The World of Junior Hockey

Attack’s Cameron Brace Named CHL Player of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:44:00 +0000

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Cameron Brace of the Owen Sound Attack is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 12 after scoring nine points in three games with four goals and five assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

Brace had the best performance of his career and one of the best in Attack franchise history on Saturday when he tied a team-record with seven-points scoring four goals and three assists as first star of a 12-0 win over the Peterborough Petes. The last Owen Sound player to record seven points in a game was Jim Ensom back in 1996. Brace’s week also included a two-assist effort on Thursday night in a 4-2 win over the Brampton Battalion after being held without a point on Wednesday in a 2-1 shootout win over the Erie Otters.

Brace, an 18-year-old from Markham, ON, is playing in his second full season with the defending OHL champion Attack. He has a career-high 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 54 games so far this season.

Also considered for the award this week was Brendan Ranford of the Kamloops Blazers and Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs. Ranford scored three goals and five assists for eight points in three games, while Huberdeau scored four goals and two assists for six points in two games.

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

Attack’s Jordan Binnington Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Jordan Binnington of the Owen Sound Attack is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 12 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a 0.97 goals-against-average and a save percentage of .972.

Binnington made 105 saves last week in three wins for the Attack who currently sit fifth in the OHL’s Western Conference standings. He began his week with 29 saves Wednesday night against the Erie Otters, also stopping five of six attempts in the shootout and was named first star of the 2-1 win. On Thursday night he made 45 saves and was named second star of a 4-2 win over the Brampton Battalion. His week wrapped up Saturday night where he earned his first shutout of the season with 31 saves as third star of a 12-0 win over the Peterborough Petes.

Binnington, an 18-year-old from Richmond Hill, ON, is playing in his third season with the defending OHL champion Attack. Selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Binnington was named Top Goaltender at the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

Also considered for the award this week was Halifax Mooseheads rookie Zachary Fucale who went 2-1-0-1 with a goals-against-average of 1.44 and save percentage of .958. In the WHL, Nathan Lieuwen of the Kootenay Ice posted a 2-1-0-0 record with one shutout and a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .952.

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

North Stars' Nother Pizza Hut player of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:40:00 +0000

Press Release

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Monday that Thunder Bay North Stars goaltender Marc Nother has been named Pizza Hut player of the week for the Feb. 6-12 time frame.

In three starts this past week the 20-year-old native of London, Ont., won all of them while posting a shutout and also being credited with just the fifth goal in SIJHL history recorded by a netminder as he backstopped Thunder Bay to a trio of road victories.

Nother began his award-winning performance Friday at Dryden by getting credit for the game’s opening tally after being the last North Stars’ player to touch the puck when an errant pass by an Ice Dogs player went the length of the ice into an open net during a delayed penalty call.

He went on to make 33 saves on the night as his club skated to a 6-4 triumph over the Ice Dogs.

The following evening Nother made another 23 stops in 65 minutes of work, plus turned aside all three attempts he faced in extra shots, as Thunder Bay won 5-4, in a shootout, back in Dryden. He concluded his week in fine style by registering his fifth shutout of the season, which came Sunday in Sioux Lookout as he turned aside all 18 attempts he faced in a 5-0 North Stars victory over the Flyers.

This marks the second time this season the Thunder Bay netminder has earned weekly accolades, having also been recognized during week No. 5 of the 2011-12 campaign.

In recognition of his on-ice efforts Nother will be presented with a gift card courtesy of Pizza Hut.

Honourable mention for the Pizza Hut player of the week award went to Anthony Wolfe, (F) Sioux Lookout Flyers; Tyler Ampe, (G) Fort Frances Lakers; Ryan Tront, (F) Duluth Clydesdales; Tyson Holder, (F) Dryden Ice Dogs; Shamus O’Neill, (F) Iron Range Ironheads and Mike Dietrich, (F) Wisconsin Wilderness.

At the conclusion of the 2011-12 regular season the top performer in the SIJHL will earn the Pizza Hut player of the year award.

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

Papaioannou Signs 5 Year Contract Extension

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Press Release

The Brooks Bandits announce the long term extension of Head Coach/General Manager Ryan Papaioannou's contract to the end of the 2016 - 2017 season.

Ryan has been with the Bandits since 2008 when he worked as an Assistant Coach with the hockey club. The Calgary product became the Interim Head Coach/General Manager on October 16th, 2009 and followed that by being named the 7th Head Coach/General Manager on November 5th 2009. Since then Papaioannou has compiled a record or 101 - 49 - 16.

Head Coach/GM Ryan Papaioannou. "I have been fortunate enough to spend the last four seasons in Brooks and now to have the opportunity to continue building this program is the right scenario for me. I have worked for a great Board of Directors over the years and they have committed to doing what it takes to put a winning program together. The organization is surrounded by good people and that will continue to be what makes us successful."

