| # | GOALIES | GP | MIN | W | L | OTL | SO | GA | GAA | SV | SV% |
| 35 | Whitley, Chris | 16 | 885:26 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 2.98 | 527 | .923 |
Friday, November 30, 2012
Chris Whitley - Update
I am asked quite frequently about Chris Whitley so thought I would provide a brief update for those that have not been following him. Chris is playing for the Williamsport Outlaws in the Federal Hockey League (FHL). The FHL would be considered a single A league as they have affiliations with CHL & ECHL teams. Williamsport is currently in second place in the six team league. Chris is doing very well as he has the second best goals against average in the league at 2.98. His complete stats are below.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Colton Yellow Horn Hat Trick Last Night
I know many Americans fans like to keep up with Colton Yellow Horn. He had a great game last night scoring a hat trick in his teams (Ontario Reign) victory. He leads his team with 12 goals and they are in first place in their division.
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign (13-5-0-0), defending Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, earned a 6-2 win over the the Orlando Solar Bears (8-9-2-1) before 6,726 at Citizens Business Bank Arena Wednesday night extending their home win streak to five games. Colton Yellow Horn led the way with a hat trick and Kyle Kraemer added a goal and an assist.
After 11:50 of scoreless hockey, Kyle Clifford stretched the mesh to make it 1-0 as the Kings winger tipped Chris Huxley’s point shot past Solar Bears netminder Hannu Toivonen. Ontario jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a pair of power-play goals by Colton Yellow Horn, his 10th and 11th of the season. The first came at 13:35 as Yellow Horn took a cross-ice feed from Kyle Kraemer at the base of the right circle and promptly fired a wrist shot. Yellow Horn lit the lamp again at 19:40 from nearly the identical position at the base of the circle with a laser of a snap shot. On the ensuing faceoff, Orlando crashed the net and C.J. Severyn cut Ontario’s lead to 3-1with just over two ticks on the clock.
The Reign outshot the Solar Bears 11-1 in the second frame. Orlando almost escaped without allowing a goal, but with just 10 seconds left, Kyle Kraemer extended the Ontario lead to 4-1. The wily winger fought off a defender as he skated out of the corner to the top of the left circle and ripped a shot into the top of the net.
A
slash by Yellow Horn on Rob Mignardi led to a long delay as several
fights broke out, leading to 62 minutes in penalties and a Solar Bears
power play. Orlando wasted no time as Nick Petersen scored 31 seconds
into the man advantage. But Orlando couldn’t stop the Reign as Dan
DaSilva set Yellow Horn up on a breakaway which he buried to register
the third Ontario hat trick in five games. It was his 12th marker of
the season. Mario Lamoureux redirected Paul Mara’s blast over
Toivonen’s glove at 14:24 and the Reign went on to win 6-2.
JP Berube stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced on the way to his fifth win of the season. Toivonen made 25 saves on 31 shots in the loss. Kraemer’s assist in the first period was his 109th point in a Reign sweater which pushed him past former Reign blueliner David Walker as the all-time Reign points leader. His second-period tally increased his points total to 110.
Three Stars:
1. ONT – Colton Yellow Horn
2. ONT – Kyle Kraemer
3. ONT – Dan DaSilva
Reign Beat Solar Bears 6-2
Colton Yellow Horn Records Third Reign Hat Trick
Colton Yellow Horn Records Third Reign Hat Trick
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign (13-5-0-0), defending Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, earned a 6-2 win over the the Orlando Solar Bears (8-9-2-1) before 6,726 at Citizens Business Bank Arena Wednesday night extending their home win streak to five games. Colton Yellow Horn led the way with a hat trick and Kyle Kraemer added a goal and an assist.
After 11:50 of scoreless hockey, Kyle Clifford stretched the mesh to make it 1-0 as the Kings winger tipped Chris Huxley’s point shot past Solar Bears netminder Hannu Toivonen. Ontario jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a pair of power-play goals by Colton Yellow Horn, his 10th and 11th of the season. The first came at 13:35 as Yellow Horn took a cross-ice feed from Kyle Kraemer at the base of the right circle and promptly fired a wrist shot. Yellow Horn lit the lamp again at 19:40 from nearly the identical position at the base of the circle with a laser of a snap shot. On the ensuing faceoff, Orlando crashed the net and C.J. Severyn cut Ontario’s lead to 3-1with just over two ticks on the clock.
The Reign outshot the Solar Bears 11-1 in the second frame. Orlando almost escaped without allowing a goal, but with just 10 seconds left, Kyle Kraemer extended the Ontario lead to 4-1. The wily winger fought off a defender as he skated out of the corner to the top of the left circle and ripped a shot into the top of the net.
A
slash by Yellow Horn on Rob Mignardi led to a long delay as several
fights broke out, leading to 62 minutes in penalties and a Solar Bears
power play. Orlando wasted no time as Nick Petersen scored 31 seconds
into the man advantage. But Orlando couldn’t stop the Reign as Dan
DaSilva set Yellow Horn up on a breakaway which he buried to register
the third Ontario hat trick in five games. It was his 12th marker of
the season. Mario Lamoureux redirected Paul Mara’s blast over
Toivonen’s glove at 14:24 and the Reign went on to win 6-2.JP Berube stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced on the way to his fifth win of the season. Toivonen made 25 saves on 31 shots in the loss. Kraemer’s assist in the first period was his 109th point in a Reign sweater which pushed him past former Reign blueliner David Walker as the all-time Reign points leader. His second-period tally increased his points total to 110.
Three Stars:
1. ONT – Colton Yellow Horn
2. ONT – Kyle Kraemer
3. ONT – Dan DaSilva
CHL/PHPA Collective Bargaining Agreement Details
Here is a synopsis of the recently approved collective bargaining agreement between the players (Professional Hockey Players Association or PHPA) and the owners (Central Hockey League or CHL). It will give you some idea of salary, per diem, insurance, housing, equipment, etc. that players receive.
Please note, the following is merely a summary of some of the clauses within the agreement and does not constitute the official language of the agreement.
What is the length of the Collective Agreement?
This agreement is one (1) year in duration, beginning October 18, 2012, to May 31, 2013.
Is there a Salary Cap in the CHL?
Yes. The weekly Salary Cap to be shared amongst all Players on the Active Roster for the 2012-13 season will be $11,000 per week.
Is there a Salary Floor?
Yes. The Salary Floor is the minimum total salary paid by a team to Players on the Active Roster and Injured Reserve. For the 2012-13 season, this amount will be $8,400 per week.
What is the minimum salary a player can earn?
The minimum salary a CHL player can earn during the 2012-13 season is $345/week if that player has played in 25 or less professional games, or $390/week for players who have played in 26 or more games professional games. What is the Per Diem (meal money) allowance for CHL Players?
The per diem allowance for each Player accompanying his team while he is away from his playing city in excess of 25 miles for the purpose of participating in a practice, regular season, or post-season game during the 2012-13 season is $31 per day. Meal allowance times will be: 9am for breakfast ($6), 1pm for lunch ($9), and 7pm for dinner ($16).
For every five (5) consecutive days on the road, the team is required to provide an additional $16 (or meal of equivalent value) for dinner in addition to the payments above.
Clubs are also encouraged to provide a meal for the visiting team after a game.
What is a Veteran and is there a limit on how many can be on an Active Roster?
A Veteran shall mean a Player, other than a goaltender, who has played in 301 or more regular season games of professional hockey (including NHL, AHL, CHL, ECHL, IHL, UHL, or European professional games in equivalent Leagues).
For the 2012-13 season, each team shall be limited to five (5) Veterans (goaltenders exempt), plus one (1) returning Veteran from the previous season on the Club’s Season Ending Roster.
What is the Reserve System?
Each team reserves the rights to all Players on its Protected List during the Season until 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2013. No player on a team’s Season Ending Roster shall be traded by a Club after such dates/times listed above for each respective season. At this time, all trades from the previous season, including trades for future considerations, shall be considered final.
For 2012-13, a team shall only be entitled to reserve Rights to a maximum of eight (8) Qualified Players. Of these eight (8) Qualified Players, no more than four (4) of the Qualified Players shall be returning Veterans. “Qualified Player” shall mean a Player who is listed on a team’s Season Ending Roster who has received a Qualifying Offer from that team. A “Qualifying Offer” shall mean an offer of a Standard Player Contract to a Qualified Player. The date for which any Player must have received his Qualifying Offers for the 2012-13 season is July 8.
Any Veteran Player who is Qualified and subsequently released prior to or less than two (2) weeks into the season shall receive prorated release costs equal to two (2) weeks salary.
Are Players reimbursed for pre-season and end of season travel expenses?
Unsigned Players (not signed to a Standard Player Contract) attending CHL team training camps are responsible for their own travel expenses. Furthermore, upon a Player or Invitee signing a SPC and making the Season Opening Roster, or is added to the roster in-season under a SPC, the Club shall reimburse the Player (and Player’s legal wife and children), their reasonable travel costs (with receipts) up to $350 to the training camp. Any additional expenses are to be submitted by the Player to the Club. Players are required to submit travel receipts within 7 days of reporting to the Club. In turn, the Club shall reimburse the Player within 14 days of receiving said receipts.
When a Player is traveling via airline to the Club’s home territory, returning to his off-season domicile, or upon a Player’s release if not claimed off waivers, the Player, Spouse, and his children shall each be entitled to two (2) checked bags, not to exceed fifty (50) pounds per bag (or the maximum weight allowance by the airline). All other baggage must be shipped via ground transportation and pre-approved by the Club. (All travel arrangements, including flights, must be pre-approved by the Club).
All Players who end the season with the same team that they began the season with will receive an 85% advance of their travel in costs for purposes of travel out. Full reimbursement of any additional expenses will be made within 14 days of Club receiving receipts. Players who do not end the season with the same team and who are driving back to their home territory will receive a travel advance for purposes of travel out. Players who travel via airline must make their travel arrangements through the Club.
Is a Player required to pay his own Moving Expenses during the Season?
Any Player who is traded, claimed, or assigned during the season shall receive full reimbursement for reasonable moving expenses for the Player, Spouse, and his children from the acquiring team.
Does a Player receive Off-Ice Insurance?
