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                               !   " 2 • December 2010

D E C E M B E R

JEFF MCNEIL

HOMETOWN: POSITION: HEIGHT: Mulliken, MI Forward 6’3”

TEAM: BIRTHDAY: WEIGHT: Ohio State Buckeyes June 7, 1988 220 lbs.

Coach, parents, teammates - do you know someone who displays work ethic, dedication, integrity, sportsmanship, and exellence on and off the ice? FCA Hockey requests your help in highlighting one athlete each month who displays these qualities. Athletes chose will recieve a shirt and book from FCA Hockey.

FCA Hockey is dedicated to igniting the hockey world for Christ by reaching athletes, coaches and the community. For more information visit www.fcahockey.org.

Send nominations to FCA Hockey Director Rick Randazzo at [email protected] or apply online at www.fcahockey.org. December 2010 • 3 CONTENTS Cover Story ...... 4-5 Cedar Rapids Roughriders ...... 15 Eastern Junior Hockey League ...... 6 Portland Jr. Pirates/New England Huskies ...... 16 United States Hockey League ...... 7 Texas Brahmas/ ...... 17 /Capital District Selects ...... 8 New Jersey Titans/Florida Eels/Boston Jr. Bulldogs ...... 18 Boston Shamrocks/Mass. Maple Leafs ...... 11 International Junior Hockey League ...... 19 Boston Jr. Blackhawks ...... 11 Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League ...... 20 Revolution/Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack ...... 12 League Directory ...... 21 ...... 12 Metropolitan Hockey League Directory ...... 21 Western States Hockey League ...... 13 Empire Junior Hockey League ...... 22 /Yellowstone Quake ...... 15 Continental Hockey Association ...... 23

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua Boyd e-mail: [email protected] USUUUASSS AAHockeyA HHHoooccckkkeeey yyS SSanctionedSaaannnccctttiiiooonnneeeddd JJJuJunioruunnniiiooorrr LLL eeLeagueseaaaggguuueeesss LAYOUT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: FFforFooorrr ttthethhheee 22 22010-11000000999---222000111 0Playing00 PPPlllaaayyyiiinnng ggS SSeasonSeeeaaasssooonnn Chase Designs Joshua Boyd [email protected] Dan Esdale, USAH VP, Chair, Junior Council USA Junior Hockey Magazine (019-181) is TTTierierier II I published monthly by Hockey Media Group, United States Junior Hockey League USHL.com 360 West St., Duxbury, MA. UnitedUnited StatesStates JuniorJunior HockeyHockey LeagueLeagueTier I USHL.com USHL.com Periodicals postage paid at Duxbury MA United States Junior Hockey League USHL.com and additional mailing offices. Tier II Junior A Postmaster send address changes to: TTierier IIII JuniorJunior AA P.O. Box 963, Duxbury, MA 02331 NorthNorthNorth AmericanAmerican American HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague TierLeague II Junior A NAHL.com NAHL.com NAHL.com Tel. 781-934-5888 Fax. 781-934-5878 North NAHL.com E-mail: [email protected] TTTierierier IIIIII III JuniorJunior Junior AA A Subscription Rates: $34.95 USD Single Copy: $3.95 USD AtlanticAtlanticAtlantic JuniorJunior Junior HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague LeagueTier III Junior AAtlantichockey.orgAtlantichockey.orgAtlantichockey.org Mail Subscriptions to: EasternEasternEastern JuniorJunior Junior HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague League Easternjulnior.comEasternjulnior.comEasternjulnior.com P.O. Box 279, Max Meadows, VA 24360 Central States Hockey League Cshlhockey.com Subscriptions are non-refundable CentralCentralAtlantic StatesStates Junior HockeyHockey Hockey League LeagueLeague ATLANTICHCshlhockey.comCshlhockey.comOCKEY.org Minnesota Junior Hockey League MNJHL.com MinnesotaMinnesotaEastern Junior JuniorJunior Hockey HockeyHockey League LeagueLeague EASTERNJUNI MNJHL.com MNJHL.comOR.com REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY Northern Pacific Hockey League Norpac-hockey.com NorthernNorthernNorth American PacificPacific HockeyHockey3 Hockey LeagueLeague League NA Norpac-hockey.com3 Norpac-hockey.comHL.com USA Junior Hockey will not be responsible WesternWesternWestern StatesStates States HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague League WSHL.orgWSHL.orgWSHL.org for more than one incorrect insertion. Minnesota Junior Hockey league MNJHL.com Northern Paci!c Hockey League NORPAC-HOCKEY.com Visit our Website at: usajuniorhockey.com Western States Hockey LeagueTTTierierier IIIIII III JuniorJunior Junior BB WSHL.orgB Continental Hockey Association Jrhockey.net ContinentalContinental HockeyHockey AssociationAssociationTier III Junior B Jrhockey.net Jrhockey.net EmpireEmpireEmpire JuniorJunior Junior HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague League Empirehockey.comEmpirehockey.comEmpirehockey.com Great Lakes Junior Hockey League GLJHL.com GreatGreatContinental LakesLakes Junior JuniorHockey HockeyHockey Association LeagueLeague GLJHL.com GLJHL.comJRHOCKEY.net Metropolitan Jr. Hockey League Metleague.org TOTOTO ADVERTISEADVERTISEADVERTISE MetropolitanMetropolitanEmpire Junior Jr.Jr. Hockey HockeyHockey League LeagueLeague EMPIREH Metleague.org Metleague.orgOCKEY.com TO ADVERTISE Great Lakes Junior Hockey League GLJHL.pointstreaksites.com IN USA Junior Metropolitan Jr. Hockey League METLEAGUE.org Southeast Junior Hockey League SEJHL.net HockeyHockeyHockey MagazineMagazineMagazine TTTierierier IIIIII III JuniorJunior Junior CC C Hockey Magazine ContinentalContinentalContinental HockeyHockey Hockey AssociationAssociation Association Jrhockey.net Jrhockey.net Jrhockey.net for as little as SoutheasternSoutheasternSoutheastern JuniorJunior Junior HockeyHockey Hockey LeagueLeague League SEJHL.net SEJHL.net SEJHL.net $ 199.00 a month Go to: www.usahockey.com

Go to: www.usahockey.com Call ClickGoGo on: to:to: Players, wwwwww.usahock.usahock Clickeey yon:.com.com Juniors ClickClickClick on:on: on: Players,Players, Players, ClickClick Click on:on: on: JuniorsJuniors Juniors 781•934•[email protected] [email protected]@[email protected] 4 • December 2010 World party International Junior Hockey League continues to grow, attract players from all over globe

By Joshua Boyd know when you have an opportunity to he junior hockey landscape, espe- have more imports.” cially in the New England region, The mix of nationalities in the league Tcan be a pretty crowded neighbor- has actually had a reverse effect, and more hood. local players are taking the advantage to The Eastern Junior Hockey League play good hockey against players from and Atlantic Junior Hockey League are diverse backgrounds. established Jr. A circuits in the area, and “We’re getting more local kids now three more Jr. B leagues are in various because they see the level of play is areas of the six-state region. good,” said Salsman. “If more local kids So, when the founders of the find out what a great league it is, the independent International Junior Hockey high school kids who might have been League were designing their new thinking that high school hockey is the institution six years ago, they knew had way to go will see that this is a heck of to do something different. a lot better. It’s an eye-opener for them “I was going to retire, but they asked me – everything is done at a faster pace and to put it together,” said Charlie Nielsen, the kids buy into that.” the IJHL’s Commissioner. “There are so With eight players coming from many junior leagues that the only thing Russia, Salsman said that the Blackhawks you can do to bring in quality players is make sure to quickly indoctrinate them to be different. We had to look for some into the North American culture. top-flight foreign players, and run the “We made sure to establish a very league as inexpensively as possible.” strong English program. The Russian Opting out of USA Hockey certification, kids are working really hard and taking the IJHL is able to provide teams with no three to four English classes per week,” import limits. While that has certainly said Salsman. “They love Boston and all brought in dozens of international the sports teams and opportunities they players, the team’s low-distance travel have in front of them.” system also attracts American players The top scorer in the league, just who want to live at home, go to their after Thanksgiving, was a Russian – the local high school or college and still play Blackhawks’ Vadim Kravchenko had extremely competitive hockey. scored 57 points in 23 games. The IJHL operates in three different “When I saw him in our tryout session divisions – the New England and Mid- in Moscow, it took me about 30 seconds Atlantic divisions play full seasons at the before I realized this kid was going to be Super Elite tier, while the Elite Division good,” said Salsman. “We feel that he’s a Jeff Hall, of Southern New Hampshire University, is a former New England Stars player in the Division 1 player.” runs from September through November, International Junior Hockey League. allowing younger players to suit up for The Blackhawks have had a long- their high school and not have to worry the Cubs, with a big crowd of about 300 national. standing working relationship with the about balancing two team schedules people,” said league registrar/scheduler From there, the amount of international North American Hockey League’s Texas during a busy winter. Rich Salsman, also the general manager players drops off, as most other teams in Tornado, a Tier-2 Jr. A team. The Trenton The New England and Mid-Atlantic of founding league member the Boston the IJ “keep it local,” including the South Habs are working with Corpus Christi Division teams only play within their Jr. Blackhawks. “People were telling Jersey Raptors, who have no imports on out of the same league. division for the majority of the season. me they were blown away by the talent their 2010-11 roster. The Trenton Habs Salsman is hoping that more teams in The Elite Division is already done. The level. There are high-end kids with great and New England Stars (one Canadian per his league can craft a relationship with New Jersey Raiders won the division futures in this league. side) and the Massachusetts Maple Leafs the NAHL and its teams. championship and the Brooklyn, N.Y.- “We’re in our sixth year now, having (one Finn) also have few international “Once we show players the growth based New York Aviators won the Elite starting in 2005-06, and I think there’s players. path, and when they can see the NAHL in Nationals, which includes independent been improvement every year,” Salsman Jimi Simmons, general manager and action in Boston in December, they’ll be and “associate” programs of the league. added. “The expansion with the Mid- head coach of the Philadelphia Jackals, able to put that path in the proper place,” “We try to keep our franchise fees Atlantic Division for this year saves on maintains that to create an atmosphere said Salsman. down below any other leagues,” said everyone’s travel. Some teams in our for the best hockey, you need the best Nielsen. “There’s nothing you can do New England Division don’t even have athletes, regardless of nationality. Keep on growing about ice and referee costs, but we can an overnight trip. The teams are loving “The game is supposed to be based on control league fees and travel. There may it.” your skill, not your nationality. Politics, Salsman is certainly excited with the be one or two weekends the whole season as in everything in life, has tainted the direction of the league. The league grew you have to put the team up in a hotel.” junior game in disallowing the very from seven Super Elite teams in the “I do like the light travel. It makes for Truly ‘International’ best to play the game,” Simmons added. 2009-10 season to a total of 12 this year a better family life, too,” said Dan Fontas, “Since the IJHL has no import rule, it over the two divisions. general manager of the New England The Boston Jr. Blackhawks and the brings many players to the programs in Returning from last year were the Stars. Cape Cod Cubs are the most international the league, in turn bringing more interest Blackhawks, Stars, Cubs, Hackettstown One of those hotel weekends will of the International Junior Hockey from the major junior, collegiate and Harleys and Massachusetts Mariners. be over Jan. 15-16 when the league League. minor pro levels. Today’s players, parents This year, the IJHL welcomed former holds the annual IJHL Showcase at the The Cubs feature 12 non-American and the junior hockey world need to be Associate members the Eastern Kodiaks Hyannis, Mass., Youth and Recreation players on their roster – four hail from realistic and open-minded to the fact that and the Massachusetts Maple Leafs, and Center, home of the league’s Cape Cod Russia, four more from Canada, and the not every player is college material.” new Mid-Atlantic Division members the Cubs. All 12 Super Elite teams will be team has one each from Sweden, the “We don’t use the import rule too New Jersey Storm, South Jersey Raptors, “in the house” to show college scouts Czech Republic, Brazil and Switzerland. much,” said Fontas. “We have one player Trenton Habs, Philadelphia Jackals and and hockey fans alike what IJHL hockey The Blackhawks have eight Russians on our roster from Canada. We like to the Wolfpack. is all about. on their Super Elite roster, along with stay local if we can. It is nice to not have Maple Leafs general manager Tony “We recently had a nice game with two Taiwanese residents and one Latvian to worry about the rule though. You never Continued on the next page

ON THE COVER: Shayne Taker, now playing for Division 1 University of Notre Dame, started the 2008-09 season playing for the IJHL’s New England Stars; Jeff Hall, playing with Division 3 Southern New Hampshire University, is also a Stars alumnus. Photos courtesy University of Notre Dame Athletics Dept.; Southern New Hampshire University Athletics Dept. December 2010 • 5 Continued from previous page DeSilva was happy to be reunited with his former Interstate Junior League colleagues IJHL Showcase Schedule Salsman and Nielsen. “I have worked with [Nielsen and All games at Hyannis (Mass.) Youth and Recreation Center Salsman], and the proximity of the teams and the way the league was set up was a Saturday, Jan. 15 perfect fit for our new team and younger Time Away Home players, giving them an introduction to the junior circuit,” said DeSilva. 8:40 a.m. Boston Jr. Blackhawks New Jersey Storm Simmons also worked with Salsman in 9 a.m. Cape Cod Cubs Long Island Wolfpack the defunct America East Hockey League, and liked the stability of the league. 10:20 a.m. New England Stars Trenton Habs “The 2010-11 season for the Philadelphia 10:40 a.m. South Jersey Raptors Eastern Kodiaks Jackals has been a good transformation and 12 p.m. New Jersey Storm Hackettstown Harleys production of the team and organization overall,” said Simmons. “[We joined] based 12:20 p.m. Mass. Mariners New York Aviators on the fact that the IJHL was going into 1:40 p.m. Boston Jr. Blackhawks Philadelphia Jr. Jackals its sixth season as a junior hockey league. 3:20 p.m. Mass Maple Leafs Long Island Wolfpack The main focus for the Jackals was to find a league that had stable growth, as well as 4 p.m. Cape Cod Cubs Trenton Habs stable members that were in the league for 5 p.m. South Jersey Raptors New England Stars more than four seasons.” “The IJHL showed stability and since 5:40 p.m. New York Aviators Eastern Kodiaks they were looking to get a Mid-Atlantic 6:40 p.m. Mass. Mariners Hackettstown Harleys Division with other teams of interest it was 7:20 p.m. Mass Maple Leafs Philadelphia Jr. Jackals a no-brainer for us to be a part of something new and look to build in the future,” Simmons added. Sunday, Jan. 16 The league will continue to grow, with new teams coming in next year, including Time Away Home a couple from upstate New York and two in 8:40 a.m. Philadelphia Jr. Jackals New York Aviators New England. 9 a.m. Hackettstown Harleys Mass Maple Leafs “The biggest compliment to our league is that Leo Gould, an Eastern Junior Hockey 10:20 a.m. New England Stars Long Island Wolfpack League owner [with the New England Jr. 10:40 a.m. New Jersey Storm Mass. Mariners Huskies] is interested in coming into the league,” said Salsman. 12 p.m. Eastern Kodiaks Trenton Habs With new teams joining and players from 12:20 p.m. South Jersey Raptors Cape Cod Cubs around the world and around the corner 2 p.m. New York Aviators Boston Jr. Blackhawks taking notice, the International Junior Hockey League looks to be a productive 6 p.m. All-Star IJHL White All-Star IJHL Blue advancement machine for years to come. 7 p.m. New England Stars Cape Cod Cubs 6 • December 2010

Former Rookie of the Year suits up for Blackhawks; Orzetti plays games with National Team Development Program

