The NHL Vegas Golden Knights announced they will now manage the Fiesta Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive….

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Jason Zucker – one of the greatest goal scorers ever from Las Vegas this season has 2 goals, 1 assist, 14 shots and 7 hits this season for the NHL Arizona Coyotes.

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Erik Atchison of Las Vegas has officially signed his 1st pro contract. He signed a standard entry level contract with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers.…

Big news!! Austin Moline-Prep Team Shattuck St Mary’s  (2005 Defenseman) is listed on the NHL Central Scouting Watch List for the 2024 NHL Draft posted today!!  Exciting news for a local of Las Vegas that started with the NV Storm and the Junior Golden Knights.

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Thank you for the memories  – so many years – best to all, Lee

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Vegas Hockey has had a great run – however we are about to shut down this site – thank you sincerely to all of the coaches, players and those who wrote stories here – Best to all, Lee

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Las Vegas defenseman Austin Moline (2005) member of the Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep Team has started out with a 4-0 record.  Austin has scored 1 goal and has 2 assists to start the season!

The Countdown Clock is ticking – the UNLV Rebels open their season in a road series vs Grand Canyon University on Sept 29.

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The USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds got a nice jump winning three pre season games and out scoring San Diego by 19-6.

Austin Moline of Las Vegas this coming season will play for the Shattuck Prep National team

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Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the Windy City Storm 18U team invaded the LA JR Kings home rink in El Segundo last weekend in a 3 game set.

In game 1 the Storm held nothing back and beat the Kings 8-0 led by Fuzzy scoring 2g and 2a. 

Game 2 started out well for the Kings by going up 1-0 to start the game. Fuzzy scored 3 straight goals to notch the natural hat trick leading the Storm to another victory 5-1. 

Game 3 was more of the same for the Storm beating the Kings 7-1 to complete the sweep. Fuzzy notched another assist but brought out his physical game with a game high 5 hits. Fuzzy ended the weekend with 5 g 3 a for 8 points in the 3 game set.

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The UNLV Rebels have signed goal scorer Tristan Rand from the NCDC Twin City Thunder who are based in Auburn, Maine.

The Vancouver Giants are expected to introduce Manny Viveiros as their new head coach during their annual golf tournament today (Thursday). . . . Viveiros, a former WHL player and coach, has spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. . . . In Vancouver, Viveiros, 57, will take over from Michael Dyck, who left the Giants after five seasons for a position as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. . . . Viveiros also worked in the WHL as the director of player personnel and head coach of the Swift Current Broncos for two seasons, winning the WHL title in 2018. He was the head coach of the Spokane Chiefs for one season (2019-20). . . .

Weekend Game Reports – Games were at City National Arena – Lee

Las Vegas – Carter Adams had three goals and Kameron Laskaska was goalie for Faith Lutheran in a 6-3 win over Notre Dame Prep from Phoenix.

Rob Pallin’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u also played Notre Dame Prep and in a close one lost 3-1. “We played well against bigger and older players,” coach Rob said.“After the game the Notre Dame coach told me “we have three 18 year old kids.” We told him “well we have three 14 years old players on our team“

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==Las Vegas goalie Kameron Laskaska will be in the net for Faith Lutheran’s varsity ice hockey team who are in action this weekend at City National Arena – Lee

Coach Wally Lacroix of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights has put together an amazing season-opening Labor Day weekend schedule with games vs the AAA LA Jr Kings 16u – who were national champions last season in AAA 15u; plus games vs AAA Windy City Storm in Los Angeles. The VGK 16u will play home games Sept 8, 9, 10 at the America’s First Center in Henderson.

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Maddison Mang, the 2022 Vegas Hockey Player of the Year, will play for the AAA/AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights girls 16u team this coming season. Ryan Mattison is head coach. Home games will be at City National Arena.

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Forward Adam Cracknell joins the Silver Knights for his 18th professional season with the same aim as he has had for the prior 17: to help the team succeed in any way that he can. His individual contributions to success over the past two decades consistently reflect that.

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Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas is at the Bismarck Bobcats main camp. Erik Atchison of Las Vegas will be trying out for the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones. – Lee

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Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas will be playing hockey in Scotland this coming season. He will skate for the Glascow Clan. “I know the team and the city and we are excited for play for Glascow.”

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BY KAYLA FAASSE

UNLV Reporter

UNLV goaltender Landon Pavlisin retires after spending the 2022-23 season with the Skatin’ Rebels.

“It took a lot of deep thinking to [retire]. It wasn’t a decision that I took lightly, but I think I’m at that point in my life where it’s time to move on to the next thing,” Pavlisin said. “My body can’t take it anymore and it’s tough, but I’m excited for the next time step in my life.”

Pavlisin underwent hip surgery in June 2020 and has pushed through three years of college hockey. With more issues appearing regarding his hip, he has decided to end his career on his own terms.

In the Scarlet and Gray, Pavlisin earned a 15-1-0 record, racking up a total of 553 saves (1.78 GAA) in 965 minutes. He tallied three shutout wins along with a shootout victory for an overall .942 sv%.

“I was surprised to hear the news. We had no warning whatsoever,” Pavlisin’s mother, Vicki Chamber-Pavlisin, said. “It was that initial shock and then I totally understand why. It totally makes sense.”

In regard to the next steps in his life, Pavlisin will be moving to Ann Arbor, MI with his fiancee Jessica Kardish while she finishes her Master’s at the University of Michigan.

“I will be finishing my degree online and getting into the workforce. I’m going to get a job and hopefully do some goalie coaching- whatever I can do to stick around the game,” Pavlisin said.

He looks to stay in touch and help the UNLV coaches with scouting and recruiting where he can.

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Gregg Drinnan in his daily hockey notebook reports – “The ECHL added its 29th franchise on Monday with the announcement that there will be a team playing out of Lake Tahoe when the 2024-25 season arrives. Tim Tebow, the former college and NFL quarterback, is part of the ownership. The as-yet unnamed franchise will play out of the soon-to-be completed Tahoe Blue Event Center, which is located in Stateline, Nev., and will seat more than 4,200 for hockey.”

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Las Vegas Hockey Players Away from Home – 2023-24 Season

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Jason Zucker, NHL Arizona Coyotes

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Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 18u

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Anthony Bonaldi, goalie, NCAA D3 Nichols College

Skyler Cameron, Trinity Western University

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, ACHA Stony Brook University

Chayse Laurie, Lovell Academy, Boston

Ben Mercurio, Lehel HC 21u Hungary

Austin Moline, Shattuck Prep National Team

Zach Pochiro, ECHL Kansas City Mavericks

Asher Printzen, Michigan State

Bryce Reddick, Glascov Clan, Scotland

Noah Smejkal, NCAA lll Anna Maria College

Dylan St. Cyr, goalie, Anglet/Ligue Magnus, France

Hunter Toms, Tilton Prep School

Tristan Toth, ACHA D3 University of New England

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To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Breaker – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas is trying out for the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones and the Rapid City Rush. Erik’s younger brother Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas will be at Bismarck’s main camp – Lee………

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BY KAYLA FAASSE

UNLV Rebels Reporter

Minot State’s 6 foot 1 inch defenseman Nick Doyle transfers to UNLV to rep the scarlet and gray during the 2023-24 season.

The Winnipeg native spent two seasons with the Beavers, sitting out this past season to add a gap year to his resume.

“There was a lot going on in my life- off the ice and on the ice. I was dealing with a lot of injuries on the ice, so I just needed to take a step back and refresh physically and mentally,” Doyle said. “There were things I needed to work on and I was able to do so with my time off.”

Doyle played with the Beavers during the Covid season, appearing in 24 games with 15 goals and 17 assists (32 points). In the 2021-22 season, he tallied five goals and eight assists in 20 games of action.

During that season, the Beavers faced off against the Skatin’ Rebels in the Chicago Classic. Minot entered the tournament with an undefeated record, but were met with the raging force of UNLV.

The two teams battled in Game Two, as the Rebels crushed the Beavers record handing them a 2-1 loss.

“It was one of the only games we lost that season and it was challenging,” Doyle recalled. “[The Rebels] are fast, aggressive, and they’re made up of a lot of skill. [Zach Wickson’s] goaltending was great- I can’t wait to work with him.”

“It was a very tough game. The Rebels are a force to be reckoned with and I’m excited to be on the other side of those games.”

Doyle began his search for a new team in the ACHA after his year vacation from competition. He immediately knew UNLV was at the top of his list for dream teams as he reached out to the coaches in hopes of making an impression.

“I just knew this is where I want to be. I knew I wanted to go somewhere I’d be able to win,” Doyle said. “I think UNLV is the closest team to being able to win a championship right now.”

Doyle’s Junior Career 

Prior to his college career, Doyle spent four years in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) split between two teams.

His first two seasons were with the Portage Terriers, where he notched six goals and 25 assists (31 points) throughout 90 appearances.

Doyle went on to join the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, seeing 106 games over the course of his two seasons. He had the honor of being named team captain for his final season with the Wolverines.

“I wasn’t expecting it. I wanted it, but I wasn’t too concerned about getting it or not,” Doyle said. “I knew the rest of the guys in that locker room would’ve been a good fit. It was a good tight group.”

Overall, Doyle scored 16 goals and 59 assists for 75 points as a Wolverine. He skated with Rebel defenseman Jack Kennedy in Waywayseecappo. After aging out of juniors, the duo went their separate ways in the ACHA.

“We kicked it off from the start. [Kennedy’s] one of my favorite teammates from the Wolverines,” Doyle said. “It’s exciting to be able to reconnect with him in Las Vegas.”

Fun Facts about Nick Doyle 

Being born in Winnipeg, naturally his go-to NHL team is the Jets. When it comes to favorite players to watch in the league, Doyle’s top three include: Minnesota Wild alternate captain Marcus Foligno, Wild Ryan Reeves, and Washington Capitals’ Thomas Wilson.

Growing up, Doyle played basketball and pitched in baseball. His favorite sports movie is the classic 2004 Miracle starring Kurt Russell.

His favorite city to play in to date, has been Bolzano, Italy when he was younger.

In the locker room on game days, Doyle prefers to listen to country music. Some of his top artists include Luke Brian, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, and Florida Georgia Line.

For his degree, Doyle made the switch from a marketing major to business management.

“A fun fact for the fans- I’d like to think I’m a really nice guy off the ice but not on the ice,” Doyle said. “I tend to flip a switch. So when fans see me off the ice, I’m a lot different. I’m approachable.”

Hockey Nicknames 

“Disco is one… just that or Doyler- sometimes just Doyle.”

Maddison Mang, the 2022-23 Vegas Hockey Player of the Year, will play for the AAA/AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights girls 16u team this coming season. Home games will be at the City National Arena, next to the Red Rock Hotel-Casino on Charleston Avenue. She is highly skilled, hockey-smart, and attacks the net in a variety of different ways.

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Las Vegas – Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced today the appointment of Ryan Craig as the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, the team’s American Hockey League affiliate.

Craig, 41, has spent his entire coaching career with the Golden Knights, joining the team as an assistant coach in the inaugural 2017-18 season and serving in that capacity through this year’s Stanley Cup Championship team.

“I have tremendous respect for Ryan Craig as both a person and a professional and believe we have an ideal coach to lead our team in Henderson,” McCrimmon said. “He is a proven leader who has learned from some of the game’s best coaches. He understands the importance of the AHL level both in terms of developing our NHL prospects and creating a winning environment.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Silver Knights and know we have the ingredients for success in place in Henderson,” Craig said. “I believe my playing and coaching experiences, highlighted by this year’s Stanley Cup run, have prepared me well for this next step in my career. My family and I thank the Las Vegas community for being so welcoming during the last six years and appreciate the chance to remain here moving forward.”

Craig’s 14-year professional playing career included 198 National Hockey League games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. He played 711 American Hockey League games and served as captain on nine teams, including the 2015-16 Calder Cup Champion Lake Erie Monsters.

Craig played five full seasons (1998-2003) for the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings, where McCrimmon was the team’s owner and general manager. Craig led the team in scoring twice and served as captain for two years. In 2002-03 Craig was named to the WHL East First All-Star Team and was the Humanitarian of the Year in both the Canadian Hockey League and Western Hockey League.

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“Hockey on the Rocks” – painting by Terence Fogarty of Minnesota

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By Gregg Drinnan

The Wenatchee Wild, the WHL’s newest franchise, is looking for a head coach. Dick and Lisa White operated the Wild as a BCHL franchise for the past eight 

seasons, but they now have purchased the Winnipeg Ice and have moved the franchise to the Washington city. . . . The Wild announced on Thursday that Chris Clark, who was the head coach of the BCHL team, will remain with the organization as assistant general manager and associate head coach. He has been with the Wild for all 15 years of its existence. . . . The Wild also is keeping Leigh Mendelson as director of scouting and Jarrod Boman is staying in a hockey operations role. . . . The Wild is looking for an athletic therapist and an equipment manager, with Pepe Sandoval staying on as an assistant to both positions. . . . Mendelson has been with the Wild for six years. His extensive background includes one season (2008-09) as an assistant coach with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. . . . On Thursday, the Wild posted this on Twitter: “With the news of our staff updates this morning, we are continuing to hunt for the right head coach and an additional assistant coach to lead us into the WHL era. All resumes can be mailed to our general manager at blittler@wenatcheewildhockey.com.

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NEW OWNERS FOR LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

“We have recently purchased the Las Vegas Thunderbirds, and we have since changed the logo and unveiled a new website (tbirds.vegas),” said new co-owner Marco Benvenuti, a local Las Vegas entrepreneur businessman. He has purchased the team alongside Allan Creel and Joe Micatrotto II.

“It’s actually an interesting story, because I’m originally from Italy and never knew about hockey or watched it until the Golden Knights came to Las Vegas [for their inaugural 2017-18 season]. Three years ago, I started skating and now I play,” said Benvenuti, selected to be the spokesperson for the new ownership group. “I approached my partners – we’re all entrepreneurs in Las Vegas who know each other through business and hockey – and said ‘it would be cool to buy a new team and put it somewhere in this area.’”

Rather than add a second team in the Las Vegas area, they instead approached the former ownership group of Adam Bonaldi and Corey St. Germain. After a series of discussions, the sale of the franchise was underway. One of the first acts of the new ownership was to combine their new vision for the Thunderbirds with a very well-respected brand in the community. The rebrand undertaken by the new ownership was never going to tinker with the name or the colors. Instead, a new logo was created with the assistance of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program, possibly the first in the history of competitive sports, that reflect the changes brought about by a new ownership.

“We didn’t want to do a full 180-degree change. We love the name, the colors, and the whole story of the T-Birds,” said Benvenuti. “We wanted to create a more edgy and modern look.”

Benvenuti also said that being an openly gay hockey team owner is also a rarity, and makes it especially poignant to announce his participation in the Thunderbirds’ ownership during Pride Month 2023.

Adam Bonaldi is remaining with the Thunderbirds as Special Consultant To Ownership. Among Bonaldi’s duties will be the organization and management of the second annual USPHL Las Vegas Showcase, which enjoyed a successful launch in 2022, featuring teams from the USPHL Premier’s Pacific and Northwest Divisions, as well as the Mountain Division’s Provo Predators (who are moving to the NCDC in 2023-24).

“Adam Bonaldi will again be the host and event manager of the USPHL Las Vegas Showcase, and he will try to blow it up and make it as big as we can imagine,” said Benvenuti. “Adam is very excited, as he had to do everything himself in the past [with the showcase] and now he’ll have a whole support team to assist him.”

The USPHL Las Vegas Showcase – and the Thunderbirds themselves – are returning to City National Arena, in the bustling Summerlin community at the western edge of the Las Vegas urban complex, nestled against the natural beauty of the Red Rock National Conservation Area.

“We definitely wanted to continue to play at City National Arena. It is such fantastic place to bring people together, where they can not only see the Thunderbirds, but also it serves as the practice home of the Vegas Golden Knights. People there can see, smell and experience the NHL,” said Benvenuti.

“Las Vegas has rapidly transformed into a prominent sports hub,” added Co-Owner Allan Creel. “In a span of just five years, Las Vegas has welcomed teams from the NHL, NFL, WNBA, and Triple-A Baseball. Furthermore, it has had the privilege of hosting events such as the Super Bowl and the F1 race. No other metropolitan market in history has expanded its sports sector as quickly as Las Vegas. This underscores the importance of Junior Hockey in Las Vegas. The prior success of the Las Vegas Thunderbirds is merely a precursor to the impressive accomplishments we foresee in the future.”

In addition to the new ownership, logo and website, the Thunderbirds also recently announced their coaching staff for 2023-24, which features a mix of returning and new personnel.

Cory Ward will return as Head Coach after helping lead the T-Birds to their first-ever USPHL National Championship tournament in Utica, N.Y. There, the T-Birds qualified for the Round of 16 out of a two-game play-in round in the newly revamped tournament format. Born in Las Vegas, Ward brought to the T-Birds the experience of a productive pro hockey career that saw stints in the AHL and ECHL following an NCAA Division I career with Bemidji State University.

Joining Ward will be new Assistant Coach Hamilton Whyte. Another Las Vegas native, Whyte was in on the early history of the USPHL, joining the Boston Junior Bruins for the inaugural season and helping them win the Dineen Cup, awarded to the playoff champion of the USPHL’s highest level, currently the NCDC. Whyte went on to play ACHA hockey with New York University, where he helped NYU win an ACHA National Championship.

The Thunderbirds are enjoying an off-season that has seen 10 players from the 2022-23 season earn NCDC tenders to different teams, including with their official NCDC Affiliates, the Ogden Mustangs. The Mustangs will be playing their inaugural season in the USPHL’s Tuition-Free Tier II Conference in 2023-24.

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BY KAYLA FAASSE

The UNLV Skatin’ Rebels will be adding Sam LiVecchi to their 23-24 roster as a third goaltender.

When LiVecchi first stepped out onto the ice as a hockey player, he started as a forward trying his best to score goals for his team. Around 8-years-old, he decided to switch to goaltending.

“I cannot tell you why. I guess I liked the gear at the time and I thought it was so cool,” LiVecchi said. “I asked my parents if I could make the switch and initially said no but my dad convinced her to let me try it.”

From there, his career grew between the pipes as he fell more in love with the sport.

“I never thought it was something I would pursue long-term, but it got so competitive so quick,” LiVecchi said. “It was so competitive when I was 14 and I was still pushing to be out on the ice. I realized it was something I was gonna go somewhere with.”

The New York native spent one-year playing juniors before taking a gap year this previous season.

LiVecchi spent 12 games with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League, maintaining a .886 sv% with a 3.62 GAA. He had a singular shutout against Chippewa Steel on Nov. 20, 2021. He made 26 saves that night to help his team to a 6-0 victory.

“Overall, I loved Minnesota. It was so much fun,” LiVecchi said. “I got to experience how cold it got. The atmosphere for the games was crazy. I went from 18 fans to that type of stage and it was more aggressive and fast-paced.”

From there, LiVecchi went on to appear in ten games for the New Jersey Rockets of the National Collegiate Development Conference the same year.

While a Rocket, he had a 4-3-2 record as he held onto a .913 sv% with a 2.96 GAA and a shutout. On Dec. 18, 2021, LiVecchi helped New Jersey to a 3-0 victory against the Connecticut Junior Rangers with 29 total saves in his second game.

“Maintaining that high of a save percentage had a lot to do with my defense,” LiVecchi said. “They made it easier. I got that shutout for my second game with them and they helped me out big time for that.”

Looking to start playing at the next level, LiVecchi began exploring different colleges. No schools were consistent in his process, besides UNLV. He heard about the Rebels through a friend and reached out to the coaching staff.

He came out to the prospect camp in April for the Skatin’ Rebels where he showed his disciplined playing style. His determination and dedication to joining UNLV helped him to stand out to the coaches.

“I love the area. The weather is super nice and overall it just seems like a good time out there,” LiVecchi said. “A place I’d like to live and the atmosphere surrounding professional hockey out there.”

Standing at 6-foot, LiVecchi looks to develop his style of play further while in the Scarlet and Gray. As the third goaltender added to the roster, he’ll be bringing in energy on the backend with what leadership he can offer as a rookie.

“I haven’t played the game in a while, so my main goal is to get in the best shape and play at the top of my game,” LiVecchi said. “Obviously, my goal is to excel with hockey. It starts now, but by the time I’m in Vegas I’ll be the best version of myself.”

Looking to officially join the Rebels in Vegas in August, LiVecchi looks forward to becoming a family with the 30-man roster.

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Rob Proffitt, GM of the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs, is taking a timeout – he is fishing for walleye at Lake Superior. “Back at my Mom’s place in the upper peninsula in Saute St. Marie. This is my hometown.”

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Maddison Mang, the 2022 Vegas Hockey Player of the Year, will play for the AAA/AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights girls 16u team this coming season. Ryan Mattison is head coach. Home games will be at City National Arena.

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Fuzzy Atchison, Jack Lackas, and Chayse Laurie are all attending USHL camps this week. The dynamic trio who led their Vegas teams to so many Championships while playing in Vegas and Arizona are in the midst of trying to take the next big step to Tier 1 juniors. Fuzzy is at the Sioux City Musketeers camp, Jack is at the Madison Capitols camp, and Chayse is at the Dubuque Fighting Saints camp.

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The 2023 NARCh Summer Roller Nationals will be on July 6-16 at The Rinks in Irvine, Ca.

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The UNLV Rebels are signing Las Vegas star goal scorer Heath Mensch who will be rostered for the upcoming season. Heath had 27 goals for the EHL New England Wolves last season and previously 45 goals in a season with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds. Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “Heath’s hockey IQ is towards the top of any player we’ve seen. He’s going to bring a goal scorer’s touch to our lineup.”

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Bet You Didn’t Know….

By Lee Samuels

Years ago the Las Vegas Ice Center was a roller rink. Big powerful roller teams including the Armadillos from SoCal came into town to take on top Las Vegas teams. In those days the top roller coaches included Oren Galor and for older players the coach was Dennis Parker. And the roller legend coach Larry Sanford was also around with a top team. There were big crowds in the stands when the Las Vegas team took on teams like the powerful hard-skating Orange County Blades roller team coached by Ken Gibo. The hometown team at that rink was called the Las Vegas Titans.

Adam Naglich of Las Vegas was a top roller player then. Teammates called him Stick.

The greatest Las Vegas goal scorers ever in roller hockey include Jason Zucker, Chris Francis, Billy Tufano and Evan Zucker. Jason and Chris had awesome speed, Evan had that too with a close-range scoring touch scoring from all sorts of angles. Tufano was a pure roller player.

A few years ago the great Las Vegas roller hockey coach Curt Weiman named his “five best roller players I ever coached” and the list included in order Nick Robone, Adam Tamura, Eddie Samuels, Billy Tufano and Micah Sanford.

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Bet you didn’t know Micah Sanford of Las Vegas once played for the Las Vegas Blackjacks Jr B at the Sahara Ice Rink. There were a lot of line brawls that season. One of Micah’s linemates was the gifted roller hockey star Leroy Garcia.

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Back in 2003-04 the top line in town was Anthony Greener, Kurt Long and Conrad Trimbath on the AA Las Vegas Rebels. The team got off to a 13-0-2 start – a record at that time – and didn’t lose a game until late October. Conrad scored 29 goals that season.

Bet you didn’t know hockey coach Rob Pallin played pro beach roller hockey and was seen on ESPN.

When Alex Redmond of Las Vegas years ago was signed by the Peninsula Panthers Jr B he wore the name ‘Blackjack’ on the back of his jersey. He was a smash hit as a player skating that season on Vancouver Island.

Back in 2001 Travis Roseberry was named Skater of the Year for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs. He was the centerpiece of the Triple Threat Line with Spike Neely and JC Caron.

Before the 2001-02 Las Vegas Mustangs played in the U.S. Nationals coach Rob Pallin took them to Mount Charleston for long mountain runs.

The first to play rock music at hometown games was The Hockey Sister – Jessica Jasek, sister of 61-goal scorer Josh Jasek. Back then the games were played at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena.

The scoreboard at Santa Fe is now at the Sobe Ice Arena. So is one of the Zambonis.

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The new owners of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds announced that head coaches Cory Ward and Hamilton Whyte will be with the team this coming season. New owners include Marco Benuenuti, Joe Micatrotto and Allan Creel – Lee

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To write a story here on Vegas Hockey send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Last season Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator with the NAHL Northeast Generals had these awesome stats: 13-1-1, 1.70 gaa. 93/% save percentage

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The NHL Vegas Golden Knights crushed the Dallas Stars 6-0 and will next play the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Golden Knights will play their home playoff games at the T-Mobile Arena.

Monday, June 5: Florida at Vegas- Golden Knights in a magnificant performance win 7-2

Thursday, June 8: Vegas at Florida, 5 pm, TNT

Saturday, June 10: Vegas at Florida, 5 pm TNT

x-Tuesday, June 13: Florida at Vegas, 5 pm TNT

x-Friday, June 16: Vegas at Florida, 5 pm TNT

x-Monday, June 19: Florida at Vegas, 5 pm TNT

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Premier goalie Heath Goldsmith of Las Vegas will play next season at ACHA Stony Brook University

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UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said the Rebels will play at Grand Canyon on October 13 in Game One, then play them again October 14 on home ice at City National Arena to begin the 2023-24 season.

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Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen and his hockey son Jason Allen will be off on a journey to see Jason’s son Roman play in a big high school football game in September in Texas. Roman plays on the Jarrell High School football team. Roman got the NSCA High School Athlete of the Year in his Texas region. He plays football and runs in track and field.

Jason Zucker of Las Vegas coming off an awesome 27-goal-scoring season with the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins

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Skatin’ Rebel Hunter Muzzillo set to return

By Kayla Faasse

The UNLV Hockey team captain Hunter Muzzillo returns to City National Arena for the 2023-24 season with the Skatin’ Rebels.

The 6-foot defenseman appeared in 24 games this past season, tallying two goals and five assists. Throughout his four years, he has racked up a total of 95 games with 50 points.

Muzzillo led the team to Nationals as the No. 4 ranked team for the second consecutive season. Unfortunately, the Rebels fell in the second game to Liberty University ending the year just shy of a national title.

He has only seen the post-season twice, due to the pandemic cutting his first two years at UNLV short. Pushing through adversity, Muzzillo looks at his third attempt with pride and poise.

“There’s unfinished business,” Muzzillo said. “I want nothing more than to win a national championship for this school and this program- for everyone involved. It’s really what gets me up every day. I just want to win, and we haven’t won the big one yet… I’ve got one more year of eligibility to try and get that done.”

The fire within Muzzillo for the national championship, not only for himself but for the city of Las Vegas burns brighter than ever entering his final season with the Rebels.

The UNLV hockey program grows every season, bringing in more top recruits with Muzzillo at the helm to lead the group on and off the ice.

“My only individual goal is to be a good leader, teammate, and a good friend to those who need me,” Muzzillo said. “Individually on the stat sheet, I don’t need that… I just want to win the big dance.”

Stay tuned to watch Hunter Muzzillo lead the Rebels into the new season as UNLV’s hunt for a national title continues.

Follow UNLV Hockey on all social media platforms to stay up to date with the team.

