Sports stats



CHL Colorado Eagles

Colorado Eagles Week in Review

October 18, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


Tuesday, October 12; CHL-TV Debuts New Season of LIVE Online Coverage with Digital Media Partner NeuLion

(LEAGUE RELEASE - TEMPE, AZ (October 12, 2010)) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) and NeuLion, Inc. (TSX:NLN), an end-to-end IPTV service provider of live and on-demand entertainment and sports programming, today announced the return of CHL-TV for the 2010-2011 hockey season delivering online coverage of CHL games.

CHL-TV gives fans broad access to live and archive games, video-on-demand and CHL highlights. The modernized video console grants hockey fans an opportunity to tune into their favorite team with a simple Internet connection and watch the action anywhere at any time. New this year, CHL-TV will feature an updated look and feel, including a game status indicator, and will offer integrated team level branding and HD support.

Powered by NeuLion technology, CHL-TV provides coverage of all 18 teams in the CHL and will air nearly 600 games throughout the regular season, which begins Friday, October 15, 2010. This exclusive service is the only way fans can watch live CHL games online, where the viewing experience expands the reach of the Central Hockey League, its teams and its players to a global audience.

"We are very excited for the new season and a big part of that excitement is CHL-TV," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "Fans were treated in CHL-TVs first season to a quality online viewing experience and with the full integration of NeuLions vast capabilities in this area, we are confident fans will have an even more enjoyable experience this season in following the fast-paced action of the CHL."

Individual CHL games are currently available for viewing at $7.00 per game, or fans can purchase a variety of multi-game packages at varying prices. The CHL and NeuLion have introduced new packages and pricing for the upcoming season in order to provide fans with more options and convenience. All prices in US dollars:

- Single Games $7.00

- Archive Games $4.00

- Team Home and Away Pass $197.00 - A new package for all live and archive games, for one team, for the entire season.

- Team Away Pass $97.00

- All Access Pass $297.00 - Provides live and archived games, for all 18 teams, all season long!

Dont miss the Early Bird Pricing available through October 15, 2010. All 2011 CHL Playoff games and the race for the CHL Championship will also be available through CHL-TV.

Visit http://chl.neulion.com/chltv/ to check it out today!

Wednesday, October 13; Beer Mug/Token Specials Are Back & Better Than Ever!

Eagles Fans,

The special edition beer mug/tokens introduced last season for Eagles games are back and better than before! Instead of being available just on theme nights, the mugs will be available for every Eagles game (while supplies last). For $9, fans can purchase a special beer mug at either the Water Valley Tap (behind Section M) or the Executive Club & Restaurant on the suite level. Those special edition mugs can then be re-filled with coinciding tokens for just $5, offering a great value!

Must be 21 years or older. Please drink responsibly. For more information, please contact Ovations Food Services at the Budweiser Events Center.

Wednesday, October 13; PVHS Player Profile: Riley Nelson

With so many new faces on the Eagles roster this season, we want to help you get to know the players that make up the team. Each week throughout the season, Poudre Valley Health System will be bringing you a player profile, introducing each member of your Recharged Eagles.

Each player will answer a series of questions, and their responses can be found at several different places. If the team is playing at home that week, several of the player's answers will be shown during the game(s) at the Budweiser Events Center. Some of their answers can be heard during each game broadcast on 107.9 The Bear. And due to time constraints during the game & broadcast, all of their responses will be available at www.ColoradoEagles.com.

This week, we're starting with a familiar face...team captain, Riley Nelson. Find out his favorite hockey player, favorite movie, why he wears #12 and more.

If you'd like to submit a question for any of the Eagles players, send an email to jpuma@coloradoeagles.com and be sure to mention which player you'd like your question directed toward (not all questions received will be asked).

The Eagles open the 2010-11 season with a home series against the Arizona Sundogs on Oct. 15 & 16. Individual tickets for all Eagles home games can be purchased by visiting the Budweiser Events Center box office, calling 1-877-544-TIXX (8499) or online at www.ComcastTix.com. Special group rates are also available by calling the Eagles' office at 970-686-SHOT (7468).

About PVHS

Poudre Valley Health System is the official health care provider of the Colorado Eagles. When you need health care, PVHS is here for you. To learn more about PVHS, click here.

