CHL Colorado Eagles

Colorado Eagles Week In Review

November 16, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


Week in Review

Monday, November 9; Eagles' Annual Military Appreciation Night

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today the details of their annual Military Appreciation Night. For the second year in a row, the team has asked its season ticket holders and corporate partners to donate their tickets to the Veterans Day game at the Budweiser Events Center as the team tries to fill the venue with military members and their families.

In addition to the military ticket donations, the Eagles will again be wearing special military-themed jerseys when they take on the Amarillo Gorillas on Wednesday, Nov. 11. This year's "Meadow Gold Jammin' Jersey" -- which was chosen with the help of kids throughout Eagles Country, will be unveiled that night and on sale at the merchandise counter on the concourse. The game-worn military jerseys will be auctioned off during the team's following home game on Saturday, Nov. 14 (proceeds will benefit Veterans in Northern Colorado).

The game night will again feature several military-centric details such as the "Nostalgia Sings" choir, a collaboration with the AdoptaPlatoon Support Effort (fans can donate items in the main lobby or at Guest Services on Nov. 11, 14 & 15), military-themed intermission events and more. Also, Ovations will sell special beer mugs and refill tokens, along with providing free popcorn to active military members at the Top Dog concession stand.

Tickets for all of this season's home games are on sale now and can be purchased at the Budweiser Events Center box office, www.ComcastTix.com, 1-877-544-TIXX (8499), the Eagles Office in Water Valley or through any ComcastTIX Outlet.

Tuesday, November 10; Help Local Troops Through AdoptaPlatoon

In conjunction with our annual Military Appreciation Night, we've teamed up with the AdoptaPlatoon Support Effort and will be accepting donations for the following three games (Nov. 11, 14, & 15). Items can be dropped off in the main lobby or at Guest Services.

Below are some details about the AdoptaPlatoon Support Effort specific details concerning donated items. We thank you for your help in this great effort!

There are 80 Soldiers (including 8 females), in the Eagles' adopted US Army Platoon that have been deployed from Colorado to Iraq.

The soldiers have generated 220v power and running water most of the time.

You are welcome to send what you wish, but feel free to choose from the suggestions below when considering a care package. Sending theme/holiday boxes always helps to boost morale. We realize times are tough for everyone and all we ask is that you do the best that you can in providing support... knowing that there are people who care is the best morale boost of all!

The soldiers would appreciate:

Snacks: beef /turkey jerky, protein/granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, gum, hard candy, powdered drink mix singles

Toiletries: good disposable razors, shave gel tubes, bar/liquid soaps (moisturizing), shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, eye drops, body lotion, foot powders and other foot care, hand sanitizer wipes, (non-aerosol) insect repellent w/Deet, sunscreen w/high SPF, lip balm w/SPF, Cortisone Cream (anti itch cream), medicated body powder, and plastic clothes hangers used for drying clothes

For their down time they would appreciate: support mail and anything to help keep Soldiers morale up: a variety of current magazines/books, playing cards, board games, dominoes, arts & crafts, AA, AAA batteries, blank CDs, DVDs, All Occasion cards stationery to mail home, any kind of sports balls and surprises

AdoptaPlatoon Support Effort AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort was founded in 1998 and is a volunteer-based, nonprofit (501C-3) organization dedicated to serving deployed United States Servicemen and women, ensuring that they are not forgotten by a grateful nation. AdoptaPlatoon strives to provide a better deployment quality of life by providing cards, letters and care packages to lift the morale of troops as they serve far from home and assist military families. AdoptaPlatoon provides ongoing mail support, creates projects that meet the need of military requests and establishes special projects for holidays to assist deployed troops representing all branches of the U.S. military serving our nation around the world.

Wednesday, November 11; Eagles Veterans Shine on Veterans Day

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles helped military members in Northern Colorado celebrate Veterans Day with a 6-3 win over the Amarillo Gorillas. Wearing special camouflage jerseys in their annual Military Appreciation Night game, the Eagles top line (consisting of Kevin Ulanski and veterans Riley Nelson and Ryan Tobler) powered the way to the team's sixth win.

The Eagles jumped out to a 4-1 lead with a pair of goals on either side of Amarillo's tally midway through the period. Steve Haddon got the scoring started with his fourth goal of the season by snapping a shot past Tuomas Lohtander from between the hashes.

The line of Ulanski, Nelson and Tobler teamed up for their first of three first period goals less than a minute and a half later when Tobler put one into the net from the slot off a feed from Ulanski in the left circle.

Jason Beeman got the Gorillas on the board at 11:47 when he took a rebound kicked out by Mike Mole and used all of his reach to swing the puck past the Eagles goalie as he crashed the crease.

Nelson and Ulanski got that goal back three minutes later on their first of two successive rushes in the second half of the opening stanza. Nelson hit Ulanski with a pass across the top of the circles for the first, and then the two teamed up to weave their way down the ice with passes through the Amarillo defense with 35 seconds left in the period.

The same duo was at it again 5:42 into the second period as Ulanski set up Nelson this time for what would be a record-breaking goal for the Eagles' captain. By chipping in a rebound from the left edge of the crease, Nelson passed Greg Pankewicz for the franchise's all-time goals mark with 208.

Following a major trend of their season, the Gorillas turned up the scoring in the third period with a pair of power-play goals (by Jake Morisette and Gordon Bell), but it wasn't enough as Adam Hogg added a sixth for Colorado.

With the win, the Eagles took the lead in the Northern Conference with 13 points and have the best winning percentage in the CHL at.929. Colorado is also the only team left in the CHL without a regulation loss. They will take on the expansion Allen Americans (6-2-1) on back-to-back nights this weekend (Saturday and Sunday).

Thursday, November 12; Jammin' Jersey Replicas On Sale Now!

For the second consecutive season, the Eagles' annual Meadow Gold Jammin' Jerseys were designed to help honor our military. This year's military-themed jersey (a green camouflage design) was unveiled last night during the team's annual Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day.

Kids throughout Eagles Country helped choose this year's design by voting for their favorite option earlier in the year. For being one of the kids to vote for the winning design, Rory McDonald (age nine) of Fort Collins was chosen at random, and will receive one of the authentic jerseys and six tickets to this Saturday's game against the Allen Americans. He will also get to meet the player whose jersey he receives.

The majority of the game-worn military jerseys from Wednesday night's game will be auctioned off this Saturday with the proceeds benefitting the Honor Flight of Northern Colorado. Honor Flight is part of a national network established to provide free trips for World War II veterans to visit the memorials in Washington D.C. More details are available at HonorFlightNorthernColoado.org.

Replica camo jerseys are on sale now and will be available at the Eagles merchandise stand while supplies last.

Thursday, November 12; Sunday is Service Industry Appreciation Day

The Colorado Eagles announced today that this Sunday' night's game against the Allen Americans will act as Service Industry Appreciation Night. In honor of those in the service industry, the Eagles will be offering discounted tickets -- starting at just $16 -- for Sunday night's game only. Space is limited, so reserve your Service Industry Tickets today!

Tickets for all of this season's home games are on sale now and can be purchased at the Budweiser Events Center box office, www.ComcastTix.com, 1-877-544-TIXX (8499), the Eagles Office in Water Valley or through any ComcastTIX Outlet.

Thursday, November 12; Eagles Make Pair of Roster Moves

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today a pair of roster moves necessitated by the return of two players who began the season on the team's roster. Veteran forward Ed McGrane will return to the lineup after being granted a leave of absence as his wife gave birth to their first child on Tuesday, and defenseman Jim Jackson returns to the team after a brief stint in the Czech Elite League.

To make room on the roster, the Eagles waived recently-signed forward Jason Deleurme and defenseman Kurtis Dulle who was acquired in a trade with Rio Grande Valley after Jackson's departure.

"Decisions like this one are always hard when you have so many quality people and quality players," said team president & general manager Chris Stewart, "but the realities of the CHL roster and salary cap necessitate tough decisions. We wish Jason and Kurtis the best of luck, and at the same time, we're thrilled to have Jim back as a member of the Colorado Eagles.

"We all know what Ed McGrane brings to our lineup and we were more than happy to allow him a leave of absence while his first child was born. We have always believed that Jim Jackson can be a top defenseman in this league and we welcome him back to our lineup."

Friday, November 13; 2009 Holiday Card Coloring Contest

Hey Kids!

This Monday, November 16th is the last day to enter your drawing for a chance to design the Eagles' holiday card this season! Download the entry form, color it in, fill in your contact information and send it back to us (at the address below) by Monday Nov. 16th. You can also drop if off at Guest Services this weekend at one of our two games on Saturday or Sunday.

The winner will be notified by email and announced on our Web site on November 30th.

Good Luck!

Saturday, November 14; Eagles' Holiday Store Opens Monday

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today that their annual holiday store in Fort Collins' Foothills Mall will open Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Fans can find the team's full line of merchandise along with clearance items, novelty items and special team-used gear! The store will remain open through the holiday season, with the last day of business being Dec. 31, 2009.

Several sales and appearances (see schedule below) will be taking place throughout the holiday season, so be sure to stop by and let the Eagles help you give your loved ones the gift of hockey this year.

The store will again be located across from Lady Foot Locker and Payless ShoeSource (in zone A ). Click here to see the Foothills Mall's special holiday hours.

Scheduled Appearances*: Sunday, Nov. 22; Noon-1 p.m. - Player Autograph Signings (Riley Nelson & Aaron Schneekloth) Saturday, Nov. 28; Noon-1 p.m. - Pioneer Press Colorado Eagles Chicks Saturday, Dec. 5; Noon-1 p.m. - Pioneer Press Colorado Eagles Chicks Saturday, Dec. 12; Noon-1 p.m. - Player Autograph Signings (Players TBD) Sunday, Dec. 13; Noon-1 p.m. - Slapshot Sunday, Dec. 20; Noon-1 p.m. - Player Autograph Signings (Riley Nelson & Andrew Penner) & Slapshot

* - Players and times subject to change

Saturday, November 14; Eagles Top Americans, 3-2, in First of Back-to-Backs

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles defeated the expansion Allen Americans, 3-2, in a hard-fought game that saw the Eagles remain undefeated in regulation this year (7-0-1). Colorado's second line of Brett Lutes, Ed McGrane and Ryan McLeod carried the majority scoring for the home team, while Andrew Penner moved past Ryan Bach and Tyler Weiman on the team's all-time wins list (34).

The first period saw a lot of back-and-forth action with the Americans taking a late lead with the period's only goal at 17:20. Bruce Graham picked up a rebound from Jordie Benn 's point shot and rung a shot of his own off the right post and in.

The Eagles came out with a stronger effort in the second period -- outshooting the Americans 18-7 -- and cashed in with a pair of goals. Allen, however made it 2-0 at 12:54 when Bill Loupee and Nino Musitelli successfully converted a mini 2-on-1 rush.

But Colorado answered right back just over a minute later when McLeod found Lutes for his first goal as an Eagle. Lutes one-timed a rocket of a shot from above the left circle into the top left corner behind Chris Whitley.

Then at 15:44, Felipe Larranaga tied the game up after grabbing the puck in the defensive zone and finishing the play at the other end of the ice. McGrane sent a pass from the left point to Lutes at the right hashes, before the winger found Larranaga crashing the left side of the crease for a tap in on the tic-tac-toe play.

Lutes and McGrane teamed up again at 9:02 of the final frame to score the game-winner. Lutes sent a backhand, saucer pass from along the benches into open ice in the middle of the neutral zone, and McGrane picked up the puck with a full head of steam. Both Allen defenders fell down, leaving the veteran forward on a breakaway and he slipped a backhander 5-hole for the winning tally.

The two teams will meet again Sunday night (7:05). The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports & Entertainment.

Sunday, November 15; Allen Tops Colorado, 5-3, in Weekend Split

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Allen Americans earned a split of their weekend series against the Colorado Eagles with a 5-3 victory. Bruce Graham (four points) and Justin Bowers (three points) carried the offensive load for the expansion club and Chris Whitley stopped 23 of 26 shots in net, although he was rarely tested seriously.

The first half of the opening period was tightly played before the two teams combined for five goals in the final 10:05. Riley Nelson got the first goal after Kevin Ulanski 's shot from the point banged off an Allen player and then Nelson before ending up behind the Allen goalkeeper.

Americans' Captain Jerret Lukin got that goal back with a power-play marker from between the hashes. The puck ended up on his stick in the high slot and he calmly walked in -- while Adam Hogg sprawled to the ice to take away the low shot -- before beating Mike Mole high on the glove side at 12:43.

Colorado regained the lead with a pair of power-play goals by Ed McGrane and Kevin Ulanski 40 seconds apart about four minutes later. But Allen cut the Eagles' lead to 3-2 at 18:41 when Ryan Fairbarn beat Mole high on the glove side from the high slot again.

The Americans dominated the second period, out-shooting the Eagles 12-5 (Colorado didn't register their first shot on goal until 10 minutes had passed) and scoring the lone goal. Bowers tied the game at 3 with Allen's second power-play goal of the game when Graham found him with a back door pass from low in the right circle.

Colorado appeared to turn to the tables in the third as Allen didn't register their first shot of the period until eight minutes in -- even with the advantage of two full power plays. But the Americans got the game-winner at 15:58 with a pair of quick passes off the left wing boards to Tobias Whelan stationed on the doorstep.

Graham added an empty-netter on the power play (Allen's third of the period) to account for the 5-3 final score and the split of back-to-back games. Colorado will play its next three games against the Rapid City Rush, with the next two on the road (Tuesday and Friday).

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, November 17 & Friday, November 20; Eagles Travel to Rapid City For First of Three Games Against Rush Colorado will head to Rapid City for their second road trip of the year as they take on the Rush Tuesday and Friday. The Eagles took last season's series 9-3-0 and won this season's only previous contest against the second-year franchise. The Rush enter the week 5-5-1 (11 points), good for fourth place in the Northern Conferece. The Eagles went 3-3 in Rapid City last year, with one win coming via shootout.

Saturday, November 21; Rush Come to Loveland for Second Half of Home-And-Home Weekend Series The Eagles will play the Rush for the third time in five days when their Northern Conference rival comes to the Budweiser Events Center for the second half of a home-and-home set. All-time, Colorado is 7-0-0 against the Rush at home, with three of those wins being decided by just a single goal.

Notable Numbers

TWO OF A KIND - Riley Nelson (82 points) and Kevin Ulanski (83 points) put up incredibly similar numbers across the board last season, and the two are at it again in 2009-10. Through nine games, the first line forwards are tied for third place in the league's scoring race with 20 points and tied for seventh with a +8 plus/minus rating. Both have two power-play goals and three power-play assists, along with a short-handed point.

HOT STARTS - Colorado went nearly a full month between losses (Oct. 16-Nov. 15). After dropping the season-opener to the champion Texas Brahmas in overtime, the Eagles won seven straight before the Americans won the second game of the weekend set to hand Colorado it's first regulation loss of the year. Colorado's first loss last season also came in the second game of a back-to-back set in Mississippi after eight wins to open the season.

WINNING WAYS - The Americans 5-3 victory on Sunday was Colorado's first regulation loss of the year. It prevented them from tying the third-longest winning streak in team history at eight games. Colorado also won eight in a row to start last season (10/17/08-10/31/08) and from 1/7/09-1/24/09. The franchise's longest winning streak is 15 games (12/2/06-1/9/07).

RAPID CITY RYAN - Eagles forward Ryan Tobler is the team's all-time leading scorer against the Rapid City Rush. He led the series last season with 20 points (8-12-20) in 12 games and added a pair of assists in this season's previous meeting with the Rush. However, only six of his 20 points against the Rush last year came in Rapid City.

NET TOTALS - With his 34th win as an Eagle Saturday night, Andrew Penner moved out of a tie for third place on the franchise's all-time wins list with Tyler Weiman and Ryan Bach. He trails only Marco Emond (41) and Paulo Colaiacovo (43) after little more than a single season in net for the Eagles. Penner reached 34 wins in just 46 starts and his career.915 SV% ranks third on the team's list of goalies with at least 32 starts. His 2.68 GAA ranks fourth.

Check out the Colorado Eagles Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2009


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