8/18/04 2004-05 Roster Is Released

8/9/04 Wichita Falls Looks to Kraemer to Help Lead Young Squad

8/9/04 Jr. Blues Have a Busy Off Season

7/31/04 Branden Moran Signed by the Toledo IceDiggers, NAHL-North

7/21/04 Gawrys Named to U-18 National Select Team

7/19/04 Jr. Blues Locker...The Saga Continues

7/19/04 Davies Signed by Springfield Jr. Blues NAHL 

7/19/04 Yan and Paul Stastny Drafted by Quebec in the new WHA

7/10/04 Jr. Blues Announce Exhibition Schedule

7/10/04 Jr. Blues Locker...A Work In Progress

6/29/04 Chris Butler Commits to University of Denver, DI WCHA

6/20/04 Jr. Blues Bring 7 New Players Into the Fold

6/15/04 Paul Stastny Invited to the 2004 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp

6/9/04 Joe Vitale Signs with Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL

6/2/04 Derek Szesny Signs with the Toledo IceDiggers, NAHL-North

5/11/04 Former Standout, Thomas Fortney, Heads North to Waterloo

Jr. Blues To Play Exhibition Vs.
Texarkana Bandits of the NAHL South

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have announced an exhibition contest with the Texarkana Bandits of the North American Hockey League's South Division.  The game will be played at the Summit Center in Chesterfield on the Olympic Ice Rink.  Game time is 8:45 pm on Wednesday, September 8th, 2004.

2004-05 Roster Released

The 2004-05 St. Louis Jr. Blues roster has been released.  The team will look to defend its 3rd consecutive League Championship, 2nd consecutive Hurster Cup Championship and its first ever National Championship in the upcoming season.

Players are listed below:

Wichita Falls Looks to Kraemer to
Help Lead Young Squad

Towards the end of the 2004 season, Kyle Kraemer was forced with the decision of moving on to play at the collegiate level or give Jr. A one last shot.  Leaning towards college, he orally committed to the Lindenwood University Lions with the stipulation that if he made a Jr. A team he would play juniors for another season.  After several outstanding camps in the USHL and NAHL, Kraemer ended up with a team in the NAHL, South division that is as excited to have him as he is to go.  The Wichita Falls Wildcats signed the Jr. Blues forward during their main camp at the end of July.  

Kraemer came to the Jr. Blues at the trade deadline from the Springfield Spirit and provided a much needed boost to an already potent offense.  In 27 games for the Jr. Blues, Kraemer netted 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points including 4 goals in 3 assists in the National tournament.  Says Wildcats Head Coach Brian Meisner, "We are very excited about having Kyle around for a full season this year.  Kyle brings a ton of energy, drive and skill to our team and we see him making a big impact in our line-up. He has a great attitude and will compliment our younger forwards."  Coach Meisner looks to have a young team this season as he says, "As far as our team goes, we will certainly be the youngest team that we have ever had in Wichita Falls. We hope the learning process doesn't take too long for us to be competitive. Adding players like Kyle Kraemer, who have junior experience, will definitely help us make that jump."

Good luck to the Wildcats and Kyle as they compete for a NAHL, South Division title next season.

Jr. Blues Have a Busy Off Season
2004 National Champs Are Hot Commodity!  

The 2004 National Champion St. Louis Jr. Blues have been busy on and off the ice.  Last season’s squad have proven to be a popular group in the National hockey scene.  The summer schedule has been full for the Jr. Blues with tryout camps, school visits and summer workouts.  Seven Jr. Blues have made Junior A teams to date:

Michael Davies – Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL)
Shawn Gawrys – Soo Indians (NAHL)
Kyle Kraemer – Wichita Falls Rustlers (NAHL)
Branden Moran - Toledo Ice Diggers (NAHL)
Kyle O’Kane – Soo Indians (NAHL)
Derek Szesny – Toledo Ice Diggers (NAHL)
Joey Vitale – Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) 

The college list is just as impressive:

NCAA Division III

Devan McConnell – Fitchburg State Falcons

ACHA Division I

Ken Jacobsmeyer – Lindenwood University Lions
Derek Janssen – Lindenwood University Lions
Larry Kopecky - Lindenwood University Lions
Kyle Rickermann – Lindenwood University Lions

Head Coach Jack Behan is obviously pleased with his players’ summer success: “This group just continues to show why they were National Champions.  With Branden Moran making Toledo this past weekend it brings our total to seven players making Jr. A teams from our team.  The only question mark is Kyle O’Kane who probably will opt for another season at home before he moves on.  We also had three players decline Division III opportunities to stay home.”

Moving players on has been a trademark of the Jr. Blues under the leadership of Coach Behan.  “In my six years here with the Jr. Blues we have moved 31 players to Jr. A.  Plus, we have moved 11 directly to NCAA Division III.  We even have moved one player directly to NCAA Division I and one player directly into professional hockey.   Additionally, I count over 30 players who have gone to ACHA college hockey. Winning a National Championship is a great accomplishment, but we never lose focus on why we are here.  We want to provide our players an opportunity to continue their hockey careers.  Our main goal is, and always has been, player development and promotion.  I think in my six years, our record of moving kids to Jr. A speaks for itself.” 

A huge additional accomplishment this summer is the selection of Shawn Gawrys to the National Select U-18 USA Team.  The team was just selected  and will represent the United States in an international tournament in the Czech Republic .  Behan comments “Shawn making that team is a huge accomplishment.  Basically what it is saying is he is one of the top 17 year old forwards in the nation.” 

The Jr. Blues have been just as busy off the ice this summer.  The National Championship USA Hockey Silver Cup is now being proudly displayed in the lobby of the Affton Ice Rink.  The Jr. Blues are currently updating the facilities at the Affton Ice Rink to include a spacious locker room.  The new locker room will also include a dry room for the players and a coach’s office and much needed additional storage space.  Coach Behan again boasts: “With the addition of a locker room and coaches office we have updated our program to match or exceed any Junior program in the nation. With our access to a state of the art weight room and the new locker room, we have in reality a college or Junior A type of set up.  Of course, with our ownership, we have continued to give the kids the best situation available in the entire Midwest .”

The Jr. Blues hold their final Tryout Camp on August 13-15.  Players who might have missed the Open Camps earlier this summer can contact Jack Behan at 636-256-4488 if they wish to attend this Camp.

Branden Moran Signed by the
Toledo IceDiggers, NAHL-North

Braden Moran will be joining Derek Szesny in Toledo as he was signed by the Toledo IceDiggers in the North American Hockey League's North Division.  Moran rejoined the team early last season and exploded out of a 12 game slump early in the season netting 49 points in 34 games.  He continued his torrid scoring pace into the playoffs, finishing the season with 62 points in 45 games.  Moran, who along with Michael Davies (Springfield Jr. Blues) and Tony Jost, lead the scoring attack for the Jr. Blues on their way to a first ever National Championship.  Moran and Jost each notched 9 points while Davies finished with 8 in 5 games.  Said Toledo IceDigger Head Coach/General Manager Mike Mankowski about the CSHL, "We undoubtedly feel the CSHL is a very good developmental league. The players coming out of the franchises we have dealt with to this point have been very good hockey players and great citizens."  Coach Mankowski puts his words to action as 8 players from the CSHL have either been committed to or are in the running for the final spots on the IceDiggers 2004-05 final roster.  

Says Coach Mankowski, "Toledo feels it is a testament to the hard work the CSHL and its franchises have done to develop hockey players and individuals. Toledo has the luxury to scout the CSHL heavily due to the fact that we sit right in the middle of the league's footprint, and we expect more and more talent to come out of the CSHL."

Congratulations to Branden as he continues his career at the Jr. A level.

Gawrys Named to U-18 National Select Team

Shawn Gawrys was named this week to the Under 18 Select Team that will compete in the Czech Republic August 10-15th.  Gawrys notched 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in 42 games, leading all 1987 birth year players in scoring last season in the CSHL.  Gawrys earned his way onto the team with his performance at the Select 17 camp held last week at St. Cloud University.  Says Head Coach Jack Behan, "Shawn called me Monday and told me the great news. It is a tremendous honor to be named to that team.  Not many St. Louis kids get this honor. Coaching Shawn these last two years has been a treat. A great player and a great kid. All of St. Louis should wish him well in the Czech Republic."  