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LET’S NEVER FORGET

Frank Perone

Team Manager (2006-2012)

Frank ‘Gramps’ Perone Sr., for years was the unofficial GM at all UNLV Rebels ice hockey games. Gramps’ grandson, Anthony Vignieri-Greener, is one of the all-time goal scorers and current Head Coach of the UNLV Rebels. Unfortunately, Gramps passed away in May of 2019 but we want to continue to honor him as a member of our staff.

On game nights Gramps would be on the bench near the hockey sticks area where he kept players game-night hockey sticks in order. He was very popular with media and with opposing players as well – a very special, genuine person who loved the sport of hockey, loved talking about the game and loved being on the Rebels bench on game nights.

Frank was involved with the UNLV hockey program from its beginning. He was one of the organizers that started the UNLV hockey club for the 2005-2006 ACHA season.

Gramps had been involved with numerous Las Vegas hockey teams over the years:

1998 Las Vegas Black Jacks
1999-2001 Las Vegas Gold Miners
April 2000 Travel in Italy and Germany with coach Mike Nemic and 16 junior players
2001-2002 Las Vegas Outlaws
2002-2003 Las Vegas Rattlers
2003-2005 Las Vegas Outlaws

Coach Anthony Vignieri- Greener had this to say about “Gramps”,  “He was my hero. Growing up with him always being my second Dad and helping and leading my brothers and myself as kids.”

R.I.P. Frank.

Breaker – Michael ‘Mikey’ Yochum, captain of the ACHA D1 Canisus College ice hockey team last season, will graduate there with a Masters in Economics on Saturday, May 20 – Lee

‘Hockey on the Rocks’ – painting by Terrence Fogarty of Minnesota

===

At a Sunday brunch with Las Vegas hockey friends and reporters hockey Dad Greg Yochum whose son Mikey was captain of ACHA D1 Canisus College’s hockey team – said the city of Canisus which had a brutal winter with snowstorms and freezing weather still has very large piles of ice and snow in parking lots in town – Lee

===

Gregg Drinnan reported this today in his daily hockey notebook:

The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has announced a new path, continuing its mission to build a world class college-track junior league for players seeking NCAA and U Sports Scholarships and to establish a tier of hockey that to date has not been seen in Canada.

To grow and create more opportunities for players and more excitement for fans, the BCHL’s Board of Governors has voted to not renew the league’s agreement with Hockey Canada, meaning its 18 franchises will operate outside Hockey Canada’s system as of June 1, 2023.

“The BCHL sends more players to NCAA Division I teams than all other junior hockey leagues in Canada combined,” said BCHL Chairman Graham Fraser. “During the past season there were 411 BCHL alumni on NCAA rosters, making up nearly a quarter of all Division I college hockey. That is exciting, but we aspire to do more for players and to provide a higher level of hockey for our fans. Under the current system, that’s just not possible.”  

“Our owners and governors are proud of how far we have come in recent years and have a strong desire to continue to grow and make decisions that are in the best interests of young players and families,” added Fraser. “Today, we are entering a new era that will eliminate barriers and change the landscape of junior hockey in Canada.”

//Jason Zucker of Las Vegas had 27 goals, 21 assists this past season with the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins.

//Goalie Anthony Bonaldi of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds next season will play for NCAA D3 Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.…

//Noah Smekal of Las Vegas will play this coming season for NCAA D3 Anna Maria College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

=====

The hockey plan for Austin Moline of Las Vegas is to play again with defending national champions Shattuck Prep 18u this coming season, then play with NCAA Northern Michigan in 2025-26. Austin is planning on training and doing conditioning work this summer in Las Vegas.

=====

Gregg Drinnan reports this:

The NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights announced on Wednesday that they and Manny Viveiros, the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, “have mutually agreed to part ways.” . . . Viveiros’s contract expires on June 30. He was the Silver Knights’ head coach through their first three seasons of existence. They went 89-79-11 over that stretch, and 3-4 in two playoff appearances. . . . This season, the Silver Knights finished 29-38-5, good for ninth in the 10-team Pacific Division. They didn’t qualify for the playoffs. . . . Viveiros is a former WHL player and coach. He played four seasons (1982-86) with the Prince Albert Raiders. He was the general manager and head coach of the Swift Current Broncos for two seasons (2016-18) and guided them to the 2018 WHL championship. He also was the head coach of the Spokane Chiefs for the 2019-20 season. . . . Kelly McCrimmon, the Golden Knights’ general manager, was quoted in the news release announcing Viveiros’s departure. Tim Speltz, once the longtime GM of the Spokane Chiefs, is the Silver Knights’ GM. There wasn’t any mention of Henderson assistant coach Jamie Heward or video coach Andrew Doty in the news release. Heward played and coached in the WHL, while Doty once worked with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. . . .

======

There is a treasure of Las Vegas hockey stories here – including one years ago when Wally Lacroix was coaching a bantam named Jason Zucker at the Las Vegas Ice Center. And, it was coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas who worked with Jason Z on skating techniques before Jason was going to the NHL player draft in Los Angeles……

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It wasn’t on the team schedule – so fans of the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds put together a ‘Family Pride Night’ themselves.

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NHL Players’ Player Award — for on/off ice leadership and dedication to team — goes to Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Jason Zucker of the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins.

=====

Coaches for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights this season will include Nate Putek, AAA 18u team; Wally Lacroix, AAA 16u, Rob Pallin, AA 16u; Dustin Caldren, AAA 14u team, Chris Migliore, 12u team, Jordan Haysworth, 12u team, Harrison Luce, 10u, Geoff Sneed, 10u, Danny Ferri, Zach Pochiro, 10u Gold Team.

=====

Best Stats of the Day: Gage Quinney, Las Vegas, AHL Henderson Silver Knights, 24 goals, 37 assists, 61 points.

=====

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greeener confirmed the Rebels will again be playing home games at the City National Arena on Charleston Avenue, right next to the Red Rock Casino Hotel – Lee

=====

UNLV star player Jayson Dimizio after playing his final game with the UNLV Rebels:

“Enjoy life and make a memory out of this place. Appreciate the hockey aspect of it all because it’ll be over and done with before you know it. So enjoy it and work hard and don’t let it blow by. You’ll graduate before you know it.”—

— By Kayla Faasse, UNLV Rebels star hockey reporter

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National Champions – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u!!!!

LITTLETON, Colo. — A slowly simmering start evolved into a rolling boil Monday morning at the 2023 Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships at Edge Ice Arena, as the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights (NV) ultimately came away with a 2-1 shootout victory over Valley Thunder (AK) in the 2A championship game.

The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights struck first, when a rebound off a long shot was put home by Rodrick Reynolds III with 6:25 to go in the second period. 

It took most of the remaining time in regulation for the Valley Thunder to equalize, but Tavian Mukaabya was able to convert on a top-shelf shot with 4:09 to go in regulation. 

By the time the overtime period came and went, and the shootout went five skaters deep, it was Vegas goalie Vincent Vitale who metaphorically blew the roof off the arena.

After turning away 27 shots in regulation and overtime, Vitale made three consecutive saves during the shootout to kick off celebrations for the Golden Knights following the 2-1 victory. 

“We played hard the whole tournament and teams kept getting better and better,” Vitale said. “Overtime, we were all pretty tired but, you know, we won and I couldn’t be happier.”

Although the first period was scoreless, each team had reason for optimism. Vegas possessed more in its attacking third, including a nearly three-minute stretch early in proceedings. Valley had more shots, including a wrister with 8:45 left in the frame that Vitale had to go full-stretch to push the puck wide. 

Less than a minute later, the Knights had a long-and-low shot from the blue line that slipped through a maze of skates and the goalie, clanking off the left post as it scuttled away from the frame.

It was another blue line chance that eventually broke the scoreless tie with 6:25 to go in the second. Liam Butsavich fired a shot from deep in the zone and the puck went tumbling over the Valley goalie. Reynolds III got his stick into the scramble and stuffed the puck home.

It was arguably the second-best chance of the period, with the largest opportunity coming a few minutes earlier when Vitale left the crease for a clear attempt. When the clear clipped a Valley player’s stick and landed at the skates of another opponent, the ensuing ricocheted of Vitale’s mask as he stood at least 15 feet from the crease and tumbled over the frame, leading to a scrum behind the cage.

The only mark on Vitale’s stat sheet was the late equalizer, which Mukaabya tucked into the top-left corner after the puck clipped the goalie’s shoulder. Immediately afterwards, several Golden Knights skaters picked up their netminder with words of encouragement and Vitale anchored the team through the remaining regulation, overtime period and shootout.

“His mental toughness is one of the reasons he has a letter on his chest,” Golden Knights coach Dustin Coldren said, referencing Vitale’s assistant captain patch. “He’s just an unbelievable player and great, great kid. He’s incredibly tough and he was probably our best player of the whole tournament.”

There was extra pressure on Vitale’s shoulders, too, as the backup goalie didn’t travel with the team. Per USA Hockey rules, the Golden Knights needed a backup goalie, which local club Littleton Hawks provided in Henry Snow. After the game, Vegas chanted the name of their emergency backup.

“This is exactly what we’ve worked all season for,” Coldren said. “It probably wasn’t our best game and Alaska gave us everything we could handle. A little bittersweet that it had to come down to a shootout but I’m just so proud of the boys.”

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Las Vegas Native, Defender Austin Moline, is playing in the USA National Championship game on Monday, April 3 at 12:30 pm PST.  Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u Prep Team takes on the 18U Buffalo Regals from New York.,Austin Moline, has three points so far in the tournament.

https://nationals.usahockey.com/2023youthtieri18u

//Austin Moline and AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s won 10-2 in the gold medal game .

====

Sunday – AA South Alabama Thunder wins 3-2 in OT – Ryan Williams and Alfred Bauchrowitz scored for coach Rob Pallin’s AA Las Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

After the game coach Rob Pallin said “we are very proud of the young men on our team. This group of players played the game way over their abilities – not many gave them much of a chance. For me personally I am a very proud coach.”

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On Sunday coach Rob Pallins’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will take on thA Alabama Thunder 16u.

Saturday – Carson Rowe 2 goals, Connor Bintz, Charles Edwards and Braeden Schroeder and Alfred Bauchrowitz scored in a decisive 6-3 win over AA Oregon 16u at the U.S. Nationals.

//

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Friday Final – AA Delaware Ducks 3, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2

Joshua Bilharz, Jordan Khoury scored for Las Vegas.

Coach Rob Pallin noted after the game “we didn’t manage pucks very well today. However, the line of Bintz, Edwards and Micali was good.’

Next game will be vs Bend Rapids, Oregon.

Coach Rob Pallin noted their AA Nationals 16u game today was played at…

Northtown Center
1615 Amherst Manor
Williamsville, NY 14221

Goal scorers today for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u:

Connor Bintz, Ryan Williams, Anze Gudino, Caden Herrera and Tate Morrison. Las Vegas Goalie – Varkis Baligian

Coach Rob said after the game “…..everything starts with your goalie. Varkis played a solid game. Our powerplay was great. Our team played with discipline.”

====

On Friday the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will take on the AA Delaware Ducks 16u at 9:30 am local time.

Austin Moline of Las Vegas and Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep Team in action….

Las Vegas born, 2005 Defenseman Austin Moline, who skates for Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep Team out of Minnesota, will be competing as the 1st place ranked team in the country in the National Tournament taking place San Jose, California March 29-April 3rd. Let’s go Austin Moline and Shattuck St. Mary’s Hockey!!!

Games will be live-streamed on USAhockeytv.com

====

One of our all-time favorite Las Vegas players is Mikey Yochum who was captain of the ACHA D1 Canisius hockey team. We saw Mikey play for Canisius this past season vs the UNLV Rebels before a sold out City National Arena on a cold winter night. Mikey played before his parents including Greg Yochum.. We briefly said hello to Mikey after the game – not knowing this was his senior season with Canisius. Like his teammates Mikey battled through brutal cold weather and an amazing amount of snow back at college. He made out ok and we were told he has graduated from the Canisius hockey program – Lee

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Here is the Chipolte USA Nationals game schedule for coach Rob Pallin and the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. Games will be at the Northtown Centre in Williamsville, N.Y.

March 30 – vs Team Wyoming, 1:15 pm

March 31 – vs Delaware Ducks, 10 am

April 1 – vs Bend Rapids, Oregon

April 2 – Final 4

April 3 – Gold medal Game

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UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener on the ACHA D1 Nationals:

“It was a tough season. Our players worked so hard and for this to end like this hurts – but now this will give them more incentive to work hard this summer.”

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Marlborough, Mass. – Robert McCollum scored the winning goal for UNLV; Caleb Strong 2 goals and Jaxsen Wyatt scored in a game which had a very dramatic finish at the ACHA D1 Nationals.

Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “We found a way (to win) and that is what great teams do. We are proud of our team. We faced a lot of adversity. Next, we play the winner of the Pitt vs Liberty University game on Sunday.”

//Liberty University won 3-1 over the all-heart UNLV Rebels who were eliminated on Sunday. Paxton Malone scored for the Rebels. ‘Lando’ Pavlisin was goalie.

==========

BEST STATS TODAY

JASON ZUCKER, LAS VEGAS

NHL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Goals 24

Assists 20

Points 44

=========

Danny Webster, writer for the hometown Las Vegas Sun newspaper, wrote an awesome story on the UNLV Rebels titled ‘UNLV Hockey Chases a Championship After Coming so Close Last Year’ – very well written. The Sun newspaper is inserted in the daily Las Vegas Review Journal.

==========

Breaker – Rebels head coach Anthony Greener noted today he plans to start goalie Landon ‘Lando’ Pavlisin in Game One at the Nationals. “Our plan is to start Lando in the net and roll with him,” coach Greener said.

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener also said today he and his coaches will watch the Buffalo University vs. Grand Valley State first round game and put together a battle plan to play the winner in the ACHA D1 National Tournament in Marlboro, Mass. on Friday, March 17 – Lee

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M1 Rankings

 Final Ranking (Games thru 2/26/23)

Ranking	Name	M1 Record	Previous Ranking
1	Minot State University	24-2-0	1
2	Ohio University	28-5-2	3
3	Adrian College	31-2-2	4
4	University of Nevada-Las Vegas	24-3-1	2
5	Liberty University	15-11-1	6
6	University of Central Oklahoma	28-7-1	5
7	University of Jamestown	19-7-0	8
8	Indiana Tech	31-3-1	7
9	Maryville University	18-9-0	9
10	Niagara University	22-8-1	10
11	University of Arizona	16-9-4	14
12	University of Pittsburgh	20-7-3	11
13	Grand Valley State University	32-7-0	12
14	Calvin University	22-7-3	15
15	Illinois State University	27-6-2	13
16	Lawrence Tech	25-7-2	16
17	University of Utah	15-10-1	17
18	Stony Brook University	16-10-4	20
19	University of Michigan-Dearborn	22-11-2	18
20	Arizona State University	16-16-4

========

Best Stats of the Day

NAREK ALEKSANYAN, LAS VEGAS

USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

Goals – 46

Assists – 55

Points – 101

=========

Friday, March 10 – Tonight’s big game – Cory Ward’s USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds at USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters begins 6 pm pacific at the Gateway Ice Center in Fresno.

//Flash Final Score – In a stunner T-Birds win 5-4. Goalie – Loic Morin; the mighty Fresno Monsters are eliminated.

T-Birds goals in order

Frederick Pinel

Tristan Nelson

Kevin Hanly

Trystan-Felix Tremblay

Narek Aleksanyan

====

Fresno – In a staggering awesome performance Trystan Felix Tremblay of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds scored 4 times – including getting the game-winning goal as coach Cory Ward’s T-Birds beat the Fresno Monsters 5-4 in the opening game of the playoffs at the Gateway Ice Center. It was Gavin Frack who got the assist on the game-winning goal.

T-Birds goalie Sam Peterson had 31 saves. This was the biggest win in the T-Birds hockey history. – Lee

====

Thursday, March 9, 2023 – Early Edition

Fresno – This is it – Best of Three – the winner gets USPHL Premier Pacific Division gold medal. Cory Ward’s USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds will take on the Fresno Monsters on their home ice at the Gateway Ice Center. These are two very strong, well-coached teams with star players and goalies who play the game the hard way. This is a Best of Three series – tonight, Thursday, faceoff will be at 7:45 pm pacific. On Friday, 6 pm start time; if needed to play Saturday, 5 pm.

How important are these games really……T-Birds GM Adam Bonaldi says “these are very important games” — the winner of this 3-game series will advance to the USPHL Premier National Championships.“

====

Special to Vegas Hockey

Austin Moline of Las Vegas – playing for Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep team – will play for NCAA Northern Michigan University in 2025-26 season – Lee

====

This was posted in Gregg Drinnan’s daily hockey notebook today:

The QMJHL’s board of governors will vote in June on whether to ban fighting. . . . Le Journal de Quebec reported Monday that members voted in favour of the move last week, but that a move in that direction would have to be ratified in June. . . . Under the new regulations, according to the newspaper, a fight will result in automatic expulsion, with “certain exceptions,” such as when there is an instigator in a fight. . . . On Sept. 30, 2020, the QMJHL implemented a rule that results in a major and misconduct being given to a fighter. . . . The newspaper reported that during the 2010-11 season, the QMJHL averaged 0.78 fights per game. This season, through 536 games, that number was 0.14 (79 fights in 536 games).

====

Adrian, Michigan – This just in – Gia Avalone of Las Vegas and the NCAA D3 Adrian Bulldogs defeated Lake Forest College 2-0 to win the Slaats Cup. Adrian is ranked #3 in the USA. Now Gia and her team are waiting for the winner of the Nazareth College vs St. Norbert College game. The Nationals quarter-final game will be Saturday, March 11.

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Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator was 13-1-1 overall with a shutout win and an awesome 1.70 gaa and a 93.3% save percentage in the net this season for the Northeast Generals junior hockey team – East Division Champions – in Attleboro, Mass.

The Northeast Generals are Regular Season League Champs and heading into the St. Louis for the Fraser Cup Finals this weekend. 

Luke is still uncommitted, but he is looking at a few colleges who are very interested.

====

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said today he and his coaches will watch the Buffalo U vs. Grand Valley State first round game and put together a battle plan to play the winner in the ACHA D1 National Tournament in Marlboro, Mass. on March 17 – Lee

===

Final ACHA D1 Ranking (Games thru 2/26/23)

Ranking	Name	M1 Record	Previous Ranking
1	Minot State University	24-2-0	1
2	Ohio University	28-5-2	3
3	Adrian College	31-2-2	4
4	University of Nevada-Las Vegas	24-3-1	2
5	Liberty University	15-11-1	6
6	University of Central Oklahoma	28-7-1	5
7	University of Jamestown	19-7-0	8
8	Indiana Tech	31-3-1	7
9	Maryville University	18-9-0	9
10	Niagara University	22-8-1	10
11	University of Arizona	16-9-4	14
12	University of Pittsburgh	20-7-3	11
13	Grand Valley State University	32-7-0	12
14	Calvin University	22-7-3	15
15	Illinois State University	27-6-2	13
16	Lawrence Tech	25-7-2	16
17	University of Utah	15-10-1	17
18	Stony Brook University	16-10-4	20
19	University of Michigan-Dearborn	22-11-2	18
20	Arizona State University	16-16-4	19
21	Purdue University-Northwest	20-7-1	22
22	Grand Canyon University	13-12-2	21
23	Indiana University of Pennsylvania	24-6-0	24
24	Missouri State University	15-15-2	23
25	Colorado State University	14-13-1	NR

======

Saturday – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and AHL Henderson Silver Knights take on an ultra-strong AHL Abbottsford Canucks team 7 pm faceoff at the Dollar Loan Center Arena in Henderson – Lee

Final Score – Henderson Silver Knights win 2-1 in an OT Shootout.

===

Breaker – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas scored his 18th, 19th goals of the season for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a stunning 5-4 OT win over the hometown Tampa Bay Lighting before 19,092 fans on Friday night. It was the 4th straight win for the Penguins who moved into a playoff spot. Jason played tier hockey years ago at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

Saturday, March 4, 2023

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – There is no easy ride to get to the top of the playoff standings as coach Cory Ward’s USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds out-battled the USPHL Ontario Reign 5-1 in a hard, physical game to win a Best of Three playoff series to advance to – guess what – a showdown series of games vs the top dog USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters.

The big game Friday at the Las Vegas Ice Center was tremendously rough and physical. When it was over the T-Birds got the win, the Ontario Reign players and coaches were distraught after the game came to a close- this was the final game of the season for Ontario.

The T-Birds got an awesome effort from goalie Sam Peterson in all three periods.

Here are the T-Birds goal scorers in order.

//Trystan-Felix Tremblay

//Frederick Pinel

//Trystan-Felix Tremblay

//Trystan-Felix Tremblay

//Narek Aleksanyan

Shots on Goal – T-Birds 47-45

=====

Las Vegas – Playoff hockey is the best hockey, proven by coach Cory Ward and his USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds who gutted it out in a wild 7-5 win over the USPHL Premier Ontario Jr Reign before a big frenzied crowd on the north rink at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Thursday evening. The T-Birds controlled most of the action but Ontario just kept the battle brightly lit. The T-Birds won Game One of a Best of Three playoff series. Game two is Friday night 8:45 pm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Game three, if needed, would be played in Ontario.

“Ontario is an awesome team, they kept driving towards our net,” coach Cory said after the game. It was a tough, physical game just as coach Cory thought it would be.

The T-Birds however have an army of on-ice sharpshooters and goal scorers.

Loic Morin, the T-Birds goalie, plays the game at an elite level. Narek Aleksanyan is a gifted goal scorer, one of the best in Las Vegas this season.

Las Vegas goals in order:

Frederick Pinel

Kevin Hanly

Narek Aleksanyan

Antoine Tourigny

Nick Bonaldi

Antoine Tourigny

Gavin Frack

Shots on goal – T-Birds 41, Ontario Jr Reign 40

From the Blue Line – UNLV star player Jayson Dimizio was at the game……The big banners of Jason Zucker, Kenny Brooks, Brittany Brooks, Joe Sullivan plus quite a few others were on the arena walls where the big game was played….More good news the Ice Center’s coffee shop was open throughout the game…..Officiating was awesome in such an ultra-heated all out war of a game….Hockey dad Steve Allen says he cannot wait to see Game Two of this series tonight…..Oh, and that was the great hockey dad John McNicholas at the south rinkboards……

===

UNLV Rebels breaking news right here tomorrow…….

===

====

Photo of the Day – Chris Francis, tremendous Las Vegas goal scorer

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Wednesday, March 1, 2023

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today it has modified the parameters for tryout dates associated with the 2023-24 season.

Tryouts for all Tier I & II 14U-18U youth and 14U-19U girls teams can now take place any time after 3:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday April 4, 2023. That time frame is 24 hours following the start time of the final game of the 2023 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships. The previous regulation was 48 hours following the start time of the final game.

No youth or girls Tier I or Tier II team may recruit or solicit players or offer hockey contracts to players for the 2023-24 season, or hold development camps, tryouts, player selections or any activity that could be construed as a tryout/solicitation or recruitment for the 2023-24 season, prior to 3:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Please note that any violation may subject the coach, team, program and/or responsible administrators to appropriate discipline, or ineligibility of the team or coach, as determined by the USA Hockey Affiliate.

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Las Vegas – The very first giant goal scorer here in town was Micah Sanford who first played roller hockey at his father’s rink ‘The Little House of Champions” Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive. When Micah moved to ice hockey he was signed by HOF coach Harvey Smyl of the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs. Micah had 47 goals, 50 assists in the 2001-02 season. And coach Harvey? Micah said in a very close game coach Harvey had the ability to get the right players onto the ice who could help us the most. What an awesome coach…..“

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Best Stats of the Day

Erik Atchision, NAHL Bismarck Bobcats

Goals – 7

Assists – 12

Points – 19

Plus/Minus – +6

//Erik, a star player, was with Bismarck the second half of this season

==

Narek Aleksanyan, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Goals – 46

Assists – 55

Points – 101

==

Heath Mensch, Las Vegas, EHL New England Wolves

Goals – 27

Assists – 33

Points – 60

====

Vito Carlo, Las Vegas, NCAA3 Franklin Pierce University

Goals – 5

Assists – 6

Points – 11

====

ACHA National Tournament @ Boston / Marlboro, MA – March 16-21, 2023

Men’s Division 1: March 16-21, 2023

===

Tier 1 National Championships

Tier 1 Youth Hockey 18u

March 29 to April 3

San Jose, Calif.

===

Tier 1 Youth Hockey 16u

March 29 to April 3

San Jose, Calif

===

Tier 1 Youth Hockey 14u

March 29 to April 3

Plymouth, Michigan

====

2022-2023 ACHA Men’s Division 1 Ranking #16
Rank	School Name	M1 Record	Previous	Conference
1	Minot State	23-1-0	1	INDEP
2	Nevada-Las Vegas	22-3-1	3	WCHL
3	Ohio	26-5-2	4	CSCHL
4	Adrian	28-2-2	2	GLCHL
5	Central Oklahoma	26-7-1	5	WCHL
6	Liberty	14-10-1	6	INDEP
7	Indiana Tech	31-2-1	7	WHAC
8	Jamestown	17-7-0	8	MCH
9	Maryville	18-9-0	9	CSCHL
10	Niagara

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Sunday, February 26, 2023

Las Vegas – UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener, after the Rebels worked hard to beat ACHA D 1 Grand Canyon University 4-2 before a sold out crowd on Saturday evening at City National Arena said “this was a great win for our seniors. This will be a long week in practice to see where we finish and what (playoff) bracket we will be in. We will be getting better every single day.” Star goalie Landon Pavlisin was in the net for the Rebels. After the game was over the Grand Canyon players went back onto the ice in a team gathering where they each embraced and congratulated each of their teammates- Lee

UNLV goal scorers

Brendan Manning 7th goal this season

Brenden Fehlig 8th

Jake Berry 3rd

Jayson Dimizio 9th

=====

Also tonight: Cory Ward’s USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds on the road vs USPHL Premier Bakersfield Roughnecks at the Valley Children’s Hospital Ice Center in Bakersfield, Ca.

//Bakersfield gets the win 5-4 in OT.

=====

Rebels coach Anthony Greener said after the game “it was great to see us play as a team. Luke Burke really had a good game – “along with a quite of few others. We have to be ready tomorrow’s game (Saturday). Because they (Grand Canyon University) aren’t done yet.”

Rebels goal scorers in order

Jayson Dimizio

Max Johnson

Cole Wyatt

Jaedin Ness – two goals

Robert McCollum

Alec Johnson

Jake Berry

Caleb Strong

Mattias Dal Monte

Jaxsen Wyatt

===

The great hockey writer Gregg Drinnan posted this today:

It would seem that you can scratch Chilliwack off the list of potential soft landing spots for a WHL franchise.

Here’s Eric Welsh of the Chilliwack Progress newspaper:

“Is the Western Hockey League returning to Chilliwack?

“That answer is no, according to the owners of the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs. The return of major junior hockey would have to come with the blessing of the Chiefs, who also own and operate the Chilliwack Coliseum. They re-affirmed their commitment to the BCHL and junior A hockey when asked about the rumours this week.

