Cowichan Valley Capitals Press Release
Two leaders in the Cowichan Valley Capitals dressing room this season are heading south to the world of U.S. college hockey.
Alexandre Gagne and Jeff Kinrade have both been awarded hockey scholarships to Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.
The MSU Spartans have picked up both 19-year olds, and their acceptance into the Central Collegiate Hockey Association means the Caps have now had more than 70 of their players moved into the U.S. college hockey system since the team was founded a dozen years ago.
“The BCHL is the top Junior A league in Canada when it comes to scholarship placements,” says Caps coach Scott Robinson. “While we’d love to have these two guys in our lineup for one more year, we also recognize that moves like this are a huge benefit to their academic and personal development, and we would never want to get in the way of that.”
Kinrade is finishing his second season with the Caps. The Nelson, B.C., native has 13 goals and a total of 34 points this season, and has proven to be a real leader both on the ice and in the dressing room. Gagne came to the Cowichan Valley from Rock Forest, Quebec. He’s currently tied for top spot on the team in terms of total points, and he’s the leading goal-scorer in the line-up with 35 goals and 33 assists on the season.
The two will play out the balance of the playoffs with the Caps before going to Lansing in September.
“I’m looking forward to the contributions these two young men can still make to our club in the upcoming playoff run,” says Caps GM Clayton Wright. “But the entire organization also wants to congratulate them on their achievement, both in terms of their hockey skills and the academic records that have allowed them to win this honour.”
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Another ex-Spartan joins UHL
By Brendan Savage, Flint Journal
bsavage@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6388
The Flint Generals have been trying to inject more life into their offense all season and coach Robbie Nichols thinks he might have done just that Wednesday, when he signed former Flint Spirit Kevin Miller.
Miller, 39, played four games with the Red Wings last season and 74 with the American League's Grand Rapids Griffins, for whom he scored 27 goals.
The Lansing native, who played at Michigan State with Generals Bobby Reynolds and Jason Woolley, has 150 goals in 620 NHL games. He's expected to be in the Generals lineup Friday against the Missouri River Otters.
"He's an unbelievably skilled player," Reynolds said.
"We're missing some spark offensively," Nichols said. "We're getting a lot out of Bobby and (Rob Valicevic) and Mike (Kinnie). We need some more guys to pick it up a little bit.
"Hopefully, this will give us more punch. This should add some instant offense. We've got this five-game homestand that's big for us. We need to make some noise and we need to do it now.
"We have to win right now."
While the addition of Miller should help the Generals offensively, it adds to their veteran problems.
With Miller on board, they've got 10 veterans - three more than the maximum allowed to suit up under United Hockey League rules - although Chad Grills is expected to miss another couple of weeks with a broken hand.
"Obviously, we'll be making some moves veteran-wise," Nichols said. "We have to make some changes."
bsavage@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6388
The Flint Generals have been trying to inject more life into their offense all season and coach Robbie Nichols thinks he might have done just that Wednesday, when he signed former Flint Spirit Kevin Miller.
Miller, 39, played four games with the Red Wings last season and 74 with the American League's Grand Rapids Griffins, for whom he scored 27 goals.
The Lansing native, who played at Michigan State with Generals Bobby Reynolds and Jason Woolley, has 150 goals in 620 NHL games. He's expected to be in the Generals lineup Friday against the Missouri River Otters.
"He's an unbelievably skilled player," Reynolds said.
"We're missing some spark offensively," Nichols said. "We're getting a lot out of Bobby and (Rob Valicevic) and Mike (Kinnie). We need some more guys to pick it up a little bit.
"Hopefully, this will give us more punch. This should add some instant offense. We've got this five-game homestand that's big for us. We need to make some noise and we need to do it now.
"We have to win right now."
While the addition of Miller should help the Generals offensively, it adds to their veteran problems.
With Miller on board, they've got 10 veterans - three more than the maximum allowed to suit up under United Hockey League rules - although Chad Grills is expected to miss another couple of weeks with a broken hand.
"Obviously, we'll be making some moves veteran-wise," Nichols said. "We have to make some changes."
Kessel turns down Michigan
http://www.uscho.com/images/colorscans/20042005/usa_kessel.jpg
Phil Kessel, the 17-year-old hockey phenom who plays for the Ann Arbor-based U.S. National Team Development Program, may be leaning toward Minnesota over Wisconsin and Michigan as his college choice. Kessel's father, Phil Kessel Sr., a former Northern Michigan quarterback, told the Wisconsin State Journal his son hadn't yet made up his mind.
"It's truly up in the air," he said.
The U.S. program will have a teleconference Friday to announce Kessel's decision.
Kessel, a 6-foot, 185-pound forward from Madison, Wis., could also choose to skip college entirely and instead play for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. The Spirit own his draft rights. Kessel has family in the Saginaw area.
Red Line Report, an independent scouting service, rates Kessel the top pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Kessel is considered the next great American pro prospect.
He currently leads the U.S. under-18 team in goals (30), assists (28), points (58), power play goals (11), short-handed goals (4) and game-winning goals (8) in 31 games.