By Mike Klein plus-minus rating in 17 regular season me the opportunity to play with the The 2007 Eastern Junior Hockey contests. He was also a member of the national team, and I would like to thank League Rookie of the Year and former 2010 USA World Junior Championship coaches Toby Harris and Jim Hunt for Syracuse Stars player Jeremy Morin team that won the gold medal. all that they have done for me,” Orzetti became the 23rd EJHL alum to play in said. the on Nov. 6 Orzetti joins National Team In the NTDP’s 4-1 victory over when he joined the The are proud to Bowdoin on Nov. 27, Orzetti notched an for their game against the Atlanta announce that 2012 Yale recruit Charles assist and opened the eyes even further Charles Orzetti, Jersey Hitmen Thrashers. Orzetti has been called upon to don the to the NHL scouts. After the game, one Morin had several good looks at the Red, White and Blue for the U.S. National scout commented, “he does everything Thrashers’ net, finishing with three shots Team Development Program. well, he’s got great size and shoots in in 9:54 of ice time. However, he left the The 1992-born forward skated for hard.” game in the third period after blocking a the USNTDP over the Thanksgiving Orzetti returned back to the Hitmen shot off his knee. weekend when they swooped through roster as they were looking to continue Morin played for Syracuse (now Maine to play Bowdoin College and their unbeaten EJHL run. On Dec. 4, the Rochester) during the 2006-07 season Colby College. Hitmen traveled to Foxboro to face off and led the Stars in goals (26), assists Orzetti becomes the third Hitmen against the for a two- (28) and total points (54), placing him player in the past four seasons to get game weekend set. Winter Showcase ninth in the EJHL. the call from the USNTDP program on tap in January He then spent two years in the U.S. Leggio signs with Bu"alo to compete for their country, joining The Eastern Winter Showcase will National Team Development Program defenseman Ryan McKiernan and Former Capital District Selects return for a third year at the New England and was drafted by Atlanta with the 45th forward Colin Markison. goaltender David Leggio has signed a Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass., on Jan. overall pick. He played a season for the “It was an amazing experience,” said contract with the , the 7. The showcase will feature 75 teams in Kitchener Rangers (Ontario Hockey Orzetti. “I had a great time and it was team reported earlier this month. The four divisions: Junior A, B, Under 18 and League) and tied for fourth in league good to get a chance to play in a college Williamsville, N.Y., native played in Under 16. scoring with 47 goals in the 2009-10 atmosphere prior to attending Yale. All the EJHL prior to his stellar career at Games will commence on Friday, Jan. season. the players were great to me. I really Clarkson University from 2004-08. 7, and will run until Sunday, Jan. 9. Each Morin began this season with the enjoyed my time under head coach [Ron] Currently a member of the Portland team will play three games, and selected Rockford Ice Hogs (American Hockey Rolston and the staff, and I look forward Pirates, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, EJHL games will count in the league’s League) and leads Rockford with four to hopefully getting another opportunity Leggio sported an 8-2 record, a .913 standings. All games will be broadcast power play goals and has registered nine with the team. save percentage, and a 2.84 goals-against on FastHockey.com. points (six goals, three assists) and a +2 “I am grateful that the Hitmen afforded average as of Nov. 29. EASTERN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY 29 Cummings Park, Suite 404, Woburn, MA 01801 O!ce 781-938-4400 • FAX 781-938-4448 Commissioner: Robert Mainhardt; e-mail: [email protected] Director of Hockey Operations: Jack Sweeney; e-mail: [email protected] Secretary: Jim Prior; e-mail: [email protected] VALLEY JR. WARRIORS 7 Park Ridge Road, Haverhill, MA 01835 NORTH DIVISION ph. 978-557-5518 fax. 978-557-551 125 Capital Drive Coach/GM: Andrew Heinze W. Spring!eld, MA 01089 GREEN MOUNTAIN GLADES e-mail: [email protected] GM/Coach: Pat Tabb 87 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05494 www.valleyhockeyleague.com ph. 413-351-6633 ph. 802-922-9967 [email protected] GM: Dennis Himes Coach: Chris Line CAPITAL DISTRICT SELECTS e-mail: [email protected] 19 Oakwood Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065 www.vtglades.com Ph. 518-421-6280; Fax: 518-371-3795 JERSEY HITMEN Owner: Jim Sal! • e-mail: [email protected] 10 Nevins Road, Wayne, NJ JUNIOR BRUINS www.cdselects.com ph. 973-628-1500 121 Donald Lynch Blvd., Marlborough, MA 01752 GM: Jim Hunt ph. 508-820-1600 fax. 508-820-1643 e-mail: [email protected] Coach/GM: Peter Masters SOUTH DIVISION AGM/Coach: Toby Harris e-mail: [email protected] Ph. 973-904-8000 www.bostonjuniorbruins.com The Rink@Warwick 1621 Mearns Road, Warminster, PA 18974 e-Mail: [email protected] NEW ENGLAND JR. HUSKIES Coach/ GM: Vince Malts • ph. 215-290-1712 P.O. Box 405, Tyngsboro, MA 01879 e-mail: [email protected] Dir. of Operations: Geo" Marottolo NEW YORK APPLE CORE ph. 508-561-7657 fax. 978-649-6122 P.O. Box 39, Atlantic Beach, NY 11509 Coach: Paul Jenkins [email protected] www.philadelphiarevolution.net ph. 646-533 -1055 e-mail: [email protected] Henry Lazar: GM/ Head Coach Apple Core Junior A www.jrhuskies.com BRIDGEWATER BANDITS Eastern Jr. ‘A’ Hockey League CHA Management Group: e-mail: [email protected] • www.applecorejunior.com NEW HAMPSHIRE JR. MONARCHS P.O. Box 336, Bridgewater, MA 02324 311 West River Rd., Hooksett, NH 03106 ph. 508-279-0600 ext 111 ph. 603-270-1013 fax. 603-485-4551 fax.508-697-6804 SOUTH SHORE KINGS Coach/GM: Sean Tremblay GM/Coach: Mike Doneghey 10 E. Belcher Rd., Foxboro, MA 02035 www.nhjrmonarchs.com e-mail: [email protected] ph. 508-698-0505 fax. 508-698-3535 GM: Rich Touzos ROCHESTER STARS AGM/Coach: Scott Harlow 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Rd., BAY STATE BREAKERS Ph:508-698-0505 x 205 Rochester, NY 14623 P.O. Box 150 Rockland, MA 02370 ph. 781-878-7500 fax. 781-792-2950 e-mail: [email protected] GM/Coach: Tony Maksymiu Coach/GM: David McCauley 585-426-8488 e-mail:[email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.jrbreakers.com December 2010 • 7 United States Hockey League 1327 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 3C, Chicago, IL 60607 Alumni Voices: Chelios brothers keep family legacy alive at Michigan State By James D’Amanda It’s going well. I’m getting more DEAN CHELIOS spent 26 years of his and more comfortable every weekend You were the first member of the Chelios life in the National Hockey League. His with the position, just learning the little family to choose the USHL path. So how two sons, Jake and Dean, have spent things. I think it’s a lot harder to switch did you end up there? fewer years living on Planet Earth – 19 from D to forward than forward to D. I got drafted [by Cedar Rapids] in and 21, respectively. It’s worked out – the coaches and the my senior year of high school and when Dean Chelios played two seasons in other defensemen on the team who are springtime came, I tried out for the team the United States Hockey League, one a little older have been helping me out and I was really excited. I didn’t want with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders and in practice. anything else but to play for Cedar Rapids Jake Chelios (left) and Dean Chelios (right) both another with the , where he Has your father helped you through this because it’s such a great league. So after wore the Chicago Steel uniform in the USHL and ranked second in scoring with 53 points process? tryouts [when] I found my name on the now wear the same uniform at Michigan State Uni- (19 goals and 34 assists) in 49 games. He Basically he’s just watching me and list, I couldn’t have been happier. versity. Photo by USHLimages.com also earned a scholarship from Michigan telling me after the game what I need to And what did you learn about the USHL He’s had a huge influence, and I think State University. work on. And throughout the summer, when you arrived? the main thing is that he’s found a balance As Dean moved on to play college he helped me out with the beginning In terms of the hockey, everybody’s a between letting it be my choice if I want hockey, Jake Chelios immediately stuff. Just little pointers here and there superstar in high school and then you go to keep going, and correcting me – letting picked up where his brother left off. that I need to pick up on. to the USHL where there were only 12 me know if I need to be working harder After finishing the 2009-10 season third How did you decide to play in the USHL? teams. So it’s full of skilled guys and you or what I’m doing wrong. It’s that kind in team scoring, Jake again followed in What was involved in that decision? really learn to compete every single day of balance that has still made hockey fun his brother’s skate tracks – all the way to I saw my brother go there and I saw – and that’s how in the future you keep for me and kept me believing that I can MSU. what it did for him – also, its reputation your job. It taught me a lot of lessons, keep going with it if I’m listening to him But Jake Chelios wasn’t done making for being the top junior league in the U.S. as opposed to high school where you and working as hard as I can. moves. Before he arrived on campus, right now. I heard the numbers – how can kind of float by and do your own This past summer you went to the Red the new recruit asked head coach Rick many kids go on to play in college and thing skill-wise – you really had to start Wings’ prospect camp. How’d that go? Comley if he could switch from the from there on to pro, and even lately the competing in the USHL. It was awesome – the whole thing was forward position back to the blue line. last few years, there are more kids getting How’s the school spirit at MSU? just a big learning experience. It really And why not? The guy Jake calls “Dad” drafted into the NHL. If you can get into It’s been unbelievable. The students lets you get a feel for what it’s actually was decent enough. that league and play there, it’s one of the here – every single one of the 48,000 kids like to play in the pros. I’ve actually gone USHL.com spoke with these best situations you can be in. seems like they’re crazy for sports and twice – the first year, I was just trying exceptional young men – to relive Do you have a single memory from your “Go Green Go White” and all that. They to keep up and stick to the basics, and the past, to experience the new and to time with the USHL that stands out in do a great job of coming out to support my second year I got more used to it and explore a common word in the Chelios your mind? us and when there are 48,000 people, you didn’t have so many butterflies in my family lexicon. The first sellout game in Sioux Falls. really start to notice it. stomach. Hopefully it showed a bit on The word is legacy. And this time, the It had to have been the biggest crowd Jake says it’s been fun playing college the ice. Chelios brothers have built something I’d played in front of. It was just really hockey with his older brother. Can you What kind of thoughts did this stir up, new, something entirely of their own: a a fun game to play in – a great game, I confirm? as far as taking the next step in your USHL legacy. think we won, 4-3. I just remember that Definitely. It’s pretty cool. We haven’t career? because it was my first sellout crowd, and played together since we were 6 or 8 I obviously would really like to play JAKE CHELIOS it was loud. years old, and now playing with him, I in the NHL one day, and if I get that Your game is currently under renovation. Your brother is entering his sophomore can tell he’s looking up to me sometimes, chance, I’m going to work as hard as I Why did you decide to make such a bold season at MSU – what’s it like playing and it feels good to be in a position where can. If things don’t work out, then things move? college hockey together? I already have a year under my belt and don’t work out, but my is to I have always been a defensive It’s been a really fun time. Basically, can guide him through his first year. We’re play at the highest level for as long as I forward, so I thought I’d try it. It’s my coming in this year I had no idea what to close like that and it’s a great experience possibly can. freshman year and the first month, and expect with school and the hockey, and for both of us. This is an abridged version of the full Coach Comley told me I could give it a balancing that out. So he gave me a lot of We’ve heard from Jake on this topic interview feature that can be found online shot, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to try. tips on that, and eased me into not only – what kind of impact has your father at www.ushl.com, along with all your And how’s it going so far? the hockey season, but the school year. had on your hockey career? day-to-day USHL news and features. United States Hockey League

Green Bay Gamblers Sioux City Musketeers Waterloo Black Hawks 1901 South Oneida Street P.O. Box 3313 125 Commercial Street Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Green Bay, WI 54304 Sioux City, IA 51102 Waterloo, IA 50701 1100 Rockford Road SW ph: 920-405-1237 ph: 712-252-2116 ph: 319-232-3444 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 fax: 920-494-6868 fax: 712-252-2117 fax: 319-232-6140 ph: 319-247-0340 www.gamblershockey.com www.musketeerhockey.com www.waterlooblackhawks.com fax: 319-247-0343 Head Coach - Eric Rud Head Coach/GM - Luke Strand Head Coach/GM - P.K. O’Handley www.roughridershockey.com Head Coach/GM - Mark Carlson Indiana Ice Sioux Falls Stampede 1202 East 38th Street 1001 N. West Avenue 229 East Front Street Chicago Steel Indianapolis, IN 46205 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Youngstown, OH 44503 1735 East Je!erson St. ph: 317-925-4423 ph: 605-336-6060 ph: 330-747-7825 Bensenville, IL 60106 fax: 317-931-4511 fax: 605-336-9226 www.youngstownphantoms.com ph: 630-594-1162 www.indianaice.com www.sfstampede.com Head Coach/GM - Curtis Carr fax: 630-594-1112 Head Coach: Charlie Skjodt Head Coach/GM - Kevin Hartzell www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com Dubuque Fighting Saints Head Coach/GM - Steve Poapst Lincoln Stars Tri-City Storm 1050 Main Street P.O. Box 80327 609 Platte Road Dubuque, IA 52001 Des Moines Buccaneers Lincoln, NE 68508 Kearney, NE 68845 ph: 877-304-7162 7201 Hickman Road ph: 402-474-7827 ph: 308-338-8809 Head Coach: Jim Montgomery Urbandale, IA 50322 fax: 402-474-7831 fax: 308-698-0177 www.dubuque"ghtingsaints.com ph: 515-278-9757 www.lincolnstars.com www.stormhockey.com fax: 515-278-5401 Head Coach/GM - Chad Johnson Head Coach/GM - Drew Schoneck Muskegon Lumberjacks www.bucshockey.com 470 W. Western Ave., Head Coach - Regg Simon Omaha Lancers USNTDP Muskegon, MI 49440 2121 Oak Valley Drive Fargo Force 1804 Capitol Avenue ph: 231-726-3879 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 P.O. Box 10367 Omaha, NE 68102 Head Coach: Kevin Patrick ph: 734-327-9251 Fargo, ND 58106 ph: 402-344-7825 www.muskegonlumberjacks.com www.usahockey.com/usantdp ph: 701-364-3672 fax: 402-934-4613 GGM - Scott Monaghan fax: 701-356-4379 www.lancers.com Head Coaches - Ron Rolston www.fargoforce.com Head Coach/GM - Bliss Littler Danton Cole www.ushl.com Head Coach/GM - Steve Johnson 8 • December 2010 NEW YORK APPLE CORE CAPITAL DISTRICT SELECTS www.applecorejunior.com www.cdselects.com

