Ribiero's breakout weekend earns Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors
December 9, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
Playing on the Jr. Blues top line, Phil Ribiero (pictured above) knows he is counted on to produce offensively. Ribiero notched eight points (three goals and five assists) in three games against the Central Texas Marshals in Week 11 of the season to earn Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors. On Friday, Ribiero put the Jr. Blues in front 3-2 with his first goal of the weekend three minutes into the second period. Twenty seconds into the third, Ribiero set up the Jr. Blues fifth goal en route to a 6-3 victory. The next night, the Redlands, California, native had the hot hand again. After the Jr. Blues fell behind 2-0, he set up Chris Johnson with five minutes left in the first period to bring the Jr. Blues to within a goal. Midway through the second period, Ribiero tied the score with his first goal of the game. With just over eight minutes left in the game and Springfield clinging to a one goal lead, Ribiero cemented the victory with his second goal of the game on the power play as the Jr. Blues went on to win 5-3. On Sunday, after Springfield fell behind early in the gaem, Ribiero set up Alex Semenov's game tying goal and then Semenov's other two goals in his hat trick, as the Jr. Blues offense exploded for nine unanswered goals on their way to a 9-1 victory, which extending their winning streak to four games.
JR. BLUES DEFENSEMAN JOHNSON CAPTURES SHERWOOD NAHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Playing a large role in his club's three game weekend sweep of the Central Texas Marshals, Springfield Jr. Blues defenseman Chris Johnson has been named the Sherwood NAHL Defensive Player of the Week for Week 11. Johnson compiled a plus-8 rating for the weekend. He was also part of the penalty killing unit that shut down the Marshals power play on all 17 of their opportunities over the three games. The Duluth, Minnesota native's contributions on the scoresheet included a goal on Saturday night that kick-started the Jr. Blues comeback from a 2-0 deficit and an assist later on the game-winning goal.
JR BLUES RIBIERO SNEAKS UP ON THE OPPOSITION
Phil Ribiero entered the 2004-05 NAHL season excited to be re-united with longtime friend Alex Semenov. But before his season really began, Ribiero was sidelined for more than a month following neck surgery. Ribiero has worked hard to regain his conditioning and is now starting to feel comfortable on the ice.
"I was in the best condition of my life to start the season," he says. "I am just starting to get back to the point of being able to do the things I want to on the ice. I enjoy playing with Alex Semenov, he is a very unselfish player and we work really work well together."
In 10 games Ribiero has tallied 12 points with five goals and seven assists. "Coming in to this season we were looking for Phil to play on one of out top lines," said Jr. Blues coach Nick Pollos. "Phil is a gifted scorer with a great shot and, now that he is healthy, he is starting to produce the way we had hoped he would."
Ribiero is also a gifted student and is making his college plans based on college programs that match his talents both on the ice and in the classroom.
The Jr. Blues return home for their annual Christmas Cup series against the Springfield Spirit December 17. For more information please visit the Jr. Blues official website.
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North American Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2004
- Bighorns notch record seventh straight win - Helena Bighorns
- Ringing in the season - Bismarck Bobcats
- Ribiero's breakout weekend earns Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Tornado fight back for two wins despite Friday loss - Texas Tornado
- Jets Alaska trip ends with two wins, plenty of memories - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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- Wildcats drop a pair - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Blizzard win two on Montana trip - Alexandria Blizzard
- Three-win weekend vaults Phantoms into first place - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- USNTDP players 'equal' to the pros - Yzerman - U.S. National Team
- Kessel, 13 NAHL alumni to help defend world junior title - NAHL
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