Soo Eagles Weekly Update

Published on March 28, 2013 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Eagles News Release


First-place Soo Eagles close regular season at home against Jets

The Soo Eagles have already clinched first-place in the North American Hockey League's North Division, but they look to close out the regular season in style, as they face the playoff hungry Janesville Jets this Friday and Saturday at Pullar Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m. both nights, and if you can't make the games, you can watch all the action at fasthockey.com.

Mascot Night, Jersey Night, and Soo Ont. Elementary School Weekend There are many more special events planned this weekend at Pullar Stadium, as the first-place Soo Eagles host the Janesville Jets.

Friday, March 29th is "Mascot Night", as well as "Soo, Ontario Elementary School Weekend". All Soo, Ontario K-8 students will get into the game free, all weekend long, with a paying adult. On Friday, there will be sponsor's mascots invited to participate in the activities, including a relay race in the 1st intermission, helping out during chuck-a-puck, and on the ice for the pre-game skate. There will also be a "Skate With the Eagles", on Friday.

On Saturday, March 30, the Eagles will have "Jersey Night". Anyone under 18 wearing a hockey jersey is admitted free.

There will be lots to look forward to in April, including NAHL playoff hockey, and this weekend you can get a jump on the action, by purchasing home playoff tickets.

Eagles split with Jr. Blues, clinch first-place The Soo Eagles split a series last weekend against the Springfield Jr. Blues at Pullar Stadium. Here is a recap of the action.

Springfield Jr. Blues 3, Soo Eagles 0 - March 23, 2013

The Soo Eagles clinched first place in the North American Hockey League's North Division on Friday night, despite losing to the Springfield Jr. Blues, 3-0, in front of 783 fans at Pullar Stadium. The Jamestown Ironmen lost at home to Michigan, 2-1 to give the Eagles the division crown. The Eagles lead the Ironmen by seven points with three games to play. Third-place Kalamazoo could earn the same amount of points as the Eagles, if they were to win their remaining four games, and the Eagles drop their final three, but the Eagles would claim the crown due to a better head-to-head record. Friday night, the Springfield Jr. Blues used a sparkling performance by Matt Leon to take down the Soo Eagles, as the netminder did not allow a goal in Springfield's 3-0 shutout victory. The Jr. Blues were led by Trevor Stone, who finished with one goal and one assist. Stone scored 8:52 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Springfield. Tom Cooney provided the assist. Springfield excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Springfield also got a goal from Matt Iacopelli as well. In addition, Springfield received assists from Nate Chasteen, who had one. The Soo's Jared VanWormer, Sean Murphy and Eric Rivard took 21 of the team's 41 shots. The Eagles could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game. Matt Leon made 41 saves for the Jr. Blues on 41 shots. Springfield incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The Eagles' Tyler Marble stopped 32 shots out of the 35 that he faced. You can see the box score here.

Soo Eagles 5, Springfield Jr. Blues 4 - March 24, 2013

Before Saturday night's game, the Soo Eagles knew they had first place wrapped up in the North Division. The Eagles played like they didn't, and earned a 5-4 victory over the Springfield Jr. Blues, in front of 832 people at Pullar Stadium. The Eagles will end the regular season at home next weekend, as they will face the Janesville Jets. Then the Eagles will be off until the first-round of playoff series are completed. Saturday night, it was a back and forth game, which saw the Eagles jump out to 1-0 and 3-1 leads only to see the Jr. Blues tie it each time. A goal by Michael Lant put the Eagles up 5-3 in the third period, but Springfield pulled to within one on Matt Iacopelli's tally 17:29 into the third period. The Eagles earned the win thanks to a solid game by Jared VanWormer, who had one goal and two assists. VanWormer scored 5:32 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Soo. Brandon Adams provided the assist. He is leading the NAHL in points this season. The Eagles also got points from Lant, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Sean Murphy, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Nikita Zagryadskiy, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Denver Pierce, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Soo were Cody Von Reuden, Mike Sabatini, and Chris Waterstreet, who contributed one a piece. The Jr. Blues kept the Eagles' goalie busy throughout the game, and Skoog Paige made 39 saves on 43 shots. Springfield also got points from Brett Skibba, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Jeff McFarland also scored for Springfield. In addition, Springfield received assists from Davis Dekorte, who had two and Terry Leibo, Parker Johnson, and Ryan Atkinson, who each chipped in one. The Eagles know they are the 1-seed in the North Division, but positions 2-6 are anything but certain. Jamestown is currently the 2-seed, and would receive the other first-round bye, if the playoffs started today. Kalamazoo is the 3-seed, three points behind Jamestown with a game in hand. Port Huron and Johnstown are the 4 and 5 seeds, and know they will face each other in the first round of the playoffs. The only thing unclear is who will have home ice. Currently both teams have 62 points with two games to play. Janesville is the 6-seed with 55 points, one point ahead of Springfield. The Jets also have a game in hand on the Jr. Blues. You can see the box score here.

