Regular-Season Title Still Up For Grabs
Published on March 22, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL) News Release
In what's shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaigns the North American Hockey League (NAHL) has showcased in recent years, three teams are still vying for the right to be crowned regular-season champions heading into the final week.
The Topeka RoadRunners (89 points), St. Louis Bandits (87) and Wenatchee Wild (87) all have their eyes on the prize with only two points separating the clubs in the standings.
Wenatchee's point total might trail Topeka by two, but the Wild has two games in hand over both the RoadRunners and St. Louis. Wenatchee will wrap up its regular season this week with two games apiece against the Alaska Avalanche and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
"Having the best regular-season record in the league is a goal for our team, and we have some work to do this week to achieve that goal," said Wild associate head coach Ryan McKelvie. "More importantly, our focus is on playing our best hockey heading into the playoffs."
The Wild's run to be the NAHL's top team in the regular season won't come easy, as the West Division team plays those four games on the road over a five-day span.
"It should be a good test to see if we can sustain the level of play we'll need in order to be a championship team in the playoffs," said McKelvie. "We've shown some signs of how good we can be, but we've been too inconsistent and we need our top-minute players to start bringing their A-game every night ready to win."
With a 9-1 mark in its last 10 games, the Wild, which earns an automatic bid to May's Robertson Cup Championship Tournament as hosts, realize its going to need its very best from its entire lineup heading into the postseason.
"We've had some guys step up with big games lately, but, as a group, we need all of our top players to be performing this way every game in order for us to have the success we're looking for," said McKelvie.
Topeka, which has finished second overall in the regular season the last two years to St. Louis, want nothing more than to lock up the league title - and with it the South Division title - as it polishes its game for the playoffs.
"Every team in the NAHL starts the season with the goal of winning their division, the regular-season title and the Robertson Cup and our goal is no different," said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer. "We're playing to add those achievements to our team identity. None of them will come easy, though, with the talent level of the teams and coaches this league has."
The RoadRunners have been road warriors down the stretch. They've played 12 of their last 14 games away from Kansas Expocentre, including two last weekend against the Wichita Falls Wildcats (both wins), and head into the final weekend of the regular season with 11-2-1 mark over that span.
"That was huge for us in order to give ourselves a chance to win the South," Langer said of his team's late-season success. "We clearly have work to do heading into the playoffs, but we're on the right track. We're just taking it one game at a time here in Topeka."
The RoadRunners, who have reaped the benefits of forward Erik Higby's offensive exploits - he leads the NAHL in scoring with 78 points on 26 goals - has been getting balanced production across the board, according to Langer, from veterans and first-year players alike.
The RoadRunners will need that to continue this weekend when the Springfield Jr. Blues come to town for a two-game set.
"It's extremely important to be focused not only on the task at hand, but to make sure that all cylinders are firing," said Langer. "We want to finish the regular season on a positive note heading into the playoffs, no matter who our first-round opponent will be.
"Springfield is a very skilled team that you have to play 60 minutes against. We earned the right to control our own destiny, and we get to do it at home."
The Bandits will need some help from Topeka's and Wenatchee's opponents in their hopes of capturing both a South Division and regular-season title, but their focus also is on being at their best come the postseason.
"Winning the regular-season championship would be a great honor for us, but our goal from Day 1 is to win the Robertson Cup," said Bandits assistant coach Rocky Russo. "Finishing first in the South Division would be an excellent way to help position us for that goal, but it won't change our focus if we end the regular season in second place. Both of those objectives are out of our hands at this point."
What three-time defending Robertson Cup champion St. Louis can dictate is its performance this weekend against the Texas Tornado, a team it defeated three times last weekend and which might very well end up being its first-round playoff opponent.
"We preach to our players the importance of spending positive energy on things that we, as a group, can control," said Russo. "Our goal for the week is to win both games against Texas and prepare for our first-round playoff opponent, whoever that may be.
"The boys are playing well as a group and doing the little things necessary to win games," said Russo. "The whole season is a buildup to the playoffs and it's important that we're playing our best hockey at this point of the season."
The Bandits have been getting big-time performances from a number of players down the stretch, namely team captain Jordan Bourgonje, who Russo calls "ones of the best two-way players in the entire NAHL."
Dan Olszewski, a University of Denver (WCHA) recruit, and Division I prospect Craig Kitto have also risen to the occasion, as has the goaltending tandem of Tyler Bruggeman and University of Alabama-Hunstville (CHA)-bound CJ Groh.
