Gamblers Weekly
Published on December 21, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Green Bay Gamblers News Release
Gamblers vs. Phantoms...
The Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Green Bay Gamblers 5-3 on Friday night at the Resch Center. The Gamblers are now 5-3-1 this season in games played at the Resch Center.
Hometown boy Ryan Belonger scored the game winning goal and added an assist for the Youngstown Phantoms.
Scoring for the Gamblers were forwards Grigory Dikushin, Sam Herr and Sheldon Dries. Ryan McKay suffers his second loss of the season with 26 saves on 31 saves
Gamblers vs. Stars...
The Green Bay Gamblers defeated the Lincoln Stars in overtime 3-2 on Saturday's 3rd annual Warm Hearts for Warm Hands Mitten Toss presented by Fox Communities Credit Union. 3,777 fans were on hand to toss a record setting number of 1,238 mittens.
Michael Rotolo was a great in only his second start in net with an impressive 37 saves on 39 shots on goal. The Green Bay netminder is 2-0 on the season.
Forward Sam Herr put the Gamblers on the board by scoring first from a behind the net with the assist from forward Nick Schmaltz.
Forward Alex Kile scored his fifth goal of the season from a center pass created by forward Nicholas Schilkey to put the Gamblers up 2-0 by the end of the first period.
Jordan Schmaltz scored the game winning goal in overtime to give the Gamblers the victory. The goal marked the defenseman's third goal with the team this season.
Team News...
3rd Annual Warm Hearts for Warm Hands Mitten Toss A Success...
On Saturday night (12/17) the Green Bay Gamblers collected a record 1,238 pairs of mittens and gloves in the 3rd Annual Warm Hearts for Warm Hands Mitten Toss presented by Fox Communities Credit Union. The 3,777 fans in attendance tossed the mittens on the ice when veteran forward Sam Herr tallied the Gamblers first goal. All mittens collected were given to Green Bay elementary schools. In three years hosting the Warm Hearts for Warm Hands Mitten Toss the Gamblers and Fox Communities credit Union have collected over 3,200 mittens for the community.
"We were thrilled at the number of mittens that were collected. We thank our fans and our friends at Fox Communities Credit Union and we look forward to teaming up with FCCU in 2012 for the 4th Annual Mitten Toss" says Gamblers Director of Business Jeff Mitchell.
Jordan Schmaltz...
Written By: Kevin Baumer
Article can be found at hockeyprospect.com
In what could be one of the strongest draft years for defenseman in recent memory, every prospect is hoping to stand out.
Jordan Schmaltz, 18, of the Green Bay Gamblers knows that his meal ticket is as a premier offensive defenseman.
"I'm more of a puck-mover," Schmaltz says. "I make a good first pass out of the zone and I jump up into the play. I just try to make reads and distribute the puck. I describe myself as more of a quarterback than a guy with a heavy shot. That's not saying I don't think I have a good shot, I think I have a pretty good shot, but I'm more of a guy that likes to distribute the puck."
The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Schmaltz led all USHL blueliners in scoring as a rookie last season with 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 53 games. He's off to another strong start this year with five goals and six assists in 19 games.
"Jordan's biggest attribute is his transition play," Gamblers coach Derek Lalonde says. "His poise, his ability to move the puck and manage and control the game from a transition standpoint. His offensive instincts are unbelievable. He knows when to jump in, his feel is great. That's why he's produced so much offensively over the last couple years. His instincts are remarkable."
Schmaltz's offensive ability is a known commodity around the USHL and it was why Lalonde was willing to ship the hefty package of forward David Goodwin, defensemen Andy Ryan and Dan Molenaar and affiliate list forward Jacob Montgomery to Sioux City for Schmaltz in an early November blockbuster trade.
"It just really solidified our top-four," Lalonde says. "It gave us four very good puck-moving defensemen. The puck spends very little time in our zone now, when you can roll those types of D-men out as often as we do. Since the trade we are 12-0-1. I understand you have to give up a lot to get a lot, but he's been kind of a missing piece of the puzzle for us."
