NAHL Weekly

February 22, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Motor City Metal Jackets News Release

Alpena Coming Alive Up North Surging IceDiggers making a late-season push towards the playoffs

Don't look now, but with a little over a month left in the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) regular season, there's a race heating up for the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division.

Currently settled in fifth place and out of the playoff picture, the red-hot Alpena IceDiggers - 7-2-1 in their last 10 games - are starting to make their move, thanks in part to a three-game sweep over the Motor City Metal Jackets last weekend.

"Motor City is a great team and they created a lot of good scoring chances," said IceDiggers head coach Jack Fritsche, whose team improved to 18-28-2 on the season. "All three games could have gone either way with a bounce here or there for either team."

Goaltender Marco Wieser turned aside all 42 shots he faced as the IceDiggers opened the weekend with a 3-0 victory on Friday. Michael Henderson (game-winner), Andy Yarber and Jared Williams connected for the Alpena goals.

The next night, Tom Hilbrich's overtime marker - his second of the game - lifted Alpena to a 4-3 victory over the Metal Jackets. John Fritsche and Joel Benson rang up the other IceDigger goals, and Wieser stopped 30 shots between the pipes.

On Sunday, Williams lit the lamp two more times and Jonas Vassalli put home the game-winner as the IceDiggers skated to a 3-1 victory. Wieser made 37 saves to pick up his third win in as many nights.

"Our success right now is because, for the first time since November, we have a full roster of players," said Fritsche. "For a stretch there we had defensemen playing forward and vice versa, and it's hard to win games when you're doing that.

"Having a full complement of players has allowed us to build some chemistry during practice and work on different things over the past two or three weeks that we were unable to do while players were injured."

Fritsche, whose team sits seven points behind Motor City with 10 games to play (the IceDiggers have four remaining against the Metal Jackets), couldn't be happier with the production he's getting throughout his entire lineup.

"Right now, it's been a total team effort," he said. "A different guy each night has stepped their game up and provided a spark. Our guys understand the challenge that lies ahead, and they've done a tremendous job so far of staying in the moment and not getting ahead of themselves."

The IceDiggers have also been helped by the arrival of a few fresh faces over the course of the season, all of whom have fit right in, both on and off the ice.

"We were very fortunate with some of the new players we've gotten because we have a great group of kids here and the new guys just came in and meshed right away, which was great," said Fritsche.

And the IceDiggers' success of late is peaking the interest of a handful of colleges, according to Fritsche, who anticipates a number of his players receiving offers in the not-too-distant future.

"More and more schools have been in contact with our guys throughout the season and I have little doubt that many of them will be getting opportunities here shortly," he said.

Fritsche is also quick to credit the community and fan support in and around Alpena, which has stood by the IceDiggers despite a fragile economy.

"It hasn't been easy on them, yet they still come out and support our guys," he said. "We've had some great battles at home this season and have fallen short on some occasions, but they're still supporting our players which speaks volumes for the character and passion our fans have for the game and our players."

STANDINGS/LEADERS STANDINGS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/standings.html?leagueid164&seasonid45 27

LEADING SCORERS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid164&season id4527

LEADING GOALTENDERS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/goalieleaders.html?leagueid164&seasoni d4527

GOALS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid164&season id4527&sortbyg

ASSISTS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid164&season id4527&sortbya

PLUS/MINUS http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid164&season id4527&sortbyplusminus

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK SHERWOOD/NAHL NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jared Williams - Alpena IceDiggers Alpena forward Jared Williams rang up three goals and an assist as the IceDiggers skated to a three-game sweep over Motor City. On Friday, the West Chicago native scored a goal and assisted on Mike Henderson's game-winner in a 3-0 win. After being held scoreless the next night - a 4-3 overtime victory - the 21-year-old put away two more goals as the IceDiggers bested the Metal Jackets on Sunday, 3-1.

"Jared played hard all weekend," said IceDiggers assistant coach Josh Harrod. "We're looking forward to more games like that from him the rest of the way."

HONORABLE MENTION: Janesville forward Wes Wauters; Motor City forward Eric Millisor

SHERWOOD/NAHL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Justin Kovacs - Topeka RoadRunners Topeka forward Justin Kovacs struck for four goals and two assists as the RoadRunners skated to a two-game sweep over Albert Lea. On Friday, the Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., native notched a pair of goals and assisted on Erik Higby's game-winner in a 6-5 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old connected for two more goals, including the game-winner, as the RoadRunners blanked the Thunder, 4-0.

"Justin played very well last weekend," said RoadRunners assistant coach R.J. Enga. "He gave us the lift we needed offensively."

HONORABLE MENTION: Wichita Falls forwards Ryan Frost and Brian Sheehan

SHERWOOD/NAHL CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Casey Kleisinger - Bismarck Bobcats Bismarck forward Casey Kleisinger put home two goals and an assist as the Bobcats celebrated a two-game sweep over North Iowa. On Friday, the Edwards, Colo., native struck for a pair of goals in a 6-0 triumph. The next night, the 20-year-old recorded an assist as the Bobcats edged the Outlaws in overtime, 3-2. The Air Force Academy recruit was also a plus-4 on the weekend.

