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Jr. Blues Move To Tier III Jr. A

The Central States Hockey League received official word that their application to Tier III Jr. A has been accepted.  The USA Hockey Junior Council ruled earlier this month, providing the CSHL an exciting new challenge.   To explain further how this impacts the Jr. Blues here are a few details.   The Junior Council initiated Tier III as a level of Junior Hockey that is allowed to charge tuition to the players.   Currently, the USHL is designated Tier I, which pays for all expenses for the players including billeting.  The NAHL is designated Tier II Jr. A and in this designation there is no tuition but the players are responsible for billeting expenses.  Last season the AJHL and EJHL were given probationary Tier III Jr. A status.  At this time the CSHL has been given the same status.  This season the CSHL will send their representative(s)  to the Tier III Jr. A Nationals.  The Jr. Blues feel this jump in level of competition will coincide with our continual improvement as an organization.  The challenges of Junior A hockey will be significant but our main focus will continue to be player development and a commitment to the local St. Louis amateur hockey community.   With our dramatic success the past several seasons in player development, player advancement and a USA Hockey record 4 consecutive National Championships, we feel this is the logical next step for the progression of our program.  There are many hurdles to clear but the challenge of Junior A hockey is what we feel is necessary to continue to provide our players the best opportunities for their future.    The Jr. Blues will be conducting our final tryout camp on August 10-12.   Please contact our Head Coach Jack Behan if you feel your game is ready for Junior A Hockey.

From The Buffalo News:

Future Sabres hard at work - Kennedy, Butler stand out at camp

By John Vogl NEWS SPORTS REPORTER
Updated: 07/08/07 6:47 AM

One of the most tumultuous weeks in the history of the Buffalo Sabres — OK, probably the most tumultuous week in Sabres history — is over. And, in a change of pace, it didn’t end with beloved players leaving or team executives facing a barrage of pointed questions.

It ended the way hockey usually starts, with a bunch of kids skating laps on a fresh sheet of ice.

The Sabres’ prospects, recent draft picks and a few free agents gathered Saturday for Day Two of the team’s six-day development camp. The young men, clad in sandals and backward caps, made their way to the dressing rooms free of leadership losses and $50 million expectations.

The only thing weighing them down was layers of sweat as Sabres coaches and staff members pushed them through two hours of drills at the Amherst Pepsi Center. That followed a full morning of office workouts at HSBC Arena.

“That’s a pretty hectic day, but that’s what it takes to play,” forward Tim Kennedy said. “That’s what the Sabres expect out of you.”

Two of the more promising recruits in the Sabres’ corps — Kennedy and Chris Butler (St. Louis) — will enjoy hockey without hassle for one more year. General Manager Darcy Regier said last month he wanted the college juniors to spend one more year on campus. Instead of salary caps and backroom bickering, Kennedy can focus on repeating collegiate glory, and Butler can try to achieve it.

Kennedy and Butler are intrigued by the thought of going pro. The Sabres, with a shared minor-league affiliation in Rochester, have a limited number of roster spots to offer and would prefer they remain amateurs.

“It’s not really up to me as much as a lot of people think it is,” said Butler, who will be a junior at the University of Denver. “Whatever they want to do with me, if they want me to turn pro, it’ll be something I’ll consider. If not then I have no problem going back to school. Denver is a great time. But obviously my ultimate goal is to be in Buffalo someday.”

Kennedy, the South Buffalo native acquired via trade at the 2005 draft after being selected by Washington, had an unforgettable sophomore season at Michigan State. He scored one of the most dynamic goals of the year, led his team in scoring and came home as a Frozen Four champion.

“I signed up to go to school for four years. If anything happens down the road, we’ll see,” the 21-year-old said. “There are [benefits to staying in school], but when your dream is to play in a professional hockey league, if you get that offer, it’s hard not to jump at it.”

