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Bantam Major Tournament Champions - Affton Americans
Bantam Major League Champions - Chesterfield Falcons
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Affton and Chesterfield Clash In Bantam Major CS Final Affton Outlasts Bruins In Midget Major CS Championship Affton PW Minors Top Twin Bridges In CSDHL Final Mid-America Collegiate D2 Championships Advanced Industrial Control’s Hockey Stop Players of the Week 2000 AAA Blues Win Indy Super Series Mid-States Final Four Preview Chesterfield Bantam Majors Win CSDHL Season Championship Tournament Calendar
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Photo courtesy of Vince Colella
INDEX
Midget Major Tournament Champions - Affton Americans
Photo courtesy of Paul Bryant / stldigital.com
Central States
Photo courtesy of Paul Bryant / stldigital.com
February 14, 2014 – Volume 14–9
PeeWee Minor Tournament Champions - Affton Americans
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February 14, 2014
HOCKEY STOP
HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
MId-States
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES At Scottrade CENTER
MID-STATES HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT ST. LOUIS BLUES HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE CUP
scottrade club buffet dInner 5:00pm – 9:00pm • $48 Includes admission to both games & dinner
Mail check & registration form by Feb. 24 Information or questions: call Debbie St. John (314) 330-0012
NAME: ___________________________________ CLUB: _________________ ADDRESS: ________________________________ CITY/ST : _______________ ZIP:_________________ TELEPHONE: _________________________________ NUMBER OF DINNER PACKAGES ($48 EACH) ______CHECK ENCLOSED FOR: _____________
Make checks payable to Mid-States Hockey (MSCHA) and mail with registration form to: Debbie St. John • 613 Riverbend Court • Arnold, MO 63010
SENIOR ALL STARS
MONDAY MARCH 3, 2014
$12 Admission (includes both games)
5:30pm – Wickenheiser Cup 8:00pm – Challenge Cup Mid-States Game Schedule
North All Stars
March 1 • 7:00pm • St. Peters RecPlex
South All Stars
March 2 • 4:00pm • Webster Groves
Games will be shown live on FS Midwest. Check local listings or midstateshockey.org for channel information.
Follow Mid-States on Twitter @ midstateshockey
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HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
Affton and Chesterfield Clash In Bantam Major CS Final by Jared Grafman - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ The Bantam Major Affton Americans took the bronze for their season, and the gold at the Central States Championship. “There’s something about this year that was pretty special,” coach Matt Ocello reflected. “It was really kind of a rebuilding year for us. We probably only had, from last year’s ‘99 Affton team, only half the team returned. We had four players move up to the AAA level and we had some other players go in different directions.” The Affton Americans finished with an overall record of 45-13-3 to rank 11th in the nation but third in their league. That didn’t weigh the Americans down throughout the playoffs, though, as they won all three round robin games and the championship. “The first two games, with the Sabres and Indy, those were the lower ranking teams as far as the seeding is concerned,” Ocello explained. “But then, in the third game during the round robin, the Falcons actually finished in second place during the regular season.” Affton handily beat the Sabres 5-1 and Indianapolis 4-2 before facing off against the Highland Park Falcons. “That was a team we played three times, during the regular season, and we lost two out of the three games to them,” Ocello told of the Americans’ history with Highland Park, who ranked as the tenth best 1999 team in the nation. “Going into that game, we knew it was going to be a pretty tough game for us and we knew we really needed to focus on playing strong, playing a system, playing defensively.” The Americans defeated them 2-1, and advanced to the championship, to play the 12th best ‘99 team in the nation, against the Chesterfield Falcons. “All three teams -- us, Chesterfield and the Highland Park Falcons -- all three of us battled in those three spots from week to week throughout the year,” Ocello said. “We’d move up and down around each other, but all three teams are similar in caliber. I think anytime any of those three teams are playing each other it definitely makes for some good hockey.” Affton shut out Chesterfield in the Central States championship 2-0.
Photo courtesy of Paul Bryant / stldigital.com
“The thing I want to stress is that, even though a few guys stand out here and there, we’re a firm believer that it really does take three lines to play,” Ocello attributed to the team’s performance. “I think this weekend we were successful because all three lines really did execute on our game plans, especially during the Highland Park game and the final game against Chesterfield.” The Americans almost certainly haven’t seen the last of Chesterfield yet. Both teams will play again, at State, to qualify for a spot at the 2014 National Championship. If the Americans advance to the national championship, they will have the opportunity to defend the national title because Ocello coached last year’s Bantam National Champions. “We won it the last two years, with the ‘98 and ‘97 birth years,” Ocello clarified. “So we’re going to really trying to make a run for it, and we’re going to have a big battle during the regional qualifier tournament. Our goal every year is to secure a national championship spot and that’s our goal in three weeks.” The Bantam Champs are Kyle McClellan, Steven Pawlow, Neil Jakubeck, Dominic Metheny, Mark Capkovic, Caden Diel, Ryan Oliver, Sean Hofstetter, Max Rogers, Connor Bradley, Daniel Campbell, Jared Westcott, Jack Wess, Tyler Schaeffer, Zach Stolz, Alex Stewart and Drew Shapiro. Ocello’s assistant coaches are Dave Freeman and Sam Davis.