“ ‘We’re flattered being identified as a top junior hockey market in Canada,’  said Barry Douglas, the Chiefs’ vice-president of business operations. “But Chiefs ownership is committed to the BCHL and is thrilled with the support the Chiefs receive in Chilliwack.

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Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights got a huge road win last night – 3-2 over the AHL Calgary Wranglers before 3133 at the Scotiabank Saddledome Arena.

====

UNLV Rebels coach Anthony Greener on the final home games of the season this weekend:

“It is always emotional playing your last two games at home because it’s the final time our seniors will be there. The only thing we can tell them is to enjoy it and live in the moment. Cherish these times and embrace it.”

====

Austin Moline, 17, of Las Vegas is playing this season with the Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep team. Next season Austin is committed to play at NCAA Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan…….Beau Ricketts, one of the greatest Las Vegas goal scorers we ever saw is now living in North Dakota where he is playing hockey on a men’s league team……We plan to be at the two season-ending home games this weekend for the UNLV Rebels vs Grand Canyon University this Friday/Saturday at City National Arena. We will be at our usual spot on the north rinkboards – Lee

=====

Best Stats of the Day

GAGE QUINNEY

Las Vegas

AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Goals – 20

Assists – 17

Points – 37

===

Tonight – Thursday – Gage Quinney and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights will be on on the road to play the AHL Calgary Wranglers – Lee

Gia Avalone of Las Vegas scored the decisive goal to help NCAA D3 Adrian College in Michigan win the NCHA women’s hockey championship. Her brother is Steven Avalone, a star player for years – Lee

====

Here are the scores – and names of goal scorers – for Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin andd his AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team which recently competed at the NAPHL games in Detroit

Park City Miners 4, VJGK 1

VJGK goal – Caden Ross

Goalie – Varkis Balagian

—

Tampa Bay Crunch 6, VJGK 3

VJGK goals – Ryan Williams, Anzie Gudino, Jordan Koury

Goalie – Shayn Tarolla

—

Rose City Pats 6, VJGK 1

VJGK goal – Carson Rowe

VJGK goalie – Varkis Balagian

—

VJGK 3, Rose City Pats 1

VJGK goals – Ryan Williams 2, Luca Doremus

VJGK goalie – Shayn Tarolla

====

Wednesday, Feb 22, 2022

Las Vegas – Cory Ward’s USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds won 10-4 over the visiting San Diego Sabers on Tuesday at the City National Arena. These are two top teams. San Diego came into this game with a 31-9-2 record. The T-Birds are now 33-8-2.

Las Vegas goals – Antoine Tourigny 3 goals, Trystan-Felix Tremblay 2 goals, Gavin Frack 1, Ludovic Martel 1, Alexandre Joanette 1, Frederick Pinel 1, Justin Freeman 1

Shots – San Diego 48-41

Las Vegas goalie – Loic Moran

====

======

FLASHBACK – JASON ZUCKER NAMED ‘GREATEST ROLLER PLAYER OF ALL TIME’ IN LAS VEGAS

19 Thursday Jun 2014

=======================================================================================

Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame roller coach Curt Weiman said in 2014 that Jason Zucker, who first walked into the Crystal Palace roller rink at the age of three, the greatest Las Vegas roller player of all time. Jason now plays for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins. As a young skater in roller, Jason was a dynamic speeding-fast force. Jason’s signed roller stick and Tour Rebels jersey is framed and hung with care on the East wall of Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas.

Here are coach Curt’s Top 5 All-Time Las Vegas players in roller

========================================================================================

THE GREATEST ALL-TIME LAS VEGAS PLAYERS IN ROLLER

#1

JASON ZUCKER

#2

EDDIE SAMUELS

#3

ADAM NAGLICH

#4

MICAH SANFORD

#5

CHRIS FRANCIS

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=-==========

====

Sunday Flash Update – Wow – it really was a Super Sunday! Anze Gudino scored a dramatic OT/Shootout goal to help coach Rob Pallin’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat Faith Lutheran H.S. in a thriller 3-2 before a massive crowd at City National Arena.

VJGK Goals in order

1st goal – Ryan Williams

2nd goal – Anze Gudino

3rd goal – game-winner – Anze Gudino

VJGK goalies in this game

Shayn Tarolla – first half

Varkis Baligian – second half/and the shootout

===

Meanwhile coach Wally Lacroix and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u got an awesome game from goalie Kellen Hardy and a game-winning goal from Spencer Collins in a 3-2 OT win over AAA Milwaukee Jr Admirals at the West Fargo Sports Arena. “Great, great effort from our group of young men who battled until the end – no quit!”

Breaker – See what hard work, precise attack runs and outstanding goal-tending can do. UNLV put it all together to take down a proud ACHA D1 Utah team 6-2 last night in a game played at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson.

Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “we definitely came out with a hotter start which was huge for us. We got pucks deep and cycled pucks really well. Power play was 3 for 7. And our penalty kill was 100 percent. It was great to see our new players chipping in as well.”

Rebels coach Nick Robone noted goal scorers in order were “Alex Johnson, Brenden Manning, Azzaro Tingley, Cole Wyatt, Nick Flanders and Mattias Delmonte. Our goalie tonight was Landon Pavlisin. He is from Anaheim Hills, California and grew up playing in the Anaheim Ducks organization.”

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Henderson, NV – Rob McCollum, who grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, scored the first two goals for the UNLV Rebels, then Bradley Golant got a dramatic late-game winning goal as the Rebels battled past a rugged ACHA D1 Utah team in a tough, physical game resulting in a 3-2 win at the Dollar Loan Center Ice Arena. It was a hard game in all three periods. The Rebels got awesome play from their star goalie Zach Wickson. The two teams will play again on Saturday evening – Lee

=====

Coach Matt Johnson and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Jr Knights 16u are in West Fargo, North Dakota with an interesting weekend schedule:

Friday, October 7, 2022

AAA VGK 16u vs DesMoines Buccaneers

//DesMoines wins 5-2; Carter Adams, Ryan Disbrow scored for AAA VGK 16u; Vegas goalie Jacob Brumm

Saturday, October, 2022 (two games)

//AAA VGK 16u vs United Hockey Federation

//AAA VGK 16u vs Chicago Fury

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Wally Lacroix, head coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u, and his team are off to a major tournament – the USHL Showcase in West Fargo, North Dakota. “We’ve been practicing hard last few weeks for this. We play against two top teams in our first games – getting focused for such a challenging week ahead of us.”

Friday, October 7 – AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u shock AAA Chicago Fury 15u 1-0; Kellen Hardy in net for Las Vegas. “This is big, huge – however you want to describe it,” said coach Wally.

Next game played on Friday – AAA Jr Golden Knights 15u 2, AAA Omaha Mastery 15u 6

“Proud of our effort against a very strong highly-ranked team – Kameron Laskaskas in the net for us,” said coach Wally.

===========

Breaker – Big goal scorer Heath Mensch of Las Vegas two goals for the EHL New England Wolves….In his first three starts this season Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator has a 2-0-1 record, 0.90 gaa and a shutout win for the NA3HL Northeast Generals in Attleboro, Mass…...Mikey Yochum of Las Vegas and ACHA D1 Canisius take on big rival Buffalo College this coming weekend….Johnny Gold and Peppers, who drives the Zamboni, plan to be at the UNLV vs Utah games this weekend in Henderson…One of our favorite Las Vegas goalies Johnny Ng is playing here in town with the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u..…

====

The UNLV Rebels are now focused on invading ACHA D1 Utah University with Friday/Saturday games at the Henderson ice rinks. Game times 7 pm

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener says “we are preparing for a hard weekend when Utah University comes to town. They put a good product on the ice and they are getting better each year. They will be hungry after two losses in Arizona. Mainly we are just focused on ourselves right now – trying to get better each and every day.”

===========

Best Quote of the Day: UNLV Rebels coach Anthony Greener talks about the weekend game vs #1 ranked Denver University: “First of all Jayson Dimizio and Zach Whickson of our team played unbeliveable. One thing we noticed about Denver is that they don’t make mistakes; they move the puck with a purpose and everything is quick and fast. There’s a reason why Denver is the Number One in the country.”

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Las Vegas Thunderbirds – Head Coach Cory Ward

Season Record 4-2-0

Top 5 Goal Scorers

9 – Narek Aleksanyan

7 – Ludovic Martel

6 – Antoine Tourigny

3 – Gavin Frack

2 – Michael Normore-Wells

2 – Guillaume Dufour

Next Game – T-Birds vs San Diego Sabers on Friday, October 14 @ Lifeguard Arena, Henderson, NV

========

Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin has that magic touch – when he is on the bench his teams invaribly win – starting back in 1999-2000 season when his Triple Line of Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely were the very first Las Vegas tier 18u team to have a winning record. Rob has coached internationaly as well including a pro team in Innsbruck, Austria. So, considering all of this, we asked coach Rob who were your very best players.

#1 John Lammers, Innsbruck forward, 3rd round draft pick, NHL Dallas Stars

#2 Tyler Spurgeon, Innsbruck, brother of Jared Spurgeon, NHL Minnesota Wild

#3 Andrew Clark, Innsbruck, 300 AHL games

#4 Andrew Yogan, Innsbruck, 4th round draft pick, New York Rangers

#5 Eddie Del Grosso, Las Vegas, University of Nebraska Omaha – First Team All America – “very special with the puck.”

Coach Rob is now doing his magical things with the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

=====

Flash Score Saturday from Denver in the third period – #1 ranked NCAA Denver University 7, UNLV Rebels 0, UNLV’s star goalie Zach Wickson started in the net, now Vince Benedetto is now the Rebels goalie. NCAA #1 ranked Denver University wins the game

Saturday – Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the NAHL Bismarck Bobcats made his debut vs the historically tough Minot Minotarus. The Bobcats have a record of 3-3-1, Minot was 3-4-1 going into into this game . Minot wins 4-1

===========

“Great game by both teams – huge crowd at City National Arena – just amazing to see two teams play extremely hard,” said coach Rob Pallin of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

=======

Breaker Breaker – UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener plans to start goalie Zach ‘The Wall’ Wickson on Saturday vs the #1 ranked mega power Denver University. “Wickson will start, however as soon we can feel the pace of the game we will be looking to get our other goalie – Vince (Benedetto) into the game as well.” Last season Zach Wickson had a record of 19-3-1, with a 92.0 save percentage for UNLV Rebels.

Game time Saturday will be 6 pm mountain time.

=====

Friday – Live Flash Update – Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator and the NA3HL Northeast Generals beat Norwich Sea Captains at the Rose Garden Arena in Norwich, Conn…..The NA3HL Generals are now 4-0-0 this season. To Rink2 at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive here in town, the dynamic Aidan Finch, who played for coach Matt Johnson last season, is now the centerpiece this year for the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u this season.

The UNLV Rebels are on the move – in Denver and wiring into playing in a historic game vs NCAA #1 ranked Denver University this weekend. “We are going to put a great product onto the ice there and go there to get some respect. We are going to compete with everything we have, every moment of this game. For sure we will practice on Friday and Saturday morning there,” said UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. Game time Saturday is 6 pm mountain time.

====

BEST PHOTO OF THE DAY – JASON ZUCKER OF LAS VEGAS AND THE NHL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Photo by Amy Irvin – The Hockey Writers

=========

There is more breaking news today in regards to Las Vegas star goal scorer Erik Atchison who will play for the NAHL Bismarck Bobcats this season

Eric had 6 or so offers within 8 hours from the BCHL and NAHL teams. He chose to go to the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL where he will be one of the top forwards in their lineup. He debuts this weekend vs Minot.

Eric’s younger brother Fuzzy Atchison made the All Star game in Edmonton for the Oil Kings and had a big game with 3 points with a goal and 2 assists but ultimately was sent back to Windy City Storm 16U AAA. This weekend the team went to Pittsburgh for the USHL Showcase. 26 of the country’s best 16 UAAA teams. Fuzz helped lead the team to a 5-0 undefeated record including a 1-0 shootout win over powerhouse Honeybaked in the Championship game! Fuzz had 6 assists in the tournament. Logan Perez of Las Vegas had a monster of a weekend going 3-0 including including 2 shootout wins stopping all 5 shots he faced. Logan was the winning goalie in the Championship game with 3-2 final in the shootout!

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Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator is off to a 1-0-0 start with a 1.29 gaa and a 95.8% save percentage with the NA3HL Northeast Generals in Attleboro, Massachusetts – Lee

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THE DAY THE GREAT GOAL SCORER OF LAS VEGAS MICAH SANFORD LEFT TOWN

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – Back in the mid to late 1990s here Micah Sanford was the biggest star goal scorer in roller hockey and in ice hockey. Then he made a decision to play for the AAA Vail Avalanche who were coached by Brad Buetow and Jamie O’Leary. It was a big, staggering story in that era. And other star Las Vegas players followed Micah to Vail, Colorado.

Jamie O’Leary said “when we first met Micah “he was a pretty much a complete package for us that season. Other Las Vegas players who came as well were Evan Zucker, Eddie Samuels and Brad Ellis.

“Evan Zucker had a great shot and excellent puck control. Eddie had great hands and physicality. Brad Ellis was super physical and very fast. What awesome players!,” Jamie said

This season in Colorado coach Jamie said “we’ve taken over for Chance Creger as a hockey director for our program in Hyland Hills. My boys are 12 and 8 years old and we will be coaching them in PWAA and SU Advanced.”

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#1 Most Searched Today – Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin “The Early Years”

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(Eugene, OR)- Faith Lutheran founder Craig Thornton has accepted the position of General
Manager for the University of Oregon, Men’s D1 ice hockey program.

Thornton originally was hired as the V.P. of Hockey Operations, and spent the past 10 months inside the programs administrative operation. “We’ve created quite a buzz in Eugene with the advancement to Division 1 along with our Fan Experience on game days that we will unveil on Opening night,” states Thornton.

“It is an honor to be offered the G.M. position and I will work hard to enhance the program to
the best of my abilities.”

Oregon has a very strong schedule, skating against several top 10 teams this season, and procured a very impressive recruiting class for their Inaugural D 1 season.

“Our recruiting class was among some of the best in the country, and we cannot wait to
get things underway. So far, the group is bonding very well and we are quite pleased with the
caliber of skaters who have arrived in Eugene”.

The new addition of two-time National Champion Kyler Moore as Head Coach has added to an
already positive atmosphere on Campus. “The buzz is growing in Eugene and all over campus
with regard to Oregon Hockey, no doubt about that,” says Thornton.

The Ducks open the season at home on Friday October 7th with a weekend series against a
strong D1 Arizona State program at the 2200 seat Rink Exchange in Eugene.

Also mark your calendars for the much-anticipated rematch against the UNLV Rebels at City National Arena the weekend of December 9-10. “UNLV is among the top 2-3 teams in the country if not the top
team this year,” said Thornton, “We look forward to being tested against the best and eagerly
await a return back to Las Vegas”.

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Saturday Final Score: AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 5, Las Vegas Storm High School Team 0. “Very very proud of our 16AA – Very solid game. We have made huge strides the past five weeks – we will continue to get better with our skating and stick skills,” said Rob Pallin, head coach, VGK 16u. The game was at the Las Vegas Center.

=========

Breaker – Coach Rob Pallin’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u said after a 5-4 win over the Las Vegas Storm High School Team “very good games by both teams in our first game Friday. Outstanding goaltending by the Storm with a willingness to block shots along with a good solid structure – very well coached by Hamilton Whyte.” Game time tonight 5:15 pm.

====

Coming here this week – Colorado youth hockey coach – the great Jamie O’Leary – chats about the Las Vegas players years ago with his AAA Colorado Outlaws and AAA Vail Avalanche teams including the great Micah Sanford, Evan Zucker, Brad Ellis and Eddie Samuels – Lee

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The great hockey columnist Gregg Drinnan in Canada broke this story today:

Two junior B leagues — the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and the Pacific Junior Hockey League — have formed a partnership that they are calling the British Columbia Hockey Conference. According to a news release that is right here, the BCHC’s “inaugural season includes two major projects: the creation of a Department of Player Safety that will oversee enhanced supplementary disciplinary procedures for its members, as well as a Prospects Game that will highlight its top young players.” The KIJHL has 19 active franchises in the province’s Interior, while the PJHL has 13 teams centred on the Lower Mainland.

=======

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener “Personally we played in lot big games – quite a few with coach Rob (Pallin) but we never played in a game this big, taking on (NCAA D1) Denver University like we will be doing on October 1. We’ve been doing a lot of filmwork and a whole lot of preparation with our team. We will need our upper classmen to take charge, lead by example. Going against a team like defending champions like Denver isn’t going to be an easy task but it will be good for us. They are the top team in the country – we will see what it takes to play against an awesome team like Denver.”

Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin added today: “I believe Anthony (who was coached as a player by Rob here in town) and the Rebels hockey program has worked very hard to make this opportunity possible. He has put a lot of time on the ice – and probably more time off the ice for this program. Anthony and his team will prepare for this game very well. He’s not just going to show up. We worked with half of his team during the summer and the Rebels players are very excited about this awesome opportunity against Denver.”

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Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u got a big 2-0 win over rival AAA Ontario Jr Reign 16u this past weekend in Blaine, Minnesota. Daniel Madison, Quinn Steffen scored and goalie Kyle Adrian got the shutout win – Lee

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Sunday, September 18 – This just in – After winning today in Blaine, Minnesota coaches Wally Lacroix, Todd and the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u are heading home. What an awesome road trip! — Lee…

Breaking News – Chase Nehring of Las Vegas will play with AAA Shattuck’s St. Mary’s 15u this season. “Chase has played tier hockey from Day One in Las Vegas. He will be a first-year player with Shattuck St. Mary’s 15u,” said Las Vegas Jr Golden Knights coach Wally Lacroix.

=====

This just in – Friday – Coach Wally Lacroix’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u beat the AAA Minnesota Ducks 15u by 5-1 in Blaine, Minnesota. Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK. Coach Wally said “Our young men as a group played a great, awesome game.”

Here on Saturday the AAA VGK 15u will take on AAA Car Shield 15u from St. Louis.

====

This just in: Beau McCue of Las Vegas is returning as an assistant coach with the WHL Tri City Americans…..Premier goalie Zackary Ortolano of Las Vegas has signed with the NA3HL Mason City Toros in Iowa. Zackary, 6′ 1″ and 180, is one of the greatest tier goalies who has ever played here in town – Lee

====

//Head coach Wally Lacroix and assistant coach Todd Owen and the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u are off to Blaine, Minnesota on Wednesday to play in a series of tier hockey games in the NAHL Showcase which is a major tournament. “Depart Las Vegas on Wednesday, then play our first game on Thursday,” coach Wally said.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 15u

2022 Season Record

2-4 to Fairmount Prep

2-4 to Santa Clarita Flyers 15u

2-1 over Santa Clarita Flyers 15u

2-2 vs Santa Clarita Flyers 15u

1-5 to Minnesota Moose

5-1 over Minnesota Ducks

2-4 to AAA Car Shield of St. Louis in Blaine, Minnesota

5-1 over Minnesota Voyageurs

==========

========================

Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23

========================

Erik Atchison, NAHL Bismarck Bobcats

Tyler Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm

Gia Avalone, NCAA Adrian College

Steven Avalone, ACHA D1 Lindenwood

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Brennan Blasczak, ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates – Georgia

Anthony Bonaldi, NCAA Nicholas College

Connor Brazil, AJHL Bonnyville Pontiacs – Canada

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

Mykah Carter, AAA Northwest Stars 18u

Dylan St. Cyr, goalie, NCAA Michigan State

Dominic Ditondo, Niagara Falls Canucks

Jared Dudshus, ACHA D2 Utah State

Brett Harpling, ACHA D2 Marian University – Wisconsin

Brendan Harris, ECHL Jacksonville Icemen

Jo Jo Heinzelman, ACHA Cleary University – Michigan

Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Jersey Hitmen

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 16u

Cooper Matthews, NA3HL Austin Ice Bats

Heath Mensch, EHL New England Wolves

Gunner Moore, NCAA3 University of Wisconsin-Stout

Chase Nehring, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 15u

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep 18u

Zachary Ortolano, NA3HL Mason City Toros

Jerrett Overland, ACHA D1 Arizona University

Zach Pochiro, ECHL Allen Americans – Texas

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Deric Prier, Tottenham Thunder – Canada

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville, S.C., Swamp Rabbits

Noah Smejkal, GMHL Windsor Aces – Canada

Andrew Thornton, ACHA University of Oregon

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

To update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Very Sad News to Report…….

The BCHL Wenatchee Wild family is deeply saddened with the passing of our radio game broadcaster Arch Ecker this morning. He loved to be part of the team. He took so much pride in his work as a broadcaster. His other passion was music. I’m not sure if there was an instrument Arch could not play.

//Arch Ecker was the very best on hockey broadcasts – such awesome energy – and such a nice person as well – RIP Arch……you will never ever be forgotten, Lee

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UPCOMING GAMES

• October 1, 2022
  6:00 PMUNLV @ DENVER UNIVERSITYVenue: Magness ArenaPregame Notes

=====

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said ‘This will be our first NCAA game and it’s been a long time coming – our players deserve it. Just a touch on Denver – defending national champions, they have six draft picks on their team and are loaded with talent from top to bottom. For us we want to go there and compete – give it our all we have – and try to earn respect for our program.“

====

Rebels Look Sharp in Scrimmage Game…..

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – Well, that didn’t long to get UNLV’s goal scorers speed-burners to get going on Saturday night before a large festive crowd. And one of the great Las Vegas referees Cody Fulwiler was on the ice to keep the game temperature down. UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said he was pleased, as was assistant coach Nick Robone who said the same.

“Quite a few of our players had great games. Lots to look forward to with this team,” Greener said. “For the gray team I thought Jayson Dimizio and Azzard Tingling played very well. For the red team Cole Wyatt and Riley Jenson did well.”

The goal scoring went like this:

First of all the Gray team beat the Scarlet team 5-3.

Gray team goal scorers in order – Caleb Strong, Alec Johnson, Trent Carter, Paxton Malone, Mattias Del Monte

Scarlet team goal scorers – Daniel Fisher, Cole Wyatt, Max Johnson (who had a high octane awesome game)

Goalies – Grey team – Vince Benedetto (outstanding in all that he does in the net); Red Team – Landon Pavilisin

====

Vegas Hockey readers voted for best player on the ice – Scarlet team #16 Hunter Muzzillo

Tryouts just ended at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota and Austin Moline (from Las Vegas  2005) defensive player made the 18U Shattuck Prep team for the 2022/23 Season! 

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Las Vegas-born forward Connor Brazil has signed with the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals for the 2022-23 season.

Brazil comes from the Avon Old Farms prep school team, where he posted eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 22 games last year.

“Connor is a crafty forward who is good on his edges and has great creativity,” said Capitals coach-GM Brian Passmore. “He also has a good shot. He’s able to make plays in tight spaces and has a high-level skill set.”

Back home, Brazil played for the Nevada Storm and Las Vegas Jr. Wranglers. (Source – California Rubber)

==============

Rob Pallin’s VJGK 16AA team takes Silver at Anaheim Summer Escape Tournament.

9/2         VJGK 16AA 3-2 win over Cal Wave 16AA (goals by Jordan Khoury, Caden Ross, Anze Gudino, goalie Varkis Baligian)

9/3         VJGK 16AA 4-0 win over CA Heat 16AA (goals by Carson Rowe, Joshua Bilharz, Jordan Khoury, Caden Ross, shutout for goalie Shayn Tarolla)

9/4         VJGK 16AA 2-6 loss to Empire HC (both goals by Ryan Williams)

9/4         VJGK 16AA semi final 4-3 win over CA Heat 16AA (goals by Ryan Williams, Jordan Khoury, Joshua Bilharz, O/T winning shootout goal by Caden Ross, goalie Shayn Tarolla)

9/5         VJGK 16AA championship loss 0-8 to Empire HC

Next showcase is October in Salt Lake City.

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https://www.drydenicedogs.net/eldon-wade/

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#16

JASON ZUCKER

LW

Pittsburgh Penguins

DOB (Age):	1/16/1992 (30)
HT/WT:	5′ 11″ / 192 lbs.
College:	Denver
Drafted:	2010 / Rd. 2 (59) / MIN

2021-22 Stats

G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM	TOI
8	9	17	-2	15	14:49

Next Game: ARI at PIT 10/13 7:00pm ET

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

“Rob Pallin Took the Time to Help Our Special Needs Son”

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – We were at the rinkboards – which is not a bad place to be – and we spotted team mom Rosey Gomez whose son #32 Isaac Gomez of the AAA Arizona Bobcats 18u was cracking into a few of the blue-shirt Central Ontario Wolves in a big game at the Las Vegas Ice Center when all of a sudden – and don’t ask me how because we don’t know – coach Rob Pallin’s name was mentioned on a cold Saturday afternoon.

Rosey, wrapped in a blanket around her, said coach Rob at the SoBe Ice Arena helped tweak the game situation of her son a year or two ago.

“We have a special needs son – our Jonathan,” Rosey said in the cold arena. “Coach Rob had Jonathan do some ice chores around the SoBe Ice Arena. Rob didn’t have to do it. But to our family it was so meaningful. Rob touches, helps someone, then moves on to help someone else. On off days he feeds the homeless. He doesn’t ask or get publicity for it but I wanted to let you know.”

=============

The newest team in town is the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u who are playing in Arizona this weekend. AAA 18u is a very fierce division. It is easy to report scores – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Weekend Scores

2-3 to AA Arizona Sun Devils 18u

1-9 to AA Arizona Sun Devils 18u

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Weekend Flash Scores

Monday, Sept. 5

AA 16u

Empire Valley 8, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 0

Sunday, Sept. 4

AAA 16u

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2 vs. AAA LA Jr Kings 15u 6 @ Toyota Center, El Segundo, Ca.

//”We lost but it was a much closer game than the score indicates – penalties got the best of us – overall however we had a good team effort,” said VGK 16u head coach Matt Johnson.

AA 16u

Coach Rob Pallin: “We lost to Inland Valley, a really good team. We now play Empire Valley in a semis game.”

Saturday, Sept. 3

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2, AAA L.A. Jr Kings 16u 3 @ Toyota Center, El Segundo, Ca.

//Danny Madison, Brandon Cabral scored for VGK16s…..Kyle Adrian goalie for Las Vegas …

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 5, Cal Wave 0 @ Anaheim

Head coach Rob Pallin: “We have three balanced lines who work extremely hard.”

Friday, Sept. 2

AA 16u

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3, Cal Heat 2 @ Anaheim

===========

By Wendy Roksvold

Our summer is winding down and what a summer! In May, Gunnar participated in the NAHL Combine in Irvine, CA.  Gunnar had been contacted by a few East Coast teams before we went to the NewMass Hockey Experience in Amherst, MA in mid-July.  Prior to departing LV, Gunnar was asked to try out while there for one of the teams.  He got on the ice on Thursday at UMASS and that night we drove 1.5 hours to Attleboro, MA and he did a try out with a team there.  He was back at UMASS on Friday and Saturday.  We visited 5 states in 5 days and came home on Sunday. By Monday we were contacted by another MA team, and we started discussions with this new team.  He also had an offer from the team he tried out with, but it was for a tournament team – no billeting – and that would mean he would need to travel back East every game weekend.  3 other teams contacted us as well over the next few weeks (1 Boston team even last week- offered him goalie spot and had a billet ready- but he had already signed). 

