./Yarmouth, MHL) scored the winner in the sixth round of the shootout as Black scored a come-from-behind 4-3 win over Gold in the Canada East selection camp opener on Monday night.

Black trailed 3-1 with less than three minutes to go before late goals from Jonah Renouf (Mississauga, Ont./Oakville, OJHL) and Justin Danforth (Oshawa, Ont./Cobourg, OJHL) – with 42 seconds remaining – forced extra time.

After the teams each scored twice on their opening five shots, Chris Maniccia (St. Catharines, Ont./Smiths Falls, CCHL) was turned aside by Black netminder Anderson Snair (Halifax, N.S./Metro, MHL), setting the stage for Campbell’s winner.

Michael Neville (Woodbridge, Ont./St. Michael’s, OJHL) had the other goal in regulation for Black, which was outshot 29-27 overall. Michael Pontarelli (Laval, Que./Cornwall, CCHL) and Jake Evans (Toronto, Ont./St. Michael’s, OJHL) joined Campbell as shootout scorers.

Bradley Bell (Sudbury, Ont./Sudbury, NOJHL), Brent Norris (Ottawa, Ont./Nepean, CCHL) and Daniel Tedesco (Maple, Ont./Toronto Lakeshore, OJHL) had goals for Gold in the first 60 minutes. Tedesco and Blaine Byron (Manotick, Ont./Kemptville, CCHL) added shootout markers.

All four goaltenders in camp saw action – Snair replaced Max Smith (Amos, Que./Terrebonne, LHJAAAQ) midway through the second period for Black, while Charlie Finn (North Vancouver, B.C./Kingston, OJHL) and Daniel Mannella (Woodbridge, Ont./Georgetown, OJHL) split the duties for Gold.

Gold will look to bounce back against Green on Tuesday night at the MasterCard Centre (7 p.m. ET), while Black will go for a sweep of the intrasquad games against Green in Wednesday’s camp finale (6:30 p.m. ET).


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

CANALTA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK - OCT.29, 2012

Press Release

 Ian McNulty, Melville Millionaires

1992 F Ian McNulty (Airdrie AB) rattled off two goals and five assists in three games played last week, all Millionaire victories.  McNulty had a goal and an assist in a 3-0 home ice win over Weyburn last Wednesday.  He followed it up two nights later with a goal and three helpers in a blowout decision over Kindersley.  He ended the week with one assist against Melfort in a shootout victory on Saturday.  For the season, McNulty now boasts 7-goals and 17-assists in 15-games, good enough to lead the league in scoring.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
Jeff Datoff, Nipawin Hawks

1992 D Jeff Datoff (Nanaimo BC) collected three assists in three games played for the Hawks last week, including a two helper game on Thursday in Nipawin.  On Saturday, he contributed a goal in a shootout loss to the Yorkton Terriers.  Datoff has 5-assists in 12-games and is a crucial cog in the wheel on the back end for the Hawks as he’s coming off an all-star caliber season as a 19-year-old and the team hopes he can even better that in his final junior campaign.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Devin Buffalo, Flin Flon Bombers

1993 G Devin Buffalo (Wetaskiwin AB ) had a flawless week as he posted back to back shutouts in each of his starts.  He made 24-saves on Friday in a lopsided win over Notre Dame and then stayed mentally focused through a night on Saturday in which he wasn’t very busy at all, making 14-saves in blanking the Humboldt Broncos.  He is now 9-and-2, 2.08, .930, 2-SO on the season.

SJHL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Darcy DeRoose, Estevan Bruins

1995 F Darcy DeRoose (Ceylon SK) played one game last week, but it was his best game of his short SJHL career.  The former Moose Jaw General Midget AAA star picked up two goals and one assist as part of a 4-1 win over the Battlefords North Stars on Friday night.  That boosted DeRoose’s season total to 3-goals and 1-assist in 10-games played.  It is worth noting DeRoose does still have a year of midget eligibility remaining, so he’s playing his first season in the SJHL as an underager.

 


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

Steelers' Pushka named MJHL Player of the Week

Press Release 

Erik Pushka of the Selkirk Steelers has been named the MJHL Player of the Week, ending October 28th.

Pushka, 19, was a key figure in the Steelers’ current three-game winning streak. The native of Dugald recorded eight points (1-7) for the Steelers, who are tied for second in the Addison Division with seven wins and 15 points ─ seven behind leading Winnipeg Blues.

The runners up are 20 year old forward Dylan Reimer of the Swan Valley Stampeders and 20 year old forward Connor Cleverly of the Winnipeg Blues.