Affton Outlasts Bruins In Midget Major CS Championship by Bill Hester - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ The third time did not prove to be a charm for the Chicago Bruins last weekend at the Midget Major Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL) championship playoffs held at the Hardee’s Iceplex in Chesterfield. The Bruins had lost in last year’s league playoff championship game to the Affton Americans by one goal. The Americans beat the Bruins again in the USA Hockey National Championship last year in another tight game. Affton finished third in the regular season and the Bruins were fourth (the Chicago Sabres won the league and the Deerfield Falcons were second). But it was no real surprise that the two teams matched up again in the championship game this season. And, like the two other championship games, this one was tight until the finish with the Americans again coming out on top this time by a 4-1 score. “It is definitely a rivalry and we know that they are going to be good games every time we play them,” Affton coach Ryan Kretzer said. “I have a lot of respect for their team. They are big and strong and very wellcoached.” Affton had a 4-1 lead in the third period in the championship game Sunday but the Americans took a couple of penalties in the final period and the Bruins took advantage with a pair of power play goals to cut the deficit to a goal. They pulled their goalie but could not get the equalizer to send the game to overtime.
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“They had the momentum at the end and had some chances to score but I thought our guys showed a lot of character at the end and were able to hold on,” Kretzer said. It took a win over the fifth-ranked team in the country and some held for the Americans to advance to the championship game. Affton put itself in a predicament with a 3-1 loss to the Northwest Chargers in the first pool-play game. They took their frustrations out on the Rockford Icemen with a convincing 7-0 victory in game two, but then needed a win over Deerfield to have a chance. The Americans had lost and tied the Falcons in a regular-season ending series. This time they won 3-2. “In our last game they tied the game with 16 seconds to play,” Kretzler said. “We had a very similar scenario in this game with a face off in our end and a timeout. But I did a better job of preparing the guys and they did a good job of protecting the lead.” The win did not guarantee anything though for the Americans as the Chargers had destiny in their hands. A Chargers’ win would have put them in the championship game but they could only manage a tie with the Rockford Icemen. Affton took advantage and repeated their CSDHL championship. “Our ultimate goal is a national championship,” said Kretzler, whose team is ranked 12th nationally. “But this is a nice feather in the cap. Winning a league championship is always a goal.” The Americans CSDHL Midget Majors are Johnny Massara, Zeth O’Bryan, Trevor Wilhelm, Nolan Wuesthoff, Kurtis Mager, Stan Pawlow, Spencer Sallenbach, Brian Schumacher, Zach Mitchell, Jordan Bratton, Lance French, Liam Fitzgerald, Tomas Loeffelman, PJ Drury, Michael Parisot, Andy Willis, Charlie Freshman, Cam Oliver, Connor Photo courtesy of Paul Bryant / stldigital.com Mitchell and Brendan Shuck.
For Information Call: 314-227-5288 Or Visit: www.stlmillsicezone.com for updated information.
HOCKEY STOP
Affton PW Minors Top Twin Bridges In CSDHL Final by Jared Grafman - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ No team is better than the Affton Americans Pee Wee Minor Central States team. The 2002 Americans finished out their season ranked first in the nation, with an overall 36-7-8 record, and came out champions of last weekend’s Central States playoff tournament in Chicago. “I got to give kudos to the entire team,” coach Tim Rumpf said. “They played outstanding. They were a bunch of good kids that bought into the system and worked extremely hard. I’ve had a bunch of them for three or four years and we added to the group, last year, about four or five kids, and this year we added another four kids. Really they’ve responded well and are a bunch of great kids that worked their butts off.” The Americans began this season’s playoffs with an even 3-3 score against the Chesterfield Falcons, and a flat 1-1 tie against the Chicago Blues. “We tied the Chesterfield team with less than a minute left in the game,” Rumpf recalled. “So the boys really started to rally and turned it up a notch.” Chesterfield ranked 5th nationally this season for 2002 Tier 2 teams, while Chicago ranked 12th. “I think we had a little bit of nerves and we were having a hard time getting the puck in the net,” coach Tim Rumpf explained of the team’s sluggish start to the playoffs. “The boys were playing the way they needed to play, I just think there was a little more frustration I think, from the offensive side, that the puck wasn’t bouncing the way we needed. We did a lot of good things but just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.” The Americans, ultimately the best team, were among the greatest 2002 teams across the nation. The Twin Bridges Lightning Central States team finished second in the nation, with the Highland Park Falcons ending third nationally and Chesterfield rounding out the top five, in fifth.
Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association D2 Championships by Jared Grafman - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ As the best hockey players of the world compete at this year’s Olympic Games in Sochi, the best of the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association D2 Gold division are preparing for their own ultimate showdown. This year’s playoffs, hosted by the Saint Louis University Billikens, will be held at Webster Groves Ice Arena over Presidents’ Day weekend. The first puck drops at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. The MACHA Gold division season ended with Illinois State University Redbirds earning the regular season title, coming in first with 25 points and a 12-1-1 division record. Second place for the division saw a three-way tie between the Iowa Hawkeyes, SIU-Edwardsville Cougars and the SLU Billikens with 9-5-0 division records. Iowa came out best in the tiebreakers and took 2nd in the division while SLU fell to 4th, after losing the goal differential tiebreaker by one point, to SIUEdwardsville who landed in 3rd place. The Missouri State Ice Bears finished the regular season with 17 points to clinch 5th, with a 7-4-3 record, while the Northern Illinois University Huskies secured the last playoff spot with 16 points and a 7-5-2 season record. Illini Hockey and the Missouri Tigers did not make the playoffs. In their overall regular season the Redbirds earned a 27-6-1 record, with top point leaders Parker Johnson, Tim Talty and Connor Anderson scoring 84 goals and earning 84 assists in total. Johnson, the team’s top point leader of the season, scored 33 goals and made 33 assists over 34 games played. The Hawkeyes finished 16-11-1 in the overall regular season, with play-maker Nathan Podraza pocketing 23 goals and 20 assists for the Iowa team. The Cougars ended 15-14-1 for the overall regular season, with top goal scorer Jeremy Meletti walking into playoffs with 29 goals
and 23 assists for the team, and Nick Edwards following close behind with 20 goals and 30 assists. The Billikens earned an overall regular season record of 22-6-2, with Charlie Garavaglia earning both the most points and penalty minutes for his team this year according to ACHA Hockey online statistics. He finished the season earning 42 points, 20 goals and 22 assists, along with 100 penalty minutes. The other Billiken play-makers for the season were Niall Caparon with 15 goals and 20 assists, Adam Dettenmeier with 24 goals and 10 assists, and Curran Eigelberger fourth on the team with 16 goals and 16 assists for the season. The Ice Bears finished with 17-7-5 for the overall season, according to ACHA Hockey online statistics, with Jack Ryan scoring more than double the team’s next highest scorer Blake Ryan. Jack Ryan, with 54 points, earned 30 goals and 24 assists for the season while Blake Ryan ended the season with 14 goals and 16 assists. The Huskies ended the regular season with an overall 17-17-3 record, which included a 56 point season for team point leaders Nick Leon and Justin Rucinski. Leon made 30 goals and 26 assists, while Rucinski earned 29 goals and 27 assists for the regular season. The first puck of the MACHA Gold playoffs will drop at 5 p.m. Friday, at Webster Groves, with the Billikens playing the Ice Bears. The 6th place Huskies will face off later that night -- at 7:30 -- against the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars. The winners will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals and play either the 2nd Place Hawkeyes at 2 p.m., or the division’s top ranked Redbirds at 4:30 p.m. The Division 2 MACHA Gold Championship match-up will start at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
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Photo courtesy of Vince Colella
“We’ve obviously played them all season so we knew what each team brought, what their attributes were so basically we didn’t change much,” Rumpf explained about getting the Pee Wees ready for playoffs. “We continued to practice hard and tried to make it a lot of fun for the guys on the ice and they responded well. They wanted to win and, we talk about it often, it comes down to the team that really wants it. So they persevered.” After early ties in the playoffs, Affton recovered and soundly defeated Highland Park 6-1 before advancing to the championship that matched the very top ranked teams in the nation. The championship resulted in a 5-3 win for Affton against Twin Bridges. It was a memorable end to a memorable season for the team, which included playing for the U.S.A. in the Nation’s Cup. “The game that we beat London in the Nation’s Cup was truly a big deal for these kids,” Rumpf recalled as one of the highlights of the season. “Because they got to play for their nation. We came back and kind of tripped around a bit in league play but it was a good stepping stone in building the team up.” The Affton Americans are Nick Neimeier, Andrew Yocum, Cameron Beck, Joshua Bross, Andrew Koutsogiannis, Hunter Parker, Brett Robinson, Tommy Ramer, Brogan Rumpf, Gus Winter, Jeff Hutchinson, Ryan Yemm, Jack Anderson, Kyle Crews, Riley Howse and John Opilka. They are coached by Tim Rumpf and Dan Lesinski.
February 14, 2014
HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION REGISTRATION EXTENDED!!
WE WANT YOU!