Gunnar has signed with the New England Predators 16U Tier 1 Elite AAA team based out of Lowell/Billerica MA (games at UMASS Lowell) – playing in the NAPHL and the United Tier 1 Hockey League.  This team was newly formed when the Spartans were purchased by Lovell Hockey.  The players left with the coach and formed NEP.  Gunnar’s coach played 7 years pro and is quite respected back East.  The team owner’s son even played for the same team as Kyle the year before in AZ for the AHU.  We have had so many connections.  Gunnar’s first Goalie Coach JP played against his current Coach!

And for Goalie Coaching – the best in the country!  Gunnar will be training at SIG (Stop It Goaltending) 1-2 times a week.  I have 3 of Brian Daccord’s books and found this bit of news so exciting!  Training with the guy who wrote the book on goaltending! 

Gunnar has dreamt about playing hockey back East as he wants to go to college back East.  THIS experience will give him exposure to the East Coast Scouts/College Coaches.  He wouldn’t get the same exposure out West.  Plus the level of play is so much higher!

BOSTON – here he comes – he leaves tomorrow!

Wendy

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To all team managers – please send weekend game scores with names of all goal scorers and names of your goalies to leesamuels07@aol.com

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#1 Most Searched Story Today – Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin “His Early Years Coaching in Las Vegas” Coach Rob’s first top scoring line was ‘The Triple Threat Line” with awesome goal scorers Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely in the 1999-2000 season here in Las Vegas.

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Coach Matt Johnson and the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are opening their season vs top teams including the AAA L.A. Jr Kings 16u this weekend at the Toyota Center in SoCal. “These are like exhibition games and a great opportunity for us to see where we are at. Right now we are figuring things out. We have a solid core returning with Hunter Toms, Kaden Mulcahy, Connor Beers, Ryan Disbrow and Jesse Mouzoon who we will rely on to get started. We have two very solid goalies. Jacob Brumm is currently at the Spokane Chiefs camp – he might make it back for the last game or two for this weekend. However, we do have goalie Kyle Adrian holding down the fort for us in the net,” said coach Matt. “We play our games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.”

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The dynamic, high action Erik Atchison, 20, Las Vegas is at the annual pre-season camp with the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League. Only a precious few from Las Vegas have played in the WHL. Last season Erik, who has played four seasons with the Chiefs had 11 goals, 13 assists for 24 points. Erik is wearing jersey #12 in the pre-season camp.

Erik’s younger brother Fuzzy is rostered on the 16UAAA Windy City team but is he is at the WHL Edmonton Oil Kings main camp where he was drafted in hopes of making the team as a young 16 year old.

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AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Head Coach – Nate Putek

Saturday, Sept 3 – vs AAA Arizona Sun Devils @ Oceanside Arena, Tempe, Az

Sunday, Sept 4 – vs AAA Arizona Sun Devils @ Oceanside Arena, Tempe, Az

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AAA Vegas Jr. Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

Saturday, Sept 3 – vs AAA LA Jr Kings @ Toyota Center, El Segundo, Ca.

Sunday, Sept 4 – vs AAA Golden State Elite @ Toyota Center, El Segundo, Ca.

Monday, Sept 5 – vs AAA Anaheim Ice Dogs @ Toyota Center, El Segundo, Ca.

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Breaker – Star Las Vegas defenseman Connor Haney and his bride Eleni got married in Laguna Beach, Ca. this past weekend. Wedding guests included Gage Quinney, Landon Quinney, Brendan Harris, Jake Horst and proud hockey mom Lori Haney. Connor played three seasons as a top defenseman/captain for the WSHL Seattle Totems and he won many major awards here on Vegas Hockey -Lee

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Guess who is coming to town – Johnny Gold of the LA Eastside Kings and the Barstow Brothers want to wreck the start of the new season in a story here called ‘Just one More Goal’ set at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive – hometown coaches Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener plus Gramps, Dave Francis, hockey dads Tommy Ricketts and Steve Allen are trying to put a stop to all of this. Hockey mom Mary Kate Zurfluh, author of “The Kid Who Never Scored a Goal’, is putting all of this all together – it will have a riveting finish. Want to be in the story – just email me leesamuels07@aol.com

Las Vegas – Jason Allen, a Las Vegas goal scorer years ago with an edge to his game, says his son Roman is now a football player for the Jarrell Cougars High School in Texas. Roman is a running back who also plays defensively when needed.

Jason Allen played hockey here at a high level – he was on coach Rob Pallin’s AAA Las Vegas Outlaws who played home games at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive. Star players on that team included Josh Jasek, J.C. Caron, Spike Neely, Travis Roseberry, Eddie Del Grosso, Eddie Samuels, T.J. Craig and Sean Fox. Cody Fulwiler was a premier-level goalie for this Las Vegas team.

Jason is the son of hockey dad Steve Allen who goes to every home game of the UNLV Rebels over at City National Arena here in town.

In that era – when Jason played – Rob Neumann was the head coach of a very strong AAA San Diego Jr Gulls 18u team.

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Let the big games begin! Matt Johnson, head coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, confirmed the VGK 16u indeed will take on the mighty AAA L.A. Jr Kings 16u on September 3 at the Toyota Center in El Segundo, Ca.

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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada and England

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Las Vegas – For the dynamic, all-heart, never-give-up ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas there will be no more ‘big games’ to play. No more all-out practices. No more going onto the ice in a pre-game to warmup with his teammates. No more lockeroom chalkboard stuff to figure out pre-game attack plans. Or for that matter no more games period. Harris, 19, told his parents he will not be playing in ice hockey this season or any other season for that matter.

He is taking a big timeout. He was a star player for coach Wally Lacroix in the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights program over at the SoBe Arena on North Rancho Drive. After graduating from that program Harris played two seasons with the AAA Connecticut Chiefs and then the AAA Northeast Generals in Attleboro, Mass.

Hockey Mom Nancy Whissel added “I will really miss seeing Harris darting around the ice this season.…We have so many precious memories over the years with the Las Vegas hockey family. We are so grateful to everyone who made our hockey journey an amazing rewarding experience. Thank you Vegas Hockey for all that you do for the Las Vegas fans.“

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Las Vegas Ice Center Schedule

https://www.lasvegasice.com/Schedule

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New defenseman for UNLV Rebels……….

By Kayla Faasse

Defenseman Mattias Dal Monte is set to leave Utica College and join the Skatin’ Rebels for the 2022-23 season.

“Personally, I think I didn’t do enough research on where I was going and it kind of came back to bite me,” Dal Monte said. “But I did have a really good year, you know, academically and I met a lot of great friends.”

Dal Monte spent last season with the Utica College Pioneers, where he played in 14 games for one assist and one goal. Overall, the team went 17-0-1 and won their conference championship for the United College Hockey League.

“I made the decision to pursue a new opportunity, and Coach [Anthony Vignieri-]Greener reached out,” Dal Monte said. “I really liked our conversations on the phone and everything we talked about virtually.”

Coming into next season, Dal Monte hopes to bring a form of leadership to the team while being a guy on the team with a positive impact who gets along with everyone. He looks forward to the chance to improve his offensive game and become more threatening on the ice.

“Both Coach Greener and Coach [Nick] Robone- they’re passionate guys with a vision for the program that lines up with what I want to do for the next three years and my college career,” Dal Monte said. “It’s cool, it’s closer to home for me, my folks will get out to visit more. It was kind of a perfect blend.”

Prior to coming to the United States during the pandemic for hockey, Dal Monte grew up playing competitively in Canada to kick start his career.

During his last season in Canada, Dal Monte played for the Swan Valley Stampeders in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He played in 39 games, recording 12 goals and 30 assists (42 points).

In 2020-21, he played in 36 games for the Amarillo Bulls for the Northern American Hockey League, tallying three goals and four assists.

When Dal Monte was 17 years old, he attended a hockey camp with Rebel Jake Berry where the two became friends.

“[Dal Monte] is super skilled for how big he is and can handle the puck really well,” Berry said. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice with him.”

Fun Facts about Mattias Dal Monte

Dal Monte is from the Vancouver area, so naturally he is a Canucks fan. However, his favorite player and friend in the NHL is Dylan Coghlan so he cheers for the Golden Knights as well.

His favorite hockey movie is Miracle.

For pre-game, Dal Monte likes to keep it loose and listen to classic rock like Nickelback and Creed in the locker room.

He is missing a front tooth.

Dal Monte is a big movie buff with some of his favorite movie directors being Wes Anderson, Denis Villeneuve, and David Fincher. He likes to watch all the classics.

“I think a lot of the classic Scorsese Caucho movies people should watch. Everyone should have seen the first two Godfathers, Goodfellas, Casino… I think Sicario is really good. Everyone should see Fantastic Mr. Fox. That’s all I got,” Dal Monte said.

Hockey Nicknames

“I honestly just usually get called by my last name. I don’t really know if I’ve had one that’s really stuck. You kind of get different ones everywhere you go, but mostly just my last name. Just Monte or the whole thing.”

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Breaker – Matt Stang, who coached hockey years ago in Las Vegas, has been hired as a scout for the Calgary Hitmen. Matt, with Richie Crossley and Arturo Castro, were coaches of an AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u team which played at the SoBe Arena on North Rancho Drive.

Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and NHL Pittsburgh Penguins has dealt with injuries, playing 41 games last season and 38 games in the 2020-21 season. He says this summer for him is about spending time with his family, and focusing on his health for the new season.

“For me this is just about getting healthy, kind of refocusing on my training and the rehab side of things and just getting ready for next season. I’m really excited for it,” Zucker said.

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Meanwhile in Canada the great hockey writer Gregg Drinnan posted this:

The Kamloops Blazers made it official on Tuesday morning — Don Hay is back in the organization as associate coach. Hay, 68, is the winningest head coach in WHL history. He spent the past four seasons with the Portland Winterhawks, three as an assistant coach and last season as assistant coach. . . . Of course, if you’re a regular here, you weren’t surprised by the announcement. Because here’s what you read in this space on July 26:

“The Kamloops Blazers . . . have an opening after associate coach Mark Holick left the club on June 10, citing personal reasons. Now there are rumblings that Don Hay, the winningest head coach in WHL history, is returning to the Blazers to work alongside Shaun Clouston, the general manager and head coach.”

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UNLV REBELS – We’re Hiring!

Nick Robone

All internships will be an incredible opportunity to work in college athletics and further boost your resume for sports related careers. We’re looking for team first and culture driven applicants for the following positions. These positions may be compensated via payment or merchandise.

COMMUNITY REALTIONS AND EVENT MANAGER

–Required to be at all home games

-Manages and oversees all aspects of UNLV Hockey Tailgates at City National Arena

-Oversees all execution of event interns for set up and breakdown of tailgates and events

-Responsible for selling tailgate sponsorship opportunities

-Work with Director of Community Relations on Major Events- UNLV Golf Tournament, Skate with the Rebels, Sendoff/ Gala, Rebel Hockey Mixers, etc.

-Handles all VIP Box sales, organization, and Mackenzie River communication for set up and game day

-Responsible to ensure Box Office has check in list for all VIP guests each game

-Works with Director of Community Relations on partnership sales

-Assists in selling of UNLV Rebel Hockey Member’s Wall Pucks

COLOR COMMENTATOR ANNOUNCER 

-Required to be at all home games

-Have pregame notes, quotes and stats ready for both teams

-Work with Broadcast Team to set up and take down equipment for each home game

Please send resume and contact Coach Nick Robone at nrobone@rebelhockey.com to apply.

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 MYHockey Rankings Retweeted

Jon Beck@CoachJonBeck

Coaches who care about players will:

Hold players accountable to personal/team standards

Give players constant & honest feedback

Be consistent with all players

Enforce boundaries

Have difficult conversations when necessary

Know each player’s potential, push them to reach it

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Breaker – Goalie Anthony Bonaldi of the hometown USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds is heading to play for NCAA Nichols College in Dudley, Mass. this coming season. Anthony told a reporter he had an “awesome time” playing for the T-Birds last season.

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The ultra-skilled Austin Moline of Las Vegas is reporting to his AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep 18u tier hockey team this season. After he graduates from Shattuck, Austin will then play at NCAA D1 Northern Michigan University…….

Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada….

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It’s official – The very popular Steven Avalone of Las Vegas will play this season with ACHA D1 Lindenwood – an awesome power every season – and his sister Gia Avalone will play for NCAA D3 Adrian College in Michigan….Looking for the whereabouts of an awesome player – Ashley Printzen – who played at Curry College last season…..Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada…To contact Vegashockey.net send an email to leesamuels07@aol.com….

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23

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Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Tyler Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm

Gia Avalone, NCAA Adrian College

Steven Avalone, ACHA D1 Lindenwood

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Anthony Bonaldi, NCAA D3 Nichols College

Nick Bonaldi, NCDC Boston Advantage

Connor Brazil, BCHL Cowichan Capitals

Dylan St. Cyr, goalie, NCAA Michigan State

Dominic Ditondo, Niagara Falls Canucks

Brett Harpling, ACHA D2 Marian University – Wisconsin

Brendan Harris, ECHL Jacksonville Icemen

Jo Jo Heinzelman, ACHA Cleary University – Michigan

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 16u

Gunner Moore, NCAA3 University of Wisconsin-Stout

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

Heath Mensch, NCDC Utica Comets

Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep 18u

Jerrett Overland, ACHA D1 Arizona University

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville, S.C., Swamp Rabbits

Andrew Thornton, ACHA University of Oregon

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

To update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Enforcer Darian Skeoch, who last season played for the ECHL Allen Americans, has signed with the AHL Henderson Silver Knights. Darian, 25, is 6’4″ 225. He is from New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada.

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Breaker – USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds goalie Anthony Bonaldi signed by NCAA Nichols College in Massachusetts – Lee

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Las Vegas – The very popular Gage Quinney of Las Vegas has re-signed with the AHL Henderson Silver Knights, the top affiliate with the hometown NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Gage, 26, will begin his third season with the Silver Knights. Going into this season as a top pro player Gage has 22 goals, 28 assist for 60 points. Gage grew up playing tier hockey here in town at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

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Vincent Dekumbis, an awesome goal scorer for the WSHL Las Vegas Storm two seasons at the Las Vegas Ice Center, has signed to played for the SPHL Macom Mayhem in Georgia. Vincent, 24, is from Switzerland. While playing in Las Vegas in the 2014-15, 2015-16 era he won many ‘fastest skater’ awards while scoring 48 goals for the Las Vegas Storm in his two junior hockey level seasons here at the Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

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The Athletic did a breakdown of starting lines for this coming season in the NHL.

Here is how it looks for Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins:

Second line

Jason Zucker

Evgeni Malkin

Bryan Rust

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Here is where coach Matt Johnson AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights graduating players will be this coming season. Aidan Finch, an extraordinary athlete and hockey player, is on this list:

Aidan Finch, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u

Gavin O’Hara, AAA New Jersey Avalanche 18u

Jacob Webb, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Keynes Lake, AAA North Shore Academy 18u

Mason Jackson, AAA Shipjacks Hockey Club 18u

Mason Smith, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Nathan Moore, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Spencer Foster, AAA North Shore Academy 18u

Ryan Pavlinsky, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

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https://www.gofundme.com/f/joeys-path-for-cancer-treatment-and-recovery

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Breaker – Star goalie Logan Perez of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u has signed with the AAA Windy City Storm 16u in Chicago whose roster includes big goal scorer Tyler ‘Fuzzy’ Atchison of Las Vegas. Logan had a 2.24 gaa last season vs strong Western tier teams. Logan is one the best Las Vegas goalies in tier hockey history. Last season with the AAA VGK 16u, Logan had 12 wins, 2 losses, 2.24 GAA, .914 save percentage as well as being selected to the 16u All-Star game as a 15 year old. Logan decided to stay home last season and play up a berth year as a 15 year old playing in net for the first Tier 1 Vegas Jr. Golden Knights 16U team, returning home from 2 seasons with the Arizona Bobcats Tier 1 team after they merged their Tier 1 program with the Jr. Coyotes and limited out of state players. 

While all of this was going on head coach Matt Johnson of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u announced the signing of top tier goalies Jacob Brumm and Kyle Adrian. “Both are very good goalies with a strong desire to get even better. Willing to put in the work. Strong character as well. Looking forward to seeing them between the pipes this coming season.”

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas re-signs with ECHl Greenville Swamp Rabbits for 2022-23

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Here is the UNLV Rebels 2022-23 Game Schedule:

https://rebelhockey.com/site/?page_id=10#schedule

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Star player Aidan Finch, who played for the Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u last season, has signed with the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u. Aidan is a special high speed all-heart player – one of the best we have seen here in Las Vegas – Lee

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NEW ECHL AFFILIATION FOR NHL VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Las Vegas – Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced that the organization has entered an affiliation relationship with the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates, making the Ghost Pirates the official ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights.

The Ghost Pirates are based in Savannah, Georgia and were officially named in October 2021 after the ECHL approved the expansion franchise in January of 2021. Under the terms of the affiliation arrangements, Vegas and Henderson will be able to transfer players to and from Savannah during the 2022-23 season.

Rick Bennett has been named the first head coach in franchise history of the Ghost Pirates. Bennett served as one of the top collegiate coaches in the country at Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he won a National Championship in 2014, three ECAC regular season titles (2012, 2014, 2017) and three ECAC Conference titles (2012, 2013, 2014). He compiled a 168-126-41 record over 11 years with Union.

“This affiliation with Savannah gives us alignment from the ECHL level through Henderson and up to the NHL,” said McCrimmon. “We are excited to lead the hockey operations and have a proven developer of talent as a head coach in Rick Bennett.”

The Ghost Pirates will begin play of their 36-game home schedule at the new Enmarket Arena beginning in October. Fans can follow @SavGhostPirates on Twitter and Instagram today for more information on the ECHL’s newest club.

The Golden Knights previously partnered with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets beginning prior to the 2018-19 season.

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By: Kayla Faasse

Coming off an awesome season with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds junior hockey team, Caleb Strong is joining the roster for the Rebel Hockey program as a center.

The Thunderbirds concluded their 2021-22 season with a 29-14 record, with Strong participating in 42 games while being team captain. Throughout those games, he scored 38 goals and 52 assists.

With Strong’s high offensive skills on the ice, he finished eighth overall in the league for most points (90) and second on the team for points. The team tallied 213 goals during the season, and Strong contributed to 42.25% of them.

Strong helped to lead the team to a second place finish in the Pacific division.

In April of 2021, Strong was announced as a part of the USPHL Premier Pacific Division All-Stars, voted upon by coaches and league media staff.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do after or before this year,” Strong said. “Then I talked with the T-Birds’ coaches and they got me in contact with the Rebel coaches.”

Thunderbird general manager Hamilton Whyte and head coach Joe Sullivan assisted Strong in getting into contact with UNLV’s head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener and assistant coach Nick Robone.

From there, Greener and Robone went out to a couple of games and became interested in seeing Strong in the Scarlet & Gray.

“All of the coaches involved- for the Rebels and the T-Birds, especially the T-Birds coaches- they put a lot of respect into the UNLV program,” Strong said. “There’s a lot of respect for where it started and where it’s going. That really caught my eye of what’s happening and ultimately made me decide to go to UNLV.”

Strong is a Minnesota Native, who grew up following in the footsteps of his father, Mark Strong who played college hockey. He was only three years old when he put on his first pair of skates, playing hockey the following year.

Coming to UNLV, Strong looks at being an additional upbeat player on the team who can get the puck in the back of the net when needed. He looks forward to joining the fast-paced environment of Rebel Hockey and is anticipating improving that aspect of his offensive game.

Fun Facts about Caleb Strong

Strong’s favorite NHL team is the Minnesota Wild and his favorite player is Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche.

One of his favorite hockey memories is placing second at the Minnesota High School State Tournament during his sophomore year in 2018.

Although Strong doesn’t have any pre-game rituals, he’s a big country guy and will typically listen to Morgan Wallen or Kenny Chesney in the locker room before a game.

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Breaker – Big game goal scorer Brett Harpling of Las Vegas is confirmed to play for ACHA D2 Marian University in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin this coming season – Lee

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Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas has re-signed for another season with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits who play home games at the 15,591-seat Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, S.C.

Bryce, 32, had 5 goals, 12 assists for 17 points last season. He is the hockey son of the famous Pokey Reddick who played in the NHL and has coached here in Las Vegas. Bryce’s re-signing was posted and confirmed on the elite hockey prospects website.

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This Just In….

MY FIRST GOAL

MIKEY YOCHUM

Las Vegas

Captain ACHA D1 Canisus

“The first goal we remember was in the Mites at the Escondido Ice-Plex. We were six or seven years old playing for the Las Vegas Ice Cats. Do not remember who we were playing but it was awesome moment to get the goal.”

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To contact Vegas Hockey – send scores, updates to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23

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Gia Avalone, NCAA Adrian College

Steven Avalone, ACHA D1 Lindenwood

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Anthony Bonaldi, NCAA D3 Nichols College

Nick Bonaldi, NCDC Boston Advantage

Connor Brazil, BCHL Cowichan Capitals

Dominic Ditondo, Niagara Falls Canucks

Brett Harpling, ACHA D2 Marian University – Wisconsin

Brendan Harris, ECHL Jacksonville Icemen

Joe Heinzelman, ACHA Cleary University – Michigan

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

Heath Mensch, NCDC Utica Comets

Jerrett Overland, ACHA D1 Arizona University

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville, S.C., Swamp Rabbits

Andrew Thornton, ACHA University of Oregon

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

To update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Best Story of the Day

Woman discovers the vintage skates she bought online belonged to her 40 years ago

While growing up in Nova Scotia, Renée Forrestall loved roller skating, enjoying the peace and quiet that came as she sped past the waterfront. She sold her beloved skates 40 years ago during a yard sale, but always regretted it, so to celebrate her 60th birthday, she recently decided to pick the hobby back up. As she explained on TikTok, Forrestall didn’t like the new skates she bought, and after returning them, set off to find some vintage skates. She began browsing online, and discovered a pair of old skates that had just been put up for sale two hours earlier. The seller wasn’t sure of the size, but Forrestall liked that they looked like her original pair, and bought them. When they arrived at her home, it was a “Cinderella slipper moment,” she told Today. It soon became clear why they fit her perfectly: her name was written inside each skate. She couldn’t believe that her old skates had found their way back to her, four decades later. “It reeled me right back to my youth,” Forrestall said.

Source – The Week – The Good Newsletter

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Coaches for Vegas Jr Golden Knights for 2022-23 Season

2022-23 VJGK COACHING ANNOUNCEMENT 
Greetings to all players and parents: 
We are proud to announce the VJGK Travel Team coaches for the upcoming season: 
 
Sheri Hudspeth (14U, 12U Girls)

Adam Miller (VJGK/FL HS)

Nate Putek (18U AAA)

Matt Johnson (16U AAA)

Nick Brusa (16U AA)

Wally Lacroix (15U AAA)

Dustin Coldren (14U AA)  

Ryan Mattison (14U A)

Brian Salcido (12U AA)

Ivan Macheras (12U A)

Darren Eliot (12U HSK)

Rob Pallin (10U AA)

Jordan Hayworth (10U A)  

Darren Eliot (10U HSK)

Adam Miller (8U VGK All-Stars)

Geoff Sneed (8U HSK All-Stars) 

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6’6″ defenseman Connor Haney, 30, of Las Vegas checks in. Years ago he was captain of the WSHL Seattle Totems. He has won many awards here on Vegas Hockey. “Playing now on a men’s league team called ‘The Banquet’ in Vacaville, California. Hello to all of our hockey friends in Las Vegas.“

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To RinkRat2 over at the Pepsi Arena – During UNLV Rebels pre-game warmups on game nights coach Nick Robone on the Rebels bench looks at small piece of paper while looking at the visiting team – he is making sure the biggest and best #1 enemy goal scorer is on the line he is supposed to be – Lee

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Best Photo of the Day – Jason Zucker, who grew up playing roller hockey, then ice hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, is a star goal scorer for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins. His last Las Vegas hockey coach was Wally Lacroix. Just before the NHL Draft years ago Jason did conditioning skates with coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas.

Monday, June 27, 2022

Anthony Greener, UNLV Head Coach “My First Goal” –

“The first year we played hockey was for the Las Vegas Flames squirt team. Earl Brady and my Dad Sean Greener were my coaches. I scored in my very first game. I wasn’t the best skater but we could score. It was a breakaway. Once we scored that goal we knew hockey was for me.”

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Las Vegas roller hockey star Adam Tamura of Las Vegas

“My first goal was at our first game we played roller hockey over at Larry Sanford’s Crystal Palace roller rink when we were just 8 years old. We played for the Scrappers and we came down the right side against the Bad Boyz. I remember we shot as hard as we could from the top of the circle. The puck basically arced up and fell towards the skates of the goalie Tim Ashbaugh. However he couldn’t close the 5-hole fast enough – we didn’t know the puck went into the net until the goalie reacted. We had both of our hands in the air when we knew the puck was in the net. Never forgot that shot!”

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Nick Robone, UNLV Rebels coach

Four-Time Vegas Hockey Roller Player of the Year Nick Robone was a star performer for years with the Las Vegas Tour Rebels travel roller teams and with UNLV. 

“My first goal was at Larry Sanford’s house league at the Crystal Palace roller rink. My team was called the Rattlers. I was on a team with Nick Dobranich. I think Landon Kraige was the goalie. Nick sent over a pass in the slot area and I put the puck in the 5-hole. Will never forget it.”

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Legendary goal scorer Micah Sanford of Las Vegas

Micah is one of the all-time goal scorers in Las Vegas in ice and roller and the first to be inducted into the Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame.

“I scored my first goal in house league roller at my Dad’s roller rink. “I believe I shot a muffin on the ground and it went in. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky I guess. I don’t remember the name of our team but my Dad (Larry Sanford) was coaching me. I was 10 years old.”

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Jason Allen of Las Vegas scored goals on every level he played. His very first goal was at the ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace of North Rancho Drive. “Ed Lewis was my head coach,” Jason said.

====

Chris Francis is one of the greatest goal scorers of all-time in Las Vegas. Last season he was the head coach of the AA Texas Jr Stars 14u. This coming season he will be on the coaching on the staff with NAHL Odessa Jackalopes.

“We were six years old playing house league roller hockey at the Boulder Highway rink where they used to have hockey. I played for the Vipers when I scored my first goal – a wrist shot, right in front of the net. You never forget your first goal.”

=====

Richie Crossley – Years ago he and Devin Lane were voted ‘Best Defensive Pair’ in Las Vegas.

“We were six years old playing at the old Sports Park here in town for a team called the Thunder. We were a forward and in true Richie fashion we crashed the net, my teammate shot the puck, we accidently ran into the goalie and somehow, someway my stick hit the puck and somehow, someway the puck went into the net. We will never forget our first goal. In regards to being ‘Best Defensive Pair’ with Devin, we both had good chemistry and helped out each other.”

===

Roy Henderson, founder of the Global Showcases and one of the owners of the BCHL Langley Rivermen.

