Green Bay Gamblers Weekly
December 15, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Green Bay Gamblers News Release
GAMBLERS POST BACK-TO-BACK SHUTOUTS
The Green Bay Gamblers outscored the opposition 9-0 in a pair of wins over the weekend. After blanking Madison 3-0 at the Resch Center on Friday, the Gamblers held Chicago scoreless the following evening in a 6-0 road win over the Steel. The Gamblers sit in third place in the USHL Eastern Conference with a mark of 14-9-1.
Adam Huska turned aside 20 shots and Gordi Meyer and Connor Mackey each tallied their first career USHL goals to lead the Gamblers to a 3-0 win over the Madison Capitols on Friday at the Resch Center. The Gamblers grabbed a 1-0 lead at the 15:36 mark of the opening period, when Myer's shot from the point found its way through traffic. The Gamblers padded their lead late in the 2nd period (15:17) when forward John Leonard's shot from the face-off circle found the top corner of the net. Mackey rounded out the scoring early in the third (2:16), pouncing on a rebound atop the crease and sliding a backhand past the Madison goaltender. Huska recorded his third shutout of the season stopping all 20 Madison shots.
Forward Chris Grando tallied a hat-trick and Huska made 23 saves in the Gamblers 6-0 win over the Chicago Steel on Saturday at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. Forward Brett Gruber started the scoring at the 16:36 mark of the opening period. Less than a minute later (17:33), Grando found the back of the net to up the lead to 2-0. Grando notched a pair of goals in the 2nd period (3:39 & 9:42) for the natural hat trick. Connor Murphy (13:08) and Joey Marooney (17:52) tallied third period goals to round out the scoring. Huska, who has allowed one goal in his last three games, turned aside 23 shots for his league leading fourth shutout of the season.
GAMBLERS ADD DEFENSEMAN
There was a new face on the blue line this past weekend as the Gamblers added defenseman Paul O'Connor. O'Connor appeared in both games, posting a +2 plus/minus rating. Prior to this time in Green Bay, O'Connor (5'10/180 lbs) appeared in 28 games with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL, recording 14 points on two goals and 12 assists. The O'Fallon, Missouri native saw action in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns.
GAMBLERS ADD GOALTENDER
With goaltender Adam Huska departing for Finland to take part in the U20 World Junior Championships for his native Slovakia, the Gamblers called up Affiliate List goaltender Dryden McKay. McKay has spent the season in the NAHL with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. The Downers Grove, Illinois native is 5-6-1 to accompany 3.02 goals against average and .900 save percentage. McKay will be in the line-up this weekend.
TOP OF THE PACK
Goaltender Adam Huska continues to sit atop the USHL in the statistical categories of goals against average (1.65), save percentage (.942) and shutouts (4). In his last three starts Huska has allowed just one goal on 78 shots. As a team the Gamblers are allowing a league low 2.04 goals per game. In 24 games this season the team has allowed 49 goals while scoring 69.
ON THE KILL
The Gamblers penalty kill is tops in the 16-team United States Hockey League (89.5%). The team has not allowed a power play goal since November 21. In 24 games the team has yielded only seven power play goals (79/86).
ROSTER REPORT
The Gamblers will be without the services of goaltender Adam Huska and defenseman Andrew Peeke this weekend. Huska is suiting up for his native Slovakia at the U20 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Huska returns to the Gamblers line-up on January 8. Peeke is north of border representing the United States at the World Junior "A" Challenge in Whitby, Ontario. Peeke will be back in the Gamblers line-up after the holiday break. Green Bay will also be without defenseman Luke Bafia. Bafia sustained a lower-body injury in the team's 1-0 loss to Bloomington on December 5. There is no definite timeline when Bafia will return.
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
The 2015-2016 Green Bay Gamblers roster features 15 players who are committed to NCAA Division 1 institutions. The list is as follows: Matt Berkovitz (Wisconsin), Ryan Blankemeier (Dartmouth), Grant Frederic (Miami of Ohio), Chris Grando (Boston College), Brett Gruber (Arizona State), Cam Lee (Providence), John Leonard (UMASS), Connor Murphy (Michigan), Gordi Myer (Ohio State), Marc Michaelis (Minnesota State), Andrew Peeke (Notre Dame), Jack Poehling (St. Cloud State), Nick Poehling (St. Cloud State), Sam Saliba (Michigan State) and Jared Spooner (Minnesota State).
