Central States Hockey League

The Traverse City North Stars of the North American Hockey League have added Express forward Sal Ragusa to their roster for the remainder of the season.  Sal tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in his 31 games with the Express this year, including 3 game winning goals.  "Sal put forth the effort needed to succeed in the Central States Hockey League and it led to this promotion to the North Stars organization.  We are extremely proud to see Sal's dedication is leading to his opportunity at the next level," GM Chris Otto stated.  Sal is a 1988 birth year player from Greensboro, NC.  He was named to the CSHL All-Star team that competed in the EHK Midget Tournament in Dallas, TX.  Sal was unable to participate due to injuries.

The St. Louis Jr. Blues clinched their 5th consecutive League Championship and their 4th consecutive bid to the USA Hockey Jr. B National Championships in Philadelphia, PA at the end of March and early April.  The Jr. Blues have done it in convincing fashion sporting a 39-1 record through 40 games including 31 straight wins.  Head Coach Jack Behan is proud of the accomplishment but is not resting and praised the commitment of the teams ownership.  Says Behan, "This team has really amazed me.  Their competitive attitude has been a pleasure to work with.  The players have been extremely focused and just eager to learn and get better.  Winning 5 league titles in a row is really a great accomplishment and an honor.  The Jost family has put so much into these kids and this program.  It really all begins with their commitment to the St. Louis hockey players.  I am particularly proud that we have 3 players tendered in the NAHL at this point and 3 more with firm Tender offers.  I expect at least 10 players from this team to make the jump to Jr. A.  Player development and player advancement is what we are focused on here.  The winning is just a bonus for us.   Now it is time to get ready for the Hurster Cup, I'm sure our toughest hockey will be played in the CSHL playoffs.  It really is a great way to prepare a team for the Nationals."

The Jr. Blues are coming off of back-to-back National Championship and the league has won 3 of the last 4 with a couple of runner-up trophies.  However, St. Louis gets back to work this weekend against a tough Peoria Mustangs team.  Says Behan, "When these two teams meet, the records mean nothing.  These two teams have a tremendous amount of respect for each other and they are battles.  It is that type of competition that pushes everyone to be better and one of the reasons the CSHL has been so successful the last couple of years at Nationals."

It has been over 10 years since the Nichols Bison, NCAA DIII, won 10 games or more and are only 6 years removed from an 0-21 season.  Despite making progress over the last couple of years, they have not experienced a season with as much success as they have this year.  Already 10-5-2 in the ECAC Northeast, much of the turn-around can be attributed to players from the CSHL in a freshmen laden team.  

Leading the way in scoring for the Bison this year are two former foes as Jacob Cline (Cincinnati), Anthony Monte (Chicago) and Ryan Gervais (Chicago) are all scoring at a pace of over a point a game.  Cline leads the way with 11 goals and 21 assists in just 17 games followed closely by Monte at 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points and Gervais at 10 goals 10 assists in 17 games.  Jeff Bieber (Cincinnati) and Cole Ruwe (Peoria) are leading the defense in scoring with 15 points each in 17 games.

Former Jr. Blues stand out, Michael Davies has made his college choice.  Davies, who is currently playing for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, has verbally committed to play for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in 2006-07.  Michael took several factors into consideration.  One consideration was he wanted to go next year, not delay it a year.  That helped narrow  his choice until he decided to choose Wisconsin last week.  Said Head Coach Jack Behan, "I received a call a few days ago and Michael was extremely excited to give me the terrific news."  Behan thinks he is up to the challenge.  He says, "A couple of things about Michael that makes me very proud of him.  One, he has always loved a challenge.  Talking to him a few months ago, he told me then he wanted to go to Wisconsin and go there this Fall.  His season at Lincoln has been so spectacular that he obviously got his wish.  The other thing I love about Michael is his passion for the game.  He hits the ice with the enthusiasm of a 8 year old.  He loves the game, loves to practice and most of all loves to put the puck in the net.  I'm sure the folks in Wisconsin will love watching him do just that."