CBC Collinsville Columbia Edwardsville Fox Kirkwood Webster
Thru February 19 $500 DEPOSIT
All players must be at schools feeding into the same High School. Players without a school team may enter the draft by filling out the form on moiha.org and sending it in. Questions? Contact Michael Bell at 314-258-2818 or michael.bell@moiha.org
www.moiha.org Check out our website for more information!
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February 14, 2014
HOCKEY STOP
The St. Louis Rockets, Affton Americans and Kirkwood Stars will host the St. Louis Spring Hockey League, with divisions ranging from Mites thru Bantam, which is open to all St. Louis area players.
Come Join the Fun – Games only • Ten one-hour games (Twenty half-hour games for Mite) in April and May • Shoot-out after each game • End-of-season tournament • Open to all kids, beginner and experienced, in the St Louis area • Make new friends, teams will be mixed with players and coaches from all organizations.
• Gold and Silver divisions based upon participation • Approximately 13 player rosters plus goalies (8-10 players for Mite) • Goaltenders play for FREE • Boys and Girls; no boundary or zip code restrictions • Convenient, centrally located rinks • Equal ice time for all players • Checking clinic for new Bantams
“Half-Ice” 4-on-4 - Mite 8U (’06 and younger) Squirt - Midget Full-Ice Divisions Cost
2014-2015 Age Categories
$199 Early Bird (February 1-February 28) $229 Regular (March 1 to March 17) $270 Late (March 18 and after)
Mite: Birth years 2006 and younger Squirt: Birth years 2004-2005 Pee Wee: Birth years 2002-2003 Bantam: Birth years 2000-2001 (99’s may play at the BT level for Spring)
When, Where & How:
The St. Louis Spring Hockey League will run from April through May with a simple evaluation in late March. The league will finish before Memorial Day. All events will be held at the Webster Groves, Affton and Kirkwood Ice Rinks. If needed, the Fenton Forum and Creve Coeur Ice Rink will be used. In-house referees will be used for the Mite Half-Ice games. Registration and more information: For more information, or to register on-line starting February 1, go to www.rocketshockey.com, www.aftonhockey.org or www.kyha.org and follow the links to the St. Louis Spring Hockey League 2014 page.
OUR MISSION: We will provide Selected Players from USA Hockey registered organizations, a quality opportunity for Development of Individual Skills, as well as Team Concepts. Our top-notch coaches will encourage competition, and elevate players through up-tempo and challenging practices as well as games, and a high-level tournament. WE WILL FIELD AA & A TEAMS AT THE FOLLOWING LEVELS: Midget: 1996-1999, Bantam: 2000-2001, PeeWee: 2002-2003, Squirt: 2004-2005. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: • Tryouts will be March 8th and 9th, 2014. • A minimum of 15 ice touches (1hr 15 minute time slots) beginning in March and running through Early-May at the FSI Shark Tank. Each team (Squirt-Bantam) will get 3 practices with Reed Low. • All teams will be required to participate in the Meramec Select Tournament the weekend of May 2-4, 2014. A second tournament will be at each team’s discretion. • Any player playing Spring 4 on 4 and making a Select team will get a $70 discount. (See pricing below) COACHES: • Squirt: 2004-2005 – Scott Sanderson (Head Coach) • PeeWee: 2002-2003 – Chris Durso (Head Coach), Neil Komadoski (Assistant) • Bantam: 2000-2001 – Steve Douglas (Head Coach), Alex Brooks (Assistant) • Midget: 1996-1999 – Reed Low (Head Coach) Please visit www.meramecsharks.com for coaching BIO’s. DETAILS: • Price - $340.00 (Select Only). This includes ice time, and jerseys. • Select + 4 on 4 Bundle Price - $415.00. • This price does not include game socks, Select Tournament fees, or referee fees. • All practices and evaluations will be at The FSI Shark Tank. • Register at www.meramecsharks.com by March 1, 2014. • There will be a $40 non-refundable tryout fee. • For additional information, please consult the FAQ’s on the website or contact Lance Kammien-Director of Spring/Summer Programs Springhockey@meramecsharks.com
The Meramec Sharks are proud to partner with Reed Low’s Training Camp for the 2014 Select Season!!!
Register at www.meramecsharks.com by March 1, 2014
• League will consist of 12 games at the FSI Shark Tank. • Open district, all skill levels welcome, 6U (’08-’10), 8U (’06-’07), Squirt thru Midget (‘96-‘99) • All games are USA Hockey and Missouri Hockey sanctioned. • The program will begin the week of March 17th and end in mid-May $145 Per player; includes loaner Jersey ($50 fee for jerseys that are not returned). ONLY Fall 2013 goalies are free!! (Provided they register as a goalie for Spring.)
Contact Lance Kammien-Director of Spring/Summer Programs at Springhockey@meramecsharks.com for additional information.
