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Sunday, September 26, 2004
League vs. Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Blake Yanics stops the Jr. Lumberjacks making 31 saves.

Jr. Blues Win 7-2 with Special Teams and Goaltending

The Jr. Blues hot special teams rose to the occasion once again this past weekend.  After Cleveland came roaring out of the gate, scoring the game's first goal, Tony Jost quickly responded with a power play goal.  Moments later Ken Grasso gave the Jr. Blues the lead off a feed from Barry Baxter.  Later in the game the Jr. Blues converted a second power play in text book fashion.  All five Jr. Blues players touched the puck in a matter of a few seconds as the precision passing ended up with Ryan Kretzer tapping in a Tony Jost feed.  Brandon Bollig finished the scoring for the period as he rocketed a shot past the Jr. Lumberjack goaltender. 

The Jr. Lumberjacks scored early in the second to trim the lead to 4-2.  But Blake Yanics held the fort for the rest of the period which saw the Jr. Lumberjacks applying great pressure.  Late in the period, Ryan Kretzer scored on a breakaway to calm down the surging Lumberjacks.  The third period saw two more St. Louis goals as Barry Baxter converted a perfect 3 on 2 rush on the power play with Kyle O'Kane and Chris Stock assisting.  Cory Spradling topped off the scoring just seconds later with line mates Tony Jost and Kretzer assisting.  Blake Yanics made the game look easy as he made 31 saves on 33 shots.

The difference of the weekend was special teams as the Jr. Blues converted 6 power plays on 11 chances and killed all 13 penalties against them. 

St. Louis 4-1-2-7
Cleveland 1-1-0-2

Shots:
St. Louis 14-11-15-40
Cleveland 10-14-9-33

Goals/Power plays
St. Louis 3/5
Cleveland 0/3

Scoring:
Ryan Kretzer 2 goals, 1 assist
Tony Jost  1 goal, 2 assists
Cory Spradling  1 goal, 2 assists  
Barry Baxter 1 goal, 1 assist
Chris Stock 2 assists
Ken Grasso 1 goal
Brandon Bollig 1 goal
Pete Wildhaber 1 assist
Paul Puglisi 1 assist
Kyle O'Kane 1 assist
Mike Keeven 1 assist

Blake Yanics made 31 saves on 33 shots for his third win of the season.

Saturday, September 25, 2004
League vs. Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Cory Spradling's goal and 2 assists pace Jr. Blues over Jr. Lumberjacks.

Jr. Blues Win Tough Contest with Special Teams Making the Difference

The first period saw a complete domination by the Jr. Blues as they outshot the Jr. Lumberjacks 17-5.  Those 17 shots do not include 3 ringing shots off the goalposts that failed to go in.  Zach Barron scored the game's first goal as he converted a power play 8 minutes into the contest.  Barron's slick move behind the net culminated a barrage of opportunities on the play.   Moments later Cory Spradling converted another power play as Chris Stock made the perfect pass setting up Spradling.

The second period play was much more even as the Jr. Lumberjacks scored the only goal cutting the Jr. Blues lead to 2-1. 

The Jr. Lumberjacks scored early in the third period to tie the game and seemingly had gained control of the game.   After killing off numerous penalties including a long 5 on 3, the Jr. Blues were finally awarded a power play.  It didn't take long for the Jr. Blues to capitalize as Ryan Kretzer scored the game winner just 16 seconds into the power play.  Spradling and Tony Jost assisted on the goal with just over 7 minutes remaining.  Just seconds after the Jr. Blues killed yet another penalty, Tony Jost got the important insurance goal with 3 minutes to play.  Shockingly, the Jr. Blues were assessed another two penalties within seconds of each other to put the Jr. Blues down 5 on 3 once again.  The final two minutes were killed as the Jr. Blues withstood their 5th penalty kill of the period.  Trey Spiller was tremendous, especially in the penalty kill situations, as he won again making 24 saves. 