Dan Weiss became the third member of the St. Louis Jr. Blues to sign a tender for the 2006-07 season as he signed this week with the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL.  Said Head Coach/GM Nick Pollos, "Danny is a player with unlimited upside and potential.  It will be fun to watch him develop over the next couple of years."  Pollos continues, "He has tremendous vision and awareness on the ice, those are things you cant teach and has a great work ethic and carries himself very well for such a young kid.  We are excited to have him join our squad next year.  This is just another example of how the CSHL works hard to develop its players for the next level, the St. Louis organization and the CSHL should be proud."

St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan echoed the thoughts of Springfield when he said, "Danny has rocketed to be one of the top defensemen in the CSHL.  His poise and competitiveness set him apart from the norm."  After receiving other tender offers earlier in the season, Weiss had some decisions to make.  Says Behan, "Danny has chosen Springfield after much thought.  He will be a great asset to the Springfield Jr. Blues in the future.  Nick Pollos and Chris Wyler are getting a great player who will continue to improve under their guidance.  We are very proud of his accomplishments."

Bob Collar of the Motor City Chiefs and Peter O'Hara of the Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones have been awarded the CSHL Player of the Month Awards for December.  Collar finished the month with 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 8 games winning the Offensive Player of the Month Award.

O'Hara logged the most minutes of any goaltender in the month of December and going 4-2 with a .942 Save Percent and a 2.33 GAA.

Congratulations to both players.

Rob Moss of the St. Louis Jr. Blues was called up today by the Texarkana Bandits of the NAHL.  Moss, who leads all goaltenders in GAA and Sv% will be suited up this weekend for the Bandits.  Says Jr. Blues Head Coach Jack Behan, After watching Robby at the Dallas Midget Tournament and the CSHL Showcase, the Texarkana Bandits have called up Robby for the next two weeks.  Robby went down to Texarkana on Wednesday night and will stay with them for the next two weekends.  Coach Cooper said Robby deserved the opportunity as they have a need for the next two weekends.  After that, nothing will be ruled out.  After half the season, Robby has put up numbers that have never been approached in this league.  Robby has earned this opportunity and he plans to take advantage of it.  I am proud of his determination and desire to reach the next level.  We wish him great success."

Greg Curtiss of the Flint Jr. Generals was called up this week to the Helena Bighorns of the NAHL.  Curtiss, a veteran of the CSHL, spent time playing for the Metro Jets and Peoria Mustangs before heading home to play for the Jr. Generals this year.  In 23 games this year, Curtiss has scored 7 goals added to 18 assists for 25 points from the blue line.  He was also named the CSHL's Defensive Player of the Month for November.  "The Helena Big Horns called and told Greg they could really use him."  Joe Schippono, team manager for Flint said, " What do you do?  We are in the middle of what could be a very good season for our club. To lose a player like Greg hurts, but we are here to promote our players to the next level.  No matter what, that's our goal. As a club we wish Curtiss the best. Maybe some people will realize Junior B hockey is a great stepping stone for these kids to get to College or Junior A".

The Peoria Mustangs found out over the weekend that their captain would not be returning to Peoria, unless it's for a visit, for the rest of the season.  Brett Englebright was called up before the holiday break by the Traverse City North Stars of the NAHL.  Head Coach Kevin Lune has been told that Englebright  is there to stay.  Says Coach Lune, "Brett has been a pleasure to coach.  Brett has worked so hard this year, we are happy for him."

Steve Popp of the Motor City Chiefs became the 3rd player, and first Chief, to be tendered for the 2006-07 season.  The Helena Bighorns have signed the 1987 born Popp for next season.  He has notched an impressive 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points in 28 games for the Chiefs this year.

The Buffalo Sabres are well represented on Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Championships with a pair of 2005 draft picks playing on the favored American squad. Forward Nate Gerbe (142nd overall) and defenseman Chris Butler (96th overall) both made the cut and both will be important defensive players shutting down the opponent’s attack.

Team USA began the tournament with an 11-2 shellacking of Norway. The Americans took advantage of more than 16 minutes of power play time, scoring five of their goals with the man advantage. Neither Gerbe nor Butler picked up a point in the offensive barrage, although Butler was +3 on the game and Gerbe picked up a penalty. Both were pleased with the game and the result.

