[truebluefan]

USHL names players of the week

USHL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Garrett Roe

Indiana

Vienna, Va.

Roe had six points in three games on the weekend as the Ice went 2-1-0. He had a goal on Friday, a goal and two assists Saturday and two goals Sunday. He s 5th overall in scoring. Runner-Up: Andrew Conboy of Omaha (3GP, 2-3-5, 2PPG, 18 SOG, +1)

USHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Nick Petrecki

Omaha

CliftonPark, N.Y.

Petrecki had a goal in each of his three games last weekend, all Omaha wins as they continued their surge in the west. He also added an assist in Sunday s win over Lincoln. Runner-Up: Baylor Dieter of Green Bay (3GP 1-2-3, 4 SOG)

USHL/STAUBER'S GOALCREASE GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Rob Madore

Chicago

Venetia, Pa.

Madore went 1-1-0 on the weekend and picked up his first career shutout in a 3-0 win over Ohio. He stopped 63 of 65 shots (.969 sv%) and had a GAA of just over 1.00. Runner-Up: Drew Palmisano of Omaha (3GP, 3-0-0, 1.95, .941)

 

[truebluefan]

Lancers close out year with fifth straight win

A five-game winning streak has been fashioned by the Lancers to ring out the old year and ring in the new year, after a 6-3 victory over its rivals from Lincoln on New Year's Eve at the Mid America Center. The win vaulted the Lancers from fifth place to third place in the West Division standings and completed a three-game sweep of Des Moines and Lincoln in the final weekend of 2006.

Balanced scoring again was the theme of the night for the Lancers, who got goals from Andrew Conboy, Corey Toy, Jarmo Jokila, Matt Thurber, Mark Olver, and Nick Petrecki.

Conboy opened the scoring in the first period with a power play goal at 5:33, assisted by Robby Dee and Jokila. Conboy's goal was his eighth of the season and his third power play tally.

Toy notched his third goal of the year, and first power play score, converting a pass from Conboy at 15:51 for a 2-0 Lancer lead.

Jokila then scored a shorthanded goal with 52 seconds left in the first period for a 3-0 lead at the first intermission, assisted by Petrecki.

Thurber scored the eventual game-winning goal at 1:42 of the second period, unassisted for a 4-0 Lancer advantage. Thurber's goal was his first of the season.

Olver stretched the lead to 5-0 just over one minute later, converting a feed from Keir Ross at 2:53. The red-lighter was Olver's eighth of the season.

Petrecki scored the final Lancer goal of the night, unassisted at 3:11 of the second period for a 6-0 lead. Petrecki scored his fourth goal of the season and third of the weekend with the effort.

The Lancers then had to withstand a charge from the Stars in the waning moments of the second period and all of the third to claim the win, as Stephen Schultz scored in the second frame, and Danny Baco and Joe Miller converted goals for Lincoln for the final result of 6-3 for the Lancers.

Omaha out shot the Stars by a 35-26 margin for the night, including 18 shots on net in the first period. Each team scored twice on the power play, as the Lancers were 2-for-5 and Lincoln was 2-for-11 with the extra man. The Lancers took 14 penalties for 39 minutes and the Stars were called for eight penalties and 27 minutes in "sin bin" time.

Lancer goalie Drew Palmisano won his fifth straight decision since his arrival from Ohio with a three-goal, 23-save effort. Palmisano ran his record to 6-6-3 overall, 5-0-0 with the Lancers. Starting goaltender Bryan Hogan and backup goalie Jon Morrow (0-4-0) split time in net for the Stars, with Morrow tagged with the loss for giving up the game-winning goal to Matt Thurber in the second period.

The last time the Lancers had a five-game winning streak was in late October and early November, when they claimed wins over Green Bay (twice), Ohio (twice), and Lincoln. At 14-11-2, the Lancers are also three games above .500 for the first time this year.

 

[truebluefan]

USA Today at Storm game Friday

The Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League learned today that USA Today newspaper hockey columnist Kevin Allen will be in Kearney on Friday to watch the Storm host the Waterloo Black Hawks. Friday's game against Waterloo will begin at 7:05 p.m.

Allen, who has been the USA Today's hockey writer since 1986, is currently working on an article that features junior hockey and a majority of that will feature the USHL. Allen's additional stops will be in Lincoln on Jan. 6 and Omaha on Jan. 7.