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

FRONTS ACQUIRE OA DEFENSEMAN HANES

Press Release

The Kingston Frontenacs acquired overage defenceman RyanHanes from the Kitchener Rangers in exchange for a 7th round pick in the 2013 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

“It came down to the play of our young defencemen,” said Rangers’ general manager and head coach Steve Spott. “We feel we’re at a point where they can become regular contributors for us.”

The play of the younger Ranger defense will also be a benefit for the Fronts, as they land a veteran OHL defenseman.

“It’s a great opportunity for him in Kingston,” said Spott. “They have a young team and it will be nice for them to work with a veteran OHL defenceman.”

The 20-year-old stay-at-home rearguard was a solid defensive presence for the Rangers and played alongside the highly offensive Ryan Murphy for most of his time in Kitchener. He did not record a point in nine games wth Kitchener and has missed the past five games with a shoulder injury but is expected to return to action next week.


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

AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights forward Bobby Polachek (left), New Jersey Titans defenseman Brendan Conroy and Laconia Leafs goaltender Brandon Bechard have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Oct. 28.

Polachek, from Kingston, Pa., struck for a goal and four assists as the Knights fashioned a 2-1 record. On Friday, the 1994-born tallied a goal and two assists in a 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Titans. The next day, the 6-foot-5, 200-pounder picked up another assist as the Knights downed the New Jersey Rockets, 6-2. Polachek added another helper on Sunday in a 4-2 loss to the Rockets.

"Bobby is a dynamic two-way forward,” said Knights head coach Justin Lyle. “His strong defensive play rewards both himself and his linemates with a number of scoring opportunities.”

Conroy, a Batavia, Ill., native, registered a goal and three assists as the Titans forged a 1-1 record. On Friday, the 1993-born rang up two assists in a 5-4 loss to the Knights. The next day, the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder put home a goal and another assist as the Titans downed the Philadelphia Little Flyers, 5-2.

“Brendan has quickly stepped in and become a key player on our blue line,” said Titans head coach Dustin De Palma. “He’s an excellent skater with good puck-management skills and has a quiet-but-confident demeanor. Brendan has the ability to impact a game whenever he’s on the ice."

In his first two starts for Laconia, Bechard, from Plattsburgh, N.Y., backstopped the Leafs to a two-game sweep over the Washington Jr. Nationals, turning aside 81 of 83 shots. On Saturday, the 1993-born made 34 saves in a 4-1 victory. The next day, the 5-foot-11, 160-pounder stopped 47 shots as the Leafs downed the Jr. Nationals, 2-1.

“Brandon may be new to our team, but he’s already earned the trust of his teammates,” said Leafs head coach Joe Cardarelli. “He came up with a lot of big saves in some key situations last weekend, and played a big role in our team’s success.”

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Knights forward Gaven LaValley

GOALTENDER: Boston’s Sam Bernard

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

USHL Honors - Week 5

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced the CCM and Reebok player awards for the fifth week of the 2012-13 USHL regular season.

Award winners include Zach Stepan of the Waterloo Black Hawks and Todd Skirving of the Sioux Falls Stampede, named co-recipients of CCM Forward of the Week; Ian McCoshen of the Waterloo Black Hawks, selected as CCM Defenseman of the Week; and Eamon McAdam of the Waterloo Black Hawks who earned honors as Reebok Goaltender of the Week.

Stepan totaled seven points (4g, 3a) and a plus-eight rating to lead the Black Hawks to three road wins.  He scored a goal midway through the first period on Friday which proved to be the game-winner in the 3-0 victory against Muskegon.  With his team trailing 2-1 in the third period on Saturday, Stepan tied the game and then netted the game-winner seven minutes later to spark a 3-2 win against Team USA.  The 18-year-old rounded out the weekend scoring his seventh goal of the season and dishing out one assist during the 8-3 victory over Youngstown on Sunday.  It also extended his goal streak to four games.  It is the first USHL season for the Hastings, Minnesota native who was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Skirving netted four goals in two victories to help the Stampede remain perfect on home ice (6-0-0).  He scored the game-winner during the third period of Friday’s 4-2 win against Sioux City.  The 20-year-old then scored the first three goals for his team on Saturday, which included the game-winner for the second straight night, in the 5-2 victory over Tri-City.  It was the first hat trick of his USHL career and his fourth multi-goal game for the Stampede.  His second and third goals came in a span of less than three minutes during the second period.  The Thunder Bay, Ontario native is currently tied for second in scoring for Sioux Falls with nine points (5g, 4a) through 10 games.