Congratulations to Shawn.  The schedule is as follows:

Date     Time (local)   Matchup         
Aug. 10  4:30 p.m.*     USA vs. Finland
Aug. 11  4:30 p.m.*     USA vs. Russia 
Aug. 12  4:30 p.m.*     USA vs. Czech Rep.
Aug. 14     TBD         Semifinal Round   
Aug. 15     TBD         Gold- & Bronze-Medal

*10:30 a.m. EDT

Jr. Blues Locker...The Saga Continues

The permanent home for the St. Louis Jr. Blues is progressing due to the hard work of many volunteers and the donations of many.  Due to the generosity of Bill Rickermann and the St. Louis Heartland Eagles USHL team, the Jr. Blues have stalls for both the locker room and the dry room among other amenities that the group has donated.  Both sets have been installed with the benches and floor among the final touches that need to be installed.  The Jr. Blues would like to extend their thanks to Mr. Rickermann and the Heartland Eagles for their generous contribution to the program.  For the most up-to-date photos, click on the link below.

LOCKER ROOM

Davies Signed by Springfield Jr. Blues NAHL

The Springfield Jr. Blues picked up the CSHL's leading scorer last week by signing Michael Davies.  Davies led the league in scoring with 40 goals and 28 assists for 68 points in 45 games.  In the U.S. Jr. B Nationals last year, Davies notched 3 goals and 5 assists while Berecz finished with 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games helping to lead their teams to a 1-2 finish in the tournament.  

Says Jr. Blues Head Coach Nick Pollos "We are very excited about what these two young men [referring also to Andrew Berecz of Peoria] will bring to our program. They are from great programs in Peoria and St. Louis respectfully, and the CSHL overall has produced some great players and will continue to do so.  The CSHL has come a long way in a short time and we will continue to monitor and recruit players from the CSHL."

Yan and Paul Stastny Drafted by
Quebec in the new WHA

Yan and Paul Stastny were drafted by the Quebec entry in the new World Hockey Association.  Yan was drafted with the 214th pick and Paul with the 219th pick in the draft.  Yan played in the DEL last year for the Nuremburg Ice Tigers and Paul played for the River City Lancers of the USHL where he was second in league scoring.  No word on where Yan will play next year, but Paul has committed to the University of Denver.

Jr. Blues Announce Exhibition Schedule

The St. Louis Jr. Blues have announced they will participate in a 4 team round robin exhibition the weekend of August 27, 28 & 29th.  The Jr. Blues will open the exhibition in a rematch of the 2004 U.S. Jr. B National Championship game vs. the Peoria Mustangs on Friday the 27th.  Saturday they face off against the CSHL's newest addition, the Quad City Express.  Finally, the Jr. Blues will face the North American Hockey League's Springfield Jr. Blues.  All games will be held at the Nelson Center in Springfield, IL and is being hosted by the Springfield Jr. Blues.  Game times are to be determined.

Jr. Blues Locker...A Work In Progress

The Affton Athletic Association Youth Hockey Board and the Board of Governors recently approved the construction of a private locker room to house the defending Jr. B National Champion St. Louis Jr. Blues.  Wasting no time, General Manager Jim Jost, Jr. and Head Coach Jack Behan assembled a group of volunteers to help with the demolition and expansion effort.  Leading the way, among the dozens of volunteers are Nick Puglisi and John Dolan.  Puglisi has answered the call for help for years with the Affton Youth organization and has been an invaluable asset to the organization and now the Jr. Blues.  Dolan, whose son Pat is a member of the National Championship team, has been as instrumental in completing the locker room.  Click on the link to see the locker room construction.

LOCKER ROOM

Chris Butler Commits to
University of Denver, DI WCHA

Chris Butler, a former standout defenseman for the St. Louis Jr. Blues became the second former Jr. Blue to commit to the University of Denver, DI WCHA.  Butler, a 6' 1" 185lb. defenseman, orally committed to the Pioneers for the 2005-06 season, joining Paul Stastny.  Butler spent the 2003-04 season playing for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL.  As he enters his senior year in high school Chris will again skate for the Musketeers in 2004-05.

In 2002-03 with St. Louis, Butler notched 18 points in 55 games and an outstanding +58.  Said Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan, "Chris Butler was a huge part of our National Championship Runner-Up season.  As a young 16 year-old he showed the poise of a 20 year-old veteran.  Chris made the adjustment from Bantams to Junior B with ease.  He continued his career to the USHL and probably shocked the hockey community at that level with his play and poise.  Obviously, Chris has a great desire to improve and succeed.  Denver University is getting a real class individual, a total package.  We are very proud of Chris and his tremendous accomplishments."

Jr. Blues Bring 7 New Players Into the Fold

The Jr. Blues have completed two Open Camps.  Over 120 players participated in the two Camps.  Competition was tough as the large number of players were competing to join the defending National Champions.  The Jr. Blues signed seven players out of the two camps.  The final roster will be completed in the August Main Camp on August 13-15.   40 or so players have been invited to the Main Camp to determine who will represent the Jr. Blues for the 2004-05 season. 

Tommy Craig:  6'1", 195 lbs. 1989 Forward,  Played St. Louis 1989 AAA, Christian Brothers College High School.

Eddie Effinger:  5'8", 155lbs. 1987 Forward, Played Affton Midget Major CSDHL AA, St. Louis University High School.

Brad Ellis:  5'10", 175 lbs. 1987, Forward,  Played Colorado Outlaws AAA,  From Huntington Beach California.

Grant Gorczyca:  5'11", 180 lbs. 1988  Forward, Played St. Louis 1988 AAA, Christian Brothers College High School.

Ryan Kretzer:  5' 7",  155 lbs. 1988 Forward,  Played St. Louis 1988 AAA, Christian Brothers College High School.

Brendan Sheehan:  5'10" 155 lbs. 1988 Forward, Played St. Louis 1988 AAA, Christian Brothers College High School.

Colin Trachsel:  6'1" 175 lbs. 1988 Defenseman, Played St. Louis 1988 AAA, Christian Brothers College High School.

Coach Jack Behan has this to say about the new players: "We are obviously pleased again that we have numerous young talented players who we have signed.  This year's rookies look to be talented and most importantly eager to learn the Junior game.  We don't look at our team as being the defending National Champions, but our competition will.  We will have a target on our jersey once again.  This will only benefit our players and make them better..  We are excited at our list of signed players and we are very eager to see what the Main Camp will bring.  Several positions will be filled at our Main Camp, the competition will be outstanding."

Paul Stastny Invited to the
2004 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues standout Paul Stastny has been invited to the U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp to be held August 9-14 in Grand Forks, ND.  In a release from USA Hockey:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey today announced the roster and schedule for the 2004 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp, which will include 42 of the best American players under the age of 20. The camp will be held Aug. 9-14 at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D., and will include exhibition contests between two U.S. squads (Teams Blue and White) and under-20 select teams from Finland and Sweden.

Participating players in the camp are candidates for the 2005 U.S. National Junior Team, which will compete in the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship. The tournament will take place Dec. 25, 2004-Jan. 4, 2005 in Grand Forks, N.D., and Thief River Falls, Minn.

The announcement was made by USA Hockey Executive Director Doug Palazzari (Colorado Springs, Colo.); 2005 U.S. National Junior Team Head Coach Dean Blais (Grand Forks, N.D.); USA Hockey Vice President & International Council Chairperson Tony Rossi (Chicago, Ill.); and USA Hockey Senior Director, International Administration Art Berglund (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

Last year’s squad posted a 6-0-0 record and earned the first-ever gold medal for the United States at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland. Of the 42 players, five are considered potential first-round picks in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The coaching staff for the 2005 U.S. National Junior Team includes Blais and assistant coaches Scott Sandelin (Duluth, Minn.) and David Quinn (Boston, Mass.). In addition, Jim Johannson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Lew Mongelluzzo (Philadelphia, Pa.) return as Senior Director, Hockey Operations and Director, Player Personnel, respectively, for the fourth consecutive year, and Jack Barzee (Burnsville, Minn.) joins the staff as Player Personnel.

Games from the 2004 National Junior Evaluation Camp will be videocast live at the official site for the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, www.worldjuniors2005.com, and www.usahockey.com. For ticket information for the camp or the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit www.worldjuniors2005.com.

The schedule for the 2004 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp is as follows:

Date           Matchup                Time (CST)
Aug. 9         Practice               TBD            
Aug. 10        USA Blue vs. Sweden    4 p.m.
               USA White vs. Finland  7 p.m.      
Aug. 11        USA Blue vs. Finland   5 p.m.
               USA White vs. Sweden   8 p.m.   
Aug. 13        Sweden vs. Finland     4 p.m.  
               USA Blue vs. USA White 7 p.m.
Aug. 14        USA White vs. Sweden   1 p.m.         
               USA Blue vs. Finland   4 p.m.

USA ROSTER

Joe Vitale Signs with Sioux Falls
Stampede in the USHL

When Sioux Falls Stampede Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel Jason Koehler first spotted Joe Vitale two seasons ago, he thought Vitale was a special hockey player.  At the time Koehler was the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Forge of the NAHL and offered the St. Louis Jr. Blues power forward a tender to play for the Forge.  Two seasons removed, he finally got his man.  Vitale was signed by the Sioux Falls Stampede this past weekend after the Stampede tryout in Minneapolis, MN.  

When Koehler first started tracking Vitale and charting his game impact, he noticed a trend developing.  After every game he discovered that Vitale was the best player on the ice.  In addition to being the "best kept secret in amateur hockey," as Koehler put it, Vitale's attributes that attracted Sioux Falls were echoed by St. Louis Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan.  Koehler and the Stampede were focused on players that were not only talented players but young men with strong character.  Jason commented that in addition to having a strong character, Vitale adds a certain humbleness not often seen in outstanding athletes.  Says Jr. Blues Coach Behan, "we are pleased to see Joey Vitale headed to the premier Junior league in the USA.  The Stampede are a good fit for Joey as they are looking for Championship type of players.  Joey has been the best player on the ice in virtually every game we have played the past two seasons.  He is an exceptional player but the quality of the individual goes far beyond his hockey playing skills.  Sioux Falls has found themselves a winner.  We wish Joey the best of luck."  And that championship mentality was a big factor for the Stampede.  Vitale has won at virtually every level he has played.  Among the championships won by Vitale include two consecutive Missouri State High School Championships and more recently, the USA Hockey Jr. B National Silver Cup.  Which is even more impressive, considering no team from St. Louis has ever won a National Title.

When asked about Vitale's role on the team, Koehler commented that they expect him to come in and make an impact right away.  They don't expect him to be a several month process and Vitale doesn't want to disappoint.  He has made plans to spend the next 6 weeks in an accelerated camp in Minnesota to be prepared for the upcoming season. 

Derek Szesny Signs with the
Toledo IceDiggers, NAHL-North

Derek Szesny became the second goaltender from the 2004 National Champion St. Louis Jr. Blues to commit to a team for 2004-05.  Szesny was signed by the Toledo IceDiggers of the NAHL, North Division over the weekend.  Szesny lead all goaltenders in the CSHL last season with a season long record of 29-2-0 with 6 shutouts, a GAA of 1.62 and a .935 SV%.  Included in that record is a 4-0 National mark with a National Championship game win over the Peoria Mustangs.  

Szesny will be joining a team that struggled in the 2003-04 season with a 13-38-5 record, good for 6th place in the North Division.  Congratulations to Derek and good luck in 2004-05.

Former Standout, Thomas Fortney,
Heads North to Waterloo

While the Heartland Eagles ceased operations for next season, it spelled good news for former Jr. Blues standout Thomas Fortney.  The former leading scorer was drafted by the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL in a dispersal draft for Eagles players.  Fortney spent the 2003-04 season with the St. Louis Heartland Eagles of the USHL and was 6th in team scoring with 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 60 games.  Fortney was one of only two players to play in all 60 games for the Eagles last season.  

The Blackhawks are coming off their most successful season in franchise history.  They recently won the Clark Cup, awarded to the U.S. Tier I National Champions, for the first time in their history.

Good Luck to Thomas as he heads north to Waterloo.