Schmaltz has fit like a glove for the Gamblers on the ice, but he's also assimilated quickly with his new teammates.
"It's been great so far," Schmaltz says. "Both teams benefitted from the trade; you always like to see that. Sioux City was a great organization and I loved all the guys there, but I think they understood. Once I got to Green Bay I was excited and it's been nothing but an unbelievable experience so far. I've really enjoyed my time here."
"He's been great as a teammate and a great fit in the locker room," Lalonde says. "It really helps that we have three Chicago-area kids that he played Mission hockey with. So the transition has been very easy. He's fit in and I think he appreciates that we have a good culture here, we expect to win. He's just come in and done his part, played his role, and we've been very successful since we acquired him."
The trade could have been an unwelcome disruption during what can be a stressful year for draft-eligible players, but Schmaltz has performed admirably since coming over from the Musketeers and thinks the best is yet to come.
"You have to get used to how guys play, especially on the power play, what guys like to do and their habits," he says. "It's always tough coming to a new team, but the last few games here I think I've been playing really well and it's starting to click a little bit. I think it's only going to get better from here."
HP's Mark Edwards says that Schmaltz skating is what makes him special. He is able to create time and space for himself because of those feet. I hate making comparisons, but skating wise, he reminded me a little of Scott Niedermayer. Jordan says he models his game after two other emerging stars.
"Drew Doughty and John Carlson are guys I look up to," Schmaltz says. "Not only do they take care of their own end, they chip in on the offensive zone and they bring great power play qualities to their teams as well."
The slick-skating Schmaltz has been a ballyhooed prospect for some time "" he first made a non-binding commitment to the University of Wisconsin when he was just 14-years-old. But his plans changed when coach Mark Osiecki moved to Ohio State.
Schmaltz is set on honoring his new commitment to the University of North Dakota, which has produced NHL stars Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews in recent years, despite being at the center of a tug-of-war between the Canadian junior leagues and collegiate hockey.
In October the Windsor Spitfires went public with their recruitment of the heralded prospect. Schmaltz can't help being in high demand, but all he's worried about is fulfilling a life-long dream of attending college and following his family's legacy.
"I've always wanted to go to college," he says. "My Dad went to North Dakota, my two uncles, they all played football there. They're actually all from there too. I think it's a no-brainer to go to North Dakota. I still want to go the college route and I think ultimately it will make me the best player I can be."
Like many offensive-minded defensemen, Schmaltz played much of his young life as a forward. His experience on the attack is what makes him a lethal weapon from the blueline now, but Schmaltz recognizes that his defensive game has room for improvement.
"[I need to work on] continually getting stronger," Schmaltz says. "Improving physically, especially in front of the net and things like that. Just trying to solidify that part of my game is what's going to help me at the next level and hopefully eventually as a pro."
Schmaltz believes he's made big strides in his own end over the course of the last year and has full confidence that Lalonde and the staff at North Dakota will help him continue to grow as a defensive player.
"Last year with coach Luke Strand at Sioux City I think I got a lot better defensively and I think I'm continually getting better at that," Schmaltz says. "Little things like net positioning and boxing guys out in front of the net, I think I'm just getting a lot better at."
Schmaltz's play in his own zone may be a work in progress, but his offensive ability might be enough to secure him a place high in the first round of June's entry draft. But for now, Schmaltz is focused on improving on a daily basis and he isn't worried about what the future holds.
"I try not to get caught up in all the draft talk and where you're going to be selected," he says. "I just try to continually get better and play my game and show people what I've got. I think that will take care of itself.
"I'm a pretty easy going guy. I don't really think about it. I don't get too rattled, if I have a bad game I just try to regroup and do what I do best."
Roster Moves...
The Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have acquired forward Matthew Weis in a trade from the Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Wies played the 2009-10 season with the Jersey Hitman of the Empire Junior Hockey League. In 31 games, Wies tallied 17 goals 22 assists. The Madison, New Jersey native has played 25 games for the Ice Rays this season scoring 4 goals and 14 assists.