St. Louis 2-0-2-4
Cleveland 0-1-1-2

Shots:
St. Louis 17-10-8-35
Cleveland  5-11-10-26

Goals/Power plays
St. Louis   3/6
Cleveland 0/10

Scoring:

Cory Spradling 1 goal, 2 assists
Tony Jost  1 goal, 1 assist
Ryan Kretzer 1 goal
Zach Barron 1 goal
Chris Stock 1 assist
Pete Wildhaber 1 assist
Kyle O'Kane 1 assist
Tom Craig  1 assist

Trey Spiller made 24 saves on 26 shots.

Sunday, September 12, 2004
League vs. Columbus Jr. B Blue Jackets

Cory Spadling's 5 point game leads Jr. Blues to win.

Danny Brown's hat-trick helps Jr. Blues in victory.

Jr. Blues Win Big 10-2!

Despite less than 4 hours sleep Saturday night, the Jr. Blues were wide awake for the early morning game.  The Jr. Blues pelted the Jr. Blue Jackets with 23 first period shots.  Cory Spradling scored an even strength goal as Kyle O'Kane and Danny Brown scored power play goals. 

The second period started quickly for the Jr. B Blue Jackets as they scored a short handed goal just 8 seconds into the period.  But the Jr. Blues kept the pressure strong and scored 5 times on 25 shots in the period.  Spradling completed his hat-trick with Kyle O'Kane and Danny Brown scoring their second goals of the game.  Barry Baxter also scored in the period.

The Jr. Blues shut down Columbus completely in the third and added two more goals.  Brandon Bollig scored to and then Danny Brown scored his hat-trick goal in the middle of the period.  Blake Yanics was very strong in nets making 21 saves on 23 shots.  The Jr. Blues outshot the Jr. B Blue Jackets 60-23.

St. Louis 3-5-2-10
Columbus  0-2-0-2

Shots:
St. Louis 23-25-12-60
Columbus 4-10-9-23

Powerplays/goals
St. Louis  9/3
Columbus  2/0

Scoring:
Cory Spradling 3 goals, 2 assists
Kyle O'Kane 2 goals, 2 assists
Ryan Kretzer 4 assists
Danny Brown 3 goals
Tim Jost  3 assists
Brandon Bollig  1 goal, 1 assist
Barry Baxter 1 goal, 1 assist
Mike Hewkin 1 assist
Eddie Effinger 1 assist
Mike Keeven 1 asssist

Blake Yanics made 21 saves on 23 shots. 

Saturday, September 11, 2004
League vs. Columbus Jr. B Blue Jackets

Trey Spiller records his first CSHL shutout stopping 23 shots.

Spiller Shuts Out Jr. Blue Jackets!

Rookie goaltender shutout the Jr. Blue Jackets as the Jr. Blues win 5-0.  Just 3 minutes into the game Trey Spiller made an amazing save on a breakaway by Luke DeLorenzo.  DeLorenzo spent the last two seasons playing in the NAHL and returns to the Jr. B Blue Jackets for the 2004-05 season.  Three years ago DeLorenzo was a CSHL top ten scorer as a 16 year old.  Spiller made numerous saves in the opening minutes before the Jr. Blues got their legs.  Barry Baxter scored the only first period goal as he converted a perfect cross ice pass from Brandon Bollig on the power play.  Baxter's goal was his first CSHL goal. 

The second period proved good for the Jr. Blues as Cory Spradling scored just 52 seconds into the stanza.  Ken Grasso and Ryan Kretzer assisted on the play.  Just moments later Chris Stock converted a beautiful 3-2 passing play as he combined with Eddie Effinger and Danny Brown on the goal.  The goal was Stock's first CSHL tally.  No scoring was recorded the rest of the period but both goaltenders made big saves to keep the score 3-0.

The Jr. Blues played a near perfect third period allowing only 5 shots.  Brandon Bollig scored early in the period with Pete Wildhaber assisting.  Late in the period Tom Craig scored his first CSHL goal converting a Grant Gorczyca rebound.  