McCoshen registered three points (1g, 2a) and a plus-eight rating over the three Black Hawks victories.  He scored his first goal of the season in Friday’s 3-0 win against Muskegon.  The 17-year-old then dished out two assists in Sunday’s 8-3 victory over Youngstown.  He was not on the ice for any of the five goals scored against Waterloo during the weekend and played a key role in the penalty killing unit stopping all 13 opponent power plays.  The Hudson, Wisconsin native has finished with an even-or-better plus/minus in all eight games he has played this season and currently leads the USHL with a plus-13 rating overall.  McCoshen is playing in his third USHL season and is a top prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft.

McAdam posted a 1.50 goals-against-average and .960 save percentage over two starts for Waterloo.  He stopped all 33 shots he faced in Friday’s 3-0 win against Muskegon to earn his second shutout in as many starts, becoming the first Black Hawks goaltender to accomplish that feat since Willie Yanakeff during the 2009-10 season.  McAdam then made a season high 39 saves in Sunday’s 8-3 win over Youngstown, his fifth consecutive victory.  The Perkasie, Pennsylvania native leads all USHL goaltenders with a .960 SV% and is fourth in the League with a 1.40 GAA.  He is the highest rated USHL goaltending prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft.


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

CCHL TIER 1 CORPORATE HYPE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - WEEK 8

Press Release

The Central Canada Tier 1 Junior A Hockey League (CCHL) is pleased to announce that the Corporate Hype Player of the Week is Brandon Watt of the Nepean Raiders. Watt helped the Raiders to a perfect 3-0 record this past week with wins over the Brockville Braves, Carleton Place Canadians and Kanata Stallions. The Raiders forward accumulated 7 points (2G, 5A), including an impressive 4 point game against Kanata – Watt stepped up in the absence of top Raider forwards Brent Norris, Dalen Hedges and Steven Johnston who are attending the Canada East try-out camp.

The Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) features two teams in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 this week. The Smiths Falls Bears slipped one spot going from #18 to #19 and the Nepean Raiders were acknowledged as an Honorable Mention.     

Honorable Mention: F Pietro Antonelli (Hawkesbury Hawks) and G Billy Cooper (Kemptville 73’s)


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

Puskarich leads all scorers for the week, takes POW nod

Press Release

Langley Rivermen forward Mario Puskarich has been named the Gongshow BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 28, the league announced Monday.

Puskarich recorded a hat trick in a 6-5 win over Surrey, was in on seven of the Rivermen's 10 goals in their three games and led all BCHL scorers for the week.

The Fort Walton Beach, Florida native notched two assists in a loss to Surrey, scored three plus an assist in being named 1st Star in the rematch with Surrey and earned 3rd Star scoring a goal versus Coquitlam.

Honourable mentions this week go to:

Trail Smoke Eaters F Brent Baltus (two goals, two assists, 1st Star, one GWG)

Vernon Vipers G Austin Smith (two wins, .953 sv.%, 1.39 GAA, 2nd Star, 3rd Star)

Nanaimo Clippers F Brendan Forbes (two goals, two assists, 3rd Star, one GWG)

Victoria Grizzlies F Myles Powell (three goals, two assists, 1st Star)

Trail Smoke Eaters G Lyndon Stanwood (two wins, .947 sv.%, 2.00 GAA, 1st Star) 


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

NAHL announces Combat Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending October 28, 2012.  The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2012-13 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions as nominated by their respective teams.

Central Division Star of the Week: Aaron Nelson, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats
The return of goaltender Aaron Nelson, 19, has put a spark in the Bobcats and it was evident this past weekend in their road sweep in Fresno against the Monsters.  Nelson (5’9/165) got the call both nights and delivered two wins and in the process stopped a 41 of 44 shots (93.1% save percentage) as Bismarck got back to the .500 mark.  The Bismarck, North Dakota native made 24 saves in Friday night’s 3-1 win over the Monsters.  On Saturday, he made 17 saves in a 3-2 win to move his record to a perfect 3-0-0 since rejoining the team.  “Goaltending is always a key position and anytime you can have a veteran like Aaron back in the line-up, it is a huge lift,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.  “I thought Aaron played with a lot of confidence this weekend and we feel really good about the 1-2 goaltending tandem we have with him and Bryan Nies.”
2nd Star: Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adam Knochenmus, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Jake O’Borsky, forward, Minot Minotauros – Tyler Parks, goaltender Minot Minotauros.
North Division Star of the Week: Mike Fazio, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues
Springfield forward Mike Fazio, 20, had a big weekend as the Jr. Blues swept the Janesville Jets in Springfield to move up the North standings and creep closer to the .500 mark.  On Friday, Fazio (5’11/203) had two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, as the Jr. Blues beat the Jets, 5-3.  On Saturday, the native of Bartlett, Illinois, chimed in on all three of Springfield’s goals, which included two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 3-1 win.  Fazio is second on the team in points this season with 12 in 16 games played.  “Mike’s strength is being a two-way player and benefitting from being that type of player,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.  “He brings so much more to the table, so it was nice to see him produce on offense like he did.”
2nd Star: Tyler Marble, goaltender, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Horne, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – James McGing, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brandon Reinholz, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks – Huba Sekesi, forward, Jamestown Ironmen – Cody Von Rueden, defenseman, Soo Eagles.