The Gamblers also added forward Ryan Siroky off the team's affiliate list during the holiday break to replace Grigory Dikushin. Dikushin will be representing Russia in the U17 World Junior Challenge in the upcoming week. Siroky is currently playing for LA Selects Midget Minor team. TheManhattan Beach,California native ranks third in scoring in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. In 27 games, Siroky has compiled 35 points (14 goals and 21 assists).
USHL Report...
Holiday High Note...
The Youngstown Phantoms picked up a pair of road victories over the weekend to head into the holiday break riding a four-game winning streak. It equals their longest win streak of the season thus far and it moved them into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference. While the Phantoms own the most victories in the USHL on home ice this season (9), three of their wins during the streak have come on the road. They knocked off the USHL's hottest team, the Green Bay Gamblers, with a 5-3 victory on Friday. It was the first regulation loss for Green Bay since November 4th, as they amassed a 12-0-1 record over that span. Ryan Belonger had a memorable homecoming as the Phantoms forward and Green Bay native scored the game-winner on Friday. Alex Gacek scored a goal in both weekend victories, including the game-winner in Saturday's 7-4 win against Des Moines. Goaltender Matthew O'Connor has been in goal for each of the last three wins, stopping 83 total shots, and is tied for the lead among USHL netminders with 13 victories this season.
A Home Force...
The Fargo Force equaled a season high in goals during a 7-1 victory vs. Omaha on Friday, including four goals in the third period alone. It was the fourth straight home win for the Force and second time during that stretch they have scored seven goals in a game. Nate Arentz scored two goals, including the game-winner. Austin Farley had a four-point night, the fourth time in the last five games he has recorded three-or-more points. Bryn Chyzyk added a goal to give him five tallies over the last four games. Goaltender Zane Gothberg earned his third straight win on Friday stopping 18 shots. He narrowly missed a shutout whenOmaha scored on a penalty shot with just 26 seconds remaining in the third period.
Saints Doing Their Homework...
The Dubuque Fighting Saints earned a pair of home wins over the weekend which extended their winning streak on home ice to eight games. They have not lost in Dubuque since opening night on October 1st. Tyler Lundey scored two goals, including the game-winner, in Friday's 5-4 defeat of Lincoln. He is now tied for the USHL lead with four game-winning goals this season. Eric Freschi scored two goals, including the game-winner, in Saturday's 5-1 victory over Waterloo. He scored three goals over the weekend. Zemgus Girgensons had multi-point efforts in both wins, including two goals on Saturday. Seeing his first game action since late October because of injury, goaltender Matt Morris earned wins in both contests making a combined 43 saves.
Trio for Team USA...
In a span of three days, the Under-17 and Under-18 squads combined for three victories in USHL play. Tyler Motte scored two goals and Anthony Louis netted the game-winner as the Under-17 team defeated Cedar Rapids 4-1 on Thursday. Both players have now scored eight goals this season to lead Team USA. Michael McCarron scored two goals in Saturday's 4-1 win over Cedar Rapids, his first two USHL goals. Goaltender Hunter Miska made a combined 35 saves to earn the victory in both contests. He has won four of his last five starts. Also on Saturday, Riley Barber scored the game-winner with just 37 seconds remaining in the third period to give the Under-18 squad a 3-2 win againstMuskegon.
Ice Milestones...
It was a night of milestones for the Indiana Ice on Saturday during their 6-2 win vs. Chicago. Tyler Pham scored his first USHL goal, which proved to be the game-winner, while Daniil Tarasov scored his 52nd USHL career goal, the most ever by an Indiana Ice player. Goaltender Jon Gillies made 31 saves for his 13th win of the year which is tied for the most among USHL netminders.
Goal Leader...
Lincoln Stars forward Kevin Roy scored a pair of goals in Friday's 5-4 loss toDubuque giving him a total of 20 goals this season, the first USHL player to reach that mark. He has scored six goals over his last six games.
Better Late Than Never...
