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2005/06 Archives | 2006/07 Archives

7/25/06
Paul Stastny Signs with the Colorado Avalanche
[story]

6/30/06
More Jr. Blues On the Move
[story]

5/3/06
Kraemer Commits To Northeastern University
[story]

4/8/06
St. Louis Jr. Blues Bring Home the Silver Cup For the 3rd Straight Year
[story]

3/27/06
Despite Only 2nd Loss, Jr. Blues Capture Their 4th Consecutive Hurster Cup Championship
[hurster cup recap]

3/12/06
Home Playoff and Hurster Cup Schedules Released
[story]

2/21/06
Effinger Tenders With Wichita Falls of the NAHL
[story]

1/30/06
St. Louis Clinches 5th Consecutive League Championship and 4th Consecutive National Berth
[story]

1/15/06
Davies Verbally Commits to Top Ranked Wisconsin
[story]

1/14/06
Weiss Signs Tender With Springfield
[story]

1/4/06
Moss Becomes the Latest Jr. Blue To Get Called Up
[story]

1/1/06
Chris Butler Speaks to Hockey's Future On-Line Magazine
Article by Matt MacInnis and reprinted with permission
[story]

12/29/05
Effinger Earns a Call-Up to Wichita Falls
[story]

12/24/05
Jr. Blues Alumni Battle 2005-06's Edition
[story]

12/23/05
Ryan Kretzer Tendered By Springfield of the NAHL for 2005-06
[story]

12/7/05
Bret Morrell Becomes the First Jr. Blue Tender of 2005-06
[story]

12/5/05
Chris Butler Named To U-20 Team To Compete in the IIHF World Junior Championships
[story]

11/25/05
Jr. Blues Captains Lead Young Squad
[story]

10/6/05
Kraemer Named NAHL Offensive Player of the Week
[story]

8/28/05
Jr. Blues Upend Peoria In Pre-Season Tune-Up
[story]

8/27/05
Jr. Blues Tie Springfield In Season Opening Exhibition
[story]

8/14/05
Two Former Jr. Blues Commit to Lincoln of the USHL
[story]

8/11/05
Jr. Blues Prepare for Exhibition Games
[story]

8/9/05
Tom Winkler Joins Jr. Blues Staff
[story]

8/8/05
Jr. Blues 2005-06 Roster Set
[story]

8/1/05
Butler Gets Invited To the U20 Camp
[story]

7/31/05
3 Alumni Taken In NHL Draft; Stastny, Butler and Vitale
[story]

7/17/05
Main Camp Dates and Times
[story]

7/17/05
Introducing the Coach's Corner
[story]

6/27/05
Joe Vitale Commits to Northeastern University, NCAA DI, Hockey East
[story]

6/22/05
Craig Signs With The Saginaw Spirit of the OHL
[story]

5/22/05
Jr. Blues Draft Has a Strong Local Flavor
[story]

5/17/05
Barron and Gawrys Taken in the NAHL Draft
[story]

5/13/05
Bollig and Davies Taken in the USHL Draft
[story]

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 well which helps me a lot.”

Copyright 2005 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.

Effinger Earns a Call-Up to Wichita Falls

St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Ed Effinger earned a call-up from the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL South.  Effinger was in Wichita Falls this week skating with the team and joined by 2005-06 Wildcats tender Bret Morrell also of St. Louis.  Head Coach Jack Behan said, "Eddie Effinger has been looking at different Junior A possibilities."  Effinger will be in the line-up on Friday night against the Texarkana Bandits.  Behan continued, "Eddie has been one of our most sought after players, we are excited he will be getting his Junior A opportunity in Wichita Falls."

Ryan Kretzer became the second member of the 2005-06 member of the Jr. Blues to sign a tender as he takes his game north to Springfield, IL in 2006.  Springfield Head Coach Nick Pollos has made clear his intentions for the CSHL and the Jr. Blues.  

Said Pollos, "We are very excited to have Ryan committed for next season, he is a solid player and contributes in all three zones of the rink. He competes hard and has a great scoring touch around the net."

"We have had great success recruiting from the CSHL and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. The CSHL continues to put player development and advancement first, we look forward to signing other players from the CSHL in the near future."

Kretzer will join several of his team mates from  2004-05 Jr. Blues in Springfield.  Said Head Coach Jack Behan, "Ryan Kretzer has been our go to guy this entire season.  His great skill is only a small part of his package.  Ryan has one of the best work ethics I have had the pleasure to coach.  His determination to improve has been rewarded.   Ryan is the type of player that Coach Pollos and Coach Wyler will appreciate in Springfield.  It goes without saying our relationship with the Springfield team has proven to be beneficial to both programs.  I am confident that Ryan will be a player, the Springfield Jr. Blues will feel fortunate to have.  Ryan brings his best, every time he hits the ice.  I am very proud to see his hard work and determination pay off."