"Now that he has his commitment to Air Force, Casey can start focusing on the task at hand, which is leading our team during the stretch run," said Bobcats head coach Byron Pool. "The fact that he's a complete player and can play in any situation will make him very valuable come the playoffs."

HONORABLE MENTION: Alexandria defenseman Mike Krieg

SHERWOOD/NAHL WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Michael Di Puma - Wenatchee Wild Wenatchee forward Michael Di Puma connected for two goals and an assist as the Wild skated to a two-game sweep over Texas. On Friday, the Chicago native notched a shorthanded goal in a 3-2 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old tallied another shorthanded marker and an assist as the Wild downed the Tornado, 5-2. He was also a plus-1 on the weekend.

"Mike played probably his best hockey of the season last weekend," said Wild associate head coach Ryan McKelvie. "He was physical, strong on the puck, and found a way to make the big play when the game was on the line. In order for our team to be successful, we need Mike to play like that every night."

HONORABLE MENTION: Fairbanks forward Justin Kirchhevel; Wenatchee forward Jeff Jubinville

SHERBROOK/NAHL GOALIE OF THE WEEK: Joe Phillippi - Fairbanks Ice Dogs Fairbanks goaltender Joe Phillippi backstopped the Ice Dogs to a three-game sweep over Alaska, turning aside 93 of 94 shots. On Thursday, the 19-year-old made all 32 saves in a 1-0 victory. The next night, the Shoreview, Minn., native picked up his second shutout in as many nights after stopping 21 shots in a 3-0 triumph. Phillippi steered aside 40 shots in the Ice Dogs' 5-1 win over the Avalanche on Sunday.

"Joe was really on top of his game last weekend," said Ice Dogs head coach Josh Hauge. "He came through with all the saves he needed to make and a few he shouldn't have. He played with a ton of confidence and that rubbed off on the rest of our team."

HONORABLE MENTION: Alpena's Marco Wieser; Bismarck's Jake Williams; Janesville's Matt Wichorek; Topeka's Eric Roherkemper; Wenatchee's Brandon Jaeger; Wichita Falls' P.J. Musico

AROUND THE NAHL ALASKA AVALANCHE: Forward Zach Smith (Anchorage) connected for the Avalanche's only goal of the week in three losses to Fairbanks.

ALBERT LEA THUNDER: Forwards Chris Cass (Lakeville, Minn.) and Anthony Iaquinto (Brighton, Mich.) each connected for two goals in the Thunder's 6-5 loss to Topeka on Friday.

ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD: Defenseman Mike Krieg (Phoenix) rang up a goal and two assists in the Blizzard's 4-3 win over Owatonna on Saturday. In the two-game series, he recorded seven blocked shots and logged 25-30 minutes of ice per game.

ALPENA ICEDIGGERS: Goaltender Marco Wieser (Austria) picked up all three wins in the IceDiggers' three-game sweep over Motor City, including a 42-save shutout performance on Friday (3-0).

BISMARCK BOBCATS: Forward Casey Kleisinger (Edwards, Colo.) has committed to the Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) for next season. He's the 10th current NAHL player to announce his intention to play for the Colorado Springs school.

FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS: In his return to the lineup from injury - his first games in February - forward Justin Kirchhevel (Brookings, S.D.) connected for two goals and an assist in three wins over Alaska. He was also a plus-3.

JANESVILLE JETS: Forward Rui Encarnacao (White Plains, N.Y) has committed to the University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey) for next season. He's the first player in Jets history to decide on a Division I school.

KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS: Idle last weekend, the Brown Bears return to action on Thursday when they begin a three-game series in Wenatchee.

MARQUETTE RANGERS: Forward Andrew Kolb (Toledo, Ohio) potted a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in the Rangers' 4-1 victory over Motor City on Monday, February 15.

MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS: Forward Eric Millisor (Ecorse, Mich.) connected for two goals and an assist in the Metal Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to Alpena on Saturday.

NORTH IOWA OUTLAWS: Forward Jamie Knight's (Hanover, N.H.) sister, Hilary Knight, is a forward on the U.S. Women's Team competing at the XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. OWATONNA EXPRESS: Forward Blake Schammel (Red Wing, Minn.) assisted on both goals in the Express' 4-2 loss to Alexandria on Friday. He was also a plus-2.

SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES: With last weekend off, the Jr. Blues take on St. Louis on Wednesday before a two-game series against Janesville beginning on Friday.

ST. LOUIS BANDITS: Forward Craig Kitto (Ashburn, Va.) tallied a goal and two assists in the Bandits' 7-2 triumph over Wichita Falls on Sunday.