South Division Star of the Week: Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls
Amarillo goaltender Paul Berrafato, 19, is the #1-ranked goaltender in the NAHL thanks in large part to performances like he turned in this past weekend as the Bulls produced a home sweep of the Texas Tornado.  Berrafato (6’0/180) is tops in the NAHL with a 1.14 goals against average and is second in save percentage (94.1%).  This weekend, he helped his cause by stopping a combined 46 of 48 shots.  On Friday, he made 16 saves in a 7-2 win.  On Saturday, he posted his first NAHL shutout with a 30-save performance in a 4-0 win.  The native of Buffalo, New York has yet to lose a game in regulation this season.  “Paul had a very solid weekend.  He battles hard and doesn’t give up easy goals,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “When you have him back there making the saves he does, the guys around him play better as a result they can play loose and free-wheel it a little bit more.”
2nd Star: Trace Strahle, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Hampus Gustafsson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – AJ Jarosz, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Hayden Stewart, goaltender, Corpus Christi IceRays.

West Division Star of the Week: Lucas Kohls, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears
Forward Lucas Kohls, 19, helped the Brown Bears keep pace in the West Division with a weekend home sweep of the Wichita Falls Wildcats.  On Friday, the native of Forest Lake, Minnesota had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist for a three-point night in a 9-3 win over the Wildcats.  A night later, Kohls (6’3/197) assisted on the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win over Wichita Falls.  For the season, Kohls is second on the team with 19 points in 16 games played, and three of his eight goals to date have been game-winning goals.  “Lucas is a very gifted player and has a lot of offensive upside.  He can score many number of ways,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “He has been a great addition to the team.  He is great in the community and the fans really like him.”
2nd Star: Jake Davidson, defenseman, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.


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

Ouellet, Drouin and Mantha named the TELUS three stars of the week

Press Release

Xavier Ouellet, Jonathan Drouin and Anthony Mantha were named today, the TELUS three stars of the week for October 22nd to October 28, 2012.

Xavier Ouellet the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman collected 8 points in 3 games, with 7 assists and was named the first star of the week. The captain of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada had his best game against the Shawinigan Cataractes on Tuesday October 23rd when he equalled the team’s record of 4 assists in one game by a defenseman, which he had set himself last season, winning the game 7-1. He had another great night on Saturday against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, collecting 3 points in a 7-1 win. The 2nd round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2011 is ranked second place of all the league’s defensemen with 18 points in 16 games right behind Konrad Abeltshauser from the Halifax Mooseheads with 19 points.

Jonathan Drouin, the Halifax Mooseheads forward came back strong after an injury on October 6th. In 3 games this week, Drouin scored 5 goals and 3 assists and is named the second star of the week. On October 24th against the Drummondville Voltigeurs he scored 2 goals and added 2 assists for a total of 4 points. Three days later, he scored 3 goals against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, the last one being his 10th of the season. It’s worth noting that Drouin has maintained thus far 2.3 points per game in 2012-13 (23 points in 10 games).

It was an 8-point-week for Val-d’Or Foreurs forward Anthony Mantha, who’s an imposing figure in the rink at 6’3’’, 200lbs. The number 8 collected 5 points, a personal best, including 4 goals in a 5-4 win against the Rimouski Océanic on Friday, which earned him the title of 1st star; it was his 3rd hat trick of the season. The night before, against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, he made 3 assists and he scored a goal during a penalty kill.


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

Wolves’ Corrado is OHL Player of Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Vancouver Canucks prospect Frank Corrado of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 28 after scoring one goal and six assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

Corrado becomes the first defenceman to claim the award this season in a week highlighted by a career-best five assist performance on Friday night as first star of a 7-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs.  On Saturday the Wolves captain recorded one assist despite a 3-1 loss to the Owen Sound Attack, then scored his first goal of the season on Sunday in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Mississauga Steelheads.

