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The North American Hockey League has announced its All-Division Teams and the St. Louis Jr. Blues are well represented.  In a release from the league:

NAHL announces All-Divisional Teams
April 17, 2008

FRISCO, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League announced today its All-North, -Central and -South Division Teams for the 2007-08 season, as selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.
 
“To be recognized as a divisional award winner is an outstanding achievement,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld.  “The entire NAHL congratulates all the recipients for a terrific season.”
 
All-North Division Team
Goaltender: Cal Heeter, St. Louis Bandits (St. Louis Jr. Blues)
 
All-Central Division Team
Defenseman: Dan Weiss, Springfield Jr. Blues (St. Louis Jr. Blues)
Goaltender: Robby Moss, North Iowa Outlaws (St. Louis Jr. Blues)

Former St. Louis Jr. Blues defenseman, Chris Butler, has signed a 3 year contract with the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.  Butler spent the last 3 years skating with the Denver Pioneers in the WCHA where he was considered a top defenseman who played in every situation.  Says Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan, "Chris has the drive to succeed at every level he has ever competed.  As a 15/16 year old rookie in the CSHL, he had the poise and vision of a seasoned veteran."  Behan goes on to say, "Chris is one of those athletes that had the drive and determination to make it to the next level.  He had been tendered by a team in the NAHL, but wanted to play in the USHL.  He went to Sioux City as an undrafted invitee and made the team.  After two years, he was a top player there.  Chris became a top player at Denver because of his desire to learn and his unequalled work ethic and I don't expect anything less from him as he makes his move to professional hockey.  The CSHL should be proud to call Chris an alumni!"  According to the Buffalo News:

Newly signed Butler ready to get to work for Sabres

by John Vogl -- News Sports Reporter
Updated: 04/14/08 12:36 PM

Chris Butler flew from Denver to Buffalo on Saturday for a workout with the Sabres, woke up Sunday to sign his first professional contract, then flew back across two time zones to get back to school. You’d think he might want to spend today celebrating or getting some rest. Nope.  Butler knows that first-year defensemen can make an impact in Buffalo, and he’s determined to be the next one.  “I can’t wait to start working out tomorrow,” Butler said Sunday on his way to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

The Sabres brought in Butler for a physical over the weekend, and the 21-year-old from the University of Denver left town as the newest member of the organization. The Sabres signed him to a three-year deal worth $1.73 million. The first year is worth $560,000 and the last two years are worth $585,000 each.

Butler was in Buffalo last summer as part of the Sabres’ rookie development camp. There were informal chats about joining the team after his junior season, and those turned to formal negotiations as soon as his third season at Denver ended.  “When talks started about 10-12 days ago, I got really excited,” Butler said.

Butler is the type of all-around blue-liner the Sabres have been using the past few years. He was the Pioneers’ top-scoring defenseman with three goals, 14 assists and a plus-10 rating. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder also led the team with 110 blocked shots.  Butler was named second-team All-America West after helping Denver win the playoff title in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

“I think Chris is a player, and we’ve seen it at the college level and in the conditioning camps, who’s well on the path of being a very good professional,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. “He’ll be a very good addition.”

The Sabres selected the native of St. Louis in the fourth round of the 2005 entry draft. He played two seasons with fellow Sabres prospect Tim Kennedy for Sioux City of the USHL before joining Denver.  The Sabres’ defensive depth has been severely tested the past few seasons, so Butler should have a chance to make his NHL debut in his first year.  “He’s excited about the opportunity,” Allain Roy, Butler’s agent, said by phone. “Buffalo’s not overly deep on the blue line, so it’s a good situation.”

First-year pro Mike Weber became a mainstay on the blue line during the Sabres’ failed playoff push, and with three unrestricted free agents on the roster (Dmitri Kalinin, Nolan Pratt and Teppo Numminen), there might be room for more young players.  Regier said he planned to continue talks with Kennedy today and wants to start negotiations with Boston College’s Nathan Gerbe, who led his team to the national title Saturday.

jvogl@buffnews.com

Robby Moss has committed to St. Lawrence University in the ECAC.  According to the North Iowa Outlaws website:

Since the 2007-08 North American Hockey League Season began in September at the NAHL Showcase, one goaltender emerged ahead of the pack. Numerous schools inquired about North Iowa’s Robby Moss, but only one could grab the NAHL Top Goaltender. Tuesday night, only a day after returning from an official visit, St Lawrence University out of Canton, NY found the diamond in the rough as the St Louis, MO native verbally committed to the Saints for the 2008-09 season.  “The coaches were straight forward with me,” Moss said Wednesday. “They said they were going to do something and they did so I respect that a lot. On my visit things were handled in a professional matter, and with the way they treated me, I knew it was the right choice.”

“We couldn’t be happier for Robby,” Coach Boitz added. “St Lawrence is getting a great kid, an outstanding player, and a all around hard working player. His college hockey career is going to be one to watch.”  Since the opening games of the season, Moss has had a goals against average below 2 with a league’s top save percentage of above .930% all season. Robby missed 10 games this season on two separate occasions with two different injuries, but he never missed a beat upon return to the line-up.  “Robby persevered through two freak injuries and never missed a beat,” Coach Dave Boitz commented. “When he was out he worked hard on his rehab and was ready and focused so when the time came to get back in the game.”