"We're looking forward to playing at a playoff-type level," Russo said of his team's upcoming games against the Tornado. "We realize it's possible we can play Texas in the first round and we'll do our best to establish ourselves as the best team.
"Texas (head) coach Tony Curtale does an incredible job of preparing his team, and we expect them to be ready to play."
"It'll be a good weekend to prepare before the playoffs," said Hauge.
STANDINGS/LEADERS
STANDINGS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/standings.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
LEADING SCORERS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
LEADING GOALTENDERS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/goalieleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
GOALS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=g
ASSISTS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=a
PLUS/MINUS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=plusminus
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
SHERWOOD/NAHL NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Steve Brancheau - Motor City Metal Jackets
Motor City forward Steve Brancheau struck for four goals and two assists as the Metal Jackets secured a playoff berth with a two-game sweep over Alpena. On Friday, the River Rouge, Mich., native tallied a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and two assists in a 6-5 triumph. The next night, the 19-year-old connected for two more goals, including the game-winner, as the Metal Jackets downed the IceDiggers, 5-3.
"Steve continues to be a huge part of our success," said Metal Jackets head coach David Cole. "As a first-year NAHL player, he's showed maturity beyond his years and has evolved into a legitimate Division I prospect."
HONORABLE MENTION: Janesville forward Rui Encarnacao; Marquette forward Brent Bain
SHERWOOD/NAHL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dan Olszewski - St. Louis Bandits
St. Louis forward Dan Olszewski put home two goals and three assists as the Bandits skated to a three-game sweep over Texas. On Thursday, the Janesville, Wis., native tallied a goal and an assist in a 5-0 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old notched another goal as the Bandits doubled up the Tornado, 4-2. Olszewski picked up two more assists, including one on Blake Edwards' game-winning goal, in St. Louis' 5-2 triumph on Saturday. The University of Denver (WCHA) recruit was also a plus-4 on the weekend.
"Dan stepped up last weekend and proved he's one of the best forwards in the NAHL," said Bandits assistant coach Rocky Russo. "He's a leader for us and a big part of our success. He'll be an excellent addition to the University of Denver in the fall."
HONORABLE MENTION: Topeka forwards Michael Hill and Cole Schneider; Wichita Falls forward Brandon Stroud and J.T. Osborn
SHERWOOD/NAHL CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jake Sloat - Owatonna Express
In his team's only game of the weekend, Owatonna defenseman Jake Sloat, a 20-year-old from Louisville, Colo., recorded two assists, including one on Charlie Thauwald's game-winning goal, in the Express' 6-4 triumph over Albert Lea on Saturday. The Bowling Green State University (CCHA) recruit was also a plus-2.
"Jake has been one of our leaders all season, both on and off the ice," said Express head coach Pat Cullen. "He 's become a very complete defenseman who we rely on in all situations."
HONORABLE MENTION: Alexandria defenseman Tyler Swanson
SHERWOOD/NAHL WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dajon Mingo - Wenatchee Wild
Wenatchee forward Dajon Mingo connected for two goals and four assists as the Wild skated to a two-game sweep over Kenai River. On Friday, the Canton, Mich., native rang up three assists, including one on Brandon Burrell's game-winning goal, in a 5-3 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old recorded two goals and another assist as the Wild downed the Brown Bears, 6-1. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.
"Dajon was strong on the puck, good defensively, and worked hard to support the puck all over the ice," said Wild associate head coach Ryan McKelvie. "If he can continue to focus on these three areas and improve on them, he'll be a major force for our team in the playoffs."
SHERBROOK/NAHL GOALIE OF THE WEEK: Chris Kamal - Alexandria Blizzard
Alexandria goaltender Chris Kamal backstopped the Blizzard two a two-game sweep over Alaska, turning aside 62 of 65 shots. On Friday, the Alpharetta, Ga., native made 35 saves in a 3-2 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old stopped 27 shots as the Blizzard bested the Avalanche, 5-1.
"We were looking for Chris to step up and he did in a big way," said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. "He made some huge saves on Friday and it was nice to see us give him some scoring support on Saturday after making some key saves early."