Corrado, a 19-year-old from Woodbridge, ON, is playing in his fourth OHL season with the Wolves.  Selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, Corrado has 16 points in 16 games so far this season and will compete for Team OHL at the 2012 SUBWAY Super Series Monday November 12 in Sarnia, ON.

Also considered for the award this week was Montreal Canadiens prospect Alex Galchenyuk of the Sarnia Sting who scored three goals and three assists for six points in three games.  Minnesota Wild prospect Tyler Graovac of the Ottawa 67’s played two games including a five-point performance with a hat-trick and two assists.  In goal, Peterborough Petes rookie Michael Giugovaz made 80 saves in two games with a goals-against-average of 1.44 and save percentage of .964.


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

SONES COMMITTED TO MERCYHURST

Press Release

Aurora Tigers forward Mike Sones (photo credit - Tim Bates/OJHL Images) is set to join the Mercyhurst College Lakers beginning with the 2013-14 Atlantic Hockey season.

The 5'9", 165 lbs. native of Waterdown, Ontario originally made his commitment to Mercyhurst as a 17-year old member of the Junior 'B' Cambridge Winter Hawks in December of 2009 for the 2011-12 season.  Since then he has played in the BCHL for Powell River and Nanaimo, as well as the CCHL with Pembroke, before settling in Aurora with his scholarship deferred to 2013.  After scoring four goals in his first seven games as a Tiger, Sones has been held pointless while helping the club sit in third place in the North Division.
Best of luck to Mike the rest of this season and into his NCAA career!


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

Bulls Announce Partnership with Kellogg in Support of Gleaners Food Bank

Press Release


BELLEVILLE, ONFirm believers that nobody should go hungry, the Belleville Bulls Hockey Club and Kellogg Canada have developed a newly formed partnership that aims to support Gleaners Food Bank Quinte this season.

On November 17, December 15, January 19 and February 16, Gleaners Food Bank will be on hand at the Yardmen Arena with food collection booths and barrels as Bulls game night staff and volunteers from Kellogg assist in the collection process. In addition, Kellogg will be making a donation to Gleaners Food Bank following the conclusion of the four game nights.

The Bulls and Kellogg will also be teaming up in the Santa Claus Parade on November 18. Traveling the parade route next to one another, Bulls players and staff will work alongside Kellogg volunteers in the food collection effort. Kellogg will also be distributing snacks to observers along the parade route.

“We’re really enthusiastic about our relationship with Kellogg,” said Bulls Marketing & Ticket Services Manager Scott Dickson. “To align ourselves with a company that puts their surrounding community first is an ideal that we ourselves want to exemplify in our interactions with the Belleville community and the surrounding Quinte region.”

“As a food company – and one with a longstanding heritage of giving back to the communities in which we operate – we understand the need to address the growing hunger problem in Canada,” said Lores Tomé, director, corporate affairs, Kellogg Canada Inc. “In keeping with our company’s legacy of community investment and involvement, we’re pleased to support Gleaners Food Bank in their efforts to fight hunger in Belleville and the Quinte Region this holiday season.”  

Kellogg and the Belleville Bulls drop the puck on their campaign against hunger on Saturday, November 17 when the Plymouth Whalers visit the Yardmen Arena. For ticket information, contact the Bulls Box Office at 613-966-8338.

BELLEVILLE BULLS – KELLOGG HUNGER CAMPAIGN GAME NIGHTS

Saturday, November 17 – Bulls vs. Plymouth Whalers (7:05 p.m.)

Saturday, December 15 – Bulls vs. Mississauga Steelheads (7:05 p.m.)

Saturday, January 19 – Bulls vs. Owen Sound Attack (7:05 p.m.)

Saturday, February 16 – Bulls vs. Sudbury Wolves (7:05 p.m.)

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

POST FOODS AND CHL TEAM UP

Press Release

Toronto, ON – Post Foods Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced a promotion that will bring junior hockey’s star goalies to breakfast tables across the country. Fans of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) can collect up to 24 unique goalie cards and 12 unique goalie face panels as part of the Post Exclusive CHL Goalie Collector’s Edition Series when they purchase specially-marked boxes of Family Size Post cereals. Four cards and one face panel are available per specially-marked box of participating cereals, including Shreddies, Honey Shreddies, Sugar Crisp, Alpha-Bits and Honeycomb, while supplies last. In addition, consumers can enter for a chance to win a trip for four to the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

“With 52 Canadian teams and a fan base of over eight million, we recognize the immense popularity and importance of junior hockey to Canadians,” said Jennifer Dumoulin, Director of Marketing, Post Foods Canada. “We’re excited to partner with the CHL and its three leagues to offer a collectible series that fans of all ages can enjoy.”