By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press
Phil Kessel, the 17-year-old hockey phenom who plays for the Ann Arbor-based U.S. National Team Development Program, may be leaning toward Minnesota over Wisconsin and Michigan as his college choice. Kessel's father, Phil Kessel Sr., a former Northern Michigan quarterback, told the Wisconsin State Journal his son hadn't yet made up his mind.
"It's truly up in the air," he said.
The U.S. program will have a teleconference Friday to announce Kessel's decision.
Kessel, a 6-foot, 185-pound forward from Madison, Wis., could also choose to skip college entirely and instead play for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. The Spirit own his draft rights. Kessel has family in the Saginaw area.
Red Line Report, an independent scouting service, rates Kessel the top pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Kessel is considered the next great American pro prospect.
He currently leads the U.S. under-18 team in goals (30), assists (28), points (58), power play goals (11), short-handed goals (4) and game-winning goals (8) in 31 games.
By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press
Turnbull commits to Michigan
Courtesy of Paul Shaheen, Research On Ice
Though he hasn't made his official visit to the University of Michigan - that's still the plan, probably in the next two weeks - Sioux City Musketeers forward Travis Turnbull made the Wolverines quite happy over the weekend when the 18-year-old from suburban St. Louis committed to Ann Arbor for next fall.
He also considered Ferris State, Bowling Green and Michigan State.
"I was making my other visits because I did want to see what other schools had to offer, but Michigan is somewhere I've always wanted to go," said Turnbull. "They have such great tradition there, and I know Red Berenson is a great coach."
Like father like son on that score. Turnbull's father, Perry Turnbull, was coached by Berenson in the early 80's when both were with the St. Louis Blues.
"He's 18 years old now, and I told Travis this would have to be his decision, but for me, not knowing much about any of the schools, Red for me was the guy," said the elder Turnbull, whom ROI caught up with Sunday afternoon while he and several other members of the St. Louis Blues alumni were traveling back from a charity match in Peoria, Illinois.
"Red was my favorite coach," Turnbull added, "he had us prepared in ways that back then were ahead of their time."
Travis Turnbull can now be counted among the growing number of current (and former) collegians not only raised and bred in the St. Louis area, but also reared by NHL experienced fathers. Former Notre Dame skaters Conner Dunlop and Neil Komadoski had fathers Blake and Neil Sr. to look up to, while freshman Denver forward Paul Stastny was helped along by father (and NHL Hall of Famer) Peter Stastny. All four families still reside in the St. Louis area.
The AAA St. Louis Junior Blues, for whom Turnbull and many of the aforementioned once played, has been a rapidly improving program over the last few years. A number of the organization's coaches are former NHLers as well, such as Basil McRae and Jeff Brown.
Here's Michigan's recruiting list up to the minute:
2005:
W Jason Bailey ( USNTDP)
C Zach MacVoy (USNTDP)
D Jack Johnson (USNTDP)
C Andrew Cogliano (St. Mike's, OPJHL)
D Mark Mitera (USNTDP)
G Billy Sauer (Chicago, USHL)
F Tim Miller (Omaha, USHL)
F Dan Fardig (USNTDP)
F Brandon Naurato (Omaha, USHL)
F Tyler Swystun (Camrose, AJHL)
F Travis Turnbull (Sioux City, USHL)
2006:
D Steve Kampfer (Sioux City, USHL)
D Chris Summers (USNTDP)
G Steve Jakiel (Lincoln, USHL)
2007:
F Tristin Llewellyn (Indiana, USHL)
Though he hasn't made his official visit to the University of Michigan - that's still the plan, probably in the next two weeks - Sioux City Musketeers forward Travis Turnbull made the Wolverines quite happy over the weekend when the 18-year-old from suburban St. Louis committed to Ann Arbor for next fall.
He also considered Ferris State, Bowling Green and Michigan State.
"I was making my other visits because I did want to see what other schools had to offer, but Michigan is somewhere I've always wanted to go," said Turnbull. "They have such great tradition there, and I know Red Berenson is a great coach."
Like father like son on that score. Turnbull's father, Perry Turnbull, was coached by Berenson in the early 80's when both were with the St. Louis Blues.
"He's 18 years old now, and I told Travis this would have to be his decision, but for me, not knowing much about any of the schools, Red for me was the guy," said the elder Turnbull, whom ROI caught up with Sunday afternoon while he and several other members of the St. Louis Blues alumni were traveling back from a charity match in Peoria, Illinois.
"Red was my favorite coach," Turnbull added, "he had us prepared in ways that back then were ahead of their time."
Travis Turnbull can now be counted among the growing number of current (and former) collegians not only raised and bred in the St. Louis area, but also reared by NHL experienced fathers. Former Notre Dame skaters Conner Dunlop and Neil Komadoski had fathers Blake and Neil Sr. to look up to, while freshman Denver forward Paul Stastny was helped along by father (and NHL Hall of Famer) Peter Stastny. All four families still reside in the St. Louis area.
The AAA St. Louis Junior Blues, for whom Turnbull and many of the aforementioned once played, has been a rapidly improving program over the last few years. A number of the organization's coaches are former NHLers as well, such as Basil McRae and Jeff Brown.