Eagles pre-draft tryout camp 2013-14

Enrollment is limited - Register early to avoid disappointment.

The Soo Eagles are proud to announce the try-out camp schedule for the 2013-2014 North American Hockey League season. The first camp will be held May 17-19 at the Big Bear Arena, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. There will also be try-out camps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 31 - June 2 and Farmington Hills, MI on June 21 - 23. Additional camps for the 2013-14 NAHL season, will be announced soon.

The Eagles are committed to find those players who have a passion for hockey and wish to pursue the highest level of hockey possible. We are looking for players who place a premium on character on and off the ice. The Eagles have the finest Billet and Education coordinator along with Coach Bruno Bragagnolo, who has compiled a 127-39-12 record in three years in SSM including a NOJHL Championship in 2010/11. Coach Bragagnolo has moved several players to higher levels and has a network of college coaches he is in contact with throughout the year. The Soo Eagles are anticipating several openings for their roster next year. The Eagles camps are designed so players can show the coaches and scouts their respective skills. There will be at least three games guaranteed and then a chance to be selected for the Sunday All-star game. The Eagles will have their main camp in August for those boys who would be invited back. With the NAHL draft on June 3rd, this is a wonderful opportunity to show the staff your skill level prior to the draft.

All players will get three full games. All Soo Eagles coaching and scouting staff will be in attendance to closely watch all players. The cost of the camp for players born 1993-1997 is $250.00 USD. Preferred method of payment is Pay Pal, but checks and cash will be accepted (follow instructions after submitting form). Refunds will be available, up to 30 days before the start of camp.

Upcoming Eagles games

Friday, March 29th vs. Janesville Jets - 7:30 pm (Pullar Stadium)

Saturday, March 30th vs. Janesville Jets - 7:30 pm (Pullar Stadium)

NAHL North Division Semifinals - TBD

Playoff tickets and 2013-14 season tickets now available The 2012-13 NAHL North Division Regular-Season Champion Soo Eagles are in the playoffs, and you can get your playoff tickets right now, as well as a jump on 2013-14 season tickets.

Playoff tickets are available now at the Pullar box office. The Eagles have home-ice advantage throughout the North Division playoffs, and they will host the first two games of their semifinal against an opponent to be determined. Dates and times will be confirmed, once the first-round series are complete.

You can also start looking forward to another exciting season of North American Hockey League action, with 2013-14 Soo Eagles season tickets. No inflation here, as prices will remain right where they are this season. There are many advantages on purchasing season tickets early. Season ticket holders receive discounted pricing as compared to individual game prices. Season ticket holders receive 15% off all Soo Eagles merchandise, and $2.00 off playoff game tickets.

When you purchase season tickets for the 2013-14 season they include 28 games. Prices are $180.00 for adults (18 & over), $145.00 for senior (62 & over), and $100.00 student (17 & under or college student with ID).

There are two ways to buy 2013-14 Soo Eagles season tickets. 1. Order online at www.sooeagles.net (coming soon) 2. Pay in person at the Soo Eagles ticket box office or team office.

VanWormer closes in on NAHL scoring title Soo Eagles captain Jared VanWormer helped lead his team to a North Division title, has earned a Division 1 scholarship with Ferris State, and is two games away from leading the North American Hockey League in scoring.

Last weekend, VanWormer increased his league-leading point total to 70, and he currently sits two points ahead of Austin's Brandon Wahlin, and four points ahead of Topeka's Kyle Sharkey. Eric Rivard is sixth in the NAHL in scoring with 62 points.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2013


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