St. Louis Jr. Blues News Archives 2004-05 Final

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues stand-out, Joe Vitale, has committed to play for the Northeastern University Huskies in 2005-06. Vitale spent 2004-05 in Sioux Falls, SD playing for the Stampede of the USHL. While he had planned on returning to Sioux Falls next year, the opportunity to play in the Hockey East Conference was too good to pass up for Vitale. According to a release on the Stampede's website:

Vitale commits to Northeastern University for 05-06

The Sioux Falls Stampede announced today that forward Joe Vitale has received a scholarship and committed to Northeastern University for the upcoming 2005-06 season.

A native of St. Louis, MO, Vitale recorded 31 points (11g, 20a) in 53 games last season. He was named USHL Offensive Player-of-the-Week on January 11th after posting five points (2g, 3a) in two games versus Chicago and Tri-City. Vitale was also voted the team's Most Improved Player after posting 31 points in his final 37 games of the year.

"Joe Vitale will go down as one of the hardest working and most grounded individuals that has ever worn a Stampede sweater," stated Stampede CEO Gary Weckwerth. "I could tell in his voice when he told me aboutﾠleaving us thatﾠit was with mixed feelings. He was committed to coming back and making this a championship team, but the opportunity for him was too large to pass up."

Vitale is the second Stampede player in the past two weeks to commit to a Division I school (Pat Mullen committed to two-time defending NCAA champion Denver University last week) and the 12th player overall to accept a scholarship to a Division I school this season.

The Northeastern Huskies are members of the Hockey East Conference and are coached by Greg Cronin who was most recently the head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA and has an enrollment of 12,750 students.

Craig Signs With The Saginaw Spirit of the OHL

The Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League announced last month the signing of St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Tom Craig. According to a release on the teams website:

Spirit Sign Top Picks Soboczynski, Craig

The Saginaw Spirit signed forwards Anthony Soboczynski and Thomas Craig to Ontario Hockey League contracts. Soboczynski and Craig were the Spirit’s picks in the 2nd round of the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Priority selection.

Spirit Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mancini says the pair bring a variety of talents to Saginaw. “Anthony and Thomas are great additions to our roster. They both bring the much needed elements of size, skill, skating and hockey sense to the future of the Saginaw Spirit.”

Soboczynski was chosen 21st overall during the May 7th draft. He is a 15 year old, 6'1, 185 pound left shot left winger from London, Ontario. Craig was chosen 23rd overall. He is a 16 year old, 6'2", 215 pound left shot forward from St. Louis, Missouri.

Both are expected to attend Saginaw Spirit training camp this fall. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

Details:
Anthony Soboczynski:
DOB: 10/15/1989 (15 years old)
Home: London, ON
HT: 6’1”
WT: 185 lbs
Pos: Left Wing
2004-05 Team: Elgin-Middlesex Minor Midgets

Stats: 64 games, 37 goals, 39 assists, 76 points, 47 penalty minutes, +41
OHL Draft: 2nd round, 21st overall

Thomas Craig:
DOB: 3/9/1989 (16 years old)
Home: St. Louis, MO
HT: 6’2”
WT: 215 lbs
Pos: Left Wing
2004-05 Team: St. Louis Blues Jr. “B”
Stats: 42 games, 9 goals, 9 assists, 18 points 10 penalty minutes, +6
OHL Draft 2nd Round, 23rd overall

Jr. Blues Draft Has a Strong Local Flavor

The St. Louis Jr. Blues continued their tradition of protecting local players in the CSHL Entry Draft held today in Detroit. The Jr. Blues have selected 22 players, all local, in the draft. Players born in 1988 and earlier were eligible for the Draft. Coach Jack Behan comments, "We did a great job of protecting the local players in the 2005 draft. Our goal to give the local players the opportunity to play for the number one Junior B program in the Nation has been achieved. Eight Affton American players plus numerous other local players were selected with each having the potential of making our squad. We selected all local players with one Chicago player whose family is moving to Missouri this summer. We are pleased and excited to have achieved our goals for the 2005 CSHL Entry Draft."

Barron and Gawrys Taken in the NAHL Draft

Jr. Blues forwards Shawn Gawrys and Zach Barron were drafted today by teams in the North American Hockey League. Barron was a pick of the Alpena IceDiggers where he will join former Jr. Blues forward Branden Moran. Gawrys, on the other hand, was taken by the Springfield Jr. Blues. If he chooses the NAHL he will join former team mates Michael Davies, Brandon Bollig, Kyle O'Kane and Mike Keeven. Congratulations to Zach and Shawn.