“I’d say for the most part it was pretty good,” Butler told Hockey’s Future after Team USA’s morning skate on Wednesday. “Obviously a lot of things we need to work on, we’ve only had a couple of games together, but I’d say we’ve improved a lot every day, and that’s the biggest thing.”

“Excited to win,” Gerbe commented on the game with a big smile. “It’s always great to win. The team played really well for Norway, they never gave up, but we know it’s going to get harder as we go along, so we have to prepare.”

Against Norway, the American team was heavily booed by the Vancouver crowd, who put their support behind the over-matched Norwegian team, cheering raucously after both of the team’s goals and jeering after every American penalty or missed play. Gerbe says that they expected that kind of reception in Canada, and admits he enjoys being the villain.

“Not real surprised, we are in Canada and everything. But, I like it, so I had fun.”

Butler, who had a solid game in his own zone, said he was pleased with his own play, adding that he is just trying to make the easy play.

“I was pretty happy with the way that I played. Just trying to keep things simple. Limit my mistakes as best I could and just do whatever I could to help the team.”

Team USA takes on Team Finland tonight (December 28), who dropped their first game 5-1 to Canada. In that game, the Finnish team appeared to be rattled by the physical play of the Canadian juniors, something that Butler and his teammates are looking to capitalize on tonight.

“I think so, a little bit. North American style is probably a little more physical than typical European style,” said Butler. “I think that’s part of our game, something we’re going to try to do against every team.”

With only three elite-level hockey nations in the pool, Finland will be Team USA’s only test before their highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve clash against Canada. Butler told HF about his team’s game plan for Finland.

“We know Finland is going to be strong and they’re going to be hungry obviously after losing to Canada. We just have to play smart, not take too many penalties, stay out of the box and bury some of our chances.”

The most obvious challenge for any team in the tournament is having all of its players come together to form a cohesive unit after only a week or two of practicing together as a team and coming from a variety of different leagues and collegiate conferences. Butler believes that the transition has not been too difficult for the American team, and it shows on the ice, where the team has displayed the synergy of a team that has been playing together for years.

“Oh, it hasn’t been too bad. A lot of good guys that really get along well,” says Butler. “A lot of many different funny personalities, we have a good time in the dressing room and you know, I think everybody is realizing their role on this team and what they have to do to be successful.”

Another part of this challenge is getting players to play within their roles. Most of the players participating in the tournament are the star players on their teams. As a result, some of the players must adjust to play more two-way or defensively-focused roles. Gerbe is one of the players who have been asked to concentrate on his defensive efforts for the event.

“Yeah, it’s a little bit different, but I’m used to playing a grittier style. Taking in my size and everything, I found myself comfortable [in a defensive role].”

Butler also believes his role on the team is primarily in his own zone.

“I think my job is going to be to kind of play a shutdown role defensively. Limit the forwards chances and hopefully help out offensively a little bit.”

In addition to having an outstanding group of forwards and a very solid group of defenders, goaltending may be one of the team’s biggest strengths, with Cory Schneider (VAN) starting between the pipes. Schneider, who is big, positional, goaltender, is calm and collected while under fire. He is also a teammate of Gerbe’s at Boston College.

“It’s a great feeling [to have Schneider in net]! You know if you mess up you always have a chance,” Gerbe said of the Canucks prospect. “Cory will probably save you. But he’s doing really well for the Eagles and here.”

Another of Gerbe’s teammates at BC is Dan Bertram (CHI), another example of an offensive player with his club team that is playing a more defensive and physical role as a member of the Canadian Junior team. Despite being linemates at school, Gerbe’s doesn’t think it will be awkward when they line up against each other on December 31st.

“No, it won’t be weird at all. I played against him last year in the World Under-18 so it was fun and everything. But now we know each other a little more and it’s going to be more exciting.”

At just 5’5, 160 lbs, Gerbe is one of the smallest players in the tournament. But overcoming both his size and the odds has become second nature for the young forward. However, he admits that he was thrilled to be selected in the past NHL Entry Draft, knowing how much NHL teams look at size.