Online Registration ONLY! Go to www.meramecsharks.com. Registration begins January 6, 2014 DEADLINE!!- March 4, 2014. $50.00 Late Fee after Registration Deadline!!
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February 14, 2014
HOCKEY STOP
Affton Hockey Club
Spring & Summer Hockey Programs For kids of all ages and skill levels
Learn-To-Play / LTP
(Beginners - ages 3 to 11) – Spring Session
American Development Model / ADM (Recreational- ages 5 to 10) – Spring & Summer Sessions
St. Louis Spring Hockey League (Recreational- ages 5 to 18) – Spring Session
Jr. Blues Development Program (Elite - ages 7 to 18) – Spring Session
Jr. Blues Junior Elite League
(Midget & Junior Elite players, 98-94 birth years) – Summer Session
Jr. Blues Summer Hockey Camps (All skill levels - ages 5 to 18) – Summer Session
3-on-3 & 4-on-4 Leagues (All skill levels - ages 5 to 18) – Summer Session
Drop-In Hockey
(All skill levels - All ages) – Sessions all year long
Proud home of NHL forward – Joe Vitale – Pittsburgh Penguins Check us out on-line at www.afftonhockey.org, call (314) 849-0605 or email the Hockey Director at hockeydirector@afftonhockey.org.
HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
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HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
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m a r g o r P g n i n The Elite Traainced Hockey Players for Adv Performance Camp Skills Training Weekend Begins March 22, 2014
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Hurry, Space Is Limited! AIC Performance Group Mission Statement We want to know you as a hockey player and individual. We will bring the best out of you and make you the well rounded player it takes to make the next step. AIC is designed to bring the maximum out of each and every player. Athletes will work hard and have fun embracing new challenges forcing them to break their current comfort zones on and off the ice.
Kevin McGlynn
Kevin McGlynn, Program Director kevin@aicperformancegroup.com • (314) 437-3455
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HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
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HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
Advanced Industrial Control’s Hockey Stop
Players Of The Week Michael Parisot - Forward, Senior – Chaminade Jacob Lownsdale - Forward, Senior – Lafayette
Playoff time means hero time in the MidStates high school hockey land some are known as standouts while others will come out of the woodwork to drive their teams to the next round. Chaminade forward Michael Parisot has been the face of the playoffs for Chaminade while Lafayette’s Jacob Lownsdale brings energy and leadership to the underdog Lafayette Lancers. Those traits are huge in his influence on a team which has made a surprise run in the Wickenheiser Cup that will continue to the next round. And Parisot as co-honoree as AIC Hockey Stop Player of the Week has been Chaminade’s go-to-guy in their return to the Mid-States Challenge Cup Final Four next week. Parisot, a senior wing and Chaminade’s leading scorer with 20 goals and 19 assists is having a breakout season for the Red Devil’s picking up the scoring slack with the graduation losses of leading scorer and playmaker Toppie Hogan and brother John Hogan, and the early departure to junior hockey by Trey Dodd. “Going into the season we really didn’t have a good feel for who was going to lead this team offensively. But Michael (Parisot) and Jake Carothers have really come up big for us all year, said Chaminade assistant coach Chris Peterson. In Monday night’s quarterfinal showdown with Oakville, Parisot scored both goals for Chaminade in a 3-2 loss but Carother’s saved the day for Chaminade, putting in his chance as Chaminade advanced with a 3-2 win in a shootout over Oakville to avenge a crushing
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series defeat a year ago to the Tigers. “It was a big win on a great night of high school hockey,” said Chaminade assistant Peterson.” Parisot has been a major part of our c o m e b a c k Michael Parisot-Chaminade season.” Parisot leads Chaminade with 5 goals and three assists in this year’s postseason and a match-up with DeSmet has Chaminade hoping for a chance at its first Mid-States championship. Meanwhile Lafayette struggled all year going 3-15-2 but the speedy senior winger Lownsdale has been a consistent performer for the Lancers and his senior leadership has been a big part of the playoff revival for the Lancers. Lownsdale scored his 14th goal of the year in the mini-game as Lafayette advanced to the Wickenheiser Cup semifinals with a win over Seckman. The goal came with just seven seconds left in the mini-game as the two clubs split the quarterfinal series to send it to a mini-game.
