Jr. Blues Show Promise at the NAHL Showcase
September 18, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Jr. Blues returned home Saturday night with 3 points and high hopes for the upcoming season. The Jr. Blues opened the Showcase with a 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Wenatchee Wild, whom a lot of people favor to win the Robertson Cup this season. After the first period, the Jr. Blues controlled most of the play but couldn't overcome the 2-goal deficit.
On Thursday night, the Jr. Blues fell in a shootout to the Brookings Blizzard. Despite holding a 1-0 lead most of the game Brookings beat newly acquired Jr. Blues goaltender Matt Leon late in the third to force overtime and eventually a shootout.
On Friday afternoon, the Jr. Blues picked up their first win of the season, 5-2 over Wichita Falls. The Jr. Blues played a complete game, despite being out-shot 37-33.
The Jr. Blues concluded the 2012 Showcase with a defeat at the hands of the Amarillo Bulls, 3-2. The Jr. Blues scored a goal late in the third but couldn't get the equalizer.
Despite going 1-2-1, the Jr. Blues were very encouraged with the play. The team missed Ryan Atkinson and Mitch Rogge the last 3 games due to injury.
Jr. Blues top performers at Showcase
Brett Skibba leads scoring with 5 points
8 different players scored goals for the Jr. Blues, while 13 players contributed points over the 4-day event in Blaine, MN. Brett Skibba led the way with 3 goals and 2 assists.
James McGing finished the weekend with 2 goals and 2 assists. Trevor Stone was the only other Jr. Blues player to score multiple goals and finished the Showcase with 2 goals and an assist. Cody Dixon led the defense in scoring with a goal and 2 helpers in 4 games.
Mike Fazio, Alex Baskakov, Theo Tydingco and Russell Jordan each had a goal for the Jr. Blues. Tommy Cooney led all players with 3 assists, while Jack Sloan, Nate Chasteen, Roy Grandov, Mike Severson and Parker Johnson all added assists on the week.
Newly acquired goaltender Matt Leon led the way playing 3 of the 4 games on the week. Posting a 1.95 goals against average and 93.7 save percentage, facing 95 shots in 3 games.
Jr. Blues Open against Kenai River
Home Opener September 21 and 22
The Springfield Jr. Blues home opener is this Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, at the Nelson Center. Both games start at 7 PM. The Jr. Blues will be taking on the Kenai River Brown Bears from the West Division. Kenai went 0-2-2 at the NAHL Showcase.
For tickets, please call the Jr. Blues office at 217-525-2589.
The Fairbanks Ice Dogs will be visiting the Nelson Center next weekend, games are Friday and Saturday night and start at 7 PM.
Jr. Blues acquire Goaltender from Wichita Falls
Jr. Blues get NAHL vet from Wildcats
The Jr. Blues traded for goaltender Matt Leon from the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Monday morning, a day before the team left for Blaine, MN. Leon was in Springfield Monday and night and practiced with the team Tuesday morning before leaving for the Showcase. Leon played the final 3 games of the showcase and was outstanding in net.
SALE ON SEASON TICKETS
Includes 30-days FREE to Fit Club
Jr. Blues season tickets are still ON SALE! You have a few more weeks to get your season tickets. Season tickets cost $224 and include: A Reserved Seat15% off MerchandiseFree Playoff TicketsTickets to ALL 28 home games
Also included this month ONLY, with the purchase of a season ticket you will receive a FREE 30-day membership to our local gym and official training center of the Jr. Blues, Fit Club. For more information please visit us at www.jrblues.com or call us at 217-525-2589!
As always, thanks for your support of the Springfield Jr. Blues! We are excited for the games to begin!
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 18, 2012
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- Gongshow Hockey and NAHL Renew Partnership for 2012-13 Season - NAHL
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- Jr. Blues Show Promise at the NAHL Showcase - Springfield Jr. Blues
- IceRays Season Ticket Holder Party September 24th - Corpus Christi IceRays
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