Bollig and Davies Taken in the USHL Draft

Brandon Bollig and Michael Davies were among the players drafted in the 2005 USHL Entry Draft yesterday. Davies, who skated for the Springfield Jr. Blues last season, was taken in the 3rd round with the 31st pick by the Lincoln Stars. Bollig, who has signed a tender to play with Davies and the Jr. Blues next year, was taken in the 5th round with the 53rd pick overall also by Lincoln.

Yan Stastny Scores Game Winner Versus Sweden

Tom Craig Taken with 23rd Pick in the
OHL Draft

The Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League made St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Tom Craig the 23rd Overall pick of the 2005 Priority Draft held yesterday. Craig, a 6'2" 215 lb. forward was taken with the 3rd pick in the second round. Craig was the second American player taken in this years draft.

Second Round, 23rd overall: Thomas Craig is a 6'2", 215 pound left shot forward from St. Louis, Missouri. He had 9 goals, 9 assists, 18 points, 10 penalty minutes and was +6 in 42 games with the St. Louis Jr. "B" Blues. Craig registered a 95 point season in 2003-04 with the Jr. Blues Major Bantams. Born: 3/09/1989

Yan Stastny To Play for Team USA in
IIHF Men's World Championships

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Yan Stastny was named earlier this month to the USA Hockey Men's team to compete in the IIHF Men's World Championships in Austria. The tournament begins May 1st with the US taking on Slovenia in their first game. In three exhibition games leading up to the tournament, Stastny has registered one goal and one assist.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Forward Yan Stastny (St. Louis/Nuernberg), who has spent the last two seasons (2003-05) playing for Nuernberg of the German Elite League, was added to the 2005 U.S. Men’s National Team roster today.

The announcement was made by Don Waddell, general manager of Team USA, and Jim Johannson, assistant general manager.

Stastny’s addition completes the 23-player roster that will represent the United States at the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship.

Stastny, who played in 51 games this past season, recorded 54 points to tie for the team lead. His point total included 24 goals and 30 assists, both second on the squad. In 2003-04, he had nine goals and 20 assists in 45 games played.

Prior to his stint in Germany, the St. Louis product played two seasons (2001-03) of Division I NCAA hockey at the University of Notre Dame (72GP, 20-20--40).

Butler Named to the All-USHL First Team,
Vitale Wins Team Honor

Chris Butler, former stand out for the St. Louis Jr. Blues, was named to the RBK Hockey All-USHL First Team for 2005. Butler currently skates for the Sioux City Musketeers who head into the USHL final four for the Clark Cup. He led the USHL in +/- with a +36 rating and 28 points in 60 games. Butler will attend the University of Denver where he will skate for the two time defending National Champions.

Joe Vitale also of the Jr. Blues was named the Sioux Falls Stampede's Most Improved Player for 2005. After a slow start, Vitale ended the season with 31 points in 53 games winning the USHL's Offensive Player of the Week once this season. Despite several DI offers, Vitale has opted to return to Sioux Falls for one more season.

Stastny Scores Two In Denver's
National Championship Win

For St. Louis Jr. Blues standout, Paul Stastny, scored twice for the University of Denver Pioneers as they successfully defended their NCAA Division National Championship crown on Saturday night. Stastny's goals came on the power play, the first was a redirected shot from the slot that proved to be the game winner. His second goal was a one-timer off of a pass that beat University of North Dakota goaltender Jordan Parise. Stastny added an assist on the Pioneers fourth goal, an empty netter by Gabe Gautier. Stastny was also named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team for his performance.

Springfield Jr. Blues Tout Davies
As Top Rookie Candidate
By DON TRELLO
STAFF WRITER
State Journal Register

Springfield Junior Blues forward Mike Davies is out to ruin the reputations of both the North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League and he's doing a very good job of accomplishing that task this season.

Davies leads NAHL rookies with 30 goals and is 17th overall in scoring in the league with 56 points. Not bad statistics for a guy who was rejected by one league and consider too small by many to play in another.

"The Blues took a chance on me and I feel real good about that," said Davies, who is a leading candidate for NAHL Rookie of the Year. "I didn't think I'd have this kind of season. I thought I'd be a fourth-line player."

Two USHL teams cut Davies during tryout camps prior to the start of this season, and at 5-foot-8, 155 pounds, it appeared Davies was too small to compete in the NAHL. "Michael sent us an email about two weeks before our tryout camp (after being cut by the USHL) expressing an interest in trying out," said Blues coach Nick Pollos. "I saw him play (Jr. B) in St. Louis and I knew he led the Central States Hockey League in scoring last season."

Davies attended the Blues tryouts where he impressed Pollos and Blues assistant coach Chris Wyler with the intensity of his play and ability to score goals. "Every day at tryouts I kept trying to find a reason not to keep him, but he really stood out with his skill level," Pollos said. "We were a little concerned about his size, but after seeing the way he competed there was no way we couldn't take him."

Davies said he's well aware coaches and scouts often look askance at him because of his size even though he led every league in scoring he played in prior to coming to the Blues.