Trailing 2-1 late in the game on Sunday, the Muskegon Lumberjacks appeared to be headed to their fourth straight loss, but with the goaltender pulled in favor of the extra attacker, Mike McNicholas scored the tying goal with just 21 seconds remaining in the third period to force overtime. The extra session didn't last long as Max Shuart completed the dramatic comeback by scoring the winning goal just 16 seconds into overtime. It was the first game for the Lumberjacks this season to have gone past regulation, the last team in the USHL to have done so.
Top of the West...
The Omaha Lancers earned a 5-2 win on Saturday vs. Sioux Falls to pull into a tie for first place in the Western Conference with the Lincoln Stars. It was the eighth home win of the season for the Lancers, the second most in the USHL. They scored three power play goals to improve their conversion rate to 22% on home ice, the second best power play unit at home in the USHL. Jonathan Liau scored two goals, including the game-winner, while Greg Gozzo scored his fourth goal over the last four games. Defenseman Kenney Morrison added a goal, his third over the last four games.
Good Things That Came to an End...
Saturday saw the end of a pair of impressive point streaks in the USHL. Sioux City Musketeers forward Brad Robbins had scored two goals, including the game-winner, in Friday's 3-2 win vs. Sioux Falls to extend his point streak to 14 games, but did not score in Saturday's loss to Tri-City. Green Bay Gamblers forward Nolan LaPorte was held scoreless in Saturday's 3-2 overtime againstLincoln, ending his point streak at 13 games. Both Robbins (10g, 10a) and LaPorte (8g, 12) tallied 20 points during their respective streaks.
Notes...
Goaltender Jay Williams stopped all 30 shots he faced for the Waterloo Black Hawks in Friday's 2-0 win against Des Moines to record his first shutout of the season...Kenny Brooks scored the game-winner for the Tri-City Storm in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Sioux City. It was his fourth goal over the last three games...The first USHL goal for Jack Rowe was the game-winner for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the 2-1 victory vs. Team USA on Friday...Chicago Steel forward Michael Vilardo scored the lone goal in the shootout of the 3-2 win vs. Indiana on Friday. He followed up with a goal in Saturday's loss to the Ice...Forward Brian Moore and defenseman Joseph Lordo both scored their first goal of the season for the Sioux Falls Stampede in Friday's 3-2 loss toSioux City.
Alumni Report...
College Report...
Reed Seckel scored for Northern Michigan on Friday night in a 4-1 victory over the Michigan Tech Husikies. Seckel played two seasons with the Gamblers and currently ranks 4th all-time in career assists in franchise history (72).
Jean Paul LaFontaine and William Rupuzzi scored for thier respective teams on Saturday night in a 6-2 vicotry for Colorado College over Minnesota State. LaFontaine scored in the first period for Minnesota State, and Rupuzzi scored the empty net goal for Colorado College. As a freshman, LaFontaine leads Minnesota State with 10 goals and 7 assists.
Nick Jensen recorded a hat trick for St. Cloud State in a 5-1 victory over Denver. Jensen scored three of the first four goals in the contest including the GWG in the first period. Jensen played two seasons for the Gamblers and was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. The Rogers, Minnesota native has scored 4 goals and 10 assists this season.
Chris Crane ranks 2nd in the CCHA in scoring with 15 points this season. The Sophomore is currently playing with Ohio State and has compiled 9 goals and 6 assists. Crane has been a staple on the Buckeye's powerplay scoring 4 goals this season with the man advantage.
Ludwig Karlsson is quietly having a strong season for Northeastern. As a freshman, Karlsson has played in 14 games this season netting 6 goals and added 8 assists. The Sweeden native ranks 2nd on this season's Northeastern squad.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2011
- Gamblers Weekly - Green Bay Gamblers
- National Team Development Program Weekly Update - U.S. National Team
- 2012 U.S. National Under-17 Team World U17 Challenge Roster Announced - U.S. National Team
- Whitmore Makes "The Show" - Waterloo Black Hawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