Roy years ago was a top player. “I scored my first goal for a team called the PNE all-Stars in Vancouver back in 1957. We were six years old. It was our first game.”

===

Hockey Dad John McNicholas first goal

“We were 8 years old. The year was 1970. We were playing for Coast Cities against Bay Harbor at the Bay Harbor rink. Dana King was on our team. He just scored his first goal and yelled to his Dad “I just scored!” We left our point, skated to the net and whacked in a rebound. Like Dana we hollered ‘Dad, I just scored.” He responded and said “I am expecting two goals from you tomorrow!”

===

Hockey coach Matt Johnson, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

“We were playing for Norwich University against Southern Maine University. Our D man picked off a pass and started a rush up the left side. We transitioned and went wide right sneaking past their D, cut towards their net where my d man had laid out a beautiful no look back door pass for my tap in goal.”

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Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and currently with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets.

Hockey Dad Steve said Zach scored his first goal at the age of four. “Zach played for the Icemen. His coach was Dennis Nolan. Zach scored against the Mustangs. The game was at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena over on North Rancho Drive.”

====

Eddie Samuels – Three-time Playmaker of the Year when he played hockey for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u. “I was playing for the Falcons squirt team at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena when I got my first goal. I was at the blue line and took a wrist shot – the puck lifted and went through the goalie’s five-hole – it was very exciting.”

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Friday, June 24, 2022

Las Vegas – Head coach Matt Johnson, whose AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u were an awesome constructed team which played with a giant edge to their game in their debut season, said that all-heart and fiercely competitive Aidan Finch, has graduated and will skate for the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u this coming season.

Here is where coach Matt’s graduating players are heading for the 2022-23 season.

Nate Moore, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Mason Smith, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 18u

Aidan Finch, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u

Reese Bynam, to be decided

Spencer Foster, AAA North Shore Hockey Academy

Mason Jackson, AAA Skipjacks 18u in Maryland

Gavin O’Hara, AAA North Jersey Avalanche 18u

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You can circle this date – October 1 – that is when the UNLV Rebels will play an exhibition game vs NCAA D1 Denver University at the Magness Arena in Denver…Bet you didn’t know: Ryan Getzlaf, 37, of the NHL Anaheim Ducks has been team captain the last 12 seasons – Lee

====================================

Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23 Season

====================================

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Nick Bonaldi, NCDC Boston Advantage

Connor Brazil, BCHL Cowichan Capitals

Brendan Harris, ECHL Jacksonville Icemen

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

Heath Mensch, NCDC Utica Comets

Jerrett Overland, ACHA D1 Arizona University

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville, S.C., Swamp Rabbits

Andrew Thornton, ACHA University of Oregon

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

To update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Big goal scorer Chris Francis of Las Vegas is now making his mark in the world of coaching – he will be an assistant hockey coach for the NAHL Odessa Jackalopes this coming season. He was the head coach last season with the AA Texas Jr Stars 14u team. “We got a phone call and were told they were looking for an assistant we said yes absolutely. Now that we are done playing we really want to coach -we will work with the Odessa defense and their powerplay.”

Chris’ team is affiliated with the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners and the NAPHL Colorado Spring Tigers.

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OUR FATHER’S DAY’S STORIES

Las Vegas – UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “it’s definitely a great honor to be a father. Best thing we’ve ever done in our life. We love living here too in such a great hockey community.“

Rob Pallin, a long-time hockey coach here dating to the 1999-2000 season, “spending time with our family today will be the first without my Dad. He raised nine children, a great loving Dad, well respected in our community in Minnesota and a Korean War veteran.“

Coach Nick Robone added “Anthony and I are so grateful to have a Dad who has given us every opportunity to succeed in life. He’s always in our corner in anything we decide to pursue. We lean on our Dad all the time for advice. Without him we would not have the same passion for hockey – a sport that continues to keep our family together.

Las Vegas hockey dad Greg Yochum said “yes, we are going to celebrate Father’s Day with a nice barbecue fired up in our back yard. Mikey is in Buffalo for the summer and his brother TJ is home.”

Big goal scorer Chris Francis’ father – Dave Francis – was an expert at blade sharpening in Las Vegas pro shops. When he sharpened your skate blades he always said “that’s good for two goals tonight!” Chris said “My father was always there for me – he did everything he could to help me succeed. He was so generous to every person who walked into the hockey rink – he always made every person feel welcome and enjoyed their time.”

Then there is the totally awesome late great Tommy Ricketts, one of the popular hockey dads all time. His wife Charla said “Tommy was the father of five kids. He loved them and supported and encouraged them to do whatever they wanted to do. Our girls were into soccer, volleyball and dance. The boys were into ice hockey, roller hockey and lacrosse. Before he got sick he was mostly into hockey and loved watching Beau and Blade play. Tommy was outgoing and made friends whereever he went. However, he got sick, spent a lot of time in hospitals and care centers. One time we walked into a rink and he was asked to tape a hockey stick – it made his day. We will miss him so much on Father’s Day. Beau will be celebrating his first Father’s Day with his baby girl Everlee. Tommy and I have 7 grand children, six of them under 18. Oh, how he would have loved the little ones. Thank you for thinking of us.”

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Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and ECHL Fort Wayne Komets

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Friday, June 17, 2022 – The ECHL announced that Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the Fort Wayne Komets and Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits are each on their team’s ‘roster protected list’ for the 2022-23 season……Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada…

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Best Tweet of the Day

UNLV Rebels

We’ve officially signed our final

@NCAAIceHockey game for the ‘22-‘23 season against

@DU_Hockey on 10/1/22 in Denver, Co. The DU matchup will round out a four game exhibition schedule that includes 3 games with @UAAHockey – including one game in Las Vegas.

==================

Back in the 1999-2000 hockey season coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas put together the very first mighty top line – the Triple Threat Line – with Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely at the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena which was on North Rancho Drive. This was the very first Las Vegas AA 18u tier hockey team to have a winning record vs tier teams like the mighty LA Jr Kings, San Diego Gulls, Bay Harbor Red Wings and San Jose Jr Sharks. Spike Neely said “coach Rob never messed with the referees during a game, never once raised his voice at us after a tough loss – instead he taught us what winning hockey was all about.” Rob has coached at many different levels in the sport including pro hockey, UNLV Rebels hockey and tier hockey. Presently he is now a coach in the Vegas Jr Golden Knights youth program – Lee

=========================

UNLV Rebels All-Time Goal Scorers

=========================

136 goals – Mike Zenzola

100 goals – Cody Williams

96 goals – Anthony Greener

83 goals – Sam Braniff

67 goals – Chris Jones

Source – Elite Hockey Prospects

=====

Some time ago when Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin was away from home with a team we asked him what would one of his team practices/workout look like – Lee

Here we go – lace up your skates, get ready, get set:

#1 – Warm-up goalies with a pace – a very high pace.

#2 – A very competitive 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 game to set the tone of practice

#3 – 1 on 1 drill

#4 – 2 on 1 high speed

#5 – Skating drill

#6 – 2 on 2 high speed

#7 – 3 on 2 high speed

#8 – Skating Drill

#9 – 3 on 3 very very competitive drill

#10 – Skating Drills

#11 – Coaches are looking for very competitive players

#12 – Great effort/attitude

Coach Rob

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The WHL Edmonton Oil Kings won the gold last night in a 2-0 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds. The series went six games, with the Oil Kings winning the gold medal……. Bet you didn’t know: Gage Quinney of Las Vegas had 27 goals, 23 assists for the 2015-16 WHL Kamloops Blazers. He now plays for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights –Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada, Finland and Germany……

====

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UNLV Rebels Twitter

“We’ve officially signed our final

@NCAAIceHockey game for the ‘22-‘23 season against

@DU_Hockey on 10/1/22 in Denver, Co. The DU matchup will round out a four game exhibition schedule that includes 3 games

@UAAHockey – including one game in Las Vegas.”

===

Tristan Nelson, a very skilled Las Vegas defenseman with a grit to his game, will return to the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds according to eliteprospects.com.

===

Breaking News – The UNLV Rebels have signed quick, hockey-smart defenseman Jaxsen Wyatt who played previously in two major programs – the NCDC South Shore Kings and the NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club. “He’s a really mobile defenseman who can create while making the first pass – he is definitely going to help us offensively from the point area,” said UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greeener. “Adding him helps us on both sides of the ice.”

============

====================================

Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23 Season

====================================

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Hannah Baxter, AAA Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19u

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Heath Goldsmith, goalie, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

Brendan Harris, ECHL Jacksonville Icemen

Andrew Thornton, ACHA University of Oregon

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

To update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

======

Special to Vegashockey.net

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON HIRES FAITH
LUTHERAN FOUNDER AS NEW V.P. OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

Las Vegas – Faith Lutheran hockey program founder, Craig Thornton, has accepted the position of the Vice President of Hockey Operations with the University of Oregon.

“We talked for well over a year about this opportunity, and everything just fell into place,” Thornton said.

“Sky’s the limit” is how the new VP of Operations describes Craig Thornton sees the Ducks ACHA D1 hockey program. “The University of Oregon has long been known for its exceptional sports programs and I am confident hockey will be no exception.” said Thornton who recently joined Oregon Hockey after a 5-year relationship with Faith Lutheran and City National Arena in Las Vegas where he built a very successful and highly recognized high school hockey program at Faith Lutheran.

Thornton hit the ground running once accepting the position. “We’ve made a lot of headway in a short amount of time – and we’ve only just begun,” said Thornton. “Our 1400 sq ft locker room and player lounge is scheduled for a fall completion and will certainly add to the attraction of Ducks D1 hockey for years to come.

“Our goal is quite simple,’ said Thornton, ‘to represent the University of Oregon proudly and professionally in all that we do. Recruiting, resources available to our skaters, and a winning atmosphere is the foundation we’ve structured. The rest will fall into place.”

“The ACHA is a great association and we feel confident we will contribute to their ongoing success.”

The Ducks will embark on their 2022-23 inaugural D1 season with their home opener on Friday, October 7 against Arizona State at the 2200 seat Rink Exchange in Eugene.

“Between the incredible coaching staff and myself we will continue to build on the momentum our team is experiencing and plan to come at Ducks Hockey.”

The Ducks 2022-23 season schedule is due to be released on June 5 with 5 home series in Eugene and visits back to Medford and Bend as well. Our Oregon Ducks will also visit City National Arena in Las Vegas on December 9-10 against San Diego State and the UNLV Rebels in a pair of weekend games.”

.

The UNLV Rebels care for their fans and take a timeout here to read with their youngest fans

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WHL Gold Medal Playoffs

Friday Score – WHL Seattle Thunderbirds 2, WHL Edmonton Oil Kings 1

Sunday score – WHL Edmonton Oil Kings 5, WHL Seattle Thunderbirds 4

Tuesday score – WHL Edmonton Oil Kings 4, WHL Seattle Thunderbirds 0

Wednesday score – WHL Edmonton Oil Kings 3, WHL Seattle Thunderbirds 2

//Edmonton scored winning goal as the clock was ticking down with just 0:01 left in the game

Edmonton leads best of seven 3-1

//Next game – Saturday, June 11 – WHL Edmonton Oil Kings at WHL Seattle Thunderbirds

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NARCH FINALS HOST HOTELS

by Daryn

If you’re participating in the NARCh FINALS you should get your hotel room booked ASAP!  July is the busiest month in Irvine and rooms go fast!

Here are some great options!

FINALS HOST HOTELS

If you have questions about host hotels or need to enquire about a larger team block, contact Adam Ashton at adam.ashton@eventconnect.io

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Friday, June 3, 2022

A LOOK AT VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

=====================

Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West.
//A young Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

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Las Vegas – It’s Game On for the Anthony Greener, Nick Robone-coached ACHA D1 UNLV Rebels who will take on NCAA Alaska Anchorage three times this coming season. The Rebels social media team hinted at this – then Alaska Anchorage posted it on their hockey website.

“It’s another step in the right direction – baby steps at first, but we worked hard for this and everything is beginning to pay off,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener.

The Rebels will play at NCAA Alaska Anchorage on October 14-15 at the Seawolf Sports Complex in Anchorage. Then NCAA Alaska Anchorage will come to Las Vegas to take on the Rebels on Wednesday, November 16. The next game will be the the following night when NCAA Alaska Anchorage takes on ACHA D1 Liberty University in Las Vegas. Liberty, a mighty power in ACHA D1, plays their home games in Lynchburg, Va.

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Monday, May 30, 2022 – It is Memorial Day

Most Searched Today – Micah Sanford, Rob Pallin, Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich; Anthony Greener, Aidan Finch, The Triple Threat Line; Josh Jasek, Leroy Garcia, Hockey dad Steve Allen, coach Matt Johnson, Hunter Barto, Bethany Drysdale – reporter, Johnny Gold, Rinkrat2 at Pepsi Arena……

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23 Season

====================================

Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Micah Williamson, NA3HL Butte Cobras

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College – Captain

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To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Bet you didn’t know – Brenden Fehlig, who played for the UNLV Rebels last season, was the captain of two of his previous teams – NA3HL College Station Spirit and NA3HL Texas Roadrunners – Lee

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THE GREATNESS OF MICAH SANFORD

======

By Lee Samuels

Micah Sanford of Las Vegas was our first star player – in ice and roller – here in Las Vegas. 

He was the first from Las Vegas to leave home and play on the AAA level ice hockey with the AAA Vail, Colorado, Avalanche midget 18u team, the first to play in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A in Canada, and the first to play on a college scholarship at NCAA Division One Nebraska Omaha.

Micah launched his career here in Las Vegas in roller hockey which is the same route star players such as ice hockey stars Jason Zucker, Adam Naglich, Chris Francis, Eddie Samuels and Eddie Del Grosso also took.

Micah’s father Larry Sanford was the head roller hockey coach who took Las Vegas teams to major tournaments throughout the country. Big rivals for Las Vegas back then included the Orange County Blades, Brea Bulldogs, Arizona Stars and the Northern Colorado Blast.

When Micah was 16, he was named the National Roller Hockey Player of the Year.

“My Dad (Larry) played a lot of roller hockey when he was in his early 20’s,” said Micah. “He played for a team out of Louisana that was one of the best in the nation. He held the scoring title nationwide for about five years. We moved to Las Vegas because my folks thought roller rinks would do well here in town.”

That big roller rink was called Crystal Place built on North Rancho Drive. They call it “The Little House of Champions.”

“My favorite teammates in roller hockey were Freddie Young, Patrick Stevenson, Travis Gunderson and Leroy Garcia. We really meshed well together and we were all work horses – never getting out-competed,” Micah said.

That roller team – the Las Vegas Rolling Thunder – was an unstoppable force on a national level.

========================

MICAH’S GREATEST HOCKEY COACH

========================

Micah Sanford had many great coaches starting with his father Larry in roller hockey. Larry is a six-time Vegas Hockey Roller Coach of the Year.

Micah’s first travel ice hockey team was the AAA Vail Avalanche 18u in Colorado. Brad Buetow was the head coach. Brad was a former head coach at the Minnesota University and Colorado College hockey programs.

To get to Vail, Colorado, Micah packed up his gear in his pickup truck, then he drove back to the Crystal Palace roller rink where he grew up in Las Vegas. There was a group of younger players and hometown hockey moms and dads who were there and who wished him well and watched him drive off on North Rancho Drive. Micah was the first to leave Las Vegas to play the game and it was big news in the world of hometown hockey.

Micah also played for one of the greatest coaches in Harvey Smyl, a legend with the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada. When Micah played for Chilliwack hockey dad Larry Sanford would wear his black and yellow-striped Chilliwack jacket at Crystal Palace.

When Micah was at Chilliwack he told Vegashockey.com in 2000 “…I could always stick-handle and score but they worked on my skating and made me more of a complete player.”

After his first season with Chilliwack Micah went to the Peter Twist Skating School in Vancouver.

But who was Micah’s best coach?

“Harvey Smyl at Chilliwack was the best coach I ever had on the bench during a game. But Brad Buetow was the best coach I ever had at running a practice and teaching skills.

“Harvey was great managing his bench, knowing game situations and who to put onto the ice.

“Brad Buetow was the best at motivating his players and getting the best out of them,” said Micah.

Brad Buetow retired a few years ago, as did Harvey Smyl.

=======================================

MICAH’S ASTOUNDING GOAL-SCORING IN 2001-02 PLAYOFFS

========================================

When Micah played for the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada hometown fans back in Las Vegas listened to the play by play on radio from the Chiefs two great announcers Barry Douglas and Richard Brew who called the game from the press boxes no matter where the Chiefs were playing. And little did Barry and Rich know  – and their radio listeners – they were about to go onto the biggest ride of their lives.

Chilliwack finished the regular season with a record of 46-10-4. Micah, on the top line, led the team with 47 goals. He was 19 years old.  His linemates and best rink friends were Kaleb Betts with 35 goals and Matt Gibbons with 28 goals.

On this same Chilliwack team was 17-year-old Gabe Gauthier the former GM/head coach of the WSHL Las Vegas Storm and the Hockey Director at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Gabe had 37 goals that season for Chilliwack. Gabe’s linemates were David Van Der Gulik, 38 goals, and Jeff Tambellini with 46 goals.

Micah always played on top lines. When he was with AAA Vail midget majors he was on the number one line with the great Teddy O’Leary.

Micah was now in his second season with Chilliwack and suddenly – and no one, including him – knows how and why Micah Sanford began scoring so many goals in the playoffs.

While Chilliwack was winning the Nowat Cup and the Doyle Cup and qualifying for the grand finale – the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – Micah had racked up 31 playoff goals. When he was interviewed by me at Vegashockey.com (the old site, not this one) Micah said….

“I’m not doing anything differently. It’s like everything I shoot – no matter what part of the net – the puck goes right into the net. I cannot explain it.”

On the Chiefs radio Barry Douglas and Richard Brew were going insanely wild calling the games.  Gauthier said “…it was unreal, so intense.”

At the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – the one last crown to capture – Micah and the Chiefs worked their way to the Final 4.

They took on the OCN Blizzard from the Manitoba Hockey League.  It was a close, tight game, right down to the final buzzer at the Halifax Forum.

OCN won 4-3.

When the game was over – and maybe it was the pressure of winning so many times – the Chiefs players collapsed onto the ice in all parts of the arena.

On the radio Barry and Richard lost it – they both wept.

They were trying to describe and capture in their own words the final time this great Chilliwacks Chiefs team would ever be on the ice.

===

Micah scored 31 goals during the playoffs. For the season he had 78 goals, 80 assists – by far the most goal and assists and points by any Las Vegas skater on any level of the game.

Gauthier said “this was such a great team. Micah was a big part of it. I counted 12 of our players who went to NCAA Division 1 teams.

Chilliwack coach Harvey Smyl sized it all up when he said “Micah was a man among boys with his determination and strength.”

=====

Micah got a scholarship to play at Nebraska-Omaha. After four years he played professionally signing with the ECHL Bakersfield Condors.

In 2009 Micah retired as an active player.

===========================================

MICAH SANFORD CAREER ICE HOCKEY RECORD

1997-98 – Las Vegas Mustangs Midget A

1998-99 – Las Vegas Blackjacks Jr B

1999-20 – AAA Vail Avalanche midget major – 49 goals/35 assists

2000-01 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 12 goals/9 assists

2001-02 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 78 goals/80 assists

2002-03 – Nebraska-Omaha 8 goals/9 assists

2003-04 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2005-05 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/6 assists

2005-06 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2008-09 – ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers 0 goals/0 assists

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Opportunities always abound at the USPHL NCDC Combine Series, which has been run since 2019 to offer players the chance to skate in front of Tier II National Collegiate Development Conference coaches in Chicago and Detroit. 

The knock on the door was loud and clear for Las Vegas native Ian Williams, whose performance at the Combine was so impressive that he was able to sign an NCDC Tender at the event, guaranteeing himself a spot at the Connecticut Jr. Rangers’ Main Camp and finding a spot on their 70-Man Protected List, which includes players certain to make the 2022-23 roster plus future prospects for coming years. 

Williams, a 2003-born native of Las Vegas, Nev., was certainly happy with his choice to go to the USPHL NCDC Combine this year. 

“I learned about the USPHL NCDC Combine series by looking up the NCDC camps online and saw the one in Chicago. I thought it would be a good opportunity,” said Williams, who attended the Chicago Combine held at the Fifth Third Arena in downtown Chicago, Ill., a facility that also serves as the Practice Home Of The Chicago Blackhawks. 

“I had a positive experience at the combine. I got a lot of ice in and also some off-ice work,” he added. “The off-ice portion of the Combine was a nice addition to the usual game setup of combines and provided another opportunity to excel and stand out.”

The off-ice part of the Chicago Combine was run by Paul Goodman, who is the Blackhawks’ Strength and Conditioning Coach and also runs the Goodman Elite Training facility on the premises. 

It was after his third of three guaranteed games at the Combine that Williams was approached by Connecticut Jr. Rangers Head Coach Jim Henkel. 

“He approached me after my last game at the camp,” said Williams. “My individual performance at the Combine was good. I felt I played pretty well and I think my confidence and skills from the past two seasons developing in Wenatchee (not only with the U18AAA team but also with the time I spent participating in the BCHL practices) helped me stick out to the Connecticut staff.

“I thought it was a great opportunity and I enjoyed the camp a lot,” added Williams. “There were numerous scouts and coaching staff from all over the USPHL and NCDC in attendance, which is why you go to these things.”

Watch for the announcements for the 2023 USPHL NCDC Combine series in February 2023. 

====

Las Vegas – Coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas goes onto the ice and works with a number of skaters each week over at City National Arena – some are playmakers, long-range snipers and there is a very special goal scorer – Jack Lackas, just 15 years old – who gets his goal-scoring radar locked in the moment he gets onto the ice. He has the ability to feint, get around fire-breathing defenseman and makes goal scoring look so easy. Last season Jack scored 56 goals – more than any other goal scorer here in town. Jack plays for the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u.

Jack said when he breaks down the ice he scans for routes to get closer to the net for scoring opportunities.

Coach Rob said “….what I like about Jack is that he is so creative with the puck – his stick skills are at a very high level, his vision is excellent and he plays with an edge to his game. He has so many high level players his age to train with him in Las Vegas which is such an advantage.”

Jack’s favorite NHL player is Patrick Kane.

Next season? “We are planning to skate again with the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes,” Jack said.

====

Austin Moline, from Las Vegas and a 2005 defenseman, advanced from the Pacific District 17u camp held at City National Arena on May 6-8 to attend the USA 17u National Camp being held in Amherst-Buffalo, NY in late June, 2022. Austin, last season with AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u team, had 7 goals, 36 assists. He has won many awards here on Vegashockey.net.

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Looking for the whereabouts of all-heart, dynamic Aidan Finch who last season was a star player for coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – Lee

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Saturday, May 21, 2022

Here is the #1 most searched story of all-time on Vegashockey.net, a story which is searched for here every single day. The photos are somewhere in cyberspace but here is the story we filed that day – we will never forget the greatest games at the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena.  The “Hockey Sister” playing music was Jessica Jasek, sister of big goal scorer Josh Jasek. The Hockey Sister was the first to play rock music at the big games – Lee

==================================================

May 17, 2004
SPECIAL REPORT: SANTA FE STATION ICE ARENA IS HISTORY…

By Lee Samuels

LAS VEGAS – That’s it. It’s all over at the Santa Fe Ice Arena.

The figure skaters whirled about at center ice. The hockey skaters, in multi-colored jerseys, did laps around the outside lanes. Rinkboard parents sipped coffee in paper cups and were bunched near the south end. The music was nice and loud.

And all of a sudden, at 4:00 pm, it was over.

There will be no more skating at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena which has been opened since 1991.

No more enemy teams coming in. No more big hockey tournaments with those invading, imposing, hard-hitting AAA teams in town. No more Buddy Caron on the Zamboni. No more clanging gates. No more Hockey Sister spinning CDs at faceoffs. No more heading to the Food Court and asking for a slice of the good stuff from Village Pizza. No more walking to Starbucks for a pre-game cup.

Even the big Pepsi scoreboard was dark.

Rink manager Rob Pallin, wearing his new Fiesta Ice Arena Manager badge, proudly showed off new blueprints of the new rink which will open on Rancho Drive this fall.

John J. James, general manager of the Fiesta, said the Santa Fe rinkboards, the thick rink glass and one Zamboni will be heading to a rink in Utah.

And the sheet of ice?

“There are 30,000 gallons of water out there,” said James, peering through the rink glass and looking at the sheet of ice. “So you have start shaving down the ice maybe a half-inch at a time, then begin to melt it down.”

It’s a process which will begin in a day or two.

Meanwhile, no more ice time is scheduled.

“The sign company YesCo will take down the Santa Fe scoreboard and take it to the Fiesta,” James said. “We’ve bought a new Zamboni and we’re taking one from here. We plan to get a front-loader, lift the Zamboni and drive it over to the Fiesta.”

Pallin will work out of his office here for the next several weeks before heading to the Fiesta.

“So many things to do,” said Rob. “We’re in a shutdown phase and we need to move a lot of things to the new arena.”

The banners, including the coveted, giant 2001-02 Mustangs Pacific District Champions one, have been taken down and carefully packed.

“The Fiesta is going to a vibrant, brilliant ice arena,” said James, speaking to the rinkboard parents. “We are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a snack bar. Wait until you see it. We will have a community trophy case, on the right side as you walk in. We will have a First Aid Station. We will have 500 seats in the bleachers. The new Arcade will have 23 machines. Hot coffee? We have a contract with Boyd’s and it’s good stuff.

“We’ve got new nets coming in too,” James added.

Still, for many rinkboard parents, who huddled about making small talk here, the rink closure is a total shock.

We’ve been coming into this ice-cold, refrigerator-like arena for years, for practices and for games.

When the Final Skate was almost over, Tanya Root – a Team Mom for so many hockey teams here – took one last look towards the ice and said “I’m heading for Starbucks in the casino…..for one last cup.”

Final Rinkboard Notebook at the Santa Fe – There were over 100 skaters on the ice….then, some of the older skaters stayed over for a pickup game. Sammy Micco was the goalie….Chris Francis, Ryan Krametbauer, Eddie Del Grosso, Eddie Samuels, Josh Odoms, Chad Butcher, Sean Stackhouse, Jeff Root were among those on the ice…Also skating was coach Rob who actually looked pretty sharp….

In the bleachers, for the record, Patty DeGrosso was the last to take photographs….

There are 3 men’s leagues games scheduled to start at 6:00, 7:30 and 9:00 pm Sunday and that’s it – no more games at the Santa Fe….

====

Las Vegas – Back in the 2012-13 season C.J Stubbs of Utah was a top player for the AAA Las Vegas Storm 18u which was based over at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo. Joey DiBenedetto was also on that team. The top goal scorer was none other than the great Gage Quinney of Las Vegas who had 24 goals – Lee

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‘Late Skate’ – painting by the awesome Terence Fogarty of Minnesota

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NAHL Tryout Dates, Locations Right Here

http://nahl.com/play-in-the-nahl/tryouts/

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#1 Most Searched Today – Years ago Wally Lacroix was the last Las Vegas ice hockey coach to coach Jason Zucker when he was a bantam 14u level player over at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Later coach Rob Pallin did intensive skating drills with Jason years ago when he was wiring in for the NHL Player Draft in Los Angeles.