Core play for Ronald McDonald House Selects always shifting with depth issues On Nov. 16, the New York Apple Core Eastern Jr. A and Empire teams. By Joshua Boyd to do today – to get kids to shoot the Empire Jr. B team played a charity game Between the two organizations, over The Capital District Selects can’t seem puck. He’s not a smooth skater. I believe to benefit the Ronald McDonald House 400 players have gone on to college and to catch a break. he started hockey later [than most of his of Long Island. pro careers over the years, showing why General manager/head coach Jim teammates], but he works all summer on The event, set up by former Apple they are the two best college development Salfi is left to wonder what could have it.” Core player and coach Chris Cosentino programs on Long Island. been if the Selects went into battle against Meiselman has been on and off of (who works for Ronald McDonald The game itself was won by Apple the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs with a lines with fellow sparkplug Svoboda. House) included different events. The Core, as Brett Jacobson and Mike full squad. The team’s leading scorer, Svoboda had Ronald McDonald House charity helps Mascaro led the way with a hat trick “We played pretty good against the 12 of his 13 total points through the 14 families with sick children to handle the apiece in the win. The game for 2011 will Monarchs, a terrific team with a lot of games played between Oct. 10 and Nov. costs of long hospital stays by putting up be at The Rinx out in Hauppauge, N.Y. talent,” said Salfi. “We had two of our top 21. Svoboda is a 1991-born player out of families at the Houses, which are located The event raised about $20,000 for forwards out with injuries, though.” St. Louis, Mo. near hospitals. the RMH. At the Thanksgiving break, the Lineup regulars Aleksey Lyakhov “With the injuries we’ve had, we’ve The families stay there free until the No. 1 Jr. B team in the USA rankings was and Matt Fallon did indeed miss the been changing lines around,” said Salfi. child returns home. Ronald McDonald the Core with a 35-1-1 record. The team weekend set in Hooksett, N.H., over the “Tyler is starting to come on pretty good. House is funded totally by donations has been stingy in goals allowed, only Nov. 20-21 weekend. He played in the NAHL [for the Alaska from many different sources. In the allowing 29 in the 21 league games. So, of course, the lineup had to go Avalanche], so he’s a little bit more Ronald McDonald Cup, which will be a “The team works well together,” said through one of its many shifts for the prepared for junior hockey than some yearly event, the Apple Core Empire and associate coach Jon Sandos. “The team’s Selects, who were in last place in the of our kids who came out of midget. the Suffolk PAL, out of the Metropolitan goal is to repeat as National Champion. Eastern Junior League as November He’s used to the strength and pace of the Jr. B League, will battle for the Cup. We’ll see what happens.” came to a close. players.” Suffolk and the Apple Core are two The Empire League has “five or six” “We haven’t had anyone really intact,” A number of Division 3 colleges are of the storied programs on Long Island teams that are excellent, forming the best said Salfi. “We just started getting them interested in Svoboda’s services. and have won the last two Jr. B National competition in the Empire League in back and then we had the two forwards Those college coaches may also want Championships. some time. out. We just don’t have that kind of depth to take a look at some of the defensemen Included in the program, each team Condon named Core Player of the to recover. It doesn’t get easier with the that are certainly getting their trial by fire sent players to cook for the residents in Month: Apple Core Empire defenseman Jr. Bruins [over the Dec. 4-5 weekend] in the league. the months leading up to the game. With Pat Condon (of Merrick, N.Y.) has been and at the Huskies Showcase [from Dec. While Ryan Gay has put in 20 games the coaches present, the players made named Apple Core Junior Player of the 9-12], we’ll face the undefeated Jersey as the only returning blueliner, others salads, appetizers, pasta dishes, grilled Month for November. Hitmen.” are coming along in their development, hamburgers and hot dogs, and made Condon has been with the Core since Some members of the Selects have had including some new acquisitions. desserts. his Mite days all the way through juniors good performances over the last month, “We’ve worked to tighten up our The meals from both programs with a stop or two elsewhere along the especially forwards Dan Meiselman and defense and picked up a couple of guys,” received rave reviews. The teams also way. Tyler Svoboda. said Salfi. received tours of all the facilities to show “Condon, a 1993-born blueliner, is a Meiselman started the year with the Mike Miller, a 1991-born defenseman the players how important the game is to mobile, excellent-skating defenseman New York Apple Core, scoring two points from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., was raise funds. Many people donated their who can control the game. He is excellent in six games for Henry Lazar’s crew. acquired from the New England Huskies time to make the event work, from the at the point and can shoot the puck well,” “They had just too many players there, in mid-October and got hurt in his first referees to the trainer to the scorekeeper. said Lazar. and Danny came up and scored six points Selects game. Returning a couple weeks The game was a friendly event with Condon was moving up in the scoring in nine games,” said Salfi. later, he has become a regular in the the two organizations working together for defensemen in the Empire League, Meiselman, a 1990-born forward from rotation. in the CHA and with hockey in general with 23 points, good for third place in Winnetka, Ill., is a good student, scoring Another mid-October acquisition on Long Island now as partners. that category. Pat goes to Portledge Prep over 2000 on his SAT. from the Apple Core, Andrew Pascal “The coaches and administrators know and is the middle brother of three. His “I’m not sure what he wants to be, but (a 1992-born Livingston, N.J., resident) each other well,” said Ron Kinnear, parents are Tom and Elizabeth – Tom at one time I thought it was an engineer,” has played in all nine games since being Suffolk’s general manager. coached Pat at the Core in Pat’s youth said Salfi. “He was out visiting Penn acquired by the Selects. “We used to battle each other as fierce hockey days. State, which will be Division 1 in the Martin Jorgensen, a Swedish rivals, but we now work with each other “He will be a sure-shot Division 1 future, but regardless it’s a great school, national, came to the Selects after to bring the best hockey to Long Island,” player in the future and has the chance academically. Dan is one of those kids starting in the Western States Hockey added Henry Lazar, the Apple Core to go beyond that in his hockey career,” where you look at the scoresheet after League with the El Paso Rhinos. He has general manager and head coach of the Lazar added. the game and there’s his name [for a goal impressed Salfi with his transition to or assist].” EJHL hockey, judging from his first two Offense is certainly the name of the games against the Monarchs. game where Meiselman is concerned. Brett Nussbaum, who started the “He’s always been a guy who can find season on defense, has been shifted to New York Apple Core Directory the net,” said Salfi. “He likes to shoot the forward for the time being to help the Director of Hockey Operations puck, and that’s one of the hardest things team recover from its injury losses there. Eastern Junior A Head Coach Empire Junior B Head Coach Capital District Selects Directory Henry Lazar [email protected] General Manager/Jr. A Head Coach Continental Hockey Association Jim Sal! Jr. B Head Coach Ph. 518-371-3795/518-421-6280 Tom Carroll E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 518-459-1707 Subscribe online: usajuniorhockey.com RIGHTFITHOCKEY.COM December 2010 • 9 10 • December 2010

The following Junior Hockey organizations are recognized by the USA Junior Hockey Magazine as outstanding programs that go above and beyond to promote their players to college hockey teams:

SOUTH SHORE KINGS NEW ENGLAND HUSKIES 10 E. Belcher Road, Foxboro, MA 02035 P. O. Box 405, Middlesex Road ,Tyngsboro, MA 01879 Ph. 508-698-050 • Cell 401-465-1474 • Fax 508-698-3535 ph. 508-561-7657 • Fax 978-649-6122 Asst. GM: Scott Harlow GM/Coach: Paul Jenkins E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] • www.jrhuskies.com www.southshorekings.com PHILADELPHIA REVOLUTION The Rink@Warwick BAY STATE BREAKERS 1621 Mearns Road, Warminster, PA 18974 P. O. Box 150 Rockland, MA 02370 Coach/GM: Vince Malts • ph. 215-290-1712 ph. 781-878-7500 ext. 14 fax 781-792-2950 e-mail: [email protected] GM/Head Coach: David McCauley Dir. of Operations: Geo" Marottolo e-mail: [email protected][email protected] • www.philadelphiarevolution.net www.jrbreakers.com WILKES-BARRE / SCRANTON KNIGHTS Pittston, PA - Revolution Ice Centre CAPITAL DISTRICT SELECTS Owner - Louis DeNaples 19 Oakwood Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065 President/GM - Paul Maciejewski - 716-983-5513 Ph. 518-421-6280; Fax: 518-371-3795 [email protected] Owner: Jim Sal! • e-mail: [email protected] Head Coach - Anthony DiPalma - [email protected] www.cdselects.com www.jrknightshockey.com BOSTON BULLDOGS CONNECTICUT JR. WOLFPACK Salem ICEnter, Salem, NH Champions Arena,Cromwell, CT Coach/GM: Mike Addesa - 603-522-3813 Owner: Bob Crawford - 860-632-7147 [email protected] President: Dan McCarthy - 203-627-9769 Coach/Asst. GM: Frank Golden - 978-869-6919 Head Coach/GM: Chris Cerrella - 561-797-8769 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.bostonjuniorbulldogs.com www.jrwolfpack.com PORTLAND JR. PIRATES NORTHERN CYCLONES Saco, ME, MHG Ice Centre Cyclones Arena, Hudson, NH Co-Owners: Mark Anthoine/Ron Cain Owner/GM/ Head Coach: Bill Flanagan Head Coach: Brad Church Ph. 207-282-8484 Owner/Coach: Wes Dollo" - 609-475-1131 e-mail: [email protected] Owner - Joe Flanagan e-mail: b#[email protected]

MASS MAPLE LEAFS NEW YORK APPLE CORE P. O. Box 30314, Acushnet, MA. 02743 P. O. Box 39, Atlantic Beach, NY 11509 Ph. 508-971-0808 • Fax 508-992-8590 ph. 646-533 -1055 GM / Owner: Tony DeSilva Henry Lazar: GM/ Head Coach Apple Core Junior A E-mail: [email protected] • www.massmapleleafs.com Eastern Jr. ‘A’ Hockey League CHA Management Group: e-mail: [email protected] • www.applecorejunior.com

FLORIDA EELS BOSTON JR. BLACKHAWKS Skatium, Ft. Myers, FL Rich Salsman, General Manager President/Head Coach: ph. 781-245-9330 Frank Scarpaci 941-400-9023 e-mail: [email protected] GM: Ed Dillenschneider 863-513-6612 www.bostonjrblackhawks.com e-mail: #[email protected] www.#oridaeels.org BOSTON SHAMROCKS U19 WOMEN Ristuccia Arena, 190 Main St., Wilmington, MA NEW JERSEY JUNIOR TITANS ph. 781-838-0352 • fax 978-657-8642 Wall Sports Arena, Farmingdale, NJ GM: Bob Rotondo President: George Haviland E-mail: [email protected] GM/Head Coach: Dustin Depalma Head Coach: Josh Hechter E-mail: [email protected] 732-872-0353 Assistant coaches: Samantha Faber/Lindsay Berman e-mail: [email protected] www.bostonshamrocks.net EL PASO RHINOS TEXAS JR. BRAHMAS 4100 E. Paisano, El Paso, TX 8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 Head Coach/GM: Cory Herman Jeremy Law, Head Coach E-mail:[email protected] ph. 817-675-1116 www.elpasorhinos.com e-mail: [email protected] December 2010 • 11 MASS MAPLE LEAFS JUNIOR WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE www.massmapleleafs.com BOSTON SHAMROCKS Banged-up Leafs head into halfway on top www.bostonshamrocks.net The Massachusetts Maple Leafs have record in league play, along with a league- had a very tough first half of the season, leading 1.51 goals-against-average and a including injuries such as a broken hand, .960 save percentage. Shamrocks earn first point in tough league broken wrist, torn ACL and a severely With all the injuries to their CHA sprained ankle. and International Junior League players, While the Shamrocks’ U19 team is The Shamrocks again struggled against The Leafs have also experienced cases the Leafs are looking for five forwards still looking for its first win in Junior the powerful NAHA and Colorado, but of mononucleosis and strep throat to go and three defensemen to finish out the Women’s Hockey League play this had a close game against the National along with a winless September. If the season. If interested, feel free to contact season, the team is making progress. Sports Academy, out of Lake Placid, N.Y. injuries and sicknesses were not enough, general manager Tony Desilva at 508- The Shamrocks came away with a tie Litchfield turned away 23 of 25 shots as they also had a few disciplinary issues 971-0808 or by e-mail at hockbase@ against the Washington Pride on Nov. 6 NSA held a 2-1 lead coming into the both on and off the ice. aol.com. The Leafs are online at www. in Albany, N.Y. third period, adding an empty-netter to With all of the above scenarios you massmapleleafs.com. “I think we proved to ourselves that clinch the 3-1 victory. Caron scored the would think this is a team that must be Leafs reach 160 all-time placements: we can compete, and have success in the Shamrocks’ lone goal, with assists from near the bottom of the standings, which In their 13th year, the Massachusetts league. We’ve made significant progress, Francesca Giammona (Garden City, is far from the truth. Maple Leafs’ alumni list of placements and will continue to improve. We just N.Y.) and 15-year-old Katelin Kohl The Leafs were 9-1-1 in the continues to grow. Their 160th all-time need to put together a full 60 minutes of (Chelmsford, Mass.). Continental Hockey Association’s placement is Nick Mattiello, a Rhode play,” said head coach Josh Hechter. Emily Raber, traveling all the way Eastern Conference and led in winning Island native and graduate of Bishop After dropping their opening game from Buena Park, Calif., scored the percentage by a small margin over both Hendricken High School (of Warwick, to North American Hockey Academy, only goal in their Nov. 26 game against the Boston Jr. Bruins and the Bay State R.I.). Mattiello is a member of head the Shamrocks scrapped with Colorado, Colorado, with Marie-Eve Le Beau Breakers at the halfway point. coach Lance Brady’s Assumption picking up goals from Sydney Collins (Stoke, Que.) earning the lone assist. The Leafs have played a significantly College team. (Warwick, R.I.), Colleen Shouldice Only Woodworth was able to solve less amount of league games compared Over the past 12 years, the Leafs have (Rutland, Vt.) and Dakota Woodworth the Washington Pride goalie in a 6-1 loss to everyone else. However, the Leafs seen 109 college placements, 39 Jr. A (Carlisle, Mass.) before losing 7-3. on Nov. 27. Jenna Redford (Soldotna, have played a total of 40 games, a number placements and 11 former players have The following evening, the Shamrocks Alaska) had the only assist. includes their 12-game Midwest trip made the pro ranks. battled the Pride, as netminder Maureen Kohl and, from neighboring Westford, and other tournaments and non-league Leafs give back: The Mass Maple Bradley (Swampscott, Mass.) stood tall Mass., Cara Curran are the only two games. Leafs collected 100 pounds of food at and turned aside 27 shots, while Dylan- players on the Shamrocks with multiple The Leafs are led by nine players their IJHL and CHA games over the Mae Caron (Burrillville, R.I.) picked up points in JWHL play thus far. with over 20 points. Jarred Mitrano Nov. 19-20 weekend. The games took the equalizer late in the third. The Shamrocks hoped for better (45 points) leads this group, along with place at the Leafs’ home CDL Arena in In the final game of the weekend, fortunes out of the University of Ryan Merz and Andrew Mathieu (38 Raynham, Mass. The donated food was Madi Litchfield (Williston, Vt.) kept Minnesota, where all of the JWHL’s East apiece), Benny Brouillard (37), C.J. then dropped off at the Sheperd’s Pantry, things close, making 59 saves in a 3-0 and West teams played over the Dec. 3-5 Cordeiro (35), Patrick Avery (27) and which distributes around the Greater loss to NSA. weekend. After that, they’re back to their defenseman Rob Berg (25). New Bedford area. Just a few weeks later, the Shamrocks non-league schedule and a holiday break Goalie Boyd Zinger carries a 5-0-1 were back in the mix of a league before getting back to JWHL action over weekend, this time at Brown University the Jan. 14-16 weekend at the University BOSTON JR. BLACKHAWKS in Providence, R.I. of Connecticut. www.bostonjrblackhawks.com