Many scouts believe Butler is ready to earn a paycheck. The 20-year-old was the top defenseman at Denver last season, scoring 10 times and adding 17 assists. He is solid with the puck and in stature (6- foot-1, 193 pounds). If Butler can accomplish what Kennedy has done — win the NCAA title — he’ll get to do it minutes from campus. The 2008 Frozen Four will be held in Denver.

“It’ll be something in the locker room just trying to get there all year,” Butler said. “I think we have a real good shot.”

But before they compete in the NCAAs, Kennedy and Butler will spend four more days alongside guys who could be future teammates. For many, it’s their first time together. It likely won’t be the last.

“You try to picture what some of these kids are going to be like a couple years from now,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “You like what you see, and you know that you’re watching some players and you know that it’s going to be a tough road for them. For others, you look at them and think they may have a promising career ahead of them.”

jvogl@buffnews.com

It took an astounding 50 HOURS, but it finally happened as St. Louis Jr. Blues trainer Mike Heffner and his wife Cindy became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy, Evan Michael.  After reporting to the hospital to be induced on Monday morning May 14th, Evan finally arrived at 2:45 Wednesday afternoon.  At 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 21" long Trainer Mike commented, "I'm just happy he didn't take after me...that could have been a 2 week labor at my size!"  Mike went on to say that mom and baby are doing great and he should be in his first pair of skates within the month.

Congratulations to Mike and Cindy on this joyous occasion!  Click below to see Evan.

Evan Michael Heffner

Jarrod Mermis was drafted in the 5th round with the 54th overall pick by the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.  Mermis follows in the foot steps of former Jr. Blues, Travis Turnbull and Chris Butler who both played for the Musketeers.  Head Coach Jack Behan doesn't doubt the ability of Mermis.  He said, "From day one here he was on a mission.  He worked so hard and battled all year to improve his game and to compete for the Jr. Blues."  

Mermis was part of a line this year that put up some impressive numbers, especially in the post season.  According to Behan,  "His line was our most productive line at Nationals and the Hurster Cup scoring 21 goals in those 9 games.  The kid line of Mermis, Phil Blackwood, and Andrew Kurlandski were one of the major reasons for our National Championship."

Behan first turned the Muskies on to Mermis in November.  Says Behan, "It is amazing what one conversation can lead to.  I talked to Dave Sicilliano (Sioux City Head Coach/GM) in November about Mermis when I saw him at the Junior Jamboree.  They told Jarrod [the night before the draf] they have watched him several times this year and they wanted a commitment from him because they wanted to draft him.  

Siciliano is no stranger to the Jr. Blues.  "I have such great trust in Dave Siciliano and his tremendous program because of what they did for former Jr. Blues Chris Butler and Travis Turnbull.  Sioux City is one of those programs I would want my son to play for.  This will be great for Jarrod and Sioux City as well."

Ryan Kretzer was also taken in the draft as the Waterloo Black Hawks made him their 3rd round pick, 34th overall.  Kretzer spent the 2006-07 season skating with the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL.  He finished the season as a member of the All-Rookie Team.  Waterloo will be looking for Ryan to add offense to the line up and work as a power play quarterback.

Congratulations to both players!

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have exercised and option and signed Christopher Michael Flaugher to a long term contract, the club was happy to announce today.  Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan said earlier today, "We felt like we needed to lock this kid up early prior to the draft...2023!"  Behan went on to say, "This kid comes from solid hockey stock!  Heck, his dad is the founder of the Flaugher Stick Handling School!  Their slogan is "Bringing Bricks and Hands Together for over 10 Years!  What more could you ask for?"  The boys father is former Jr. Blues Captain and Assistant Coach, Chris Flaugher, and is said to be ecstatic about the move.  Says the senior Flaugher, "This kid is my bread and butter!  I'll never have to work again!  All of those years of stick handling practice will really pay off in the end!"  The deal is said to include a signing bonus of 10 cases of Similac and a months supply of diapers!  Mother, Julie is said to be doing well at this hour.  Apparently she was overcome with emotion at the press conference signing!