Here's Michigan's recruiting list up to the minute:
2005:
W Jason Bailey ( USNTDP)
C Zach MacVoy (USNTDP)
D Jack Johnson (USNTDP)
C Andrew Cogliano (St. Mike's, OPJHL)
D Mark Mitera (USNTDP)
G Billy Sauer (Chicago, USHL)
F Tim Miller (Omaha, USHL)
F Dan Fardig (USNTDP)
F Brandon Naurato (Omaha, USHL)
F Tyler Swystun (Camrose, AJHL)
F Travis Turnbull (Sioux City, USHL)
2006:
D Steve Kampfer (Sioux City, USHL)
D Chris Summers (USNTDP)
G Steve Jakiel (Lincoln, USHL)
2007:
F Tristin Llewellyn (Indiana, USHL)
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
DIRK SOUTHERN NAMED RBC FINANCIAL GROUP CCHA PLAYER OF THE MONTH
NMU's junior forward recorded
five goals and 13 points in February
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. —The Central Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that junior forward Dirk Southern of Northern Michigan University has been named the RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Month for February.
Southern, a 21-year old from Winnipeg, Man., had points in six of eight games, including three multi-point games and three game-winning goals to lead the Wildcats to a 5-1-2 record.
Southern opened February with a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory over Alaska Fairbanks; he finished the month with a career-best five points, notching a goal and four assists, in a 6-3 win at Ferris State. The month of February also saw Southern contribute a goal and an assist in a win and a tie with Western Michigan while firing two goals and an assist in a series with Michigan Tech.
Southern is tied for the national lead with six game-winning goals on the season. His three February game winners came at home against Alaska Fairbanks and on the road during victories over Michigan Tech and Ferris State. He struck for two power-play goals and one shorthanded marker during the month as well.
Southern averaged 1.625 points-per-game during February, when he had a four-game point streak and a three-game goal streak. Overall, Southern has registered 10-17-27 in 26 games this season.
Special mention for RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Month honors goes to Western Michigan junior forward Vince Bellissimo, Ohio State junior goaltender Dave Caruso, Miami sophomore forward Matt Christie, Nebraska-Omaha sophomore forward Scott Parse, Michigan State senior forward Jim Slater and Michigan junior forward Jeff Tambellini.
2004-05 RBC Financial Group Players of the Month
February - Dirk Southern, JR, F, Northern Michigan
January - Matt Beaudoin, SO, F, Ohio State
December - T.J. Hensick, SO, F, Michigan
November - Colton Fretter, JR, F, Michigan State
October - Matt Christie, SO, F, Miami
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Future is Now for College Hockey Players
Seniors like Michigan's Eric Nystrom
skate toward an uncertain future
Article by Susannah Nichols
Potential pros not frustrated by dismal lockout
Michigan Wolverines captain Eric Nystrom is one the last off the ice for practice at Yost Arena. As he and a few teammates wheel around under last year’s CCHA victory banner, their laughter and slapshots seem to dissolve the pall that has settled over so much of the hockey world in the past few weeks.
With a season cancelled and no end in sight to the lockout, uncertainties surrounding the NHL might depress college players like Nystrom, who will be entering the professional hockey sector this summer. But while Nystrom, a 2002 first-round draft pick, recognizes the frustrating situation, he is keeping his focus on the present.
“I want to end on the highest note possible,” Nystrom says. “[Michigan’s season] is too important to me.”
He’s not alone in his perspective.The attitude of focusing on the now rather than wondering about the future is prevalent among some of college hockey’s other top prospects.
A.J. Thelen, a Michigan State sophomore who was a first-round draft pick for the Wild last summer, still has his eyes on an NHL career but is putting his energy toward the Spartans’ success.
“You just have to keep your head on straight,” he says optimistically, asserting that his current priority is to “help MSU win games.”
Michigan sophomore T.J. Hensick, who is eligible for the next draft, concurs.“I know as much as you,” he says, citing multiple scenarios for the NHL’s future and his place in the quagmire. He realizes that what’s going on over his head is something he “can’t control”—what he can control is his contribution to Michigan’s success this year.
Whenever the NHL resumes action, its rookies will be in a unique situation—there will be significantly more of them, since 2004’s class never got an opportunity to play. When asked if this would create an increasingly competitive atmosphere among younger players, Thelen acknowledges that "it's a packed league,” but balances this with basic hockey logic that no lockout will change: “it’s everyone’s goal to play in the NHL… You’re always competing for your job.”
Fellow Spartan sophomore Drew Miller (a 2003 draft pick) claims he will take advantage of his remaining time at State to “keep working hard to improve” his game so he will be ready to compete on a larger stage.
While there will be an amplified level of competition, the increased level of attention that college hockey has gotten due to the lack of the NHL has given some players an unexpected level of exposure—from Sports Center highlights to increased broadcast coverage. Hensick cites more attention from major-league GMS, creating more opportunities to make impressions: “you always have to bring your A-game.”
Not that Hensick, nor any of the other players, has needed the presence of a GM to bring his A-game.