"I heard coach Pollos wanted physically bigger players but it didn't bother me because I hear that all the time," Davies said. "I thought I wasn't going to make the team because of my size. I was actually shocked when I saw my name on the list that was posted at the end of tryouts."

Davies has skated on the Blues top lines since the first week of the season. He has recorded four three-goal games, including a hat trick Saturday night in the Blues 7-5 win over the first-place Texas Tornado.

"I think Mike Davies is a legitimate candidate for NAHL Rookie of the Year," said Tornado coach Tony Curtale, who is among the coaches with the most wins in NAHL history. "He's a good player."

The Blues have had two players named NAHL Rookie of the Year in the 12 seasons the team has been in the league. Forward Greg Rallo won the award in 2001 and forward Dan Riedel was the winner in 2003. Rallo, who is a junior at Ferris State, is the leading goal-scorer in Blues history with 83 goals.

"Michael has surprised us a lot throughout the course of the season," Pollos said about Davies. "He's so well rounded. He has great hands and stick handles well in traffic. He has a very powerful stride for a little guy. Michael is not afraid to go to the front of the net and that's unusual for a guy his size.

"He has the ability to score a highlight-reel goal. When Davies gets the puck, the fans are on the edge of their seats. He's the clear-cut choice for Rookie of the Year."

Davies gives plenty of credit to his linemates for the success he's enjoyed, especially veterans Pat Lee and Alex Semenov who center the Blues No.1 and No. 2 lines.

"I like playing with Mike," Semenov said. "He has good hands like me and he can score goals."

A handful of colleges have offered Davies scholarships, but he intends to return to the Blues next season.

"I know there are schools I can get in to, but I need to get bigger and stronger" Davies said. I've had a great season and coach Pollos has been really good for me. If Nick didn't take a chance on me, I would have been back in Jr. B hockey this season. I'll be back next year."

NAME: Michael Gerard Davies
BIRTHDATE: December 10, 1986
HOMETOWN: Chesterfield, Mo.
PARENTS: Jim and Connie Davies
SIBLINGS: Sisters Tori (age 16) and Samantha (13)
EDUCATION: Senior at Springfield High School
SEASONS WITH BLUES: First
HOUSING FAMILY: Mike and Dawn Parrish
POSITION: Forward
JERSEY NUMBER: 12
SHOOTS: Right
OTHER SPORT: Roller Hockey
HOBBY: Playing golf
FAVORITE MOVIE: Happy Gilmore
NOBODY KNOWS: "I usually tape the blades of two sticks before each game and if a blade touches the ground after I tape it, I re-tape it"

2000 Gold Cup Champions Attend
Saturday Night's Game

Five years ago, the Jr. Blues were facing the same Motor City Chiefs but that time, it was the Gold Cup (Hurster Cup) Championship Game. The Jr. Blues of 2000 squeaked out a 3-1 win to advance to the 2000 Jr. B Nationals. In that game, Ricky Jamison scored a first period goal for the Jr. Blues. With the game tied in the third, Ben Lamperti broke the tie and Jamison added an empty net goal in the final seconds. As the 2000 Jr. Blues watched the current team defeat the Chiefs 6-0, the stories and memories of that season came back to life. In attendance from the 2000 team were: Captain Chris Flaugher (current Jr. Blues assistant coach), Alternate Captain Rick Jamison, Alternate Captain Mike Jost, Mark Turnipseed, Matt LaCroix, Jimmy Jost, Ken Daleo, Chris Kellogg, and Kevin Helldoerfer. Coaches Jack Behan, Rob Scherer (current Jr. Blues announcer), Frank Runco, Tom Jost plus trainer Mike Brandt were all in attendance. After the current Jr. Blues squad victory, the reunion moved to a local pub where stories were told and memories were relived. The team recalled the game of their lives defeating the Minnesota Iron Range Yellowjackets in the Nationals. Ken Daleo scored the game winning goal late in the third period on a pass from Matt LaCroix. The players laughed about the usually stoic Daleo's memorable celebration diving into the sea of Jr. Blues on the bench as he was mobbed by his teammates. Other stories were told, more laughs were had and all made a toast to the Jr. Blues, the family that lives on forever.

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Paul Stastny was named to the WCHA All-Rookie team and was voted the Rookie of the Year. In a story published on the conference website:

The WCHA Rookie of the Year Award for 2004-05 went to University of Denver centerman Paul Stastny, who topped all first-year players in scoring in league games with 10 goals, 21 assists and 31 points in 28 games. Stastny (St. Louis, MO), who was second nationally among rookies in points per game at 1.14 through March 16 with 15-26-41 and was the Pioneers' second leading scorer, was also named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week three times during the regular season, on Jan. 4 (vs Air Force & Northeastern), Jan. 24 (at SCSU), and on Jan. 31 (vs UAA). Stastny is the son of NHL Hall of Famer Peter Stastny.

The tradition of the St. Louis Jr. Blues continues with their fourth consecutive CSHL Regular season title. The Jr. Blues finished the season with an amazing 43-3-2-0 record for 88 points. The 88 points are a team and CSHL record for most points in a season. The Jr. Blues finished 19 points ahead of their closest pursuer the Cincinnati Cobras.

Many individuals also had record setting years. Cory Spradling scored a team record 50 goals. Spradling also had 72 points good for 3rd overall in CSHL scoring. Kyle O'Kane led the entire CSHL in scoring with 80 points. O'Kane recorded 47 goals good for the second highest in team history with both players surpassing Paul Stastny's 44 goals in the 2001-2002 season. Spradling and O'Kane became the teams first duo to score more than 40 goals in the same season for the Jr. Blues. Tony Jost also had a spectacular year as he recorded 48 assists which tied him for the CSHL lead in assists. The Jr. Blues ended up with 5 of the Leagues top 10 scorers: 1. O'Kane 80 points, 3. Spradling 72 points, 6. Jost 61 points, 8. Brandon Bollig 55 points, 9. Eddie Effinger 53 points. Zach Barron was 14th in the CSHL with 46 points despite missing 8 games. Bollig and Effinger were 3rd and 4th in CSHL Rookie Scoring and Ryan Kretzer was 10th with 43 points. Pete Wildhaber was tied for the CSHL leading defensemen scoring with 39 points. Mike Keeven was 5th with 28 points and Chris Stock was 9th with 25 points. Blake Yanics led the entire CSHL goaltenders with 25 wins and Trey Spiller was 3rd with 17 wins despite missing several starts to injury. Yanics was also second in save percentage .922 with Spiller at 8th with a .908 save percentage. Trey Spiller was second in goals against average with a 2.15 and Yanics was 3rd with a 2.17 average.

With all the records that fell this year, the only record that was important to the Jr. Blues was a return trip to the Nationals. The Jr. Blues will now start their defense of the Hurster Cup this weekend at home with the first round of the CSHL playoffs and hope to advance to Peoria next week for the Hurster Cup Finals. Then it is off to Blaine Minnesota with the opportunity to defend their National Championship on April 1-5.

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues an current Sioux City Musketeer's standout, Travis Turnbull, has committed to play the 2005-06 season for the University of Michigan Wolverines. According to a release published on the teams website:

Though he hasn't made his official visit to the University of Michigan--that's still the plan, probably in the next two weeks--Sioux City forward Travis Turnbull made the Wolverines quite happy over the weekend when the 18 year-old from suburban St. Louis committed to Ann Arbor for next fall.

He also considered Ferris State, Bowling Green and Michigan State.

"I was making my other visits because I did want to see what other schools had to offer, but Michigan is somewhere I've always wanted to go," said Turnbull. "They have such great tradition there, and I know Red Berenson is a great coach."

Like father like son on that score. Turnbull's father, Perry Turnbull, was coached by Berenson in the early 80's when both were with the St. Louis Blues.

"He's 18 years old now, and I told Travis this would have to be his decision, but for me, not knowing much about any of the schools, Red for me was the guy," said the elder Turnbull."

St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan couldn't be happier for Turnbull. "We are very proud of Travis and his commitment to Michigan. I talked to his father, Perry, and he told me that it has been his dream for his son to play for what he considered the best coach he had ever played for in Red Berenson. I know the entire family is very excited. Travis has grown so much in the past few years as a player. I have great confidence that Travis will continued to grow as a player and be a significant part of the Michigan program. It is great to see him be rewarded for his dedication and drive to become a better player. It is also very exciting to see yet another Jr. Blue join the Division I ranks. We wish Travis great luck and a huge congratulations.

Tom Craig became the sixth player from the St. Louis Jr. Blues to be tendered by a North American Hockey League team as he signed with the Wichita Falls Wildcats in the NAHL, South Division. The 1989 birth year player has attracted scouts from the OHL, USHL and NAHL this season. Says St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan,

"Tom Craig is the youngest player to play for the Jr. Blues in my 7 years as head coach. I have known Tom for a few years, and knew enough about his mental toughness to take a chance by picking such a young player last summer."

Behan believes that his size and work ethic will will be a big asset as he moves on next year. "He is a big kid at over 6 foot and 180 pounds. He has learned so much this year, I am very proud of his development. He has developed a great work ethic and is extremely coachable. Finding the proper placement for him next year has been our main concern. Wichita Falls' Brian Meisner is a just the guy to continue Tom's development." With teams from all over North America courting Craig, Behan believes that this is the best fit for his growth. "Our goal is not only to develop and promote our players, but to find the right situation that will be beneficial to the player and the team. I couldn't be prouder or happier for a kid. I am confident this is a great step in Tom's career.

The Wildcats Head Coach and GM Brian Meisner comments, "We are thrilled with Tom's decision to become a Wildcat next season! We feel he will be a great addition to our line-up and fit in very well with our returning players. Tom's best hockey days are ahead of him, and we feel we can help him achieve his goals by maturing here in Wichita Falls." Meisner was also impressed with the program Craig is coming from, "It was really a no-brainer in the fact that we knew Tom was coming from a great program that develops quality people and players. Kyle Kraemer has been a great representative of the St. Louis Jr. Blues program, and we know they will always be turning out those players with Coach Behan and his staff leading the way!"

Two former St. Louis Jr. Blues have made the National Hockey League's top 100 in the Mid-Season ranking. Chris Butler, a defenseman now skating with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, was ranked at #57 in North American Skaters. Butler has committed to play for the University of Denver in the 2005-06 season where he will join the other alumni on the list, Paul Stastny. Stastny is currently ranked #90 on the list that was released prior to his surge in scoring for the #1 ranked Pioneers. He is currently second in team scoring with 31 points in 28 games as a true freshman and second in rookie scoring in the WCHA. Butler has 19 points from the blue line and is +23, tied for second in the USHL.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues clinched their 4th consecutive Central States Hockey League Championship today, beating the Grand Rapids Jr. Owls 8-1. They needed a little help however, as their win only guaranteed them a share of the title. It wasn't until the Michigan Ice Dogs completed their win over the Cincinnati Cobras later in the day that they clinched the title. This will mark the third consecutive year that the Jr. Blues will be one of the CSHL representatives at the USA Hockey Jr. B Nationals in Blaine, Minnesota. Fans of the league will remember that four years ago, when St. Louis began their current streak, the tournament was dropped down to 8 teams instead of the usual 12. That year the Metro Jets won the then Gold Cup to advance and ultimately won the National Championship.

The Jr. Blues, however, still realize that the road is long and if not for the support of many, this day couldn't have been realized. Said Head Coach Jack Behan, "First, I would like on behalf of the entire team and coaching staff thank the Jost family. Their devotion to the development of St. Louis players has made my job the easiest in junior hockey." Behan understands the accomplishment and raved about the current crop of Jr. Blues players, "Winning a fourth consecutive League Championship is a great accomplishment for our kids. They have had a business like attitude the entire season. Although this is the youngest team I have coached in my seven years with the Jr. Blues, we have five players already tendered for Junior A next year, the talent obviously speaks for itself."

However Behan is keeping everything in perspective, "There is a lot of hockey yet to be played. Returning to the Nationals is just the first step. The Hurster Cup is our next focus." In addition to the 4 consecutive league titles, the Jr. Blues are the 2-time defending Hurster Cup Champions. Behan sees the Hurster Cup as being key to performing well at Nationals. "Knowing the Hurster Cup will equal or exceed the competition at the Nationals gives us a tremendous advantage at the Nationals," he said. "We are honored to once again represent the best Jr. B League in the country at the Nationals."

The National tournament begins March 30, 2005 in Blaine, Minnesota. The Jr. Blues will occupy the CSHL #1 bid and the Hurster Cup Champion will represent the CSHL #2 bid. If St. Louis is lucky enough to win the playoff tournament then the runner-up in the Hurster Cup will receive that bid.

Two former St. Louis Jr. Blues were honored last week in their respective leagues. Michael Davies and Paul Stastny were both honored for their outstanding play. Davies was honored as the NAHL Offensive Player of the Week while Stastny won the WCHA Rookie of the Week for the 3rd time this season. According to the league websites:

Jr. BLUES DAVIS' FOUR GOAL WEEKEND EARNS SHER-WOOD NAHL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Jr. Blues were just coming out of a bad stretch, but the offensive exploits of forward Mike Davies helped push things further in the right direction in Springfield last weekend. The St. Louis, Missouri native had four goals in two victories against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and earned Sher-wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 16 of the season. On Friday, January 21, Davies scored the only two first period goals, then added another in the third for a hat trick in the Jr. Blues 6-3 win over the Ice Dogs. The next night, with the scored tied 1-1, Davies put the Jr. Blues into the lead and they would never trail again, eventually emerging with a 4-3 shootout win over Fairbanks.

Stastny Earns Third WCHA Rookie of the Week Honor
Freshman forward earns honor for second consecutive week

DENVER - University of Denver freshman forward Paul Stastny (St. Louis, Mo.) was named Red Baron Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week for Jan. 31-Feb. 4, announced today by league officials. It marks his second consecutive honor and third of the season.