Bret Morrell became the first CSHL and Jr. Blues player to sign a tender for the 2006-07 season this week as he signed with the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL, South.  Several teams had been in pursuit of the 6'0" 185 lb. defenseman from Swansea, IL, but he decided Wichita Falls was the best fit.  St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan said, "I am very proud of Bret and how he has developed as a player.  Bret has become one of the premiere players in our league and certainly is worthy of being the first CSHL player tendered in the NAHL this year."  He goes on to say, "Bret has chosen Wichita for numerous reasons.  I am confident Coach Meisner and Coach Perkins will continue his development as a player and person.  Former Jr. Blue Kyle Kraemer has excelled under the leadership in Wichita and I am thrilled to see Bret get the same opportunity.  Bret's leadership this season has been a large part of our success.  I feel his tendering with the Wildcats will be a mutual gain for both parties.   Congratulations to Bret, he truly has earned this opportunity."

The St. Louis Jr. Blues and Peoria Mustangs renewed their rivalry in a tight game throughout.  The teams exchanged goals in a see-saw game with Eddie Effinger striking first for St. Louis.  Mike Uvodich answered for the Mustangs but Kyle Gouge scored his second of the weekend to give St. Louis a one goal advantage.  Russell Anderson tied the game again and Ryan Kretzer put the Jr. Blues up again.  Brett Englebright would tie the game for the third time but St. Louis would pull away in the third period.  Ryan Loach notched two goals while Bret Morrell and Cory Spradling would each score once for St. Louis.  Trey Spiller and Rob Moss would split time in net for St. Louis as they win in a 7-3 final.  Steve Jordan and Chad Helgason split time in net for Peoria in the loss.

For the second time in as many years, the St. Louis Jr. Blues opened the season with an exhibition game in Springfield, IL against the NAHL's Jr. Blues.  For the second time in as many years the game ended in a 3-3 tie.  The St. Louis Jr. Blues held short lead of 1-0 and 2-1 on goals by Kyle Gouge and Tom Lange.  However, on both occasions, the Springfield Jr. Blues came back to tie the score within a minute.  Springfield took a 3-2 lead with just over 5 minutes to play until the 3:33 mark when Ryan Kretzer set up C.J. Chappell for a tap-in goal to tie the score.  Rob Moss stopped 18 of 20 shots while Trey Spiller stopped 14 of 15 as the St. Louis Jr. Blues out shot Springfield 42-35.

The Lincoln Stars of the USHL have announced the commitment of two former standouts from the St. Louis Jr. Blues.  Brandon Bollig (2004-05) and Michael Davies (2003-04) were both slated to skate in the NAHL this year but opted for the opportunity to skate in the USHL instead.  According to an announcement on the Stars website:

Stars Draft Picks Commit

The Stars received good news as two of their 2005 draft selections have committed to play in Lincoln for the 2005-06 season. Forward Mike Davies (3rd round), who played last season for the NAHL's Springfield Jr. Blues, was voted to the NAHL All-Rookie team after scoring 30 goals and 27 assists in 56 games. Brandon Bollig (5th round), a 6'3", 210 pound forward played for the St. Louis Jr. Blues, and finished the season as the Central States Hockey League's 8th leading scorer, with 25 goals and 30 assists. He led the league in PIM's with 177. Both players are from the St. Louis area. "Our roster is coming together nicely for the upcoming season, and getting these two late commitments from players of this caliber is very good news for us," said Steve Johnson.

The Jr. Blues begin their quest for their 3rd consecutive Jr. B National Championship this weekend when they take the ice for the first time as a team.  The team will face two big tests in their first weekend of exhibition games on August 27-28th in Springfield, IL.  Saturday the 27th the Jr. Blues will square off against the North American Hockey Leagues Springfield Jr. Blues in their first game of the year.  The game will pit the Jr. Blues against alumni Kyle O'Kane, Mike Keeven and Shawn Gawrys.  Game time is 7:30 p.m.  The following day, August 28th at 2:30 p.m. the Jr. Blues will square off against long-time rival Peoria Mustangs.

The Jr. Blues have also added an exhibition game against the Texarkana Bandits of the NAHL on Tuesday, September 20 at the Affton Ice Rink.  Game time is 8:10 p.m.

The Jr. Blues are pleased to announce the addition of Tom Winkler to the St. Louis Jr. Blues staff.  Tom will be joining the coaching staff as an Assistant Coach.  Tom has also been named the Jr. Blues Director of Player Development. 