The Board of Directors is pleased to offer Ryan a long-term contract that will enable him to continue to "Strive for Excellence". Over the past two seasons Ryan has expanded scouting staff, secured more scholarships and assisted in enhancing our education programs. His youth, contemporary style, commitment and judgment are some of the qualities that have enabled him to assemble teams of young men that are competitive, tight-knit and great ambassadors for Brooks and area. With this agreement in place, the organisation can now focus fully on continued self-improvement that will be necessary in the quest to provide Ryan with the means to repeatedly field a team of calibre.

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

OHL Announces Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for Annual Showcase Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:22:00 +0000

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the sixteenth edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2012 OHL Showcase for the OHL Cup, hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament March 13-18, 2012, at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, ON.

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2012 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 16

RANK	TEAM	LEAGUE	LAST WEEK RANK	WEEKS IN RANKINGS
1	Toronto Marlies	GTHL	1	16
2	Detroit Belle Tire	USA	2	16
3	Mississauga Rebels	GTHL	3	16
4	London Jr. Knights - Gold	ALLIANCE	4	16
5	Don Mills Flyers	GTHL	6	14
6	Vaughan Kings	GTHL	5	13
7	Cleveland Barons	USA	8	13
8	Southern Tier Admirals	OMHA	7	16
9	Barrie Jr. Colts	OMHA	9	5
10	Ottawa Valley Titans	ODMHA	10	15

	Honourable Mention
	North York Rangers	GTHL	-	3
	Ottawa Jr. 67's	ODMHA	-	1
	Sun County Panthers	ALLIANCE	-	3

The tournament includes 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States. The champions and finalists from minor hockey associations in Ontario, including the GTHL, OMHA, ODMHA, ALLIANCE, and an NOHA representative will participate in the tournament with additional teams identified by the Tournament Selection Committee.

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

Lancers and Stars to Meet in First-Ever USHL Outdoor Game

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:07:00 +0000

Press Release

The United States Hockey League will take to the outdoors next season as the Omaha Lancers and Lincoln Stars will play outside on February 9th, 2013 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. The USHL regular season contest is part of the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice that also includes a college hockey matchup between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of North Dakota. The announcement was made today in conjunction with the Omaha Sports Commission, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha Lancers, and Mutual of Omaha.

The event marks the first time a USHL game will be played outdoors. It will also be the next chapter in one of the League’s most storied rivalries when the Omaha Lancers and Lincoln Stars hit the ice at TD Ameritrade Park. The two USHL Member Clubs are separated by less than 60 miles and have met over 100 times during USHL regular season history. Between the two teams, they have accounted for nine USHL Clark Cup titles (Omaha-7, Lincoln-2). Currently, they hold the top two spots in the USHL Western Conference Standings as the Lancers hold a four-point edge over the Stars.

“Lancers fans have seen a lot in the long and storied history of the Omaha Lancers, but they haven’t seen anything like this,” said Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert. “This year begins with the opening of our new arena in Ralston, while the February 9th Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will showcase two fixtures of the Omaha sports community against two of their biggest rivals in what will be a day the City of Omaha will never forget.”

The USHL contest precedes a college hockey matchup between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of North Dakota. The WCHA rivals currently have a total of 30 USHL alumni on their rosters, including a conference-leading 21 USHL alumni for the UNO Mavericks. In addition, both head coaches have spent time coaching in the USHL – UNO’s Dean Blais was the head coach of the Fargo Force for the 2008-09 season and UND’s Dave Hakstol spent four seasons (1996-2000) coaching the Sioux City Musketeers. UNO associate head coach Mike Hastings is the USHL’s all-time coaching wins leader with 529 victories he accumulated over 14 seasons coaching the Omaha Lancers.

“With all the USHL coaches and players past and present on the ice at TD Ameritrade Park next February, this is going to be part hockey game, part family reunion,” said USHL Commissioner and President Skip Prince. “We thank Mutual of Omaha for their support of this event, and look forward to seeing four extraordinary hockey programs come together before a sellout outdoor crowd to celebrate not just USHL and NCAA Division I hockey, but the city of Omaha as a true hockey hub.”

Not only will it be the first-ever USHL game played outdoors, the event could set a USHL single-game attendance record at the 24,000-seat TD Ameritrade Park. The USHL record of 14,892 fans was set by the Indiana Ice on February 12th, 2005 during their annual “Pack the House” night played at the then-named Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.

“The Lancers-Stars rivalry is known for being one of the fiercest and most respected in sports, and this game will be a perfect opportunity to showcase the rivalry and the USHL on a large stage,” said Lincoln Stars President Jim Pflug. “We appreciate the effort of everyone to make the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice a reality and the Stars organization is privileged to be a part of it.”