The Storm is hosting Waterloo in a weekend doubleheader. Both teams will take the ice on Friday and Saturday nights at the FirsTier Event Center. Tickets are available by calling (308) 338-8011.

 

[truebluefan]

Ohio acquires Danny Markowitz from Tri-City

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Junior Blue Jackets acquired Danny Markowitz from the Tri-City Storm in exchange for a third round selection in the 2007 United States Hockey League Draft, General Manager Don Harkins announced today.

"Danny should help us move the puck up the ice better, with his passing and good skating ability," said Harkins. "With Markowitz and Denny Urban (Injured Reserve), our skill level on defense is much improved. We are starting to add depth to our team and that creates competition with players fighting for ice time."

Markowitz (6-0, 175, Jericho, N.Y.) comes to the Junior Blue Jackets after recording 0-1-1 with four penalty minutes in seven games with the Storm this season. He has committed to play collegiate hockey at Dartmouth College in either 2007 or 2008.

He is expected to join the team this week and be available Friday at Des Moines. The Junior Blue Jackets face the Buccaneers Saturday as well, before returning home to host the Tri-City Storm at Nationwide Arena Jan. 13-14.

Ohio Junior Blue Jackets individual game tickets for 2006-07 regular season home games are on sale now at Nationwide Arena, The Chiller Ice Rinks, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers and click here for information on season tickets, mini-plans and group tickets, call (614) 246-PUCK or (800) NHL-COLS.

 

[truebluefan]

Ice open up '07 with division rivalries

THE FRIENDLY CONFINES: Indiana has saved their best hockey for the home crowd this season as they have dominated their opponents in Pepsi Coliseum with a 10-2-0 record. The Ice is currently riding a six-game home winning streak, which is a USHL Ice all-time record.

STILL "ROE"LLIN': Forward Garrett Roe continued his recent dominance with a six-point outburst (4G, 2A) this past weekend. Roe has points in 18 of 24 appearances this season including ten of the last 11 games. His 32 points (14G, 18A) ties him with John Kemp for the team high in points. His two-goal afternoon Sunday at Ohio was also his sixth multiple goal game of his Ice career, tying him with ex-Ice forward Todd McIlrath for most in franchise history.

"AK" OF BLANKS: Goaltender Alex Kangas earned his first shutout of the season with a 25-save performance in a 4-0 win against Waterloo on Friday evening. Kangas has been a steady presence between the pipes this season as he has been forced to turn away an array of shots in each game including three contests with 40+ saves and seven more with 30+ saves. He currently boasts a 2.88 GAA and a .913 save percentage that is ranked first among USHL goaltenders with at least 20 appearances.

THUNDER"KATTS": Eric Kattelus sparked the Indiana offense with three goals over the weekend including the game-winner in overtime against Ohio on Saturday. He opened the weekend with a two-goal outburst in a span of 26 seconds to fuel Indiana to their first win over Waterloo this season pushing his point total to 14 points (7G, 7A), including two game-winning tallies.

RIVALRY WEEK: Indiana rings in the New Year with a week full of East Division clashes with the Chicago Steel and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Indiana and Chicago unite for a home and home series Wednesday and Friday, which is the first two meetings since the Ice's 2-1 victory on opening night. The RoughRiders visit Indianapolis for the first time this season after losing their only previous match-up with the Ice 5-3 in Cedar Rapids (12/1/06).

QUICK FACTS: Indiana is 9-2-0 in games where Jake Skjodt scores....John Kemp has points (3G, 16A) in ten of his last 12 appearances.... Mike Phillippi is riding a five-game assist streak and has points (10A) in eight of his last nine games.... Brian Arrigoni has a team-leading two shorthanded goals this season.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE_________________________SEASON RECORD 13-10-2

Wednesday, Jan. 3 CHICAGO 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 5 at Chicago 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6 CEDAR RAPIDS 7 p.m.

ALL HOME GAMES AT PEPSI COLISEUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

BOTH GAMES WILL BE AIRED ON B2 NETWORKS. GO TO Indiana Ice AND VISIT THE GAME CENTER TO ACCESS AUDIO OR VIDEO FEEDS.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The Ice has a pre-game skate on Wednesday from 10-10:30 a.m. and practices Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m.

 

[truebluefan]

Tony Stewart races into Pepsi Coliseum

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Indiana Ice is proud to announce "Tony Stewart Night", presented by J.D. Byrider this Wednesday (1/3) as the Ice take on the Chicago Steel from Pepsi Coliseum at 7 p.m.