HONORABLE MENTION: Janesville's Matt Wichorek; St. Louis' C.J. Groh; Wenatchee's Brandon Jaeger
AROUND THE NAHL
ALASKA AVALANCHE: Forwards Robb Haider (Anchorage) and Blake Huppert (Wasilla, Alaska) each connected for a goal and an assist in the Avs' 3-2 loss to Alexandria on Friday.
ALBERT LEA THUNDER: Forward Anthony Iaquinto (Brighton, Mich.) tallied a pair of goals, including the game-winner, as the Thunder downed North Iowa on Friday, 5-3.
ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD: Defenseman Tyler Swanson (West Fargo, N.D.) scored the game-tying goal on Friday - a 3-2 Blizzard victory - and was a plus-3 on the weekend as Alexandria celebrated two wins over Alaska.
ALPENA ICEDIGGERS: Former IceDiggers goaltender Shawn Hunwick backstopped the University of Michigan (CCHA) to the CCHA Tournament championship and a berth to the NCAA Tournament.
BISMARCK BOBCATS: Forward Tyler Klein (Fargo, N.D.) rang up the game-winning goal and an assist in the Bobcats' 3-2 triumph over North Iowa on Saturday.
FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS: With last weekend off, the Ice Dogs will close the regular season this weekend with a pair of games against Wenatchee beginning on Friday.
JANESVILLE JETS: Forward Rui Encarnacao (White Plains, N.Y), a University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey) recruit, put home a goal and three assists as the Jets went 1-0-1 against Springfield.
KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS: Forward Johan Skinnars (Sweden) notched three goals as the Brown Bears dropped a pair of games to Wenatchee. He has 10 goals in his last eight games.
MARQUETTE RANGERS: Forward Jimmy McCusker (Novi, Mich.) connected for a goal and two assists as the Rangers celebrated a 7-1 victory over Traverse City on Friday.
MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS: With their two-game sweep over Alpena, the Metal Jackets secured the fourth and final playoff berth in the NAHL's North Division.
NORTH IOWA OUTLAWS: Forward Connor Gaarder (Edina, Minn.) came through with two goals and two assists as the Outlaws dropped three games.
OWATONNA EXPRESS: Forward Charlie Thauwald (Rochester, Minn.) connected for the game-winning marker and an assist in the Express' 6-4 victory over Albert Lea on Saturday. He was also a plus-2.
SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES: Forward Trent Frey (River Falls, Wis.), a Mercyhurt College (Atlantic Hockey) recruit, recorded an assist in regulation and scored in the shootout as the Jr. Blues downed Janesville on Friday, 4-3.
ST. LOUIS BANDITS: Goaltender C.J. Groh (Cincinnati), a University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) recruit, backstopped the Bandits to a pair of victories over Texas, turning aside 33 of 35 shots.
TEXAS TORNADO: The NHL's Anaheim Ducks signed free agent defenseman Jake Newton, who played for the Tornado during the 2006-07 season, to a three-year entry-level contract.
TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS: Forward Cole Schneider (Williamsville, N.Y.) put home four goals and an assist as the RoadRunners skated to a two-game sweep over Wichita Falls. "Cole contributed in every way for us and lead the charge both nights," said assistant coach R.J. Enga.
TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS: In the two games he played against Marquette - both Traverse City wins - forward Tim Opie (Troy, Mich.) potted a pair of goals and three assists. He was also a plus-5.
WENATCHEE WILD: Goaltender Brandon Jaeger (Champlin, Minn.) picked up his 20th win of the season after turning back 29 shots in the Wild's 6-1 win over Kenai River on Saturday.