Texan D-man Wlodkowski finding flow as forward By Joshua Boyd defense,” said Kotyluk. “He does need to Sometimes, you just don’t know what improve on his quickness.” you’re getting into. That is an assessment Wlodkowski College Station, Texas, resident Tim certainly agrees with, and that is why he Wlodkowski was recruited to play for the is with the Blackhawks – to further his Super Elite Boston Jr. Blackhawks as a understanding of the game and improve in defenseman. all facets. Nowadays, he is the fourth leading “My speed is the most important part scorer on the team as a forward, scoring of the game I need to work on,” he said. five goals and 19 points through 21 “Knowing where everyone is on the ice International Junior Hockey League and making the right play is a strength for games. me.” “Coach Kevin [Kotyluk] brought me Joining the at least temporarily to Boston to be a defenseman. I didn’t disbanded Wlodkowski-Kravchenko- hear of the team until he saw me play Voronin line in the top four of scoring is at a showcase in College Station,” said Latvian national Meraks Kepals. Wlodkowski. Kepals has scored eight goals and 21 His linemate Vadim Kravchenko (41 points in 21 games for the Super Elite goals, 57 points in 23 games) has recently Blackhawks this season. moved to Wlodkowski’s home state to As the Blackhawks reach the midpoint work out with the for a in December, they were hoping to move up possible spot with the North American from the third place position. They stood Hockey League team. at 12-8-3 nearing Thanksgiving, good for Wlodkowski, for one, might miss 27 points, 11 points distant from second- Kravchenko quite a bit. Sergey Voronin place Cape Cod and 14 points away from (13 goals, 42 points in 22 games) was also the IJHL’s New England Division-leading on the line. New England Stars. “We work great together, and we “We’re off to a great start and we’re only always know where each player is at,” said getting better. It’s a great, hard-working Wlodkowski. bunch of guys,” said Wlodkowski about Should plans change to the point where the team. a positional change is in order, Kotyluk is The Blackhawks are being chased by certainly not worried. the Eastern Kodiaks, standing with 26 “Tim has a great understanding of the points as of Nov. 23. game, and can play both forward and 12 • December 2010 BAY STATE BREAKERS CONNECTICUT JR. WOLFPACK www.jrbreakers.com www.jrwolfpack.com

Edwards a goal-scoring Ace for Breakers Busillo receiving interest from top schools By Joshua Boyd Dec. 9-12 in Fitchburg, Mass. Defenseman Mike Busillo, of the can see this and work towards achieving So far, Ace Edwards is averaging A quality that will be attractive to Atlantic Junior Hockey League’s their goal as Mike has.” a goal every third game, certainly not college coaches is Edwards’ ability to do Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack, is receiving Busillo can be seen on the ice in every shabby in a competitive circuit like the a lot with his time on ice. interest from some of the top Division 1 situation for the Jr. Wolfpack. Eastern Junior Hockey League. “Ace is a very versatile player who is colleges in the New England area. “Mike is a unique individual, kind of The Ankeny, Iowa, native had six one of our top kill guys,” said “Mike has really emerged for us this a diamond in the rough,” said assistant goals through 18 EJHL games, along McCauley. “He has very good speed year at the Jr. A level,” said head coach coach Mark Yates. “He is a late with four assists for 10 points for the Bay and plays hard every game, and he has Chris Cerrella. “A quiet and humble bloomer, and he is rightfully so getting State Breakers. the capability to score goals as we have kid, we expected a lot from him this year the attention he deserves now. I never “Ace has been a consistent contributor nicknamed Ace ‘The Goal Scorer.’” after his All-Star campaign for us in the have to ask twice for Mike to work hard, to our team this year and has become D.J. Nykaza has also been a big Metropolitan Jr. [B] League last year.” to do the little extra. He is very mature a goal-scorer,” said Breakers general help, stepping into the lineup after being Busillo is a 1991-born resident of for his age, and handles everything that manager/head coach David McCauley. acquired from the Green Mountain Wallingford, Conn., and in addition to comes his way with the correct diligence Last season, his first with the Breakers, Glades. He enjoyed a five-point weekend playing with the Met League Wolfpack and patience.” he had seven goals through 44 games, so against the Pics, including four points in last year, he also got six games of Jr. A In other news: Sean Loebs had a he is expected to smash that pace here in the Breakers’ 6-2 win on Nov. 20. action, registering an assist. huge November for the Jr. Wolfpack, 2010-11, his final junior season. That pace The Addison, Ill., product played This year, he is the team’s top-scoring scoring 10 points in eight games. Loebs has picked up throughout this season. He for the Chicago Hounds Midget AAA defenseman, putting in five goals and is in his second year with the Jr. A team had three combined goals in September program before joining the Glades in adding eight assists for 13 points in all 23 after playing for the defunct North Jersey and October, and then scored three in the 2009-10. He scored 22 points in 44 EJHL AJHL games in which the ’Pack played Avalanche of the Metropolitan League in space of three games in November. games last year and had 10 points in 12 through November. His preparation 2008-09. The 1990-born forward from The 1990-born forward joined the games before joining the Breakers. A certainly paid off. Cresskill, N.J., has 20 points through 23 Breakers in 2009 out of the S2 Midget 1992-born forward, he still has a strong “He worked extremely hard in the games to tie for the team lead in scoring Major program, based in Michigan. junior hockey future in front of him. off-season to come into camp in the with Swiss import Remo Hunziker, who After missing a two-game set against Beating one of Canada’s best: best possible shape he could be in,” scored 20 points through 18 games. the Springfield Jr. Pics over the Nov. 20- The Breakers defeated the Woodstock said Cerrella. “Now, he is reaping the On the Jr. B side, in the space of four 21 week with an injury, Edwards was Slammers of the Maritime Jr. Hockey benefits. He is a tremendous skater, has November games, 1991-born Ryan expected back to his goal-scoring self on League on Nov. 13 to win the North tremendous size, and you will not see Greeley bypassed his production through Dec. 2 against the South Shore Kings. American Challenge Cup in a 6-1 victory anyone work harder on or off the ice. I the first 11 games of the Met League McCauley is certainly looking forward in Bangor, Maine. The Slammers were can only hope that the younger kids in schedule, scoring seven points between to showing off Edwards, and all the ranked as the No. 4 Jr. A program in our organization, from the grassroots up, Nov. 20-28. Breakers, at the Huskies Showcase from Canada at the time of the game. PHILADELPHIA REVOLUTION www.philadelphiarevolution.net

A weekend in the life of the Revolution The Warrior Classic, held from Nov. goaltender after receiving a nice pass 12-14, gave the Philadelphia Revolution from Rivera for a 1-0 lead. Bridgewater Jr. A squad the team’s second most answered back 10 minutes later, but successful weekend of the season so far. Bettencourt scored his second at 16:01 They earned three points out of a possible of the first half. This time, Bridgewater six in the three games, also earning three answered back within 30 seconds. points over Oct. 16-17 in a two-game set Both teams came out hard in the against the Springfield Jr. Pics. second half, but the score ended in a 4-2 Right off the bat, the Revolution knew Bridgewater victory. they’d be in for an exciting weekend when On to Sunday, and it was time for a they faced the Valley Jr. Warriors in what rematch against the host Jr. Warriors. ended as a 2-2 tie. Mike Dietrich got the Revs on the board The Warriors started the scoring, but first off a nice feed from Rivera. Dietrich Andrew Bettencourt ripped a slapshot was sitting in the slot, and upon receiving from in between the tops of the circles, the pass, beat the Valley goaltender to the which beat the Valley goalie glove-side, glove side. hit the crossbar and went in. That was That would be the lone goal of the the first of three points the 1991-born period for either team. The shots were Providence, R.I., resident would earn on relatively even: Philadelphia with 16, the weekend. Valley with 17. Mark Rivera scored a goal to earn In the second half, Tyler Schmarr a point for the sixth straight game (of a made a beautiful pass, sending Rivera on streak that reached 10 games and was still a breakaway. Rivera converted to make it active into December). a 2-0 Philadelphia lead. The goal came Valley earned the equalizer in the just 26 seconds into the period and was a second half (two 25-minute periods) four-on-four tally. and the rest of the game was a defensive C.J. Cruz gave the Revs some bout that overtime couldn’t solve. Jamie insurance at 10:12 of the period when he Regan (37 saves) played outstanding in received a pass from Dan Cornell, went goal. in on a breakaway and beat the Valley The next afternoon, the Revs were goaltender on his backhand. The game back at it against the Bridgewater Bandits. ended in a 3-0 Revolution victory with a Bettencourt started early, beating the shutout credited to Regan (31 saves.) RightFitHockey.com December 2010 • 13 WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE

Boulder Bison prosper with good old hard work WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY By Brian Lester because a lot of the players’ only focus is President/Commissioner: Ron White 1000 E. Cerritos Ave. Anaheim, CA 92805 Through 12 games, the Boulder Bison on offense.” ph. (714) 502-9185 x240 fax. (714) 502-9375 have been one of the better teams in the From an offensive standpoint, Ryan e-mail: wshlo#[email protected] Western States Hockey League. Gauthier and Dustin Simmons have led But the Bison have hardly peaked. The the way in the early going. They are among MID-WEST DIVISION potential to be even better before this the league-leaders in points scored. TEXAS JR. BRAHMAS 8851 Ice House Drive season is all said and done is high. Gauthier, a 5-foot-8-inch, 1992-born North Richland Hills, TX 76180 “We like the way we are playing right forward who helped lead the Bison to the Head Coach: Jeremy Law now,” said general manager and head national tournament last season, scored ph. 817-675-1116 coach Brent Cullaton. “We have worked nine goals and dished out seven assists in e-mail: [email protected] hard and the players care about improving 12 games. NEW MEXICO RENEGADES each and every day.” Simmons, a 6-foot-1-inch, 1990-born 801 Loma Colorado, Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Part of Boulder’s success is linked to forward who is thrilled about playing for Head Coach: Peter Ambroziak ph. 505-917-0917 its play on the defensive end of the ice. his hometown team this season, struck for e-mail: [email protected] • www.nmrenegades.com Boulder had given up 43 goals in 12 games. seven goals and tallied nine assists in 12 Michael Porter is one of three goalies games. BOULDER BISON President: Dennis Hefter to have seen time between the pipes. Boulder still has a long season ahead ph: 303-717-1101 The 6-foot-1-inch, 1992-born netminder and the grind of making another run at e-mail: [email protected] has faced 131 shots and has given up 16 the national tournament will not be easy. www.boulderbison.pucksystems.com goals. However, Cullaton is confident his team TULSA RAMPAGE “We feel like we have done okay on will have a chance to contend for a league 6413 South Mingo, Tulsa, OK 74133 defense,” Cullaton said. “We are still championship if it continues to work GM: Julie Wilson working on the defensive part of our hard. Coach: Chad MacLeod e-mail: [email protected] game, though, and most every team in “We hope to see the great work ethic www.tulsarampage.com junior hockey is doing the same thing continue to be raised,” Cullaton said. EL PASO RHINOS 4100 E. Paisano , El Paso, TX 79905 Rhinos in fight for Mid-Western division lead Head Coach/GM Cory Herman e-mail: [email protected] By Brian Lester Herman said their success is hardly a www.elpasorhinos.com El Paso had to deal with its share of surprise to him. struggles early on, but the Rhinos seem to “Both players are very skilled with the have found their stride as they skate into puck, they see the ice very well and can December. find the open spaces,” Herman said. “They WESTERN DIVISION The Rhinos have won 12 games, lost work very hard in practice and it’s nice to four and dropped two more games in see them rewarded for it during games.” PHOENIX POLAR BEARS 2001 W. Alameda Dr. Chandler, AZ 85282 overtime in their first 18 outings, which El Paso tallied 89 goals in the first 17 ph. (480) 704-1350, • fax. (480) 706-0588 saw them take the Mid-Western Division games of the year and had allowed 49. GM/Head Coach: Harry Mahood lead by two points over the Boulder Bison “Our veteran defensemen have been e-mail: [email protected] by Nov. 24. playing well,” Herman said. “We need that www.phoenixpolarbears.com “We struggled at the start of the season, to continue in order for us to keep going in BAKERSFIELD JR. CONDORS however, the guys have worked really the right direction.” 1325 Q. Bakers!eld, CA 93301 hard on our systems,” head coach Cory There is still a lot of hockey left, ph. 916-524-8395 Head Coach: Scott Hay Herman said. “Their work ethic has however, and Herman knows division e-mail: shay@bakers!eldicesports.com also improved and they have seen some titles and league championships aren’t won success lately. But we have a lot of work during the first two months of the season. IDAHO JR. STEELHEADS www.IdahoJuniorSteelheads.com to do still.” “We need to work on playing a full 60 Head Coach: John Olver Todd Beasley and Tyler Thomas have minutes,” Herman said. “We also want ph: 515-537-0059 played a vital role in the early success. to work on doing the little things right. e-mail: [email protected] Beasley had scored 16 goals and dished As long as we continue to work hard and out 17 assists in the first 17 games. Thomas improve as a team, we will have a chance Head Coach: Bryce Dale struck for 12 goals and 12 assists during to be in the mix at the end.” ph: 558-352-0905 the same    stretch. e-mail: [email protected] www.fresnomonsters.com

SoCal BOMBERS 3975 Pixie Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712 ph. 562-429-1805 x 240 • fax. 714-333-4190 Coach: J.F. Picard e-mail: [email protected] www.jrbombers.org

VALENCIA FLYERS 27745 N. Smyth Dr. Valencia, CA 91355 ph. 661-775-8686 x 204 GM: Scott Allegrini e-mail: [email protected] www.valencia"yers.net

SAN DIEGO JR. GULLS 555 N. Tulip St. Escondido, CA 92025 Owner/GM: Bruce Miller e-mail: [email protected] www.sandiegogullshockeyclub.com

ARIZONA REDHAWKS 15829 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382 Coach: Robert Powell Ph: 602-769-9277 e-mail: [email protected] www.wshl.org 14 • December 2010 :0634063$&*/)0$,&:53"*/*/("*%4

)0$,&:4)054)005*/(1"%&;(0"-8*5)#"$,4501 )0$,&:4)05%3:-"/%'-003*/(5*-&44)005*/(5"31 (&953&.&4-*%&#0"3%%3:-"/%53"*/*/(130%6$54 (3&"5$)3*45."4(*'5*%&"450)&-1*.1307&4)005*/( 45*$,)"/%-*/(1"44*/(

(3&&/#*4$6*545*$,)"/%-*/(16$, 26*$,45*$,;*/5&3"$5*7&53"*/&3 )0$,&:4)05&953&.&1"44*/(,*5 )0$,&:4)054)005*/(1"%4 )"-045*$,)"/%-*/(%&7*$& 9%&7*"50345*$,)"/%-*/(53"*/&3 #&$0.&"'"/8*/$00-13*;&4 888)0$,&:4)05$0. December 2010 • 15 NORTHERN CYCLONES YELLOWSTONE QUAKE www.northernjuniorcyclones.com www.yellowstonequake.com