Here in town Jason initially skated in roller hockey for coach Larry Sanford who owned ‘The Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho Drive – Lee

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2022-23 Season

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Hunter Barto, ACHA Iowa State

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Michigan State

Ian Williams, USPHL NCDC Connecticut Jr Rangers

Mikey Yochum, ACHA Canisius College

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===

Sunday, May 15, 2022

New York City

When the playoff game was over Jason Zucker, always a true sportsman, and his Penguins linemates went to center ice, lined up and congratulated each of the Rangers. Jason also spoke to quite a few of the Rangers and wished them good luck for the rest of the playoffs – Lee

====

New York – Artemi Panarin scored in OT for the NY Rangers who beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 before a sold out frenzied Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. Jason Zucker of Las Vegas was awesome firing quite a few shots on goal for the Penguins throughout this dramatic game. The Rangers won the best of seven series 4-3.

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Breaker – Sidney Crosby, the Penguins captain and premier goal scorer who was badly injured earlier in a playoff game vs the NY Rangers, practiced with the Pens yesterday and said he wants to play in Game Seven vs the NY Rangers at MSG on Sunday -Lee

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Friday, May 13, 2022

Pittsburgh – The NY Rangers scored late to break a 3-3 tie, then added an empty goal to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 to tie the heated Best of Seven 3-3. Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the Penguins now return to Madison Square Garden in NYC for the decisive Game Seven on Sunday.

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Jason’s teammate – the awesome big game scorer ultra-skilled Sidney Crosby – took a bad hit vs the Rangers in the previous game and cannot play tonight – Lee

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New York – The NHL New York Rangers, in a brutal physical playoff game beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 at MSG. Pens captain Sidney Crosby took a hard check in the second period and had to leave the game. Jason Zucker of Las Vegas got a lot of playing time in this game. Jason and the Penguins will go at it vs New York Rangers on Friday in Pittsburgh. The Penguins lead the Best of Seven series, 3-2.

====

No. 2 New York Rangers vs. No. 3 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh 4, New York 3 (3 OT)
New York 5, Pittsburgh 2
Pittsburgh 7, New York 4
Pittsburgh 7, New York 2
New York 5, Pittsburgh 3
New York 5, Pittsburgh 3
*Sunday at New York, Madison Square Garden

====

Special to Vegas Hockey

Megan Myers ’14
Ice Hockey Student-Athlete

From the moment she first took the ice in Utica, it was easy to see that Megan Myers would set herself apart. Between her hometown of Las Vegas, where ice hockey did not yet enjoy the popularity it does today, and her skill set on the ice, it rapidly became clear that she was of a unique breed. That she was destined to blaze new trails and achieve greatness.

Myers is still doing both of those things currently, and a decorated playing career here at Utica College proved to be a vital step on her path in the game of hockey, and in life.

In four years, the 2013 AHCA CCM Second Team All-American put together one of the most offensively dominant careers in the history of Utica College Women’s Hockey and the ECAC Women’s West Conference.

Arguably the greatest hockey player ever born in the state of Nevada, Myers was a four-time All-Conference pick at Utica. She was named to the first team twice.

Myers routinely left onlookers stunned with a brilliant combination of skill, finesse, and energy. Myers never failed to lead the team in scoring in each of her four years, finishing with 143 points on 74 goals and 69 assists in 104 career games. She is tied for the program’s all-time goal scoring lead alongside Pioneer Hall of Famer Deana Wiegand, is second all-time at Utica in career points. She led UC to 56 wins, three playoff appearances, and notched fifteen game-winning goals. The Las Vegas native was awarded the Dick Miller award at the 2014 Pioneer Hall of Fame dinner following her senior season.

After an exceptional college career, Megan has never stopped setting a superior example for the next generation of women in hockey. Following her senior year, she became the first Utica College women’s hockey player to be drafted into the Canadian Women’s Hockey League when she was selected by the Boston Blades. While playing alongside Olympic greats Brianna Decker, Hilary Knight, Monique Lamoureux, Kacey Bellamy, and Meghan Duggan, Myers and the Blades went on to capture the 2015 Clarkson Cup Championship. She played a total of five seasons with the franchise and became its captain. She also played on the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association Dream Gap Tour.

Today, Myers spends her time encouraging others to grow and improve in the game she loves through coaching opportunities. She spent several years assisting fellow Utica alumna Eliza Kelley at Becker College, and is now working as an assistant coach for the new Division I hockey program at Stonehill.

Megan graduated from Utica with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation.

===

Next game for Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the Pittsburgh Penguins – at New York Rangers Wednesday @the famous Madison Square Garden.

No. 2 New York Rangers vs. No. 3 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh 4, New York 3 (3 OT)
New York 5, Pittsburgh 2
Pittsburgh 7, New York 4
Pittsburgh 7, New York 2
Wednesday at New York, 4 p.m., ESPN
*Friday at Pittsburgh, TBD
*Sunday at New York, TBD

===

Breaker – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas dealt an assist for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a crushing 7-2 win over the New York Rangers on Monday. Jason and the Penguins were on home ice – the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Jason played on this line:

Jason Zucker – Jeff Carter – Brock McGinn

====

Hockey dad Leroy Garcia, a star roller player who years ago played on the top line with Micah Sanford, sends this….

We are looking to possibly open up tryouts for the ice hockey 18u division for this upcoming Fall season. We have created a survey for those parents who may be interested in it. Please fill it out asap as we plan to make a decision soon on possibly opening up tryouts for this division.

https://sobeicewarriors.sportngin.com/regi…/form/339630496

Email us if you have any questions: lasvegasicewarriors@hockeyforkids.org

====

ACHA Iowa State has announced Hunter Barto of Las Vegas will be on their roster for the 2022-23 season. Hunter, 20, played the last three seasons with the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose. He had 21 goals last season – Lee

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https://www.hendersonsilverknights.com/news/

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Henderson Silver Knights (35-28-5) vs. Colorado Eagles (39-22-7)

Best of Three Playoff Series

All games at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado

Game 1 —Colorado 5, Henderson Silver Knights 2

Game 2 – Colorado 5, Henderson Silver Knights 2

Colorado Eagles win best of three, 2-0

//Gage Quinney of Las Vegas has 12 goals this season with the AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Breaking news today – Jack Lackas, 15, of Las Vegas and the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes, was drafted by the USHL Madison Capitals. Jack, who had 15 goals, 9 assists according to elitehockey.com, was picked in Round 4. This is an awesome achievement – Lee

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Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the ECHL Ft. Wayne Komets are now tied 3-3 in their Best of Seven. One more game to play tonight!

Fort Wayne Komets vs. Wheeling Nailers

Best-of-7

(Wheeling Nailers win series 4-3)

Game 1: Wheeling 1, Komets 0

Game 2: Wheeling 4, Komets 2

Game 3: Komets 4, Wheeling 1

Game 4: Komets 4, Wheeling 3 (OT)

Game 5: Wheeling 3, Komets 2

Game 6: Komets 4, Wheeling 3 (OT)

Game 7: Wheeling 3, Komets 2 (OT)

===

THE VEGAS FIVE

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

31 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

31 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

26 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

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Breaker – Matthew Gross of Las Vegas 29 goals this season for the NA3HL El Paso Rhinos…….Skyler Cameron three goals this season for the BCHL Naniamo Clippers – only a precious few skaters from Las Vegas have played in the BCHL……Kenneth Curtis lll 3 goals for USHS Santa Margarito Catholic High School – Lee

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Monday ECHL Playoff Game

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Florida Everblades

//Florida Everblades led Best of Seven 3-2; beat Bryce Reddick and Greenville Swamp Rabbits 5-1 to win the best of seven.

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Sunday, April 31, 2022

The Pacific District Select Camp is being held this coming weekend May 6-9 at City National Arena. Vegas born players Defenseman Austin Moline, Dexter Kichline and Goalie Johnny Ng (2005) have been selected to participate in this 40 man camp event with players also selected from Alaska, California, Alaska, and Oregon. They will play three games competing for a chance to advance to the district camp in Buffalo, NY. Games start Friday, May  6  at 4:00 pm for the 17U 2005 born players at City National Arena. 

Home Option 1

There are also 16u and and 15u players participating as well.

====

These Las Vegas players are still active this season:

Jason Zucker, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins

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Friday, April 29 Playoff Game

WHL

Final Score

Kamloops Blazers 3, Spokane Chiefs 0 w/Erik Atchison of Las Vegas

//Kamloops wins Best of Seven 4-0

===

ECHL

Friday, April 29, 2022

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and Fort Wayne Komets at Wheeling Nailers

//Zach and Fort Wayne Komets win 4-3 OT

Florida Everblades vs Bryce Reddick Greenville Swamp Rabbits

//Florida Everblades win 2-1

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Wednesday, April 28 Playoff Games

ECHL

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and Ft. Wayne Komets vs Wheeling Nailers

//Zach and Ft Wayne Komets win 4-1; Wheeling Nailers lead Best of Seven, 2-1

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Florida Everblades

//Florida Everblades win 4-3 in OT

//Best of Seven tied 1-1

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Monday, April 25, 2022- Coach Matt Johnson and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team will have a new awesome look this season. “Our returning players will include Connor Beers, Jesse Mouzon, Kaden Mulcahy and Hunter Toms. We will be competing again in the NAPHL. We will also be going to go to two USHL Showcases in Fargo and Omaha.

“We will be hosting a Western Exposer series event as well as the playmaker series with the North Shore Academy. We have been invited to Anchorage, Alaska for their Labor Day Showcase. We will have our 14u, 15u, 16u and 18u teams going there. This is a great way to start the season and bond as a group,” coach Matt said.

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Monday, April 25 Playoff Scores

WHL

Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and Spokane Chiefs vs Kamloops Blazers

//Erik Atchison scored for WHL Spokane Chiefs in a 5-1 loss to the powerful Kamloops Blazers. Kamloops leads the Best of Seven, 3-0.

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Wednesday, April 27 Playoff Scores

ECHL

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and Ft. Wayne Komets vs Wheeling Nailers

//Wheeling Nailers lead Best of Seven, 2-0

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Florida Everblades

//Best of Seven tied 1-1

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Saturday, April 23, 2022 – Flash Updates..….

AHL

Final Score – Henderson Silver Knights 5, San Jose Barracuda 2 @ Dollar Loan Center Arena in Henderson

===

WHL – Western Hockey League

Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and WHL Spokane Chiefs vs Kamloops Blazers

//Kamloops has a 3-0 lead. Kamloops won the first game in this best of seven. Final Score Kamloops Blazers 6, Spokane Chiefs 2.

ECHL

Saturday

Final Score Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits 5, Florida Everblades 3

//Bryce and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits win to make it 1-1 in this best of seven series.

Saturday

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and Fort Wayne Komets vs Wheeling Nailers – Game Two in this playoff series…Final Score – Wheeling Nailers win 4-2, take 2-0 lead in a best of seven.

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Here are the flash scores in Friday night games:

AHL Final Score

Gage Quinney of Las Vegas 2 goals for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights in a 6-4 win over the San Jose Barracuda at the Dollar Loan Center Arena in Henderson.

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WHL – Western Hockey League

Kamloops 9, Eric Atchison and Spokane Chiefs 0

===

ECHL – Playoff Games

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets lost 1-0 to the ECHL Wheeling Nailers in Game One. The crowd at Memorial Arena in Fort Wayne was 5949.

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits lost 4-3 in OT to the Florida Everblades in their first game of their playoff series.

====

Friday

=====

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets take on the Wheeling Nailers in a Best of Seven while Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits begin a best of seven vs the Florida Everblades on Friday.

====

Friday Playoff Games

Game One, Best of Seven

ECHL Wheeling Nailers vs Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and Fort Wayne Komets

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Florida Everblades

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Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs begin a playoff series tonight – Friday – vs the Kamloops Blazers at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, BC – Lee

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Gregg Drinnan in Canada posted this in his daily hockey notebook ….

Manny Viveiros, a former WHL player and coach, is on leave from his position as head coach of the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights as he progresses into “the next steps of his recovery,” according to a news release. Viveiros is fighting prostate cancer. . . . In his absence, assistant coach Jamie Heward takes over as interim head coach. . . . Viveiros was the general manager and head coach of the Swift Current Broncos, with Heward as assistant coach, when they won the WHL’s 2017-18 championship. . . .

===

THE VEGAS FIVE

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

31 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

31 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

26 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

===

21 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

21 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

16 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Ft. Wayne Komets

13 – Michael Yochum, Captain, Canisus College

11 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

10 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

9 – Trent Carter, USPHL Chicago Cougars

8 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France3

7 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

6 – Gunner Moore, NAHL Shreveport Mudbugs

6 – Ash Printzen, NCAA Curry College

5 – Shane Dean, Gentry Academy

5 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Swamp Rabbits

4 – Caden Grestini, AAA Boston Academy 14u

3 – Steven Avalone, ACHA D2 Lindenwood

3 – Antonio Buck, ACHA lll Northern Arizona University

3 – Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

3 – Vito Carlo, NCAA3 Franklin Pierce University

3 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

3 – Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

2 – Gabriel Testa, CAJHL Vernal Oilers

Updated May 9, 2022

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Friday -Hometown goal scorer Gage Quinney, who played his tier hockey years ago at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, scored the first goal of the game for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights in a 4-2 win over the Stockton Heat before a big crowd of 5036 at the Dollar Loan Center Arena in Henderson, NV.

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It’s Easter Weekend! -The AHL Henderson Silver Knights, 29-28-4 this season, have clinched a playoff spot. Tonight – Friday – the Silver Knights vs Stockton Heat @ Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, NV at 7 pm local time…. Adam Stio, who has coached a number of ice and roller hockey teams in Las Vegas, is presently the GM of a city ice arena in Rock Springs, Wyoming…..Adam is one of the great ones in the sports of ice hockey and high-level roller hockey….

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The great hockey writer Gregg Drinnan in Canada posted this among his hockey notes today:

JUNIOR JOTTINGS: The USHL’s Chicago Steel has landed one of hockey best young prospects in F Macklin Celebrini, 15, who will be eligible for the 2024 NHL draft. He was born in Vancouver, but moved to California after his father joined the NBA’s Golden State Warriors as their director of sports medicine and performance. Macklin played one season of minor hockey in San Jose and has spent the past two seasons at Shattuck St. Mary’s. The Seattle Thunderbirds selected Macklin with the first-overall pick in the WHL’s U.S. draft on Dec. 8. . . . The SJHL’s Nipawin Hawks have named Dana Dirks as their assistant general manager. He spent this season as an assistant coach with Tad Kozun, the general manager and head coach.

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Thursday, April 14, 2022

Las Vegas star players chat about ‘My Best Teammate’

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Jason Allen played tier ice hockey in Las Vegas quite a few seasons ago: “My best linemate was Jeff Root. We both defensively liked to rock those star goal scorers. Pete Riccardo was our head coach.”

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Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels: “We played with a lot of great teammates while growing up. The best we think was Jeff Hajner. No one had a hard work ethic like him – on and off the ice, he was a such great leader.”

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Rob Pallin, one of the all-time head coaches in Las Vegas: “We played with some of the great ones including – Keith Jones, formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers. Brett Hull was just amazing. Mike DeAngelis, now the director of Jr Coyotes hockey – but best would be Norm Maciver. At 5‘9″ he played 700 games in the NHL as a defenseman in the late 1980s-90s. The game was so different then. Norm is currently the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks. As a player he always put his teammates first.”

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Nick Robone, coach UNLV Rebels – Nick was a star roller hockey player here in town for years. “My best teammates? I would say my brother Anthony, Andrew Tamura, Billy Tufano, Micah Sanford and Kris Carter. All first team guys and very very competitive.”

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Defensemen Richie Crossley and Devin Lane worked magically together and won a number of Vegas Hockey awards as ‘Best Defensive Pair’ while on a Las Vegas Bobcats ice hockey team coached by the great Matt Stang.

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Adam Tamura, star roller hockey player: “Wow, tough question. Going way back to the Crystal Palace house league roller hockey days we would say Trent Byrd and David Roble. They were not travel players but we had a great connection with them. Great guys too! In my youth travel roller we remember Kevin Malone who was one of my best friends as well as a great teammate. He always played hard and defended his team. Kurt Long and I were the 11th, 12th players on a stacked AAA level team which featured Shawn Pearson, Stringfellow Swan, Evan Zucker, Mike Sullivan, Brandon Rial among others. Curt and I really connected to work hard and be better players. He was also hilarious! That same team included Jeff Hajner, who was one the best leaders we ever skated with. It suits him well as he was captain on Air Forces’ first hockey team to the Frozen Four.

“My later days with UNLV roller hockey it was skating with Louie Dube, he is – to this day – one of the smartest men we have ever met. He helped me on the mental side of hockey and on the game of Life! Troy Lake is a newer name to Las Vegas roller hockey but skated years at Dan’s roller rink in Las Vegas and played for the Aces there. He also played four seasons with the Providence College Friars and then skated in the ECHL with the Charlotte Checkers when they were the (NHL) Carolina’s farm team. The same could be said about Tyler Myers and Tim Mullis on the Aces roller hockey team.

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Adam Stio – he played and coached a number of high level roller hockey teams here in town

“We played in juniors with a kid named Jason Wilhem. Most of the times he was my partner in the games. Great personality and awesome locker room guy who kept things like half-glass full. During games he studied tendencies and was always thinking a play ahead. He loved the pyschological aspect of the game. We knew on the ice during a game like escapes to board plays and switches on breaks. We made each other look good. It was consistent and it was a whole lot of fun.”

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Eddie Samuels and Eddie Del Grosso were best friends while playing on top tier teams here in the 2001–02 era. Their last head coach in Las Vegas was the great Rob Pallin.

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To contribute here send your story to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Leroy Garcia of Las Vegas is one of the all-time greatest here in town in the sport of high level roller hockey. He played primarily in the Micah Sanford era at the Little Home of Champions – Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive. This is on Leroy’s Facebook:

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” — -Wayne Gretzky

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Breaker – Player-coach Adam Tamura of Las Vegas is getting several Sin City Sniper’s roller teams ready to skate at the NARCH Finals on July 15-17 in SoCal. For sure Nick Robone, an awesome goal scorer in roller, will be on one of Adam’s premier teams. Possible Las Vegas roller players for Sin City Snipers include Andrew Tamura, Anthony Robone, Ross McMullen, Louie Dube, Billy Tufano, Austin Shannon, Emanuel Banez, Kris Carter, Johne Eugenio, Morgan Marinello, Ian David, Mitch Province, Ethan Montoya, Dominic Garcia, Paul Nguyen, Nate Valdez, Darion Conaway, Matt Strickland, Cody Milligan and quite a few others. Adam said “We have so many great players – we may have to expand to three teams.”

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Breaker – Jason Zucker, out for months with a lower body injury, returned to the lineup Sunday and scored for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a 3-2 OT win over the Nashville Predators. Jason attacked the Predators net and fired off a hard short-range shot to score. “I was thrilled for Jason – it was a big goal for him and for our team,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.…Also today Brennan Blasczak of Las Vegas and the SPHL Pensacola Flyers has 31 goals, 15 assists, 46 points this season – these are awesome numbers for Brennan.

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*PRESS RELEASE*

By Craig Thornton

Good Morning to All….

After four magnificent years guiding Faith Lutheran Hockey, with bittersweet emotion I announced my resignation at our 4th annual Awards ceremony, in front of again a packed house, that’s the only way Faith Hockey knows how to do things, the right way! 

I am so proud of this club, and what it has become, and look forward to witnessing the enjoyment many families will experience in the years to come. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for supporting myself and this club, it has been an incredible God filled ride for Andy, Erin and I. Over the past 4 years City National Arena has become my second home and I look forward to many enjoyable memories to come in that magnificent building!

The future for is so exciting, with Shane, Adam and Jordan at the helm you’re in very good hands, and the support from Faith Lutheran Middle & High School remains steadfast, along with the Vegas Golden Knights as they have so graciously taken us into their family, we are all so very blessed. 

I want to share a heartfelt special Thank you to the following people that have supported myself and this club unconditionally, forever I am grateful:

• Vegas Golden Knights and City National Arena
• Faith Lutheran Middle & High School
• Keith Carney (my brother forever)
• Dr Steven Buuck (FLHS)
• Bret Walter (FLHS)
• Shane Hnidy (VGK)
• Darren Eliot (VGK)
• Adam Miller (VGK)
• Andrew Stewart (VGK)
• Scott Fogo (FLHS)
• Melanie Bowline (FLHS, my forever rock!)
• Jordon vanson (FLHS)
• Amy Fisher (FLHS)
• Matt Blanchart (ADHSHL)
• Barb Feighner (Graphics extraordinaire)
• John “JT” Tyler (THE Voice of Crusader Hockey)
• Beau Saugling and the Boyz at Behind the Mask (PHX)
• All of the incredible Referees in the State of Nevada
• The amazing families of the Crusader Hockey Club, past present and future!
• And most of all, my beautiful wife Erin and my incredible son Andy!
• Thank you God for this incredible blessing!

The future of Faith hockey is alive and well! Nothing changes, business as usual. Tryout information should be posted very soon on www.vegasgoldenknightsjr.com   I would anticipate last weekend of April for high school tryouts. Moving forward, operationally our club is now in the very capable hands of Mr. Adam Miller. He can be reached at amiller@vegasgoldenknights.com with any and all correspondence pertaining to Faith Lutheran Hockey.

“GoFaithGo” 

Warmest Blessings,

Craig Thornton

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To Rinkrat2 at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho – Yes we know that Bethany Drysdale and Kat Craner were the best ever who wrote about the UNLV Rebels. Bethany has been unavailable but is always welcome to return here and write her awesome stories – she looks beyond the game and sees things on game nights which are so meaningful. At the same time Kat has special unique and interesting interviewing technique to get the story behind the story – Lee

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Gage Quinney of Las Vegas was +1 on the ice as the AHL Henderson Silver Knights beat the San Jose Barracuda 6-3 in a road game on Saturday evening. The game was at the SAP Center in San Jose – Lee

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By: Matt Atencio

The UNLV Skatin’ Rebels’ season came to an untimely end in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s National Tournament, after bowing out to the Central Oklahoma Bronchos in the semi-finals.

Even though the season ended before the ultimate goal, the team’s success cannot be understated.  Despite a lengthy absence from competitive play, head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener was able to assemble an incredibly talented roster that boasted scoring on all four lines, depth, and excellent defensive structure.

Season Recap

This was by far the best season in the Rebel’s history.  UNLV finished the regular season ranked fourth in the nation with a 26-4-0-1 record after being off for almost two full years.

The team came into the first game of the season with high expectations, despite the layoff, and won their first four games convincingly.

After losing three straight games following, the team rattled off 16 wins in a row.  This included wins over perennial ACHA power houses such as Minot State, University of Adrian, and Liberty University.  The team also won the Chicago Classic Tournament in November during that stretch.

The win streak came to an end in Liberty, but that was the team’s last regulation loss of the regular season.  The team won six of their last seven games to end the season, with the only loss coming in a shootout.

UNLV won their first two games of the tournament against Pittsburgh and Liberty University by a combined score of 9-4 to advance to the National Semi-Finals for the first time in program history.

Despite a valiant effort from the Rebels, the semi-finals were as far as they would go.  The season came to an end on a late power play goal by UCO to eliminate the Rebels from the tournament.

Top Season Performers

Alec Johnson and Max Johnson made major impacts on the team this season.  M. Johnson led the team in scoring this season, finishing with 20 goals and 13 assists in 28 games played.  It seemed like every time the team needed a big goal, M. Johnson was there to provide it.

A. Johnson led all defensemen in scoring this season with 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 30 games played.  He played major minutes on the top power play unit, using his lethal shot from the left face-off circle to score, and set up other scoring chances.

Cole Wyatt led the team in assists with 25 and had 31 points in 30 games played. Wyatt played on virtually every line during the season, and displayed a level of vision and playmaking that was second to none on the team.

The goaltending played perhaps the biggest roles in the Rebel’s success this season.  Coach Vignieri–Greener often referred to their goaltender situation as “more of a 1a and 1b than a one and two situation.”

Zach Wickson, the team’s “1a” goaltender, finished the season with a 17-2-0-1 record. He finished with a 2.03 goals against average and a .930 save percentage.  His goals against average was the best in the ACHA and his save percentage was tied for second (among qualified goaltenders).  Wickson played in every major game for the team, including all three in the National Tournament.  Wickson was arguably the best goaltender in the ACHA this season, and is a major reason the team was able to ascend to the heights they did.

Not to be overlooked, was the play of the number “1b” goaltender Vince Benedetto. Benedetto finished the season with a 3.18 goals against average and a .897 save percentage.  While the numbers do not jump off the page like Wickson’s do, his win percentage does.  Benedetto appeared in 11 games this season and won nine of them, including seven in a row.  He provided Vignieri-Greener with another excellent option who could step in anytime Wickson was unable to go, or to throw a different look at another team.

Looking ahead

With the offseason now here, the team will look to retool their lineup for the fall season.  Senior stalwarts Angelos Tsalafos, Sean Plonski, and captain Jared Erickson will be graduating in May and will leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

While that leadership and legacy will be missed for sure, the talent on the team will still be just as good, if not better.  The Rebels will be returning a majority of their current core, including both Max and Alec Johnson, Jayson Dimizio, Ezekiel Estrada, Hunter Muzzillo, Paxton Malone, and others.

The Rebels also have some high-profile recruits coming in next season, including Las Vegas Thunderbirds captain Caleb Strong.  Strong appeared in just 42 games for the Thunderbirds, but put up 38 goals and 52 assists during that stretch.

The success the team experienced this season is not just good for the players right now, but for the future health of the program as well.  Being so close gives the players currently on the roster fuel and motivation, but also gives Vignieri-Greener recruiting fuel.

The road back to the national tournament will not be an easy road next season.  UNLV will now be looked at as one of the preseason favorites to win the tournament next year, putting a target on their backs.  However, with the core of players they have and the coaching staff behind them, the sky is the limit for the UNLV Skatin’ Rebels.

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Here is an update on a gifted, very skilled Las Vegas defenseman – Austin Moline

Austin Moline (2005) 16u Shattuck St. Mary’s Defensive player qualified for the National tournament in Rochester Hills, Michigan this past weekend. His team battled and went on to quarterfinals in the Elite 8. Austin Moline concluded his defensive season with 7 goals and 33 assists. 16u Shattuck St Mary’s held onto 1st place status in the USA rankings.

2021-22 USA 16U Tier 1 Rankings

Rank▲	Team	Record▲	Rating▲	AGD▲	Sched▲	Links
1	Shattuck St Mary’s 16U AAA (MN)	42-8-4	98.66	2.65	96.01
2	Long Island Gulls (Red) 16U AAA (NY)	56-11-6	98.53	2.33	96.20
3	Compuware 16U AAA (MI)	57-16-0	97.76	1.92	95.85
4▲	Bishop Kearney Selects 16U AAA (NY)	50-16-8	97.66	1.61	96.05
5▼	Boston Jr Eagles (Elite) 16U AAA (MA)	21-5-5	97.55	1.52	96.03
6	New Jersey Rockets (Premier) 16U AAA (NJ)	45-26-4	97.48	1.12	96.36
7▲	Chicago Mission 16U AAA (IL)	46-23-6	97.10	1.27	95.84
8▼	North Jersey Avalanche (Premier) 16U AAA (NJ)	39-13-5	97.08	2.51	94.57
9	Mount St Charles Hockey Academy 16U AAA (RI)	32-18-2	97.01	1.58	95.43
10▲	Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U AAA (PA)	30-19-2	96.91	0.37	96.54

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In a stunner Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas scored his 16th goal of the season for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets in a 5-3 win over division leader Toledo Walleye before a massive crowd of 7634 at the Memorial Stadium in Fort Wayne on Wednesday night.