Stastny recorded four assists in Denver's two victories over Alaska Anchorage, helping Denver stretch its winning streak to five games and improve to 13-1-1 since Nov. 19. He posted a career-high three assists in Denver's 8-4 win on Friday, Jan. 28. Stastny set up two goals in the first period and also drew an assist on teammate Jon Foster's eventual game winner at 2:22 of the second. On Saturday, Jan. 29, Stastny marked his fourth assist of the weekend on teammate Gabe Gauthier's second period goal to give Denver a 2-1 lead en route to a 3-2 overtime win.

Stastny is second overall among WCHA rookies in scoring this season with 26 points on 10 goals and 16 assists. He has eight points over his last four games, and has seven multiple-point games. Stastny earned his first Rookie of the Week honor on Jan. 4, after he was named the 2005 Wells Fargo Denver Cup Most Valuable Player. He added his second honor on Jan. 24 for his efforts in Denver's two-game sweep of St. Cloud State.

The Helena Bighorns have signed two more players to tender sheets for the 2005-2006 NAHL season. Defenseman Mike Hewkin and forward Cory Spradling, both key members of the St. Louis Jr. Blues of the Central States Hockey League have inked their names to be Bighorns in 2005-2006.

Hewkin (18), a 5’10” rearguard has been enjoying a successful campaign with the Blues this year. In 27 games Hewkin has scored two goals and added 7 assists for the Blues and has been a threat at both ends of the ice with his offensive and defensive skills. With last season’s National Championship team in St. Louis , Hewkin potted two goals and 17 assists and was a big reason for the Blues success. The St. Charles, MO native should make his presence known next year with the Bighorns losing defensemen Ken Travis (Metro), Eric Griffin and Keith Rodger due to age. Bighorns Head Coach, Brent Agrusa was happy to get the commitment from Hewkin. “Mike is a steady, two-way defenseman. I have been watching him for a couple of years now and his development has been extraordinary. With a good summer of training, he should be ready to fill a big role for us next year.”

Spradling (18), is a skilled player who knows his way around the net. The 5’9” 175lb. forward has tallied 29 goals and 15 assists in just 29 games this year for the Blues. The St. Louis , MO native had an outstanding season last year with the Blues as well scoring 21 goals and adding 17 assists in their championship season. With the Bighorns losing as many as 7 forwards to age next season, Spradling will be expected to produce right away. Given his talent and commitment to excellence, he should fit right in to the Bighorns fold. Agrusa has this to say about Spradling, “Cory is a scoring threat whenever he is on the ice. He reads opponents coverage very well and has a scoring touch that can’t be taught. We went after him because he should fit in with the systems we like to run.”

“The CSHL was a great springboard for me as a coach and has produced some great players. Jack Behan ( St. Louis Jr. Blues Head Coach) and I have known each other for quite a while now and he has always kept me in the loop as to some of his team’s top prospects. The Blues run a top-notch junior B program and really put their efforts into developing talent. I have a lot of respect for Jack and his organization.”

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues standout Paul Stastny was awarded the Most Valuable Player award in the recent Denver Cup Tournament.

DENVER - Tournament MVP Paul Stastny (St. Louis) scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Denver Pioneers to a 4-0 win over Northeastern as the seventh-ranked Pioneers captured their fifth consecutive Wells Fargo Denver Cup championship Sunday before 5,960 fans at Magness Arena.

Goaltender Peter Mannino made 37 saves for his first career shutout and Matt Carle , Gabe Gauthier and Ryan Dingle added goals to help Denver improve its unbeaten streak to nine games.

"Northeastern played well, but the difference was two things: our ability to put the puck in the net, and Peter Mannino's ability to keep it out," head coach George Gwozdecky said. "We are pleased with the win and another championship title, which gives us an emotional boost heading into the second half of our season. Paul Stastny had a terrific night. He is a special player for us and definitely deserved the MVP award." Carle staked Denver to a 1-0 lead with his eighth goal of the season, just 3:03 into the first period, on a feed from Gauthier.

The Pioneers then took command of the game with a three-goal second period. Stastny scored unassisted after a steal in the NU zone at 4:53, and Gauthier turned a pass from Stastny into a power-play goal at 9:26.

Mannino sparkled in net with 37 saves for the Pioneers. The freshman turned away 10 shots in the first period, 14 in the second and 13 in the third for his first career shutout. Keni Gibson stopped 27 shots for Northeastern.

Stastny extended his consecutive point streak to 10 games with the three-point effort. He tallied two goals and one assist in Denver's first-round win over Air Force.

Carle, Jon Foster and Northeastern's Jason Guerriero and Brian Deeth joined Stastny and Mannino on the all-tournament team.

