CSHL Showcase gives Spradling many options for next season.

Cory Spradling Lights Up the
CSHL Showcase!

Second year winger Cory Spradling carried the Jr. Blues at the CSHL Showcase.  Cory tallied 8 goals and 2 assists in the four Showcase games and the scouts in attendance certainly were impressed.  Cory must now decide which path his career should lead next year with Junior A and collegiate offers. 

The first game of the Showcase found the Jr. Blues down 2-0 after one period against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.  Spradling must have taken offense to the score as he scored three straight goals in the second period to record a natural hat-trick.  The second contest of the Showcase against the Grand Rapids Jr. Owls was another strong outing for the talented winger as he recorded a goal and an assist.  The third contest of the weekend was more of the same as Spradling scored two goals in the Jr. Blues 5-1 win over Cleveland.  Spradling was not done as he scored two and added an assist in the final Showcase game against Grand Rapids. 

Spradling, known throughout the league as a dangerous sniper is currently 5th in the CSHL in scoring with 43 points and 2nd in goals with 29.  A top 20 CSHL scorer from last season has made an even more impressive improvement in his game according to the coaching staff.  The coaches are quick to point out his defensive play has improved dramatically making him one of the Jr. Blues top two way forwards on the team. 

Spradling certainly has earned the attention and opportunities he has received.  He has one goal that is his current priority though.  His desire to return to the Jr. B National Championships has been the fuel that has ignited the fire.

2nd year defenseman picks-up from where he left off last season.

Mike Keeven Continues to Dominate the Blue Line!

Second year defenseman Mike Keeven has picked up right where he left off last season.  Paired with captain Pete Wildhaber the two have been a dominant defense pair in the CSHL the last two years.  Keeven, referred to as "Bomber" by his teammates because of his heavy shot, is third in the CSHL in scoring by defensemen with 3 goals and 11 assists.  Keeven has an impressive plus 14 this year after a spectacular plus 70 plus/minus last season.  Keeven is much more than an offensive weapon on the power play.  He is an important penalty killer and a gritty competitor that plays much bigger than his 5' 10", 160 pound frame.  Keeven has been counted on to play against the oppositions top players.  He has been more than equal to the task and continues to improve all aspects of his game.  The 1986 born defenseman will be looking to move on with his hockey career that already has garnered Jr. A interest.

Second Year Forward Kyle O'Kane Leading the Jr. Blues offense.

Kyle O'Kane Leads Jr. Blues
Offensive Power!

The 1987 born center had a stellar rookie season last year.  His talent was noticed as he was picked by the Soo Indians of the NAHL to play there this season.  Opting to stay home for one more year, O'Kane has taken his game to a new level.  His 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points leads the team and puts him near the top of the CSHL scoring leaders.  The fast skating center with good hands and a great scoring touch has been dominant lately for the Jr. Blues.

This past weekend in Peoria against the arch rival Mustangs, O'Kane scored twice in the first game to lead the Jr. Blues to a 4-3 victory.  O'Kane has earned a boatload of ice time as he plays power play and penalty kill.  His line mates, Zach Barron and Eddie Effinger have to share in the credit for much of Kyle's offensive numbers.  In the eight games the line has skated together, the threesome has scored 22 goals and added 26 assists. 

Kyle is looking towards playing Jr. A next season with hopes to continue his career in college hockey.  But his most immediate goal is a return trip to the Nationals for the Jr. Blues.

Captain
Pete Wildhaber

Alternate Captain
Tony Jost

Alternate Captain
Pat Dolan

Jr. Blues Name Captains

The Jr. Blues have named their Captains for the 2004-2005 season.  Pete Wildhaber will serve as Captain with Tony Jost and Pat Dolan serving as Alternate Captains. 

Wildhaber returns for his fourth season.  He was an Alternate Captain on the 2004 National Championship Team and will be counted on for leadership even more this season.  Wildhaber was the Jr. Blues leading scoring defenseman last season and was 2nd in defensemen scoring in the entire CSHL.  Pete has picked up on the same pace as last year as he is currently second in CSHL defense scoring with 7 points in 6 games.  He quarterbacks the power play and is a heady player defensively.  Coach Behan comments, "Pete was our glue last year on the blue line.  He has such poise and confidence that it is contagious.  We are expecting him to learn the role of Captain quickly as his leadership will be needed.  Pete had numerous Division III opportunities last year but opted to stay home for his first year of college.  He told me his only hockey goal that is important to him is a return trip to the Nationals." 

Tony Jost was the Jr. Blues second leading scorer last year and the CSHL's fourth leading scorer.  Jost also led the Jr. Blues in scoring at the National Championships last season.   With most of the offensive punch from the National Championship Team gone, the Jr. Blues are counting heavily on Tony's production.  Coach Behan comments, "Tony Jost is certainly the most intense competitor on our team.  His leadership qualities makes our team go.  His fire and incredible desire to win is almost unstoppable.  He cares only about winning, nothing else matters to him.  He is a coach's dream for sure.  His competitive fire has already started to rub off on our younger players.  He is just simply what I call a winner."

Pat Dolan is in his second year with the Jr. Blues.  The big defenseman was a valuable member of the National Championship team.  His physical play helped last year's smallish team play with confidence.  Coach Behan had this to say about Pat, "Pat is one of those players who's presence on the team makes things go smoother.  His easy going attitude and incredible team first disposition makes him a very popular player with his teammates.  Pat is the guy you would call if you needed a favor if you know what I mean.  He would do anything for anybody.  Those leadership qualities make him extremely valuable.  His physical presence in the games has helped us quite a bit.  We expect a lot out of Pat this year, I'm sure he will meet our expectations."