BUD NIGHT
Friday, December 18 is Bud Night at the Resch Center as the Gamblers face off against the Chicago Steel. Bud and Bud Light drafts are just $2.00. Start time is 7:05 PM. For tickets go to the Ticketstar box office at the Resch Center or go online to gamblershockey.com
MITTEN TOSS
Saturday, December 19 is the 7th Annual Mitten Toss presented by Fox Communities Credit Union. Fans are encouraged to bring a pair of mittens/gloves and when the Gamblers score their first goal throw them on the ice. All mittens collected will be donated to children in need in our area. It's also a Festival Foods Family Night featuring $2 jumbo dogs, $1 soda and a $5 discount on kid's tickets (14 and under). Start time between the Gamblers and Madison Capitols is 7:05 PM. For tickets go to the Ticketstar box office at the Resch Center or go online to gamblershockey.com
HOCKEY TALK
Gamblers hockey is on the radio with Hockey Talk. Show airs Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 PM on 1440 AM and 92.1 WNFL. Gamblers head coach/general manager Pat Mikesch will be talking hockey with Jason Habeck and former St. Norbert standout Scott Jewitt. Special guest is Gamblers team president Brendan Bruss. Hockey Talk every Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 PM on 1440 AM and 92.1 WNFL.
TEAM STORE HOLIDAY HOURS
For your holiday shopping convenience the Gamblers Team Store in the Resch Center will be open on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, December 15 5:00 - 9:00 PM Sunday, December 20 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Monday, December 21 12:00 - 5:00 PM
The team store is open two hours prior to each Gamblers home game.
THE DIAMOND CLUB
The Diamond Club presented by Diamonds and Gold, is the newest beverage inclusive area in the Resch Center. Located in upper club seats, the Diamond Club can accommodate 30 and includes complimentary beer, soda and water. To reserve the Diamond Club contact Cindy at 676-8883.
THE DOG POUND
The Dog Pound presented by Bulldogs is the perfect place to have your next party. Located on the glass in the south end of the Resch Center, the Dog Pound seats forty, and includes complimentary beer, soda, cash bar and private restrooms. Catering is also available through the Catering Company. To reserve the Dog Pound call Cindy at 676-8883.
PUCK WALL
Give your name a permanent place on the Tundraland Concourse at the Resch Center by purchasing a puck on the Tundraland Puck Wall. Honor family members and friends, or celebrate a special event or memory in a unique and lasting way. Pucks will become a permanent part of the Tundraland Puck Wall located outside Section 218 on the Tundraland Concourse. Proceeds from the puck wall to benefit youth hockey in Northeast Wisconsin.
WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Three current and former Gamblers will be participating in the U20 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Green Bay goaltender Adam Huska will represent his native Slovakia, while former players Nick Schmaltz and Vili Saarijarvi will represent the United States and Finland. The tournament begins December 26 and runs through January 5. Huska is tops among all USHL goaltenders in goals against average (1.65), save percentage (.942) and shutouts (4). Huska was selected by the New York Rangers at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Schmaltz makes his second appearance at the World Junior's for Team USA. Schmltz leads the nation in assists (23) as a sophomore at North Dakota. Schmaltz spent two seasons in Green Bay, earning USHL All-Rookie team honors in 2013. The Verona, Wisconsin native was a first round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Saarijarvi was selected by the Detroit Red Wings at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and proceeded to sign with the club in July. Saarijarvi is in his first season in the Ontario Hockey League with the Flint Firebirds. The Rovaniemi, Finland native spent the 2014-15 season with the Gamblers.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2015
- Canada West Tops U.S. Junior Select Team - U.S. National Team
- 5 Musketeer Players Selected for Prospects Game - Sioux City Musketeers
- Three Chosen for Prospects Game - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Two Gamblers Selected to Top Prospects Game - Green Bay Gamblers
- Green Bay Gamblers Weekly - Green Bay Gamblers
- Wade Allison and Carson Meyer Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Tri-City Storm
- Morrison and McInnis Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Youngstown Phantoms
- Lancers Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Omaha Lancers
- Five Lumberjacks Selected for USHL Top Prospects Game - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Four Stars Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Lincoln Stars
- O'Leary, Knierim Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Roster Announced - USHL
- Edquist Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Madison Capitols
- Peters & Wells Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Four Steel Players Named to 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Roster - Chicago Steel
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