Youth Cyclones product Bruckler joins Jr. A’s Quake trying to stay afloat in tough division By Joshua Boyd hot streak from mid-October through By Joshua Boyd of the Cyclones, playing with both their Craig Furstenau was hoping for mid-November. From Oct. 16 through This bird has flown back to his hockey Jr. A team in the Atlantic League and the a little better showing than what the Nov. 19, he scored eight points in nine nest. Jr. B team in the Metropolitan League Yellowstone Quake had put forth by the games. From Nov. 5 through Nov. 19, the Former Northern Cyclones youth since 2008. Thanksgiving holiday. 1992-born forward scored a goal in five player Joey Bruckler is back in the “Sean is playing on the third line The Quake lost a chance to catapult straight games. Red and White, having joined the Jr. A with me right now. We were teammates themselves past the rival Bozeman Ice However, like every teammate aside Cyclones in November and started out for almost our whole hockey careers, so Dogs in the America West Division of of Alex Vazquez, he was held scoreless with four points in six games. it’s great playing with him again,” said the Tier-3 Jr. A Northern Pacific Hockey against Bozeman as the Ice Dogs shut “I just wanted to move up and play Bruckler. “We get stuff done a lot out on League. Bozeman took all four points them out 3-0 and beat them 2-1 the next Jr. A hockey,” said the 1993-born the ice. We’re driven and we have great up for grabs in a home-and-home series night. Burlington, Mass., resident. “I know it’s chemistry together. We can really find over the Nov. 19-20 weekend. Third-year Quake player Tyler a great organization and a great level of each other on the ice.” “The Quake have struggled to find Roberts was also picking up the pace, competition, so I decided to move up.” Bruckler figured it took about a period consistency in the early stages of the offensively, between October and His coaches growing up were Bill to really get the feel for the Jr. A style season,” said Furstenau, Yellowstone’s November. The 1992-born Douglas, Flanagan and Joe Flanagan, and they’re and speed of play. first-year coach. “We managed to win Wyo., resident scored all 10 of his points behind the bench and on the ice for “It was awesome, a great experience two in a row for the first time all year as of Thanksgiving in the 11 games practice again with Bruckler under their in the first game,” said Bruckler, who by defeating Billings and Butte in early between Oct. 2 and Nov. 12. watch. registered a goal and assist in his Nov. 6 November.” Detroit, Mich., resident Nikoe “I played youth hockey with the debut against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton That was the upside. The downside to Giacomo has earned all of his time in net Cyclones for four years. Bill and Joe Knights. “Coming into the game, I felt this season was the Quake’s performance since making his debut on Oct. 29, a 5-1 Flanagan developed me through skills nervous, but I tried to keep it simple. in the closest games. win over Bozeman on the road. He held a sessions and practices, so I learned much Period by period, I caught up with [the “We have lost seven games by one 3-2-0 record and a .920 save percentage from them,” said Bruckler, who joined other players].” goal, including two in overtime and one as of Nov. 24. from the Boston Jr. Rangers Midget 18 Bruckler attends high school online in a shootout,” Furstenau said. “We have Furstenau called his play team. “I came here because I know them through a program run by the University done well with special teams but have not “phenomenal” in a 4-2 victory over the and I know they can develop me more of Nebraska at Lincoln. found ways to win the one-goal games.” Missoula Maulers on Nov. 6. His third into probably the best hockey player I “Their courses are pretty hard. Walled Lake, Mich., resident win of the season came on Nov. 12 can be.” You have to be really disciplined,” Zachary Tuchklaper was on a major against Billings. Flanagan factored in his familiarity said Bruckler. “I’m taking Advanced with Bruckler in bringing him onto the Placement classes so I can get into a good Jr. A team, teaming him up with Sean school like College of the Holy Cross, a Swanson, a longtime youth teammate of hard school to get into but one with good CEDAR RAPIDS ROUGHRIDERS Bruckler. Swanson is a three-year veteran academics.” www.roughridershockey.com

Multi-linguist Sakaris speaking louder on ice By Jeff Johnson other, you might want to take Sakaris University of Texas Peter Sakaris has been learning how with you for advice. to speak Italian lately. “I know quite a few things,” he said LONGHORNS ICE HOCKEYEY There are no trips to Rome planned. It’s with a smile. “They’ve given me pointers not because he’s trying to impress girls or on some of the key elements of a stone. WWW.TEXASICEHOCKEY.COM anything, because good-looking hockey I’ve seen a few [nice] things.” players with gregarious personalities When it comes to the “other” ice, • Competing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) don’t wont for female companionship. Sakaris has given the RoughRiders a few Division II-Western Region since 2000 “My mom is really big on me learning nice things as well. He had five goals languages,” said Sakaris, a Cedar Rapids and nine points in 14 games this season, • O! ering a 25-30 Game Schedule with both a Regional and National focus, 2-3 practices per RoughRiders winger. “Me and my looking to improve on his eight-goal, 20- week and o! -ice conditioning / strength training with a seasoned coaching sta! brother. So I just figured to make her point performance from 2009-10. • Located in Austin, Texas which is rated as one of the “Top 10 Places to Live” by U.S. News happy, I’d try and learn my fourth.” He’s not big at 5-foot-10-inches and & World Report, 2009 and it is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” Yes, his fourth. Sakaris’ grandparents 170 pounds, but he’s fast and skilled and emigrated from Greece to Canada, so he can bring a physical element as well. The • " e University of Texas is rated among the “Top 25 Best Values in Public Colleges” by speaks Greek. He’s from Montreal, so 18-year-old originally committed to play Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, 2010 and one of the “Top 100 World’s Best he’s got French and English down. Now college hockey at Clarkson University Universities” by U.S. News & World Report, 2009 it’s Italian. in upstate New York with his brother, • Situated on a beautiful 350 acre Campus with “state of the art facilities”, the University Tres bien and benisimo. Or “very Demitri, but both have changed their o! ers over 170 Undergraduate Fields of Study with 100 O# cial Majors through 13 di! erent good,” depending on Sakaris’ mood. minds. Schools or Colleges “When I’m with my grandparents, “He has improved,” said RoughRiders I speak Greek ... When I’m with my head coach Mark Carlson. “[He’s] • " e University o! ers $ nancial aid and merit-based scholarships, including academic parents, I speak English. When I [was at] another young player that’s worked hard performance, talent and competitive honors to quali$ ed students school, I spoke French.” and is off to a good start.” • " e Hockey Team has been recognized as one of the best run student sports programs at the The kid’s got quite an interesting “I think I’m better,” Sakaris said. “I University with a diverse group of athletes from many regions of the U.S., Canada & overseas background, obviously, and it’s not just worked on my game this summer, in because of his linguistic capabilities. His every aspect. I worked on my speed, I feel • Our program places emphasis on Academic Performance, Community Leadership & father, Petro, runs a jewelry business in like I’ve matured as a player. I’m a little Standards of Play consistent with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Montreal with his mother, Bessie, who is bigger, a little faster, a little stronger. Of course, some of that comes with age. I’m • All prospective students are encouraged to visit our website or contact the following: a gemologist. If you’re looking for advice on a nice, a year older now, so I’ve matured on the Head Coach: Bob Smith, [email protected] shiny Christmas gift for your significant ice.” Asst. Coach: David McShane, [email protected] Academic Advisor: Prof. William Doolittle, [email protected] RightFitHockey.com 16 • December 2010 PORTLAND JR. PIRATES jrpirates.pucksystems2.com

Injury issues bring out best in Brodersson By Neil Becker could have folded up shop but we battled The month of November didn’t start and never quit. It was great to see guys off too friendly for the get rewarded and enjoy success [at the who lost both their goalies, Patrick showcase].” Salkind and Shane Robichaud. In the middle of November, Salkind Making the most of an opportunity came back and showed no ill effects as was Marcus Brodersson, whom head he played at the showcase against the coach Brad Church picked up from Nationals. the in the middle of Injuries also affected the blue line, November. Even though his first two where Mike Smith hurt his knee. starts against the Boston Jr. Bulldogs Jumping up big time were a couple of were losses, Church liked what he saw. 1992-born D in Mike Morrison and “Marcus has done a great job,” Church Cam Brown, who are both getting more said. “He is very athletic and has quick minutes. feet and a strong glove hand. He has a “They are both playing more and are strong work ethic and is improving every very poised with the puck and are showing day.” lots of confidence and are playing solid Portland, which enters December with defensively,” Church said. a 7-15-0-1 record, ended November on If there is one specific area where a strong high when the Pirates posted Church would like to see his team an impressive 2-0-1 record at the improve, it’s the power play, which has Thanksgiving weekend showcase. seen the Pirates come up empty on a few After losing 4-3 in overtime against 5-on-3 opportunities. the New Jersey Rockets to begin that “On a 5-on-3, you must be able to showcase, they came back to beat score goals,” Church said. “We have to the Washington Nationals and the execute and do a better job in shooting at Philadelphia Little Flyers. the right time.” Character and work ethic are two The Pirates have four home games characteristics that Church pointed out this month. Church has some “requests” when talking about what he likes about of his team. his team. “We can’t turn the puck over in the “[Before the showcase], we endured neutral zone,” Church said. “Also we a tough stretch where we were playing have to stay out of the box. Every point some really good hockey teams,” Church is important. We’re not out of the playoff said. “Being shorthanded, we easily hunt.” NEW ENGLAND HUSKIES www.jrhuskies.com

Junior journeyman Zielinski leader for Huskies By Joshua Boyd ended up choosing us.” Like the song on TV goes, “lucky Zielinski is through with chasing the there’s a Family Guy.” “Cinderella story,” and just wanted to find The New England Jr. Huskies sure got a situation where a coach can help him lucky when they landed self-described reach college hockey. family guy Zeth Zielinski for this year’s “It’s not all happy everywhere,” said squad. Zielinski. “It’ll be that much better when I “I wanted to stay around this year, get to the end result. My biggest concern so playing for the Huskies, I can live at is to get a good education, to use hockey home and stay with my family,” said the to get into a good school. I’ve never had Woonsocket, R.I., resident. “Wherever a coach who’s cared so much about his I can go to college, I’ll be around home, players as Coach Jenkins. too. That stuff is important to me.” “He’s not in it to keep funneling Since originally playing for the defunct players to make his record look good,” Boston Harbor Wolves back in 2007-08, Zielinski added. “The organization is Zielinski went west to play in the North based on how many players they send American Hockey League and was in on and what he’s done for them. If a kid Canada playing in the Maritime Junior comes up to me tomorrow and asks what Hockey League last year. the best organization is, no question, it’s “Zeth travels a long way [from the Huskies.” Woonsocket to Nashua, N.H.] to be a part Zielinski is interested in, and has had of the program,” said Huskies general interest from, schools in the New England manager/head coach Paul Jenkins. “He’s Small College Athletic Conference dealt with a few things life has dealt him, (NESCAC). TO ADVERTISE IN USA Junior so he has a pretty good perspective on “I’m really interested in going to a hockey and life.” NESCAC school, at least a school with a Hockey Magazine Jenkins added that Zielinski was in good academic reputation,” said Zielinski. contact with him last year, but Jenkins “I want to go to school and be a student- for as little as $199.00 a month didn’t want to bring him in during the athlete. I’m still trying to weigh my middle of a down year. options.” Call 781-934-5888 “I didn’t want to bring him into it and Jenkins said that, besides NESCAC [email protected] risk losing him for this year,” said Jenkins. schools, Atlantic Hockey Association “I contacted him again in spring and schools have shown interest in Zielinski summer, and talked to his mother and he as well. December 2010 • 17 TEXAS JR. BRAHMAS EL PASO RHINOS www.jrbrahmas.com www.elpasorhinos.com

Import goalie, scoring ace push Brahmas forward Rhinos Benson, Shapiro are rocks on D By Joshua Boyd Brahmas cannot ignore the “Colorado By Michael Migdalis Shapiro was a more physical player The first-year Texas Jr. Brahmas Connection Line.” The old coach-speak adage is who came to El Paso from Ambler, Pa., brought players in from several different Brothers Kevin O’Donnell and Nick “defense wins championships.” just outside of Philadelphia. areas. O’Donnell join C.J. Kort on the same This year’s Rhinos team is hoping “We knew Kyle was going to be good The Lone Star State of Texas has a line. Together, the three totaled 70 points this is indeed the case. eventually,” said Herman. “He would good amount of local representatives on through the Brahmas’ first 23 games. Returning three defensemen from show flashes of it now and again during the roster, and Colorado has contributed “That line has been outstanding for last season’s team helps, and along with his rookie year as a Rhino, but as is a whole scoring line. us,” said Law. “The chemistry of those Vinny Bohn, the Rhinos’ defensive the case with new and young players, However, two of the players putting in three makes a perfect line. They all have cornerstones for this year’s team will he was inconsistent. Those guys were significant contributions for head coach the work ethic, all three will dig in the undoubtedly be Tyler Benson and Kyle under the gun because we had just won Jeremy Law’s team come from Sweden corner and all three have a scoring touch Shapiro. a championship the previous year.” and Latvia, respectively. as well.” Benson and Shapiro both came to Benson and Shapiro made it through Stromstad, Sweden resident Anton Kevin O’Donnell is a 20-year-old out the Rhinos three years ago as fresh- those first two years and consistently Olsson is leading the Western States of Westminster, Col., that came to Texas faced 18-year-olds. Benson came out of progressed. Hockey League’s Mid-Western Division after playing for the Colorado State high school, and Shapiro came from the “I think it was a confidence issue in save percentage (.931 in 19 games University Division 2 club team in the Metropolitan League on the East Coast. for both kids,” Bates said. “You come played). American College Hockey Association. Both players had to spend time on to a championship team as a young “It is a team game, but I think we have He had 28 points in 23 games. refining their game upon arriving in El player and feel like you’re under the one of the strongest goaltenders in the His brother Nick played in just nine Paso. microscope, and you think too much league,” said Law. “He’s had a couple games through the end of November, but “They were good young players, they instead of just playing instinctively. 55-shot shutouts and he gives us an already had 13 points. just needed some time,” said Rhinos head They were so worried about making a opportunity to win every night.” Kort was second on the team in points coach Cory Herman. “Our team that mistake they would hold their stick too The 20-year-old has impressed Law behind Bolush, scoring 29 points through year was returning only one defenseman tight and make mental errors.” 23 games. with his compete level. (who we ended up trading), so they got “They really started to become “He just competes so hard,” the coach Law added that one cannot overlook thrown into the fire right away, and they complete players last season, and this said. “He competes in practice like he the contributions of his group of Texans made mistakes like young players do, year they’re giving me exactly what does in a game. His mental preparation either. but they were developing and learning. I expect of two-and three-year vets,” and focus is probably the best I’ve ever “We have a great core group of guys seen in my junior coaching experience.” from Texas,” said Law. “This is the “We had a lot of veteran forwards Herman added. “They’re consistent, Leading the Brahmas in scoring, fifth junior team I’ve coached and the that season and those guys were pretty solid, they always make the simple play and ranking second in the Mid-Western character and chemistry of the guys is tough on all our young D-men,” Herman without panicking. I can play them in Division, is Albert Bolush. the best I’ve ever had. It is such a tight- added. every situation and know they’ll make The 1991-born resident of Riga, knit group.” “I used to say Benson used to look the right decision.” Latvia, scored 16 goals and 35 points Texans to watch on the team include like a baby giraffe being born out there Benson is an assistant captain on this through 23 games, giving him a points- 1991-born forward Jordan Gnatowsky, – he was so gangly and uncoordinated- year’s team and Shapiro is the humor per-game average of 1.52. His 35 points out of Arlington, who had 24 points in 23 looking,” said Rhinos assistant coach and pressure release in the locker room. were just two behind division leader games, and another Arlington product, Murray Bates. “However, both of those The 2010-2011 Rhinos team has a Tyler Beasley (of El Paso)’s 37 at the 1992-born defenseman Blaine Key, who kids have really become arguably two lot to prove this year as they do every start of December. chipped in three points in his 18 games of the best defensemen I’ve seen come year and after being upset in the Mid- Law said he was contacted by one this year. through this program.” Western Division finals last season the individual and one placement company With an 11-9-0-3 record, the team was Hailing from Crystal Lake, Ill., goal has never been more apparent nor about his two European imports. fighting through every game in order to Benson arrived as a tall, skinny kid who changed. “A person named Steve Janowicz stay above .500, with hopes of reaching appeared to still be growing into his Benson and Shapiro have been called me out of the blue one day,” said the WSHL playoffs. They had the body. through the wars together, they’ve been Law. “He knows our pro Texas Brahmas smallest positive goal differential in the “That first year was tough,” he said. in big games, they’ve played in the coach Dan Wildfong, and has helped our league with a plus-2 (91 for, 89 against). “As a rookie coming onto a team that National Championship. Both of them pro team find players before. He sent me “Over the [Thanksgiving weekend] had just won a championship, there is a – defensive partners and best friends video on Albert and after I watched the against Boulder, we started playing our lot of pressure. You just do not want to – will undoubtedly play in college. video, I told [Janowicz] that we’d love to best hockey, which is kind of what I make any mistakes.” Regardless of how this season plays have Albert.” expected,” said Law. “We’re coming up However, mistakes are inevitable for itself out, the one guarantee will be Olsson’s name came to the attention on our league’s Christmas Showcase a rookie D-man. that two young men who arrived in El of the Jr. Brahmas thanks to a placement [Dec. 16-19 in , Nev.], so “I was finding my game that Paso two and a half years ago as rookies company called Scandinavian Hockey playing our best is very important for the whole first year it seemed like,” joked will leave as they came to the Rhinos: (scandhock.com). exposure for our players to colleges. Shapiro. together. “The company approached me in “Our strength is our work ethic,” regards to Anton. He had contacted them he added. “Sometimes we’re a little and they called some teams in the U.S., outmatched on depth or overall skill, which is what they do to try to place but I’ve had several coaches tell me this Scandinavian players,” Law added. year we are the hardest working team EL PASO RHINOS While Bolshus is doing a fine job they’ve played against. We try to keep on the offensive front, opponents of the that attitude every single game.” 4100 E. Paisano, El Paso, TX TEXAS JR. BRAHMAS Head Coach/GM: Cory Herman 8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 E-mail:[email protected] Jeremy Law, Head Coach ph. 817-675-1116 www.elpasorhinos.com e-mail: [email protected] The Texas Jr. Brahmas still have openings on their roster at forward and defense. Please call Jeremy Law at 871-675-1116 if interested. RightFitHockey.com 18 • December 2010 BOSTON JR. BULLDOGS NEW JERSEY TITANS www.bostonjuniorbulldogs.com www.jrtitans.com