Each Player on an Active Roster or Injured Reserve shall be eligible to receive off-ice health insurance coverage. Coverage shall be extended 14 days past the Club’s last game. Insurance premiums will be fully paid by the Club.
What is Arbitration? What is the process for settlement?
Any dispute, controversy, claim, or disagreement arising out of or relating to the Agreement shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration and will follow a specific grievance procedure.
Selection of an independent arbitrator shall be from a panel designated in a side letter agreement between the parties. The arbitrator shall have the authority to determine the procedural rules of arbitration and to make such binding orders to act effectively. The record shall be closed at the end of the hearing unless the arbitrator orders to the contrary.
Is a Player entitled to his own medical records including right to medical care and treatment?
The Club shall provide each Player with a complete copy of his medical records at the time of his annual exit physical. The exit physical shall document all injuries that may require future medical or dental treatment either in the near future or post career. The Club shall remain responsible for the payment of medical and dental costs associated with treatment of such hockey-related injuries at a future date. Players may request their medical records from the Club at any time.
A Player has the right to seek a second medical opinion paid for by the Club within 400 miles of his Club’s home territory.
Is a Membership Assistance Program available to CHL Players?
A counseling program to assist players with a wide variety of issues such as drug, alcohol, marriage, relationship, depression, financial, post concussion syndrome, and stress counseling program has been established by the League and PHPA. This program is funded by the Clubs, and is a 24/7/365 service to all Players.
Is a Career Enhancement Program available to CHL Players?
Yes, through the PHPA’s Career Enhancement Program, Players may enroll in up to two (2) courses per year, and will be reimbursed up to $400 per course (maximum of 2 courses per year), provided a B (3.0 GPA) average is maintained. All courses must begin no later than February 1 of that playing season.
Will a Strike or Lockout occur during the term of this CBA?
There shall at no time during the term of this Agreement be any strikes, walkouts, or the use of any method of lockout.
How long is the All-Star Break?
There shall be no travel, practices, regular season games, player appearances or promotions, for three (3) consecutive days before having to travel to or practice for a Regular Season game.
How long is the Christmas Break?
There shall be no travel, practices, regular season games, player appearances or promotions for at least three (3) consecutive days (72 hours) before having to travel to or practice for a Regular Season game.
How much Bereavement Leave do Players receive?
In the event of a death of an immediate family member of a Player, the Player shall be entitled to up to six (6) days leave with pay. Furthermore, the team may furnish the Player and Spouse with a round-trip airline ticket from the playing city to the location of the funeral.
How does Personal Leave work?
Personal Leave can be utilized for a number of personal issues, such as family issues, birth of a child, etc. Clubs have the option to grant personal leave to a Player on a case by case basis and the personal leave must be approved by the Player, Club, and CHL. Players will continue to receive salary while on personal leave, and this salary may or may not count toward the Club’s salary cap during the period of leave.
Is equipment provided to CHL Players?
The team shall provide Players who are on an Active Roster for a minimum of forty-five (45) days during the season the following equipment:
For Players other than goaltenders: standard protective equipment, sticks, at least one (1) pair of skates.
For goaltenders: standard protective equipment, sticks, a serviceable mask, at least one (1) pair of skates.
Are Players provided with lodging?
Players who choose to live in team provided accommodations will have their rent and utilities fully paid in a fully furnished apartment. Players who own their own homes, will be entitled to have all reasonable utilities paid, and receive $700 housing payment if married, or $400 housing payment if single. The team may also provide cable, internet, and phone. Players living in their own apartment (not provided by the team) will receive half of the advertised rate of a two (2) bedroom team provided accommodations, with utilities paid.
How is the allocation of the playoff pool determined?
Any Player participating in the playoffs or on the Club’s injured reserve will continue to be paid salary. The Playoff Pool is payment in addition to salary, paid by the team from the required contributions of all CHL teams participating in the Playoffs. Each team shall pay for twenty (20) shares for distribution among the Players on the Active Roster within twenty-one (21) days of the final game. The breakdown is as follows:
2012-13
Yes. Each Player will receive $100 for participating in an exhibition game that is scheduled during the regular season. Note: This does not include exhibition games prior to the start of the regular season.
Do CHL Players have Workers’ Compensation Rights?
Yes. Through the Standard Players Contract and Collective Bargaining Agreement, CHL Players injured during the course of their employment will see their Workers’ Compensation rights protected. Players will receive full salary during the period of injury, which is not an advance of any Workers’ Compensation payments.
What is the Player Hardship Fund?
The teams, League, and PHPA will continue to assist in a reasonable manner with Player Hardship issues for current and former CHL Players. This assistance may include donations, fundraisers, auctions, etc., which would not violate any compliance guidelines. No set minimum or maximum will be imposed.
How far can a team travel to a game without having to stay overnight?
Clubs can travel up to 400 miles on the day of a game. However, if the distance to the game is greater than 400 miles, Clubs must depart the night before and stay in a hotel or utilize an acceptable sleeper bus.
How many spots are available on a team’s Injured Reserve?
Each team will have one (1) seven (7) day injured reserve slot, two (2) fourteen (14) day slots and two (2) thirty (30) day slots. There are also slots reserved for season ending injuries.
Is there any bonus for finishing the regular season in first-place?
No.
CHL-PHPA Collective Bargaining Agreement
The following is an Executive Summary of key elements in the CHL-PHPA Agreement.Please note, the following is merely a summary of some of the clauses within the agreement and does not constitute the official language of the agreement.
What is the length of the Collective Agreement?
This agreement is one (1) year in duration, beginning October 18, 2012, to May 31, 2013.
Is there a Salary Cap in the CHL?
Yes. The weekly Salary Cap to be shared amongst all Players on the Active Roster for the 2012-13 season will be $11,000 per week.
Is there a Salary Floor?
Yes. The Salary Floor is the minimum total salary paid by a team to Players on the Active Roster and Injured Reserve. For the 2012-13 season, this amount will be $8,400 per week.
What is the minimum salary a player can earn?
The minimum salary a CHL player can earn during the 2012-13 season is $345/week if that player has played in 25 or less professional games, or $390/week for players who have played in 26 or more games professional games. What is the Per Diem (meal money) allowance for CHL Players?
The per diem allowance for each Player accompanying his team while he is away from his playing city in excess of 25 miles for the purpose of participating in a practice, regular season, or post-season game during the 2012-13 season is $31 per day. Meal allowance times will be: 9am for breakfast ($6), 1pm for lunch ($9), and 7pm for dinner ($16).
For every five (5) consecutive days on the road, the team is required to provide an additional $16 (or meal of equivalent value) for dinner in addition to the payments above.
Clubs are also encouraged to provide a meal for the visiting team after a game.
What is a Veteran and is there a limit on how many can be on an Active Roster?
A Veteran shall mean a Player, other than a goaltender, who has played in 301 or more regular season games of professional hockey (including NHL, AHL, CHL, ECHL, IHL, UHL, or European professional games in equivalent Leagues).
For the 2012-13 season, each team shall be limited to five (5) Veterans (goaltenders exempt), plus one (1) returning Veteran from the previous season on the Club’s Season Ending Roster.
What is the Reserve System?
Each team reserves the rights to all Players on its Protected List during the Season until 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2013. No player on a team’s Season Ending Roster shall be traded by a Club after such dates/times listed above for each respective season. At this time, all trades from the previous season, including trades for future considerations, shall be considered final.
For 2012-13, a team shall only be entitled to reserve Rights to a maximum of eight (8) Qualified Players. Of these eight (8) Qualified Players, no more than four (4) of the Qualified Players shall be returning Veterans. “Qualified Player” shall mean a Player who is listed on a team’s Season Ending Roster who has received a Qualifying Offer from that team. A “Qualifying Offer” shall mean an offer of a Standard Player Contract to a Qualified Player. The date for which any Player must have received his Qualifying Offers for the 2012-13 season is July 8.
Any Veteran Player who is Qualified and subsequently released prior to or less than two (2) weeks into the season shall receive prorated release costs equal to two (2) weeks salary.
Are Players reimbursed for pre-season and end of season travel expenses?
Unsigned Players (not signed to a Standard Player Contract) attending CHL team training camps are responsible for their own travel expenses. Furthermore, upon a Player or Invitee signing a SPC and making the Season Opening Roster, or is added to the roster in-season under a SPC, the Club shall reimburse the Player (and Player’s legal wife and children), their reasonable travel costs (with receipts) up to $350 to the training camp. Any additional expenses are to be submitted by the Player to the Club. Players are required to submit travel receipts within 7 days of reporting to the Club. In turn, the Club shall reimburse the Player within 14 days of receiving said receipts.
When a Player is traveling via airline to the Club’s home territory, returning to his off-season domicile, or upon a Player’s release if not claimed off waivers, the Player, Spouse, and his children shall each be entitled to two (2) checked bags, not to exceed fifty (50) pounds per bag (or the maximum weight allowance by the airline). All other baggage must be shipped via ground transportation and pre-approved by the Club. (All travel arrangements, including flights, must be pre-approved by the Club).
All Players who end the season with the same team that they began the season with will receive an 85% advance of their travel in costs for purposes of travel out. Full reimbursement of any additional expenses will be made within 14 days of Club receiving receipts. Players who do not end the season with the same team and who are driving back to their home territory will receive a travel advance for purposes of travel out. Players who travel via airline must make their travel arrangements through the Club.
Is a Player required to pay his own Moving Expenses during the Season?
Any Player who is traded, claimed, or assigned during the season shall receive full reimbursement for reasonable moving expenses for the Player, Spouse, and his children from the acquiring team.
Does a Player receive Off-Ice Insurance?
Each Player on an Active Roster or Injured Reserve shall be eligible to receive off-ice health insurance coverage. Coverage shall be extended 14 days past the Club’s last game. Insurance premiums will be fully paid by the Club.
What is Arbitration? What is the process for settlement?
Any dispute, controversy, claim, or disagreement arising out of or relating to the Agreement shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration and will follow a specific grievance procedure.
Selection of an independent arbitrator shall be from a panel designated in a side letter agreement between the parties. The arbitrator shall have the authority to determine the procedural rules of arbitration and to make such binding orders to act effectively. The record shall be closed at the end of the hearing unless the arbitrator orders to the contrary.