For more information on this future star, click below to see his bio.  Congratulations to the entire Flaugher Family from the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Christopher Michael Flaugher Biography

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues standout Paul Stastny has followed up his stellar rookie season with a slot on the United States National team.  The early roster was released late this afternoon with more players to be added later.  Below is the release from USA Hockey:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey today named the first 18 players to its U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete at the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Moscow, Russia, April 27-May 13.

“We’ve got a good mix of players with World Championship experience and younger players who will likely be a part of our program for years to come,” said Jim Johannson, senior director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “Our National Team Advisory Group has done an outstanding job in selecting players who we feel will excel in international competition.”

USA Hockey’s National Team Advisory Group consists of National Hockey League general managers Brian Burke (Anaheim Ducks), David Poile (POY-uhl) (Nashville Predators), Ray Shero (SHEER-oh) (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Don Waddell (Wah-DEHL) (Atlanta Thrashers).

Team USA’s roster includes seven players who have previously played in the IIHF World Championship. The group includes defensemen Andrew Alberts (Minneapolis, Minn./Boston Bruins/2006) and Keith Ballard (Baudette, Minn./Phoenix Coyotes/2004); forwards Chris Clark (South Windsor, Conn./Washington Capitals/2002), Erik Cole (Oswego, N.Y./Carolina Hurricanes/2005) and Phil Kessel (Madison, Wis./Boston Bruins/2006); and goaltenders Robert Esche (Whitesboro, N.Y./Philadelphia Flyers/2000, 2001) and John Grahame (Denver, Colo./Carolina Hurricanes/1996).

In addition, 11 of the 18 players are 25 years old or younger, including defensemen Alberts, Ballard, Matt Greene (Grand Ledge, Mich./Edmonton Oilers) and Jack Johnson (Indianapolis, Ind./Los Angeles Kings); forwards Brandon Bochenski (Blaine, Minn./Boston Bruins), Nathan Davis (Rocky River, Ohio/Miami (Ohio) University), Kessel, Chad LaRose (Fraser, Mich./Carolina Hurricanes), Paul Stastny (Quebec City, Quebec/Colorado Avalanche) and Lee Stempniak (West Seneca, N.Y./St. Louis Blues); and goaltender Cory Schneider (Marblehead, Mass./Boston College).

Rounding out the first group of players named to the U.S. roster are defenseman Brian Pothier (New Bedford, Mass./Washington Capitals) and forwards Tyler Arnason (Oklahoma City, Okla./Colorado Avalanche) and Toby Petersen (Minneapolis, Minn./Edmonton Oilers).

Team USA will play an exhibition game against Sweden at Globe Arena in Stockholm on April 25 at 7 p.m. (local time)/1 p.m. (EDT) before beginning competition in the IIHF World Championship on April 27 at 4:15 p.m. (local time)/8:15 a.m. (EDT) against Austria. The United States will play two additional preliminary-round games against Belarus (April 29) and the Czech Republic (May 1) before the qualification round begins. 

NOTES: Additional players will be named to the U.S. roster in the coming days … Cole, Esche and Grahame were all members of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team that competed at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy … The average age of the first 18 players named to Team USA is 25.1 years old … Mike Sullivan, former head coach of the NHL’s Boston Bruins and an assistant coach with the 2006 U.S. Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team, was named head coach of the 2007 U.S. Men’s National Team on March 26. Barry Smith, head coach and director of hockey operations with SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian Elite League, will serve as associate head coach of Team USA, while David Quinn, associate head coach for the Boston University men’s ice hockey team, will serve as assistant coach.