Player of the Week continues on page 13
2000 AAA Blues Win Indy Super Series by Bill Hester - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ The last weekend of the season for the AAA Blues 2000’s was also their longest. But it was also a winning finish to a satisfying campaign as the AAA Blues captured the championship in the Indy Super Series in Indianapolis, which concluded Feb. 2. “We had to play six games in a long weekend and play the same team we began with in the championship,” Blues coach Nick Lamia said. “It was really a fitting conclusion to what I thought was a very successful season. “We exceeded a lot of expectations this year and finished near the top of our league. We finished ahead of a lot of good teams from throughout the country and I think we opened up some eyes. I always knew that we could be competitive with everyone we played, but we did surprise some people. I am excited about the future although I don’t think we will surprise anyone next year.” The Blues went through the tournament with a 4-0-2 record and the final two games of the tournament will be long remembered. The Blues opened with a win over Omaha and then had consecutive ties against Atlanta and the Indy Ice before a shutout victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. “I thought we dominated a lot of the play in the pool games, even the ones we tied,” Lamia said. “We had double and even triple the chances in some of those games, especially the one against Atlanta, but we faced some of the best goaltending we have seen this year.” The Blues needed a victory over the Florida Alliance in their fifth game to earn a spot in the championship game. Things did not look good as Florida took a 3-0 lead going into the third period. “A tie would not even have gotten us to the finals
so we needed one of the best comebacks I have ever been a part of to win and get to the championship,” Lamia said. The Blues did so with a four-goal third period explosion and entered the championship game against Omaha with a lot of momentum. “We had beaten Omaha and tied Indy but I was not surprised that we faced Omaha in the finals,” Lamia said. “I felt they were the second best team in the tournament. I really like that team and hope we have a chance to play them more next season.” The game ended 2-2 and was determined by a shootout. Ryan Roth and Levi Wright scored shootout goals for the Blues, who had their happy ending to the 2013-14 season. “I would have liked to have won in regulation but winning a shootout turned out to be the perfect way to end the season,” Lamia said. “That tournament was a lot like our season overall. We faced a little bit of adversity but the guys showed a lot of character. We just hung in there and believed in one another and stuck to the team first attitude.” The ’00 AAA Blues are Christian Berger, Nick Corker, Garrett Dahm, Tony Follmer, Ian Gindhart, Van Kraemer, Jacob Lefton, Chase Morgan, Terrance Puribhat, David Reduzzi, Ryan Roth, Gabriel Schwartz, Nathan Solis, Adam Trunko, Trevor White and Levi Wright.
MID-STATES FINAL FOUR PREVIEW by Reggie Dunlop - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’ Whether your team finished first or in the basement in the regular season, the playoffs are a whole new ballgame. Some major upsets will occur and a number of higher seeded teams will be eliminated if they are not physically and mentally prepared for the increase speed and intensity of the playoffs. But after last weeks exciting quarterfinal rounds of the Mid-States Winter classic, coaches will now have time to fine-tune their players for these very emotional and stressful playoff games. And when everyone works together as a team success is just around the corner and winning is a realistic result for the final eight schools in the St Louis Blues Challenge Cup and Wickenheiser Cup finals.
ST LOUIS BLUES CHALLENGE CUP
(2) DeSmet vs (3) Chaminade all games @ Hardees Iceplex Game 1 Thursday 6:45pm Game 2 Saturday 8:30pm Mini-game (following Game 2 if needed) Chaminade (17-5-3) survived a quarterfinal scare at the hands of the Oakville Tigers (15-82) and needed clutch goaltending from junior Ellis Burgett and a overtime shootout goal to secure a berth in the semifinals and a first round rematch with Metro rival DeSmet. Chaminade features a rock solid defensive corps as seniors Adam Roeder, Brad Johnson, Jacob Debus, and Kenny Behlman all from one of the leagues top defensive units. Offensively seniors Michael Parisot (20g19a) and Jake Carothers (12g19a) lead the way for the Red Devils while sophomore Luke Radetic (16g15a) is dangerous on the wing. DeSmet (21-3-2) features one of the leagues top goal scorers in junior Charlie Combs (26g19a) and an explosive offensive supporting cast in sophomore Trent Frederic (13g17a) junior Jeff Makowski (10g13a) and seniors Tanner Pederson (12g21a) and Brendan Thomaczek (17g12a). In goal junior Connor Walsh and senior Aaron Brickman have shared duties in this year’s playoffs.
The teams have met three times this year splitting the regular season series while DeSmet opened with a 2-1 win over Chaminade in the opening rounds of the playoffs. History is on DeSmet’s side but Chaminade still searching for their first ever Mid-States title will give the Spartan faithful a lot to worry about. (1) CBC vs (5) Lindbergh all games @ Hardees Iceplex Game 1 Thursday 8:45pm Game 2 Saturday 6:00pm Mini-game (following game 2 if needed) Lindbergh (13-10-1) will try to play the spoiler role after their quarterfinal upset of defending champion Saint Louis University High. The Flyers won the South division crown on the last day of the regular season and will try to avenge an earlier loss to the top ranked CBC Cadets. In goal sophomore Sam Stephens has had a solid first year taking over for the departed Luke Opilka, now on the USA National Development team. As Lindbergh makes its second straight final four appearance, senior defenseman Curtis Mager heads up a rebuilt defensive corps. Up front sophomore center Zane O’Bryan leads the way with 16 goals and 14 assists, while sophomores Dan Dunaway (13g14a), Adam Havener (16g12a), and Sam Maddox (7g10a) all provide offensive punch. CBC (25-0-1) is an offensive juggernaut with defense and goaltending to boot. Senior netminder Joe Staely has five shutouts to go along with a perfect 12-0 mark and a 1.00 goals against average. On defense senior Mike Sieckhaus (6g10a) heads up a stingy but skilled backline as sophomore Trevor Wilhelm (10g18a) and junior Drew Croghan (8g13a) add offense to an already high powered forward group. Seniors Glen Ryan (16g31a) and Joey Lupo (17g18a) will close out their careers leading an offense yet to be slowed. Junior center Josh Bell (15g20a) is enjoying his best season and sophomores Andy McGlynn (24g17a), Austin Rucschoff (22g16a) and Andy Willis (21g21a) improve the Cadet chances to return to the championship game..