St. Louis  1-2-2-5
Columbus  0-0-0-0

Shots:
St. Louis 10-12-13-35
Columbus  9-9-5-23

Power plays/goals:
St. Louis  1/7
Columbus  0/6

Scoring:
Brandon Bollig 1 goal, 1 assist
Cory Spradling 1 goal
Chris Stock 1 goal
Barry Baxter 1 goal
Tom Craig 1 goal
Eddie Effinger 1 assist
Ryan Kretzer 1 assist
Ken Grasso 1 assist
Grant Gorczyca 1 assist
Pete Wildhaber 1 assist

Trey Spiller made 23 saves for the shutout

Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Exhibition vs. Texarkana Bandits NAHL, South

Jr. Blues learn valuable lessons in exhibition with Texarkana.

Texarkana Teaches Jr. Blues a Few Lessons

The Texarkana Bandits showed their stuff Wednesday evening as they defeated the Jr. Blues 5-0.  The North American Hockey League team was in town most of this week practicing because their home rink was not available in Texarkana.  With a St. Louis flavor ownership including former Blues winger Kelly Chase, the Bandits made St. Louis home for a week.  Chase invited the Jr. Blues for a practice game to help prepare the Bandits for the regular season and also to see some St. Louis talent. 

The first period was controlled mostly by the Bandits but the Jr. Blues did manage a couple quality scoring chances.  The Bandits scored the first goal of the game on a shot from the point that was deflected midair into the Jr. Blues net.  The second goal came with just 6 seconds remaining in the period, putting a downer on a pretty good Jr. Blues 1st period effort. 

The second period started with the Bandits converting a 2 on 1 break. The Bandits then pressured the Jr. Blues scoring two more goals giving the Texas squad a 5-0 lead after 2. 

The third period was much better for the Jr. Blues as they had several scoring chances.  With no scoring, the game ended 5-0.

The game definitely showed the young Jr. Blues the area's of needed improvement.  But there were several positive things that the Jr. Blues can build on. 

The Jr. Blues would like to thank coach Jon Cooper and his staff for the opportunity to play.  A special thanks goes to Kelly Chase who coordinated the hockey evening. 

Texarkana  2-3-0-5
St. Louis  0-0-0-0

Shots: 
Texarkana  12-19-8-39
St. Louis 8-11-6-25

Power plays/goals

Texarkana  3/0
St. Louis  1/0

Goaltender Blake Yanics made 17 saves on 21 shots and goaltender Trey Spiller made 17 saves on 18 shots.

Sunday, September 5, 2004
League vs. Cincinnati Cobras

Ryan Kretzer nets four for the Jr. Blues

Ryan Kretzer Nets Four as Jr. Blues Roll!

The Cincinnati Cobras came out and scored the game's first goal on a power play at the 10 minute mark of the first period in game two of the weekend.  The Jr. Blues dominated the rest of the period though.  Kenny Grasso netted his first CSHL goal on a mad scramble at the net with Tommy Craig and Barry Baxter assisting.  Then Ryan Kretzer found the net on the power play to give the Jr. Blues the lead.  Late in the period, Tim Jost scored his first CSHL goal on a quick wrist shot that beat the Cincy goalie cleanly, ending the period 3-1 in favor of the home team.

The Jr. Blues started strong, with Kretzer scoring his second goal of the game on a give and go with Danny Brown.  The Cobras then made a game of it scoring two goals cutting the Jr. Blues lead to 4-3 after two.

The third period was all Jr. Blues.  Tony Jost scored a power play goal that seemed to break the backs of the Cobras at the 15 minute mark.  Then Ryan Kretzer completed his hat-trick in exciting fashion as Kyle O'Kane sent him in on a short handed breakaway.  Mike Keeven scored a power play goal to increase the lead even more.  Then Kretzer completed his remarkable second CSHL game netting his fourth after Danny Brown sent him in alone on the goaltender once more.  Trey Spiller recorded his first CSHL league win making 23 saves on 26 shots.

Cincinnati  1-2-0-3
St. Louis  3-1-4-8

Shots:
Cincinnati  11-7-8-26
St. Louis  16-10-13-39

Power plays/goals:
Cincinnati  1/7
St. Louis 4/10

Scoring:
Ryan Kretzer  4 goals, 1 assist
Pete Wildhaber  3 assists
Danny Brown 2 assists
Kyle O'Kane 2 assists
Ken Grasso 1 goal
Tony Jost 1 goal
Tim Jost  1 goal
Mike Keeven 1 goal
Brandon Bollig 1 assist
Barry Baxter 1 assist
Tom Craig 1 assist

Trey Spiller made 23 saves on 26 shots.

Saturday, September 4, 2004
League vs. Cincinnati Cobras

Brandon Bollig scored the game winning goal with two minutes remaining to give the Jr. Blues a home opening win.

Standing Room Only Crowd Honors National Champs and Enjoy Home Opener!

The 2004 National Champions were honored in a pre-game ceremony in their opening night contest with the Cincinnati Cobras.  Each player from the team was recognized with 20 of the 25 players in attendance.  The Affton Rink now sports a new banner honoring the 2004 National Champion St. Louis Jr. Blues.  It was a fun night even before the puck was dropped.

Once the puck was dropped, the action was not hard to find.  The Jr. Blues stormed to the lead with Ryan Kretzer scoring his first CSHL goal.  He was sent in on a breakaway by linemate, Danny Brown.  Moments later, Eric Gebhardt recorded his first CSHL goal on a redirection of a Brandon Bollig pass to give the Jr. Blues a 2-0 first period lead. 

The second period showed the vast improvement of the Cincinnati Cobras from previous seasons.  The Cobras scored the period's only goals as the two teams headed into the third tied 2-2. 

The Jr. Blues dominated play early but it was the Cobras who capitalized first in the stanza giving taking a 3-2 lead with 14 minutes to play.  Tony Jost tied the score for the home team with a power play blast at the 10 minute mark.  The game looked like OT was a possibility, but the Jr. Blues continued to pressure.  Brandon Bollig made the play of the game after Barry Baxter won a battle on the boards, Bollig took a hard shot that overpowered the Cincy goaltender with 2 minutes to play.  The game was not over as Blake Yanics made the save of the game in the closing seconds to preserve the Jr. Blues hard earned victory.  All in all is was a night for the ages with dozens of Jr. Blues alumni in attendance and of course the 2004 National Champions being honored.  But in the end, the new 2004-05 version of the Jr. Blues stole the show with the dramatic come from behind victory.

Cincinnati  0-2-1-3
St. Louis 2-0-2-4

Shots:
Cincinnati  9-9-6-24
St. Louis 11-8-16-35

Power plays/goals
Cincinnati  1/7
St. Louis 1/7

Scoring:
Brandon Bollig 1 goal, 1 assist
Ryan Kretzer 1 goal
Eric Gebhardt 1 goal
Tony Jost 1 goal
Pete Wildhaber 1 assist
Danny Brown 1 assist
Barry Baxter 1 assist
Kyle O'Kane 1 assist

Blake Yanics made 21 saves on 24 shots

Sunday, August 29, 2004
Exhibition vs. Springfield Jr. Blues NAHL, North

Assistant Captain Tony Jost led the way with 2 goals and 1 assist against Springfield.

Jr. Blues Tie Springfield!

The St. Louis Jr. Blues tied the Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) Jr. A 3-3.  The young St. Louis squad never let down and fought to the end in the impressive showing.  Trey Spiller got the start and held the Springfield team scoreless in the first period.  The Springfield Jr. Blues scored the games first goal just 3 minutes into the second period.  Spiller played well then gave way to Blake Yanics at the halfway point.  Yanics shut out the Springfield Jr. Blues for the rest of the period.  Offensively, the Jr. Blues made more headway as Tony Jost tied the game with 8 minutes left in the period.  With young a St. Louis team heading into the third period tied with a Jr. A team, one might have thought they would have been satisfied.  But the pesky St. Louis team took the lead 8 minutes into the third period on a Cory Spradling goal.  Then the St. Louis Jr. Blues continued to apply pressure as Tony Jost gave the St. Louis squad a two goal lead with only 5 minutes remaining.   Then the Springfield squad played with desperation and cut the St. Louis lead to 3-2 with 3 minutes remaining.   Springfield then tied the game on a goal from former St. Louis Jr. Blue Michael Davies with a power play goal with one minute remaining.  All in all it was an impressive performance by the young Jr. B St. Louis team. 

We would like to give special thanks to Springfield Head Coach Nick Pollos and Assistant Coach Chris Wyler for the great preseason weekend in Springfield.  The Springfield Jr. Blues realize the benefit of working closely with the Jr. B teams in the CSHL as they continue to take numerous players from our league.  The round-robin was beneficial for the Jr. B teams to help prepare for the season and it gave the Jr. A Jr. Blues an opportunity to get a close look at numerous players who show great promise.  Thanks again to the Springfield Jr. Blues for a class weekend!

St. Louis 0-1-2-3
Springfield 0-1-2-3

Shots: 
St. Louis 4-8-10-22
Springfield 12-12-15-39

Scoring:
Tony Jost 2 goals, 1 assist
Cory Spradling 1 goal, 1 assist
Mike Keeven 1 assist

Trey Spiller made 17 saves on 18 shots and Blake Yanics made 19 saves on 21 shots.

Saturday, August 28, 2004
Exhibition vs. Quad City Express

Ryan Kretzer's two goals pace the Jr. Blues over the Express.

Jr. Blues Win Second Game of Weekend!

The Jr. Blues played the expansion Quad City Express in their second exhibition game of the season and it took only two minutes to welcome them to the CSHL as Ryan Kretzer notched his first goal of the game.  Kretzer added his second goal just seven minutes later with a short side, top-shelf goal to give the Jr. Blues a two goal lead.  Brandon Bollig wristed a perfect shot late in the first period to give the Jr. Blues a 3-0 lead.  The Express scored an early power play goal in the second to close the gap.  With the Jr. Blues working on numerous power play combinations they failed to take advantage of the Express' very undisciplined play throughout the game.  The Jr. Blues outshot the Express 36-18 as they outplayed the expansion team throughout.  Blake Yanics was solid in the victory as the experienced goaltender looked like the dominant stopper from two seasons ago for the Jr. Blues.

Quad City 0-1-0-1
St. Louis  3-0-0-3

Shots:
Quad Cities 5-5-8-18
St. Louis  19-8-9-36

Scoring:

Ryan Kretzer 2 goals
C.J. Chappell  2 assists
Brandon Bollig 1 goal
Danny Brown 1 assist
Grant Gorczyca  1 assist

Blake Yanics made 17 saves on 18 shots.

Friday, August 27, 2004
Exhibition vs. Peoria Mustangs

Jr. Blues new goaltender, Trey Spiller, makes 28 saves to shutout the Mustangs.

The Jr. Blues got two goals and one assist from Tony Jost as the National Title game rematch fell short of expectations.  The play was spirited and chippy throughout much of the game.  Zach Barron added a goal and an assist and Cory Spradling recorded two assists in the contest.  Brandon Bollig scored as did Kenny Grasso to round out the scoring.  Trey Spiller played his first Jr. B contest and recorded the shutout making 28 saves.  Both squads have much to work on to reach the level of previous Peoria/St. Louis teams but both teams will certainly improve throughout the season. 

Peoria 0-0-0-0
St. Louis 1-2-2-5

Shots:
Peoria 11-10-7-28
St. Louis 7-17-11-35

Scoring:
Tony Jost 2 goals, 1 assist
Zach Barron 1 goal, 1 assist
Cory Spradling 2 assists
Brandon Bollig 1 goal
Ken Grasso 1 goal
Mike Hewkin 1 assist
Barry Baxter 1 assist

Trey Spiller made 28 saves for the shutout.

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