Defensive trio keys shutout streak at showcase Kearns is an intense study on ice, in classroom By Joshua Boyd the Bulldogs roster. By Steve Stein team when he was a sophomore and junior Three games, three days, zero goals “We traded three players [to the Laconia Dustin DePalma says academics and he’ll be playing his fourth year of high against. Leafs last season] for him, and we were sometimes are overlooked by a young player school this spring. It takes good goaltending to pull that very happy we made the move,” said looking to move up the hockey ladder. Kearns says he notices a slight difference off, but it takes even more – a full-team Addesa. “Our players are in with Mike “Doing well in school can be a big in his focus when the lacrosse season is defensive effort, and that is what Boston Boyle Strength and Conditioning three days advantage for a player,” the New Jersey over, but not the school year. Jr. Bulldogs head coach Mike Addesa a week and they have all gotten strong, but Jr. Titans coach said. “Obviously, getting “I don’t shut it down academically, but got from his team at the Atlantic Junior he is clearly one of our three strongest.” good grades makes it a lot easier to get into sometimes I relax a bit,” he said. League’s Thanksgiving Showcase. Rosenberg’s 18 points had him at fifth college.” This is Kearns’ second season with the Three of his defensemen, Joel in defenseman scoring as of Nov. 29, one DePalma said if all other factors are Jr. Titans. Rosenberg, Chris Glover and Rich point and one place behind Glover. equal in a determination of which player to The 5-foot-7-inch, 160-pounder from Meyer, have been particularly potent “Glover has been more of an offensive sign to his roster, he’ll go with the player Brick, N.J., helped the team race to a 15- throughout the 2010-11 season and they defenseman, puck-handling, passing and with strong academics. 0 start in the Metropolitan Junior Hockey shone brightly at Cyclones Arena over the shooting,” said Addesa. “His defense has “When a player does well in school, it League this fall by scoring six goals and Nov. 26-28 weekend. improved tremendously.” usually means he’s focused,” he said. “If adding six assists. He had a pair of goals in a The Bulldogs shut out the AJHL’s The 1990-born Glover started in the he takes his studies seriously, he takes his 9-1 thrashing of the New Jersey Renegades highest-scoring team, the Philadelphia AJHL in 2008-09 with the Northern hockey seriously.” on Nov. 20. Little Flyers, 5-0, to start the showcase. A Cyclones, but has played in 61 league Junior Titans defenseman Patrick In 11 games last season, he had four day later, they held the New Jersey Rockets games for the Bulldogs. “He’s really Kearns certainly understands the connection goals and three assists. to just 11 shots on goalie Sam Calahan matured and grown, both as a young man between schoolwork and hockey. He carries “Patrick is an offensive-minded for a 7-0 win. In the weekend finale, they and as a player,” Addesa said. a 93 percent average (out of 100 percent) as defenseman, but he has the speed to make allowed just nine shots from the Washington Meyer won the AJHL’s Defensive a senior at Brick Township High School in sure he’s responsible defensively,” DePalma Jr. Nationals against Matthew Dawes in a Defenseman of the Year Award in 2009- New Jersey. said. “He plays all situations for us.” 6-0 victory. 10, so the 1991-born Port Monmouth, N.J., “You give yourself a better opportunity Titans sweep Thanksgiving Showcase: “All three defensemen [Rosenberg, resident is well-known in the league. to get good looks from colleges if you do At Cromwell, Conn., the New Jersey Titans Glover and Meyer] are returning from a “A returning league All-Star, he’s really well in school,” he said. went 4-0 against other Metropolitan League year ago,” said Addesa. “The three of them made an amazing contribution to our team,” Kearns has turned the tables on the teams in the Metropolitan Junior League’s are in the top 11 for defenseman scoring said Addesa. “He was a fill-in forward for equation, using sports to his advantage on Thanksgiving Showcase. in the league. They all take turns playing us, taking pressure off the team when we college application essays. In the first game, the Titans beat the on the power play, taking their regular shift were banged up at forward.” “I’m emphasizing the time management Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, 2-0, followed by a and killing penalties.” The colleges are calling Addesa every and organizational skills I need to play 5-3 victory over Portland, a 5-2 win over A 1990-born native of Sweden, day (including four about Rosenberg on sports and keep up my grades,” he said. the host Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack and a Rosenberg is described as one of the Nov. 29 alone), so it is likely this trio will Besides playing hockey, Kearns was the 5-1 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton strongest and best conditioned players on have their pick for their next destination. place-kicker for his high school football Knights. FLORIDA EELS www.#oridaeels.org

Eels excited at prospect of Jr. A in Deep South The Florida Eels have cast their lot player for direct advancement and place- with several other current members of the ment for collegiate hockey opportunities. Alumni News: Alumni Player of the South Shore Kings Metropolitan Junior Hockey League and The goal of the SAHL is to provide The are proud to announce today that defenseman Matt Gilroy has been selected Southeast Junior Hockey League to start a maximum player development, visibility as winner of the 2009 Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award. Since 1988, the award has been given annually to the new Tier-3 Jr. A league in the Southeastern and promotion though intense on-and off- best rookie at Rangers Training Camp, as voted by select New York media. U.S. ice training, superior coaching and com- Gilroy, 24, has recorded one goal and a plus-three rating in four pre-sea- On Nov. 10, the Southern Atlantic petition at both the regional and national son contests. Last season, he captured the Hobey Baker Award, given to Hockey League (SAHL) announced its ap- level through regional league games and the top player in collegiate hockey, and was named as a First Team All- plication and petition to USA Hockey and national showcases located in the North- American. the USA Hockey Junior Council for Tier-3 eastern U.S. He became the second player in history to win the Hobey Baker Award, as Rangers’ Captain Chris Drury won the award in 1998. He Junior A status, with operations to com- The SAHL will include member opera- also became the "rst defenseman in Hockey East history to be honored as mence at the Junior A level for the upcom- tions from Virginia to Florida, providing a First Team All-Star three times. ing 2011-2012 season. aspiring hockey players in the region and Captain of the Hockey East regular season and playo! champion Boston The Eels will remain a multi-tiered ju- beyond access to one of the highest levels University Terriers, Gilroy registered eight goals and 29 assists for 37 Matt Gilroy, the top player in nior organization, regardless of the new of junior hockey experience. points in 45 games. He led the Terriers to their "fth NCAA championship, college hockey last year, assisting on the game-tying goal with 17 seconds remaining in regulation in celebrates his remarkable goal plans. Junior A hockey participation is con- the championship game, after entering the tournament as the #1 seeded against New Jersey during the “The Florida Eels will continue to have sidered a pre-requisite by most collegiate team. Rangers’ second preseason game. their Metropolitan Jr. B team next year,” coaches for recruitment to a college pro- The senior defenseman established career-highs in games played (45), assists (29) and points (37). said general manager Frank Scarpaci. “The gram. Accordingly, the SAHL franchises In addition, the North Bellmore, New York native led all Hockey East defensemen in scoring and ranked third among all defensemen in the nation. Eels are very excited as we will be able to will provide all players superior athletic de- The award is named in tribute to Lars-Erik Sjoberg, one of the "rst European players to compete keep our players home rather than send velopment, with a focus on complimentary professionally in North America and captain of the for six seasons. players North away from home. The Eels academic support, to achieve sustainable He later became a European scout for eight years with the Rangers. Sjoberg played a key role in the have placed dozens of their top players in and effective college placement results for Rangers drafting of Swedish stars Tomas Sandstrom, Ulf Dahlen, Kjell Samuelsson, and Jan Erixon. He passed away in 1987 and the award was created to honor his memory. the EJHL, AJHL, CSHL, WSHL, USHL participating players. and the NAHL. Now, we can offer the For more information, see team direc- South Shore Kings News: The South Shore Kings are proud to announce that two players from the same Jr. A status coupled with high-level tory below: Kings were chosen by the EJHL for Players of the week. Honorable mention to last weeks winners (O!ensive) and (Rookie) games.” O!ensive Player of the week The Eels joined the Atlanta Jr. Knights, FLORIDA EELS DIRECTORY Charlie Coyle (South Shore Kings) the East Coast Eagles, the Hampton Roads General Manager/Head Coach Charlie continued to impress with another strong weekend. The Weymouth, MA, native notched a Whalers, the Palm Beach Hawks, the Space (MJHL)/Asst. Coach (SEJHL) goal and an assist in the Kings’ win over the Valley Jr. Warriors and one more assist against Huskies. He Frank Scarpaci then exploded for a goal and four assists in a win over Spring"eld. His 15 points put him top of the Coast Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Ju- EJHL in scoring. Charlie will attend Boston University next fall. niors in the application and petition. E-mail: [email protected] Defensive Player of the Week: The SAHL will offer the most advanced Ph. 941-400-9023 Nolan Descoteaux (South Shore Kings) hockey players in the Southeastern U.S. the Head Coach (SEJHL)/ Nolan, a 1989 birth year, demonstrated his two-way ability as one of the EJHL’s top defensemen in opportunity to participate at the Junior A Asst. Coach (MJHL) his own end contributed on the scoresheet as well. In three games last weekend, Nolan propelled the Henry Martinez Kings to two wins and a tie, recording two goals and four assists. He is a native of Dallas, Tx, and in level close to home, in a challenging en- his second year with the Kings. vironment that is intended to prepare the Ph. 561-294-2069 December 2010 • 19 INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

Mariners pick up players, momentum at midpoint Good signs for Kodiaks, but hard road ahead By Steve Stein Goodwin said. “He’s a hard-working kid. By Steve Stein Massachusetts (4-0) before facing Kuper It’s been a mostly rocky season so far He works at the ICEnter teaching hockey The Eastern Kodiaks didn’t make it out less than two hours after beating Team for the Mass Mariners in the International skills and running the gym. That’s paying of pool-play competition in the Northeast Massachusetts. Junior Hockey League, but there are plenty all his expenses, including his billet.” Hockey Showcase at the Tilton (N.H.) Defensive breakdowns hurt the Kodiaks of reasons for optimism. Young has been accepted by Division School, but head coach Wayne Sheehan during the slump that saw their IJHL record The Mariners were 4-15-2 in late 1 Robert Morris University, but he may wasn’t complaining. slide from 12-3 to 13-9. November in the Super Elite Division. That’s consider other college offers. His team’s solid performance in the “We gave up too many shots, and too an understandable record, considering there Assistant captains Steve Hanlon and Thanksgiving weekend tournament gave many quality shots,” Sheehan said. “We were just 11 players on the team’s roster Josh Fournier are also making names for him hope that it had fought its way out of a needed to start playing better defense from when the puck dropped to start the season. themselves. tailspin in the International Junior Hockey the goalie on out.” Now there are 23. Hanlon, a 20-year-old wing, had seven League’s Super Elite Division. The Kodiaks did that at the showcase. “Like a lot of junior teams, we struggled goals and seven assists after 21 games. “We’re ready to roll into December,” Goalie Ethan Lapointe pitched the shutout for players early on,” said Mariners owner “Steve is a good skater and a tough kid,” Sheehan said after the Thanksgiving against Team Massachusetts and was solid Lee Goodwin. “It took a lot of work to get Goodwin said. “He creates a lot of havoc weekend showcase. “We’re headed in the against Kuper. Goalie Dalton Kay beat the more players. We should be in good shape out there. You have to pay attention to him right direction. We played well [at Tilton] Stars. for the rest of the season.” when he’s on the ice.” against exceptional competition.” Kodiaks linemates Michael Bernergard Nobody can complain about the Mariners’ Fournier, a 20-year-old center, was the The Kodiaks went 2-2 in the 16-team and Joey Fernandez were among the top facilities. They have their own locker room Mariners’ leading scorer after 21 games showcase that included prep school and scorers in the showcase. at the Salem (N.H.) ICEnter, their home rink with seven goals and 15 assists. junior teams. Needing at least a tie to make Each had seven points. Bernergard had just over the Mass.-N.H. state line. Winger Jeremy Veilleux (eight goals, it into the quarterfinals, the Kodiaks instead three goals and four assists, and Fernandez “The kids love it,” Goodwin said. “It gives three assists) and defensemen Tim Liddell fell 2-1 to Kuper Academy (of Quebec) in had four goals and three assists. the locker room a clubhouse atmosphere.” and Tyler Shuttle are also returning players their final game. Showcase games were played in two, Team captain Devin Young is having a this season. Red Division pool winner Stanstead 15-minute periods, which made each shift solid season. The 20-year-old center had The Mariners have an international College, also from Quebec, beat the change crucial and gave college scouts an nine goals and seven assists through 21 goalie tandem of Marc Clishe from Quebec Kodiaks, 6-1, in their opener. The Kodiaks opportunity to watch several games. games. and Maik Schawalder from Switzerland. bounced back with wins over league rival “Devin is very dedicated and serious,” the New England Stars (8-1) and Team

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY 485 Rogers Ave., W. Spring!eld, MA Commissioner: Charles Nielsen - 413-896-5812 • e-mail: [email protected] Director of Hockey Operations: David McCarthy - 978-376-8356 • e-mail: [email protected]

NEW ENGLAND STARS NEW JERSEY STORM LONG ISLAND WOLFPACK GM/Coach Dan Fontas GM / Owner: Gery Rini 813-443-9612 Ken Uher Ph. 603-759-6168 Head Coach: Brent Kuper 813-781-7278 dfontas@the hockeyacademy.com 65 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck, NY 11023 www.nestarshockey.com Ph. 631-224-4536 PHILADELPHIA JACKALS [email protected] WORCESTER WILDCATS Jimi Simmons www.liwolfpack.com Coach/GM: Ken Jacobs , ECHL, A"liate to NHL ph. 508-561-8525 cell Ottawa Senators and AHL Binghamton SOUTH JERSEY RAPTORS e-mail: [email protected] Coach: Matt Lemma www.worcesterjuniorwildcats.com Senators- Video Coach/Team Scout 484-571-6042 601 Hollydell Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080 MAINE MOOSE 856-869-8192 President/Owner Ben Gray CAPE COD CUBS E-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Dan Hodge jrraptors.net ph. 508-989-5013 ph. 207-623-0650 NORTH SHORE RAIDERS www.moosemainea.com [email protected] Peter Petri TRENTON HABS BERLIN JR. MAROONS www.northshoreraiders.com Russell Couture, phone: 603-752-5377 President: Eric Brule WHITE MOUNTAIN WARRIORS Senior Advisor & Legal a!airs: Pat Marano e-mail: [email protected] Coach/GM: Brett Tryder Head Coach: Oktay Aragan www.berlinjrmaroons.com ph. 215-337-9151 Ph. 603-726-6364 e-mail: [email protected] HACKETTSTOWN HARLEYS E-mail: [email protected] www.TRENTONHABS.com Gary Golczewski www.wmwarriors.com e-mail: [email protected] NORTHERN NEW YORK GAMBLERS FREEPORT ARROWS www.chilloutsportsarena.com/Harleys/index.htm www.arrowsyouthhockey.org Head coach: Bill Plante EASTERN KODIAKS Ph. 315-769-8821; Cell: 315-250-3852 BOSTON JR. BLACKHAWKS General Manager: Robert Harris www.nnyjrgamblers.com Rich Salsman, ph.: 781-231-0268 MASS MAPLE LEAFS ph. 781-245-9330 e-mail:[email protected] P.O. Box 30314, Acushnet, MA. 02743 e-mail: [email protected] Head Coach: Wayne Sheehan Ph. 508-971-0808 • Fax 508-992-8590 GM / Owner: Tony DeSilva MASS MARINERS AAA HOCKEY ph: 603-944-6155 Head Coach: Kria Metea 508-292-6486 Lee Goodwin, [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] • www.massmapleleafs.com ph. 781-354-3459 NEW YORK JUNIOR AVIATORS fax: 781-595-3807 Head Coach: John Sacco e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.ijhl.us

RIGHTFITHOCKEY.COM 20 • December 2010 Twin jet engines Atlantic, Metropolitan Junior Leagues continue to propel players to higher levels

Three of the top Jr. A players in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League at the end of November were, from left to right, leading scorer Chris Lewis (Boston Jr. Bulldogs), leading defensive scorer Jared Henderson (Northern Cyclones) and goaltender C. Philip Heinle ().