The TD Ameritrade Park first opened in April of 2011 and is the home to the College World Series, the national championship tournament for NCAA Division I baseball. It is also home to the Creighton University men’s baseball team, the Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament, and the Omaha Nighthawks professional football team.

Tickets for the event, which includes admission to both games, will go on sale beginning Monday, October 1st, 2012. UNO and Omaha Lancers season ticket holders will be able to order tickets for the event 72 hours in advance of the on-sale date. Tickets will be sold to the public through Ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Omaha box office. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will begin at 12:30 PM (CST) on February 9th, 2013 with the Omaha Lancers vs. the Lincoln Stars matchup, followed by the college hockey game that drops the puck 45 minutes after the conclusion of the USHL contest.

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

The QMJHL changes the schedule for the 2012-13 season

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Press Release

The Board of Governors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League voted today to change the 2012-13 regular season schedule during the Semi-Annual Assembly held at the Sheraton hotel in Dorval. The regular season schedule will henceforth commence on Thursday, September 20th, 2012. Furthermore, the start date for training camps will not be modified because of academic reasons.

There will still be 68 games during the regular season.

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

G. Fitzgerald comes up clutch on PG road swing, earns POW

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Press Release

Prince George Spruce Kings forward Gerry Fitzgerald has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Feb. 12, the league announced Monday.

Now the second highest scoring of the Fitzgerald triplets, he tallied four goals and an assist in helping the Spruce Kings to three wins on the road which was a first for the club. Fitzgerald started off with the game-winner and a 1st Star nod against Trail, had another game-winner and 1st Star the next night in Trail and finished up with a goal and an assist in a defeat of Salmon Arm.

It's the first Player of the Week nod for the 5-foot-8, 155-pound Port Alberni native. He's seventh in Spruce Kings scoring and trails brother Leo by two points on the season.

Honourable mentions this week go to Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Artsiom Kalashnikov (five goals, four assists, two 1st Stars), Chilliwack Chiefs forward Malcolm Gould (four goals, one assist, one GWG, two 1st Stars), Penticton Vees forward Joey Benik (four goals, four assists, 2nd Star), Coquitlam Express forward Alex Petan (four goals, two assists, 1st Star) and Surrey Eagles forward Sean McGovern (three goals, one assist, two 1st Stars).

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

Flyers’ Fainman MJHL Player of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Press Release

Daniel Fainman of the Winkler Flyers has been named the MJHL Player of the Week, ending February 12, MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis announced today.

The 19-year old forward exploded for 11 points (1-10) in four games last week for the Flyers, who with 75 points sit third in the Addison Division behind leader Portage Terriers and Winnipeg Blues (75 points).

Fainman, who hails from Winnipeg, has 47 points (16-31) in 55 games this season.

The runners up are 19 year old forward Jordan Neduzak of the Winkler Flyers and 19 year old goaltender Adam Harris of the Selkirk Steelers.

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

Adair Commits to Northern Michigan Wildcats

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Press Release

Powell River, BC– February 10, 2012 - The Kings are proud to announce that forward Cohen Adair has committed to Northern Michigan University for September 2012.

Hailing from Stratford, Ontario, Adair was recruited from the Stratford Cullitons of the GOJHL where he played with Craig Dalrymple. He joined the Kings at the beginning of the 2010-2011 season. Wearing number 22, Cohen is a talented offensive player with speed, size and the knack to the tuck the puck into the back of the net.

Kings' head coach and general manager Kent Lewis is proud of Adair saying, "He has proven to be a key player for our club. Players join this club to get better and move on to great NCAA programs. Adair has certainly improved over the course of two seasons and is now going to go on to a strong program where he’ll continue to develop his skills and get an incredible education.”

After receiving offers from several highly regarded NCAA programs, Adair is excited to continue his post-BCHL hockey career with the Northern Michigan Wildcats for a number of reasons. “The Wildcats hockey program’s coaching staff is established and is well respected. The program has a strong history and is in a strong conference within the NCAA. The team has a great track record with BCHL players and the school has a strong computer science faculty.”

Cohen will be pursuing his passion for computer programming with a degree in Computer Science with a goal of working for a gaming company in the future.

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

MacDONALD HEADED TO ST. LAWRENCE

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Press Release

Kingston, MA- Bay State Breakers goaltender Kyle MacDonald has committed to St. Lawrence University for the 2012-13 season. This is Kyle’s second year with the Bay State Breakers. Kyle has had a save percentage of 92% the last two seasons with Bay State and a goals against average of approximately 2.50 over the same period.

“It is unfortunate what happened to Kyle this year with his season ending injury. I know that St. Lawrence will be the beneficiary of that. Kyle is a determined, hard working competitor who battles to win everyday, whether in practice or games,” stated Head Coach David McCauley.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend St. Lawrence University. St. Lawrence is a school with rich tradition that will provide me the means to excel in the classroom and on the ice,” remarked Kyle MacDonald.