Stastny Named Red Baron WCHA Rookie of the Week
Freshman forward named Wells Fargo Denver Cup tournament MVP

DENVER - Freshman forward Paul Stastny (St. Louis, Mo.) has been named Red Baron Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week for Jan. 4-9. Stastny was named the Wells Fargo Denver Cup tournament Most Valuable Player leading all players with six points on three goals and three assists as the Pioneers won their fifth straight Denver Cup championship.

In Saturday's first game against Air Force, Stastny recorded his second career two-goal game and added an assist in Denver's 9-4 win over the Falcons, a win that gave the Pioneers their 16th consecutive win over AFA and their seventh straight Denver Cup Championship appearance. In Sunday's 4-0 championship victory over Northeastern, Stastny scored another goal and added two more assists for a tournament-best six point weekend. He also recorded 10 shots on goal, 10 hits and a +2 plus/minus rating in Denver's two wins. He stretched his scoring streak to a career-high 10 games, a season-best for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers return to action on Jan. 7-8 when they host Michigan Tech in a two-game WCHA series in Magness Arena.

The qualities that made Nathan Hucker a leader for the Jr. Blues are the same qualities that have made him a leader for the Nichols College Bison in the ECAC-Northeast DIII. "Huck hates to lose," says Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan. "There are leaders that lead by example and there are vocal leaders and Nathan was certainly both, but an important vocal leader on our team," Behan continued. Even as a rookie in the 2001-02 Hucker was like a non-lettered captain in the locker room. "The way he took control of the locker room, even his rookie year, made him an undisputed choice for a letter in his second season," Behan said.

Those same leadership qualities have led to the same results with the Nichols Bison as he was named an Alternate Captain in only his sophomore year at Nichols. Head Coach Lou Izzi says, "We are fortunate to have Nathan on our team. He is the consummate team player and leader. Nathan is everything Coach Jack Behan said he would be during the recruiting process." In addition to his leadership ability, Coach Izzi likes his play on the ice, "He has very good hockey sense and he is a fundamentally sound defenseman, which is a testament to the coaching he received in St. Louis before going on to college. Nathan is an integral part of our team. He anchors our power play and penalty killing units."

Coach Izzi likes what Hucker brings to the rink, "Nathan is part of a young core of players we are building our program around. From his days with the Jr. Blues, he understands what it takes to become a championship caliber team. His attitude and leadership, both on the ice and in the locker room, and his desire to help our team become a perennial contender in the ECAC have been infectious."

Former Jr. Blues standout, Kyle Kraemer, was named the offensive player of the week for the North American Hockey League. Kyle currently skates with the Wichita Falls Rustlers in the NAHL's South Division.

KRAEMER'S FIVE GOALS NETS SHER-WOOD NAHL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

The Wichita Falls Wildcats came into the week riding a four game slide, but right wing Kyle Kraemer helped them turn things around and in the process, earned Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 12 of the season. On Friday night, with Wichita Falls trailing 3-0 to Santa Fe, Kraemer scored the Wildcats' first goal, then added another plus an assist. The Cats still lost the game 4-3, but the gained some valuable and much needed momentum. The next night, in Texarkana, his goal early in the third period broke a 2-2 tie. When the game went to overtime, after the Wildcats surrendered a tying goal with one minute and three seconds left in regulation, it was the St. Charles, Missouri native who potted the game-winner at 4:39 of the extra session. Returning home on Sunday, after breaking their five game losing streak, the Cats finished the job they started on the Roadrunners late in Friday's game with a 6-2 win. Kraemer's third period goal put the final nail in Santa Fe's coffin on this afternoon in Wichita Falls and gave him six points in three games.

Springfield Jr. Blues Makes Bollig Their Third Tender from the St. Louis Jr. Blues

over the past two years and feel he will be a fine asset to our program. He is a big power forward who can bring great scoring touch to our lineup next year.”Pollos has been one of the biggest advocates of Jr. B hockey at the Jr. A level since taking the reins of the Springfield Jr. Blues. He comments, “We are very excited to have signed our third member of the St. Louis Jr. Blues. This is a great example of the quality of the CSHL. We have had great success recruiting in the CSHL. Rookie of the year candidate Mike Davies also came to us from the St. Louis Jr. B program. As far as his third tender is concerned he says, “We are proud Brandon and his family chose the Springfield Jr. Blues.”

St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan couldn’t be happier for Bollig, “At this point, we might be moving our entire team to Springfield for next year. Seriously, we are obviously very proud of Brandon . In the past few weeks Brandon has gotten a large amount of well deserved attention by numerous Jr. A programs. Brandon chose the Springfield Jr. Blues for all the right reasons. Coach Pollos was looking for a power forward with some skill to go with his grit.” Coach Behan pointed out that in addition to his skill on the ice; coaches are looking for quality students too. “ Brandon 's 4.00 GPA was a plus to the equation as the Springfield Jr. Blues are looking for college bound athletes,” said Behan. While Bollig has played the role of an enforcer, Behan sees more to his game. He comments, “ Brandon has developed a reputation in a short time here in the CSHL as a tough guy but his play is what has impressed everyone the most. This big strong forward should be a crowd favorite for Springfield . We are thrilled to see Brandon 's hard work and determination pay off for him. We wish him well and are confident the Jr. Blues of Springfield will be a great place for him.”