“Yeah, taking in my size and everything, I’m real thankful to be drafted, being at my size. I was really exciting and everything when I heard from Buffalo.”

He believes that in order for him to make the NHL he’s going to have to work hard every day and never give up, as it is unlikely that he will grow much more. He’s good-natured about his diminutive size, however, smiling and laughing and responding “It never gets old,” when asked if he gets sick of hearing about his height.

Size and strength are also going to be key factors of whether or not Butler becomes an NHLer as well. The 6’1, 185 lbs defender is still lanky and in need of building his upper body strength if he is going to be a successful professional.

“Just continue to get bigger and stronger,” said Butler when asked what part of his game needs improvement. “Start paying attention to more of the little details. All the little stuff and obviously continue to work on my skating and stuff because obviously with the new rules it’s going to be tough, you can’t really clutch and grab, and there’s more emphasis on the skating and stuff like that.”

Butler also spoke about what he believes he does well on the ice.

“I think my strengths would be my D-zone coverage and skating ability. My ability to see the ice pretty well, and obviously my offensive game is something I’m trying to work on both here and in college.”

For Gerbe, the uphill battle will continue long after the tournament ends. Currently enjoying a successful freshman campaign with 10 points in 14 games, Gerbe will develop his skills in college for the next few years. Despite his lack of size, Gerbe is a feisty player who is almost always in the middle of the action. He’s spent his entire career getting knocked around by bigger opponents, and his perseverance shows no signs of letting up. Gerbe is well aware of the odds facing him, but is hopeful that the new rules introduced to the NHL this season will help him down the road.

“Yeah, I think the new rules help. I mean, a lot of small guys in the NHL are doing really well which helps me a lot.”

Copyright 2005 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.

Effinger Earns a Call-Up to Wichita Falls

St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Ed Effinger earned a call-up from the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL South.  Effinger was in Wichita Falls this week skating with the team and joined by 2005-06 Wildcats tender Bret Morrell also of St. Louis.  Head Coach Jack Behan said, "Eddie Effinger has been looking at different Junior A possibilities."  Effinger will be in the line-up on Friday night against the Texarkana Bandits.  Behan continued, "Eddie has been one of our most sought after players, we are excited he will be getting his Junior A opportunity in Wichita Falls."

CSHL To Broadcast All Showcase Games

The CSHL has announced that all four games played by the CSHL will be broadcast live via the internet by Chicago GM and Play-by-Play announcer Mitch Surrell.  Schedule broadcasts are listed below.

Sun 1/15/06 CSHL VS. Empire White 8:30 am CST
Sun 1/15/06 CSHL VS. MET 2:00 pm CST
Mon 1/16/06 CSHL VS. MJHL 10:45 am CST
Mon 1/16/06 CSHL VS, WSHL 5:30 pm CST

Click HERE for broadcast.

It is recommended that if you plan to listen, you check your computers compatibility today.  Simply click on the link now to avoid any disruptions the day of the broadcast.

CSHL Announces USA Hockey
Junior B Showcase Roster

The Central States Hockey League has released their roster for the upcoming USA Hockey Junior B Showcase tournament.  The tournament will be hosted by the CSHL in Chicago, IL.  Click HERE for tournament information.  Teams submitted names for consideration and picked by the coaching staff prior to the Christmas break.

Ryan Kretzer Tendered By The
Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL

Ryan Kretzer became the second member of the 2005-06 member of the St. Louis Jr. Blues to sign a tender as he takes his game north to Springfield, IL in 2006.  Springfield Head Coach Nick Pollos has made clear his intentions for the CSHL.  

Said Pollos, "We are very excited to have Ryan committed for next season, he is a solid player and contributes in all three zones of the rink. He competes hard and has a great scoring touch around the net."

"We have had great success recruiting from the CSHL and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. The CSHL continues to put player development and advancement first, we look forward to signing other players from the CSHL in the near future."