Tom is a St. Louis native and former Jr. Blues player.  He played briefly at Division III Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont before transferring to Northeast Missouri State. With no hockey program at his new school he decided to play soccer and extended his stay with the program as a student assistant after his NCAA eligibility had expired. Upon graduating, he was hired to be the head junior varsity and assistant varsity hockey coach at Webster Groves High School.  He spent four years at Webster Groves before behind hired to be the head coach at Marquette High School, where he won two divisional titles in his three-year tenure. Bozeman Icedogs (NAHL) Head Coach John LaFontaine asked Winkler to help with a tryout camp in Ann Arbor, MI in the summer of 2000. After the camp, LaFontaine wanted Winkler to be a part of the team and hired him to be his assistant coach and the Bozeman  Amateur Hockey Director.  Tom spent the last 5 season's with the Icedogs and was  named as the Head Coach of the new Jr. B team Bozeman Blackhawks for this season.  

Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan is excited to have Tom on the staff, "Bringing Tom on board is very exciting to me.  Tom and I go way back, and it is always fun to bring another friend on board to work with.  But my biggest excitement is what Tom will bring to the Jr. Blues.  As an assistant coach, Tom will be working with us in practice and games.  Tom has gained so much knowledge his past 5 years working in the NAHL, I am eager to tap into that knowledge and bring it to the players.  Tom also has built up a great reputation in the Jr. A circles and will be used to promote our players to Jr. A and college.  As the Director of Player Development, he will be working diligently to develop and  promote our players to higher levels.  I have always felt  I have the best coaching staff in Jr. B hockey with Mike Hazelton, Doc Runco, Chris Flaugher and Tom Jost.  Adding Tom Winkler to our staff further demonstrates our commitment to our players."

Tom and his wife Jen, baby Hannah, birds Gus and Spike are all excited to be coming home to St. Louis.  The Jr. Blues are happy to have them home too.

After a spirited weekend camp, the 2005-06 version of the St. Louis Jr. Blues has been named. 

Goaltenders:

Chris Hausel - 1987,  played in three games last season with the Jr. Blues, Kirkwood High School Graduate

Cal Heeter - 1988,  Affton Midget Minor Central States, CBC High School

Robby Moss - 1987, St. Louis AAA Midget Major, Marquette High School

Defense:

Pat Dolan - 1985, Jr. Blues assistant captain and acting captain in Nationals last season, returning for third season with Jr. Blues, named Captain for 2005-06 season, Parkway West graduate

C.J. Jung 1988, Affton Midget Major Central States, Oakville High School

Bret Morrell-  1987,  Returning for second Jr. Blues season. Plus/minus leader on defense 2004-05, Graduate Althoff High School

Paul Puglisi -  1988 - Returning Jr. Blues defenseman, Oakville High School

Chris Saracino - 1989 - St. Louis AAA U-16, CBC High School

Pat Sheehan - 1990 - St. Louis AAA 90, USA Hockey National Champions, Priory High School

Danny Weiss - 1989 - St. Louis AAA U-16, Parkway South High School

Forwards:

Max Barron - 1990 - St. Louis AAA 90 Team Captain, USA Hockey National Champions, Clayton High School

Danny Brown - 1987 - Returning for third season with Jr. Blues, Francis Howell Central High School

C.J. Chappell - 1986 - Returning for second season with Jr. Blues,

Eddie Effinger - 1987 - Returning for second season with Jr. Blues,  4th in CSHL Rookie scoring, SLUH High School

Grant Everett - 1987 - Twin Bridges Jr. B leading scorer, Francis Howell North High School

Tim Gardner - 1987 - St. Louis AAA Midget Major, Oakville High School

Kyle Gouge - 1987 - Francis Howell High School, Team Missouri Chicago Showcase

Ryan Holzum - 1988 - Affton Midget Major Central States, Fort Zumwalt West High School

Tim Jost - 1986 - Returning for second season with Jr. Blues, CBC High School Graduate

Scott Keeven - 1989 - St. Louis AAA U-16, CBC High School

Ryan Kretzer - 1988 - Returning to Jr. Blues for second season, Oakville High School

Tommy Lange - 1987 - Boston Harbor Wolves (EJHL), Rockwood Summit Graduate

Chad Larkowski - 1985 - Lindenwood Lions (ACHA), Wentzville High School Graduate

Ryan Loach - 1988 - St. Louis AAA U-16, Fort Zumwalt South High School

Brendan Sheehan - 1988 - Returning for second season with Jr. Blues, CBC High School 

USA Hockey has announced the attendees for the upcoming U20 National Junior Evaluation Camp.  Included on the list of attendees is Chris Butler who was recently drafted by the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.  