“Like Post Food’s family of cereals, CHL teams are such an integral part of Canadian communities,” said CHL President David Branch. “This unique promotion provides us with another platform to showcase our student athletes and rising stars of the CHL to fans across the country.”

The CHL and its member teams enjoy a popularity in Canada that is unrivaled by professional sport. Each year, more fans attend WHL, OHL and QMJHL games than all Canadian NHL, CFL and MLB teams combined.


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

Monday, October 29, 2012

Carter Foguth Commits to Minnesota State University, Mankato

Press Release

MUSKEGON, Michigan (October 29th) – The Lumberjacks are proud to announce that Defenseman Carter Foguth has decided to play his college hockey for the Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) beginning in the 2013-14 season.
This season, Foguth currently has two points (one goal and assist) in ten games with Lumberjacks. The first two years with the team, Foguth accumulated eleven points (one goal and ten assists) in 89 games.
“I am very excited for being given the opportunity to play hockey at the college level; the coaching staff and players at the university made me feel welcome and right at home,” said Foguth. “It has been a long journey for my family and I, and I am grateful to have received an immense amount of support from the Mervis family and the Muskegon Lumberjacks.”
Foguth was acquired by the Lumberjacks in free agency in July of 2010 and is in his third season with the team. Prior to coming to the Lumberjacks, Foguth spent the 2009-10 season with the Marquette Rangers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he tallied nine points (one goal and eight assists) in 45 games.


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

Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week

Press Release

Okotoks Oilers goaltender, Jared D'Amico, is the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week for the week of October 22nd – 28th, 2012.  D'Amico is undefeated in his last five starts and was 2-0 over the week as he stopped 61 of 63 shots.

D'Amico leads all AJHL goaltenders with a 1.76 GAA and leads all South Division goalies with a .937 Save Percentage.  The 18 year-old from Chestermere, AB has already recorded a league leading 2 shutouts during the 2012-2013 regular season.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is proud to partner with Canalta Hotels to continue recognition of the AJHL Player of the Week for the 2012-2013 AJHL Season.


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

CJHL Top 20 Rankings

Press Release

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings for the week of October 29th. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.

The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, October 29th

1.   (1) Brooks Bandits(AJHL)
2.   (2) Truro Bearcats(MHL)
3.   (3) Trenton Golden Hawks(OJHL)
4.   (7) Melville Millionaires (SJHL)
5.   (4) OCN Blizzard(MJHL)
6.   (5) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
7.  (10) Flin Flon Bombers(SJHL)
8.   (6) Yorkton Terriers(SJHL)
9.   (9) Minnesota Wilderness(SIJHL)
10.  (12) Victoria Grizzlies(BCHL)
11. (13) Soo Thunderbirds(NOJHL)
12.  (15) Winnipeg Blues(MJHL)
13.  (14) Newmarket Hurricanes(OJHL)
14.  (NR) Whitecourt Wolverines(AJHL)
      15.  (HM) Summerside Western Capitals(MHL)
16.  (11) Spruce Grove Saints(AJHL)
17.  (19) St. Michael’s Buzzers(OJHL)
18.  (17) Saint Jerome Pantheres(LHJAAAQ)
19.  (18) Smiths Falls Bears(CCHL)
20.  (NR) Prince George Spruce Kings(BCHL)

Honourable Mention goes to the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL), Nepean Raiders (CCHL), Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL).

The weekly rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the teams play, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website.  www.cjhlhockey.com


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

VALK NAMED DENNY'S WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Medicine Hat Tigers’ forward Curtis Valk is the Denny’s WHL Player of the Week.   

Valk collected 10 points, scoring seven goals and three assists to go with a +4 rating, in four games over the past week helping the Tigers to a 4-0-0-0 road record.   

On Wednesday, October 24, the Tigers played host to the visiting Kelowna Rockets at the Arena in Medicine Hat.  Valk scored two goals and was named the game’s 3rd Star in the Tigers 4-3 shoot-out victory over the Rockets.  On Friday, October 26, the Tigers were in Calgary to face the Hitmen.  In the Tigers 10-1 triumph over the Hitmen, Valk picked up four goals, added one assist and was named the game’s 1st Star.  On Saturday, October 27, the Tigers were back at home to welcome the Regina Pats.  Valk collected a pair of assists and was named the game’s 2nd Star as the Tigers edged the Pats 5-4.  The Tigers wrapped up their busy week in Moose Jaw taking on the Warriors at Mosaic Place.  Valk scored one goal in the Tigers 3-2 overtime victory over the Warriors.