Kretzer will join several of his team mates from  2004-05 Jr. Blues in Springfield.  Said Head Coach Jack Behan, "Ryan Kretzer has been our go to guy this entire season.  His great skill is only a small part of his package.  Ryan has one of the best work ethics I have had the pleasure to coach.  His determination to improve has been rewarded.   Ryan is the type of player that Coach Pollos and Coach Wyler will appreciate in Springfield.  It goes without saying our relationship with the Springfield team has proven to be beneficial to both programs.  I am confident that Ryan will be a player, the Springfield Jr. Blues will feel fortunate to have.  Ryan brings his best, every time he hits the ice.  I am very proud to see his hard work and determination pay off."

Bret Morrell Tendered By The Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL

Bret Morrell of the St. Louis Jr. Blues became the first CSHL player to sign a tender for the 2006-07 season this week as he signed with the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL, South.  Several teams had been in pursuit of the 6'0" 185 lb. defenseman from Swansea, IL, a St. Louis suburb, but he decided Wichita Falls was the best fit.  St. Louis Head Coach Jack Behan said, "I am very proud of Bret and how he has developed as a player.  Bret has become one of the premiere players in our league and certainly is worthy of being the first CSHL player tendered in the NAHL this year."  He goes on to say, "Bret has chosen Wichita for numerous reasons.  I am confident Coach Meisner and Coach Perkins will continue his development as a player and person.  Former Jr. Blue Kyle Kraemer has excelled under the leadership in Wichita and I am thrilled to see Bret get the same opportunity.  Bret's leadership this season has been a large part of our success.  I feel his tendering with the Wildcats will be a mutual gain for both parties.   Congratulations to Bret, he truly has earned this opportunity."

Schweiger and Englebright Called Up To Traverse City

Joe Schweiger of Motor City and Brett Englebright of the Peoria Mustangs both earned call-ups to the Traverse City North Stars of the NAHL North.  Schweiger is expected to join the team on Monday the 12th and Englebright will be in uniform for their games this weekend.  No word on whether the players will be back with their CSHL teams.  Congratulations to both players.

Ryan Bond Gets Called to
Traverse City, NAHL

The Motor City Chiefs have announced that forward Ryan Bond has gotten a call up to the Traverse City North Stars of the NAHL.  Bond spent the 2004-05 season in Toledo playing for the Cherokee where he scored 6 goals and had 22 assists for 28 points in 48 games.  This year he has exploded for 42 points in 23 games to date on 14 goals and 28 assists which ties him for the league lead through 12/6/05. Congratulations to Ryan.

Baxter-Lopez and Curtiss Win
Player of the Month Honors

Peoria forward Brian Baxter-Lopez and Flint defenseman Greg Curtiss have been awarded the CSHL Offensive and Defensive Player of the Month Awards, respectively.  Baxter-Lopez averaged two points per game for the Mustangs in the month of November scoring 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points in 7 games.  Curtiss was equally impressive, if not more so, notching 14 points as well.  However, his 3 goals and 11 assists came in only 5 games and from the blue line.  Congratulations to both players.

Motor City Trio Earns Jr. A Call Up

A trio of Motor City Chief forwards earned a weekend call-up to Jr. A by the Traverse City North Stars over the Thanksgiving weekend.  According to a release from the Chiefs:

Today, Ryan Bond, Joe Schweiger and Bob Collar were called up to play with the Traverse City Jr. A team against the USA U-18 & 17 teams this holiday week and they are excited to have the opportunity to play in front of the scouts from DI & DIII and Pro teams. "This is a very talented line and we are sure they will do well this weekend, that is our job, our goal to move players up to the next level" said the MC Chiefs Management. 

There is no indication, when or if the players will be back in a Chiefs uniform this season.

CSHL Midgets Fall in OT

The CSHL Midgets run at the EHK Classic came to an end in overtime today in the Championship game.  The CSHL spotted Belle Tire a two goal lead in the second period, but fought back to tie the game and take the lead.  Bret Morrell scored to close the gap after two periods.  Shawn Skelly and Marcel Alvarez scored early in the third to give the CSHL a one goal lead that they would hold until late in the game.  Belle Tire would score on the power play to force OT and then score in the first minute of OT to win the game.