“Growing up in the Bay State Breakers youth program and then being able to play for Coach McCauley in the EJHL has been a great experience and has given me the opportunity to become a better player and person. I would like to thank my parents, my past coaches and the whole Bay State Breakers organization for making me a better hockey player, as well as supporting me off the ice through my injury over the past four months. They have pushed me to work that much harder in preparation for next fall,” he added.

“I know our whole staff is proud of Kyle and know that he will be a positive addition to the St. Lawrence Hockey program,” said McCauley.

Kyle is the son of Mary Beth and Andy MacDonald from Hanover, MA.

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

NAHL announces Combat Hockey 3 stars of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:08:00 +0000

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending February 12, 2012. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
In a week dominated by NAHL goaltenders, perhaps no netminder was better than Kalamazoo’s Alex Okicki. The 18-year-old goalie from Concord, Ohio, was solid in both of his starts this past week, posting a perfect 2-0 record with a goals against average of .50 and an eye-popping save percentage of 98.4%, including a shutout. On Wednesday, Okicki and the 2nd place K-Wings traveled to Traverse City to take on the North Stars. Despite being outshot 39-28, Okicki (6’1/170) saved the day with 38 saves in a 4-1 win. On Sunday, Okicki was perfect, making 24 saves in a 3-0 home shutout of the Jamestown Ironmen. Okicki has won his last four starts and ranks 7th in the NAHL with a 92.4% save percentage this season. “Alex has established himself as a great goaltender, especially for a rookie,” said Kalamazoo head coach Marc Fakler. “Your goaltender has to be best player on the ice most night and he was that player in both starts he had this past week. He works very hard on his game and wants to get better every day.”

2nd Star: Tommy Burke, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats
The Bismarck Bobcats have the most wins in the NAHL thanks in large part to goaltender Tommy Burke, who is tied for the league lead in wins (25), thanks to another big week for the 20-year-old goaltender from Chaska, Minnesota. Burke (6’1/185) began the week with perhaps his best performance as the Bobcats posted a huge 2-0 shutout on Wednesday at 2nd place Alexandria. Burke stopped all 24 shots that came his way for his first career shutout. Despite not starting on Friday, Burke made a relief appearance in Bismarck’s 4-2 loss in which Burke did not give up a goal on eight shots. The next night, Burke stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 4-2 over the Austin Bruins. For the week, Burke finished with a 2-0 record, a .86 goals against average, a 96.6% save percentage and one shutout. “Wednesday was a huge win for us in Alexandria and Tommy was at his best,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie. “The team plays with a lot of confidence with Tommy in goal. I think he learned a lot from Ryan Faragher last season and has translated that into being a top-level goaltender this season with NCAA Division I potential.”

3rd Star: Tyler Green, goaltender, St. Louis Bandits
In one weekend the St. Louis Bandits turned their chances around for yet another division titles as they took a three-game home set from the 1st place Janesville Jets to draw within a point if 1st place in the Midwest Division. Between the pipes for two of those three games was goaltender Tyler Green. Green, 20, began the weekend by posting a 19-save shutout in a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Jets, which included denying the Jets on four power plays. The Noblesville, Indiana native got the start the next night and promptly responded with another great performance against the division leaders by making 16 saves in a 4-2 win. For the weekend, Green (6’3/201) stopped 35 of 37 shots, good for a 94.6 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.00 against the Midwest Division’s 1st place team. Since arriving in St. Louis in a trade with Wichita Falls, Green has posted a 7-2-0 record with a 1.92 goals against average and a 92.6% save percentage. “I think Tyler has been a very nice addition for this team,” said Bandits head coach Jeff Brown. “He is very mentally sound and never gets too high or too low with his emotions. He adds experience to the lockerroom, and we feel we have a very solid goaltending combination right now.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Max Birkinbine, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Joe Birmingham, forward, St. Louis Bandits - Tyler Bruggeman, goaltender, Austin Bruins – Adam Chapie, forward, New Mexico Mustangs – Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Frank DeAugustine, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Dan Dupell, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Christian Folin, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Greg Gibson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Andrew Graves, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Jonathan Grebosky, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Gregg Gruehl, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Matt Leon, goaltender, Wichita Falls Wildcats - Radim Matus, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Bobby Murphy, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Sean Murphy, forward, Traverse City North Stars – Pavlo Padakin, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Zach Pochiro, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats - Kody Polin, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Jake Stafford, goaltender, New Mexico Mustangs – Gavin Tufte, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Traverse City North Stars – Brett Zarazun, defenseman, Dawson Creek Rage.

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

Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:02:00 +0000

Press Release

The Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week is Ryan Bloom of the Drumheller Dragons. Bloom scored 5 goals and 7 points in 3 games during the week of February 6th -12th. Bloom has registered points in 12 of the last 13 games, and his current 6 game point streak has amassed 13 points.