Valk currently sits 2nd amongst all WHL snipers with 14 goals scored on the season and 4th in points with 25 (14 goals, 11 assists) in 17 games played thus far.  The Tigers currently sit in a tie for 4th place in the WHL Central Division with a record of 8-8-1-0 for 17 points.

A 19-year-old from Medicine Hat, AB, Valk is in his third full season playing with his hometown Tigers.  Originally a list player, Valk has gone on to appear in 144 WHL regular season games collecting 97 points (46 goals, 51 assists) and 68 penalty minutes.

The WHL has also nominated Ty Rimmer of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for the CHL Goaltender of the Week Award.  Rimmerposted a 3-1-0-0 record this past week with one shut-out, stopping 119 of 124 shots faced for a 0.960 save-percentage and 1.25 goals-against average.  Rimmer, a 20-year-old from Edmonton, AB, currently sits 3rd among all WHL goaltenders with a 0.921 save-percentage.

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

Rivermen Trade for Clarkson

Press Release

Township of Langley, BC, Friday, October 26, 2012: The Langley Rivermen Junior “A” Hockey Club has announced a trade with the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Rivermen trade Defenseman Valik Chichkin (1994 born) in exchange for Forward Tanner Clarkson (1993 born).  Clarkson is a native of West Kelowna, B.C. and has played 100 career BCHL games, recording 17 goals, 12 assists and 38 penalty minutes.

“Tanner is a guy that we identified last year and we believe he has a lot of upside. He is a big kid that skates well and has some offensive touch as well,” said Rivermen Head Coach Bobby Henderson.
Clarkson had his best season statistically a year ago putting up 11 goals and 7 assists in 33 games played with the ‘Smokies. This season he has only played six games thus far and has added one goal.

“I think Tanner will add to our overall team speed and will definitely add depth up front for us,” continued Henderson, “he had a pretty decent year a season ago and we are excited to add him to the organization”.

As for Chichkin, the numbers on the blue line were adding up, which meant a drop in ice time for the second year defenseman,

“We felt we needed to get Valik to a place where he was going to have an opportunity to get the minutes he needs to continue his development. We are sad to see him go because he is such an outstanding young man, but at the end of the day he has got to go where there is more opportunity,” finished Henderson.


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

PICKERING GAME TIME CHANGE

Press Release

Please note that the Pickering Panthers have announced that their home game versus the Whitby Fury at the Pickering Recreation Centre on November 2, 2012 has been changed from a 7:30pm start time to 8:00pm.
For the full OJHL schedule, please CLICK HERE.

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

Sunday, October 28, 2012

From Lafleur to Lemieux and Crosby

Press Release

Before the Flower Guy Lafleur played for the Quebec Remparts. Before the Magnificent Mario Lemieux skated with the Laval Voisins. Before the golden gold scored by Rimouski Océanic legend Sidney Crosby.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has been the stepping stone for several great players for 43 years. Relive the history in this wonderful book with pictures from the game’s best players while learning more through never before published anecdotes.
The perfect book for any hockey fan!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
A native of Baie-Comeau, Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil has been following the QMJHL since its inception. A former sports journalist, he co-produced a DVD library featuring the 23-year history of the Quebec Nordiques which sold 25 000 copies.
His collaborator,  Jean-Philippe Otis, is also a native of Baie-Comeau and has covered the Drakkar since 1997. He is presently a student at Laval University and appears weekly on CHYZ-FM.


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

Clippers Launch ClippersTV

Press Release

The Nanaimo Clippers Junior A Hockey Club has launched a weekly review show, which will include highlights, a weekly review of the standings, and upcoming games. Also will include interviews throughout the season as the team aims to bring all the information you need to your computer screen.

"It's a new endeavour for us," says Game Day Operations Manager Kyle Anderson, "we will look to improve with each episode and hope fans enjoy the shows we put together."

Several other BCHL teams around the league have already established shows like the Clippers will be doing, and they are a unique thing for fans to see each week.

Check out ClippersTV at www.youtube.com/BCHLClippersHockey or on our Home Page. Send any feedback/suggestions for episodes to webmaster@nanaimoclippers.com

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

Phantoms Announce Time Change For Sunday, Oct. 28 Game

Press Release

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The start time for the Youngstown Phantoms’ game Sunday, Oct. 28 vs. the Waterloo Black Hawks has been moved to 2 p.m. EST to accommodate for President Barack Obama, who will hold a rally at the Covelli Centre Monday. Additionally, the postgame skate on the Covelli Centre ice originally set for Sunday will be rescheduled for an as yet to be determined date.
The Phantoms regret any inconvenience the time change may cause. For additional information, call the Phantoms Office at 330.747.7825.
Game: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012: Youngstown Phantoms vs. Waterloo Black Hawks
Start Time: 2 p.m. EST
Where: The Covelli Centre                    

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

BUZZERS GAME TIME CHANGE

Press Release

Please note that the St. Michael's Buzzers have announced that their home game versus the Georgetown Raiders at St. Michael's College School Arena on November 16, 2012 has been changed from a 12:00pm (Noon) start time to 7:30pm.

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

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Omaha one of four organizations to receive USA Hockey grant

Press Release

USA Hockey partner RBC has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to four hockey organizations in the United States through its Play Hockey program. The goal of the initiative is to help grow the sport of ice hockey at the grassroots level.

The Omaha Hockey Club, which includes the two Omaha AAA teams in the PHL, is one of four organizations that received the grants.  Each of the U.S. groups listed below will receive $25,000. Included is a brief profile of each, including how the group intends to utilize the grant monies.

Defending the Blue Line (Hastings, Minn.)
• Supplies financial assistance the children of military families across the nation to ensure that they are afforded the opportunity to participate in the game of hockey
• In addition to financial assistance for registration fees and other costs associated with playing the sport, Defending the Blue Line provides access to free equipment, hockey camps, and special events for military families
• Will use grant money to offset the cost of annual youth hockey association league fees (up to $500 per family) for military families with strained finances directly related to conditions of their service to the U.S.

Ice Hockey in Harlem (New York, N.Y.)

• Offers programming that enables children from the Harlem community to take advantage of educational and athletic opportunities and improve the social and academic well being of children through participation in ice hockey
• In 2011-12, the three-decade old program in a non-traditional hockey community provided 193 youth and children the opportunity to get on the ice through Ice Hockey in Harlem programs when the game would otherwise not have been accessible for these youths.

• Will use grant money to fund the growing demand for its services by increasing the amount of opportunities to play the game (more ice time, more equipment, more participants)

Omaha Hockey Club (Omaha, Neb.)
• Aims to conduct youth hockey programs servicing both boys and girls from beginning to advanced players with house and travel opportunities that provide a fun and exciting experience for skaters and their families in an environment that promotes competition, sportsmanship, teamwork, and growth
• Strives to have a positive lasting impact upon the development of the participants as hockey players, individuals, and members of the community
• Will use grant money to continue growing the sport and retaining participants through Learn to Skate and Try Hockey for Free programs, increasing opportunities for females to play in all-girls programs, and equipment funding

USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program  (Towson, Md.)
• Organizes and administers ice hockey programs that provides a recreational and therapeutic experience to individuals who incurred physical disabilities during service to the United States Armed Forces
• Seeks to provide an environment that integrates people with and without disabilities in order to promote awareness of lifestyle challenges; assists individuals with disabilities in developing self-confidence; embraces adjustments to a new lifestyle; provides rehabilitation; and encourages self-reliance in order to create a successful individual both within and outside the hockey rink
• Will use grant money to establish a new disabled hockey program in the Boston area that will provide free training, conditioning, competition, and a physical activity outlet for service members and veterans with combat stress, post traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury.


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

FRONTS COMPLETE TRADE WITH SUDBURY

Press Release

The Kingston Frontenacs announce today that they have traded 17-year-old defenceman Kyle Fransen to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for a 14th round selection in the upcoming 2013 OHL Priority Selection

Fransen was chosen by the Frontenacs in the 11th round 210th overall in the 2011 draft. A native of Sudbury, Fransen is playing for the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves of the Great Northern Midget League.

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

Junior Pirates EJHL and Empire Teams To Prelude AHL Game

Press Release

Lewiston, ME- The Portland Pirates and The Junior Pirates are excited to announce a full day of exciting Pirate hockey. On Oct.27th the Androscogin Bank Colisee in Lewiston will be host to 3 Pirate games. The Empire Jr. Pirates will host the Springfield Pics at 12:30pm. That game will be immediately followed by the EJHL Pirates hosting the EJ Pics from Springfield at 2:45pm. This is the best Jr.Hockey in New England and these teams carry some of College Hockey's stars of the future. Rosters include local players Dakota Keene, Nate Bergeron, Trevor and Brady Fleurent who have all joined the Jr. Pirates in hopes of accomplishing their goals of being strong student athletes at the college level. The AHL puck drops at 7:00 as the Portland Pirates host the Binghamton Senators.

Admission to the afternoon Junior Pirates Games is FREE. The Junior Pirates will also host the same Empire and EJHL Springfield teams at the Androscogin Bank Colisee at 8:30am and 10:45am on Sunday Oct. 28th. Admission is also free for these games as well.


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