It’s almost impossible to escape the buzz that hockey will never recover and fans will abandon the sport. However, most of the players interviewed believe that the sport will be fine.
Hensick cites the exposure that hockey has gotten through other venues in the NHL’s absence and believes that fans will return.
“It’s something we’ll overcome as a society,” states Hensick.
Nystrom agrees, though recognizing that some people outside of hockey’s “niche cities” may not be as committed.
Drew Miller also recognizes this disparity among fans. “Some understand. Some don’t.”
Overall, the players seem most mournful of the season because it means they won’t be able to watch games for inspiration and relaxation, not because it limits their career horizon.In the fog of negativity that surrounds hockey these days, the college players offer a refreshing perspective emphasizing hard work, ambition, confidence—but most of all, a vigorous commitment to helping their teams succeed.
Of the NHL, Nystrom says, “That’s the next step. But we’re not done with this step.”
Monday, February 28, 2005
Four In-State Players Grab Weekly Awards
Two Cats and a Bronco Take Honors
Courtesy CCHA--- Offensive Player of the Week. Andrew Contois, NMU Jr., F (Marquette, MI) Contois (4-1-5, +1) fired four goals in Saturday’s 6-3 win at FSU after registering an assist in Friday’s 5-2 victory.
Defenseman. Ryan Mahrle, WMU So. (Troy, MI) Mahrle (0-2-2, +3) collected an assist each night and was +1 on Friday and +2 on Saturday as the Broncos split with visiting LSSU.
Goaltender. Tuomas Tarkki, NMU Sr. (Rauma, Finland) Tarkki blocked 64-of-69 shots (.927), including 37 in a Perani Cup first-star performance on Friday, as the ‘Cats took two games at Ferris.
Warrior Gets Rookie Laurel
Courtesy WSU Athletics-- Wayne State University freshman center Stavros Paskaris (Dearborn, Mich./Kewadin Indians) has been selected College Hockey America Rookie of the Week for the first time this season.
The conference's top-scoring newcomer, Paskaris recorded four points on two goals and two assists in WSU's three-point weekend (win and a tie) against visiting Air Force this past Saturday and Sunday at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth.
In Saturday's 5-1 triumph, he assisted on Adam Krug's short-handed goal in the first period, scored the eventual game-winning goal on the power play in the second period, while also assisting on Jason Bloomingburg's third period power-play goal.
His goal on Sunday tied the score at one, in a 3-3 overtime draw. Paskaris finished the weekend with a +3 plus/minus rating along with six shots on goal.
Wayne State concludes the regular season with two home games against Alabama-Huntsville this Saturday (3:05 p.m.) and Sunday (2:05 p.m.) at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth.
Courtesy CCHA--- Offensive Player of the Week. Andrew Contois, NMU Jr., F (Marquette, MI) Contois (4-1-5, +1) fired four goals in Saturday’s 6-3 win at FSU after registering an assist in Friday’s 5-2 victory.
Defenseman. Ryan Mahrle, WMU So. (Troy, MI) Mahrle (0-2-2, +3) collected an assist each night and was +1 on Friday and +2 on Saturday as the Broncos split with visiting LSSU.
Goaltender. Tuomas Tarkki, NMU Sr. (Rauma, Finland) Tarkki blocked 64-of-69 shots (.927), including 37 in a Perani Cup first-star performance on Friday, as the ‘Cats took two games at Ferris.
Warrior Gets Rookie Laurel
Courtesy WSU Athletics-- Wayne State University freshman center Stavros Paskaris (Dearborn, Mich./Kewadin Indians) has been selected College Hockey America Rookie of the Week for the first time this season.
The conference's top-scoring newcomer, Paskaris recorded four points on two goals and two assists in WSU's three-point weekend (win and a tie) against visiting Air Force this past Saturday and Sunday at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth.
In Saturday's 5-1 triumph, he assisted on Adam Krug's short-handed goal in the first period, scored the eventual game-winning goal on the power play in the second period, while also assisting on Jason Bloomingburg's third period power-play goal.
His goal on Sunday tied the score at one, in a 3-3 overtime draw. Paskaris finished the weekend with a +3 plus/minus rating along with six shots on goal.
Wayne State concludes the regular season with two home games against Alabama-Huntsville this Saturday (3:05 p.m.) and Sunday (2:05 p.m.) at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth.
Wolverines rally for exhibition win
Michigan played the youngsters from across town and had to rally for a late exhibition win Saturday night.
Jeff Tambellini scored three goals with his last one coming with six seconds left in the game to give the Wolverines a 6-5 win over the United States Under-18 National Team.
"They're a good squad, but they're 17-year-old kids and not too many 20- or 23-year-old guys want to lose to 17-year-old guys," said Tambellini. "We just kind of sat there. There really wasn't any yelling or screaming but we had a mindset in the third period and I'm glad that we came through."
Nick Martens, Milan Gajic and Kevin Porter also scored for U-M. Noah Ruden made 25 saves in net.
Future Wolverines Jack Johnson and Dan Fardig scored for Team USA along with a pair from Phil Kessel and a single from Nathan Gerbe, a Boston College recruit from Oxford. Jeff Frazee stopped 41 shots.
"The score shouldn't have been what it was and we know that," said Porter. "We definitely have to work hard. We have Bowling Green next week and it's a big weekend, so we're definitely going to have to pick up the pace this week and get ready for next weekend."
The Wolverines are in Bowling Green Friday night and close out the regular season the next night at Yost Ice Arena at 7:35 p.m. A win either night would clinch first overall in the CCHA. Ohio State is three points back in second place.
Jeff Tambellini scored three goals with his last one coming with six seconds left in the game to give the Wolverines a 6-5 win over the United States Under-18 National Team.
"They're a good squad, but they're 17-year-old kids and not too many 20- or 23-year-old guys want to lose to 17-year-old guys," said Tambellini. "We just kind of sat there. There really wasn't any yelling or screaming but we had a mindset in the third period and I'm glad that we came through."
Nick Martens, Milan Gajic and Kevin Porter also scored for U-M. Noah Ruden made 25 saves in net.
Future Wolverines Jack Johnson and Dan Fardig scored for Team USA along with a pair from Phil Kessel and a single from Nathan Gerbe, a Boston College recruit from Oxford. Jeff Frazee stopped 41 shots.
"The score shouldn't have been what it was and we know that," said Porter. "We definitely have to work hard. We have Bowling Green next week and it's a big weekend, so we're definitely going to have to pick up the pace this week and get ready for next weekend."
The Wolverines are in Bowling Green Friday night and close out the regular season the next night at Yost Ice Arena at 7:35 p.m. A win either night would clinch first overall in the CCHA. Ohio State is three points back in second place.
MSU splits with Bowling Green
Michigan State played a home-and-home set last weekend with Bowling Green and the home team won each game.
Friday in Ohio, the Falcons took a 2-1 decision while MSU won 6-3 at home Saturday night.
Freshman Jim McKenzie scored the lone goal for the Spartans on Friday night and goalie Dominic Vicari stopped 24 shots.
"It's real frustrating, but it's the story of our season," said MSU forward Colton Fretter.
Saturday, sophomore Drew Miller had a four-point night with two goals and two assists. Vicari made 34 saves, including 17 in the third period. Fretter, McKenzie (seven goals in seven games), Ethan Graham and Bryan Lerg also scored. Senior captain Jim Slater notched three assists.
"Our performance was great tonight," said Spartans head coach Rick Comley. "We needed our big-time players to step up, and that is why I put Miller, Fretter and Slater together. Drew has had a great season. He went a little flat recently, probably from being tired, but he obviously played outstanding tonight. His goal to tie the game was huge."
The Spartans (15-15-4 overall, 10-13-3 CCHA) return to action for their final series of the regular season this weekend in a home-and-home series against Notre Dame. The teams will clash Friday in East Lansing at 7:05 and then travel to South Bend, Ind., Saturday for both teams' regular season finale.
Friday in Ohio, the Falcons took a 2-1 decision while MSU won 6-3 at home Saturday night.
Freshman Jim McKenzie scored the lone goal for the Spartans on Friday night and goalie Dominic Vicari stopped 24 shots.
"It's real frustrating, but it's the story of our season," said MSU forward Colton Fretter.
Saturday, sophomore Drew Miller had a four-point night with two goals and two assists. Vicari made 34 saves, including 17 in the third period. Fretter, McKenzie (seven goals in seven games), Ethan Graham and Bryan Lerg also scored. Senior captain Jim Slater notched three assists.
"Our performance was great tonight," said Spartans head coach Rick Comley. "We needed our big-time players to step up, and that is why I put Miller, Fretter and Slater together. Drew has had a great season. He went a little flat recently, probably from being tired, but he obviously played outstanding tonight. His goal to tie the game was huge."
The Spartans (15-15-4 overall, 10-13-3 CCHA) return to action for their final series of the regular season this weekend in a home-and-home series against Notre Dame. The teams will clash Friday in East Lansing at 7:05 and then travel to South Bend, Ind., Saturday for both teams' regular season finale.
WSU women drop pair to NU
The Wayne State women dropped both of their games last weekend to visiting Niagara. The Purple Eagles returned the favor after WSU (13-14-3 overall, 6-4-0 CHA) swept them in western New York two weeks ago.
Friday night, senior co-captain Kelly Zamora scored WSU's lone goal in the 3-1 loss, ending their six-game winning streak. Freshman goalie Val Turcotte finished with 19 saves, while Allison Rutledge stopped 31 Warrior shots for the win. Referee Patrick Bracco did not call a penalty in the contest.
Saturday afternoon, sophomore Laura Monk scored her team-leading 13th goal in a 5-1 loss. Senior Tina Thibideau made 18 saves before being replaced by freshman Tiffany Thompson for the final 10:53. Thompson stopped all three shots she faced. Niagara goalie Nikki Rudy was credited with 26 saves.
WSU concludes the regular season this Friday and Saturday with two CHA contests at league leader Mercyhurst.
The CHA tournament will take place March 12-13 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Friday night, senior co-captain Kelly Zamora scored WSU's lone goal in the 3-1 loss, ending their six-game winning streak. Freshman goalie Val Turcotte finished with 19 saves, while Allison Rutledge stopped 31 Warrior shots for the win. Referee Patrick Bracco did not call a penalty in the contest.
Saturday afternoon, sophomore Laura Monk scored her team-leading 13th goal in a 5-1 loss. Senior Tina Thibideau made 18 saves before being replaced by freshman Tiffany Thompson for the final 10:53. Thompson stopped all three shots she faced. Niagara goalie Nikki Rudy was credited with 26 saves.
WSU concludes the regular season this Friday and Saturday with two CHA contests at league leader Mercyhurst.
The CHA tournament will take place March 12-13 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Warriors Nab 3 of 4 Points from Air Force
PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Air Force blew a 3-1 third-period lead to Wayne State, but held on for a 3-3 tie Sunday afternoon in College Hockey America play.
With the tie, the Warriors are now just two points back of third-place Niagara and five up on Air Force heading into the final weekend of regular-season play.
Adam Krug got a fortunate bounce and scored on a partial breakaway 15:42 into the third period. Jason Bloomingburg's pass from his own side of center hit an Air Force stick and ended up on Krug's stick, who burned Falcons defenseman Steve Mead and beat goalie Pete Foster top corner.
"Any time you give up a two-goal lead it's never good," Air Force head coach Frank Serratore said. "But considering where we came from yesterday (a 5-1 loss), maybe it wasn't so bad."
Foster finished with 26 saves while WSU goalie Will Hooper stopped 23 in front of 703 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
After a scoreless first period, Brian Reese scored his first of the season on an Air Force power play at 5:49 of the second period. Eric Ehn carried into the Wayne State zone and as he crossed the goal line dished off to Reese, whose one-timer beat Hooper cleanly.
Stavros Paskaris tied the game at 8:50. Jason Baclig fed Paskaris at the Air Force blue line and after two dekes, Paskaris ripped home a shot from the left circle that went low glove side on Foster.
But with time winding down and a faceoff to Hooper's right, Brandon Merkosky won the draw and Andrew Ramsey walked into a shot that Hooper only saw at the last second at 19:53.
"It was tough to see Krug lose that draw," noted Warriors head coach Bill Wilkinson.
Seth Pelletier made it 3-1 Air Force at 8:36 of the third period. A loose puck squirted free to Hooper's left during a goal-mouth scramble and Pelletier beat Hooper to the puck.
Taylor Donohoe then pinched in from the point and scored on Foster from the lip of the crease at 11:24.
"Taylor saw the opportunity and took a chance," said Wilkinson. "That was the first of two bounces that went our way that period."
Krug completed the comeback with his goal with 4:18 to play.
In overtime, Foster made a big glove stop on Tylor Michel in the waning seconds to maintain the tie.
"The second game in a series is always the toughest because you're still drained from the night before," Wilkinson said. "I told the boys after the second period that we needed to keep up the effort and stay disciplined."
That talk was indirectly aimed at forward Mike Forgie, who took three straight penalties in the second period and was benched for the last half of the game.
Forgie and Wayne State (13-15-4, 6-8-4 CHA) will be back next weekend as Alabama-Huntsville comes in for a pair. The Falcons (13-16-3, 5-12-1 CHA) host Bemidji State.
With the tie, the Warriors are now just two points back of third-place Niagara and five up on Air Force heading into the final weekend of regular-season play.
Adam Krug got a fortunate bounce and scored on a partial breakaway 15:42 into the third period. Jason Bloomingburg's pass from his own side of center hit an Air Force stick and ended up on Krug's stick, who burned Falcons defenseman Steve Mead and beat goalie Pete Foster top corner.
"Any time you give up a two-goal lead it's never good," Air Force head coach Frank Serratore said. "But considering where we came from yesterday (a 5-1 loss), maybe it wasn't so bad."
Foster finished with 26 saves while WSU goalie Will Hooper stopped 23 in front of 703 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
After a scoreless first period, Brian Reese scored his first of the season on an Air Force power play at 5:49 of the second period. Eric Ehn carried into the Wayne State zone and as he crossed the goal line dished off to Reese, whose one-timer beat Hooper cleanly.
Stavros Paskaris tied the game at 8:50. Jason Baclig fed Paskaris at the Air Force blue line and after two dekes, Paskaris ripped home a shot from the left circle that went low glove side on Foster.
But with time winding down and a faceoff to Hooper's right, Brandon Merkosky won the draw and Andrew Ramsey walked into a shot that Hooper only saw at the last second at 19:53.
"It was tough to see Krug lose that draw," noted Warriors head coach Bill Wilkinson.
Seth Pelletier made it 3-1 Air Force at 8:36 of the third period. A loose puck squirted free to Hooper's left during a goal-mouth scramble and Pelletier beat Hooper to the puck.
Taylor Donohoe then pinched in from the point and scored on Foster from the lip of the crease at 11:24.
"Taylor saw the opportunity and took a chance," said Wilkinson. "That was the first of two bounces that went our way that period."
Krug completed the comeback with his goal with 4:18 to play.
In overtime, Foster made a big glove stop on Tylor Michel in the waning seconds to maintain the tie.
"The second game in a series is always the toughest because you're still drained from the night before," Wilkinson said. "I told the boys after the second period that we needed to keep up the effort and stay disciplined."
That talk was indirectly aimed at forward Mike Forgie, who took three straight penalties in the second period and was benched for the last half of the game.
Forgie and Wayne State (13-15-4, 6-8-4 CHA) will be back next weekend as Alabama-Huntsville comes in for a pair. The Falcons (13-16-3, 5-12-1 CHA) host Bemidji State.
Warriors Back in the Win Column
by Matt Mackinder courtesy of www.USCHO.com
PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Wayne State ended an 0-6-1 skid with a convincing 5-1 win over Air Force Saturday afternoon and in the process took two more points in the College Hockey America standings.
And the Warriors made it look easy.
Coming off a tough week of practice after an idle weekend, the Warriors (13-15-3, 6-8-3 CHA) beat the Falcons in every facet of the game, especially offensively, in front of 823 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
Jason Bloomingburg scored twice to give him 18 goals on the season, tying WSU's single-season mark set by Dusty Kingston in the 2000-2001 season. But after the game, Bloomingburg deflected the attention to everyone but himself.
"We didn't have any breakdowns today," said Bloomingburg, from nearby Canton, Mich. "We stuck exactly to our game plan and executed everything to a 'T.' We just did it all."
Adam Krug got WSU on the board at 9:38 of the first period with a shorthanded marker. Taylor Donohoe got the puck at his own blue line and dished off to Stavros Paskaris, who found a hole in the Air Force defense. Krug gathered the pass, brushed off a defenseman and beat goalie Ian Harper with a slap shot from just above the left circle.
With the assist, Paskaris snapped a six-game pointless drought that also coincided with Wayne State's aforementioned skid.
Paskaris then scored 2:45 into the second period on a WSU power play. Donohoe kept in a clearing attempt and found Paskaris between the circles. Paskaris deked the Air Force defender and slid a weak shot on Harper that squirted back onto Paskaris' stick who went five-hole.
"Donnie made a chest trap with the puck," explained Paskaris. "He saw me and I just made one fake and got a shot on net."
Wayne State made it 3-0 as Mike Forgie scored off a Mark Bradshaw rebound. Bradshaw put the initial shot on Harper, but another loose puck came out and Forgie made the easy tap at 8:59.
"We came out strong and out-worked them," said Paskaris. "Two points in this league are huge and hopefully with this win we can keep rolling."
Bloomingburg's first of the game came at 2:21 of the third period. Tylor Michel put a pass just at the top of the crease that Bloomingburg re-directed past Harper.
Brandon Merkosky ruined Matt Kelly's shutout bid at 5:43 on an Air Force 5-on-3 man-advantage.
But exactly four minutes later, Bloomingburg restored the four-goal cushion with a power-play goal. Parked to the right of Harper, Paskaris fed Bloomingburg, whose one-timer beat Harper cleanly.
"We changed our lines around and put Bloomer back with Krug and Michel like we had at the beginning of the season," said WSU head coach Bill Wilkinson. "They're back to having that original chemistry. But even though he's got 18 goals, I don't think Bloomer's reached his full potential. Right now, he's a one-dimensional player and he knows he has to work on other things. There is always room for adjustment."
"I've always been a goal scorer at every level I've played," said Bloomingburg. "I just get to the net and shoot. No shot is ever a bad shot."
Donohoe put an exclamation mark on his strong game with a huge open-ice hit on Air Force captain Matt Bader. Donohoe read the play and drilled Bader, who tried to get up, but found only wobbly legs and a limited navigational system.
"I'm not a big point guy," admitted Donohoe. "And I don't go looking for hits. But if the opportunity ever presents itself, I'll take it. My role here is to play a defensive game and keep the puck out of the zone. If I put up points or give a big hit, that's all just a bonus. With that hit, I had said to (defense partner Dan) Iliakis that they had been coming up the middle all game and that's what happened."
Kelly finished with 27 saves while Harper stopped 31 for the Falcons (13-16-2, 5-12-0 CHA).
The two teams meet again Sunday at 2 p.m.
MTU Gets 1 Point in Alaska
Michigan Tech entered this weekend series 1 point out of 9th place in the WCHA and 4 points behind the Anchorage Seawolves, who are were in 7th in the WCHA. The Huskies needed 4 points coming into the weekend, but were only able to get 1 as the Seawolves proved too much for the Huskies. The 1 point came on Friday, with a 2-2 tie, on Saturday, they were unable to capitalize on there chances, and lost 1-0 in a late 3rd period goal by UAA.
MTU played well, but could not figure out UAA goalie, John DeCaro. He played well both nights, stopping 82 0f 84 shots on the weekend. The had many chances but just could not get the puck in the net.
Friday saw the two teams go scoreless in the first, both had chances, but could not get the goal. In the second, UAA found the net twice and took a 2-0 lead into the third. In the third, MTU was able to get 2 power play goals, one from Nick Anderson and the other from Mike Botavanja. Chris Conner had a chance to win it in regulation, when he came down on a partial break, but was unable to get it by DeCaro. In OT, it was MTU that held the shot advantage, but neither could muster a goal.
On Saturday, both goalies proved hard to solve, as the teams skated the first 2 periods at 0-0. It was in the third period when the first and only goal of the game was scored. It came from Chad Anderson and on the power play. Tech later appeared to have the game tying goal, but no light went on, and no call was made by the ref. It came from a Colin Murphy shot that looked as if it went over the goal line and bounce right back out. It was not counted and play continued. Tech pulled Cam Ellsworth with 2 to go, but where unable to score with the extra attacker.
MTU will have there last WCHA series when Minnesota travels to Houghton for a series this upcoming weekend. MTU will need points from the weekend to move out of the basement.
MTU played well, but could not figure out UAA goalie, John DeCaro. He played well both nights, stopping 82 0f 84 shots on the weekend. The had many chances but just could not get the puck in the net.
Friday saw the two teams go scoreless in the first, both had chances, but could not get the goal. In the second, UAA found the net twice and took a 2-0 lead into the third. In the third, MTU was able to get 2 power play goals, one from Nick Anderson and the other from Mike Botavanja. Chris Conner had a chance to win it in regulation, when he came down on a partial break, but was unable to get it by DeCaro. In OT, it was MTU that held the shot advantage, but neither could muster a goal.
On Saturday, both goalies proved hard to solve, as the teams skated the first 2 periods at 0-0. It was in the third period when the first and only goal of the game was scored. It came from Chad Anderson and on the power play. Tech later appeared to have the game tying goal, but no light went on, and no call was made by the ref. It came from a Colin Murphy shot that looked as if it went over the goal line and bounce right back out. It was not counted and play continued. Tech pulled Cam Ellsworth with 2 to go, but where unable to score with the extra attacker.
MTU will have there last WCHA series when Minnesota travels to Houghton for a series this upcoming weekend. MTU will need points from the weekend to move out of the basement.
Bellissimo's Broncos Bounce Lakers
KALAMAZOO, Mich--- The Lake Superior State Lakers had a good chance to grab a rare series sweep, but gave up a two goal lead and fell to the Western Michigan Broncos in overtime, 3-2, at the Lawson Arena on Saturday night.
After goals by Ren Fauci and Dan Eves, LSSU (9-18-7, 8-12-6 CCHA) was up 2-0 at the 5:35 mark of the third period and poised for their first sweep of the year.
Vince Bellissimo and the Broncos (12-18-2, 7-17-2 CCHA) had other ideas though.
Bellissimo scored two goals in just under four minutes to force the game into overtime.
Then just 12-seconds into the extra frame Bellissimo scored his 15th of the year for the game-winner.
On the other end, Vince’s brother Daniel made 24 stops. Jeff Jakaitis was the hard luck loser for the Lakers with 45 saves.
Western is tied with Ferris State for 10th in the CCHA with a home-and-home series with the Bulldogs to close out the regular season looming next weekend.
The Lakers currently stand in 9th place and will end the regular season with another U.P., home-and-home grudge match against 3rd place Northern Michigan next weekend.
Also on the ice on Saturday…
Andrew Contois notched a hat trick as Northern Michigan crushed Ferris State, 6-3, and recorded a series sweep in Big Rapids.
Michigan State rebounded with a, 6-3, win on the road at Bowling Green.
Michigan Tech was clipped, 1-0, by the SeaWolves at Alaska-Anchorage.
The Wayne State Warrior Women were swept on their home ice with a 5-1 loss to the Niagara Purple Eagles at City Sports in Detroit.
After goals by Ren Fauci and Dan Eves, LSSU (9-18-7, 8-12-6 CCHA) was up 2-0 at the 5:35 mark of the third period and poised for their first sweep of the year.
Vince Bellissimo and the Broncos (12-18-2, 7-17-2 CCHA) had other ideas though.
Bellissimo scored two goals in just under four minutes to force the game into overtime.
Then just 12-seconds into the extra frame Bellissimo scored his 15th of the year for the game-winner.
On the other end, Vince’s brother Daniel made 24 stops. Jeff Jakaitis was the hard luck loser for the Lakers with 45 saves.
Western is tied with Ferris State for 10th in the CCHA with a home-and-home series with the Bulldogs to close out the regular season looming next weekend.
The Lakers currently stand in 9th place and will end the regular season with another U.P., home-and-home grudge match against 3rd place Northern Michigan next weekend.
Also on the ice on Saturday…
Andrew Contois notched a hat trick as Northern Michigan crushed Ferris State, 6-3, and recorded a series sweep in Big Rapids.
Michigan State rebounded with a, 6-3, win on the road at Bowling Green.
Michigan Tech was clipped, 1-0, by the SeaWolves at Alaska-Anchorage.
The Wayne State Warrior Women were swept on their home ice with a 5-1 loss to the Niagara Purple Eagles at City Sports in Detroit.
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