Mike Keeven Becomes the Second Jr. Blue Tendered!

St. Louis Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan said, “We are very proud of Mike Keeven and his recent signing of a Tender with the Springfield Jr. Blues. Mike was one of the biggest reasons for our National Championship last season as he was a plus 70 for the year. His style of play is well suited for the speed, skill and physical play in the NAHL. Mike is one of those players who really developed these past two seasons by playing in the CSHL. By Mike choosing the Springfield Jr. Blues, we feel he has a great opportunity to further develop and reach his goal of playing college hockey. Mike and his family are extremely excited to see him go to a quality program that emphasizes player development and promotion which is only 90 miles from St. Louis .”

Travis Turnbull Named USHL
Offensive Player of the Week

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Travis Turnbull was named the Offensive Player of the Week in the United States Hockey League for the week of November 22, 2004. From the USHL website:

Turnbull (Chesterfield, MO), tallied four points on three assists and a goal this week to received top honors for Offensive Player of the Week. Turnbull was an intricate part of the Musketeers 3-2 win over Tri-City Thursday night. He assisted on both the game tying and game winning goals, with the game winner coming with under five minutes remaining in the game. Turnbull had a goal and assist in Saturdays loss to Sioux Falls.

Kyle O'Kane Signs Tender with the
Springfield Jr. Blues

Pollos comments that, “Coming from such a quality program like St. Louis , where there is such a great tradition of success, we know Kyle has had the proper coaching. The CSHL has been good to the Jr. Blues. We have recruited heavily in the CSHL and we will continue to do so."

St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan said of the 1987 born O’Kane, “We are extremely proud of Kyle O'Kane, with his development as a player and advancement of his career. Kyle has all the tools to be an impact player at the next level. Good skater, great hands and a tremendous scoring touch. O'Kane has been our offensive leader but does much more, killing penalties and playing strong in both ends of the ice.”

O’Kane was offered the tender while visiting Springfield last week. It didn’t take long for him to accept. Says Coach Behan, “When the Springfield Jr. Blues offered the tender it was definitely a great fit for Kyle. Coach (Nick) Pollos is a tireless promoter of his players as last season he produced the most college advancements in the NAHL. One of the most difficult things I do as a coach is to find the right place for our players, finding a place that will appreciate the player's talents and develop the player's weaknesses. Kyle O'Kane going to Springfield Jr. Blues is a perfect fit for both player and club. Sometimes it takes far into the summer to find that fit for a player. I am sure both parties are very excited to get this finalized in November.”

Two Former Jr. Blues Commit
to College for 2005-06

Two former Jr. Blues standouts have committed to college for next season. Eric Slais who is currently playing for the Chicago Steele in the USHL has committed to play for the Brown University Bears NCAA DI, ECAC in 2005-06. Thomas Fortney who is currently playing for the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL committed just this week to play for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats currently ranked #7 in the country. Congratulations to both players!

Joe Vitale Commits to Northeastern University,
NCAA DI, Hockey East School

Craig Signs With The Saginaw Spirit of the OHL

Jr. Blues Draft Has a Strong Local Flavor

Barron and Gawrys Taken in the NAHL Draft

Bollig and Davies Taken in the USHL Draft

Yan Stastny Scores Game Winner Versus Sweden

Tom Craig Taken with 23rd Pick in the
OHL Draft

Yan Stastny To Play for Team USA in
IIHF Men's World Championships

Butler Named to the All-USHL First Team,
Vitale Wins Team Honor

Stastny Scores Two In Denver's
National Championship Win

Springfield Jr. Blues Tout Davies
As Top Rookie Candidate
By DON TRELLO
STAFF WRITER
State Journal Register

2000 Gold Cup Champions Attend
Saturday Night's Game

**Springfield Jr. Blues Makes Bollig Their Third Tender from the St. Louis Jr. Blues**

Mike Keeven Becomes the Second Jr. Blue Tendered!

Travis Turnbull Named USHL
Offensive Player of the Week

Kyle O'Kane Signs Tender with the
Springfield Jr. Blues

Two Former Jr. Blues Commit
to College for 2005-06

Springfield Jr. Blues Tout Davies As Top Rookie Candidate By DON TRELLO STAFF WRITER State Journal Register

Springfield Jr. Blues Tout Davies
As Top Rookie Candidate
By DON TRELLO
STAFF WRITER
State Journal Register