WICKENHEISER CUP FINALS
(11) MICDS vs (16) Lafayette all games @ Hardees Iceplex Game 1 Friday 7:00pm Game 2 Saturday 1:00pm Mini-game (following Game 2 if needed) MICDS (10-13-1) survived a rugged series with Duchense to advance to face the upstart Lafayette squad. The Rams feature senior goaltender Cameron Gornet and a one- two punch of seniors Matthew Meyer (24g17a) and defenseman Dan Herr (16g10a). Senior center James Horlacher (8g12a) is another offensive weapon in the MICDS arsenal. Lafayette (6-16-2) has battled into the semifinal round knocking off top seed Seckman in overtime to advance to Friday’s semifinal. Senior goalie Jacob Bierschenk was perfect in the net in the mini-game as senior Jacob Lownsdale scored with seven seconds left to advance the Lancers into the next round. Lownsdale leads Lafayette with 14 goals and receives offensive support from Kyle Estes (11g16a) and Andrew Schweitz (13g12a). (2) Rockwood Summit vs (3) Francis Howell Central all games @ Hardees Iceplex Game 1 Friday 9:00pm Game 2 Saturday 3:15pm Mini-game (following Game 2 if needed) Rockwood Summit (17-6-1) has a solid team with a mix of goal scorers and gritty defensive performers. Senior Max McKay stands tall in front of Falcon goalie James Smith while on offense Shea Mullaney (18g23a) and seniors Cole Peterson (25g19a), Devin Mayer (11g10a) and Shane Hill (11g9a) all have the potential to blow open the semifinal match. Francis Howell Central (14-9-2) has plenty of offensive firepower of its own as seniors Justin Allen (17g22a) and Mitchell Miller (21g16a) lead the way with support from Shane Quinn (19g11a) and Matthew Dickens (15g19a).
Chesterfield Falcons Bantam Majors Win CSDHL Regular Season Championship by Kevin McGlynn - ‘Hockey Stop’ Correspondent’
According to hockey lore, the lack of success of regular season champions in a playoff series is because of the different style of play in the playoffs. Such factors such as a hot goaltender, a better defensive team, or other players that pose match-up problems may factor in when your regular season champion doesn’t repeat its season long success. In the case of the Chesterfield Falcons (CSDHL) bantam major team, the leagues regular season champion, a hot goaltender stood between them and a league championship. While the regular season champions primary success was outscoring others, they ran out of goals in the title game facing a pair of Affton goalies that shut them out. “Our goalie (Will Oliver) was equal to the task, but we ran into an Affton team that really played well. Great game, a lot of fun for everyone involved, and we will carry on to the state tournament determined to rebound,” said Chesterfield coach Ed Campbell as his team dropped a 2-0 heartbreaker to Affton in the CSDHL final. Being the best regular season team does not always translate to winning a championship, but this week’s Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante Hockey Stop ‘Team of the Week’ can celebrate a season in which they finished atop the CSDHL bantam major standings with a remarkable 20-2-2 record. Chesterfield was the only St Louis team in the CSDHL to finish first in the regular season standings. The Falcons were three points better than the Highland Park Falcons and five points ahead of third place the Affton Americans in the Chicago based league. Their impressive regular season mark of 40-15-6, placed them in the
Nations top twelve (MYHockeyranking. com), and a step closer to their goal of a trip to the USA Hockey National Championships. “The road to the national title will start in St Louis and Affton (CSDHL) is a certain roadblock. But we will be ready with some upcoming friendlies and my hope is this was only a bump in the road,” said Campbell the Boston native in his first season as Falcons head coach after coaching a squirt team for St. Peters last season. As a player, Campbell played his college hockey at U Mass-Lowell and was a 10-year veteran of the American Hockey League. Now he enjoys coaching and his time behind the bench working with former Blue Kelly Chase. The Falcons scored 267 goals this year and a trio of forwards have been catalysts up front. Noah Roofe, Cole Cutler, and Logan Ritchie lead a balanced Chesterfield attack while Brendan Blair and John Serafin have been standouts on the backline. In goal Oliver and Jack Caruso have allowed only two goals a game between the pipes. In the Central States league championship
