2006
News Archives | 2007
News Archives
Myles McCauley
Signs With Plymouth of the OHL
The Flint Junior
Generals have announced that 17 year old Myles McCauley
will play for Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League this
coming season. The 6’2” 190 lb. McCauley
came in at midseason during the 2007-08 season and played 21games,
scoring 7 goals. "The CSHL was a good experience for
Myles," said GM Kelly Cronk. "He
learned what junior hockey was all about coming from the Honey Baked
Midget AAA program. The Flint Junior Generals are proud of Myles and
wish him luck in his future with the Whaler program."
Metro Announces
Front Office Addition
The Metro Jets,
proud members of the Central States Hockey League, have
announced the hiring of Matt
Mackinder as the team’s communications director,
effective immediately.
Mackinder
has a wealth of hockey and journalism experience as he has
written for Michigan Hockey, USCHO.com,
MichiganCollegeHockey.com
,
USA
Junior Hockey Magazine (where he covered the CSHL), Arizona
Rubber Magazine and California Rubber Magazine. He has also
worked in public relations for the old International Hockey
League, the defunct Continental Elite Hockey League and the
Detroit Tigers.
“We want to make
our team and the entire CSHL more visible, especially entering
our second season as a Tier III Junior A league,” Jets
owner Butch Wolfe
said. “With Matt’s background, we believe he
can help us attain that goal.”
“I’m excited to
be coming aboard with the Metro Jets,” stated Mackinder.
“I believe this league is very underrated and I’m going to
do all I can to help get the CSHL more recognition. There are
some good players here, especially with the Jets, and I think
the word needs to get out more.”
Mackinder,
30, lives in the area with his wife, Stephanie, and sons,
Ethan and Wyatt.
The Flint Jr. Generals
and CSHL Mourn the
Passing of Andrew Gauthier
The Flint Jr.
Generals and the CSHL are mourning the unexpected passing
of Andrew Gauthier. The 19 year old
defenseman passed away this weekend. Funeral
arrangements have not been made at this time but will be
handled by the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home at 1730 E. Grand
River Ave. in East Lansing, MI. The thoughts and prayer
of the Flint Jr. Generals players and staff, as well as
those of the entire CSHL are with the Gauthier
family.
St. Louis Jr. Blues Announce
Advancements and Alumni Update
The St. Louis Jr. Blues
have announced several advancements and updated the advancements
of some of their alumni players. In a release from the team:
Andrew Kurlandski
and Alex Effinger will move on for the USA Hockey
Tier III Jr. A Finalist Jersey Hitmen of the EJHL. Head
Coach Jack Behan said, Andrew
Kurlandski will be a very fine addition to the Hitmen.
I love sending players to places where they truly strive to move
their players on to college. Andrew
wants to play his college hockey in the east so it was a
no-brainer as I called Coach Harris last winter."
The fit has been a good one
in the past as Behan points out, "Obviously
having Mike Hewkin and Eddie
Effinger with the Hitmen previously helped those
communication lines. I am very proud of the player that
Andrew has become and most importantly I admire his
class off the ice as well. I think that Andrew
will be a perfect fit in Jersey."
Goaltender Alex
Effinger will be joining Kurlandski in
Jersey. Behan said, "Although Alex
didn't get much playing time here, he was truly a
tireless worker as our 3rd goalie. Alex
has matured into a very fine goaltender and we are proud of him
for his tremendous progress.
Hitmen Head Coach Toby
Harris commented, "On July 23rd and 24th we held our
final evaluation camp in Wayne, NJ looking to put the finishing
touches on our 2008-2009 EJHL roster. Going into camp we were
looking for two forwards and two goaltenders to round out the
roster to defend the 2008 EJHL championship and we found our men
in two St. Louis Jr. Blues products. Following in the
footsteps of Mike Hewkin (Northeastern University
'07) and Eddie Effinger (Amherst College '08), will
be Andrew and Alex. I really
liked what I saw in Andrew. He competed hard, shift in and
shift out. He finished checks, drove hard to the net and
most importantly he thought the game very well. He reminds
me a lot of our assistant captain, and St. Louis native, Eddie
Effinger, the only major difference being size. I
hope that Andrew puts in a season that mirrors that
of Eddie's as he was an incredible player and leader
for us last season."
As for goal, Harris continued,
"We will also call on Alex to come in and
battle for the starting job. With Alex I know
that I am getting a very hard worker, and competitor, that comes
from a great family. I know that Alex will
push our starter from last season and he will get a chance to show
us what he's got early. I am excited to see what Alex
will bring to the Hitmen." The Hitmen will begin their
season September 5th at the Woodchuck Classic in Burlington,
Vermont. You can follow Andrew and Alex at www.jerseyhitmen.com.
J.P. Burkemper
has made the 25 man roster of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the
USHL. J.P. had a strong camp and was
selected to join the team for the 2008-09 season. The 25 selected
players will report to Des Moines in September and play in the
Fall Classic to determine the final 23 man roster. Coach Behan
comments, "J.P. has such great
potential and the desire to go along with that potential.
While he has one more hurdle to cross, I am confident he will be
up to the challenge and be playing in our countries top junior
league this season.
Behan continues,
"While we have sent players into the USHL each of
the past 7 years, it is always very gratifying to see
players make a team in this prestigious league. I am
very happy and proud of J.P. and wish him
continued success."
On the college front, Max
Ozawa, Zach Hamilton, Ryan Armstrong
and C.J. Jung have all made plans for the upcoming
season.
Max Ozawa
has committed to the Babson Beavers of the ECAC East NCAA
Division III. Max had a fine season for the
Jr. Blues as he was 5th in the CSHL Goaltending Stats. Coach
Jack Behan comments, "Max is
about as hard a worker you will ever see. He had some
adversity this season but never changed his approach and just
continued to work his tail off. He was key to our turning
the corner during the season as he won 8 of his last 10
starts with one shoot out loss and a no decision. We
wish Max great success at
Babson."
Zach Hamilton
has committed to Johnson and Wales Wildcats of the ECAC Northeast
NCAA Division III. Zach was
best known for his physical play for the Jr. Blues but
Coach Jack Behan comments he brought more to
the table, "Zach made space for his
line mates with his physical play but also had a very good scoring
touch with 18 goals for us. Zach
scored some big goals including a couple late goals to force OT
and a shoot out winning goal. Zach
is ready for the college scene and has chosen a school that has a very
good history with CSHL Alumni. We wish Zach
the best at Johnson and Wales."
Ryan Armstrong
and C.J. Jung have been team mates the last two
seasons on the Jr. Blues and they will be team mates in
college as they both head off to Missouri State University to
skate with the Ice Bears, an ACHA team. Behan
said, "C.J. Jung has been a great leader and
player here for three seasons. C.J. led the
Jr. Blues defense in scoring last year with 37 points which
was good for 3rd in the CSHL. He quarterbacked the power
play and saw tons of ice for us. C.J. has
always loved the game and will be able to continue his playing
while attaining his education. Personally, I am going
to greatly miss C.J. and his fun loving spirit that
has made our locker room a blast the last three years. I
wish him my very best in his schooling and hockey at Missouri
State.
Ryan Armstrong
has been a very good defender for us the past two seasons. Ryan's
emergence from the injury list last year sparked our turn around
during our second half. A great player and a great young
man, Missouri State will love him."
Finally, in Alumni News:
Eddie Effinger
committed to Amherst Lord Jeffs of the NESCAC NCAA Division III.
Eddie competed his season with the EJHL Champion
Jersey Hitmen. Coach Jack Behan comments,
"Eddie was one of the top workers I
have ever had the pleasure to coach. Amherst has no idea how
strong of a player they got in Eddie.
A team player and leader who always makes others around him
better. We wish Eddie continued great
success."
Grant Everett
committed to Wisconsin - River Falls Falcons of the NCHA NCAA
Division III. Grant completed his
past season with the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL and was a
top 10 scorer in the NAHL. Coach Behan said,
"Grant was set back with a shoulder
injury that cost him one season but he bounced back and became one
of the top NAHL forwards last season. Absolutely the best
battler I have ever coached and a complete team player. Grant
will excel at River Falls, I am confident. We wish Grant
our best in his continued great success."
These alumni join 5 Jr.
Blues alumni who committed this past season to NCAA Division I
schools. Ryan Kretzer
University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks, Brandon Bollig
St. Lawrence Saints, Robby Moss St.
Lawrence Saints, Cal Heeter Ohio
State Buckeyes, and Kyle O'Kane
Western Michigan Bronco's.
|
Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks
Announce Player Advancements
The Cleveland Jr.
Lumberjacks have announced advancements for the 2008-09
season. According to the team:
Members of the 2005-06 Cleveland
Jr. Lumberjacks
Marcel Alvarez,
2006-08 Brockville Braves, CJHL Tier II A - West Point NCAA
Division I Varsity
Cody Ayers, 2006-08 Brockville Braves, CJHL Tier
II A - Castleton State, NCAA Division III Varsity, ECAC East
Paul Beckwith, 2006-08, Pembroke Lumber Kings,
CJHL Tier II A - SUNY Oswego, NCAA Division III Varsity, SUNY
Jake Hannon, 2006-07 Syracuse Stars, EJHL, 2007-08
Marquette Rangers NAHL Tier II A - West Point NCAA Division I
Varsity
Michael Schultz, 2006-07 Brockville Braves,
2007-08 Kemptville 73s, CJHL Tier II A - Ohio University ACHA
Div I
Members of the 2007-08
Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks
Zach Barbis
- Ohio University ACHA Div I
Kyle Botos - Johnson & Wales, NCAA Div III
Varsity, ECAC Northeast
Adam Freeman - Marian College, NCAA Div III
Varsity, MCHA
Anthony Galante - Johnson & Wales, NCAA Div
III Varsity, ECAC Northeast
Ben Gilles - Johnson & Wales, NCAA Div III
Varsity, ECAC Northeast
Ben Palocko - Ohio University, ACHA Div I
Justin Phenney - Plymouth State, NCAA Div III
Varsity, ECAC Northeast
Allen Schneider - Plymouth State, NCAA Div III
Varsity, ECAC Northeast
Stephen Simmerer - Kent State, ACHA Div I
David Stone - Grand Valley State, ACHA Div II
Luke Van Asch - Johnson & Wales, NCAA Div
III Varsity, ECAC Northeast
College and Juniors Commitment Update
In the past two weeks four
more CSHL players have made commitments at the collegiate
level. According to a release from the Grand Rapids Jr.
Owls:
Peoria, IL
- The Robert Morris-Peoria Men's Hockey team continues to build
its roster for the coming season as Coach Jim Sanchez announced Joshua
Sandberg of Lansing, MI, will attend RMC this fall.
Sandberg just
completed a season of Junior-A hockey with the Grand Rapids
Owls of the Central States Hockey League.
He scored eleven points in 45 games for the Owls. "Josh
is a forward with great hands who knows how to score," says
Coach Sanchez. Commenting
on his newest player's membership on the United States National
Roller Hockey team, Coach Sanchez said, "He plays inline
hockey at a very high level. He'll bring that
scoring touch to the ice for us. I am really
looking forward to having Josh on the team.
I expect great things from him."
In a second release:
The Grand Rapids Owls
are pleased to announce that Captain Adam Hull has
signed to play with the University of Central Oklahoma ACHA
Div. I hockey team. UCO Asst. Coach Mitch Surell had this to
say about Adam. "We
are very pleased to have Adam joining our
program at UCO. We have built our program around CSHL players
from the start, and Adam is a great example of
the type of player the CSHL produces. He is a very talented
"stay at home" defenseman who understands how to
play the game. In addition, he exhibits tremendous leadership
qualities both on and off the ice, and will
help us towards our goal of an ACHA D-1 National Championship.
He is also an excellent student who will be working towards
his degree in education, and our school is one of the finest
in the country for those looking to go into the teaching
profession. Adam joins former Owls Eric
Janzen and Shawn Steggles on the UCO
roster, and we look forward to having him in a Broncos sweater
for the next 4 years."
Out of Chicago, the Force
have announced a couple of advancements, too:
After playing a successful
season with the Chicago Force, Alex Arnold
has made a commitment to the Youngstown State Penguins. YSU is in Division 1 of the ACHA. Alex
finished the 2007-2008 CSHL season as a defenseman with 2 goals
and 1 assist.
Matt Rabin
and James Perkins both played for the Chicago
Force during the 2007-2008 Season. Matt
stopped the pucks for the better half of the season while James
notched 9 goals and 7 assists for 16 points in 43 games
throughout the season. The Chicago Force is proud to
announce their tender to the Albert Lea Thunder and wish them
the best of luck.
Kyle O'Kane Commits To Western
Michigan, NCAA DI
Former Jr. Blues
stand-out forward, Kyle O'Kane has committed to play
hockey at Western Michigan University next year. Head
Coach Jack Behan said, "Kyle O'Kane
is one of the more natural goal scorers I have ever coached.
His competitiveness and his touch around the net has given him an
opportunity to play at the D-1 level. I am very pleased and
proud of his accomplishment." O'Kane
spent the last two seasons skating with the St. Louis Bandits of
the NAHL and winning 2, Tier II Jr. A National Championships.
Several Jr. Blues Alumni Get Invites
To The
St. Louis Blues Development Camp
Several former members of
the St. Louis Jr. Blues will be joining the likes of T.J.
Oshie, Lars Eller and David Perron today as they take the ice with
the St. Louis Blues in their Prospects Development Camp. Brandon
Bollig (Lincoln Stars/St. Lawrence University), Travis
Turnbull (University of Michigan), Michael Davies
(University of Wisconsin), Chris Saracino (Green Bay
Gamblers) and Cal Heeter (St. Louis
Bandits/University of Ohio) have all been invited to join the
other Blues draft picks and prospects in the camp that is being
held this week, through Friday. Head Coach Jack Behan
said, "I am very proud of our guys and their continued
commitment towards their hockey career's. They have
always shown the ability to rise above the norm, to achieve at the
highest level and obviously they are now scratching the
surface of the very highest level of our game. It is
not only a testament to their abilities but to their tremendous
dedication to our game. It goes without mentioning that
I will enjoy watching them this week at the Scottrade Center
pursue their dreams."
3 Alumni Named to USA Hockey In-Line
National Team
Three former players from the CSHL were
named to the 16 man roster for the USA Hockey In-Line National
Team.
Two former members of the St.
Louis Jr. Blues and an alumni of the Metro Jets have
been named to the team for the In-Line World Championships. Steven
Oleksy, J.P. Beilsten and Kyle Gouge
were announced with the rest of the team earlier this week. Beilsten
(St. Louis), more recently, has been a member of the Pama
Cyclones, an independent in-line team and a coach at Lindenwood
University. He is making his second appearance with the
team. Gouge (St. Louis) is a member of
the Lindenwood University Men's team that recently captured the
National Championship and this is his first appearance. Oleksy
(Metro) spent last season on ice with Lake Superior State
University, NCAA DI and is also a first year member on the team.
The tournament will be held
in Bratislava, Slovakia, June 21-28.
Player Advancements and Tenders
Several teams throughout the CSHL have
announced player advancements and tenders in the NAHL. Prior to the NAHL
Draft, each team had the opportunity to offer tender sheets to players they
would like committed to their program. The players still need to make
the team that tendered them but they were not eligible for the NAHL
Draft. Among the players tendered were Robert Tadazak from
Flint and Zach Kamrass from the Queen City
Steam.
At the collegiate level out of Chicago,
Joe Sullivan, Brian Soskin
and Mike Sabatino are headed to Johnson and Wales
University-ECAC Northeast DIII while Mike Kestas will continue
at Youngstown State University-ACHA DI, Jeremy
Browning at Lebanon Valley and ECAC West ACHA team and Kevin
Coyne is headed to Becker College NCAA DIII.
Finally, Nick Guran, who
made the jump to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL mid-season last year has
committed to Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Augsburg is an NCAA DIII
school.
Congratulations to all of these players.
Queen City Announces New Coaching Staff
The Queen City
STEAM Jr. A Hockey Club is pleased to announce two important changes to
the coaching for the upcoming season. Mr.
Don Biggs
, currently GM and Assistant Coach, has been named the new Head Coach.
“Our team is very fortunate to have a person such as Don
as our leader. Not only does Don
have a well documented 19 year professional career as a player, he has
an extensive history of successful coaching and also many years as Director of
Hockey for several youth hockey programs. I cannot think of a better candidate
to help take our team to the next level”, commented team owner Steve
Penman.
The Steam’s
former Head Coach, Danny Lorenz, resigned recently to pursue
other opportunities. “Danny did a great job for our team over
the past three seasons and we wish him well in the his future endeavors,”
commented Steve Penman, “and we thank him for his hard work
over the past few years.”
Don Biggs
, in addition to his new responsibilities as Head Coach, will retain his
duties as GM. Mr. Biggs recently hired Mr. Don Patrick
as his assistant coach. Don just completed a four year
professional playing career with the Richmond Renegades of the Southern
Professional Hockey League and has played on several other professional teams
since his graduation from a great college career at
Oswego
State
University
in
New York
. “Don Patrick
comes to our organization as a highly regarded player and coach. He will bring
a very unique coaching and teaching prospective to the Queen City Steam
players”, commented
Don Biggs
, GM/Head Coach of the QC Steam, “because his hockey career has included
playing AAA youth and Jr. A hockey, a very competitive level of play at the
collegiate level, and finally several years as a professional player and
assistant coach. He will be a great addition to our organization”.
CSHL December Showcase Schedule
| 12/19/2008 |
| G.R.R. |
V |
M.C.C. |
11:30
A.M. |
SIDE
#1 |
| CHICAGO |
V |
TOLEDO |
11:45
A.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| PEORIA |
V |
FLINT |
2:15
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| QUAD
CITY |
V |
METRO |
5:30
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| DUBUQUE |
V |
QUEEN
CITY |
7:30
P.M. |
SIDE
# 1 |
| ST.
LOUIS |
V |
CLEVELAND |
8:00
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| 12/20/2008 |
| TOLEDO |
V |
G.R.R. |
11:30
A.M. |
SIDE
#1 |
| FLINT |
V |
QUAD
CITY |
11:45
A.M. |
SIDE
#2 |
| METRO |
V |
PEORIA |
2:00
P.M. |
SIDE
#1 |
| M.C.C. |
V |
CHICAGO |
5:00
P.M. |
SIDE
#1 |
| CLEVELAND |
V |
DUBUQUE |
7:30
P.M. |
SIDE
#1 |
| QUEEN
CITY |
V |
ST.
LOUIS |
8:00
P.M. |
SIDE
#2 |
| 12/21/2008 |
| PEORIA |
V |
FLINT |
9:15
A.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| QUAD
CITY |
V |
METRO |
11:45
A.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| G.R.R. |
V |
M.C.C. |
2:15
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| ST.
LOUIS |
V |
CLEVELAND |
5:30
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| DUBUQUE |
V |
QUEEN
CITY |
7:30
P.M. |
SIDE
# 1 |
| CHICAGO |
V |
TOLEDO |
8:00
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| 12/22/2008 |
| QUEEN
CITY |
V |
ST.
LOUIS |
9:00
A.M. |
SIDE
# 1 |
| CLEVELAND |
V |
DUBUQUE |
9:15
A.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| FLINT |
V |
QUAD
CITY |
11:30
A.M. |
SIDE
# 1 |
| METRO |
V |
PEORIA |
11:45
A.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
| M.C.C. |
V |
CHICAGO |
2:00
P.M. |
SIDE
# 1 |
| TOLEDO |
V |
G.R.R. |
2:15
P.M. |
SIDE
# 2 |
|
Bollig Commits To St.
Lawrence
Former St. Louis Jr.
Blues standout Brandon Bollig has committed to
St. Lawrence University and NCAA DI school that skates in the
ECAC. The rugged forward spent 3 years in the USHL with the
Lincoln Stars where he became a fan favorite. Jr. Blues
Head Coach Jack Behan said, "I couldn't be more
proud of Brandon. He had that rare combination
of toughness and touch around the net. He isn't just a
fighter, and he showed that with us and in Lincoln as his point
production increased every year." Behan
continues, "St. Lawrence is getting another exceptional
player that got their junior hockey start in the CSHL (Robby
Moss, St. Louis), but more importantly, they are
getting a great scholar athlete and team leader. Academics
has always been important to Bo and he will not
disappoint them."
Toronto Prospects Tournament!
42 teams from throughout North America came
to the largest scouting Tournament of the year. The
CSHL sent a team selected by CSHL coaches who were midget
aged to represent the League. Unfortunately the team
was short one forward and one defenseman from the original
roster and skated just 8 forwards and 5 defensemen for the
tournament. The CSHL arrived in Toronto late Thursday
evening and skated in a short practice for their only preparation
for the Tournament. The squad was coached by Jack
Behan (St. Louis) and Iain Duncan (Toledo).
Friday morning the CSHL Selects were down
1-0 to the Revolution Hockey Team after one period and being
outshot 13-1. Goaltender Greg Gruehl
(Cleveland) held the team in there with numerous big saves.
Doug Lindensmith (Toledo) scored on
a breakaway early in the second which seemed to ignite the CSHL
Selects. Andrew Kurlandski (St.
Louis) gave the CSHL Selects the lead with a power play goal.
The CSHL Selects went on to win 6-2. Friday afternoon,
the CSHL Selects faced STL Elite. A solid effort that
saw the CSHL Selects take an early 3-1 lead almost turned bad
as the STL team scored late to make it 3-2. But a
shorthanded CSHL Selects goal sealed the win 4-2.
Saturday morning the CSHL Selects faced
a strong Black Knights team with several Canadian Jr. A players on
their roster. The Black Knights stormed to a 4-1 lead, but
the CSHL Selects cut the lead to 4-3 before giving up a late goal
in the 5-3 loss. With a 2-1 record, the CSHL Selects
needed a win in their final round robin game to secure a spot in
the playoffs as only 16 of 42 teams qualify. The
Selects were again facing a talented team (the Orange Crush)
loaded with Canadian Jr. A players and coached by (former NHL
star and teammate of Coach Iain Duncan) Dale Hawerchuck. The
CSHL Selects were hungry as Zach Zaremba (Cleveland
) scored twice to help forge a 3-0 first period
lead. The CSHL Selects went on to win 5-0 and secure the 9th
seed of the 16 playoff spots out of 42 teams.
Sunday Morning the Selects played the Soo
Sabrecats who were the 8th seed. Once again, the CSHL
Selects were dominant and posted a 5-0 score as goaltender Jonathan
Tadazak (Flint) posted a shutout. The
win matched the Selects with a game against the unbeaten number
one seed Minnesota Blades. With each game the Selects seemed
to improve and this trend continued. The Blades scored the
games first goal breaking the 2 plus game shutout streak of Tadazak.
The Selects responded with two goals by Andrew Kolb
(Toledo)
and a goal from Doug Lindensmith (Toledo).
The CSHL Selects played a nearly flawless game knocking out the
Tournaments top seed with a 3-1 victory. This win propelled
the CSHL Selects into the Semi-Finals in the prestigious event.
The game was a rematch with the Black Knights who had given the
CSHL team their only defeat earlier in the Tournament. The
Black Knights scored two quick goals and then held on to their 2-0
lead with the short bench and physically exhausted CSHL team
who were playing their third game in less than 5 hours desperately
trying to even the score. The Black Knights added an empty
net goal in the final seconds to defeat the CSHL Selects.
With this great showing in front of the
largest hockey gathering in North America the CSHL Selects made a
big impact and created quite the talk throughout the weekend.
Coach Iain Duncan stated "We were the
talk of the tournament, each game we got better and the entire
hockey community noticed and saw first hand the quality of the
play in our league." Duncan
went on to say "It was an honor to return to my home town in
Toronto and be on the bench with 15 great kids who exemplify what
we do here in the CSHL. I was so proud of these kids, I
can't explain how proud I was just to be associated with the team.
I had over a dozen former NHL teammates who I ran into this
weekend and they all were impressed with the play of these kids.
It was a great thrill for me to be part of such an outstanding
group."
Coach Jack Behan added:
"We came here to showcase our fine young players from our
league and to showcase the talents of our league. I think
these kids did so with amazing desire and resolve. We
started off so poorly in that first period of our first game I was
thinking that we could be in for a long weekend. As it
turned out we were, playing 7 games in 2 1/2 days is really tough,
but when your bench is as short as ours was, it speaks loads about
the heart of these kids. The unselfish play, the great
passing, and relentless defensive commitment was astounding.
I knew these kids were good, but I don't think anyone would have
suggested they would be at the top of this tremendous
tournament." But winning wasn't the priority of this
tournament, getting the CSHL young prospects another opportunity
to be seen was the priority as Behan
continues, "Making it to the final four was exciting but
seeing so many of our kids get noticed by programs throughout
the US and Canada is what this was all about."
Interesting notes: The CSHL
Selects showed a balanced attack. Each forward had at
least 6 points and each defenseman had at least 3 points.
Goal scoring was led by Doug Lindensmith (Toledo)
6, Brent Bain (Toledo) 3, Chris Hutton
(St. Louis) 3, Andrew Kurlandski (St. Louis) 3, Curt
Murtland (Michigan) 3, Andrew Kolb
(Toledo) 3, Zach Kamrass (Queen
City) 2,Ted Pletsch (Michigan) 2, Zach
Zaremba (Cleveland) 2 .
The CSHL Selects faced 3 of the top 14
teams in their Round Robin match-ups wining two of those contests.
Counting playoffs 6 of their 7 games were against top 14 ranked
teams while 4 of 7 were against top 8 ranked teams including a
victory over the top ranked team in the Tournament.
CSHL Rebounds But Loses In
Semi-Finals
The CSHL Prospect team
rebounded on day 3 of the Toronto Prospects tournament, knocking off the top
seed in the process. The day opened with the CSHL taking on the
Soo Sabrecats, the 8th seeded team with a 5-0 win. Next up was the
Minnesota Blades, who downed STL Elite earlier. The CSHL topped
the Blades 3-1 which moved them into the Semi-Final round. In the
Semi-Finals, the CSHL would play the Blacknights, again, and drop a 3-0
game. The Blacknights were the only team to beat the CSHL in the
Tournament. Congratulations to the CSHL players and coaches!
CSHL Prospects Stumble Day
2, Play The Soo Sabrecats Today
The CSHL Prospect team
opened day 2 of the Toronto Prospects Tournament with a loss to the
Blacknights, 5-3 but went on to shut out the Orange Crush, 5-0. The 3-1
record put the Prospects in the top 10 with a 9 seed. In today's
elimination game, they will face the Soo Sabrecats. The Sabercats
represent players from teams that play in the MWEHL, NAHL and NOJHL, among
others. If they win, they will play the winner of the Minnesota
Blades/STL Elite game.
CSHL Prospects Team 2-0
After Day 1 In Toronto
The Central States Hockey
League Toronto Prospects team opened day one of the tournament with two
wins. Game one pitted the CSHL against Revolution Hockey, a team
made up of many players from the MET Jr. B league and New England AAA and Prep
Schools. After a convincing 6-2 win, the CSHL faced off against
the STL Elite team from St. Louis. STL Elite also had players from the CSHL
as Alex Effinger, Andrew Clark, Anthony
Condellire and Paul Zuke (all from St. Louis)
suited up for the Elite team. The CSHL Prospects prevailed
4-2. Game details are not available at this time.
Up next for the CSHL, the
Blackknights with players mostly from the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey
League and Orange Crush with players from various levels of Canadian Junior
Hockey including the OPJHL, BCHL and Youth AAA.
The CSHL Roster is as follows and
are coached by Jack Behan (St. Louis), Iain Duncan
(Toledo) and GM Bob Jacobson (Cleveland):
| 1 |
Tadazak |
Robert |
1990 |
Flint
Jr Generals |
| 2 |
Jost |
Nick |
1990 |
Toledo
Cherokee |
| 3 |
Kamrass |
Zack |
1990 |
Queen City
Steam |
| 5 |
Myeroff |
Craig |
1990 |
Cleveland Jr
Lumberjacks |
| 7 |
Bain |
Brent |
1990 |
Toledo
Cherokee |
| 8 |
Hagaman |
Alec |
1989 |
Peroia
Mustangs |
| 9 |
Hutton |
Chris |
1990 |
St Louis Jr
Blues |
| 10 |
Kolb |
Andrew |
1990 |
Toledo
Cherokee |
| 11 |
Kurdlanski |
Andrew |
1989 |
St Louis Jr
Blues |
| 12 |
Lindensmith |
Doug |
1990 |
Toledo
Cherokee |
| 14 |
Murtland |
Court |
1990 |
Michigam Ice
Dogs |
| 15 |
Pletsch |
Ted |
1990 |
Michigam Ice
Dogs |
| 16 |
Zaremba |
Zak |
1991 |
Cleveland Jr
Lumberjacks |
| 17 |
Barbis |
Zack |
1989 |
Cleveland Jr
Lumberjacks |
| 30 |
Gruehl |
Gregg |
1991 |
Cleveland Jr
Lumberjacks |
|
Brenden McLeskey
Taken In OHL Draft By Plymouth
Brenden McLeskey
(Motor City) was taken in the Ontario Hockey League Draft held last
weekend. McLeskey is a 6'1" and 175 lb. forward that
netted 8 goals and 13 assists in 43 games for the Motor City Chiefs
this year. He was drafted in the 5th Round in the 7th position by the
Plymouth Whalers.
CSHL Alumni Awarded For Their Hard
Work
At USA Hockey's Tier II Jr. A Nationals
Several CSHL Alumni suited up for the
USA Hockey Tier II Jr. A Nationals this past weekend in St. Louis. Among
the top players in the tournament were Kyle O'Kane (St. Louis)
who was named the National Championships MVP after scoring two goals, in
addition to being named to the All-Tournament Team. Also named to the
All-Tournament Team was Cal Heeter (St. Louis) after
backstopping the St. Louis Bandits to their 2nd Consecutive USA Hockey Tier II
Jr. A National Championship. Johnny Meo (Chicago) suited
up against the Bandits, playing for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
Cal Heeter
Commits to Ohio State University, NCAA DI
Former St. Louis Jr. Blues
goaltender Cal Heeter has committed to play for Ohio State
University in the CCHA. Heeter was 4th in the NAHL in GAA
and 3rd in Sv% as he leads the St. Louis Bandits to the Robertson Cup and the
chance to win their 2nd consecutive Tier II Jr. A National Championship.
Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan said, "We couldn't
be more happy for Cal. He has work hard since leaving our
program to put himself in this position. Ohio State is getting a
goaltender that can handle the puck as well as many players, a confident
player and a proven winner."
Heeter joins former Mustang
Dustin Carlson who is finishing his freshman year.
CSHL Alumni Named To NAHL
Division Teams
The North American Hockey
League has announced its All-Division Teams and the Central States Hockey
League is well represented. In a release from the league:
NAHL
announces All-Divisional Teams
April 17, 2008
FRISCO, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League announced today its
All-North, -Central and -South Division Teams for the 2007-08 season, as
selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.
“To be recognized as a divisional award winner is an outstanding
achievement,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “The entire
NAHL congratulates all the recipients for a terrific season.”
All-North Division Team
Goaltender: Cal Heeter, St. Louis Bandits (St.
Louis Jr. Blues)
All-Central Division Team
Defenseman: Dan Weiss, Springfield Jr. Blues (St.
Louis Jr. Blues)
Goaltender: Robby Moss, North Iowa Outlaws (St. Louis Jr.
Blues)
All-South Division Team
Defenseman: Arthur Bidwill, Fairbanks Ice Dogs (Peoria
Mustangs)
Owls Name New Head Coach
The Grand Rapids Jr. Owls
are pleased to announce that Greg Geldart has been hired
as the Head Coach. Geldart is from Edmonton,
Alberta. He was a 8th round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks in
1988. After playing 8 years of professional hockey, Geldart
began coaching. For the last two years, Geldart coached
the Grand Rapids Griffins Midget Minors. He is also the owner of
Geldart’s Accelerated Hockey Solutions. The Owls former Head
Coach Jeff Laing, who resigned as coach at the end of this
season, will stay on as the General Manager of the Owls.
Chris Butler
Signs 3-Year Deal With The Buffalo Sabres
Former St. Louis Jr. Blues
defenseman, Chris Butler, has signed a 3 year contract with the
Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. Butler spent
the last 3 years skating with the Denver Pioneers in the WCHA where he was
considered a top defenseman who played in every situation. Says Jr.
Blues Head Coach Jack Behan, "Chris has
the drive to succeed at every level he has ever competed. As a 15/16
year old rookie in the CSHL, he had the poise and vision of a seasoned
veteran." Behan goes on to say, "Chris
is one of those athletes that had the drive and determination to make it to
the next level. He had been tendered by a team in the NAHL, but wanted
to play in the USHL. He went to Sioux City as an undrafted invitee and
made the team. After two years, he was a top player there. Chris
became a top player at Denver because of his desire to learn and his
unequalled work ethic and I don't expect anything less from him as he makes
his move to professional hockey. The CSHL should be proud to call Chris
an alumni!" According to the Buffalo News:
Newly signed Butler ready to get
to work for Sabres
by John Vogl -- News Sports Reporter
Updated: 04/14/08 12:36 PM
Chris Butler flew from Denver to
Buffalo on Saturday for a workout with the Sabres, woke up Sunday to sign
his first professional contract, then flew back across two time zones to get
back to school. You’d think he might want to spend today celebrating or
getting some rest. Nope. Butler knows
that first-year defensemen can make an impact in Buffalo, and he’s
determined to be the next one. “I can’t wait to start working out
tomorrow,” Butler said Sunday on his way to the Buffalo
Niagara International Airport.
The Sabres brought in Butler for a
physical over the weekend, and the 21-year-old from the University of Denver
left town as the newest member of the organization. The Sabres signed him to
a three-year deal worth $1.73 million. The first year is worth $560,000 and
the last two years are worth $585,000 each.
Butler was in Buffalo last summer as
part of the Sabres’ rookie development camp. There were informal chats
about joining the team after his junior season, and those turned to formal
negotiations as soon as his third season at Denver ended. “When
talks started about 10-12 days ago, I got really excited,” Butler
said.
Butler is the type of all-around
blue-liner the Sabres have been using the past few years. He was the
Pioneers’ top-scoring defenseman with three goals, 14 assists and a
plus-10 rating. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder also led the team with 110 blocked
shots. Butler was named second-team All-America West
after helping Denver win the playoff title in the Western Collegiate Hockey
Association.
“I think Chris is a player, and
we’ve seen it at the college level and in the conditioning camps, who’s
well on the path of being a very good professional,” Sabres General
Manager Darcy Regier said. “He’ll be a very good
addition.”
The Sabres selected the native of St. Louis in the
fourth round of the 2005 entry draft. He played two seasons with fellow
Sabres prospect Tim Kennedy for Sioux City of the USHL before joining
Denver. The Sabres’ defensive depth has been severely tested the
past few seasons, so Butler should have a chance to make his
NHL debut in his first year. “He’s excited about the
opportunity,” Allain Roy, Butler’s agent,
said by phone. “Buffalo’s not overly deep on the blue line, so it’s a
good situation.”
First-year pro Mike Weber became a mainstay on the
blue line during the Sabres’ failed playoff push, and with three
unrestricted free agents on the roster (Dmitri Kalinin, Nolan Pratt and
Teppo Numminen), there might be room for more young players. Regier
said he planned to continue talks with Kennedy today and wants to start
negotiations with Boston College’s Nathan Gerbe, who led his team to the
national title Saturday.
jvogl@buffnews.com
Jr. Blues Alumni
Garner Awards
Several Jr. Blues alumni have
garnered awards from their college and Jr. A leagues. Robby Moss
has been named a finalist for the NAHL Player of the Year Award. The
league made the following announcement:
Robby Moss, Goaltender, North
Iowa Outlaws
The second-year goaltender posted the NAHL’s best goals-against average
(1.91) and set a single-season record with a .941 save percentage while
compiling a 28-7-4 record for the Central Division regular-season champions.
Moss, 20, will attend St. Lawrence University (ECACHL) next season.
Chris Butler, Denver
University, was named to the AHCA West 2nd Team All-American. In a
release from the USHL:
The American Hockey Coaches
Association recently named its All-American teams for the 2007-08 season,
and the USHL had another strong showing. A total of 24 players were
honored, and half of them honed their skills in America's Tier I league.
Finally, Joe Vitale was
named the Most Improved Player by the New England Hockey Writers Association
and to the All-New England hockey team. In a release from the
University:
Northeastern University junior Joe Vitale
of the men’s hockey team was named to the All-New England hockey team and
was named New England’s Most Improved Player on Tuesday, the New England
Hockey Writers Association announced.
Vitale, the team captain, led
Northeastern in scoring with 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points in 37
games. He more than doubled his previous career best of 16 points, which he
accomplished as both a freshman and sophomore. He was also named to the
Hockey East All-Star second team.
Vitale helped the Huskies to a
16-18-3 overall record and a 12-13-2 Hockey East mark, the team’s best
season since 2001-02. After the team started 1-4-0, Vitale
sparked a turnaround with the game-winning goal and an assist in
Northeastern’s 2-1 win over No. 4 New Hampshire on Nov. 3 in Durham, N.H. Vitale
was named Hockey East Player of the Week for that effort. That was
the first game of an 11-game unbeaten streak in which Northeastern went
9-0-2. Over that stretch, Northeastern beat New Hampshire in Durham again on
Nov. 16, topped Boston College in overtime at Conte Forum on Nov. 23 and won
the Badger Hockey Showdown in Madison, Wisc., Dec. 28-29.
Twice this season Vitale had a goal
and three assists in one game. He first did it in NU’s 4-3 overtime win
over No. 13 Boston College on Nov. 23 and again in the Huskies’ 7-3 route
of Maine on Jan. 4 at Alfond Arena. He was named Hockey East Player of the
Week after both feats. The righty
centered Northeastern’s top line every game this season and also posted a
+5 rating while playing on NU’s power play and penalty kill. He has 27
goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 103 games at Northeastern.
Bidwill
Commits To Colorado College
Former Peoria Mustang Arthur
Bidwill committed to Colorado College, NCAA DI WCHA last week.
According to a release from the league website:
The Fairbanks Ice Dogs have announced that
defenseman Arthur Bidwill has committed to Colorado
College (WCHA) for next season. Now in his third NAHL season, Bidwill,
a 20-year-old from Fontana, Wis., finished this year with 10 goals for 29
points in 39 games. He was also a plus-27. "I’ve always
dreamed of playing in the WCHA and I couldn’t be happier to be going to
CC,” said Bidwill, a NAHL Top Prospects Tournament
participant. “I can’t thank my family, teammates and coaches
enough for the opportunity.”
Bidwill began his NAHL career with the Southern Minnesota
Express before hooking on with the Traverse City North Stars. He
joined the Ice Dogs in a mid-season trade last season. “We’re very
proud of Arthur,” said Ice Dogs assistant coach Josh
Hauge. “Colorado College is not just getting a great
hockey player, but also a great young man.” Bidwill is
the 11th player for this year’s Ice Dogs team to commit to a Division I
program.
Moss Sets
NAHL Goaltending Record
Former St. Louis goaltender, Robby
Moss, set a North American Hockey League record for Save
Percentage. The previous record was .940 but Moss finished
the regular season with the North Iowa Outlaws posting a .941 Sv%. Moss
is headed to St. Lawrence University next season.
NCAA's In Full Swing
The NCAA college hockey tournament got
underway this week and 5 players on 5 different teams are alumni of the
CSHL. The United States Air Force Academy, University of Denver,
University of Wisconsin, University of New Hampshire and the University of
Michigan all boast former CSHL players. Unfortunately, only two of the
teams and players remain after a weekend of upsets. Eric Ehn
(Metro) is a senior member of the United States Air Force Academy in
Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, a broken leg had sidelined Ehn
for about the last two months of the season and and returned just in time to
play in the playoffs. Air
Force took the University of Miami-Ohio to overtime before falling. Michael
Davies (St. Louis) and the University of Wisconsin was a controversial
pick in the field of 16. However, they won at home over Chris
Butler (St. Louis) and his #2 seeded University of Denver
Pioneers. Thomas Fortney (St. Louis) and the University of
New Hampshire Wildcats were upset by the University of Notre Dame.
Finally, Travis Turnbull (St. Louis) and the University of
Michigan became the first team to qualify for the Frozen Four, to be held in
Denver, by beating Niagara Friday night and Clarkson on Saturday
night.
CSHL Bows Out At Tier III Jr. A
Nationals
The Central States Hockey League
incredible run at the USA Hockey Nationals came to an end today as the Dubuque
Thunderbirds and Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks bowed out quietly.
The Thunderbirds finished the tournament 0-2-1 while the Jr.
Lumberjacks finished 0-3. However, there were some bright spots in
the tournament, including the Thunderbirds 3-2 loss to the defending
Tier III Jr. A champion New Hampshire Monarchs. More impressive were the
opportunities afforded to the players of the CSHL. Cleveland Head
Coach Bob Jacobson reports that about 9 members of his team made
college visits to schools that were interested in their services next
year. As for the semi-finals, the New Jersey Hitmen (EJHL) are the top seed and
they will face the Phoenix Polar Bears who they beat 4-2 in Round Robin
play. The New Hampshire Monarchs (EJHL) are the #2 seed and they will face the
Northern Cyclones (AJHL) in the other semi-final game, both to be played tomorrow
night.
Sims Signs With Reading
of the ECHL
Former Metro Jets goaltender, Tyler
Sims has made the next step in his hockey career. The Providence
Friars goaltender signed with the Reading Royals of the ECHL. In a
release from the NAHL and the Mahoning Valley Phantoms:
Former Phantoms goaltenders Tyler
Sims and John Murray each signed professional contracts to play
in the ECHL, both with the Reading (Pa.) Royals. “We couldn’t be
more proud to have guys from our inaugural season that have now moved on to
the professional ranks,” said Phantoms coach-GM Bob Mainhardt.
“John and Tyler were two young goaltenders that we took and we
knew they had top-notch abilities, and they have done nothing but prove just
that. It’s exciting for us as an organization, and we are very excited
for them as individuals because they definitely deserve it.”
The ECHL is considered the premier AA minor hockey league – third only in
stature to the NHL and the American Hockey League. The Reading Royals are
affiliated with the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs, and the NHL’s Los Angeles
Kings.
Sims was one of the most successful goaltenders in Phantoms
history and led the team to within a tiebreaker of making the playoffs in
their inaugural season. Starting a majority of the games that year, the Fort
Wayne, Ind., native compiled a 20-14-5 record with a NAHL-high four shutouts
and a 2.63 goals-against average. “Tyler Sims is a guy
that has come back and trained here, he’s helped us out at camps and
selecting our teams over the past few years, so we’ve kept up with him quite
a bit,” Mainhardt said. “His younger brother (Jordan)
is actually in the system as well, playing on the Midget AAA team that is
going to Nationals, so it is nice to have that legacy built.”
After Youngstown, then only 19 years old, the elder Sims spent
four very successful years at Providence College in Rhode Island, becoming the
starter over his last three seasons. The 2007-08 season ended just weeks ago
for the Friars, losing 5-1 to Boston College back on March 15 in the Hockey
East quarterfinals, and Sims wasted no time signing a
professional contract for Reading.
“We always stay in touch with colleges and pro scouts,” said Mainhardt
about moving former players up even after a few seasons away from the Valley.
“We’re always getting calls on those guys, and we’re very interested in
their progress, so we stay in constant contact.”
In his first professional game, Sims turned in a solid
performance, stopping 29 of 32 shots in a 3-2 loss on Tuesday night at the
Dayton Bombers.
Cooper Finalist For
USOC Award
Jon Cooper former Head
Coach for the Metro Jets and current Head Coach of the St. Louis
Bandits in the NAHL, is a finalist for the United States Olympic Committee's
Developmental Coach of the Year Award. In a release from the NAHL and
St. Louis Bandits:
St. Louis Bandits head coach Jon
Cooper has been named one of five finalists for the 2007 United
States Olympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year Award.
Cooper, who also serves as the Bandits' general manager, led
the team to their first USA Hockey Tier II Junior A National Championship in
2006-07. The team set records for regular-season wins and playoff wins en
route to its first NAHL South Division title.
Last August, Cooper guided the U.S. Under-17 Select Team to a
second-place finish at the 2007 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in
Strakonice, Czech Republic.
Under Cooper's tutelage, Pat Maroon became the first Bandit to be named the
NAHL’s Most Valuable Player. More than 50 of Cooper’s
former Bandits are playing collegiate hockey and five have been drafted into
the NHL.
The award will be presented on April 15 during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team
Media Summit in Chicago.
The Bandits have clinched the 2007-08 NAHL regular-season title with a
record of 44-9-2 for a total of 90 points.
Other coaches nominated for the award include Bob Gunter
(diving), Jimmy Kim (taekwondo), Joanne P. McCallie
(women’s basketball) and Paul Yetter (swimming).
Bollig's Jersey Nets
Cash For Lincoln Stars Fundraiser
Former St. Louis Jr. Blues
forward, Brandon Bollig gave the jersey off of his back for a
good cause, and it was they highest bid on the team. According to the
Lincoln Stars website, Bollig's jersey sold for $2,000 and a
total of just over $20,000 was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association. The MDA currently serves over 700 people in
Nebraska.
Robby Moss Commits To
St. Lawrence University
NCAA DI ECAC
Robby Moss has
committed to St. Lawrence University in the ECAC. According to
the North Iowa Outlaws website:
Since the
2007-08 North American Hockey League Season began in September at
the NAHL Showcase, one goaltender emerged ahead of the pack.
Numerous schools inquired about North Iowa’s Robby Moss,
but only one could grab the NAHL Top Goaltender. Tuesday night,
only a day after returning from an official visit, St Lawrence
University out of Canton, NY found the diamond in the rough as the
St Louis, MO native verbally committed to the Saints for the
2008-09 season. “The coaches were straight forward with
me,” Moss said Wednesday. “They said they were
going to do something and they did so I respect that a lot. On my
visit things were handled in a professional matter, and with the
way they treated me, I knew it was the right choice.”
“We couldn’t be happier for Robby,” Coach Boitz
added. “St Lawrence is getting a great kid, an outstanding
player, and a all around hard working player. His college hockey
career is going to be one to watch.” Since the opening
games of the season, Moss has had a goals against
average below 2 with a league’s top save percentage of above
.930% all season. Robby missed 10 games this season
on two separate occasions with two different injuries, but he
never missed a beat upon return to the line-up. “Robby
persevered through two freak injuries and never missed a beat,”
Coach Dave Boitz commented. “When he was out he
worked hard on his rehab and was ready and focused so when the
time came to get back in the game.”
His numbers don’t lie this season as he is third in the league
in wins, but first in win percentage going 26-6-4 in 38
appearances, .736%. Moss leads the league with a
1.92% goals against average and a .940% save percentage, while
recording 4 shutouts on the season. “My main goal for the
year was to win a national championship, be a top goalie in the
league and get a college scholarship,” Moss added.
“It feels unbelievable that I accomplished two of them, and now
I can put all my focus on the ultimate team goal.”
Jr. Blues Head
Coach, Jack Behan added, "Yesterday afternoon I
received a call from Robby as he had narrowed his
choices to two teams. He asked for a little advice. I
reminded him that just it wasn't but just 18 months ago that I
received a call from him when he was in Fairbanks after his coach
told him he wasn't good enough to play. Most kids call it
quits after that but Robby still had faith in his
abilities and was determined to prove he was a top quality
goaltender." So as Moss persevered, his
play was not going unnoticed by colleges or by his coach.
"He obviously has shown his abilities since then with Northern
Iowa with Dave Boitz. When Dave
decided to trade for Robby he asked me about his
character, which obviously is one of Robby's strongest
attributes. The rest, as they say, is history with his amazing
.940 save percentage and 1.92 goals against average which leads the
NAHL in both categories." When told of the commitment Behan
commented, "Robby called me late last night with
his decision. Academically, financially and athletically it is
a tremendously positive decision for him. Former Jr. Blues
Jim Giacin and Chris Margherio were
graduates of St. Lawrence so it is nice to see another Jr. Blues
alumni skate for the Saints. I am very proud of Robby,
his determination and skill has given him a life long dream of being
a NCAA Division I goaltender."
Kamrass NAHL-South Player of the
Week
Josh Kamrass (Cincinnati)
was named the NAHL-South Player of the Week for last week. In a release
from the league:
Topeka forward Josh Kamrass netted
three goals and three assists last weekend as the RoadRunners skated to a
three-game sweep over Wichita Falls. On Wednesday, the 20-year-old
connected for a goal in a 4-2 victory. The Atlanta native followed
that up with a two-goal performance in the RoadRunners’ 3-2 win over the
Wildcats on Friday. The next night, Kamrass recorded
three assists, including one on Corey Jendras’ game-winning goal, as
Topeka blanked Wichita Falls, 9-0. He was also a plus-3 on the
weekend.
“Josh is a gifted player with incredible vision,” said
RoadRunners coach-GM Scott Langer. “He makes
everyone around him better.”
Chiefs Make Change, Agrusa To Coach
In 2008-09/
College Commitments
The Motor City Chiefs are proud
to announce the return to the CSHL, Michigan native, and junior coaching
standout, Brent Agrusa, as Head Coach for the 2008-09 season. He
is no stranger to Junior Hockey, and has an impressive decade of success
at the level. In the late 90's he took over a struggling Metro
Jets team that was in last place in the CSHL. In one season he
turned the Jets into contenders and a playoff bound team. In his
second season he lead the Jets to a 24-1 record before moving to
Louisville
,
KY
. He is known as the mastermind who helped put together the success
of the Jets. During his stint at Metro he was also scouting for
NAHL teams (Rochester Americans & Capital Center Pride), and that paid off
as during his tenure, many CSHL players were moved to the NAHL
including former Motor City Chief, Matt York.
After a two year stop in
Louisville,
where he guided the Mid South Storm Midget AAA to a second place finish
in the MNHL, he then set his sites on the NAHL. He was
named Head Coach of the Helena Bighorns of the AWHL/NAHL in November
of 2002. Once again he would have a rebuilding project as he inherited a
team that at one point was eleven games under .500. He once again proved
his ability to get instant success as after the New Year the Bighorns were
virtually unbeatable. The club rallied to an impressive 29-26-1 record
and an unbelievable 14 game turn around. The Bighorns would sweep the
Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the first round but would finally be stopped in game seven
of the semifinal round to the Billings Bulls. The success of the
Bighorns would continue under his control making the playoffs in both the
2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. The Bighorns would be one of the league leaders
the NAHL in scoring and the least penalized team in the league for all three
of those seasons including tallying over 100 victories. In three season
he continued his success of moving players to the Collegiate level moving over
30 players to the NCAA DI, DIII and Minor Pro Levels.
The 2005-06 season
would see Agrusa sidelined out of the game with some major
health problems. He would make his comeback though in the 2006-07 season
and would begin where he left off with instant success. Agrusa
was given the task of moving to
Chesapeake
,
Virginia
and starting a junior program from scratch. In his first season he
guided the Hampton Roads Whalers Junior B team to a 35-0-5 record, CHA
Regular Season and Playoff Championships and the only undefeated Junior
team in the Country. The 2007-08 season would
see the fruits of his labor pay off as the Whalers expanded to three teams:
Junior Independent, Junior B and Junior C. His ability to build the
program so quickly from nothing to three teams was certainly impressive.
Even more impressive has been the success of the program. His
Independent team that traveled across the country playing teams from the NAHL,
EJHL, AJHL, OPJHL, CSHL and others in an exhibition schedule. They ended
the season with an impressive 41-19-4 record including a 4-2-1 record vs. the
CSHL. The Junior B program continued its dominance not losing its first
game in two years until November and an impressive 29-2-3 regular season
record. The Junior C team would make the playoffs and an above .500
record in its first season as well. As before Agrusa's
ability to move players to College and minor Pro was in full stride.
The Whaler program saw three of its players commit to DIII NCAA teams last
season in its inaugural season. This year once again they are expected to
have a large amount of players playing NCAA hockey.
Agrusa,
is now moving on to his next project. He will begin rebuilding one
of the longest standing members in the CSHL, and one with a rich tradition the,
Motor City Chiefs. The Chiefs who failed to make the playoffs
this season despite having numerous players move to college will
quickly make transition, as Agrusa will look to do what
he does best, guide them to success.
Bold denotes school
committed to:
DAN COUVREUR
EASTERN
MICHIGAN
JOHNSON WALES UNIVERSITY
ANDREW FAIRBANKS
UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
JAKE STRIPP
U OF
CENT. OAKLAHOMA
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
MIKE FONS
JOHNSON
WALES UNIVERSITY
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
JOE PETRICHES
EASTERN MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY
RYAN COMPEAU
JOHNSON
WALES UNIVERSITY
EASTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
MARIAN COLLEGE
MARK BROWN
EASTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
JOHNSON WALES UNIVERSITY
PAUL CONTE
EASTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
JOHNSON WALES UNIVERSITY
PAT GALLAGHER
MARIAN COLLEGE
JOEL PUTNAM
EASTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF
MICHIGAN-DEARBORN
DAVID RESCHKE
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BILL BRIGGS
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
COLIN FRANTI
EASTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN -
DEARBORN
BRENDEN HAUSBECK
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOBBY DODGE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN -
DEARBORN
Jets Add Coach To Staff
The Metro Jets have added an
alumni of the team to help behind the bench. The team announced today
that Brian Bauman, a member of the 2000-2001 team, has joined
the team as an Assistant Coach and scout. The team made this
announcement:
Brian Bauman has
recently accepted a coaching position with the Metro Jets of the
Central States Hockey League. Bauman, who played for the Jets
during the 2000-2001 season, will begin working with the team immediately.
In addition to collaborating
with current coach Jamie Hayden on the ice and behind the
bench, Brian will assist the scouting staff in evaluating and
recruiting players. Bauman will also use his contacts in
Division III hockey to help place players in collegiate programs.
After playing for the Jets, Brian played
four years at SUNY-Brockport while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration. Most recently Bauman has been coaching Tier I
midgets in his home state of New Jersey.
Monte and Bieber
Named To ECAC Northeast All-Tournament Team
Anthony Monte (Chicago)
and Jeff Bieber (Cincinnati Cobras) were named to the ECAC
Northeast All-Tournament team. Both play for the Nichols Bison, NCAA
DIII. In a release on the teams site:
CAPE
COD
,
MA
-Four members of the
University
of
Massachusetts Dartmouth
's hockey team and two members of the Nichols College Bison have been named
to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Northeast All-Tournament team for
the 2007-08 season.
Freshman
forward Joe Hill (
Newburyport
,
MA
/Valley Jr. Warriors) and junior forward
Chris
Shore
(
West Haven
. CT/Winchendon Academy) of the Corsairs joined junior forward Anthony
Monte (Chicago, IL/Chicago Force) as the three forwards on the
team. Senior defenseman Tyler Crocker (
Wakefield
,
MA
/Wakefield HS) of UMass Dartmouth and junior defenseman Jeff
Bieber (
Littleton
,
CO
/
Cincinnati
Cobras) of Nichols were also picked, as was Corsair junior
goaltender Jeff Green (
Medway
,
MA
/Valley Jr. Warriors).
Hill,
Shore and Monte each scored two goals in Saturday’s
championship game, which was won by the Corsairs, 5-3. Hill and Shore each
had five points in the three games that the Corsairs played in the
tournament, with Hill scoring five goals and Shore three goals and two
assists. Monte scored three goals in the tournament.
Bieber
had two assists in the c |