Ryan Bloom leads the Drumheller Dragons in scoring with 43 points. Bloom is an 18 year-old forward from Calgary, Alberta.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is proud to partner with Canalta Hotels to recognize the AJHL Player of the Week for the 2011-2012 AJHL Season.

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

USHL Honors - Week 20

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced the weekly award winners for the 20th week of the 2011-12 USHL regular season.

Award winners include forward Ryan Lomberg of the Muskegon Lumberjacks, named recipient of CCM Offensive Player of the Week; defenseman Andy Welinski of the Green Bay Gamblers, selected as CCM Defensive Player of the Week; and Ryan McKay of the Green Bay Gamblers who earned honors as Reebok Goaltender of the Week.

Lomberg scored six points (4g, 2a) over three games for the Lumberjacks. He scored a goal and dished out one assist in the 5-2 loss to Youngstown on Friday. The 17-year-old then set a USHL career high with three points (2g, 1a) in the 6-5 overtime loss to Indiana on Saturday. Lomberg finished the week with a shorthanded goal in Sunday’s 4-3 shootout win against Youngstown. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native leads the Lumberjacks in scoring with 25 points (13g, 12a) in 32 games during his first USHL season. He has scored nine of his goals over his last 10 games.

Welinski recorded four points (3g, 1a) and a plus-four rating while also helping the Gamblers limit their opponents to just two combined goals over three games. He scored the game-winning goal and assisted on another in the 3-0 victory against Waterloo on Tuesday. The 18-year-old then earned a plus-one rating in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Chicago. Welinski closed out the week with two goals, including the game-winner with just 34 seconds remaining in the third period, during Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Chicago. The native of Duluth, Minnesota is second among USHL defensemen in scoring with 27 points (14g, 13a) in 37 games while leading the entire League with a plus-30 rating.

McKay posted a 1.00 goals-against-average and a .962 save percentage to earn a pair of wins for Green Bay. He stopped all 25 shots he faced during Tuesday’s 3-0 win vs. Waterloo to record his second shutout over his last four starts. It was also his 54th career USHL regular season victory which broke the team record of 53 held by Jure Penko (1999-2001). McKay then made 26 saves in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Chicago. The 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois has posted a 16-3-2 this season and currently leads all USHL goaltenders with a 2.11 GAA while ranking second with a .917 SV%.

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

Attack’s Brace OHL Player of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Owen Sound Attack forward Cameron Brace is the OHL Player of the Week after recording nine points in three games scoring four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-6 for the week ending February 12.

Brace tied an Attack franchise record on Saturday night with a seven-point performance as first star of a 12-0 win over the Peterborough Petes. In that contest he set single game career-highs for goals with four and assists with three as he matched Jim Ensom who recorded seven points for the Owen Sound Platers in 1996. Brace also picked up two assists on Thursday night in a 4-2 win over the Brampton Battalion but was held without a point on Wednesday night in a 2-1 shootout win over the Erie Otters.

Brace, an 18-year-old from Markham, ON, is playing in his second full season with the Attack. In 54 games this season he has a career-high 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points.

Also considered for the award this week was Michael Catenacci of the Kitchener Rangers who scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points in four games, and Billy Jenkins of the Kingston Frontenacs who scored two goals and five assists for seven points in three games. In goal, the Attack’s Jordan Binnington went 3-0-0-0 with a shutout victory posting a goals-against-average of 0.97 and save percentage of .972.

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

Titans’ Matt Armenti Tendered by NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Press Release

The purpose of playing Junior hockey is often to get noticed to potentially move on to a higher level. The Metropolitan Junior Hockey League offers many players that opportunity. That opportunity just became a reality as Titans Defenseman Matt Armenti was offered and signed a tender by the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

Part of the NAHL process for teams to fill their rosters is the tender process. A tender is by definition and courtesy of the NAHL, “a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.”

Armenti has had a strong season all year for the Titans MET League team. A third year Titan, Armenti missed most of last season due to a back injury that he has bounced back strong from as he has recorded 13 goals, 12 assists, and 25 points in 25 league games. A swift skating 6’1” 180 lb. defender, Armenti is excited and looking forward to heading out to Fairbanks.

"Being tendered is an outstanding opportunity and I am really looking forward to it and the opportunity of playing in the NAHL," Armenti said.

“The Titans are very excited for Matt, said Head Coach Dustin DePalma. “He has been in our Junior program for three years and has developed into a legitimate college prospect. I know he is extremely excited about the opportunity to play for a quality organization like Fairbanks in the NAHL.”

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

Another Omaha 16U player signed to tender

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Press Release

The Omaha AAA Lancers Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) has announced that Jack Suter, a forward for the Omaha 16U team, has signed an NAHL Tender with the Austin Bruins.