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Here are Las Vegas goalie Zackary Ortolano’s awesome statistics for AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u team this season:

ZACKARY ORTOLANO

23 Wins

12 Losses

7 Shutouts

2.35 gaa

92.1% Save Percentage

(Thank you Kimberly Ortolano who also provided updates throughout this past season)

Dexter Kichline of Henderson, NV celebrates with Tier 1 Bishop Kearney Selects – U.S. Hockey National Champions!

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One more thing about Dexter — His cousin Jason Kichline played D1 roller at West Chester U and now plays some tournaments in the pro division. 

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Wednesday update — Jason Zucker, out for weeks with a lower body injury, was on the ice skating at practice with his NHL Pittsburgh Penguins teammates……Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs is back in action after out five weeks with a fractured hand. Erik scored two goals this week to keep the Chiefs in the playoff hunt. His younger tremendously skilled brother Fuzzy Atchison with the AAA Windy Storm 15u in Chicago won the Illinois State Championship in OT, then went 2-2-0 at the U.S. Nationals. Fuzzy had 31 goals this season.…..An awesome defenseman – Trent Carter of Las Vegas – 9 goals, 10 assists for USPHL Premier Chicago Cougars this season….Looking for the whereabouts of the great Aidan Finch who last season played for Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u….Aidan plays hard with all of his heart each and every time he’s on the ice…..

It is easy to contact Vegas Hockey – email your hockey notes to leesamuels07@aol.com

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THE VEGAS FIVE

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

31 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

31 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

26 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

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21 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

20 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

11 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

8 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France3

6 – Gunner Moore, NAHL Shreveport Mudbugs

3 – Vito Carlo, NCAA3 Franklin Pierce University

3- Kenneth Curtis lll, USHS Santa Margarito Catholic H.S.

3 – Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Updated April 15, 2022

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VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS HEAD COACHES FOR 2022-23 SEASON

Sheri Hudspeth (14U, 12U Girls)

Adam Miller (VJGK/FL HS)

Nate Putek (18U AAA)

Matt Johnson (16U AAA)

Nick Brusa (16U AA)

Wally Lacroix (15U AAA)

Dustin Coldren (14U AA)  

Ryan Mattison (14U A)

Brian Salcido (12U AA)

Ivan Macheras (12U A)

Darren Eliot (12U HSK)

Rob Pallin (10U AA)

Jordan Hayworth (10U A)  

Darren Eliot (10U HSK)

Adam Miller (8U VGK All-Stars)

Geoff Sneed (8U HSK All-Stars) 

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A LOOK AT VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

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Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West.
//A young Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

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Michael Yochum, 22, is 6’1, 185, from Las Vegas. He had 11 goals last season for Canisius College in Buffalo – He will be the team captain this season for the third straight year! – Lee

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Sunday, April 3 – “Todd (Owen) and I are so proud of our team. Our morning playoff game earlier today took away our legs,” said coach Wally Lacriox of AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u. In a Final 4 game today in Kalamazoo, Michigan Colin Spencer scored twice for the VGK 14s and goalie Kameron Laskaska was strong with 15 saves in a 3-2 loss to the AA Alaska Oilers 14u who will now will take on AA Team South Dakota 14u in the Gold Medal game on Monday.

“What a great season we had,” said coach Wally. “We won a bronze medal here. Top 10 ranked all season. So Proud!”

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Kalamazoo, Michigan – In a ‘must win’ Final 8 playoff game the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u scored the winning goal in an OT/Shootout to beat a strong AA Arizona Bobcats team 5-4 to advance to the next round here at the U.S. Nationals.

Las Vegas goals

Finn McNabb

Riley Mabutas

Carson Craig

Jaxon Sabataso

Rocky Babcock – OT/Shootout goal

Las Vegas goalie – Kellen Hardy

Coach Wally Lacroix said “we were up 4-2, then they had an empty net and scored two goals to tie the game in regulation. Then we got the shootout win. We play again tonight against Alaska.”

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Saturday Breaker – There was a wild totally sold out crowd to watch #72 Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Silver Knights take on the Bakersfield Condors on home ice at the Dollar Loan Center Ice Arena in Henderson tonight.

Final Score – Bakersfield wins 5-2 in a hard, physical game. Gage Quinney of Las Vegas had a lot of ice time and scoring opportunities. One of the TV broadcasters was the great Gary Lawless – who tells it like it is!

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According to the U.S. Nationals playoff grid coach Wally Lacroix’ AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will take on the AA Arizona Bobcats 14u in a Final 8 game on Sunday. Game time is listed at 10:15 am Michigan time which is 10:15 am pacific.

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Final Score Saturday – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u beat AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 4-1; Charles Bennett, Colin Spencer, Kaden Israel, Riley Mabutas had goals; Kameron Laskaskas goalie today; VGJK 14u had more shots 34-18.

Right after the game coach Wally Lacroix said “….well played game – our young men played hard and strong winning almost every battle on the boards – so proud of our group. Great defense by all with Kam Laskaskas in goal for us. Really strong group effort – very proud to see it.”

Tomorrow’s Sunday game will be big – we are down to the Final 8!

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Friday Final Score – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 5, AA Rhode Island Saints 14u 1

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Next Game – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 14u on Saturday, 3:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm pacific.

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Las Vegas coach Wally Lacroix said “we had a good game against Rhode Island. Our goalie Kevin Hardy played well. Our young men played a responsible hockey game – overall we had a strong team effort.”

Las Vegas goals in order – Riley Mabutas, Collin Spencer, Zachary Gay, Casey Beringer, Jaxon Sabataso – Vegas goalie Kellen Hardy

Shots – Las Vegas 34-21

Vegas coaches – Wally Lacroix, Todd Owen; Team manager – Richard Beringer

Kellen Hardy is on the lineup card as goalie for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs AA Rhode Island Saints 14u today – Lee

https://nationals.usahockey.com/2022youthtierii14u2a

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Friday Breaker – Next for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will be the AA Rhode Island Saints 14u – the New England State Champions – at the U.S. Nationals in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The game time listed is 1:45 pm local time. “We rallied as a group to win our first game in a five-man shootout,” said coach Wally Lacroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights. “Rhode Island is a good, well-structured team – we have a big game ahead of us against them.”

Early Friday AA 14u Scores at U.S Nationals

Arizona Bobcats 4, Nashville 0 (this was a ‘must win’ game for Bobcats)

Delaware Ducks 4, hometown Kalamazoo K-Wings 3 (Delaware Ducks for years a powerful force at bantam level)

Granite State of New Hampshire 5, Spokane Jr Chiefs 4 (very significant game)

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Flash Update – At last coaches Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen and the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are at the U.S. Nationals in Kalamazoo, Southern Michigan. The first game for the VJGK 14u will be vs the AA Portland WinterHawks 14u. Game time is 5:30 pm Eastern time – the game will be at the Wings West Ice Arena, Blue Rink. There is a field of 16 teams from all parts of the USA in this 14u bracket.

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//Thursday Game Update – Kameron Laskaska in net for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights……Finn McNabb scores to give VJGK a quick 1-0 lead….Carson Craig gets the assist…..2nd period underway….Vegas has more shots 25-17……game is flying…..each team has 3 penalities, nothing major….Vegas has 1-0 lead….sorry updates have slowed way down, like hardly at all….Portland pulled its goalie, scored and we’re tied 1-1 now…..In the OT Shootout Rockland Babcock, Zachary Gay each scored for Las Vegas to clinch the big win…..Vegas goalie Kameron Laskaska played one of his greatest games – and he’s had a some great games!…..Meanwhile in another game the Delaware Ducks beat the Arizona Bobcats, 2-1. The Bobcats are an awesome team…..here is a link to VJGK 14u game…...https://nationals.usahockey.com/2022youthtierii14u2a

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Idaho Falls will play in the USPHL Premier Hockey League beginning this fall. Idaho Falls has already sold 1,350 season tickets in an arena which seats 4,000 fans. They will play in the USPHL’s Premier Mountain Division. This is the same league which includes the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds.

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Las Vegas – Oh those big, excited crowds which were packed into City National Arena for UNLV Rebels games on those cold winter Game Nights. Why are the Rebels games ‘must see’ by so many from all parts of the West. Rebels coaches Anthony Greener, Nick Robone give their thoughts on this right here on Vegas Hockey.

Coach Greener said “We are well known in the hockey community here in Las Vegas. We have a close-knit group of hockey fans. We are an alternate choice for choice for a cheaper version of great hockey. Plus playing in a great building like City National Arena really helps.”

Coach Robone added “I think people in Las Vegas have really fallen in love with the game of hockey since the NHL Vegas Golden Knights arrived here. That passion for the game has translated well for us as many cannot seem to get enough. Plus, we believe we put a great product on the ice and provide a fun atmosphere for the whole family at a reasonable price. Lastly, this community likes winners and we have been fortunate to do a lot of that for the last few seasons.”

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Las Vegas coach Wally Lacroix knows all about Zachary Ortolano. He was the goalie when Las Vegas won a tier National Championship a few seasons ago. “Zachary is a great young man with a super attitude and his will to win, desire to compete. He is a great teammate, always positive.”

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FRISCO, Tex. — Even early in the Chipotle-USA Hockey High School Division I National Championship, Shattuck-St. Mary’s was the acknowledged team to beat.

The team from Faribault, Minn., went wire-to-wire to win, never trailing in six games and they outscored opponents, 51-7. In Monday’s championship game, the Sabres defeated Stevenson High School from Lincolnshire, Ill., 5-1.

The closest game was in Sunday’s semifinals against the defending champion Springfield Rifles of Massachusetts, which tied Shattuck twice before losing, 5-3.

In the championship game, Shattuck-St. Mary’s broke out to a 3-0 lead in the first period. After a second-period lull, SSM outshot Stevenson, 16-7, and scored twice more in a dominating third period.

“We really started well,” first-year head coach Teddy Doherty said. “I knew we would win when we scored with three seconds left.”

Ryan Embley scored the first goal on the power play 8:20 into the game. At 14:41, Kaeden Hawkins scored, and Max Morehead was the one to boost the lead just before the horn.

As good as Shattuck-St. Mary’s star-studded roster had been, new stars emerged at Nationals.

HIGHLIGHTS

“Max Morehead scored three goals during the season, and then had five here,” Doherty said. “Michael Fitzgerald had 30 points during the season [in 62 games] and had 12 assists.”

Fitzgerald, who assisted on the last goal in the first period, had an explanation.

“Being the final tournament as a Shattuck player, I wanted to take it day by day, shift by shift, and be spending more time with the boys.”

Even in Monday’s second period, when Stevenson’s Maximo Poretto scored the only goal, a majority of the scoring chances had gone the way of the Sabres.

“We had trouble with the second period all year,” Doherty said.

Neither team scored again until 12:31 of the third period. Ethan Skowronek took a pass from Kieran Ronan for a 4-1 lead.

“We knew they were going to come at us hard,” Ronan said. “Guys were really happy to see that three change to a four.”

Whatever air was in Stevenson’s balloon deflated 46 seconds later with the second goal of the game for Hawkins. His 11 goals were the most by any player at High School Division I Nationals.

Four of the top five individual scorers were from Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Alexander Dell led the field with 14 assists and 20 points. Hawkins was next with 18 points, Skowronek had 17 and Fitzgerald was tied for fourth with 12.

“Hawkins has been our leading scorer all year,” Doherty said. “He defends our end and he’s a leader.”

Shattuck-St. Mary’s post-season road to the national championship may have been relatively trouble-free, but the regular season was more difficult.

“The seniors have gone through some adversity,” Doherty said. “We’ve had injuries, but guys were battling every day. It was a grind, but guys just bought in.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Years ago Kenny Hausinger of Alaska was a giant goal scorer for the AAA Las Vegas Storm 16u who played home games at the Las Vegas Ice Center over on Flamingo Avenue. Kenny’s teammates here in town included Joe Benedetto, Brendan Harris, Richard Prekop, Alec Mono and Dom Garcia plus premier goalie Talon Miller. That was back in 2011-12. Now, Kenny – 26 years old- has 10 goals this season for the ECHL Reading Royals.

===============

THE VEGAS FIVE

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

31 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

31 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

26 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

21 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

20 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

To update/contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

=====

Best Quote of the Day – “The Pittsburgh Penguins are really playing well and a healthy Jason Zucker would really help them in the playoffs,” Steve Allen, Vegas Hockey reporter

===

Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas had 1 goal, 3 assists and was +3 on the ice to help the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets rock the Wheeling Nailers 7-3. The crowd was 6,767 on home ice at the Memorial Coliseum...No more home games this season for the AHL Silver Knights at the Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue…It was announced today the remainder of the Silver Knights home games will be at the Dollar Loan Center Ice Arena in Henderson, NV…..

====

Saturday Flash Update – Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas came through again for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets in Indiana with two-late game assists in a riveting 5-4 win over the Kalamazoo Wings of Michigan before a massive crowd of 8,515 on home ice at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night…..Also on Saturday the AHL Tucson Roadrunners 3, Henderson Silver Knights 1 at the Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas….Pens Inside Report noted that Jason Zucker of Las Vegas skated at the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins practice yesterday. Jason has been out of action due to a lower body injury.

====

HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED – ONE OF THE GREATEST WINS FOR AA 18u LAS VEGAS MUSTANGS

Las Vegas 4, Tacoma Rockets 2 
//Twenty-one seasons ago, on Jan. 12, 2001, AA Las Vegas was 16-11-3 going into the Southwest League midget championships at San Jose. It was coach Rob Pallin’s first team, the Mustangs, and he proudly brought in his high-scoring ‘Triple Threat Line’ of Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely.

//But Las Vegas had an impossible tournament opener, taking on the heavily-favored Tacoma Rockets who had lost only one league game all season and had beaten Las Vegas 5-3, 4-0 and 5-1 in previous games.

//Just like coach Rob Pallin expected, Tacoma came out firing and playing fiercely. Then, Justin Grossman scored for Las Vegas. Caron knocked a goal in. Sean Darby blasted in another.

//In the final minutes, Las Vegas was hanging onto a 3-2 lead. The Vegas ‘D’ fought off late-game rushes into the attack zone.

//Then, with the clock ticking down, hard-working Spike Neely shook loose and scored on a power play.

//Pallin, later saying “it was the longest game of my life,” looked at the clock as it ticked down to 0:00.

//It was over.

//Las Vegas 4, Tacoma 2

//Mighty Tacoma had fallen….

==========

Utah Regulators’ special needs program a winner

By Matt Mackinder

When Utah Regulators president Mike Holmes first helped create a special needs hockey program in Utah back in 2008, he had no idea it’d grow to be as big as it is today.

The organization has a south team located in Provo and a north team in Salt Lake City and is comprised of male and female players ages 5-50 with cognitive disabilities. The only requirement to participate is that the players be ambulatory and able to take verbal instruction. 

The ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies are a main supporter, while the Regulators are the main sponsor, providing gear and finances when needed. The Grizzlies provide the jerseys, ice and tickets to their games.

There are no fees assessed to the players due to the high cost of care and treatment, and games are played The Peaks in Provo and the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City.

“Some of the players are quite memorable,” said Holmes. “Kanu had great difficulty wearing his helmet. He’d tear it off and throw it across the ice. It took three years for him to understand that he couldn’t go onto the ice without it. He still hates it, but wears it anyways.”

“Jhessi wouldn’t speak, but loved being on the ice. For four years, she needed full-time support on the ice. Finally, one day when the support wasn’t right there when she was ready to go, she just couldn’t wait any longer and just took off on her own. She’s been doing it ever since.

“Douglas has cerebral palsy and had one foot that turned inward. He couldn’t speak, but had devised his own sign language. We jerri-rigged a tripod that would allow him to be strapped in and keep him from falling over. He insisted he be allowed to go on the ice without help and did just fine.”

Deann Torsak, a parent and co-manager of the south team, has been impressed with the program since Day 1.

“My son, Jathan, is one of the original six from when this started and hockey has given him a sense of belonging,” said Torsak. “He had played other sports in the past with some success, but never really felt any connection to them. With hockey, it’s a completely different story.”

Rich Henricksen has a daughter, Karissa, in the program and coaches the north team. His wife, Tammie, is one of the team managers.

“Karissa has Down Syndrome and hockey helps keep her active,” said Henricksen. “Playing hockey has been a big positive for her. In the past, she’d watch dad and her two brothers play. Now, she has her own team, everyone watches her, and she loves it.

“She loves skating with her friends and scoring goals. She’s always packed and ready for practice on Saturday and can’t wait to get on the ice.”

The local high school hockey teams play games with the teams, making sure each kid scores at least one goal. The special needs kids generally win every game by a score of at least 25-0. 

“The volunteers and high school players have been wonderful, working with a great deal of patience and dedication,” said Holmes. “They generally pay for the ice and donate an afternoon as volunteers, all to make memorable experiences for some very special kids.”

Holmes says the players love the camaraderie, the colorful jerseys (some insist on sleeping in them), equipment and the idea that others are there to watch them.

“My association with these kids has been wonderful,” he said.

=====

THE VEGAS FIVE

Updated

March 23, 2022

===============

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

32 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

27 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 15u

26 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

20 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

To update/contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

==========

Friday – Gage Quinney and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights take on the AHL Tucson Roadrunners here in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue. Game time is 7 pm.

===

Kenneth Curtis, who earlier played for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, 3 goals 7 assists, 10 points for Santa Margarita High School this past season…..Cole Mensch of Las Vegas 7 goals, 7 assists this season with ACHA D2 Texas University.

===

Tuesday Final Score – AHL San Diego Gulls 3, Gage Quinney and AHL Henderson Silver Knights 1 before crowd of 4784 at the Perchanga Arena.

===

Tuesday Flash Update – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights on the road tonight vs the San Diego Gulls…Cody Williams 8 goals this season for Evry-France3…..Gia Avalone of Las Vegas three assists this season for NCAA D3 Adrian women’s ice hockey team….Chayse Laurie 20 goals while playing for coach Wally Lacroix AAA/AA Jr Golden Knights bantams this past season – Lee

====

Wow – Ian Williams of Las Vegas 26 goals, 21 assists this season for AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u….Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator’s astounding numbers in two playoff games for NA3HL Northeast Generals: 2 Wins, 0.50 gaa, 97.5% save percentage – We really have never seen numbers like that before….Speaking of numbers Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs had a home crowd of 7,981 the the other night against the Tri-City Americans…..It’s hard to believe that the great Vito Carlo of Las Vegas is 23 years old. He is playing for NCAA D3 Franklin-Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire...One of Vito’s best rink friends is Jimmy Samuels of Las Vegas. He is now living in Austin, Texas – Jimmy is not playing hockey right now….Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame coach Rob Pallin and wife Dora and two daughters are in town. Coach Rob has been working on ice with top Las Vegas goal scorers and defensemen to get them wired in for next season.….We’re told to expect to see a few more hockey rinks which are on their way here in town.

====

Sunday Flash Update – Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas dealt a key assist to ignite the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits to a 6-2 road win over the Norfolk Admirals before 1852 at the Norfolk Scope Arena. Bryce now has 4 goals, 10 assists for ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

===

Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen celebrated his 70th birthday with hockey son Jason and grandchildren at Italian Restaurant Casa D’Amore. “Great time talking hockey there,” said ‘coach’ Steve who is a contributor to breaking news stories here on Vegas Hockey.

===

Breaker – The dynamic, hard-skating defenseman Steven Avalone of Las Vegas and ACHA D2 Lindenwood played in the ACHA D2 Nationals in St. Louis and Lindenwood got to the Final 4. The games at the Nationals looked like this:

ACHA D2 LINDENWOOD

26-7-3 Record

Nationals in St. Louis

4-4 vs Montana State

3-2 over New Hampshire

4-2 over Liberty

Final 4 Game

1-6 to University of Maryland

===

Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets got his 11th goal of the season in a very tough 4-3 loss to the hometown Cincinnati Cyclones before a massive crowd of 8213 at the Heritage Bank Center.

===

Gage Quinney, who grew up playing ice hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, has 7 goals, 9 assists, 16 points this season for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights….

====

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

2021-22 Season

Top 5 Goal Scorers

Goals

24 – Aidan Finch – awesome player who gives it his all every single shift in a game

20 – Chayse Laurie hockey-smart, ultra skilled player in AAA 16u

15 – Gavin O’Hara

13 – Mason Jackson

7 – Reese Bynam

Source – Elitehockey

====

Best Tweet of the Day from UNLV Rebels coach Nick Robone

“After a day to reflect on the season I can’t express how proud I am of the players, staff & everyone involved with the UNLV program. Beyond the success on the ice we saw the growth of our young men in the community, classroom and within our culture. As always, the best is yet to come.“

====

Best Tweet of the Day on reporter Gregg Drinnan’s daily hockey notebook:

Connor Bedard is one of 6 @CHLHockey players in the last 25 years to score 40 goals in a season as a 16-year-old. The others: Sidney Crosby (03-04) John Tavares (05-06 & 06-07) Steven Stamkos (06-07) Taylor Hall (07-08) Alexis LaFreniere (17-18)

====

Breaker – PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Jack Lackas of Las Vegas and the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u has been invited to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp. The camp, which will help select the 2022-23 U.S. National Under-17 Team, will take place March 20-24, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.

========

MY FIRST GOAL

By Lee Samuels

The greatest players here
in the West – and primarily
Las Vegas – look back at their
very first goal in ice and roller.

ERIK FISCHER
Erik was a hard-skating
defenseman – first with the
AA Las Vegas Jr Wranglers
16u, then with the WSHL
Ogden Mustangs in Utah.

Like many Las Vegas
players, Erik scored his
first goal while playing
roller at Larry Sanford’s
Crystal Palace on North
Rancho Drive. Erik
blasted a slapshot for a
goal. He raised his stick
to celebrate. He was
five years old.

CHRIS FRANCIS
One of the greatest most dynamic goal
scorers in Las Vegas.

“I was six years old playing
house league roller hockey
at the Boulder Highway rink
where they used to have
hockey. I played for the Vipers
when I scored my first goal –
a wrist shot, right in front
of the net.”

MATT EDLIN
Matt is a former president of the
Las Vegas Jr Wranglers. He
was one of the top coaches
in town as well.

“My first goal was in Mite C
hockey at the Pilgrim Arena
in Hingam, Mass. It was in
overtime, so that is the one
which really sticks out.”

ANTHONY GREENER
For years, the heart, soul and
a giant goal scorer for UNLV

“The first year I played was
second-year squirts – the Las
Vegas Flames with Earl Brady
and my dad Sean Greener as
my coaches. I scored in my
first game ever. I wasn’t the
best skater but I could score.
And, it was a breakaway.
Once I scored that first goal
I knew hockey was for me.”

ROY HENDERSON
Founder of the Global Showcases
and one of the owners of the
BCHL Langley Rivermen,
Roy years ago was a top player.

“I scored my first goal on a
team called the PNE All-Stars
in Vancouver BC in 1957.
I was 6 years old. It was my
first game.”

ZACK JEWBY
Zack is a rugged athlete,
who played for the Eddie Samuels coached
WSHL Salt Lake City Moose Jr A

“I was real young, about 10,
playing for the Metro Maple
Leafs in Laurel, Md. I don’t
remember my first goal but
I do remember my first scrap.
There was a problem in front
of the net and I came charging
in to clear things out.

AARON KINSLOW
Aaron was a former coach
of the Salt Lake City Moose
in the WSHL. Previously,
he was an assistant in the
NAHL with the Bismarck
Bobcats.

“I was a goalie when I
started out. I was 13 when
I got into my first game
in 1992, playing for the
Fargo Patriots against the
Fargo South Bruins. We
won 6-1.”

TALON MILLER
Talon Miller wasn’t always an
all-star goalie. The Vegas Hockey
‘Goalie of the Year’ for the AAA
Las Vegas Storm 16u years ago
was a forward. His hockey dad
Tim explains how it all started.

“When Talon was a mite he played
for a house team in Anchorage called
the Lightning Raptors. They wanted
everyone to take a turn at being a
goalie and when it came to Talon’s
turn he played so well his teammates
and coach decided their best shot to
win was with him in the net. It’s been
that way ever since.”

WILL MUNSON
When Will played for the Billings
Jr Bulls he was called ‘Money’
by head coach Doug Johnson.
“Will always seems to score the
big goal when the game is on the
line,” Johnson said. A picture of
Will in a Bulls jersey that year was
on many billboards in Billings. He
is a very popular player who grew
up in the San Diego Jr Gulls
program.

“I was seven years old playing
for a team called the Ducks in
ball hockey on an outdoor rink
in Corona, California. I will
never forget my first goal –
wrist shot, top corner.”

JOHN PAUL MCNICHOLAS
One of the most popular
players in Las Vegas, JP
played the last seasons
with the Cal Bears.

His father John recalls JP’s first
goal

“It took a few games for John
Paul to get his first goal. He
scored in a Mite B tournament
in 1996 at the Santa Fe Station
Ice Arena in Las Vegas. John
Paul played for the Las Vegas
Mustangs against the South
Coast Sabers. It was a shot
from outside the blue line.
The goalie never saw it. We
were so proud we framed the
scoresheet and today it sits
on JP’s dresser.”

MICHAEL MCNICHOLAS
Michael is a gifted young
player who initally played
in Las Vegas, then in LA.

His hockey dad John
recalls Michael’s very first
goal.

“Michael scored his first
goal in 1999 in a mite house
league game at the Las Vegas
Sportspark rink. He was
playing on Bobby Burns’
Bluejacks. Michael had an
open shot in front of the net
and hit a backhander over
the goalie’s shoulder.”

NOLAN MATSEN
Nolan was a top defenseman
for the WSHL Salt Lake
City Moose.

“I was five years old playing
roller hockey for the
Savannah Super Goose in
Georgia. It was like rec
league hockey. I scored and
it was exciting.”

ETHAN MONTOYA
Ethan is a hard worker
on the ice who can score –
56 goals for the AA Las
Vegas Jr Wranglers 16u
years ago. He is now
skating with the
UNLV Rebels.
Like many Las Vegas
players, Ethan’s roots
are in roller hockey.
As hockey dad Orlando
Montoya says…

“Last year we were in Omaha getting
Ethan ready for school and
his billet family and I asked Ethan about his first
goal and he said it was in roller
at Crystal Palace – now known
as the Las Vegas Ice Center.
It was a wraparound shot.
He was six years old.”

ANGELO RICCI
Angelo is one of the top coaches
in the USA and hockey director
of the powerful AAA Colorado
Thunderbirds program.