TOURNAMENT CALENDAR BIG BEAR TOURNAMENTS
For all Big Bear Tournament information go to www.bigbeartournaments.com or call 248.399.1694 FEBRUARY 2014
2/28 – 3/1 - The Big Thaw in Ann Arbor, MI at Arctic Coliseum & Yost. – Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA
MARCH 2014
3/7- 3/9 - Killer Bees in Grand Rapids, MI at Georgetown Arena. – Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V., Competitive Half Ice – 05 & 06: B, BB only 3/14 – 3/16 - Luck of the Irish in St. Louis, MO at Hardee’s Iceplex & Lindenwood Arena. – Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA
APRIL 2014
4/11 – 4/13 - Winged Warrior in St. Louis, MO at Hardee’s Iceplex. – Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA 4/25 – 4/27 - The Thunderbird in Detroit, MI at Suburban Detroit Arenas. – Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA
MAY 2014
5/9 – 5/11 - The Ring of Fire in Ann Arbor, MI at Arctic Coliseum. – Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget/HS: B, A, AA 5/16 – 5/18 - The Dragon’s Lair in Chicago, IL at Darien Sportsplex. – Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA 5/16 – 5/18 - The Last Dance in Detroit, MI at Suburban Detroit Arenas. – Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V.: B, A, AA plus Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19
ULTIMATE TOURNAMENTS
For all Ultimate Tournament information go to www.ultimatetournaments.net or contact John at 630.336.6160 MARCH 2014
3/14- 3/16- Dells Waterpark Classic in Wisconsin Dells, WI – Mite, Squirt, PW, Bantam: AA, A, B, and House. 3/14- 3/16- St. Louis Ice Blast in St. Louis, MO – Mite, Squirt, PW, Bantam: AA, A, B, and House.
MAY 2014
5/2- 5/4- St. Louis Ice Blast in St. Louis, MO – Mite, Squirt, PW, Bantam: AA, A, B, and House. 5/23- 5/25- St. Louis Ice Blast in St. Louis, MO – Mite, Squirt, PW, Bantam: AA, A, B, and House.
Player of the Week continued from page 12
With the win Lafayette now becomes the first 16 seed to defeat a one seed (Seckman) in the Wickenheiser Cup bracket. “We have fought hard in the playoffs and Jacob (Lownsdale) with his never-say-die attitude has been a great boost to the club. We came back three times to gain a hard fought 5-4 win over Seckman to send the series to the mini-game. Then Jacob put us in position to gain a final chance to make an improbable run to the championship,” said Lafayette coach Lindsey Middlebrook.
tournament the Falcons defeated West Dundee Leafs 5-2, and then scored one goal wins over the Geneva Cyclones (4-3) and the Chicago Bruins (2-1) to reach the championship game. Members of the regular season CSDHL champions are Zach Lodes, Bobby Bross, Brendan Blair, John Serafin, Caden Duggan, Sam Mudd, Jon Koester, Brendan O’Donnell, Jack Caruso, Dawson Columbatto, Logan Ritchie, Will Oliver, Noah Roofe, Cole Cutler, Nathan sargent, Owen Benben, Will Chase, Chad Palumbo, Coaches are Ed Campbell, Grant Gorczyca, Kelly Chase, and Derek Cutler.
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Senior Editor - Sean Hazelton • Creative - Colleen Hazelton • Writers - Reggie Dunlop, Jared Grafman, Bill Hester
Contact - Sean Hazelton • hockeystop@sbcglobal.net • 314-330-1319
Look for your next issue of HOCKEY STOP – February 28, 2014 – Circulation to Missouri and Illinois rinks.
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February 14, 2014
HOCKEY STOP
2014
DEVELOPING THE FINEST HOCKEY TALENT IN ST. LOUIS
2004, 2005, 2006 BIRTH YEARS
TRYOUTS
PROGRAM
• Tryouts will be held the week of March 9, 2014 • 3 - 60 minute tryouts per birth year • Each player guaranteed 2 skates • Tryout Fee: $45 per player • Tryout Location: Hardees Iceplex
• Roster sizes will be 20 skaters and 3 goaltenders • Program will last 6 weeks, 18 x 70 minute practices. Total ice time: 21 hours • Three sheets of ice per week • Starting the week of March 30th • Each team will compete in 1 out of town tournament • Program Fee: $395 (jersey and socks included) Tournament fee not included.
AAA BLues HEAD COACHES 2004 – Anthony Cappelletti 2005 – Dan Pettibone 2006 – Brock Wilson
REGISTER ON-LINE: WWW.STLAAABLUES.COM
HOCKEY STOP
February 14, 2014
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February 14, 2014
HOCKEY STOP