Suter, a 16-year-old forward from Omaha, Nebraska has 30 Goals, 42 assists and 10 PIM in 49 games overall. In PHL action this year, Suter has 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points and was 4th overall in PHL scoring. This is the Omaha AAA Lancers 16U 2nd NAHL player tender this season.

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

Gélinas suspended for 5 games

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Press Release

The Disciplinary Prefect of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Raymond Bolduc, suspended today Carl Gélinas, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar left-winger, for 5 games after an incident which occurred during the game held on February 9th in Chicoutimi. Here is the rationale which led to the suspension:

The player at fault:

Was travelling at a high speed;
Hit his opponent’s head with his forearm and his elbow;
Was at his first offence.

His opponent:

Was in a vulnerable position;
Was not injured on the play.

The decision was rendered after reviewing the video of the incident, gathering the testimonies from the players and the organizations involved, reading the officials’ report and consulting the independent committee in the matter of disciplinary sanctions.

The video will be available shortly.

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

TIGERS' ETEM NETS 51 GOALS IN 50 GAMES

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Press Release

Medicine Hat, AB – Emerson Etem of the Medicine Hat Tigers became the first Western Hockey League player in 11 seasons to record 50 goals in 50 of fewer games.

The 19-year-old from Long Beach, CA, scored a pair of goals – his 50th and 51st of the season – in Sunday night’s 4-2 victory over the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings. It was his 50th game of the season.

The last player to accomplish the feat was Layne Ulmer of the Swift Current Broncos, who netted 51 in 47 games in 2000-01. Pavel Brendl netted 50 goals in 43 games for the Calgary Hitmen during the 1998-99 season. Mark Parrish scored 50 goals in 50 games for the Seattle Thunderbirds in 1997-98.

So far, Etem has enjoyed a terrific 2011-12 WHL season, helping the Tigers to a spot among the Eastern Conference leaders.

The Anaheim Ducks prospect scored in each of his first eight games of the season, was held off the goal column for one game, then scored in his next eight straight games again to give him goals in 16 of his first 17 games.

Etem enjoyed an 11-game goal streak, racking up 14 goals from December 10th to January 27th. The 6’1”, 197-lb sniper has also enjoyed 11 multi-goal games, including five hat tricks.

Congratulations to Emerson Etem of the Medicine Hat Tigers for scoring 51 goals in 50 games!

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

BLAZERS' RANFORD WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:35:00 +0000

Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Kamloops Blazers’ forward Brendan Ranford is the WHL Player of the Week.

Ranford collected eight points, scoring three goals and five assists to go with a +3 rating, in three games over the past week helping the Blazers to a 3-0-0-0 record.

On Wednesday, February 8, the Blazers hosted the high flying Tri-City Americans at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops. Ranford scored 2 goals and added an assist in the Blazers 5-1 triumph over the Ams’. On Friday, February 10 the Rockets were in Kamloops to face the Blazers. Ranford netted one goal, added two assists and was named the games 1st Star in the Blazers come-from-behind 5-4 overt-time win over the Rockets. The Rockets hosted the Blazers on Saturday, February 11, in the back half of their home-and-home series. Ranford gathered a pair of assists in the Blazers 3-2 victory.

Ranford currently ranks 10th among all WHL scorers with 72 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 53 games played thus far this season. The Kamloops Blazers have won seven of their last 10 games and currently sit 1st in the WHL Western Conference and entire League with a 40-12-1-3 record for 84 points.

A 19-year-old from Edmonton, AB, Ranford is in his fourth full season with the Kamloops Blazers. He was a 15th overall selection in the 2007 WHL Draft and was a 7th round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 NHL Draft.

The WHL has also nominated Nathan Lieuwen of the Kootenay Ice for the CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Lieuwen posted a 2-1-0-0 record this past week with one shut-out, stopping 80 of 84 shots faced for a 0.952 save-percentage and 1.33 goals-against average. Lieuwen, a 20-year-old from Abbotsford, BC, currently leads all WHL goalies with 0.923 save-percentage and 2.24 goals-against average.

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

Fucale, Huberdeau and Brunelle named TELUS three stars of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:31:00 +0000

Press Release

Zachary Fucale, Jonathan Huberdeau and Jonathan Brunelle were named today the TELUS three stars of the week for the period spanning February 6th to the 12th.

Halifax Mooseheads goaltender Zachary Fucale is the first star after a very busy week during which he made 143 saves in 4 games, an average of 34 shots per game for a saves percentage of .958. Wednesday, the netminder was named the second star of the game after blocking 35 shots against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Friday, in a 4-1 win versus the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, he was named the first star of the game after having swept away 32 pucks. The next day, his team suffered a loss at the hands of the surging Shawinigan Cataractes, but Fucale only allowed 3 goals on 41 shots whilst his teammates were limited to 17 shots on goal. Finally, on Sunday, in a 2-1 shootout win over the Victoriaville Tigres, he registered 32 saves and was named the game’s first star.