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS: Mike Flanagan has been named the Wildcats' head coach for the 2010-11 season. Flanagan has held the post on an interim basis since January.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, March 23
Motor City @ Janesville, 7:00 pm
Wenatchee @ Alaska, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 24
Motor City @ Janesville, 7:00 pm
Wenatchee @ Alaska, 7:00 pm
Springfield @ Topeka, 7:05 pm
Thursday, March 25
Springfield @ Topeka, 7:05 pm
Traverse City @ Marquette, 7:30 pm
Owatonna @ North Iowa, 7:30 pm
Friday, March 26
Kenai River @ Alaska, 7:00 pm
North Iowa @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm
Texas @ St. Louis, 7:05 pm
Alpena @ Traverse City, 7:05 pm
Albert Lea @ Bismarck, 7:15 pm
Wenatchee @ Fairbanks, 7:30 pm
Janesville @ Marquette, 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 27
Kenai River @ Alaska, 7:00 pm
North Iowa @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm
Traverse City @ Alpena, 7:00 pm
Texas @ St. Louis, 7:05 pm
Albert Lea @ Bismarck, 7:15 pm
Wenatchee @ Fairbanks, 7:30 pm
Janesville @ Marquette, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 28
Alexandria @ Albert Lea, 7:30 pm
END OF REGULAR SEASON
(all times local)
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
ALASKA AVALANCHE
Matt Friese - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) *
Jake Parenteau - University of Minnesota (WCHA)
ALBERT LEA THUNDER
Derek Docken - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA)
Joe Rogers - University of Notre Dame (CCHA)
ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD
Jordan Gidaro - Western Michigan University (CCHA)
Bryce Ravndalen - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Jon Swavely - University of Maine (Hockey East) #
Brett Wall - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
ALPENA ICEDIGGERS
Jay Camper - University of New Hampshire (Hockey East) #
BISMARCK BOBCATS
Ben Danford - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey)
Jason Fabian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Gavin Hartzog - University of Wisconsin (WCHA)
Ryan Jacobson - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) *
Casey Kleisinger - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Tom McCarthy - Merrimack College (Hockey East)
Sam Rendle - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Tony Turgeon - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
Aaron Quick - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS
Michael Juola - Brown University (ECAC)
Jared Larson - University of Minnesota (WCHA)
Jared Linnell - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) *
George Michalke - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Josh Nelson - Minnesota State-Mankato (WCHA)
Mark Pustin - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA)
Mike Taffe - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA)
Zach Tolkinen - Quinnipiac University (ECACHL)
JANESVILLE JETS
Rui Encarnacao - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)
KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS
Andrej Sustr - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
MARQUETTE RANGERS
Kevin Gravel - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Nate Heng - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
Tanner Kero - Michigan Tech University (WCHA)
Garrett Ladd - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Ryan McGrath - Holy Cross (Atlantic Hockey, D1) #
MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS
Brice Geoffrion - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA)
Ryan Misiak - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey ) #
Patrick Sullivan - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey)
OWATONNA EXPRESS
Pat Borer - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
Brian McGinty - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey)
Ben Persian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Cory Thorson - St. Cloud State University (WCHA)
Mike Shibrowski - Colorado College (WCHA)
Jake Sloat - Bowling Green State University (CCHA)
Jake Youso - University of Minnesota (WCHA)
SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES
Jack Callahan - Quinnipiac University (ECAC) #
Randy Cure - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey)
Nick Curry - University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East)
Rob Dongara - Northeastern University (Hockey East) #
Trent Frey - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey)
CJ Groh - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA)
Jared Rickord - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)
ST. LOUIS BANDITS
Conor Allen - University of Massachusetts (Hockey East) #
Garrett Bartus - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)
Clinton Bourbonais - Yale University (ECAC) #
Michael Gunn - Michigan State University (CCHA) #
Joe Kalisz - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA)
David Makowski - University of Denver (WCHA) #
Patrick McCadden - Michigan Tech University (WCHA) #
Daniel Olszewski - University of Denver (WCHA)
Ryan Rashid - Niagara University (CHA, D1) #
Brad Smith - Ohio State University (CCHA)
TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS
Bryon Paulazzo - Miami University (CCHA) #
Kevin Ryan - Niagara University (CHA)
Cole Schneider - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)
Reed Seckel - Northern Michigan University (CCHA) #
TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS
Kelin Ainsworth - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Kyle Jean - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Andy Huff - Ferris State University (CCHA)
David Johnstone - Michigan State University (CCHA) #
Tyler Marble - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Dan Radke - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
WENATCHEE WILD
Kyle Brodie - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Brandon Burrell - St. Cloud State University (WCHA)
Armand De Swardt - Cornell University (ECAC)
Nic Dowd - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Jeff Jubinville - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Adam McKenzie - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Alex McLean - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Shawn Pauly - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) *
Ryan Timar - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Mitch Torrel - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Michael Voran - University of Notre Dame (CCHA) #
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS
Kyle Gallegos - Tufts University (NESCAC)
Zach Ledford - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)
# alumni
* for 2011-12 season
North American Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2010
- Regular-Season Title Still Up For Grabs - NAHL
- Wildcats Fall In A Pair Of High-Octane Thrillers - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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