By Joshua Boyd years. “I feel that a majority of our members do a good AJHL and MJHL camps, and teams go out of their way job with college exposure and placement and the league to find new ways to improve young men in every facet ven as winter approaches, the sweat continues to continues to get stronger and more competitive each of the game and in life. pour for hundreds of youngsters in the Eastern season. “The Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack has great resources to EU.S. “That is evident by the Division 1 and Division 3 develop every player that dresses in our locker room,” It’s the middle of another intense season in the Atlantic placement as a whole the league has experienced over said Chris Cerrella, head coach of both the Jr. A and Jr. and Metropolitan Junior Hockey Leagues, with players the past few seasons,” Dalessio added. “Our showcase B Wolfpack. “Each player receives five days of practice on 37 Jr. A and B teams putting in the sweat equity in November was a perfect example with five or six each week, game video breakdown and the goalies needed to propel their teams higher in the standings, schools from each of the three Division 1 leagues out receive full-time goalie coaching each week. We also and propel themselves to a higher level of hockey. east [Atlantic Hockey, Hockey East and ECAC], along have our own personal fitness center in our arena where The Atlantic Junior League has sent more than 360 with over 25 Division 3 school scouts, in attendance.” our players train as individuals and as a team. players on to Division 1 and 3 college hockey, as well Both leagues have experienced growth, with more “Our players have the ability to use all of our in- as to higher levels including the NHL, since being franchises becoming more interested in being part of house resources to become as dynamic of a player as established in 2003 as a Junior Elite league. USA the advancement wave each year. they can,” he added. “The effort they put in is the result Hockey granted the AJHL Tier-3 Jr. A status in 2006. The Metropolitan Junior League has experienced the they get out of it.” The Metropolitan Junior Hockey League has been a greatest growth. In 2007-08, there were 16 teams, and “On the ice, in order to prepare our players for the Jr. B circuit since its founding in 1995. Most of the Met a year later, there were 28. This included the new Met next level, we focus on competition in practice and League’s players graduate to the Atlantic League’s Jr. South Conference with 10 teams, none of which were preparation on game day,” added DePalma, of the Titans. A teams, as that is the league’s primary goal, but some located north of Virginia. Currently, there are 25 teams “Off the ice, we stress the importance of being a strong players move on to other, higher junior leagues. in the MJHL. academic candidate, as well as teaching our players to For example, from 1995-2008, the MJHL advanced “The ‘Met’ is one of the oldest and most prestigious be accountable to themselves and their teammates.” 29 players into the Tier-1 Jr. A United States Hockey Jr. B leagues in the country which develops players Ambrefe, in Palm Beach, is already seeing success League, while others went to the Tier-2 Jr. A North at a very high rate, so they can advance to Junior A from the Hawks’ development model. American Hockey League, some to the U.S. National hockey,” said John Ambrefe, head coach of the Palm “We have been very fortunate in only our second Team Development Program’s U-18 and U-17 teams, Beach Hawks, first place in the Met League’s South year to have placed four players last season into college and some into top prep schools. Division as of the end of November. “Scouts for college hockey and several into the Jr. A ranks,” Ambrefe said. It is this record of advancement, on both sides, that and all Junior A leagues recognize the reputation of “We have implemented a very successful training keeps coaches working round the clock eight months a the MJHL for its development of players for the next program for our student-athletes on and off the ice. Our year to prepare and develop their players. level. Opportunities in the MJHL are plentiful – there off-ice program has a professional trainer/nutritionist “Many teams in the Met League focus on development are several teams that have placed players directly into and our coaching staff is very well respected among and preparing players to compete at the higher levels college year after year.” many college and Jr. A programs.” of junior hockey. Over the past few seasons the Met Teams in the leagues aren’t afraid to go the extra mile has benefited from stable organizations and quality to show off their players. The Jr. Wolfpack’s two teams coaches,” said Dustin DePalma, head coach of the Make them better, stronger, faster will hit the ice outdoors in mid-February in the Whalers Metropolitan League’s first place overall team, the New Ask just about any former AJHL and/or MJHL Hockey Fest at Rentschler Field, the home of UConn Jersey Jr. Titans. “This has helped continue to increase player what his experience was like at that level, and football in Hartford, Conn. the number of players advancing each season. The real he’ll probably relate it, with a smile, to an eight-month “Our outdoor game is going to be a huge step for value in our league is found in the former ‘Met’ League boot camp. not only us as an organization but as a league,” said players that are succeeding at the Jr. A and college Every practice, every game is about making the player Cerrella. “The games show that we do whatever we can levels.” better at all fundamentals of hockey. Every team dinner, to provide exposure for our players, the organization Up in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, the Walpole every long bus trip to a showcase is about making them and the league. Express were at the top of the standings. a better teammate. Every practice with youth teams, “The AJHL is becoming one of the fastest routes to “Our league has come a long way in its eight-year every team study hall is about making them a better college hockey on the East Coast,” he added. “We give existence,” said Express head coach Tony Dalessio, who person. players an opportunity to succeed.” has been coaching in the AJHL for seven of those eight “Development” is the word taken most seriously in Derrek Douglas contributed to this article December 2010 • 21

ATLANTIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY P. O. Box 1151, McAfee, NJ 07428 President: Glenn He"eran- 201-745-9130 • Dir. Of PR/Media: Derrek Douglas - 973-445-1015 METROPOLITAN JR. HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY Dir. Of League Operations: Fred Hughes - 201-745-0030 e-mail: [email protected] • www.ajhlhockey.org P.O. Box 1151 McAfee, N.J. 07428 President: Glenn He!eran Phone: 973-823-8147 • Fax: 973-823-8215 WILKES-BARRE / SCRANTON KNIGHTS e-mail: [email protected] Pittston, PA - Revolution Ice Centre Owner - Louis DeNaples NORTH President/GM - Paul Maciejewski - 716-983-5513 CENTRAL PENN PANTHERS WALPOLE EXPRESS Lancaster, PA Walpole, MA [email protected] Regency Sports Rink Iorio Arena Head Coach - Anthony DiPalma - 203-676-0622 Owner: Rob Barletta Owner/President: Ray Ferry President/GM: Tony Dalessio 339-234-2008 [email protected] GM/Head Coach: Andy Scott - Head Coach: Mike Tenney 617-640-9643 717-676-0871 e-mail: [email protected] BOSTON BULLDOGS e-mail: [email protected] Salem ICEnter, Salem, NH WILKES-BARRE SCRANTON KNIGHTS Owner/President: Mike Addesa CONNECTICUT JR. WOLFPACK Owner: Louis DeNaples [email protected] Cromwell, CT President/GM: Paul Maciejewski 716-983-5513 Champions Skating Center Head Coach: Ace Roque 570-404-5529 Head Coach: Frank Golden - 978-869-6919 Owner: Bob Crawford e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] President: Dan McCarthy www.bostonjuniorbulldogs.com Head Coach/GM: Chris Cerrella CRANSTON REDS 561-797-8769 Owner: Rob Barletta CONNECTICUT JR. WOLFPACK e-mail: [email protected] Owner/President: Tony Dalessio Owner: Mark Kurmpel Champions Arena , Cromwell, CT GM/Head Coach: Dennis Doherty 617-650-1789 Owner: Bob Crawford LONG ISLAND ROYALS e-mail: [email protected] President: Dan McCarthy Long Island, NY Ice Works PORTLAND JR. PIRATES Head Coach/GM: Chris Cerrella - 561-797-8769 Owner/President: Richard McGuigan Owner: Mark Anthoine e-mail: [email protected] GM: John Zerillo 631-487-8567 Owner: Ron Cain Head Coach: Ken Hoey 631-885-0497 GM/Head Coach: Brad Church 207-210-0419 NEW JERSEY ROCKETS e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Berkeley Heights, NJ Prudential Center NEW JERSEY ROCKETS LACONIA LEAFS Berkeley Heights, NJ Laconia Ice Arena, Laconia, NH Owner: Winnipesaukee Skating Club Owner: Debbie Vanderbeek Prudential Center President: Peggy Del Mauro President: Dennis Comeau Owner/President:Peggy Del Mauro GM/Head Coach: Will Fay 603-581-7008 GM/Head Coach: Bob Thornton - 516-816-2599 GM/Head Coach: Bob Thornton e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] 516-816-2599 e-mail: [email protected] NEW YORK JUNIOR BOBCATS Long Island, NY NORTHERN CYCLONES Ice Works Syosset Hudson, NH Cyclones Arena Owner: Fred Schoenhut ; Pres./AC: Dan Marshall Owner/AC: Wes Dollo! SOUTH GM: Gil Valdes - 646-286-6804 Owner/President: Bill Flanagan Head Coach: Ed Galiani - 631-219-9921 Owner: Joe Flanagan EAST COAST EAGLES e-mail: [email protected] GM: Brandon Barnard 603-475-4083 Head Coach: Paul Russo 978-835-6280 Wake Forest, NC e-mail: [email protected] Factory Ice House LACONIA LEAFS President: Gregory Akers Laconia, NH NEW YORK SAINTS GM: Gary Gouin 919-319-6588 Laconia Ice Arena Monsey, NY Head Coach: Lincoln Flagg 413-530-4939 President: Dennis Comeau Sport-O-Rama e-mail: lincoln"[email protected] GM/ Head Coach: Will Fay - 603-581-7008 GM: Gary Hess 201-310-2585 Head Coach: Robert Murdock e-mail: [email protected] 917-797-7844 FLORIDA EELS e-mail: [email protected] Ft. Myers, FL NORTHERN CYCLONES Skatium Cyclones Arena , Hudson, NH PHILADELPHIA JUNIOR FLYERS Owner/President: Frank Scarpaci Owner/President/Head Coach: Bill Flanagan West Chester, PA GM/Head Coach: e-mail: [email protected] Ice Line Frank Scarpaci 941-400-9023 Owner/President: John Graves e-mail: [email protected] GM: Brandon Barnard 603-475-1131 GM/Head Coach: Jerry Domish Owner/Asst. Owner: Joe Flanagan 781-953-4287 610-436-9670 e-mail: [email protected] PHILADELPHIA LITTLE FLYERS JUNIOR BLADES Owner/President/GM: Ron Kinnear Aston, PA PHILADELPHIA LITTLE FLYERS Head Coach: Tad O’Had 509-961-0574 Aston Ice Works Aston, PA e-mail: [email protected] Owwner/President: Rosemary Giacobbo Aston Ice Works Owner/President: GM: Glenn Tendler - 215-460-0144 Rosemary Giacobbo Head Coach: Steve Washkalavitch - 215-873-1902 PALM BEACH HAWKS GM: Glenn Tendler 215-460-0144 W. Palm Beach, FL e-mail: stevew@little!yers.org Head Coach: Rob MacInnis Palm Beach Skate Zone 484-321-1278 President/GM/Head Coach: John Ambrefe PHILADELPHIA JR. FLYERS e-mail: coachjrb@little"yers.org 561-289-4305 West Chester, PA e-mail: [email protected] Ice Line NEW JERSEY JUNIOR TITANS Owner/President: John Graves Farmingdale, NJ Wall Sports Arena GM/Head Coach: Jerry Domish - 610-436-9670 HAMPTON ROADS JR. WHALERS Owner/President: George Haviland Chesapeake, VA e-mail: [email protected] GM/Head Coach: Dustin DePalma Chilled Ponds Ice Complex 732-547-4898 PORTLAND JR. PIRATES Owner/President: Patrick Cavanagh e-mail: [email protected] GM/Head Coach: Saco, ME Tom Winkler 757-374-8417 MHG Ice Centre NEW JERSEY RENEGADES e-mail: [email protected] Co-Owners: Mark Anthoine/Ron Cain Farmingdale, NJ Aspen Ice GM/Head Coach: Brad Church - 207-210-0419 Owner/President: Cli! Graziano Sr. e-mail: [email protected] TAMPA BAY JUNIORS GM/Head Coach: Cli! Graziano Jr. Owner/President/Head Coach: Brett Strot WALPOLE EXPRESS 973-479-2403 904-424-5616 e-mail: [email protected] GM: Kevin Wolter 904-476-7292 Walpole, MA e-mail: [email protected] Iorio Arena SUFFOLK PAL Owner: Rob Barletta Hauppauge, NY President/GM: Tony Dalessio The Rinx SPACE COAST HURRICANES Owner/President: Tom Palamara Head Coach: Mark Kumpel - 207-289-0638 Rockledge, FL GM: Ron Kinnear 516-680-7642 Space Coast Iceplex e-mail: [email protected] Head Coach: Aleksey Nikiforov President: Rick Ninko 321-504-7500 631-236-8190 WASHINGTON JR. NATIONALS GM/Head Coach: Shawn Ray e-mail: [email protected] 321-504-7500 Arlington, VA e-mail: [email protected] Kettler Capitals Iceplex VALLEY FORGE MINUTEMEN Owner/President: Stephen Lary Oaks, PA Oaks Ice GM: Jason Wolfe 301-452-6173 Owner/President: Jake Gevard E-mail: [email protected] Head Coach: Kevin Kerr GM/Head Coach: Ed Herneisen e-mail: [email protected] Head Coach: Troy Govig 443-867-8794 [email protected] 610-587-6294 e-mail: [email protected] 22 • December 2010 EMPIRE JUNIOR EMPIRE HOCKEY LEAGUE DIRECTORY Commissioner: Don Kirnan, HOCKEY LEAGUE 5679 Thompson Rd., So. Dewitt, NY 13214 ph. (315) 446-1238 • e-mail: [email protected] League Operations: George Kelly • e-mail:[email protected] www.empirehockey.com Shorthanded Wildcats get boost from Bowen EASTERN CONFERENCE dominated for a team that often has a short GREEN MOUNTAIN GLADES By Neil Becker 87 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 There have been quite a few pleasant bench. ph. 802-878-3100 GM: Dennis Himes surprises recently for the Jersey Wildcats. “Scott has been dominant at draws, e-mail: [email protected] The Wildcats, who are finally getting where he has won between 70 and 80 NEW HAMPSHIRE MONARCHS healthy, have had at one point up to nine percent of them,” Stanlick said. “He’s a big 311 West River Rd. Hooksett, NH 03106 ph. 603-270-1018 fax 603-485-4551 guys out with an assortment of injuries. boy at 6-feet-3-inches and 190 pounds and Head Coach/GM: Ryan Frew To make matters worse, the Wildcats have he has really done well at center.” e-mail: [email protected] had to make do without five of their top six Along with these surprises up front, NEW ENGLAND HUSKIES P.O. Box 405, Middlesex Road ,Tyngsboro, MA 01879 scorers. another highlight for the Wildcats has been ph. 508-561-7657 • Fax 978-649-6122 With so many players injured, Jersey strong team chemistry. Head Coach: Tim Pelletier e-mail: [email protected] struck gold when they signed forward “Our team is so tight and they pull VALLEY JUNIOR WARRIORS Mark Bowen, who scored four points in for each other and are happy to see their 7 Park Ridge Road, Haverhill, MA 01835 his first five games. The second youngest teammates slowly come back into the ph. 978-557-5518 X17 fax 978-557-5519 GM: Andy Heinze • e-mail: [email protected] player on the team, Bowen was described by lineup,” Stanlick said. BAY STATE BREAKERS Jersey co-coach Justin Stanlick as being Sometime right after Christmas, Jersey P.O. Box 150 Rockland, MA 02370 similar in style to star is planning to hold a mini-training camp ph. 781-878-7500 ext. 14 fax 781-792-2950 GM/Head Coach: David McCauley Nicklas Backstrom. to work on things such as breakouts and e-mail: [email protected] “Mark is a terrific skater with great special teams to get ready for the second vision,” Stanlick said. “He is a great half. P.O. Box 2100 Framingham, MA 01703-2100 ph. 508-820-1600 fax 508-820-1643 playmaker and has been getting better “We want to see our special teams get GM/Head Coach: Chris Masters every game.” better and treat the second half like the e-mail: [email protected] Besides Bowen, another huge surprise beginning of a new season,” Stanlick said. BRIDGEWATER BANDITS P.O. Box 336, Bridgewater, MA 02324 came when Scott Mogerley was shifted Most importantly for Jersey is that the ph: 508-279-0600, ext. 111 fax. 508-697-6804 from the wing to center where he has Wildcats are finally back to full health. GM: Todd Stirling e-mail:[email protected] CAPITAL DISTRICT SELECTS MINOR JR. B Revolution hope to get back on track after dip 19 Oakwood Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065 Ph. 518-421-6280; Fax: 518-371-3795 By Neil Becker reaction. We give up some goals and the Owner: Jim Sal! • e-mail: [email protected] www.cdselects.com Defense has been the common theme goalie loses confidence.” SOUTH SHORE KINGS preached by Philadelphia Revolution coach Laux, who has had lots of young talent 10 E. Belcher Rd., Foxboro, MA 02035 James Laux, whose team has had a Jekyll emerge this season, likes what he has ph. 508-698-0505 fax. 508-698-3535 Head Coach: John Gurskis and Hyde start to the season. seen from newcomers Thomas Whiteley, e-mail: [email protected] Coming out of training camp, the very hailing from Florida, and Pavel Sorokin, SALEM ICE DOGS young Philadelphia team started like a who was born in Russia. 2 Buena Vista Ave. Salem, Mass 01970 ph. 978-745-3489 fax 978-744-4439 house on fire as they strung together an “Thomas came in as a scorer but has GM/Head Coach: Mark Latham • e-mail: [email protected] impressive 10-2 start before things began become a more complete player,” Laux SPRINGFIELD PICS going south. said about Whiteley, who has scored 11 39 Hunting Lane, Agawam, MA 01001 ph. 413-786-6063 • Fax 413-786-6820 “Everyone was very accountable in all goals and 23 points in his first 21 games. Head Coach: Patrick Tabb three zones,” Laux said, about a key to the Meanwhile, Sorokin has been producing E-mail: [email protected] team’s fast start. “For the first eight or nine with 10 goals and 25 points in only 20 WESTERN CONFERENCE games, we were weren’t giving up more games. NEW YORK APPLE CORE than three goals.” “Pavel is a competitor who works hard P.O. Box 39, Atlantic Beach, NY 11509 ph. 646-533 -1055 Starting on Oct. 23 against the New and has great offensive skills.” Laux said. Henry Lazar: GM/ Head Coach Apple Core Junior A York Apple Core, the Revolution ran into Also having a successful first half has Eastern Jr. ‘A’ Hockey League CHA Management Group: e-mail: [email protected] • www.applecorejunior.com trouble. After losing that game 3-2, the been veteran John Connolly. As of late BREWSTER BULLDOGS Revs went on to drop seven more in a row. November, Connolly led the team with 10 63 Fields Lane Brewster, NY 10509 “We knew that we had a good team, but goals and 28 points. He has also been great ph. 845-279-2229 ext.10 fax 845-279-7237 Owner: Steve Santini • e-mail: [email protected] didn’t think we would be so successful at as a dressing room leader. JERSEY WILDCATS the start,” Laux said. “With a young team “Everyone has a lot of respect for John,” 845 Berkshire Valley Rd. Wharton, NJ 07885-1525 there are growing pains and sometimes Laux said. “When he speaks, everyone ph. 973-214-1065 fax 973-366-8283 GM: Jim Stanlick • e-mail: [email protected] it’s a little tough to figure out what to do listens to him.” PHILADELPHIA REVOLUTION to get    back on track. It’s been like a chain 1621 Mearns Rd., Warminster, PA 18974 Head Coach: James Laux Ph. 856-524-1080 e-mail: [email protected] JERSEY HITMEN 10 Nevins Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 Head Coach/GM: Toby Harris ph. 973-628-1500 BUFFALO STARS 3465 Broadway Cheektowaga, NY 14227 O"ce: 716-685-1122 fax 716-651-9791 Owner/GM: Peter Preteroti • e-mail: [email protected] FREDERICK FREEZE 308 Cone Branch Drive, Middletown, MD 21769 ph. 301-371-8077 Owner: Mary Russell [email protected] www.frederickfreeze.com MAKSYMUM JUNIOR HOCKEY CLUB 2700 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 ph. 585-426-8488 fax 585-426-5260 GM: Tony Maksymiu • e-mail: [email protected] SYRACUSE STARS 5679 Thompson Rd. So. Dewitt, NY 13214 ph. 315-446-1238 fax 315-446-7363 GM: Don Kirnan • e-mail: [email protected]