Saint John Sea Dogs left-winger Jonathan Huberdeau is the second star. He was the hero in both of his team’s games, collecting the game-winner.Moreover, Huberdeau was a constant threat as 9 of his 10 shots on goal were qualified as scoring opportunities. Saturday, in a 5-0 win against the PEI Rocket, he recorded a hat-trick and added an assist while registering a +3 rating. He was also named the first star. The next day, in a 7-2 victory against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, he scored a goal and added an assist.

The third star is property of Jonathan Brunelle, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles centre. Thursday, against the Gatineau Olympiques, he collectedtwo assists. Saturday, he scored a goal and added two helpers against the Val-d'Or Foreurs, earning second star honours. Sunday, in a battle with theRouyn-Noranda Huskies, he scored two goals and added an assist. He finished the week with a total of 8 points.

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

SJHL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Press Release

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Coltyn Sanderson, Weyburn Red Wings
1991 F Coltyn Sanderson (Moose Jaw SK) had two goals and four assists on Saturday night in a win over the Kindersley Klippers and that allowed him to finish the week with seven points and earn the weekly award. Sanderson has moved into fourth in overall league scoring and is second in assists.
Honorable Mentions: Todd Christian, Notre Dame; Jesse Mireau & Ian McNulty, Melville; Jesse Ross, Weyburn; Ryan Marshall, Humboldt; Austin McDonald, Kindersley; Jeremy Johnson, Yorkton.

DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
Brady Norrish, Yorkton Terriers
1993 D Brady Norrish (Strongfield, SK) is developing nicely in his rookie season. He had 3-points in 4-games this week and now has 16-points overall. He continues to earn more ice time as the season goes on and is becoming extremely dependable at both ends of the rink.
Honorable Mentions: Brandt Weldon, Flin Flon; Kameron Ballas, Humboldt; Mitch Boucher, Notre Dame.

GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Davis Jones, Nipawin Hawks
1992 G Davis Jones (St. Albert AB) posted a 2-and-1 record with a 1.34-GAA and .958-SPCT in three starts this past week. For the season, he's second overall in wins and third in goals against average. He's been extremely hot in the second half and this is his second straight weekly nod.
Honorable Mentions: Warren Shymko, Yorkton; Ty Reichenbach, Notre Dame; Andy Desautels, Flin Flon.

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

CJHL WEEKLY TOP 20 ANNOUNCED

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:24:00 +0000

Press Release

The Canadian Junior Hockey League today announced its Weekly Top 20 rankings. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis. The weekly rankings are selected in consultation with NHL Central Scouting and are proudly presented by PlayingUpHockey.com:

1. Penticton Vees (BCHL) (1)
2. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (3)
3. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) (2)
4. Woodstock Slammers (MHL) (5)
5. Wisconsin Wilderness (SIJHL) (4)
6. Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) (7)
7. Nepean Raiders (CCHL) (8)
8. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (6)
9. Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) (10)
10. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (11)
11. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (13)
12. Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL) (12)
13. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (9)
14. Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) (17)
15. Portage Terriers (MJHL) (14)
16. Les Cougars du College Champlain - Sherbrooke (LHJAAAQ) (18)
17. Powell River Kings (BCHL) (15)
18. Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) (20)
19. Cornwall Colts (CCHL) (19)
20. Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (16)

Honourable Mention: Surrey Eagles (BCHL), Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), Soo Eagles (NOJHL), St. Michael’s Buzzers(OJHL), Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL).

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

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

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

RAIDERS WIN OJHL REGULAR SEASON TITLE

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:22:00 +0000

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League’s 2011-11 regular season officially wrapped up this weekend with its first award winners being announced.

OJHL Regular Season Champion – Georgetown Raiders
OJHL Top Scorer – Christian Finch, Stouffville Spirit
OJHL Top Goaltender – James Prigione, Oakville Blades

The Georgetown Raiders, Newmarket Hurricanes, St. Michael’s Buzzers and Trenton Golden Hawks were champions of their respective divisions, while the Georgetown Raiders brought home the regular season crown on the strength of a 39-9-1 record for 79 points. The Raiders tied the defending regular season champion Newmarket Hurricanes with 79 points and an .806 winning percentage, but took home the title on the strength of having one more overtime victory than Newmarket. This marked the first time the Raiders finished first overall in the OJHL since 2008-09 and third time in eight seasons.

Christian Finch of the Stouffville Spirit had a season for the ages in capturing the OJHL scoring title, finishing 18 points clear of his nearest competitor, Darcy Murphy of the Wellington Dukes, and as the only 100 point scorer in the league this season. The two-time Player-of-the-Month finished the season with a league-leading 67 assists and 104 points, while helping the Spirit to the best finish in franchise history.