USA Hockey Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Contact: Alex Clark (alexc@usahockey.org)

Monday, August 1, 2005

National Junior Evaluation Camp To Begin Saturday in Lake Placid

Selected Players Will Compete In 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Forty-three of the best American players under the age of 20 will descend on Lake Placid, N.Y,. Saturday (Aug. 6) for the eight-day 2005 National Junior Evaluation Camp. Participating players are candidates for the 2006 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2006 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2005-Jan. 5, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The 24 forwards, 15 defensemen and four goaltenders will be divided into two teams -- Team White and Team Blue -- and will compete in eight international contests against the under-20 teams from Finland and Sweden.

Of those invited, 19 were  drafted this past weekend in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft including seven in the first round. Bobby Ryan (Cherry Hill, N.J.) was picked second by Anaheim, Jack Johnson (Faribault, Minn.) was selected third by Carolina,  Jack Skille (Madison, Wis.) was chosen seventh by Chicago and Brian Lee (Fargo, N.D.) rounded out the top 10 at nine with Ottawa. Matt Lashoff (Albany, N.Y.) was picked 22nd by Boston, T.J. Oshie (Warroad, Minn.) was taken 24th by St. Louis and Matt Niskanen (Mountain Iron, Minn.) went to Dallas with the 28th pick.

Other invitees drafted last Saturday (July 30) in Ottawa include defensemen Chris Butler (St. Louis, Mo./Buffalo), Taylor Chorney (Hastings, Minn./Edmonton), Nate Hagemo (Edina, Minn./Carolina), Kyle Lawson (New Hudson, Mich./Carolina) and Keith Yandle (Milton, Mass./Phoenix); forwards Justin Abdelkader (Muskegon, Mich./Detroit), Nathan Davis (Rocky River, Ohio/Chicago), Tom Fritsche (Parma, Ohio/Colorado), Nathan Gerbe (Oxford, Mich./Buffalo), and Jordan LaVallee (Corvallis, Ore./Atlanta); and goaltenders Jeff Frazee (Burnsville, Minn./New Jersey) and Jonathan Quick (Hamden, Conn./Los Angeles).

Also highlighting the list of invitees are nine players returning from the 2005 U.S. National Junior Team that finished fourth at the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, including forwards Phil Kessel (Madison, Wis.), Kevin Porter (Detroit, Mich.), Shawn Weller (Glens Falls, N.Y.), Robbie Schremp (Fulton, N.Y.), Chris Bourque (Topsfield, Mass.) and Adam Pineault (Holyoke, Mass.); defensemen Brian Lee and Nate Hagemo; and goaltender Cory Schneider (Marblehead, Mass.).

Camp opens on August 5, with the first games set for August 9. All practice sessions are open to the public and tickets to the international games are available through the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid.

NOTES: The University of Michigan, which had five players on last year’s U.S. National Junior Team, will send four players to this year’s camp. The University of North Dakota will also send four players ... Peter Mueller (Bloomington, Minn.), who is a member of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, is the youngest player invited to the camp ... Camp invitee Tom Fritsche is the younger brother of two-time U.S. National Junior Team member Dan Fritsche.

2005 National Junior Evaluation Camp Schedule

Saturday, August 6
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink

Sunday, August 7
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink
4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. -- USA Practice, NHL Rink

Monday, August 8
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. -- USA Practice, NHL Rink

Tuesday, August 9
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink
4:00 p.m. -- USA Blue vs. Finland, NHL Rink
7:00 p.m. -- USA White vs. Sweden, NHL Rink

Wednesday, August 10
8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. -- USA White Practice, NHL Rink
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, NHL Rink
4:00 p.m. -- USA White vs. Finland, NHL Rink
7:00 p.m. -- USA Blue vs. Sweden, NHL Rink

Thursday, August 11
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. -- USA Practice, NHL Rink

Friday, August 12
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. -- USA Blue Practice, Herb Brooks Arena
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. -- USA White Practice, Herb Brooks Arena
4:00 p.m. -- USA Blue vs. Finland, Herb Brooks Arena
7:00 p.m. -- USA White vs. Sweden, Herb Brooks Arena

Saturday, August 13
1:00 p.m. -- USA Blue vs. Sweden, Herb Brooks Arena
4:00 p.m. -- USA White vs. Finland, Herb Brooks Arena

The St. Louis Jr. Blues had an unprecedented day on Saturday as three former players were taken in the 2005 National Hockey League Draft.  