Team USA 2007 IIHF World Championship Schedule
Moscow, Russia • April 27-May 13

Date     Opponent          Location/Arena    Time (Local/EDT)
April 25 Sweden*           Stockholm/Globe   7:00 p.m./1:00 p.m.
                           Arena 
April 27 Austria           Arena Mytischi    4:15 p.m./8:15 a.m.
April 29 Belarus           Arena Mytischi    8:15 p.m./12:15 p.m.
May 1    Czech Republic    Arena Mytischi    8:15 p.m./12:15 p.m.
May 3-7  Qualif. Round     Arena Mytischi    TBD
May 9-10 Quarterfinals     Arena Khodynka    TBD
May 12   Semifinals        Arena Khodynka    3:15 p.m./7:15 a.m.
                                             7:15 p.m./11:15 a.m.
May 13   Bronze-Medal Game Arena Khodynka    4:15 p.m./8:15 a.m.
         Gold-Medal Game   Arena Khodynka    8:15 p.m./12:15 p.m.

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Dubuque Wins The Hurster Cup

The Dubuque Thunderbirds win the Hurster Cup in their first CSHL season.  Andrew Kurlandski scored the first goal for St. Louis.  Moments later the Thunderbird's Tony Dilchler tied the game.  Late in the period Jake Stadstad scored a power play goal to give Dubuque the lead.  St. Louis' Jarrod Mermis tied the score with a power play goal early in the second period.  The Thunderbirds responded with two power play goals by Kyle Lundey and Jake Jirik.  The third period was terrific period with tons of drama.  The Thunderbirds extended their lead with Jake Stadstad's second goal of the game again on the power play.  Jarrod Mermis cut the score to 5-3 with his second goal of the game.  The Thunderbirds again responded with Jeffrey Schmudlach goal to make it 6-3.  The final 3 minutes were wild with exciting end to end action.  Chris Saracino made it 6-4 then Joe Combs tallied to make it 6-5 with less than 2 minutes remaining.  Kyle Lundey then sealed the deal with a goal with just over one minute to play and teammate Tyler Sura added an empty net goal for good measure.  Spike Alverez recorded the win making 30 saves on 35 shots.  The Thunderbirds stopped the St. Louis 4-year Hurster Cup Championship streak and head to the Nationals as the CSHL # 2 seed.  St. Louis goes for their unprecedented 4th National Championship as the CSHL #1 seed.  Flint rounds out the field as the #3 seed.

Cory Spradling, Chuck Lemay, Chris Saracino, Jim Rufo and Paul Puglisi

Teams shake hands after the Championship game.

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Hewkin Commits to Northeastern

Former Jr. Blues standout defenseman, Mike Hewkin, committed to play for the Northeastern University Huskies, DI Hockey East.  According to the New Jersey Hitmen of the EJHL, where Hewkin had been playing:

Wayne, NJ - The Jersey Hitmen are proud to announce that defenseman, Mike Hewkin, has accepted a scholarship to play at Northeastern University for the 07-08 season.  Hewkin, who joined the team in January after leaving the NAHL, was an EJHL stand out earning defensive player of the week honors in February.

"This franchise is so excited to be placing Mike in a Hockey East school, he really deserves it," commented coach Harris. "I knew Mike was a special talent, but he was not getting a lot of looks out west, when he came east he was able to really showcase his skills in front of a lot of division one scouts. He is a hard worker, a great teammate, and most important, a great kid, I have no doubts that Mike will excel at the next level."

Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan echoed those sentiments.  He said, "We are extremely excited to see Mike get this opportunity.  Mike has always been a tremendously hard working player who hates to lose.  Mike is one of those kids who you really pull for because of his unselfish team attitude and great work ethic."  Hewkin will be joining two other Jr. Blues alumni as Joe Vitale and Kyle Kraemer currently skate for the Huskies.

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues standout Paul Stastny has broken the National Hockey League Rookie record for points in consecutive games.  With an assist in today's first period, Stastny collected a point in 18 games, breaking the record held by Teemu Selanne.  In a release on the teams website:

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With a first period assist this afternoon in Minnesota, Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny extended his point streak to 18 games, breaking the NHL rookie record set by Teemu Selanne in 1992-93.

Stastny also set an NHL rookie record for consecutive road games with a point at 14. Paul’s uncle, Marian Stastny, held the previous record of 13 straight road games with a point set in 1981-82 with the Quebec Nordiques.

Stastny's 18-game point streak is the longest by an Avalanche player since the team moved to Denver in 1995-96 and tied for the third longest in franchise history. The only two players to record longer streaks were Mats Sundin (30 games in 1992-93) and Peter Stastny (19 games in 1983-84). Paul Stastny owns the longest scoring streak in the NHL this season and the longest by any player since Dany Heatley had a point in 22 consecutive games for the Ottawa Senators from Oct. 5 - Nov. 29, 2005.

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Former Jr. Blues Making Noise in the NHL and College

Several members of the St. Louis Jr. Blues have made noise in their new leagues in the last couple of weeks.  Paul Stastny continues to impress at every level he plays, now it is with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.  After 66 games, he is 3rd in team scoring with 62 points which ranks 2nd among all rookies.  From the Colorado website:

THIS SEASON - Has recorded a point in 14 consecutive games (8g/12a), the longest scoring streak by an NHL rookie since Teemu Selanne ended the 1992-93 campaign with a 17-game streak for the Winnipeg Jets (March 9 - April 15, 1993). - Stastny's 14-game streak is now the second longest by a rookie in franchise history, trailing only Peter Stastny's 16-game scoring streak in 1980-81. - Named NHL Rookie of the Month for February. - Led all rookies with 19 points (8g/11a) in 14 games during the month. - Stastny’s 19 points were the most-ever by a Colorado rookie in a single month and the most by a franchise rookie since Peter Forsberg had 19 in March of 1995. - Most points by an NHL rookie in the month of February since Sergei Fedorov had 23 points in February of 1991 with Detroit. - Ranks second among NHL rookies in scoring this season with 60 points, trailing only Evgeni Malkin (69). - Stastny's 60 points are the most by a rookie in Avalanche history (since 1995-96), breaking the mark of 51 set by Alex Tanguay in 1999-2000. - Is tied for second among NHL rookies in assists (38) and ranks fourth in goals (22). - Ranks third on the Avalanche in scoring this season. - Is just the third Avalanche rookie to score 20 or more goals, joining Marek Svatos (32 in 2005-06) and Chris Drury (20 in 1998-99). - Is tied with Milan Hejduk for the team lead with four game-winning goals, second among league rookies.

In the college ranks, Kyle Kraemer was named the Hockey East Rookie of the week.  In a release from Northeastern University, where Kraemer plays with Jr. Blues team mate Joe Vitale:

Kraemer named Rookie of the Week
March 5, 2007
Boston, MA

Freshman Kyle Kraemer of the Northeastern University men’s hockey team was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Week for the week ending March 4, the conference announced on Monday. Kraemer becomes the third different Husky to be named Hockey East Rookie of the Week this season.  Although Kraemer and the Huskies played in only one game last week, the St. Louis native made his mark. Kraemer scored two goals, including the game-winning tally midway through the second period, as the Huskies ended their regular season with a 4-2 upset of No. 5 Boston University on Feb. 28.  The game was the second two-goal game of the season for Kraemer, who ranks second on the team in both assists and points. The freshman forward has scored seven goals and added 12 assists for 19 points in 31 games for Northeastern.

Prior to Northeastern, Kraemer spent two seasons with the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). In two seasons, Kraemer amassed 56 goals and 74 assists for 130 points, leading the team with 41 assists and 68 points in 2005-06. He was named an NAHL All-Star during the 2004-05 campaign. In 2003-04, Kraemer played for the St. Louis Jr. Blues of the Central States Hockey League, posting a 21-16-37 scoring line and helping the team to a 56-5 record and the Junior B national championship.  With the win over Boston University, the Huskies clinched the seventh seed in the upcoming Hockey East Tournament. Northeastern, which has a record of 13-16-5 this season, will take on second-seeded Boston College in a best-of-three quarterfinal series beginning on Thursday night in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
 

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Jr. Blues Clinch 6th Consecutive League Championship, Nationals Bid

Jr. Blues celebrate their 6th consecutive League Championship and 5th consecutive Nationals berth.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues entered the weekend needing only on win to secure the first CSHL bid to Nationals and their 6th consecutive League Championship.  After going down 3-2 after two to the Metro Jets, the Jr. Blues scored 4 unanswered goals in the third period to secure the bid.  This will be the Jr. Blues 5th consecutive trip to the USA Hockey Jr. B Nationals.  In the previous four trips St. Louis has won three consecutive and were the runner up in their first year.  In the last 5 years, the CSHL has 4 of the National Champions with the Metro Jets winning in 2002 and St. Louis winning in 2004, 2005 and 2006.  Head Coach Jack Behan commented, "It's always an honor to represent the CSHL, whether it's Nationals or the Jr. B Showcase.  This year the CSHL can be assured strong representation, as in the past.  The CSHL is one of the stronger leagues, I believe the strongest in Jr. B hockey.  That has been shown through the last 5 years.  Two of our three wins came against CSHL teams in an all-league final and the third was against our newest member."  He goes on to say, "It doesn't matter where you finish in the CSHL because you will always have a chance to make it and make an impact.  Look at Cleveland last year, look at Michigan a couple of years ago, look at Peoria, look at Toledo, look at Grand Rapids, all have been impact players at Nationals regardless of where they finished in league play."

The St. Louis Jr. Blues will face off this weekend against the WSHL's Tulsa Rampage.  The Rampage currently stand in second place in their division with a 17-13-1 record.  Game times will be played on Saturday, January 6th at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 7th at 12:45 p.m.

Two former members of the St. Louis Jr. Blues have been named Player of the Week for their respective divisions.  Eddie Effinger and Robby Moss both earned the honor in the month of November.  In a release from the league:

SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Wichita Falls forward Eddie Effinger, a 19-year-old from Belleville, Ill., scored the game-winning goal in overtime and assisted on Luke Salazar’s first-period tally as the Wildcats defeated Texas on Friday, 3-2, marking the first time Wichita Falls has ever defeated the Tornado on the road in the regular season.

CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
North Iowa goaltender Robby Moss, 19, allowed only one goal against on 49 shots last weekend, lifting the Outlaws to a pair of wins over Bismarck.  On Friday, the St. Louis native made 20 saves in a 3-1 victory over the Bobcats.  The next night, Moss turned aside all 28 shots as North Iowa blanked Bismarck, 3-0, marking the first shutout in Outlaws history.

Congratulations to both players.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have released their exhibition schedule and unveiled their 2006-07 edition.  As traditional, the Jr. Blues will face off against two members of the North American Hockey League as they face the St. Louis Bandits on Sunday, August 27th at 3:45.  The Jr. Blues will face the Bandits at home at the Affton Athletic Association.  Skating for the Bandits will be for Jr. Blues defenseman Joe Combs and forward Shawn Gawrys.  The following week they Jr. Blues head north to Springfield, IL to take on the Jr. Blues on Thursday, August 30th at the Nelson Center.  Game time is 7:45 p.m.  In that game, the Jr. Blues will face more alumni as Mike Keeven, Mike Hewkin, Ryan Kretzer and Dan Weiss will all be skating for the Springfield Jr. Blues.

The Jr. Blues will open their regular season play on Saturday, September 2nd when they square off against the Quad City Express.  The Jr. Blues will begin the evening by honoring the 2006 team that captured the USA Hockey Jr. B Silver Cup awarded to the National Champions of Jr. B hockey.  This will be the third team to be honored on opening night.  Game time is 7:45 p.m. at the Affton Ice Rink.

The Jr. Blues have released their 2006-07 roster.  Congratulations to the following players:

Former Jr. Blues trainer, George McNichols, has accepted an offer to work in the professional ranks with the Arizona Sundogs in the Central Hockey League.  According to Head Coach Jack Behan, "It is always thrilling for me to see an individual pursue their dream.  George has been so anxious to advance in our game, it couldn't have happened to a better man.  Having individuals like George around to help us provide the top Junior experience for our players is a bonus.  George will be missed by the entire staff and most importantly by the players.  Our loss will be a huge gain for the Sundogs.   We wish George and his wife, Holly, well, and continued progression towards his career goals.

In addition to the many tenders from the 2006-07 season, it has been a busy off season for several other players and alumni.  It was recently reported that defenseman Joe Combs has been signed by the St. Louis Bandits of the NAHL.  The Bandits recently relocated to St. Louis from Texarkana, TX where they were one of the top teams in the NAHL, South Division.  Former Jr. Blues standout Kyle O'Kane has signed to play with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL where he will join former team mate, Brandon Bollig.  The Jr. Blues are still waiting to hear from other players as they attempt to make the jump to Jr. A.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have released their first round playoff schedule and the schedule for the 2006 Hurster Cup to be held at the Affton Athletic Association.  The Jr. Blues will begin their quest for a 3rd consecutive National Championship next weekend.  The first round opponent has not been determined at this time but they will play Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary), March 17-19.  

The Jr. Blues also will host this years Hurster Cup.  The tournament will be held Thursday, March 23 through Sunday, March 26.  The format is as follows:

The Buffalo Sabres are well represented on Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Championships with a pair of 2005 draft picks playing on the favored American squad. Forward Nate Gerbe (142nd overall) and defenseman Chris Butler (96th overall) both made the cut and both will be important defensive players shutting down the opponent’s attack.

Team USA began the tournament with an 11-2 shellacking of Norway. The Americans took advantage of more than 16 minutes of power play time, scoring five of their goals with the man advantage. Neither Gerbe nor Butler picked up a point in the offensive barrage, although Butler was +3 on the game and Gerbe picked up a penalty. Both were pleased with the game and the result.

“I’d say for the most part it was pretty good,” Butler told Hockey’s Future after Team USA’s morning skate on Wednesday. “Obviously a lot of things we need to work on, we’ve only had a couple of games together, but I’d say we’ve improved a lot every day, and that’s the biggest thing.”

“Excited to win,” Gerbe commented on the game with a big smile. “It’s always great to win. The team played really well for Norway, they never gave up, but we know it’s going to get harder as we go along, so we have to prepare.”

Against Norway, the American team was heavily booed by the Vancouver crowd, who put their support behind the over-matched Norwegian team, cheering raucously after both of the team’s goals and jeering after every American penalty or missed play. Gerbe says that they expected that kind of reception in Canada, and admits he enjoys being the villain.

“Not real surprised, we are in Canada and everything. But, I like it, so I had fun.”

Butler, who had a solid game in his own zone, said he was pleased with his own play, adding that he is just trying to make the easy play.

“I was pretty happy with the way that I played. Just trying to keep things simple. Limit my mistakes as best I could and just do whatever I could to help the team.”

Team USA takes on Team Finland tonight (December 28), who dropped their first game 5-1 to Canada. In that game, the Finnish team appeared to be rattled by the physical play of the Canadian juniors, something that Butler and his teammates are looking to capitalize on tonight.

“I think so, a little bit. North American style is probably a little more physical than typical European style,” said Butler. “I think that’s part of our game, something we’re going to try to do against every team.”

With only three elite-level hockey nations in the pool, Finland will be Team USA’s only test before their highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve clash against Canada. Butler told HF about his team’s game plan for Finland.

“We know Finland is going to be strong and they’re going to be hungry obviously after losing to Canada. We just have to play smart, not take too many penalties, stay out of the box and bury some of our chances.”