POTOMAC PATRIOTS 5180 Dale Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22193 Ph. 703-597-7395 • Fax 703-670-9165 Head Coach/GM: R. J. Zeigler E-mail: [email protected] • www.potomacpatriots.org December 2010 • 23 CONTINENTAL HOCKEY CHA 2010-11 Directory ASSOCIATION www. jrhockey.net Andrew J. “Sarge” Richards - Commissioner 220 Church Ave. Unit 5, Gulfport, MS 39507-1201 228-236-1000 Bulldogs putting together strong season Southernice@m"re.com By Joshua Boyd Santini, a 1993-born forward, was leading The Brewster Bulldogs are doing more than the team in scoring with 10 goals and 25 points NEW YORK APPLE CORE just “hanging in there” as a young squad in the in 15 games. P.O. Box 39, Atlantic Beach, NY 11509 ph. 646-533 -1055 Continental Hockey Association. “Our top three forwards, [Santini], Jack Henry Lazar: GM/ Head Coach Apple Core Junior A : “We are a very young team now, but so far, Barnes and Nick Alexander pretty much Eastern Jr. ‘A’ Hockey League CHA Management Group we’re in fourth place,” said head coach Chris play on the same line for most games,” said e-mail: [email protected] Lombardo. “We didn’t know what to expect Lombardo. “They are all smaller, quick players Head coach: Tom Carroll 917-682-4059 [email protected] from the rest of the teams.” who create a lot of offense with their speed.” www.applecorejunior.com The Bulldogs, originally founded as an The 1994-born Barnes had scored 19 points BAY STATE BREAKERS Empire Jr. B League team in 2003-04, is a new and the 1993-born Alexander scored 17 points P.O. Box 150, Rockland, MA 02370 team in the CHA, but already they put together on the top unit. Taylor Creazzo, a 1993-born Ph. 781-585-2111 x301 • Fax 781-792-2950 an 11-7-1-0 record with 23 points, just one forward, was described as a “good presence, a GM: David McCauley point behind the New York Apple Core (11-7- bigger guy” at forward and one to watch this E-mail: [email protected] • www.jrbreakers.com 1-1) one day before Thanksgiving. season, as well. BOSTON JUNIOR BRUINS Along with the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins (28 It is actually a 1995-born player, Malinowski, 121 Donald Lynch Blvd., Marlboro, MA 01752 points) and Western Conference-leading Metro who has stood out as one of the true leaders of Ph. and Fax 508-820-1600 GM: Mike Anderson Fighting Moose (36 points), the top four in the team. E-mail: [email protected] • www.bostonjuniorbruins.com the conference were looking to solidify their “He’s probably our youngest player, and he BREWSTER BULLDOGS playoff tracks early. The fifth-place Jersey is a leader on the defense,” said Lombardo. “He 63 Fields Lane, Brewster, NY 10509 Wildcats were 5-11-1 on Nov. 24, with a lot of is more of an offensive style player [11 points Ph. 845-279-2229 x10 • Fax 508-820-1600 ground to cover in the next few months. in 16 games] and he is very vocal on the ice, Owner/GM: Steve Santini Lombardo likes what he has seen from his as well. We don’t have a lot of kids who were E-mail: [email protected] • http://brewster.goalline.ca group of players, mostly born between 1993 Tier-1 players growing up, but he’s one who has BUFFALO STARS and 1995, but he admits that they still have a been. He had been on the Bulldogs’ 1995 youth 3465 Broadway, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 ways to go as hockey players. team that was one of the best in the country for Ph. 716-685-1122 • Fax 716-651-9791 “The kids are buying into the team system a number of years. Gm / Owner: Pete Preteroti and are working hard together,” said Lombardo. “He knows how to win, he’s been here since E-mail: [email protected] • www.bu!alostars.com “The skill level might not be as good as some of he was a Mite, and we’re hoping to move him FREDERICK FREEZE the other teams’, and the maturity might not be 308 Cone Branch Dr, Middletown MD 21769 into a major role in the Empire League next Ph. 301-371-8077 there, but the kids are putting the team first.” year,” Lombardo said. Owner: Mary Russell Four of the teams’ losses have come against Another defenseman, 1994-born Daniel E-mail: [email protected] • www.frederickfreeze.com the Jr. Penguins, along with losses to the Boston McMullan, drew praise from Coach JERSEY WILDCATS Jr. Bruins, New England Huskies and New York Lombardo. 845 Berkshire Valley Rd., Wharton, NJ 07885-1525 Apple Core. “He has also been in our building for a Ph. 973-214-1065 • Fax 973-366-8283 Especially the latter three, all third teams while, and he’s one of our leaders, a homegrown Gm /Owner: Jim Stanlick of Eastern Junior Hockey League-anchored product we’re looking to for the future,” E-mail: [email protected]• www.jerseywildcats.com franchises, are loaded with older players trying Lombardo added. MASS MAPLE LEAFS to move on to Division 3 or top club college In net, 1993-born Brad Feldman and 1994- P.O. Box 30314, Acushnet, MA. 02743 programs, while the Bulldogs are meant as a Ph. 508-971-0808 • Fax 508-992-8590 born Benjamin Eddolls give the coaching GM / Owner: Tony DeSilva development team for the Bulldogs’ Empire staff headaches for a good reason – they’ve E-mail: [email protected] • www.massmapleleafs.com League team. That team is itself considered both proven to be solid starters, so it’s tough to a developmental step before playing Jr. A choose between them. METRO FIGHTING MOOSE hockey. “Feldman has emerged as one of our better 31 Fayette Ave., Staten Island , NY10305 “We’ve hit some bumps in the road against guys. He’s just joined, but he’s already 2-1-0- Ph. 347-454-1000 • Fax 718-504-4450 the older teams in the league, with their size, 1,” said Lombardo. “Benjamin, who is 3-0, was GM: Bryan Farrell strength and maturity, but we have good team hurt but just came back [on Nov. 21], so we’ll E-mail: [email protected]• www.metromoose.com speed and so we can counteract with that hopefully get him back going.” NEW ENGLAND JR. HUSKIES speed,” Lombardo said. Knowing of all the tough competition around P.O. Box 405, Tyngsboro, MA As for development, Lombardo reports the league, Lombardo knows nearly every game Ph. 508-561-7657 • Fax 978-649-6122 GM: Paul Jenkins the team has already moved some players to will be a tough battle in the CHA. E-mail: [email protected] • www.jrhuskies.com the Empire League team, so the Bulldogs are “We hope to reach the playoffs, but we’re NEW HAMPSHIRE MONARCHS reaping immediate benefits from their two- realistic in knowing the top end of the league 311 West River Road, Hooksett, NH 03106 tiered system. is pretty strong, it’s kind of another level,” he Ph. 603-270-1018 • Fax (603-485-4551 In future seasons, you may see players such said. “Other than games against teams like Bay GM : Ryan Frew as current CHA Bulldogs leaders Rich Santini, State, the Mass Maple Leafs, the Moose and E-mail: [email protected] Chad Malinowski and Brad Feldman as key Pittsburgh, we’ve been competitive with every PHILADELPHIA JR. BLAZERS contributors to the Empire League Bulldogs. team.” P.O. Box 67, Wagontown, PA 19376 Ph. 610-383-0993 • Cell 484-614-3148 GM / Owner: John Falese E-mail:[email protected] PHILADELPHIA REVOLUTION 1621 Mearns Rd., Warminster, PA 15116 Ph. 215-669-2658 Owner: Phil Pulley E-mail:[email protected] • www.philadelphiarevolution.org PITTSBURGH JUNIOR PENGUINS 1400 Wm. Flynn Hwy., Glenshaw, PA 15116 Ph. 412-486-0594 • Cell 412-969-5177 Owner: Kevin Morrison E-mail: [email protected] • www.juniorpenguins.com

SPRINGFIELD PICS 135 Langevin St., Chicopee, MA. 01020 Ph. 413-210-0176 • Fax. 866-645-7770 Head Coach / Owner: Rob Bonneau E-mail: [email protected] • www.spring"eldjrpics.com SOUTH SHORE KINGS 10 E. Belcher Road, Foxboro, MA 02035 Ph. 508-698-050 • Cell 401-465-1474 • Fax 508-698-3535 GM: Steve Ouellette E-mail: [email protected] • ww.southshorekings.com SUFFOLK JUNIORS 6 Vantage Court, Port Je!erson, NY 11777 Ph. 631-413-8224 • Fax 631-331-2523 GM/Director of Juniors: Ron Kinnear E-mail: [email protected] • www.palicehockey.com POTOMAC PATRIOTS 5180 Dale Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22193 Ph. 703-597-7395 • Fax 703-670-9165 General Manager: R. J. Zeigler E-mail: [email protected] • www.potomacpatriots.org 24 • December 2010 Division 1 Dreams Come True! Two Leagues - One Goal: College Hockey

Jordan Samuels-Thomas Bowling Green State University Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack 2006-2007 (AJHL) Photo Courtesy atlantichockey.org/ajhl.php Bowling Green State University Athletics Dept.

metleague.org

Rocco Carzo - UMass-Amherst Philadelphia Little Flyers 2006-2008 (AJHL) Photo Courtesy Thom Kendall Photography

C.J. Lee - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute New Jersey Rockets 2005-2007 (AJHL) Photo Courtesy RPI/Sara Melikian