Winner of the 2005 Brickyard 400, Tony Stewart returns to the Indiana Ice bench as an "Honorary Assistant Coach" for the first period of play, where he is 1-0 after a 6-5 overtime win against Sioux Falls last season. After the conclusion of the period, six rows of lucky fans will win a chance to meet the "Rushville Rocket" during an intermission and get autographs and/or a picture.

The evening will start at 6 p.m. with a special pre-game VIP party with the "Columbus Comet" at the Old National Bank Grand Hall. The VIP party with Tony Stewart features a special dinner, autograph session, and a silent auction for special Tony Stewart memorabilia. All proceeds will go to support the Tony Stewart Foundation, a major supporter of local youth-based charities.

The Ice will suit up in special commemorative Tony Stewart/J.D. Byrider jerseys as they do battle with East Division foe Chicago. Throughout the game, fans will have the opportunity to bid for their favorite player's game worn jersey signed by Tony Stewart at Ice merchandise stands.

Tickets for the VIP pre-game party are $75 and include admission to the game. They can be purchased through the Indiana Ice offices by calling (317) 925-4423.

Regular ticket prices are $11 and $15 and can be purchased for Wednesday's game and all home games at all Ticketmaster locations including select Marsh Supermarkets, Karma Records and the Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling 239-5151 or online at ticketmaster.com. Indiana Ice season and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Ice office at 925-4423.

For all the latest Ice information, please visit Indiana Ice.

The Indiana Ice is a member of the United States Hockey League, an elite junior developmental league.

 

[truebluefan]

Stampede Host Sioux City this Friday

The Sioux Falls Stampede return to the Sioux Falls Arena this Friday night when they play host to arch rival and West Division leading Sioux City Musketeers at 7:05 PM. Ticket's for this Friday's game are still available and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office.

Last week, the Stampede earned a weekend split of West Division opponents. On Friday, the Stampede topped the Lincoln Stars 5-1 at the Ice Box. David Solway and Alexei Dostoinov both recorded two goals each while Drew Fisher added a goal and an assist in the win. Max Strang was outstanding between the pipes, stopping 33 of 34 shots to earn his sixth victory of the season. Last night, the Stampede fell to the Tri-City Storm 5-0 in Sioux Falls.

The Stampede are now 11-12-2 on the season and will travel to Lincoln Saturday night after hosting Sioux City on Friday.

MALL GOLF IS COMING!

Back by popular demand "Mall Golf" returns to The Empire Mall for a second year. This special indoor fundraising promotion, created by the Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club in conjunction with the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire, will provide shoppers and visitors at The Empire Mall with a unique opportunity to play miniature golf on weekends from January 19th through February 25th.

MALL GOLF features nine authentic golf holes, each designed and by the area's most prominent home builders. The course will be spread out inside the wings of Macy's, Sears and Lane Bryant.

100% of the golf proceeds will support the Stampede Foundation For Kids benefiting Sanford Children's Hospital, the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire Educational & Scholarship Programs, and Special Olympics South Dakota.

For more information on this special event along with Mall Golf hours and to view details on how to organize your own tournaments, group play and to view holes, visit the Mall Golf website mallgolf.org

DID YOU KNOW???

The Stampede penalty kill ranks third in the USHL at 85.8%.

Corey Tropp's 13-game point streak came to an end last night in the loss to Tri-City. He tied Aaron Palushaj of Des Moines for the longest in the league. Tropp still leads the team in points with 28 and has 10 points (3g, 7a) in his last eight games.

Max Strang is 3-1-0 with a 2.26 GAA and a .920 save percentage in his last four starts.

Drew Fisher has seven points (2g, 5a) in his last eight games. After missing last night's game with an injury, Fisher is expected back into the lineup this weekend.

David Solway has six goals in his last eight games.

FORMER STAMPEDE STARS

LIFT GOPHERS TO TITLE-

Former Stampede stars Alex Goligoski, Mike Vannelli, Jay Barriball and Kellen Briggs played integral roles in leading the Minnesota Golden Gophers to their ninth straight Dodge Holiday Classic championship in Minneapolis this past weekend.

The Gophers topped Alabama-Huntsville 3-1 in the first game of the tournament Friday and Ferris State, 5-2, in the championship game Saturday. Goligoski and Briggs were named to the All-Tournament team with Goligoski being named MVP.