His numbers don’t lie this season as he is third in the league in wins, but first in win percentage going 26-6-4 in 38 appearances, .736%. Moss leads the league with a 1.92% goals against average and a .940% save percentage, while recording 4 shutouts on the season.  “My main goal for the year was to win a national championship, be a top goalie in the league and get a college scholarship,” Moss added. “It feels unbelievable that I accomplished two of them, and now I can put all my focus on the ultimate team goal.”

Jr. Blues  Head Coach, Jack Behan added, "Yesterday afternoon I received a call from Robby as he had narrowed his choices to two teams.  He asked for a little advice.  I reminded him that just it wasn't but just 18 months ago that I received a call from him when he was in Fairbanks after his coach told him he wasn't good enough to play.  Most kids call it quits after that but Robby still had faith in his abilities and was determined to prove he was a top quality goaltender."  So as Moss persevered, his play was not going unnoticed by colleges or by his coach.  "He obviously has shown his abilities since then with Northern Iowa with Dave Boitz.  When Dave decided to trade for Robby he asked me about his character, which obviously is one of Robby's strongest attributes.  The rest, as they say, is history with his amazing .940 save percentage and 1.92 goals against average which leads the NAHL in both categories."  When told of the commitment Behan commented, "Robby called me late last night with his decision.  Academically, financially and athletically it is a tremendously positive decision for him.  Former Jr. Blues Jim Giacin and Chris Margherio were graduates of St. Lawrence so it is nice to see another Jr. Blues alumni skate for the Saints.  I am very proud of Robby, his determination and skill has given him a life long dream of being a NCAA Division I goaltender."

Paul Stastny picked up where he left off last year as the 2nd year forward for the Colorado Avalanche notched his first career NHL hat trick in a 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars.  From the Avalanche website:

Stastny's Hat Trick Leads Avs to 4-3 Victory

Craig Stancher  Colorado Avalanche

Oct 4, 2007, 1:04 AM EDT

How do you avoid talk of the dreaded ‘sophomore jinx’?  Apparently, all you have to do is record a natural hat trick in the first game of your second season.  Paul Stastny did just that, notching his first career hat trick in Colorado’s season-opening 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars Wednesday night at Pepsi Center. Wojtek Wolski scored the Avalanche’s final goal and Andrew Brunette assisted on each of Stastny’s tallies, while Jaroslav Hlinka added a pair of helpers.  “I think anytime you win the opener, get three goals, you can’t complain,” said Stastny. “It doesn’t matter who scores, anyone on this team can chip in. Today I was a little lucky and helped out because we needed all the goals.”

Stastny staked the Avalanche to a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission when his wrist shot from the top of the left faceoff circle snuck under Dallas netminder Marty Turco’s arm at 18:11.  The forward added his second goal at 1:03 of the middle frame off a feed from Brunette. After Hlinka sent the puck deep into Dallas’ zone, Brunette corralled it behind the goal and slipped a pass to Stastny at the goalmouth to give Colorado a 2-0 advantage.  He then completed the natural hat trick 11:15 into the second period to make it a 3-1 game. During an Avalanche rush, Brunette dropped a feed to Hlinka, who sent a nifty pass across the crease to Stastny for the tap-in.

Stastny’s hat trick was the first during opening night in Avalanche history and the fourth in franchise history…Real Cloutier (Oct. 10, 1979), Dale Hunter (Oct. 4, 1983) and Paul’s father, Peter Stastny (Oct. 6, 1982) are the others to record the feat.

The Jr. Blues have added 3 exhibition games to the upcoming schedule.  On Wednesday, August 29th, the Jr. Blues will face off against the Robertson Cup Champion St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  Then on September 15th and 16th, former Jr. Blues Assistant Coach Tom Winkler returns with the Hampton Roads Whalers Jr. A team.  Game time on Saturday is 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:45 p.m.

Jr. Blues defenseman Paul Puglisi has committed to the Brockville Braves in the Central Ontario Jr. A Hockey League.  Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River about 95 miles north of Syracuse, New York, Brockville and the CJHL have a reputation for producing NCAA DI and DIII prospects.  Originally seen by Braves Head Coach, and former NHL defenseman, Todd Gill at the Toronto Prospects Tournament, Puglisi made a quick impression.  Says Gill, "He is one of the smartest kids I've seen in a long time and with his skill set, he will be used in every situation. His smarts and pin point passing will be used on our power play, his ability to read plays will make him a great penalty killer. His composure will allow me to use him in last minute situations."  In addition, Puglisi will bring experience to Brockville.  Gill says, "On top of Paul's skill set he brings a maturity we look for in players, manners, respectfulness, some one who will represent the Braves very well in the community.  His parents have done a wonderful job and should be very proud.

Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan doesn't need to be sold on Puglisi's attributes.  Says Behan, "Paul had a tough year last year missing 3 months because of mono.  He came back just in time for the Nationals and was the difference maker we needed to win our fourth National Championship.  It is truly outstanding to see Paul be rewarded for his tremendous work ethic and competitive swagger."  Behan is just as excited about Paul's opportunity to play for Todd Gill.  "I am very excited about Paul making the Braves.  Todd Gill has the reputation of being a great teacher of the game and an excellent coach.  I believe the fit for Paul will be perfect for him and the Braves. 

The Jr. Blues wish Paul and the Braves the best in the upcoming season.

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

From The Buffalo News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

jvogl@buffnews.com

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