Is a Player entitled to his own medical records including right to medical care and treatment?
The Club shall provide each Player with a complete copy of his medical records at the time of his annual exit physical. The exit physical shall document all injuries that may require future medical or dental treatment either in the near future or post career. The Club shall remain responsible for the payment of medical and dental costs associated with treatment of such hockey-related injuries at a future date. Players may request their medical records from the Club at any time.
A Player has the right to seek a second medical opinion paid for by the Club within 400 miles of his Club’s home territory.
Is a Membership Assistance Program available to CHL Players?
A counseling program to assist players with a wide variety of issues such as drug, alcohol, marriage, relationship, depression, financial, post concussion syndrome, and stress counseling program has been established by the League and PHPA. This program is funded by the Clubs, and is a 24/7/365 service to all Players.
Is a Career Enhancement Program available to CHL Players?
Yes, through the PHPA’s Career Enhancement Program, Players may enroll in up to two (2) courses per year, and will be reimbursed up to $400 per course (maximum of 2 courses per year), provided a B (3.0 GPA) average is maintained. All courses must begin no later than February 1 of that playing season.
Will a Strike or Lockout occur during the term of this CBA?
There shall at no time during the term of this Agreement be any strikes, walkouts, or the use of any method of lockout.
How long is the All-Star Break?
There shall be no travel, practices, regular season games, player appearances or promotions, for three (3) consecutive days before having to travel to or practice for a Regular Season game.
How long is the Christmas Break?
There shall be no travel, practices, regular season games, player appearances or promotions for at least three (3) consecutive days (72 hours) before having to travel to or practice for a Regular Season game.
How much Bereavement Leave do Players receive?
In the event of a death of an immediate family member of a Player, the Player shall be entitled to up to six (6) days leave with pay. Furthermore, the team may furnish the Player and Spouse with a round-trip airline ticket from the playing city to the location of the funeral.
How does Personal Leave work?
Personal Leave can be utilized for a number of personal issues, such as family issues, birth of a child, etc. Clubs have the option to grant personal leave to a Player on a case by case basis and the personal leave must be approved by the Player, Club, and CHL. Players will continue to receive salary while on personal leave, and this salary may or may not count toward the Club’s salary cap during the period of leave.
Is equipment provided to CHL Players?
The team shall provide Players who are on an Active Roster for a minimum of forty-five (45) days during the season the following equipment:
For Players other than goaltenders: standard protective equipment, sticks, at least one (1) pair of skates.
For goaltenders: standard protective equipment, sticks, a serviceable mask, at least one (1) pair of skates.
Are Players provided with lodging?
Players who choose to live in team provided accommodations will have their rent and utilities fully paid in a fully furnished apartment. Players who own their own homes, will be entitled to have all reasonable utilities paid, and receive $700 housing payment if married, or $400 housing payment if single. The team may also provide cable, internet, and phone. Players living in their own apartment (not provided by the team) will receive half of the advertised rate of a two (2) bedroom team provided accommodations, with utilities paid.
How is the allocation of the playoff pool determined?
Any Player participating in the playoffs or on the Club’s injured reserve will continue to be paid salary. The Playoff Pool is payment in addition to salary, paid by the team from the required contributions of all CHL teams participating in the Playoffs. Each team shall pay for twenty (20) shares for distribution among the Players on the Active Roster within twenty-one (21) days of the final game. The breakdown is as follows:
2012-13
- 1st round elimination - $100 per player
- 2nd round elimination - $280 per player
- 3rd round elimination - $475 per player
- 4th round elimination - $725 per player
- Champion - $1,375 per player
Yes. Each Player will receive $100 for participating in an exhibition game that is scheduled during the regular season. Note: This does not include exhibition games prior to the start of the regular season.
Do CHL Players have Workers’ Compensation Rights?
Yes. Through the Standard Players Contract and Collective Bargaining Agreement, CHL Players injured during the course of their employment will see their Workers’ Compensation rights protected. Players will receive full salary during the period of injury, which is not an advance of any Workers’ Compensation payments.
What is the Player Hardship Fund?
The teams, League, and PHPA will continue to assist in a reasonable manner with Player Hardship issues for current and former CHL Players. This assistance may include donations, fundraisers, auctions, etc., which would not violate any compliance guidelines. No set minimum or maximum will be imposed.
How far can a team travel to a game without having to stay overnight?
Clubs can travel up to 400 miles on the day of a game. However, if the distance to the game is greater than 400 miles, Clubs must depart the night before and stay in a hotel or utilize an acceptable sleeper bus.
How many spots are available on a team’s Injured Reserve?
Each team will have one (1) seven (7) day injured reserve slot, two (2) fourteen (14) day slots and two (2) thirty (30) day slots. There are also slots reserved for season ending injuries.
Is there any bonus for finishing the regular season in first-place?
No.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Mike Montgomery - Player Profile
MIKE MONTGOMERY #23
Birthdate: 10/10/1986
6' 3" 210 lbs.
Spend five minutes with Mike Montgomery and it is obvious he is cut from a different cloth than most professional hockey players. He didn't start skating until he was eight and played forward until he was a sophomore in college when he switched to defense. A very thoughtful, introspective guy who leads by example. It wasn't an easy road to become a professional hockey player but Mike paved it with fortitude, hard work & determination.
From Lino Lakes, Minnesota, hockey held no interest for Mike until age eight when his cousin started playing. He was close friends with his cousin so he asked his parents if he could sign up as well. One of his earliest hockey memories is warming up his feet by soaking them in warm water after skating outside in the cold Minnesota winters.
Success has followed Mike since he played on a Minnesota state championship peewee team. He scored the loan goal in the finals of the 2004 Minnesota State High School tournament as his team claimed the state title.
Mike's high school coach says this, "Mike had a NHL body, and could always skate like the wind. And he was one of the nicest kids you could meet."
After high school Mike didn't attract the attention of college recruiters so he joined the Southern Minnesota Express of the North American Hockey League for two years. After two good but not great years with the Express Mike was getting no interest from college teams so he decided to give up hockey and go to college. He applied to and was accepted at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) with no intent of playing hockey.
Things changed when Mike's coach from the Express called the UMD hockey coach and recommended him. Mike got a walk on offer with no promises. As a freshman forward he played in nine games with no goals and one assist. However, his future was starting to take hold as the team had a rash of injuries at defense so Mike started filling in on defense at practices. He focused on being a defenseman during the summer and when he came back for his sophomore year he asked the coaches to put him at defense.The rest is history.
By the time Mike was a senior he was selected as the captain of the team and led them to their first NCAA championship. Ironically, the finals of the NCAA tournament were at the same arena (XCel Energy Center) in St. Paul, MN where he scored the winning goal for his high school team in the state championship game.
Here are quotes from some of Mike's coaches that gives you insight into the type of player he is:
- The guys have a lot of respect for him in that room
- He's one of those guys who does everything well
- He does the smart things, the simple things
- He is an even keel guy who, when he talks people listen
- He is a big body who can get the puck up the rink
PeeWee Champion, High School Champion, College Champion, let's add CHL champion this year.
As interesting as his hockey story is we also wanted to get to know Mike off the ice so we asked him a few questions. He graduated from UMD with a Business Administration degree with a major in finance. He and Ashley (see below) met at UMD.
Family:
Girlfriend (Ashley) works at Lululemon - North Park
Dad (Bob) is a partner in a printing company
Mom (Brenda) works for the Minnesota Court of Appeals
Sister (Kelsey) is a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth
Brother (Derek) works with Bob at the printing company
Favorite Music: Classic Rock is usually on the radio and The Black Keys have been a favorite for a long time
Something people would be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy cooking and visiting Whole Foods to shop. I also enjoy tennis in the off season.
A chore you hate to do: Washing my car
Something you have that is great value to you but of no value to anyone else: My college & high school championship rings and memories
Who do you admire as a leader: Dalai Lama
If you could live in another country for two years where would it be: Australia or France
If you could do anything besides being a pro athlete what would it be: Business owner
Who is the funniest guy on the team: Bootland is the most talkative & funny but Lukin is funny in a more passive way.
When was the last time you were lost: Since the advent of GPS I don't get lost
What do you like to do to kill time on the bus: I have a kindle so I read a lot but I also play cards and watch movies
Favorite motto or saying: The harder you work the luckier you get.
Favorite TV shows: The Newsroom, Family Guy, Homeland, & Dexter
As with all of the Allen Americans players, as we get to know them we want them to stay all year but the real goal is to move up the the AHL and never see them in an Americans jersey again. Mike has had a couple of call ups already to the Houston Aeros so while we would hate to see him go let's hope the next call up is for the rest of the year.
Birthdate: 10/10/1986
6' 3" 210 lbs.
Spend five minutes with Mike Montgomery and it is obvious he is cut from a different cloth than most professional hockey players. He didn't start skating until he was eight and played forward until he was a sophomore in college when he switched to defense. A very thoughtful, introspective guy who leads by example. It wasn't an easy road to become a professional hockey player but Mike paved it with fortitude, hard work & determination.
From Lino Lakes, Minnesota, hockey held no interest for Mike until age eight when his cousin started playing. He was close friends with his cousin so he asked his parents if he could sign up as well. One of his earliest hockey memories is warming up his feet by soaking them in warm water after skating outside in the cold Minnesota winters.
Success has followed Mike since he played on a Minnesota state championship peewee team. He scored the loan goal in the finals of the 2004 Minnesota State High School tournament as his team claimed the state title.
Mike's high school coach says this, "Mike had a NHL body, and could always skate like the wind. And he was one of the nicest kids you could meet."
After high school Mike didn't attract the attention of college recruiters so he joined the Southern Minnesota Express of the North American Hockey League for two years. After two good but not great years with the Express Mike was getting no interest from college teams so he decided to give up hockey and go to college. He applied to and was accepted at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) with no intent of playing hockey.
Things changed when Mike's coach from the Express called the UMD hockey coach and recommended him. Mike got a walk on offer with no promises. As a freshman forward he played in nine games with no goals and one assist. However, his future was starting to take hold as the team had a rash of injuries at defense so Mike started filling in on defense at practices. He focused on being a defenseman during the summer and when he came back for his sophomore year he asked the coaches to put him at defense.The rest is history.
By the time Mike was a senior he was selected as the captain of the team and led them to their first NCAA championship. Ironically, the finals of the NCAA tournament were at the same arena (XCel Energy Center) in St. Paul, MN where he scored the winning goal for his high school team in the state championship game.
Here are quotes from some of Mike's coaches that gives you insight into the type of player he is:
- The guys have a lot of respect for him in that room
- He's one of those guys who does everything well
- He does the smart things, the simple things
- He is an even keel guy who, when he talks people listen
- He is a big body who can get the puck up the rink
PeeWee Champion, High School Champion, College Champion, let's add CHL champion this year.
As interesting as his hockey story is we also wanted to get to know Mike off the ice so we asked him a few questions. He graduated from UMD with a Business Administration degree with a major in finance. He and Ashley (see below) met at UMD.
Family:
Girlfriend (Ashley) works at Lululemon - North Park
Dad (Bob) is a partner in a printing company
Mom (Brenda) works for the Minnesota Court of Appeals
Sister (Kelsey) is a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth
Brother (Derek) works with Bob at the printing company
Favorite Music: Classic Rock is usually on the radio and The Black Keys have been a favorite for a long time
Something people would be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy cooking and visiting Whole Foods to shop. I also enjoy tennis in the off season.
A chore you hate to do: Washing my car
Something you have that is great value to you but of no value to anyone else: My college & high school championship rings and memories
Who do you admire as a leader: Dalai Lama
If you could live in another country for two years where would it be: Australia or France
If you could do anything besides being a pro athlete what would it be: Business owner
Who is the funniest guy on the team: Bootland is the most talkative & funny but Lukin is funny in a more passive way.
When was the last time you were lost: Since the advent of GPS I don't get lost
What do you like to do to kill time on the bus: I have a kindle so I read a lot but I also play cards and watch movies
Favorite motto or saying: The harder you work the luckier you get.
Favorite TV shows: The Newsroom, Family Guy, Homeland, & Dexter
As with all of the Allen Americans players, as we get to know them we want them to stay all year but the real goal is to move up the the AHL and never see them in an Americans jersey again. Mike has had a couple of call ups already to the Houston Aeros so while we would hate to see him go let's hope the next call up is for the rest of the year.
Americans Win 3-2
AMERICANS STORM BACK FOR A 3-2 WIN
Published: Saturday, November 24, 2012
Arizona opened the scoring in the first period when Jake Hauswirth popped in a rebound of Adam Smyth’s shot at the 3:30 mark. The first period saw a dominant performance from Arizona, outshooting the Americans 19-4 but the outstanding goaltending or Aaron Dell held the Sundogs to the lone early goal.
Early on in the second period the Sundogs extended their lead to 2-0 on a half ice shot by David Schlemko that caught Aaron Dell off guard. Arizona goaltender Mike Spillane earned the lone assist on the Schlemko marker at 1:06 of the middle frame. Allen cut into the Arizona lead five minutes later when Adam Pineault lit the lamp to complete a pretty display of tic-tac-toe passing from Jamie Schaafsma and Jarret Lukin, to bring the score to 2-1. Trevor Ludwig tied the game for the Americans with a big blast from the point from an Americans faceoff win, assists going to Mike Montgomery and Anthony Maiani at 18:59. Arizona continued to outshoot the Americans 10-8 for a two period total of 29-12.
It took until the third period for the Allen Americans to grab their first lead of the game but it was the only one they’d need, scoring their third unanswered goal on the power play. Jamie Schaafsma found the back of the net to give the Americans the go ahead goal on the power play, assisted by Tyler Ludwig and Adam Pineault at 8:51. Allen’s strong play in the third led to them outshooting the Sundogs 16-12 for a three period total of 42-28 in favor of Arizona.
The Allen Americans head back to Allen before heading out on the road for a Friday night game against the Tulsa Oilers, puck drop is set for 7:35PM Friday night.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Game Notes & Other Thoughts - 11/23
A unique game when you get out shot 27-25 and win 7-1. Wish I could be there for the game tonight. Get your tickets for the rematch with the Sundogs a week from today (12/1) at the Allen Event Center.
- Arizona getting in a penalty filled game is not too wise. Allen is much better on special teams being number 2 in the league on both the power play & penalty kill. Last night Arizona was 1 for 7 on the power play while Allen was 3 for 9.
- When was the last time if ever the Americans had two players (Bootland & Howes) with 5 points in a game
- The Americans have allowed the fewest goals (35) in the CHL. Next closest team is at 42.
- Aaron Dell now leads the league with a 1.87 goals against average
- After these two penalty filled games with Arizona the Americans lead the league in penalty minutes (298)
- Brett Skinner is third in the league in points (20) while Darryl Bootland & Scotty Howes are tied for 5th in points (19) after their big night
- Brett Skinner (14 assists) and Tyler Ludwig (10 assists) are first & second in the league for defensemen
- Scotty Howes leads the league with 10 goals in just 12 games
- Brian McMillin still leads the CHL in scoring percentage with 4 goals on 9 shots
- "I love getting jumped!" Garret Clarke's post-game twitter post after getting sucker punched in the second period
- Arizona getting in a penalty filled game is not too wise. Allen is much better on special teams being number 2 in the league on both the power play & penalty kill. Last night Arizona was 1 for 7 on the power play while Allen was 3 for 9.
- When was the last time if ever the Americans had two players (Bootland & Howes) with 5 points in a game
- The Americans have allowed the fewest goals (35) in the CHL. Next closest team is at 42.
- Aaron Dell now leads the league with a 1.87 goals against average
- After these two penalty filled games with Arizona the Americans lead the league in penalty minutes (298)
- Brett Skinner is third in the league in points (20) while Darryl Bootland & Scotty Howes are tied for 5th in points (19) after their big night
- Brett Skinner (14 assists) and Tyler Ludwig (10 assists) are first & second in the league for defensemen
- Scotty Howes leads the league with 10 goals in just 12 games
- Brian McMillin still leads the CHL in scoring percentage with 4 goals on 9 shots
- "I love getting jumped!" Garret Clarke's post-game twitter post after getting sucker punched in the second period
Friday, November 23, 2012
Interesting Article About Hockey Attendance
Found this article in the Grand Forks Herald which talks about the University of North Dakota (UND) in particular but has as some interesting attendance information. Aaron Dell, who was playing for UND just last year can vouch for the craziness and passion that is UND hockey.
With the NHL lockout, UND has become the most followed hockey team in North America.
UND is averaging 11,730 fans per game this season — slightly more than 100 percent capacity at Ralph Engelstad Arena — which beats out the top-drawing teams from the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, the Central Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, among others.
The second-highest drawing team in North America is the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. They are averaging 10,396. The University of Minnesota is third with 9,678, the University of Wisconsin is fourth with 9,668 and the Hershey Bears of the AHL are fifth with 8,774.
“I don’t know about the attendance marks, but I know about the energy our fans bring,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “It’s the best student section in the country. When we leave for pregame meal, there’s 1,000 students already lined up at 2:30 or 3 in the afternoon. When we come back for the game, that student lineup out in the cold wraps halfway around the back of the arena. That, in itself, brings some excitement when you get to the rink.
“Inside the arena, the passion all our fans bring is second to none. I can compare that to almost any sporting event I’ve been at. What continually strikes me is the new people that come into the building — NHL people and hockey people from all over different parts of North America. No matter what they’ve heard about the building, no matter how many positives they’ve heard, by the end of the hockey game they are still in disbelief about what they just witnessed. That’s due to the passion and excitement of our fans. Their loyalty is second to none.”
According to Herald research, only three teams worldwide are currently drawing more fans per game than UND — SC Bern (Switzerland), Eisbaren Berlin (Germany) and Kolner Haie (Germany). John Taveres, the New York Islander and No. 1 overall pick three years ago, is playing for Bern. Philadelphia Flyers stars Danny Briere and Claude Giroux are playing for Berlin.
UND is outdrawing every team in the KHL, the Russian superleague where locked out NHL stars Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk are playing.
“That’s pretty crazy to think about,” UND rookie defenseman Jordan Schmaltz said. “It’s truly something special. I can’t believe all the support from the fans in the community. The whole city is behind the team. It’s pretty special to be a part of that. Knowing you’re going to come to the rink and play in front of a sold-out crowd every night is pretty incredible.”
Since the new Ralph Engelstad Arena opened in 2001, UND has been among the top three in college hockey in average home attendance. It also annually outdraws the minor league teams — a trend that has continued this year even though NHL players have filled some minor-league rosters.
After back-to-back sellouts last weekend against Minnesota-Duluth, UND’s average at-tendance has bumped just past The Ralph’s capacity, thanks to standing-room tickets.
UND’s remaining home series will be against Denver, Holy Cross, Colorado College, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin and Bemidji State.
“It’s awesome to come to the rink,” UND senior Danny Kristo said. “I think our fans are unbelievable. We definitely play well here at The Ralph. Hats off to our fans and everyone who cares about this university and this program so much.”
The fan support has translated to on-ice success, too.
UND has held the best home record in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in each of the last two seasons.
The WCHA, as a whole, is faring well in attendance. It is the most-viewed league in North America this season. The WCHA’s 12 teams are averaging 6,031 fans per game, which beats out the AHL’s average of 5,350.
Seven of the top nine in college hockey attendance are from the WCHA — UND, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado College, Duluth, Denver and Nebraska-Omaha.
Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.
With NHL lockout, UND men's hockey is most followed team in North America
UND is averaging 11,730 fans per game this season — slightly more than 100 percent capacity at Ralph Engelstad Arena — which beats out the top-drawing teams from the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, the Central Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, among others. By: Brad Elliott Schlossman, Grand Forks HeraldWith the NHL lockout, UND has become the most followed hockey team in North America.
UND is averaging 11,730 fans per game this season — slightly more than 100 percent capacity at Ralph Engelstad Arena — which beats out the top-drawing teams from the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, the Central Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, among others.
The second-highest drawing team in North America is the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. They are averaging 10,396. The University of Minnesota is third with 9,678, the University of Wisconsin is fourth with 9,668 and the Hershey Bears of the AHL are fifth with 8,774.
“I don’t know about the attendance marks, but I know about the energy our fans bring,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “It’s the best student section in the country. When we leave for pregame meal, there’s 1,000 students already lined up at 2:30 or 3 in the afternoon. When we come back for the game, that student lineup out in the cold wraps halfway around the back of the arena. That, in itself, brings some excitement when you get to the rink.
“Inside the arena, the passion all our fans bring is second to none. I can compare that to almost any sporting event I’ve been at. What continually strikes me is the new people that come into the building — NHL people and hockey people from all over different parts of North America. No matter what they’ve heard about the building, no matter how many positives they’ve heard, by the end of the hockey game they are still in disbelief about what they just witnessed. That’s due to the passion and excitement of our fans. Their loyalty is second to none.”
According to Herald research, only three teams worldwide are currently drawing more fans per game than UND — SC Bern (Switzerland), Eisbaren Berlin (Germany) and Kolner Haie (Germany). John Taveres, the New York Islander and No. 1 overall pick three years ago, is playing for Bern. Philadelphia Flyers stars Danny Briere and Claude Giroux are playing for Berlin.
UND is outdrawing every team in the KHL, the Russian superleague where locked out NHL stars Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk are playing.
“That’s pretty crazy to think about,” UND rookie defenseman Jordan Schmaltz said. “It’s truly something special. I can’t believe all the support from the fans in the community. The whole city is behind the team. It’s pretty special to be a part of that. Knowing you’re going to come to the rink and play in front of a sold-out crowd every night is pretty incredible.”
Since the new Ralph Engelstad Arena opened in 2001, UND has been among the top three in college hockey in average home attendance. It also annually outdraws the minor league teams — a trend that has continued this year even though NHL players have filled some minor-league rosters.
After back-to-back sellouts last weekend against Minnesota-Duluth, UND’s average at-tendance has bumped just past The Ralph’s capacity, thanks to standing-room tickets.
UND’s remaining home series will be against Denver, Holy Cross, Colorado College, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin and Bemidji State.
“It’s awesome to come to the rink,” UND senior Danny Kristo said. “I think our fans are unbelievable. We definitely play well here at The Ralph. Hats off to our fans and everyone who cares about this university and this program so much.”
The fan support has translated to on-ice success, too.
UND has held the best home record in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in each of the last two seasons.
The WCHA, as a whole, is faring well in attendance. It is the most-viewed league in North America this season. The WCHA’s 12 teams are averaging 6,031 fans per game, which beats out the AHL’s average of 5,350.
Seven of the top nine in college hockey attendance are from the WCHA — UND, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado College, Duluth, Denver and Nebraska-Omaha.
Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Americans Fall In Shootout
AMERICANS FALL TO ARIZONA IN A SHOOTOUT 3-2
Published:
A fairly quiet first period went nearly scoreless until the final minutes when Adam Pineault scored shorthanded for the Americans, unassisted at 17:27. The period ended with the Americans keeping the 1-0 lead but trailing Arizona in shots on goal by a count of 13-9.
The middle frame got off to a quick start for the Sundogs when Derek LeBlanc scored early in the second period on the power play to knot the score 1-1, assists went to David Schlemko and Chad Langlais at the 2:15 mark. Allen answered back four minutes later when Brian McMillin netted an odd angle shot off a feed from Jason Deitsch on the power play to give the Americans back the lead 2-1, which stood for the rest of the period. The Sundogs retained the edge in shots on goal in the second period at 10-7 and through both periods of play 23-16.
Despite multiple power play opportunities for both clubs through the third period, neither team could light the lamp until Arizona evened the game with 5:19 remaining in regulation. Arizona’s Jason Morgan redirected a shot past Steve Silverthorn in the Allen net with assists going to Gord Burnett and Jake Hauswirth to tie the game 2-2. The score remained unchanged through regulation and headed to overtime with Arizona continuing to control the shots on net with 7-5 in the period and 30-22 through three periods of play.
Allen was able to outshoot Arizona in extra time, putting 4 shots on net versus the Sundogs 3 but neither team could score so the game went to shootout. In the shootout, Arizona was able to net two markers to the Americans one to earn the victory. For Arizona, the goal scorers were Jason Morgan and David Schlemko who notched the game winner for the Sundogs. Allen’s lone goal scorer was Brett Skinner who continues to maintain his impressive scoring streak of at least a point in every game since opening night for the Americans for total of 5 goals, 14 assists, and 19 points in 13 games played.
Wednesday night’s contest marked a big milestone for one of the Americans stalwarts, as Jarret Lukin played in his 170th game for the Allen Americans. The game makes Lukin the longest serving Allen Americans player, where he has played since the team’s inaugural season.
The Allen Americans and Arizona Sundogs will pick up their series after Thanksgiving with the puck drop scheduled for 7:05PM Friday night.
Photo courtesy of Scenes by Kimberly
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Player Update - Past & Present
How about a few random pieces of information about players past and present:
- Justin DeCosta who was playing in Austria has been reunited with Dwight Mullins and is playing for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL
- Dave Bonk continues to lead his team (Nikko Icebucks) & the league (Asia League) in scoring with 12 goals and 22 assists in 21 games
- Nino Musitelli has been granted bereavement leave by the league
- Colton Yellow Horn leads his team (Ontario Reign) in goals with 9 and they are in first place in the Western Conference of the ECHL
- Justin Bowers leads his team (San Francisco Bulls) in scoring with 5 goals & 11 assists in 17 games.
- Trevor Hendrikx who started the year with the San Francisco Bulls is now playing for the Bakersfield Condors
- Scott Langdon leads the San Francisco Bulls in +/- with a +5 while Dylan King is -7.
- The Bulls are mired in 8th place in the 9 team Western Conference with only the Las Vegas Wranglers (Judd Blackwater) behind them
- Brett Skinner's hometown newspaper (Brandon, Manitoba Sun) has published a nice article about him, "Skinner Lighting It Up in the Central League"
- Josh Hepditch, first year coach & general manager of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL) has 9 wins and 11 losses and is in fourth place in the five team division
- Bruce Graham is third in scoring on his team (Nottingham Panthers) with 9 goals and 10 assists in 20 games
- Mike Montgomery has been returned to Allen from the Houston Aeros
- Justin DeCosta who was playing in Austria has been reunited with Dwight Mullins and is playing for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL
- Dave Bonk continues to lead his team (Nikko Icebucks) & the league (Asia League) in scoring with 12 goals and 22 assists in 21 games
- Nino Musitelli has been granted bereavement leave by the league
- Colton Yellow Horn leads his team (Ontario Reign) in goals with 9 and they are in first place in the Western Conference of the ECHL
- Justin Bowers leads his team (San Francisco Bulls) in scoring with 5 goals & 11 assists in 17 games.
- Trevor Hendrikx who started the year with the San Francisco Bulls is now playing for the Bakersfield Condors
- Scott Langdon leads the San Francisco Bulls in +/- with a +5 while Dylan King is -7.
- The Bulls are mired in 8th place in the 9 team Western Conference with only the Las Vegas Wranglers (Judd Blackwater) behind them
- Brett Skinner's hometown newspaper (Brandon, Manitoba Sun) has published a nice article about him, "Skinner Lighting It Up in the Central League"
- Josh Hepditch, first year coach & general manager of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL) has 9 wins and 11 losses and is in fourth place in the five team division
- Bruce Graham is third in scoring on his team (Nottingham Panthers) with 9 goals and 10 assists in 20 games
- Mike Montgomery has been returned to Allen from the Houston Aeros
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Post Game Notes - 11/17
Wanted to share a few comments Coach Martinson made after the game last night:
- Goalie play for both teams was excellent. Silverthorn was outstanding.
- Coach singled out Brian McMillin for his excellent work on the penalty kill and said he deserves to be playing every game
- The practice on Friday allowed the team to work on and emphasize some system issues that had not been worked on while on the road. This system practice helped reduce the number of odd man rushes.
- Coach talked about the lack of fighting in the last few games and the fact that teams we have played thus far are reluctant to fight Kip Brennan.
Other Thoughts:
- Brett Skinner continued his streak with another assist and leads the team in points and is now 3rd in the CHL
- Congrats to Nino Musitelli on getting his first goal of the season
- The Americans honored the over 250 veterans from WW II, Korea, & Vietnam who live in Heritage Ranch at last nights game.
- The team now hits the road for three straight games (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) against the Arizona Sundogs. The Sundogs are 5-0-1 at home and are playing much better than they were when we played them in Allen last month. Combine this with the typical intensity of playing the same team three times in four nights and it shapes up to be quite a series.
- Goalie play for both teams was excellent. Silverthorn was outstanding.
- Coach singled out Brian McMillin for his excellent work on the penalty kill and said he deserves to be playing every game
- The practice on Friday allowed the team to work on and emphasize some system issues that had not been worked on while on the road. This system practice helped reduce the number of odd man rushes.
- Coach talked about the lack of fighting in the last few games and the fact that teams we have played thus far are reluctant to fight Kip Brennan.
Other Thoughts:
- Brett Skinner continued his streak with another assist and leads the team in points and is now 3rd in the CHL
- Congrats to Nino Musitelli on getting his first goal of the season
- The Americans honored the over 250 veterans from WW II, Korea, & Vietnam who live in Heritage Ranch at last nights game.
- The team now hits the road for three straight games (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) against the Arizona Sundogs. The Sundogs are 5-0-1 at home and are playing much better than they were when we played them in Allen last month. Combine this with the typical intensity of playing the same team three times in four nights and it shapes up to be quite a series.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
PHPA & CHL Reach Agreement
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been ratified. From what I have been told it is close to the CBA in place last year. The weekly salary cap is $11,000. One of the sticking points was health insurance where the owners initially wanted the players to pick up additional costs.
Under the CBA, players will continue to have a formal arbitration process, Standard Players Contracts, receive rights to medical records and second / third medical opinions, travel reimbursement, and lodging provisions. CHL Owners will pay the entire premiums for players’ off ice insurance. The Salary Cap, Salary Floor, and Minimum Salary will remain the same as the previous CBA, while adjustments were made to the Injured Reserve System, All-Star and Christmas Breaks, as well as pre and post season travel reimbursement provisions.
Players will continue to have access to a variety of programs such as the REDLINE Membership Assistance Program which is a 24/7/365 counseling service for players, Career Enhancement Program for players wishing to advance their education with partial reimbursement by CHL teams, as well as a Group Licensing Authorization Program which protects player likeness rights.
“We are happy to get this deal in place and look forward to an exciting year of CHL action,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon. “We wanted to negotiate a deal where players would feel comfortable competing, knowing that they would receive appropriate off-ice care and insurance benefits.”
“I would like to thank the many CHL players whose courage, leadership, and input during the negotiation process was instrumental in reaching this agreement,” added Landon.
"We would like to thank the both the owners/Governors and the players of our CHL member clubs for their leadership in reaching this agreement,” added CHL Commissioner, Duane Lewis. “The process involved many people and a great deal of time on both sides to get this deal finalized, and we appreciate their dedication at, and away from, the bargaining table."
PHPA Press Releases
PHPA and CHL Reach Agreement
By Darryl Dionne Published on: Monday November 12, 2012
(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) and Central Hockey League (CHL) have reached a one-year successor Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2012-13 season. The agreement has been ratified by the League Owners and the players.Under the CBA, players will continue to have a formal arbitration process, Standard Players Contracts, receive rights to medical records and second / third medical opinions, travel reimbursement, and lodging provisions. CHL Owners will pay the entire premiums for players’ off ice insurance. The Salary Cap, Salary Floor, and Minimum Salary will remain the same as the previous CBA, while adjustments were made to the Injured Reserve System, All-Star and Christmas Breaks, as well as pre and post season travel reimbursement provisions.
Players will continue to have access to a variety of programs such as the REDLINE Membership Assistance Program which is a 24/7/365 counseling service for players, Career Enhancement Program for players wishing to advance their education with partial reimbursement by CHL teams, as well as a Group Licensing Authorization Program which protects player likeness rights.
“We are happy to get this deal in place and look forward to an exciting year of CHL action,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon. “We wanted to negotiate a deal where players would feel comfortable competing, knowing that they would receive appropriate off-ice care and insurance benefits.”
“I would like to thank the many CHL players whose courage, leadership, and input during the negotiation process was instrumental in reaching this agreement,” added Landon.
"We would like to thank the both the owners/Governors and the players of our CHL member clubs for their leadership in reaching this agreement,” added CHL Commissioner, Duane Lewis. “The process involved many people and a great deal of time on both sides to get this deal finalized, and we appreciate their dedication at, and away from, the bargaining table."
Friday, November 16, 2012
Notes From The Coach & Other Thoughts - 11/15
The Americans followed their typical pattern of the last few games with a slow start in the first period followed better play. What led to the 4-3 loss to the Mavericks was under performance on special teams going 0-4 on the power play (not counting the 6 on 4 goal at end of the game) and 1-2 on the penalty kill.
What coach Martinson had to say after the game:
- We haven't been ready to play the last few games & I need to fix that
- We just have to get better starts
- You can't beat yourself in the 1st period
- Special teams have been making a difference for us but not tonight
- We are not a fancy team
- We are not the type of team to score a lot on the rush
- Throwing the puck in and puck possession is our strength
- When asked about a couple of positives to take away from the game Coach mentioned that the team never gives up & also the strength of the goalie play
Other thoughts:
- For a switch of dates and a Thursday game there was a good crowd (3990)
- Darryl Bootland had 2 assists and was a +3 for the game
- Brett Skinner now leads the CHL in assists (13)
- Jamie Schaafsma now leads the team in shots (42)
- Anthony Maiani leads the team in plus/minus (+5)
- Scotty Howes leads the CHL in goals (9) in spite of missing two games
- Coach Martinson & the team will attend the Allen Eagles football game Friday night and be ready to go for our Saturday game with Tulsa.
- Saturday night will be a big night for the Heritage Ranch Allen Americans fan club & the Allen Americans. Working together to identify veterans who live at Heritage Ranch they have provided tickets to over 150 veterans and their families through the "Seats for Soldiers" program. Veterans from WWII, Korea, & Vietnam will be honored during the game.
What coach Martinson had to say after the game:
- We haven't been ready to play the last few games & I need to fix that
- We just have to get better starts
- You can't beat yourself in the 1st period
- Special teams have been making a difference for us but not tonight
- We are not a fancy team
- We are not the type of team to score a lot on the rush
- Throwing the puck in and puck possession is our strength
- When asked about a couple of positives to take away from the game Coach mentioned that the team never gives up & also the strength of the goalie play
Other thoughts:
- For a switch of dates and a Thursday game there was a good crowd (3990)
- Darryl Bootland had 2 assists and was a +3 for the game
- Brett Skinner now leads the CHL in assists (13)
- Jamie Schaafsma now leads the team in shots (42)
- Anthony Maiani leads the team in plus/minus (+5)
- Scotty Howes leads the CHL in goals (9) in spite of missing two games
- Coach Martinson & the team will attend the Allen Eagles football game Friday night and be ready to go for our Saturday game with Tulsa.
- Saturday night will be a big night for the Heritage Ranch Allen Americans fan club & the Allen Americans. Working together to identify veterans who live at Heritage Ranch they have provided tickets to over 150 veterans and their families through the "Seats for Soldiers" program. Veterans from WWII, Korea, & Vietnam will be honored during the game.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Rumors, Thoughts & Observations (RTO's)
RTO's for the day 11/12/12:
- Brad Gallant signed with Fort Worth on Friday and was placed on "team suspension" yesterday. What is that all about.
- Heard a rumor Andrew Howes was also talking to the Brahmas.
- The team left Moline on the bus at 6:00 am this morning for Bloomington. Practice is scheduled in Bloomington at 10:00 am.
- The new collective bargaining agreement has not been posted on the PHPA site. I heard the owners vote was due 10 days ago. Maybe it takes longer for the players to vote. Thought it would have been done and announced by now.
- Brett Skinner is fourth in assists (ten) in the CHL. There are no other defensemen in the top 20.
- Brian McMillin has the second highest scoring percentage in the league (42.9%) having scored 3 goals on only 7 shots.
- The Americans have the top penalty kill (89.6%) in the league and the second rated power play (27.8%).
- As part of the "Seats For Soldiers" program the Americans will honor veterans from the Heritage Ranch community at the game on Saturday. Over 100 veterans and family members will be in attendance.
- Mike Montgomery who has already had a couple of call ups to the AHL (Houston) played in his first game for the Aeros on Friday. Mike had an assist and was +2 in the 5-4 Houston shootout victory.
- Might be a quiet night for the Americans when they play the Bloomington Blaze tomorrow. I have heard the Blaze often draw less than 1000 people per game even though the official attendance figures are higher. They recently offered season tickets for $3 per game. More indication the CHL is going to have a tough time keeping the teams they have. Can't wait for a move to the ECHL for the Americans. Sure hope it happens next year.
- Brad Gallant signed with Fort Worth on Friday and was placed on "team suspension" yesterday. What is that all about.
- Heard a rumor Andrew Howes was also talking to the Brahmas.
- The team left Moline on the bus at 6:00 am this morning for Bloomington. Practice is scheduled in Bloomington at 10:00 am.
- The new collective bargaining agreement has not been posted on the PHPA site. I heard the owners vote was due 10 days ago. Maybe it takes longer for the players to vote. Thought it would have been done and announced by now.
- Brett Skinner is fourth in assists (ten) in the CHL. There are no other defensemen in the top 20.
- Brian McMillin has the second highest scoring percentage in the league (42.9%) having scored 3 goals on only 7 shots.
- The Americans have the top penalty kill (89.6%) in the league and the second rated power play (27.8%).
- As part of the "Seats For Soldiers" program the Americans will honor veterans from the Heritage Ranch community at the game on Saturday. Over 100 veterans and family members will be in attendance.
- Mike Montgomery who has already had a couple of call ups to the AHL (Houston) played in his first game for the Aeros on Friday. Mike had an assist and was +2 in the 5-4 Houston shootout victory.
- Might be a quiet night for the Americans when they play the Bloomington Blaze tomorrow. I have heard the Blaze often draw less than 1000 people per game even though the official attendance figures are higher. They recently offered season tickets for $3 per game. More indication the CHL is going to have a tough time keeping the teams they have. Can't wait for a move to the ECHL for the Americans. Sure hope it happens next year.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Paired Preferences with Drew Daniels
Here is how defenseman Drew Daniels answered our paired preference questions:
Taylor Swift or Carrie
Underwood Carrie Underwood
Playstation or Xbox Xbox
Dog or Cat Dog
Blonde or Brunette
Blonde
Coke or Pepsi
Coke
Lady Gaga or Rhianna Rihanna
Ford or Chevrolet Chevrolet
Clean or Messy
Messy
Beef or Chicken
Chicken
Beer or Wine Beer
Sushi or Mexican
Sushi
Big Brother or Amazing Race Amazing Race
Facebook or Twitter
Facebook
Ocean or Lake
Lake
Fishing or Hunting
Fishing
Kindle or Hardback Kindle
Blake Shelton or Brad
Paisley Blake Shelton
Reese Witherspoon or Angelina
Jolie Angelina Jolie
Boxers of Briefs
Boxers
Kohls or Belks Kohls
George Clooney or Brad
Pitt Brad Pitt
Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy
Red Wings or Blackhawks Blackhawks
Justin Bieber or Kanye West Kanye West
Survivor or The Bachelor The Bachelor
Texas Stars or Houston
Aeros Texas Stars
Friday, November 9, 2012
Americans Game On 11/16 Changed to 11/15
ALLEN AMERICANS TO CELEBRATE ALLEN EAGLES NIGHT
Published: Thursday, November 08, 2012
Nov. 16 Hockey Game Moved to Thursday, Nov. 15
The Allen Americans Hockey Club announced today that the team has partnered with Allen High School to create a night to celebrate the Allen Eagles Football Team and help kick off the Eagles’ 2012 playoff run.
The Americans are officially moving the team’s home game vs. Missouri scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16, to Thursday, Nov. 15, as part of Allen Eagles Night. The new game date will allow Allen hockey and football fans to enjoy both events. Fans with tickets to the Americans game originally scheduled for Nov. 16 can simply use them on Nov. 15; these tickets are still valid and are good for admission on Nov. 15. Game time remains 7:05 pm.
“All of us are simply thrilled about the Allen Eagles’ success this season,” said Allen Americans President Matt Canavan. “Since the first playoff football game is being played at the new Allen Eagle Stadium next Friday night, we saw an opportunity to partner with the Eagles and create a night to help celebrate their great season and kick off their playoff run in grand style.
“Looking at our hockey schedule, it was convenient to simply move our Friday night game to Thursday, thus accommodating the many people who attend Americans games, as well as Eagles games. We’d like to thank the Missouri Mavericks and the Central Hockey League for their help in making this happen. Our fans now get the best of both worlds – come to the Americans game on Thursday and celebrate the Eagles football team, then all of us will go watch the Eagles take on Richardson in the first playoff game of the season on Friday. We are really looking forward to a fun night at the Americans game which will have a big Eagles feel to it.”
The Americans are working closely with Allen High School on details surrounding Allen Eagles Night on Nov. 15. More details on the game will be announced on Friday afternoon, Nov. 9.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Allen Americans Look To Avoid Duck Trap by Tony Jaremko
Great article on this weekends series with Quad City Mallards by Tony Jaremko of thehockeywriters.com
Last weekend saw the open of duck season and as hunters all over
looked to the skies, the Americans continued their red hot start as
every other team in the CHL was forced to look upwards at them.
Tomorrow, Allen rolls into Moline, IL to face the Quad City Mallards for
a weekend series. Despite having five teams between them, the two
teams are only separated by 5 points, and the Mallards have made late
game heroics an early calling card early this season, having gone to
extra time for half their games. Last Friday, Quad City was involved in
an 11-round shootout which they dropped.
It would be easy for the Americans to take the ducks lightly, especially when looking at the stat sheet. Despite being last in the league with the man advantage at 9.5%, Quad City might have found some consistency as they scored their first two PP goals against Bloomington in that shootout loss last Friday. However, only slightly better at 6th, the Mallards would find it best to stay out of the box as their 78.6% PK would indicate.
That might be difficult given the aggressive style that Allen plays. The Americans have found themselves a man up on the power play more than any team which is indicative to the way Coach Steve Martinson and Assistant Richard Matvichuk teach and encourage the team to finish their checks and fight for every inch of ice.
At the same time, Allen has been shorthanded more than any other team (actually tied with Tulsa, but that was because Tulsa got “suckered” into losing their cool last Friday in Allen) but has had incredible success on the kill, only yielding 4 goals out of 38 opportunities. It would serve Allen very well this weekend to continue the physical, “pond hockey” style of play that has vaulted them to the top of the standings.
Players to watch
Darryl Bootland and Brett Skinner continue to lead the Americans in scoring with 10 points each, where Patrik Levesque is the only player for the Mallards who appears in the top-20, also with 10 points but has a -1 rating and an abysmal 12% shooting percentage. Levesque and center, Mickey Lang account for a third of the Mallards total shots, so when those two aren’t out on the ice, Americans goaltenders Steve Silverthorn and rookie Aaron Dell will have to keep themselves mentally sharp. Speaking of goalies, Allen and Quad City are on opposite tracks as Silverthorn and Dell boast GAA percentages of 2.52 and 2.02 respectively, where Mallards Joe Palmer and John Murray have each given up 10 goals and have GAA percentages hovering around 3.20%.
Defenseman, Derek Matheson will be playing his first game against Allen as he was traded to Quad City last week.
Allen is making its first trip to the i wireless Center as the two teams split the only two games ever played between the teams last season in Allen. The Americans and Mallards did not face each other in Quad City’s first season in the CHL back in 2010-2011.
Allen Americans Look to Avoid Duck Trap
It would be easy for the Americans to take the ducks lightly, especially when looking at the stat sheet. Despite being last in the league with the man advantage at 9.5%, Quad City might have found some consistency as they scored their first two PP goals against Bloomington in that shootout loss last Friday. However, only slightly better at 6th, the Mallards would find it best to stay out of the box as their 78.6% PK would indicate.
That might be difficult given the aggressive style that Allen plays. The Americans have found themselves a man up on the power play more than any team which is indicative to the way Coach Steve Martinson and Assistant Richard Matvichuk teach and encourage the team to finish their checks and fight for every inch of ice.
At the same time, Allen has been shorthanded more than any other team (actually tied with Tulsa, but that was because Tulsa got “suckered” into losing their cool last Friday in Allen) but has had incredible success on the kill, only yielding 4 goals out of 38 opportunities. It would serve Allen very well this weekend to continue the physical, “pond hockey” style of play that has vaulted them to the top of the standings.
Players to watch
Darryl Bootland and Brett Skinner continue to lead the Americans in scoring with 10 points each, where Patrik Levesque is the only player for the Mallards who appears in the top-20, also with 10 points but has a -1 rating and an abysmal 12% shooting percentage. Levesque and center, Mickey Lang account for a third of the Mallards total shots, so when those two aren’t out on the ice, Americans goaltenders Steve Silverthorn and rookie Aaron Dell will have to keep themselves mentally sharp. Speaking of goalies, Allen and Quad City are on opposite tracks as Silverthorn and Dell boast GAA percentages of 2.52 and 2.02 respectively, where Mallards Joe Palmer and John Murray have each given up 10 goals and have GAA percentages hovering around 3.20%.
Defenseman, Derek Matheson will be playing his first game against Allen as he was traded to Quad City last week.
Allen is making its first trip to the i wireless Center as the two teams split the only two games ever played between the teams last season in Allen. The Americans and Mallards did not face each other in Quad City’s first season in the CHL back in 2010-2011.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Impact of NHL Negotiations on Minor League Hockey
PHPA Press Releases
Even Some Owners Don't Like What's Under the Cap in NHL Labour Dispute
By Dave Shoalts, The Globe and Mail Published on: Tuesday November 06, 2012
The NHL owners and players may be back at the bargaining table, with the major issue of a 50-50 revenue split complete with fully paying existing contracts in sight, but trouble looms from a couple of surprising groups on each side of the labour divide.At issue are two changes from the former collective agreement in what goes into the salary cap, in particular the payroll floor. In his last offer, before the previous round of talks broke off on Oct. 18, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said teams would no longer be allowed to count player bonus money on their payroll in order to get to the floor. He also proposed all player salaries above $105,000 (all currency U.S.), even those on a team’s minor-league roster, would now be included under the salary cap.
This alarmed two groups. One is a lot of NHL owners, many of whom were considered moderates, who are not happy that under this proposal they could no longer include on their payroll bonus money that would likely never be paid in order to get to the salary floor, which was $48.3-million in the 2011-12 season. This means they will have to pay real cash to get to the floor, a daunting prospect for clubs operating on razor-thin margins.
The other unhappy group is all of the players in the AHL, who would effectively see their salaries capped at $105,000 under Bettman’s offer. This is alarming because a veteran can make as much as $300,000 on an AHL contract, which is currently not included in the NHL team’s cap payroll.
The unhappy owners may or may not prove to be a breaking point because of an NHL bylaw Bettman smartly instituted before the 2004-05 lockout. While it takes only eight supporting votes from the 30 NHL owners to allow Bettman to reject an offer from the NHLPA, it takes 23 owners to overrule any offer Bettman makes to the players.
Formal bargaining is expected to resume “early this week” in the words of NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who met into the early hours of Sunday morning with NHL Players’ Association special counsel Steve Fehr at an undisclosed location. The major issues of a 50-50 revenue split and how existing player contracts could be paid in full under it were discussed and both sides felt the talks were promising enough for bargaining to resume.
“We had a series of meetings yesterday and exchanged views on the most important issues separating us,” Daly said in a statement. “We plan to meet again sometime early this week.”
Fehr said in a separate statement: “I agree with what Bill said. Hopefully we can continue the dialogue, expand the group, and make steady progress.”
The ugly public-relations fallout after the NHL cancelled the Winter Classic on Friday appears to have spurred the latest talks. As the criticism built on Friday, the NHL made it known it told the players’ union it was willing to discuss ways the owners would pay more of the costs of the “make-whole” provision in its last offer. This became the biggest issue after the players agreed to reach a 50-50 revenue split at some point but wanted all existing contracts, which were signed when players received 57 per cent of the revenue, eventually to be paid in full. The owners had offered to do this by reducing the players’ share in the later years of an agreement, which was rejected by the union.
However, despite the optimism spurred by Saturday’s meeting, there are a lot of minefields in other issues, headed by the two that have a lot of owners and the minor-league players in a flap.
Sources say this owners group includes many who were previously thought to be eager to get a deal but were angered when they saw Bettman’s offer to exclude bonus payments from the cap. The clubs in this group include the usual small-revenue teams such as the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and New York Islanders but others, such as the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche, are unhappy as well. While clubs such as the Stars and Blues have reaped big revenue in the past and have new owners, their gate receipts took big hits in recent years.
Under the old agreement, a club such as the Islanders routinely made sure there were several entry-level players on its roster whose cap hit was much larger than their actual salary thanks to several bonuses. For example, in the 2011-12 season, rookie Nino Niederreiter’s entry-level contract paid him $900,000 in actual salary but nearly $2-million in bonuses brought his cap hit to just under $2.8-million. The 20-year-old was on the NHL roster for 55 games and scored exactly one goal, which meant almost all of that bonus money was never paid, a huge saving for the cash-strapped Islanders.
But under Bettman’s proposal, that would no longer be allowed. Instead of declaring $2-million they wouldn’t spend, the Islanders and other teams would have to cough up that cash in player salaries.
The owners want Bettman to find a way to make the salary floor lower in a new deal. While this will happen to some degree once the league goes to a 50-50 split, the cap is skewed by the fact the league has some clubs raising the overall revenue, on which the cap is based, with huge profits while a larger number of clubs make much less or lose money.
In the case of the minor-league players, the NHL could find itself in court. Following the 2004-05 lockout, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, which represents minor-league players, sued the NHL because the labour agreement decreed any team that had a player with a salary of $75,000 or more claimed by another team on NHL re-entry waivers would have to pay half of the salary, which would count against their own payroll. This effectively capped salaries for AHL veterans at $75,000 and the PHPA managed to have the limit scrubbed.
Now that Bettman proposed to include all salaries above $105,000 in a team’s cap count, the PHPA could move again. At present, NHL teams often like to pay some veterans as much as $300,000 to serve on their AHL teams as mentors for the young players but this means teams would not be willing to pay more than $105,000. It would also mean the AHL would quickly lose those players, who are often fan favourites, to Russia’s Continental Hockey League or the European leagues
Anthony Maiani & Adam Pineault - Paired Preferences
Had a chance to meet a few of the guys at the meet & greet last night at The Allen Wickers Pub. Had several of them complete the "Paired Preference" questionnaire we started with the Howes brothers. A fun, quick way to get to know a little about the players. I will post these questionnaires over the next couple of weeks. We will start with Anthony Maiani & Adam Pineault.
ANTHONY ADAM
Maple Leafs or Canadiens MAPLE LEAFS CANADIENS
Playstation or Xbox XBOX PLAYSTATION
Blonde or Brunette BOTH BLONDE
Coke or Pepsi COKE COKE
Lady Gaga or Rhianna RHIANNA RHIANNA
Ford or Chevrolet FORD FORD
Clean or Messy CLEAN CLEAN
Beef or Chicken BOTH BEEF
Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood CARRIE UNDERWOOD CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Beer or Wine BEER WINE
Sushi or Mexican MEXICAN SUSHI
Big Brother or Amazing Race NEITHER AMAZING RACE
Facebook or Twitter TWITTER FACEBOOK
PF Chang's or Boston's BOSTON'S PF CHANG'S
Ocean or Lake LAKE OCEAN
Fishing or Hunting FISHING FISHING
Kindle or Hardback HARDBACK KINDLE
Reese Witherspoon or Angelina Jolie ANGELINA JOLIE ANGELINA JOLIE
Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy TIGER WOODS TIGER WOODS
Boxers or Briefs BRIEFS BOXERS
Red Wings or Blackhawks RED WINGS BLACKHAWKS
Justin Bieber or Kanye West JUSTIN BIEBER KANYE WEST
Survivor or The Bachelor SURVIVOR SURVIVOR
Texas Stars or Houston Aeros TEXAS STARS HOUSTON AEROS
Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil DR. OZ NEITHER
Dog or Cat DOG DOG
Titleist or TaylorMade BOTH TITLEIST T
ANTHONY ADAM
Maple Leafs or Canadiens MAPLE LEAFS CANADIENS
Playstation or Xbox XBOX PLAYSTATION
Blonde or Brunette BOTH BLONDE
Coke or Pepsi COKE COKE
Lady Gaga or Rhianna RHIANNA RHIANNA
Ford or Chevrolet FORD FORD
Clean or Messy CLEAN CLEAN
Beef or Chicken BOTH BEEF
Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood CARRIE UNDERWOOD CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Beer or Wine BEER WINE
Sushi or Mexican MEXICAN SUSHI
Big Brother or Amazing Race NEITHER AMAZING RACE
Facebook or Twitter TWITTER FACEBOOK
PF Chang's or Boston's BOSTON'S PF CHANG'S
Ocean or Lake LAKE OCEAN
Fishing or Hunting FISHING FISHING
Kindle or Hardback HARDBACK KINDLE
Reese Witherspoon or Angelina Jolie ANGELINA JOLIE ANGELINA JOLIE
Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy TIGER WOODS TIGER WOODS
Boxers or Briefs BRIEFS BOXERS
Red Wings or Blackhawks RED WINGS BLACKHAWKS
Justin Bieber or Kanye West JUSTIN BIEBER KANYE WEST
Survivor or The Bachelor SURVIVOR SURVIVOR
Texas Stars or Houston Aeros TEXAS STARS HOUSTON AEROS
Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil DR. OZ NEITHER
Dog or Cat DOG DOG
Titleist or TaylorMade BOTH TITLEIST T
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Happy Birthday
A belated Happy Birthday to Darryl Bootland who turned 31 yesterday and Happy Birthday to Garret Clarke who celebrates his 20th birthday today.
And if any of you have looked at the team roster on the Allen Americans web site it shows Jamie Schaafsma also had a birthday yesterday. I think they transposed his 2/11/83 birthdate to 11/2/83.
And if any of you have looked at the team roster on the Allen Americans web site it shows Jamie Schaafsma also had a birthday yesterday. I think they transposed his 2/11/83 birthdate to 11/2/83.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Game Notes & Other Thoughts - 11/2
Another great result for the Americans tonight. After giving up the first goal a minute thirty into the game they scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 victory. Coach Martinson's statement at the beginning of the season that we are going to be tough to play against seemed to be evident as the Americans wore down the Oilers as the game progressed. Other random thoughts:
- Oiler coach Bruce Ramsay was really giving it to the referee at the end of the game drawing a 10 minute "Abuse of Officials Penalty." You know he will have his team fired up for tomorrow nights game. It should be a good one to watch or listen to.
- The stars of the game were: 1st Star Ryley Grantham, 2nd Star Aaron Dell, 3rd Star Jarret Lukin. For my money Lukin was the number one star with the shorthanded goal, three points, and a plus 4 on the night.
- Scotty Howes is on the 7 day IR but skated with the team this morning. Nothing serious with his ankle, just sore.
- Kip Brennan was moved from the 7 day to the 14 day IR.
- I keep seeing Andrew Howes dressed in a suit sitting with the injured players. Maybe the Americans are still trying to find a spot on the team for him. Stay tuned.
- The power play is now 0 -12 against Tulsa in the last two games. Seems like we get good puck movement but can't get the puck on the net.
- The penalty kill seemed to solve the 1-3-1 power play the Oilers use. After giving up three goals in five Tulsa power plays on Wednesday Tulsa was 0-5 tonight.
- The pink jerseys benefiting the Mary Kay foundation were auctioned off after the game. Lot's of money was raised with jerseys selling for $250 to $1100. The players jersey that had the highest bid was Kip Brennan at $1050. The $1100 bid was for a signed Mike Modano pink jersey.
- Here is some info from the Americans press release on the game:
Americans Anecdotes
• Skinner has scored in each of the Americans’ games this season (1 goal, 7 assists). He leads the league in scoring for defensemen.
• Bootland also has points in each game this season (3 goals, 7 assists). He is tied for the league lead in points.
• The Americans have won two games in a row and lead the league in points with 10.
• Allen outshot the Oilers, 25-19.
• Martinson on Scotty Howes: “He’s basically day-to-day; he’s on the I.R. I expect him back next week. He’s not playing tomorrow.”
- Oiler coach Bruce Ramsay was really giving it to the referee at the end of the game drawing a 10 minute "Abuse of Officials Penalty." You know he will have his team fired up for tomorrow nights game. It should be a good one to watch or listen to.
- The stars of the game were: 1st Star Ryley Grantham, 2nd Star Aaron Dell, 3rd Star Jarret Lukin. For my money Lukin was the number one star with the shorthanded goal, three points, and a plus 4 on the night.
- Scotty Howes is on the 7 day IR but skated with the team this morning. Nothing serious with his ankle, just sore.
- Kip Brennan was moved from the 7 day to the 14 day IR.
- I keep seeing Andrew Howes dressed in a suit sitting with the injured players. Maybe the Americans are still trying to find a spot on the team for him. Stay tuned.
- The power play is now 0 -12 against Tulsa in the last two games. Seems like we get good puck movement but can't get the puck on the net.
- The penalty kill seemed to solve the 1-3-1 power play the Oilers use. After giving up three goals in five Tulsa power plays on Wednesday Tulsa was 0-5 tonight.
- The pink jerseys benefiting the Mary Kay foundation were auctioned off after the game. Lot's of money was raised with jerseys selling for $250 to $1100. The players jersey that had the highest bid was Kip Brennan at $1050. The $1100 bid was for a signed Mike Modano pink jersey.
- Here is some info from the Americans press release on the game:
Americans Anecdotes
• Skinner has scored in each of the Americans’ games this season (1 goal, 7 assists). He leads the league in scoring for defensemen.
• Bootland also has points in each game this season (3 goals, 7 assists). He is tied for the league lead in points.
• The Americans have won two games in a row and lead the league in points with 10.
• Allen outshot the Oilers, 25-19.
• Martinson on Scotty Howes: “He’s basically day-to-day; he’s on the I.R. I expect him back next week. He’s not playing tomorrow.”
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Halloween Game Recap
The Americans played a fan pleasing game last night with lots of offense, puck movement and shots on goal out shooting the Tulsa Oilers 38-14 in a 6-4 victory. My random thoughts:
- Despite the outcome of the game the special teams took it on the chin. The number one rated power play was 0 for 5 and Tulsa was 3 for 5 against the number one rated penalty kill unit.
- Scotty Howes went down in the first period with what looked like an ankle injury. It appeared it was a non contact injury as he might have hit a rut in the ice. Coach Martinson said after the game it did not appear to be serious but could not say if Howes would play Friday or Saturday. With 5 goals in 5 games (leads the league) he will be missed if he is out of the lineup.
- In addition to the three stars of the game (Maiani, Deitsch, & Bootland) Brian McMillin had a great game with two goals.
- Maiani leads the team in +/- with a +4.
- Adam Pineault has a knack of getting the puck to the net. He leads the team with 18 shots. They are going to start going in soon.
- New signee Garrett Clark acquitted himself quite well with a great assist on Howes goal. Looks like he likes to rush the puck.
- Check out tonight's post game video highlights on youtube (Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers October 31, 2012) http://fb.me/2a0jnCGEh
- Despite the outcome of the game the special teams took it on the chin. The number one rated power play was 0 for 5 and Tulsa was 3 for 5 against the number one rated penalty kill unit.
- Scotty Howes went down in the first period with what looked like an ankle injury. It appeared it was a non contact injury as he might have hit a rut in the ice. Coach Martinson said after the game it did not appear to be serious but could not say if Howes would play Friday or Saturday. With 5 goals in 5 games (leads the league) he will be missed if he is out of the lineup.
- In addition to the three stars of the game (Maiani, Deitsch, & Bootland) Brian McMillin had a great game with two goals.
- Maiani leads the team in +/- with a +4.
- Adam Pineault has a knack of getting the puck to the net. He leads the team with 18 shots. They are going to start going in soon.
- New signee Garrett Clark acquitted himself quite well with a great assist on Howes goal. Looks like he likes to rush the puck.
- Check out tonight's post game video highlights on youtube (Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers October 31, 2012) http://fb.me/2a0jnCGEh