Paul Stastny was taken with the 44th overall pick (2nd Round) by the Colorado Avalanche.  After playing for the Jr. Blues, Stastny took his game to the USHL and the Omaha Lancers where he was second in league scoring his second season.  Following that successful season he moved on to the University of Denver where his season was highlighted by a 3 point performance (2G,1A) while helping the Pioneers win their second consecutive NCAA DI National Championship.  According the the Avalanche website:

A well-balanced skater who is hard to knock off his skates ... Has adequate speed when underway ... Has excellent hands when passing the puck and getting his shot away ... Has become a consistent scorer ... Is very good on face-offs ... Used in all game situations and a key player on the power play ... Outstanding at finding a teammate in traffic and getting him the puck for a good scoring opportunity ... Has excellent hockey sense; very clever with or without the puck ... Protects the puck exceptionally well with his body when opponents are trying to check him or strip him of the puck ... Has very good desire and concentration ... Very good poise and patience ... Has good self control but will not be intimidated and can be nasty and abrasive ... Wants the puck when the game is on the line ... Selected to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and was named WCHA Rookie of the Year ... Father, Peter, played in the NHL for 15 years, mostly with the Quebec Nordiques ... Brother, Yan, was drafted by Boston (259th overall) in the 2002 Entry Draft ... Recorded 13 goals, 25 assists, and 20 penalty minutes in 34 games for the NCAA Champion University of Denver Pioneers in 2004-05 ... Named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team ... Recipient of the Barry Sharp Memorial Award for Denver's Freshman of the Year ... Earned Wells Fargo Denver Cup MVP honors after leading the Pioneers to their 11th title in 13 years ... Played for River City of the USHL in 2003-04, posting 80 points on 31 goals and 49 assists in 59 games played ... Finished second in the USHL in scoring ... Named team Most Valuable Player and to the First Team All-USHL squad ... Graduated on the honor roll in 2004 from Millard North High School in Omaha, NE ... Business major at the University of Denver.

Chris Butler was taken with the 96th overall pick (4th Round) by the Buffalo Sabres.  After helping guide the Jr. Blues to their first National Championship game in 2003, a 1-0 loss, Butler headed off to Sioux City, IA to skate for the Musketeers.  As an un-drafted and un-tendered player, Butler made the most of his tryout and made the team as a junior in high school.  In his second year he blossomed as a player and became a dominant force on the blue line.  Early that year he committed to play for the University of Denver in the upcoming season.  Said Butler of the draft, "It was easily the most exciting day of my life and I am just happy its over."  According to the Sabres website:

Light on his feet with a smooth stride and good speed ... has good balance and agility ... changes direction with ease when skating backwards ... can stickhandle and skate himself into the clear to make a pass ... makes the first pass out of the defensive zone quickly and on the tape ... has a good, low shot from the point ... a smart player who looks for his forwards off the side of the net for the tip-in play when playing on the power play ... used in all game situations ... has picked his game up in the second half and is playing with more urgency ... with his quickness, has the ability to strip the puck from opponents in one-on-one situations ... uses his stick when checking opponents in the corners and in front of the net ... gets good leverage on an opponent and is strong for his size ... has a confident and relaxed style to his game ... played in the 2005 USHL all-star game ... will attend the University of Denver in the fall.

Joe Vitale was taken by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 7th Round (195th overall).  A surprise pick to most casual observers, Vitale was scouted last summer at a hockey camp held in Minnesota.  Vitale skated for two seasons with the Jr. Blues helping the team get to their first National Championship appearance and then the next season helping them win the first ever National Championship for any St. Louis team.  While heavily scouted by the USHL both seasons, Vitale was drafted by the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL.  Having a breakout second half of the season, Vitale decided to forgo another year and accept a scholarship offer from Northeastern University in Boston next season.  According to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Played on same team as Patrick Mullen, son of Penguins assistant and former standout Joe. Participated in 53 games, but scored all of his 11 goals and 31 points in team's last 37 games this season, earning Sioux Falls' most-improved player award. Those numbers were fifth-highest on team. Gritty, an agitator. Possessed of a quick shot. "A real character kid," Malone said. Headed to Northeastern University from St. Louis.

The Jr. Blues congratulate all three players on their amazing accomplishments and wish them well in the years to come.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have announced their final camp dates and times.  Over the summer two camps were conducted and players were narrowed down to the final invite only camp.  All sessions will be held at the Affton Ice Rink.

Friday, August 5             7:00- 9:30 PM
Saturday, August 6         4:00-6:30 PM
Sunday, August 7           4:00-6:30 PM

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:

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

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." 

The following list is in alphabetical order: