Lightning relocates to Minnesota

May 8, 2008

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League has announced that the St. Louis Lightning has relocated to Maple Grove, Minnesota, for the 2008-09 season.  
 
The team will be called the Minnesota Wildcats and play its home games out of the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove, Minn.
 
“We’re excited bring the Wildcats and the Minnesota Junior Hockey League to Maple Grove,” said Wildcats GM Phillip Diskerud.  “We’re looking forward to fielding a competitive team while developing and exposing our players to higher levels of both hockey and education.”
 
Stu Ronsberg will serve as the team’s head coach, with Jim Stejskal serving as an assistant coach.

For more information on the Wildcats, visit their official Web site at WildcatsJrHockey.com.

Strot hired as Lakers' coach

May 6, 2008

The St. Paul Lakers have announced the hiring of Dan Strot as their new head coach.

Strot has been involved in coaching hockey at levels from squirts to high school to juniors with a little international coaching experience.

Over the last 40 years, he has developed many relationships and friends in the coaching community. He currently holds a Level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Certificate.

“I'm excited to be selected to help get this team back on track to being a first-class program,” said Strot.  “The phone calls and e-mails inquiring about the team are very encouraging.  I'm confident the Lakers will be a very competitive team next season.”

"Dan is very enthused with the facilities and resources he’ll have to build a competitive team,” said Lakers president Ralph Hayne.  “His excitement right now is contagious. I'm very pleased we have him on board to drive our team."

Owls, Ice Hawks wrap national tourney
MJHL finishes with 1-4-1 record in New England

March 27, 2008

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League skated to a 0-2 record on Day 3 of the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

The Minnesota Ice Hawks fell to the Atlantic Junior Hockey League’s Northern Cyclones, 4-1, while the Minnesota Owls dropped an 8-1 decision to the Eastern Junior League’s New Hampshire Monarchs.

Dirk Foss scored the Ice Hawks’ lone marker, while Edwin Hudick notched the Owls’ only goal.

The Ice Hawks, who won the MJHL’s regular-season and playoff championships, finished the national tournament with a 1-2 record, while the Owls fashioned a 0-2-1 mark.

MJHL falls on Day 2 at Nationals
Ice Hawks move to 1-1; Owls sit at 0-1-1

March 26, 2008

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League went 0-2 on Day 2 of the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

The Minnesota Ice Hawks (1-1) fell to the Northern Pacific Junior League’s Helena Bighorns, 4-2, while the Minnesota Owls (0-1-1) dropped a 5-4 decision to the Western States Hockey League’s El Paso Rhinos.

In the Ice Hawks’ loss, Ryan Goodmanson and Chris Thompson scored the Minnesota goals, while Ricky Doyen made 15 saves between the pipes.

Edwin Hudick recorded a hat trick for the Owls in their defeat, with Jakub Simicek connecting for the other Minnesota marker.  In goal, Phil Poeschl made 43 saves.

Tomorrow, the Ice Hawks square off against the Atlantic Junior League’s Northern Cyclones (10:40 a.m. CST), while the Owls take on the Eastern Junior League’s New Hampshire Monarchs (7:20 p.m. CST).

Ice Hawks win; Owls skate to tie
MJHL finishes 1-0-1 on Day 1 of national tournament

March 25, 2008

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League skated to a 1-0-1 record on Day 1 of the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

The Minnesota Ice Hawks downed the Central States League’s Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, 2-1, while the Minnesota Owls tied the Central States League’s Dubuque Thunderbirds, 3-3.

Danny Grady scored both goals for the Ice Hawks in their victory, including the game-winner in the third period, with Ryan Goodmanson assisting on both.  Between the pipes, goaltender Mike Brach made 33 saves.

The Owls overcame a 3-0 deficit to force their tie with Dubuque.  Jakub Simicek scored two goals, while Chaz Norrgard notched the other Minnesota marker and added an assist.  In goal, Phil Poeschl turned aside 45 shots.

Tomorrow, the Ice Hawks face off against the Northern Pacific Junior League’s Helena Bighorns (11:10 CST), while the Owls tangle with the Western States League’s El Paso Rhinos (3:40 CST).

Ice Hawks win Bush Cup title
Triple Crown hopes still alive for Minnesota

March 16, 2008

The Ice Hawks' Chris Thompson celebrates the Bush Cup-winning goal on Saturday night. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

The Minnesota Ice Hawks kept their Triple Crown hopes alive after sweeping the Minnesota Owls in the Bush Cup Playoff Finals, 2 games to 0.

In Game 1 on Friday, Bryce Wilcox’s hat trick propelled the Ice Hawks to a 6-5 victory.  Josh Anderson recorded the game-winning goal, and Chris Thompson added three assists.  Between the pipes, Mike Brach made 24 saves.

Thompson’s overtime goal in Game 2 lifted the Ice Hawks to a 3-2 win and the Bush Cup title.  Jay Gorman and Ryan Goodmanson scored the other Ice Hawks markers, while goaltender Ricky Doyen made 20 saves.

“The Owls are a solid team,” said Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis.  “They work so hard; it's pretty tough to take a shift off against them. They hit and skate as well as anyone in the league. This was a good team to play before we head off to take on the best in the country.”

Both the Ice Hawks and the Owls will represent the MJHL at the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament, which will be held March 25-29 at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

“As always this (a trip to Nationals) is the bonus,” said Fatis.  “Spending another week with each other in Boston playing for a national championship… who could ask for more?”

With their regular-season and playoff championships, the Ice Hawks can complete the Triple Crown with a national championship.

“We are going to put it all on the line and see what happens, but, win or lose, this group will go down as great champions,” said Fatis.

Owls headed to national tournament
Will join Ice Hawks in New England to play for T3A title

March 11, 2008

All-MJHL Second Team goaltender Phil Poeschl has backstopped the Owls to a national tournament berth. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

The Minnesota Owls have secured the Minnesota Junior Hockey League’s second berth to the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament, which will be held March 25-29 at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

The Owls’ two-game sweep of the Hudson Crusaders in the semifinals of the MJHL playoffs, coupled with the regular-season champion Minnesota Ice Hawks’ series win over the Minnesota Flying Aces in the other semis, guarantees the Owls’ invite to Nationals.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for this team, but there’s still a lot of work to be done for us to reach our ultimate goal,” said Owls coach Chad Kuznia.

The Owls opened their series against Hudson with a 3-1 win on Friday. Ed Hudick, Jakub Simicek (game-winner) and Zach Wohlers lit the lamp in the victory, while goaltender Phil Poeschl turned back 29 shots.

Minnesota closed out the series the next night with a 5-3 victory.  Five different players scored for the Owls, with Nick Follmer recording the game-winner.  Poeschel again stood tall between the pipes with 39 saves.

“The guys worked hard for this opportunity, there’s no doubt about it,” said Kuznia.  “This has been a team effort since Day 1 and that’s what you need to be successful in this league.” MORE

MJHL announces year-end awards
Goodmanson named MVP as league doles out postseason honors

March 6, 2008

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League announced today its individual postseason awards and All-MJHL First and Second teams for the 2007-08 season, as selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.

Minnesota Ice Hawks forward Ryan Goodmanson was named the league's Most Valuable Player. In his second MJHL season, the 5-foot-7, 160-pounder from Clear Lake, Wis., won the league’s scoring title with 41 goals for 109 points in 46 regular-season games, helping the Ice Hawks to their fourth straight regular-season title.

Goodmanson, who turns 20 next week, was also named the Offensive Player of the Year and to the All-MJHL First Team.

“On behalf of the Ice Hawks and Rochester, we are proud of Ryan and congratulate him on his MVP award,” said Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis.  “He’s a great player and a great kid, and if he decides to leave for college next year someone will have one heck of a young man walking in the door.”

Other multiple award winners included: Wisconsin Mustangs defenseman Steve Mlodozyniec (Defensive Player of the Year/All-MJHL First Team) and Mustangs goaltender Bryan Dalbec (Goaltender of the Year/All-MJHL First Team).

Hudson Crusaders coach Don Babineau was named Coach of the Year, while Ice Hawks GM Michael Fatis was named General Manager of the Year.

The first-year Granite City Lumberjacks were named Organization of the Year.

“The league congratulates the award winners for their outstanding efforts this season,” said MJHL commissioner Bob Breu. "They're a big reason why the MJHL is one of the top junior leagues in North America."

Flying Aces take down Mustangs
Crusaders, Ice Hawks, Owls round out final four

March 4, 2008

Randy Johnson came up big for the Flying Aces in their series sweep of Wisconsin in the first round of the MJHL playoffs. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

Entering the postseason as the No. 7 seed, the Minnesota Flying Aces weren’t supposed to advance past the No. 2-seeded Wisconsin Mustangs, but nobody told them that.

The Aces made quick work of the Mustangs, skating to a two-game sweep of Wisconsin to play onto the semifinals of the MJHL playoffs where they’ll face the regular-season champion Minnesota Ice Hawks.

“Our team is on a high right now,” said Flying Aces coach Mitch Jorgensen.  “We’ve prepared for anything and we always knew we could compete with the best in our league.

“The mood from top to bottom the entire weekend was one of complete confidence and we didn’t let anything break that.”

The Aces doubled up the Mustangs in Game 1, 4-2. Rick Nawojski recorded two goals in the win, including the game-winner, while Tim Benner and Josh Swancutt each added a goal and an assist.  Between the pipes, Randy Johnson made 47 saves.

In Game 2, the Aces overcame a two-goal, third-period deficit to down the Mustangs in overtime, 4-3.  Tony Schultz tallied the game-winner in the extra session, with Benner supplying the game-tying goal and two assists, including one on Schultz’s series-clincher.  Johnson turned aside 37 shots in the victory.

“After winning Game 1, the confidence was there for our team to never give up; we always knew we had a chance to win,” said Jorgensen. MORE

February 24, 2008

The Minnesota Ice Hawks won the Minnesota Junior Hockey League’s regular-season championship after their 10-0 shutout of the St. Louis Lightning on Friday.

The victory, coupled with the Hudson Crusaders’ 5-4 overtime victory over the second-place Wisconsin Mustangs on Friday, left the Ice Hawks celebrating their fourth straight title.

“Winning another championship is certainly a nice thing to be able to smile about, but in the end player development is always No.1 for us,” said Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis.  “It’s nice to be able to lift trophies, but lifting kids to the next level is most important.”

With the regular-season crown, the Ice Hawks have guaranteed themselves one of the league’s two berths to the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Tournament, which will be held from March 24-29 at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.

This marks the fifth straight year the Ice Hawks will head to Nationals.

“This team is just another one in a line of great teams that a have come out of this program the past 5-6 seasons,” said Fatis.  “They’ve got a lot of heart, a lot of grit. They’re more than willing to go through a wall for each other and that’s what it takes to get a championship. 

“And that’s great, and hopefully they’ll be able to translate this onto college programs or other level junior programs and continue to bring championships wherever they go.” MORE

Laker to skate for Latvia
Tilla to return home to play in U18 World Championships

February 21, 2008

Toms Tilla has 11 goals for 33 points with the Lakers this season. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

The St. Paul Lakers have announced that forward Toms Tilla will compete for Latvia in the upcoming Under-18 World Championships that begin next month in Riga, Latvia.

“Toms has been a very hard worker for us,” said Lakers coach Stu Ronsberg.  “We appreciate the good job he has done here and we know he will do well playing for his country.”

Tilla joined the Lakers in September hoping to get some intense training and experience playing in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. His intensity grew as he shook off the downtime from the serious injury that ended his previous season prematurely. By November, he felt he was back to the level of play he ended with last season.

“Tilla’s growth here this season and European style has been fun to watch,” said Lakers GM Phill Diskerud.  “His consistency in game points (30 in 32 games, the second highest on the team) has helped create a benchmark for the other players to aspire to.”

“The Lakers are excited to extend their best wishes to Toms for his and his team’s success in this U18 tournament,” said Lakers president Ralph Hayne.

Ice Hawks continue to soar
Minnesota celebrates three more victories

February 12, 2008

Chris Thompson scored the overtime game-winner in the Ice Hawks' 4-3 win over the Northern Lights on Saturday. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

With 11 wins and only one loss in 2008, the defending MJHL champion Minnesota Ice Hawks are hitting on all cylinders.

“We've been playing some exciting hockey over the past few weeks, a lot of close games where we seem to be playing even with teams and pulling them out in the end,” said Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis.  “Some people say good teams win those games, but I think we’re leaving some in the tank and that can be a concern.”

The Ice Hawks put three wins on the board last week, starting with a 12-3 triumph over the St. Paul Lakers on Wednesday.  Chris Thompson and Kevin Anger both rang up hat tricks in the victory, while goaltender Ricky Doyen stopped 37 shots.

The Ice Hawks skated to a 6-2 decision over the Minnesota Owls on Friday.  Six different players scored for the Ice Hawks, with Kevin Nolt recording the game-winner.  In goal, Mike Brach turned aside 25 shots.

Down 3-0 in the third period, the Ice Hawks rallied for a 4-3, overtime victory over the Twin Cities Northern Lights on Saturday. Thompson notched the game-tying goal and the game-winner in the extra session, with Ryan Goodmanson assisting on both.  Between the pipes, Doyen made 23 saves.  Mike Bock recorded a goal and an assist for the Lights.

“Teams in this league are too good to let down on, just look around the league,” said Fatis.  “So I’m a little nervous about that, but the boys understand the need to play every shift like it's the last minute of the game. It's coming slowly, but it's coming.  In a league this good, you can't take a day off, that's for sure.” MORE

Owls taking flight
Minnesota starts February on winning note

February 5, 2008

Justin Neis scored two more goals in the Owls' win over Granite City last weekend. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

After dropping two in a row and finishing January with a 4-4 record, the Minnesota Owls got their February off on the right foot with a 6-2 victory over the Granite City Lumberjacks on Friday.

“That was a big win for us,” said Owls coach Chad Kuznia, whose team improved to 23-18 on the season.  “Those are important points in the standings at this time of year.”

Zach Wohlers and Justin Neis (game-winner) both rang up two goals and two assists in the win over the Lumberjacks, while Chad Mars added three assists.  Between the pipes, Phil Poeschel turned aside 31 shots.

“We got a good, all-around effort from everyone,” said Kuznia, “and we’re going to need that down the stretch as we get ready for the playoffs.”

With four power-play goals in the win over the Lumberjacks, the Owls now have 19 goals with the man advantage in their last 18 games.

“It’s clicking, that’s for sure,” Kuznia said of his power play.  “We’ve got skilled guys who work well together, and that combination usually leads to good things.”

Neis has been leading the Owls’ offensive charge for much of the season.  The 19-year-old from Cedar Minn., ranks among the top 10 scorers with almost an even split (25 goals, 24 assists) among his 40 points.

“He’s a dynamic player, there’s no question about it,” said Kuznia.  “He’s played a big role in our success this year and we’re going to need that to continue if we’re going to do anything in the playoffs.” MORE

Flying Aces getting results
Hard work paying off for Minnesota

January 29, 2008

The Flying Aces' Tim Benner has proven to be one of the MJHL's top offensive threats. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

Competitive but snubbed in the win column for the better part of the season, the Minnesota Aces, who have toasted three wins in their last six games, are starting to be rewarded for their efforts.

“We’ve been a very competitive team all season and finally some games are starting to fall our way,” said Aces coach Mitch Jorgensen, whose team sits in seventh place in the standings with a 10-24 record.  “We’re looking to make a run the final few weeks to try catch some teams ahead of us.”

With a two-game sweep of the St. Paul Lakers on Jan. 19-20, the Flying Aces posted a 1-2 record last weekend, including a 5-4 win over St. Paul on Saturday.

Tim Benner struck for two goals in the victory, including the game-winner, with Tony Schultz assisting on both (Schultz also recorded a goal).  Between the pipes, goaltender Aaron Carter steered aside 25 shots.

“Our top three lines are starting to produce more and our goaltending has been pretty good all season,” said Jorgensen.  “As a team, we play very hard and we give a lot of teams trouble when we use our systems that are in place.”

With difficulties finding the back of the net – the Aces’ 112 goals scored after 36 games was the second fewest in the MJHL - Jorgensen was happy to see his club explode for a combined 20 goals in their three recent wins over the Lakers.

“I’m encouraged that the goals have started to come more often,” said the coach.  “That was what we needed from the start and we’re finally starting to get those breaks.” MORE

Lumberjacks making their move
Three-game winning streak energizes Granite City

January 22, 2008

Lumberjacks captain Tyler Sura has been as vauable off the ice as he has on it. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

Winners of three in a row, the Granite City Lumberjacks are starting to make a push up the congested Minnesota Junior Hockey League standings.

“Not only were those wins big in terms of picking up points, but guys are coming together as a team,” said Lumberjacks coach Cale Finseth, whose team improved to 19-15-4.  “They’ve bought into everything we’ve been working on and have started to believe in each other.”

After wins over the Twin Cities Northern Lights and the Minnesota Flying Aces in which they scored 14 goals in the two games, the Lumberjacks kept the offense coming last week with an 8-1 triumph over the Lights on Tuesday.

Kent Kirby tallied two goals and an assist in the win, while Tyler Wahl added a goal and two assists.  Between the pipes, Justin Lochner turned aside 22 shots.

“The guys have showed up to play,” said Finseth.  “They work hard for the whole 60 minutes and do the small things that win hockey games.  They’ve started to play more physical and are taking care of the d-zone.

“That and the line combinations have been working; each line has a specific responsibility and they’ve been doing their job.”

With Granite City’s top-three scorers - Wahl, Tyler Sura and Brady Borer - providing much of the offense all season, newcomers Kirby and Sean Kenny, who also scored in Tuesday’s win over Twin Cities, have wasted no time finding the scoresheet with consistency. MORE

Spirits high in St. Louis
Young Lightning showing constant improvement

January 15, 2008

Despite the team's record, many Lightning players have opportunities for advancement. PHOTO/ESP1000.com

Having the entire month of January off might have been just what the doctor ordered for the St. Louis Lightning as it recharges its batteries for the last month and a half of the regular season.

“There’s no doubt that we have the toughest travel schedule in our league, and this time is allowing us some much needed rest,” said Lightning coach-GM Kory Haywood, whose team will return to the ice on Feb. 1 to host the Wisconsin Mustangs for a three-game set.

With only six wins after 39 games, the Lightning has struggled to find the win column this season.  That, however, has not demoralized spirits in St. Louis’ camp.

“Normally, looking at a record like ours, you’d expect to be extremely frustrated with a lot of dissention within the team, but there’s none of that going on here,” said Haywood.  “Our players have continued to battle and have not given up.”

With one of the youngest teams in the entire MJHL – the Lightning boasts 11 1990- and 1991-borns on its rosters – opportunities abound for a number of players who are looking to advance to higher levels of junior hockey as well as college.

Haywood reports that defenseman Sean Gammage has received inquiries from several NAHL teams for next season, while a number of Lightning plan on attending Tier II camps, including forwards David Coleman, Drew Schmelig and Mark Kirksey; defenseman Steven Morgan; and goaltenders Corey Rickermann and Kyle Enderle. MORE

Mustangs turn up the heat
Wisconsin rolls off three more wins

January 8, 2008

Matt Rucinski scored three goals for the Mustangs last weekend.

Hot on the heels of the first-place Minnesota Ice Hawks, the Wisconsin Mustangs kept their foot on the pedal last weekend with three victories.

“Those wins were important as far as keeping pace in the standings,” said Mustangs GM-assistant coach Brian Huebel.  “We try not to put any added pressure on the guys by saying to them that any one game is far more important than any other; they’re all big.”

The Mustangs got rolling on Friday with a 13-4 thumping of the St. Paul Lakers.  Zack Smoot rang up two goals and three assists in the triumph, while Jake Olson tallied two goals and an assist.  Between the pipes, Brian Dalbec and Alex Nowak combined to stop 21 shots.

Matt Borndale (game-winner) and Matt Rucinski each notched two goals as Wisconsin cruised to a 7-1 triumph over the Minnesota Flying Aces on Saturday.  Olson, Marcus Makinen and Jake Calleja each chipped in a goal and an assist, while Dalbec and Nowak teamed up to make 25 saves.

On Sunday, Steve Mlodozyniec’s overtime tally lifted the Mustangs to a 4-3 win over the Twin Cities Northern Lights.  Olson, Smoot and Charlie Benik added the other Wisconsin markers, and Dalbec turned aside 20 shots.

“Obviously, we scored a good number of goals and the effort was there as well,” said Hubel.  “For the most part, we stuck to what we wanted to do, and with our hard work we were able to come out with some wins.” MORE

Ice Hawks close 2007 with wins
Minnesota extends first-place lead to four points

January 2, 2008

The Minnesota Ice Hawks ended 2007 on a winning note, picking up two victories last weekend to extend their first-place lead over the Wisconsin Mustangs to four points.

MJHL leading-scorer Ryan Goodmanson recorded a hat trick and two assists on Saturday as the Ice Hawks downed the St. Louis Lightning, 7-1.   Bryce Stevens added two goals, including the game-winner, while goaltender Ricky Doyen turned aside 25 shots.

Minnesota celebrated New Year’s Eve with a 4-3 overtime triumph over the Mustangs.  Shawn Wick tallied in the extra session for the Ice Hawks and added an assist, while Jay Gorman struck for two goals of his own.  Doyen made 50 saves to pick up his second win of the weekend.

The Minnesota Owls also captured an overtime win last weekend, a 3-2 decision over St. Louis on Friday.  Zach Wohlers notched the game-winning goal and added an assist, and goaltender Phil Poeschel stopped 20 shots.  Eric Stumpf and David Coleman scored for St. Louis. MORE