Thursday, October 14; Eagles, Jackalopes Issue Joint Letter

Dear Fans,

On the behalf of the Central Hockey League, both the Odessa Jackalopes and Colorado Eagles would like to say Thank You for attending last Saturday nights game at the BEC. It was unfortunate the way this event unfolded. Regretfully, the emotions became very elevated during our preseason contest and an outstanding player was injured. While we cannot change the past, we can only more forward and learn from this incident. From the front office, to the coaches, to the players, the game of hockey has always been a physical, emotional, and passionate sport for all of us. We are happy to announce that the money from the fines that were collected by the CHL from both organizations will be donated to the fight against breast cancer that the Eagles were supporting during that Saturday night game.

Odessa Jackalopes co-owner, Rick Gasser, was the one who made the decision for the Odessa players to leave the ice and forfeit the contest. Not head coach Paul Gillis. Rick and the Jackalopes organization apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused to the passionate fans of Northern Colorado . The Jackalopes want to thank the staff at the Budweiser Events Center for handling Saturday's events and getting Dave Van Drunen to the hospital carefully and quickly. The treatment he, and all of us, received by the staff at the Rocky Mountain Medical Center was first class. Dave is at home with his wife and children, he is in good spirits, and he is looking forward to returning to the ice this season. The Jackalopes would also like to thank the Eagles fans that took the time to send their well wishes to Dave, his family, and the Jackalopes organization.

"I want the Eagles and the Jackalopes to move forward and prepare for our seasons. We look forward to coming back to the BEC December 9th and 10th to showcase our hockey team in front of your sold out building. Please do not let the emotions of one night keep anyone away from our game also continue to support the Eagles and the Jackalopes this season. Thank you to the Eagles for their hospitality during training camp." - Rick Gasser

The Eagles have worked hard since their inception to develop a culture of professional, entertaining, and winning hockey. The Eagles would like thank the Odessa Jackalopes for their understanding, and their work to move on from this situation to the start of the new season. For the players of every team, preseason games are a chance to make an impression and earn jobs playing professional hockey. Unfortunately on Saturday, the physicality and emotion of making those impressions took a turn that no one could have predicted. Once again the Colorado Eagles wish Dave Van Drunen a full recovery.

"Rick is the exact DNA of an owner that loves and protects his players just as we love and protect our Colorado Eagles . Rick and I have moved on with the utmost respect for each others organization just as our great fans would expect and deserve. We are looking forward to welcoming the Jackalopes back to Northern Colorado to continue the fun, competitive contests we've had played over the last few years." - Martin Lind

After discussing this matter with the CHL and the Colorado Eagles , the Odessa Jackalopes have agreed to withdraw their request for any criminal charges to be placed against any Eagles' personnel.

Both the Jackalopes and the Eagles are ready to move forward from this event, and we invite the fans of the CHL to move forward with us. The 2010-11 season should be an exciting time for everyone with all the new changes that have occurred throughout the Central Hockey League. Good luck to everyone this season, and we hope that all the teams around the hockey world can learn from the mistakes that were made on Saturday night.

Sincerely,

Rick Gasser

Odessa Jackalopes

Martin Lind

Colorado Eagles

Thursday, October 14; Suspensions, Fines Handed Out for Saturday's Game

(LEAGUE RELEASE - TEMPE, AZ - October 14, 2010) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today the penalties as a result of the actions in Saturday's Colorado Eagles/Odessa Jackalopes preseason game in Loveland, Colorado. The game resulted in a 1-0 forfeit win for Colorado after Odessa failed to complete the game in the third period.

As a result of failing to complete the game, the Odessa Jackalopes organization has been fined an undisclosed amount of money, all of which will be donated on behalf of the Colorado Eagles and the Odessa Jackalopes to the Wilbur's Fund for Women With Breast Cancer in Northern Colorado. Additionally, Odessa head coach Paul Gillis has been suspended three (3) games, to be served during the Jackalopes first three games of the regular season and the Odessa organization has been fined an undisclosed amount of money for public comments and incidents during the game.

For their part in Saturday's events, the Colorado Eagles organization has been fined an undisclosed amount of money for the multiple altercations at the end of the uncompleted game and acting coach for that game, Greg Pankewicz (the team's assistant coach) has been suspended three (3) games, to be served during the Eagles three regular season visits to Odessa.

Colorado forward Brad MacMillan has been suspended 22 games for his match penalty for attempting to injure a player.

Colorado defenseman George Bradley has been suspended five (5) games for his actions during an altercation and has been fined an undisclosed amount of money for the same infraction.

Colorado defenseman Mario Joly has been suspended four (4) games for leaving the players bench.

"We are very disappointed with the actions that took place on Saturday night in Colorado," said Lewis. "This in no way reflects CHL hockey and we feel the appropriate parties have been held accountable. These incidents are not condoned by the league and will not be tolerated."

The CHL will make no further public comments regarding this incident and the penalties associated with the Colorado/Odessa game on October 9, 2010.

Friday, October 15; Joly, Chris Hau Waived From Eagles Roster

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today that they have waived defensemen Mario Joly and Chris Hau. Joly played in just 11 games for the Eagles (including three in the 2010 playoffs) after signing late last season. Hau, a local product, was signed to the team's camp roster and played in both of the team's preseason games. His younger brother A.J. is still on the roster.

Friday, October 15; Miscues Lead to Eagles Loss in Opener

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles lost their home opener to the Arizona Sundogs, 5-3, in front of their record 268th consecutive sellout crowd at the Budweiser Events Center. Several turnovers and blue line miscues, along with a fairly ineffective power play for Colorado helped lead the Sundogs to victory.

The Sundogs got out to a hot start in scoring the game's first two goals. Chase Watson opened the scoring at 8:22 by deflecting a left point from Clayton Barthel at 8:22. And just over two and a half minutes later, Arizona made it 2-0 with a shorthanded goal after a turnover by the Eagles at their own blue line.

On the play, Jason Williams poke-checked the puck off of Riley Nelson's stick as the Eagles captain was exiting his own zone. The puck made its way to Joey Sides who went in on a breakaway before rattling a backhander off the cage and past Andrew Penner. But at 15:28, Nelson atoned for his earlier mistake by cutting the 'Dogs lead in half with a power-play score from the point.

Colorado got two more in the second period -- one in the first and last minute -- to take a 3-2 lead into the third. Daymen Rycroft tied the game 55 seconds in with a rocket from the left circle into the top right corner of the net. Adam Hogg set up the score by forcing a turnover in the neutral zone and sending the Eagles' newest veteran in on a breakaway.

The Eagles out-shot the Sundogs 14-6 in the second period and their last shot is the one that gave them their only lead of the game. With under a second left, Scott May wound up in the right circle and beat Bobby Jarosz for the team's second power-play goal of the game.

The Sundogs returned the favor with a quick strike in the third period, tying the game at 3. Just 59 seconds into the frame, Watson picked up the puck along the right wing, just inside the offensive zone, skated toward the net and sent a backhand pass into the low slot for Steve Kaye to tip home. It was their first of three goals in the period, on just five total shots.

At 7:03, Kaye had a chance to put another puck past Penner, but the Eagles goalie stopped Kaye's penalty shot with his right foot. But less than a minute later, the 'Dogs re-took the lead that they wouldn't relinquish after Kyle Peto pinched at the blue line and missed the puck, sending Arizona on a 3-on-1 rush the other way. After a series of tic-tac-toe passes, Mark Kolanos converted the chance to make it 4-3.

Colorado had a chance to tie the game back up with a lengthy 4-on-3 power play a few minutes later, but came up empty as their power play went just 2-for-8 on the night. And with 1:53 left in the game, Brett Thurston couldn't catch a flying puck at the offensive blue line and Jason Williams sped past him down the left wing before depositing the final goal of the game.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night at the Budweiser Events Center.

Saturday, October 16; Eagles Net First Win of Season, 5-3

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles picked up their first win of the young season with a 5-3 triumph over the Arizona Sundogs. First-year Eagles goaltender Kyle Jones started his first game in net for Colorado and stopped 32 of 35 shots to earn his first win in the CHL. Riley Nelson and Kevin Ulanski continued to lead the way for the Eagles' offense, tallying three points apiece to give each five through two games.

The two teams played a solid first period with the Eagles getting the lone goal at 16:04. On the play, Nelson entered the offensive zone along the right wing and sent a pass back to the point for Jason Beatty. The defenseman threw the puck on net where Dylan Stanley dug out the rebound and slipped it past Bobby Jarosz for his first goal as an Eagle.

The Eagles out-scored the Sundogs 4-1 in the second period despite being out-shot 14-11. They piled on three goals in the first 5:29 with the first two coming just 12 seconds apart. The first came at 2:45 when Daymen Rycroft skated down the right wing and found Aaron Schneekloth sneaking down the slot. The league's reigning Most Outstanding Defenseman (back-to-back) then softly lofted a backhander into the net for a 2-0 lead.

Just 12 seconds later, Ulanski sent a pass from behind the net to defenseman Kip Workman for a one-timer from the right circle. And just under two and a half minutes after that -- just 14 seconds after a Colorado power play expired -- Ulanski scored from the high slot to make it 4-0.

At the 12 minute mark of the second period Torren Delforte got the 'Dogs on the board when he skated the puck out of the left corner, stickhandled through the low slot and snapped a shot past Jones. But at 15:57 the Eagles got that goal back when Kyle Peto found Riley Nelson cruising through the slot for a beautiful no-look deflection into the net.

Arizona added two goals in the third, bringing their two-game total of third period tallies to five. Billy Bezeau scored the Sundogs' second goal of the game at 12:41 when his shot from low in the left circle stayed along the ice and snuck under the Eagles netminder. The 'Dogs added their last score with a late power-play goal (with the goalie pulled and a two-man advantage) from Jason Williams in the slot at 18:20.

The Eagles' next game will be Friday, Oct. 22 when the defending CHL champion Rapid City Rush come to town.

*Special Note*

Eagles Fans, don't forget to take advantage of the "Eagles Win, You Win" deal at Northern Colorado Perkins locations the morning after an Eagles win.

The Week Ahead

Friday, Oct. 22 & Saturday, Oct. 23; Eagles, Rush Renew Rivalry

This weekend's home-and-home series against the defending champs will mark the first pair of 12 meetings between the two teams this season. However, their meetings are fairly front-loaded in the schedule with six occuring before December. The natural rivals -- both geographically and competitively -- will see each other at least twice every month this season, except for January and March, when they only play once.

Notable Numbers

FIRST OF MANY - This weekend's home-and-home series against Rapid City will be the first of several meetings between the rival teams this season. The Eagles will face the defending champs a total of 12 times (six at home and on the road), the most of any opponent. All-time the Eagles are 13-7-2 against the Rush, with a record of 8-3-0 at home and 5-4-2 on the road.

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE - Another season, another chance for Riley Nelson and Kevin Ulanski to top the team's points list. It's early, but after two games, Nelson and Ulanski lead the team with five points each (tied for second in the CHL). The two led the team in points last year, and -- along with Greg Pankewicz -- led the team in 2008-09 (Ulanski's first with the team).

THE GOOD KIND OF TURNOVER - Of the 20 players on the Eagles roster (including Tim Boron on the goaltender IR), 11 are new to the organization and six are rookies. They 11 newbies are Kip Workman (D), George Bradley (D), Matt Glasser (F), Daymen Rycroft (F), Brad MacMillan (F), A.J. Hau (F), Braden Desmet (F), Scott May (F), Dylan Stanley (F), Kyle Peto (D) and Kyle Jones (G).

NEW LIFE - After several years with few -- if any -- rookies on their roster, the Eagles current roster features six first-year players. Kip Workman, George Bradley, Matt Glasser, A.J. Hau, Braden Desmet and Dylan Stanley all qualify as rookies in the CHL.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - With so many new faces on the Eagles roster, several players made positive first impressions over opening weekend. Veteran forward Daymen Rycroft led that list with three points (1-2-3), goaltender Kyle Jones stopped 32 of 35 shots in Saturday's win, forward Braden Desmet had an assist and +2 rating in one game, and four other players (forwards Scott May & Dylan Stanley and defensemen Kyle Peto & Kip Workman) picked up a point as well.

Check out the Colorado Eagles Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2010


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.

OurSports Central