The most obvious challenge for any team in the tournament is having all of its players come together to form a cohesive unit after only a week or two of practicing together as a team and coming from a variety of different leagues and collegiate conferences. Butler believes that the transition has not been too difficult for the American team, and it shows on the ice, where the team has displayed the synergy of a team that has been playing together for years.

“Oh, it hasn’t been too bad. A lot of good guys that really get along well,” says Butler. “A lot of many different funny personalities, we have a good time in the dressing room and you know, I think everybody is realizing their role on this team and what they have to do to be successful.”

Another part of this challenge is getting players to play within their roles. Most of the players participating in the tournament are the star players on their teams. As a result, some of the players must adjust to play more two-way or defensively-focused roles. Gerbe is one of the players who have been asked to concentrate on his defensive efforts for the event.

“Yeah, it’s a little bit different, but I’m used to playing a grittier style. Taking in my size and everything, I found myself comfortable [in a defensive role].”

Butler also believes his role on the team is primarily in his own zone.

“I think my job is going to be to kind of play a shutdown role defensively. Limit the forwards chances and hopefully help out offensively a little bit.”

In addition to having an outstanding group of forwards and a very solid group of defenders, goaltending may be one of the team’s biggest strengths, with Cory Schneider (VAN) starting between the pipes. Schneider, who is big, positional, goaltender, is calm and collected while under fire. He is also a teammate of Gerbe’s at Boston College.

“It’s a great feeling [to have Schneider in net]! You know if you mess up you always have a chance,” Gerbe said of the Canucks prospect. “Cory will probably save you. But he’s doing really well for the Eagles and here.”

Another of Gerbe’s teammates at BC is Dan Bertram (CHI), another example of an offensive player with his club team that is playing a more defensive and physical role as a member of the Canadian Junior team. Despite being linemates at school, Gerbe’s doesn’t think it will be awkward when they line up against each other on December 31st.

“No, it won’t be weird at all. I played against him last year in the World Under-18 so it was fun and everything. But now we know each other a little more and it’s going to be more exciting.”

At just 5’5, 160 lbs, Gerbe is one of the smallest players in the tournament. But overcoming both his size and the odds has become second nature for the young forward. However, he admits that he was thrilled to be selected in the past NHL Entry Draft, knowing how much NHL teams look at size.

“Yeah, taking in my size and everything, I’m real thankful to be drafted, being at my size. I was really exciting and everything when I heard from Buffalo.”

He believes that in order for him to make the NHL he’s going to have to work hard every day and never give up, as it is unlikely that he will grow much more. He’s good-natured about his diminutive size, however, smiling and laughing and responding “It never gets old,” when asked if he gets sick of hearing about his height.

Size and strength are also going to be key factors of whether or not Butler becomes an NHLer as well. The 6’1, 185 lbs defender is still lanky and in need of building his upper body strength if he is going to be a successful professional.

“Just continue to get bigger and stronger,” said Butler when asked what part of his game needs improvement. “Start paying attention to more of the little details. All the little stuff and obviously continue to work on my skating and stuff because obviously with the new rules it’s going to be tough, you can’t really clutch and grab, and there’s more emphasis on the skating and stuff like that.”

Butler also spoke about what he believes he does well on the ice.

“I think my strengths would be my D-zone coverage and skating ability. My ability to see the ice pretty well, and obviously my offensive game is something I’m trying to work on both here and in college.”

For Gerbe, the uphill battle will continue long after the tournament ends. Currently enjoying a successful freshman campaign with 10 points in 14 games, Gerbe will develop his skills in college for the next few years. Despite his lack of size, Gerbe is a feisty player who is almost always in the middle of the action. He’s spent his entire career getting knocked around by bigger opponents, and his perseverance shows no signs of letting up. Gerbe is well aware of the odds facing him, but is hopeful that the new rules introduced to the NHL this season will help him down the road.

“Yeah, I think the new rules help. I mean, a lot of small guys in the NHL are doing really