Runner-up Darcy Murphy would win the goal scoring title, notching a hat trick on the final night of the season to become the OJHL’s only 50 goal scorer this season. Murphy more than tripled his output of a year ago, finishing the year with 52 goals, also a new franchise record for the Dukes, breaking the previous mark of 47 goals held by Brent Varty. Meanwhile the Dukes continued to be one of the OJHL’s most consistent and successful franchises, recording their 13th consecutive 30+ win season.

Murphy’s teammate Elliott Richardson would win the scoring title among defencemen, recording 57 points, including 50 assists, which was the third best total among all OJHL players. Paul Geiger of the Stouffville Spirit would finish as runner-up to Richardson with 13 goals and 54 points, while Kent McPherson of the Trenton Golden Hawks led all rearguards with 18 goals.

James Prigione of the Oakville Blades takes home Top Goaltender honours this season, finishing the year with a 2.04 goals against average in 28 games played. Prigione’s totals included 17-7-2 record, six shutouts and a league-leading .932 save percentage in leading the Blades to a second place finish in the West Division and a first round playoff bye. Matthew Wintjes of the Newmarket Hurricanes finishes as runner-up with a 2.09 goals against average.

The 2011-12 OJHL playoffs begin on Monday, February 13, 2012 and the preliminary round match-ups are as follows:

North Division:
Byes – (1) Newmarket, (2) Stouffville
(3) Aurora vs. (6) Orangeville
(4) Markham vs. (5) Huntsville

West Division:
Byes – (1) Georgetown, (2) Oakville
(3) Buffalo vs. (6) Hamilton
(4) Burlington vs. (5) Milton

South Division:
Byes – (1) St. Michael’s, (2) Vaughan
(3) Toronto Lakeshore vs. (6) Pickering
(4) North York vs. (5) Toronto Jr. Canadiens

East Division:
Byes – (1) Trenton, (2) Cobourg
(3) Wellington vs. (6) Kingston
(4) Whitby vs. (5) Lindsay

Follow all the OJHL playoff action at www.ojhl.ca or watch it all on OJHL Live, http://ojhl.neulion.com/ojhl/.

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

SIJHL announces 2011-12 award finalists

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Fournier) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Press Release

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Friday the finalists for the respective individual awards that are, at present, available for the 2011-12 season.

The determination process saw each SIJHL member organization submit names of those eligible, from their own team, as nominees for the various awards. From those submissions, the clubs then cast votes in each category to decide the finalists.

Out of these finalists, the winner of each individual honour will be announced over the course of the coming weeks leading up to the conclusion of the regular season and the commencement of the 2012 SIJHL playoffs.

Listed below are the nominees for the 2011-12 SIJHL awards. The candidates are listed alphabetically in order of their team:

Pizza Hut Player of the Year/MVP
Byron Katapaytuk, Fort Frances Lakers
Chris Hoffman, Sioux Lookout Flyers
Tanner Milliron, Wisconsin Wilderness

Coach of the Year
Chris Locker, Duluth Clydesdales
Wayne Strachan, Fort Frances Lakers
Rod Aldoff, Wisconsin Wilderness

Best Defenceman
Tom Kuhn, Dryden Ice Dogs
Troy Olson, Duluth Clydesdales
Anthony Calabrese, Wisconsin Wilderness

Rookie of the Year
Hunter Scott, Duluth Clydesdales
Jordan Larson, Fort Frances Lakers
Jeremy Johnson, Wisconsin Wilderness

Top Goaltender
Tyler Ampe, Fort Frances Lakers
Marc Nother, Thunder Bay North Stars
Tanner Milliron, Wisconsin Wilderness

Best Defensive Forward
Jesse Linner, Dryden Ice Dogs
Henry Gutierrez, Fort Frances Lakers
Sam Dubinsky, Thunder Bay North Stars
Andrew Anderson, Wisconsin Wilderness

Most Improved Player
Matt Morsette, Duluth Clydesdales
Ryan Wildman, Fort Frances Lakers
Jayme Brattengeier, Sioux Lookout Flyers

Most Sportsmanlike Player
Miles Beason, Duluth Clydesdales
Blake Boaz, Fort Frances Lakers
Dane Morin, Sioux Lookout Flyers
Quinn Rempel, Thunder Bay North Stars
Jeremy Johnson, Wisconsin Wilderness

Regular Season Winner (1st place overall)
Wisconsin Wilderness (Clinched No. 1 seed in SIJHL playoffs)

The following SIJHL awards will be determined at a future date:

SIJHL regular season scoring leader (Most points)
T.B.A.

RBC Jr. ‘A’ Scholarship
T.B.A.

Gary Cook Memorial Executive/Organization of the Year
T.B.A.

Sportop Most Valuable Playoff Performer
T.B.A.

SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup Playoff Champion
T.B.A.

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