TEXAS TORNADO: Forwards Rock Einersen (Chicago) and Tyler Underhill (East Aurora, N.Y.) each netted a goal and an assist in the Tornado's 3-2 overtime loss to Wenatchee on Friday.

TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS: Goaltender Eric Roherkemper (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.) stopped all 22 shots as the RoadRunners blanked Albert Lea on Saturday, 4-0. "Eric made the routine saves, but also made some big ones when we needed him," said assistant coach R.J. Enga.

TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS: Forward Doug Clifford (Woodhaven, Mich.) added to his team-leading point totals (43) with a goal and an assist in two losses to Janesville.

WENATCHEE WILD: Forward Jeff Jubinville (Edmonton), a Bemidji State University recruit, recorded a hat trick - all power-play goals - in the Wild's 5-2 victory over Texas on Saturday.

WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS: Forward Brian Sheehan (St. Louis) picked up a goal and four assists as the Wildcats skated to a 2-1 record against St. Louis. He leads the Wildcats in scoring with 51 points (25 goals).

THE WEEK AHEAD pringfield @ St. Louis, 10:30 am Alaska @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 25 Kenai River @ Wenatchee, 6:35 pm

Friday, February 26 Alaska @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm Marquette @ Alpena, 7:00 pm Springfield @ Janesville, 7:00 pm Topeka @ Owatonna, 7:00 pm Motor City @ Traverse City, 7:05 pm Kenai River @ Wenatchee, 7:05 pm Texas @ Wichita Falls, 7:05 pm Bismarck @ Albert Lea, 7:30 pm St. Louis @ North Iowa, 7:30 pm

Saturday, February 27 Bismarck @ Albert Lea, 7:00 pm Alaska @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm Marquette @ Alpena, 7:00 pm Springfield @ Janesville, 7:00 pm Topeka @ Owatonna, 7:00 pm Motor City @ Traverse City, 7:05 pm Kenai River @ Wenatchee, 7:05 pm Texas @ Wichita Falls, 7:05 pm St. Louis @ North Iowa, 7:30 pm

(all times local)

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS ALASKA AVALANCHE Matt Friese - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) *

ALBERT LEA THUNDER Derek Docken - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) Joe Rogers - University of Notre Dame (CCHA)

ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD Jordan Gidaro - Western Michigan University (CCHA) Bryce Ravndalen - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) # Brett Wall - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)

BISMARCK BOBCATS Jason Fabian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Gavin Hartzog - University of Wisconsin (WCHA) Ryan Jacobson - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) * Casey Kleisinger - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Tom McCarthy - Merrimack College (Hockey East) Sam Rendle - Bemidji State University (CHA) Tony Turgeon - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) # Aaron Quick - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)

FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS Michael Juola - Brown University (ECAC) Jared Larson - University of Minnesota (WCHA) Jared Linnell - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) * George Michalke - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Mark Pustin - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) Mike Taffe - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) Zach Tolkinen - Quinnipiac University (ECACHL)

JANESVILLE JETS Rui Encarnacao - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)

MARQUETTE RANGERS Kevin Gravel - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) # Nate Heng - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) # Tanner Kero - Michigan Tech University (WCHA) Garrett Ladd - Bemidji State University (CHA)

MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS Brice Geoffrion - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) Ryan Misiak - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey ) # Patrick Sullivan - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey)

OWATONNA EXPRESS Brian McGinty - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey) Ben Persian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Mike Shibrowski - Colorado College (WCHA) Jake Youso - University of Minnesota (WCHA)

SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES Jack Callahan - Quinnipiac University (ECAC) # Randy Cure - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey) Nick Curry - University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East) Rob Dongara - Northeastern University (Hockey East) # Trent Frey - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey) CJ Groh - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) Jared Rickord - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)

ST. LOUIS BANDITS Garrett Bartus - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey) Clinton Bourbonais - Yale University (ECAC) # Michael Gunn - Michigan State University (CCHA) # Joe Kalisz - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) Daniel Olszewski - University of Denver (WCHA) Brad Smith - Ohio State University (CCHA)

TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS Bryon Paulazzo - Miami University (CCHA) # Kevin Ryan - Niagara University (CHA) Cole Schneider - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)

TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS Kelin Ainsworth - Lake Superior State University (CCHA) Kyle Jean - Lake Superior State University (CCHA) Andy Huff - Ferris State University (CCHA) Tyler Marble - Lake Superior State University (CCHA) Dan Radke - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)

WENATCHEE WILD Kyle Brodie - Bemidji State University (CHA) Brandon Burrell - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) Armand De Swardt - Cornell University (ECAC) Nic Dowd - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) # Jeff Jubinville - Bemidji State University (CHA) Adam McKenzie - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Alex McLean - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Ryan Timar - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Mitch Torrel - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey) Michael Voran - University of Notre Dame (CCHA) #

WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS Zach Ledford - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)

# alumni * for 2011-12 season recent additions in BOLD

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