Goligoski recorded three points (1g, 2a) in the championship game, extending his point streak to four games, while Briggs stopped 33 shots to improve to 9-0-2 on the season. With his 76-28-8 career record, Briggs stands in second place on the school career wins list. He needs seven wins to match the Minnesota and WCHA record for career wins, currently held by Adam Hauser (83-50-16 from 1998-2002).

Barriball added a goal and an assist in the win while Vannelli tallied on helper on the night. Barriball has recorded a point in 17 of 21 games this season.

The win pushed the Golden Gophers (17-1-3) unbeaten streak to school record 20 games. The Gophers return to WCHA play this weekend with a home-and-home series against Minnesota State-Mankato.

BITTNER JOINS SERTICH IN IOWA-

Former Stampede forward J.B. Bittner was traded from the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League to the Iowa Stars where he will join another Stampede alum in Marty Sertich. The Iowa Stars are the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's Dallas Stars.

Bittner, 24, played in 30 games for the ECHL Augusta Lynx this season and in two games for Portland. He had 30 points for Augusta, but was held scoreless in his two AHL games this season.

Bittner spent two seasons with the Stampede (1999-2001), registering 97 points (43g, 54a) in 108 career games.

Sertich is currently second on the team in scoring with 25 points (9g, 16a) in 33 games. Fans who may be traveling to the Stampede at Des Moines Buccaneers game on Saturday, February 10th should note that the Iowa Stars will host Grand Rapids on Friday, February 9th in Des Moines.

 

[truebluefan]

RoughRiders Coach's Show Returns Tomorrow Night at 6:00 on AM-1360 The Fan

RoughRiders Coach's Show Returns Tomorrow Night at 6:00 on AM-1360 The Fan
01/02/07 - United States Hockey League (USHL) Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders' Coach's Show with Mark Carlson returns to the airwaves tomorrow night at 6:00PM on AM-1360 The Fan. The half hour show will be broadcast live from Union Station on 16th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids each week.

The coach's show will run through the end of the RoughRiders' regular season.

RoughRiders coach and general manager Mark Carlson and RoughRiders radio broadcaster Brian Lavelle will be joined by Riders players each week on the Coach's Show.

"We are very excited about the fact that AM-1360 The Fan is again the home of not only RoughRiders game action, but also the RoughRiders Coach's Show with Mark Carlson," said RoughRiders Vice President Jim Calpin. "We're also very happy to be able to welcome back Union Station as the site of the Coach's Show."

The Coach's Show will feature RoughRiders merchandise giveaways as well as food specials for fans in attendance at Union Station.

AM-1360 The Fan is in its fourth season as the radio home of the RoughRiders. A Fox Sports Radio affiliate, AM-1360 The Fan carries all RoughRiders regular season and playoff games.

The RoughRiders (15-10-1, 31 points) are currently in second place in the United States Hockey League's East Division, four points behind the division-leading Waterloo Black Hawks.

The Riders return to action with a pair of road games this weekend. The Riders will visit the Green Bay Gamblers Friday evening before traveling to Indianapolis to meet the Indiana Ice Saturday night. The Riders are next in action home on Friday, January 12 when they take on the Chicago Steel at 7:05PM.

Tickets for all RoughRiders home games- including the January 12 contest- can be purchased in person at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena ticket office, over the phone at (319) 261-4625 or on line at Home of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders > Home. The ticket office is open from noon to 5:00PM on weekdays and from noon through the end of the second period on game days, including tomorrow. Ticket prices range from $7 to $17 including a 50-cent facility fee.

 

[truebluefan]

Storm game rescheduled

KEARNEY - The Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League announced today that the Dec. 30 game against Sioux Falls, which was postponed due to extreme winter weather in central Nebraska, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:05 p.m. at the FirsTier Event Center.

All tickets purchased for the Dec. 30 game will be accepted at the Feb. 6 game. Season ticket holders, single game ticket buyers and groups are asked to hold on to the Dec. 30 tickets for entrance into the Feb. 6 game.

For more information call the Storm office at (308) 338-8809 or log on to Storm Hockey - It's Your Team!.

STORM SENDS MARKOWITZ TO OHIO

KEARNEY - The Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League announced today that defenseman Danny Markowitz has been sent to the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2007 draft pick.

Markowitz played in seven games this season for the Storm and registered one assist and four penalty minutes. He is expected to join the Jr. Blue Jackets this week.