“I was six years old when I scored
my first goal in my first ever game.
I was a mite playing for the
Franklin Park Jets in Illinois.
I was shocked as I was in the
clear not really knowing what to
do but went in to deke the goaltender
and scored with a deke to my
backhand.”

NICK ROBONE
Four-Time Vegas Hockey
Roller Player of the Year
Nick Robone has been a
star performer for years
with the Las Vegas Tour
Rebels travel teams and
with UNLV. 

“My first goal was at
Larry’s house league at
Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive.

My team
name was the Rattlers.
I was on a team with
Nick Dobranich. I think
Landon Kraige was the
goalie. Nick sent over a
pass in the slot area and
I put the puck in the
5-hole.”

EDDIE SAMUELS
Three-time Playmaker of the
Year when he played hockey
for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs

“I was playing for the
Falcons squirt team at the
Santa Fe Station Ice Arena
when I got my first goal. I
was at the blue line and took
a wrist shot – the puck lifted
and went through the goalie’s
five-hole – pretty exciting
actually. I still think about
that goal.”

JIMMY SAMUELS

Jimmy two years ago played
for the Las Vegas Storm
bantam ice team. He also
plays house roller at
Crystal Palace.

“I was maybe 5 years old and
over at the Las Vegas Sports
Center on Rampart. A guy came
up to me and my mom and asked
if I would like to play in a hockey
league on Saturdays. Of course
I did and in the first weekend I
scored my first goal – I could not
tell you what kind of goal it was –
guessing low corner because I
was real young and didn’t know
how to shoot the puck that much.”

MICAH SANFORD
Micah is the all-time goal scorer
in Las Vegas in ice and roller and
the first to be inducted into the
Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame.

“I scored my first goal in house
league roller at my Dad’s rink.
I believe I shot a muffin on the
ground and it went in. Sometimes
it’s better to be lucky I guess. I
don’t remember the name of the
team but I think my Dad was
coaching me. I was 10 years old.”

JASON ZUCKER
A dynamic athlete, Jason is
the first Las Vegas player
to skate in the NHL. Jason
plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Jason’s hockey dad Scott
remembers Jason’s first
goal.

“Jason’s first goal was in a
house roller hockey at Dave’s
rink on Tropicana and Decatur.
His older brother Evan scored
his first goal when he was
5 years old, playing for
PMQT at the Santa Fe Ice
Arena.

====

Jason Zucker of Las Vegas 6 goals NHL Pittsburgh Penguins; Gage Quinney, 7 goals, AHL Henderson Silver Knights; Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas 19 goals for Fife Flyers in Scotland; Eric Atchison of Las Vegas has 8 goals this season for the WHL Spokane Chiefs; Zach Pochiro 10 goals for ECHL Fort Wayne Komets, Trent Carter 9 goals for USPHL Premier Chicago Cougars; Cody Williams 8 goals for Eviry-Viry, France/3′; Las Vegas, Bryce Reddick 4 goals for ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Lee

===============================================

UNLV REBELS

“We had tough times early in the season, but our players did everything Nick and I asked,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. “Overall we couldn’t be any prouder of this team. We had some tough times early in the season, then we had a 16 game win streak. We went into some tough places on the road and we did better than what we had done previously away from home. The culture has changed 360*. We had great leadership and we have a core group returning next season. We told the boys keep your heads up – we will be back at the Nationals next season. We are going to take a short break, do our exit meetings and get back to it.”

===

ACHA D1 NATIONALS FINAL FOUR GAME – MARCH 14, 2022

FINAL SCORE – UNLV Rebels 2, Central Oklahoma 4 in St Louis…..

UNLV goal – Bradley Golant from Hunter Muzzillo

UNLV goal – Michael Boutoussov from Bradley Golant

Shots on Goal – Central Oklahoma 31-28

===

Jayson Dimizio, Paxton Malone and Michael Boutoussov scored in 1st period to give #4 ranked UNLV Rebels a quick 3-0 lead, then the great Nick Flanders scored late to clinch a 4-2 win over #5 ranked Liberty University Sunday at the ACHA D1 Nationals in St. Louis. ‘The Wall,’ 6’6″ goalie Zach Wickson, was in the net today for UNLV.

Rebels head coach Anthony Greener noted “….We are now in the Final 4 – it will be the first time we’ve been in the Final 4 on this level in our UNLV Rebels hockey history.”

From The Blue Line – This season Rebels goalie , Zach ‘The Wall’ Whickson has 18 wins, 2.03 gaa and a 93.0% save percentage....We are told officiating has been awesome here – like on a very high level.

===

UNLV REBELS

TOP 5 GOAL SCORERS – 2021-22 SEASON

Source – ACHA D1

Goals

20 – Max Johnson

12 – Ezekiel Estrada

11 – Brendan Manning

10 – Nick Flanders

9 – Alec Johnson

===

USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

TOP 5 GOAL SCORERS

FINAL FOR 2021-22 SEASON

GOALS

45 – Heath Mensch

38 – Caleb Strong

22 – Evan Brown

20 – Antoine Tourigny

14 – Kevin Hanley

===

Best Tweet of the Day from the Las Vegas USPHL Premier Thunderbirds

lasvegastbirds

@lasvegastbirds

Congratulations to

@USPHLMonsters

on going to Nationals! Safe travels and Best of luck! Show them what the pacific division is all about!

===

Friday – Live Fresno – Final – Fresno Monsters 10, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 1

Las Vegas goal – Michael Wells assisted by Michael Roswell

Shots on Goal – Fresno 49-22

Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

Fresno wins Best of Three, 2-0. Season comes to close for the Thunderbirds who played in many thrilling games this season – Lee

Fresno Wins Best of Three 2-0

Gateway Ice Center, Fresno

===

Friday – Tonight the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds tonight will be action vs the Fresno Monsters in their Best of Three playoffs – The T-Birds, down 1-0 in this Best of Three series, have to win to keep their big season going….The game tonight is 6 pm pacific at the Gateway Ice Center in Fresno.

===

Friday, March 11, 2022

Rebels Head Coach Anthony Greener: “This was a great team win against Pitt today. This was a good game. First period was rough – we got outplayed. Once we settled against Pitt we dominated the game in the O Zone.

Coach Greener highlighted this:

“2 for 2 on the penalty kill.

“2 for 2 on our powerplays.

“Great team win.”

===

HERE IS HOW UNLV BEAT PITT UNIVERSITY

UNLV Rebels, 26-4-1 during regular season, no score early vs Pitt University at the U.S. Nationals in St. Louis. The ‘Wall’ Zach Whickson is the Rebels goalie.…Pitt scores first, leads 1-0; Rebels score and it is a 1-1 game..we are in the 3rd period…Pitt put together a team gofundme campaign to arrange for monies to get to the nationals…Pitt’s season record was 25-4-2…3rd period – Rebels take advantage of a Pitt line change, score to take a 2-1 lead….hang on everyone, we’re about to take a ride here….UNLV now leads 3-1…Pitt scores – UNLV now leads 3-2…..UNLV scores again on a power play, leads 4-2 – about one minute left to play……Rebels win 5-2, advance to next round……It looks like in next round UNLV will play either Liberty or Illinois..

===

UNLV goal scorers

Jaedin Ness from Jayson Dimizio

Jayson Dimizio from Zach Wickson

Jayson Dimizio

Max Johnson from Hunter Muzzillo

Brendan Manning from Paxton Malone

Rebels goalie – Zach Whickson

===

Thursday Live Flash Score from Gateway Ice Center, Fresno, Ca.

===

USPHL Premier – Game One, Best of Three

Final Score

Fresno Monsters 10, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4

T-Birds Goals

Tristan Nelson from Evan Brown and Guillaume Dufour

Heath Mensch from Kevin Roswell

Simon-Pier Brunet from Jadon Kwiatkowski

Heath Mensch from Nick Bonaldi, Caleb Strong

T-Birds Goalies – Anthony Bonaldi and Loic Morin

====

Double Breaker – Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen just reported Pitt beat Navy’s hockey team 5-1 – which means UNLV Rebels vs Pitt tomorrow at the U.S. Nationals. “To me, Pitt looks like a very solid team,” Steve noted. Steve added the USPHL Premier Thunderbirds will be in challenging games vs the Fresno Monsters in their playoff road action which begins tonight – Thursday

====

UNLV Flash Update – UNLV Rebels went onto the ice ice and practiced today – Thursday – at the Nationals, then take on winner of Navy vs Pitt on Friday. “We play on Friday 10:15 am central time against the winner of the Navy vs Pitt game. Pitt took an early 2-0 lead in that game.” Nick added “everyone for us is here and good to go in our first game tomorrow.”

=====

Breaker – The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – in a battle Pacific Division leaders – will take on the Fresno Monsters in a Best of Three playoff series. All games will be at the Gateway Ice Center in Fresno – In the regular season Fresno had a record of 30-11-3, the T-Birds were 29-14-1. Game One will be on Thursday – Lee

=====

ST. LOUIS TO HOST AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
TROY, Mich. –– The American Collegiate Hockey Association, the governing body
for non‐varsity collegiate hockey in the United States, announced today that it has selected St.
Louis, Missouri as the site for the 2022 ACHA National Championships. The ten‐day event will be
hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup champion St. Louis
Blues.
More than 1,500 players from at least 72 teams across all five ACHA divisions—Men’s Division 1,
2, and 3 and Women’s Divisions 1 and 2—will converge upon the suburban St. Louis area to
compete in more than 100 games.
The 2022 ACHA National Championships will be played from March 10 through March 20, 2022
at the Centene Community Ice Arena in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The Centene Community
Ice Center, which opened in September 2019, is the practice facility for the NHL St. Louis Blues
as well as the home of Lindenwood University’s hockey programs. The ACHA will also utilize the
Maryville University Hockey Center in nearby Chesterfield, Missouri, for overflow games and
practices.
“St. Louis is such a great location for the ACHA and its member schools across all divisions,” said
ACHA Executive Director Craig Barnett. “About half of all ACHA member teams, in both the men’s
and women’s divisions, are within an eight to ten‐hour drive to St. Louis. With the support of the
St. Louis Sports Commission and the Blues, we’re looking forward to a great event to showcase
the very best of ACHA hockey and to crown five division champions at the Centene Community
Ice Center in 2022!”
“We are proud to bring another marquee collegiate hockey tournament to St. Louis,” said Blues
President and CEO Chris Zimmerman. “This is the Heartland of Hockey and the Centene
Community Ice Center is the hub of hockey development in the Midwest. Hosting the ACHA
National Championship is a testament to the St. Louis community and the great strides we have
made in growing our great sport throughout the region.”
=====

====

Breaker – The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – in a battle Pacific Division leaders – will take on the Fresno Monsters in a Best of Three playoff series. All games will be at the Gateway Ice Center in Fresno – In the regular season Fresno had a record of 30-11-3, the T-Birds were 29-14-1. Game One will be on Thursday – Lee

====

Matthew Gross of Las Vegas and the NA3HL El Paso Rhinos, has 28 goals this season.

====

Saturday, March 5, 2022

By Charles V Reilly

Las Vegas – When you look at the UNLV Rebels astounding overall skillset on the ice it was the difference for the Rebels in a 5-2 win over Oregon Ducks before another sold out crowd Saturday night at the City National Arena.

The Ducks, an ACHA D2 team going into D1 next season, plays a hard physical game which works vs most teams – but not that much vs an ultra-skilled team like #4 ranked UNLV.

“We really had a great third period -and me, I am so excited about this season. We have a lot left in our tank, we are not done yet,” said UNLV head coach Anthony Greener

UNLV Vince Benedetto was in the net as the Rebels closed out its regular season. Playoffs are next.

UNLV scoring

Michael Boutoussov from Bradley Golant

Ezekiel Estrada from Luke Burke

Nick Flanders from Paxton Malone

Brendan Manning from Jared Erickson

Jaiden Ness from Jayson DiMizio

====

Friday

Las Vegas – Anthony Greener’s powerful #4 nationally ranked UNLV Rebels had to dig deep with an awesome effort to beat a game, feisty D2 Oregon Ducks team 2-1 before a massively big crowd Friday night at City National Arena. It took a sensational side-angle goal on a power play by the Rebels’s Nick Flanders to win the game. Flanders goal was assisted by Paxton Malone. It was great movement on this power play which went down like this: Paxton found Flanders through the seam, passed the puck to him and Flanders fired off a shot which took a fiery route into the Ducks net for the game-winner. It was an awesome game – kudos to the D2 Ducks who will next year will play in ACHA D1.

Coach Greener said “….it was a great game. We created good habits. We will be even better here on Saturday night.”

Game Two of this weekend series will be right back at City National on Saturday evening.

From the Blue Line – UNLV’s first goal was scored by Angelos Tsalfos assisted by David Lenzin….Two awesome officials – Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen – were great the entire game – and the City National was jammed …….

====

The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds are in first-round playoff action this weekend. The T-Birds will take on the Lake Tahoe Lakers in a Best of Three. These games will be the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson.

Friday -Las Vegas Thunderbirds 7, Lake Tahoe Lakers 0

T-Birds goals – Caleb Strong 2, Heath Mensch, Loic Gossellin, Guillaume DuFour, Jadon Kwiatkowski, and Antoine Kwiatkowski; T-Birds goalie – Anthony Bonaldi, 37 saves

===

Saturday – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 10, Lake Tahoe Lakers 5

T-Birds goals – Heath Mensch 3, Antoine Tourigny 3, Caleb Strong 2, Kevin Hanly 1, Nick Bonaldi; T-Birds goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

//Las Vegas wins Best of Three, 2-0

Sunday (if needed)

====

Thursday – 56-goal scorer Jack Lackas of Las Vegas and the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u are off to the Regionals in Dallas next week. Jack’s brother AJ with the EHL New England Wolves will be in playoff action next week as well….The Faith Lutheran Crusaders, the Nevada State High School Champions, are going to the High School Varsity D2 Nationals in Dallas, March 24-28.

===

Breaker – How important are UNLV’s games vs Oregon Ducks this weekend? Very important says coach Nick Robone of the Rebels. “These two games (Friday, Saturday) will be a great opportunity to get dialed in for the (ACHA D1) National Tournament in two weeks. We will see how healthy our goalies are as we hope to get both in action this weekend. Oregon is a strong D2 team which will be competing in D1 next season.” – Lee

===

ACHA D1

TOP FIVE

Lindenwood 20-0-1

Minot 21-2-2

Iowa State 24-4-4

UNLV REBELS 20-4-5

Liberty 17-8-3

===

#1 Searched Today – Rob Pallin, coach of many championship teams in Las Vegas and #2 Micah Sanford, the Las Vegas star who started it all here in town.…Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas has 10 goals this season for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets…Cody Williams of Las Vegas 8 goals for Evry-Viry France3 this season.…USPHL premier goalie Aidan Spraggs got a win for the Las Vegas Thunderbirds last weekend. He is 20 years old and has a 5-2-0 record this season. Aidan is from Mount Vernon, Washington

===

Monday Breaker – The UNLV Rebels close out their 2021-22 regular season hosting the hard-skating ACHA D1 Oregon Ducks in a two-game weekend starting on Friday, 7:30 pm. After these games UNLV heads for the ACHA D1 Nationals.

==============

Erik Atchison of Las Vegas – star goal scorer for WHL Spokane Chiefs

===============

THE VEGAS FIVE

Updated

March 2, 2022

===============

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

56 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

29 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

27 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 15u

26 – Brennan Blasczk, SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers

17 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

15 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

===

11 – Michael Yochum, Captain, ACHA D1 Canisus

11 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

10 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets

10 – AJ Lackas, EHL New England Wolves

9 – Trent Carter, USPHL Chicago Cougers

8 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

8 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France3

7 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

6 – Ash Printzen, NCAA Curry College

4 – Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

4 – Jerrett Overland, EHL Express – Massachusetts

4 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Swamp Rabbits

2 – Gabriel Testa, CAJNL Vernal Oilers

0 – Gia Avalone, NCAA lll Adrian College

//To add here or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

====

Heath Mensch, a massive goal scorer for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds, was rested last week – he was not injured. “We had our playoff spot locked down and we wanted to rest him,” a T-Birds spokesperson said

==

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Updated March 1, 2022

Source – USPHL Premier Website

Top 5 Goal Scorers

45 – Heath Mensch

38 – Caleb Strong

22 – Downtown Evan Brown

20 – Antoine Tournigny

14 – Kevin Hanly

==

Sunday Breaker – Faith Lutheran won a best of three over the Las Vegas Storm to win the Nevada High School Championship over the weekend. Faith won Game One over the Storm 5-1 at City National Arena on Friday. Then last night beat the Storm 3-1 at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Faith Lutheran is now qualified to play in the High School Nationals in Dallas.

The great Adam Miller is the head coach of Faith Lutheran.

=====

Saturday – Lakewood Ice Arena

FINAL

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3, Long Beach Shredders 2

LV – Ryan Duggan 2nd goal this season from Isak Johnnsson

LV – Kevin Hanly 14th from Jadon Kwitakowski, Evan Brown

LV – Kevin Roswall 6th

LV goalie – Aidan Spraggs

===

AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks 7, AAA VGK 16u 1 – Jacob Webb scored for VGK. Both VGK goalies – Keynes Lake, Logan Perez – were in the game at the FivePoint Arena in Irvine, Ca.

====

It is easy to report game scores – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===

Friday Breaker – 45-goal scorer Heath Mensch did not start for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds in their road game tonight vs the Long Beach Shredders. In the third period the Thunderbirds led 2-1 on goals by William Chateauvert and Michael Wells. Long Beach just scored to make it a 2-2 game. Gorial Yaro is the goalie for Las Vegas. The game is at Lakewood Ice Arena in Lakewood, Ca. There was a maddening finish in this game as Michael Wells wound up with three goals and Kevin Roswall scored late to help clinch a 5-2 win.

====

Flash Final Score Friday – Mason Jackson scored for Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in a 5-1 loss to the L.A. Jr Kings 16u at the Fivepoint Arena in Irvine, Ca. The VGK 16u next play the Anaheim Jr Ducks here tomorrow at 10 am.

—

FRIDAY, FEB 25, 2022

HISTORY WILL BE MADE!

7:30 PM

NEVADA STATE VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

CRUSADER HOCKEY CLUB

vs

LAS VEGAS STORM

@City National Arena, Las Vegas

===

Thursday Flash Final Score – – USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 9, Long Beach Shredders 3@ at the famous Lakewood Ice in SoCal

===

T-Birds – Heath Mensch 43rd goal from Caleb Strong

Long Beach – Hunter Keech 3rd goal of season. Hunter is from Las Vegas

T-Birds – Antoine Tournigny 18th

T-Birds – Heath Mensch 44th from Antoine Tournigny, Caleb Strong

T-Birds – Heath Mensch 45th from Skylar Seckerson, Caleb Strong

T-Birds – Caleb Strong 38th from Antoine Tourigny

T-Birds – Michael Wells 6th from Nick Bonaldi, Deric Prier

T-Birds – Caden Thorne 2nd from Bradly Burden

T-Birds – Michael Wells 7th from Isak Johansson

T-Birds – Antoine Tourigny 20th from Heath Mensch

T-Birds goalie – Anthony Bonaldi; Long Beach goalie – Julian Arenal

FRIDAY, FEB 25, 2022

HISTORY WILL BE MADE!

7:30 PM

NEVADA STATE VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

CRUSADER HOCKEY CLUB

vs

LAS VEGAS STORM

@City National Arena, Las Vegas

==============================

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas – The Historic Teal Line

==========================================

There are a lot of big changes in Vegas Hockey today. But let’s not forget one of the greatest lines of all time in Las Vegas.
====================================================

Special to Vegashockey.net

We have seen a lot of writeups here on coach Rob Pallin’s old teams. But I think we have forgotten the importance of coach Pokey Reddick’s 16u teams with Bryce Reddick, Corbin Brown, Kyle Clay, Ryan Scheafer, Steven Bolton, Colby Cookson, Ryan Sutliffe, Matt Hedderly, Kris Carter, Chris Rial, Robbie Silvernail, Alex Yug, Christian Bryant, etc.

When they won the 16u Pacific District Championship in 2005, that wasn’t suppose to happen. In 2006 they won 4 tournaments at home including a game that to me, my son and any person you speak to, was the most exciting game to date at the Las Vegas Ice Center against the (Long Beach) Ice Dogs semifinals double OT to go on and win the Pacific District Championship in 2006.

Pokey Reddick and those 2 teams put that rink and organization on the USA hockey map. Hamilton Whyte, the Quinney kids, Brendan Harris, Sullivan, Brooks, Chiasson, Raats all grew up watching those guys play – just like most of the 89s and 90s who grew up watching Rob’s teams at the Santa Fe Ice Arena.

After 2006 is when they changed the name and began billeting kids from out of state. Everyone wanted to play at that rink.

The line of Bryce Reddick, Corbin Brown and Kyle Clay terrorized teams for 2 years.

They were called the Teal Line. No one could stop them, just like Jasek, Samuels and Naglich did. Those 2 Pokey teams were in the papers in Summerlin, Las Vegas Review Journal, USA Hockey. Many kids at that rink continued playing because of the excitement of those 2 back to back teams.

The rinks would be packed with 200-300 people. I remember the buzz of every team team in that organization coming to watch these teams play. Parents took kids out of school early to watch the Friday afternoon games. Mike Sullivan, Jeff Hajner, Jason Allen, Rob Pallin, Larry Sanford and YOU all at the rink boards watching.

We haven’t had a team that good and fun to watch since then, everyone knows it. I believe Rob’s midget teams of those back to back seasons from AA-AAA and Pokey’s two AA teams were the best teams the city has ever seen to date.

Not to mention it was all Las Vegas skaters, no one from out of town like we see now. Just ask the Vegas coaches – Rob Pallin, Ken Quinney, Rod Buskas and anyone around that team and Pokey had the support and gathering like no other.

I would like to nominate Bryce Reddick and Corbin Brown into the Top 15 skaters in Las Vegas history.

Bryce Reddick was so smooth on his skates. He might have been the fastest kid to play in Vegas. Faster than Jasek. Just ask around.

Corbin Brown at 5’6″ was truely the first small player out of Las Vegas and he went on to play for one of the best NAHL franchises in the Wenatchee Wild which was a Robertson Cup runnerup. I’d say he helped kick start all of these other kids who have played in Wenatchee

Like I said, those 2 Pokey teams were very exciting.

And not a lot written about them.

It’s part of history at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

They kick started it for all of our kids and the organization.

=====

From the Blue Line – Goalie Gage Roberts of Las Vegas this season is a goalie at NCAA D3 Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.…Michael Yochum of Las Vegas is the captain and has 11 goals for ACHA D1 Canisius....Big game goal scorer Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas has 9 goals this season for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets.

===

The great Gregg Drinnan in Canada posted this today:

Here’s the WHL’s top 10 winningest regular-season coaches: Don Hay, 750; Ken Hodge, 742; Don Nachbaur, 692; Lorne Molleken, 626; Williamson and Habscheid, each 572; Ernie McLean, 548; Brent Sutter, 526; Pat Ginnell 518; and Shaun Clouston, 485.

===

NARCh Update,

Just a friendly reminder, the deadline to register/pay for the NARCh Regional in Corona on March 18th-20th is February 28th, which is Monday!  REGISTER NOW.

We are also hoping to make a push to get more 6u/8u players involved, starting with our event in March in Corona.  If you have a young player that wants to play but doesn’t have a team, please contact us!

For the full list of events – NARCh Events

Thanks for playing NARCh!

NARCh Staff

====

From The Blue Line…..Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and NHL Pittsburgh Penguins still out “recovering from a core muscle injury.”…..Erik Atchison 8 goals WHL Spokane Chiefs….Zach Pochiro 9 goals for ECHL Fort Wayne Komets…Trent Carter 9 Goals for USPHL Premier Chicago Cougers…Bryce Reddick 4 goals this season for ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits….Vito Carlo 3 goals for NCAA Franklin-Pierce University…Gabriel Testa of Las Vegas now playing for CAJHL Vernal Oilers in Utah….The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds close out their regular season this week vs the Long Beach Shredders with a 3-game road series which begins Thursday at the famous Lakewood, Ca. Ice Center.

===

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Updated Feb 25, 2022

Source – USPHL Premier Website

Top 5 Goal Scorers

45 – Heath Mensch

38 – Caleb Strong

22 – Downtown Evan Brown

20 – Antoine Tournigny

13 – Kevin Hanly

===

Elliott Friedman writing in his awesome ’32 Thoughts’ column:

“Won’t turn out this way, but, at one point, there was an idea to make the seating capacity at Arizona State’s new hockey arena 4,242 — in honor of the late Pat Tillman. Tillman wore that number when he played for the Sun Devils. Totally understand why some things can’t work out certain ways, but was a unique thought.“

===

“Oregon has a fast skating team – we will have deal with their team speed,” says UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. These are the final two games of the regular season for the Rebels – then it’s off to the ACHA D1 National Championships.

===

Monday, Feb 21, 2022

The final game of the weekend for the Wally Lacroix coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u wound up as a 3-3 tie vs the Flint Jr Firebirds 14u at the Michigan Super Series today. “We had a 4-1-1 weekend in Michigan, something we can build on,” said coach Wally. Kameron Laskaskas was goalie for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u in this game.

==

This is one for the Las Vegas record books. Coach Wally Lacroix’ Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u beat the #3 ranked bantam team in the nation – the Kensington Valley Rebels – by 2-1 today at the Michigan Super Series.

“Unbelievable effort from our team,” coach Wally said. “We shut down two 5 on 3s against us mid to late third period. Kellen Hardy was in goal for this one. Very very proud of what we accomplished today.”

On Monday the VGK 14u will play the Flint Jr Firebirds 14u at noon.

===

Sunday Final – After winning 4-0 over Grand Rapids – Kameron Laskaska was goalie for VGK 14u – coach Wally Lacroix’s now take on the powerful #3 nationally ranked 37-8-10 Kensington Valley Rebels at the Michigan Super Series.

===

Bet you didn’t know: One of Las Vegas greatest goal scorers Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich was with dear friends at the Rebels game on Saturday night….When the UNLV Rebels are in a game our readership here triples…To Rink Rat2 over at the Pepsi Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive – Yes we know Bethany Drysdale writes better UNLV game stories than Lee…..We miss her terribly and hope she returns too along with the great Kat Craner…

Sunday, Feb 20, 2022

UNLV closes out its regular season on March 4, 5 – against the ACHA D1 Oregon Ducks who – guess what – has a win over rugged ACHA D1 Grand Canyon University. Game time Friday is 7:30 pm at City National Arena.

The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds are off today – Sunday – then close out their regular season on the road vs the Long Beach Shredders in a three-game series beginning Thursday at the famous Lakewood Ice Center in SoCal.

===

Saturday, Feb 19, 2022

UNLV Rebels 3 Stars of the Game

#1 Jayson Dimizio

#2 Zeke Estrada – very rugged player, takes care of enemy players in his zone

#3 Jake Berry

===

UNLV Rebels Goal Scorers on Saturday Night

Cole Wyatt

Jayson Dimizio

Angelos Tsalafos from Jake Berry

Nick Flanders

Max Johnson from Cole Wyatt

Ezekiel Estrada from Jayson Dimizio

Las Vegas – Angelos Tsalafos, Nicholas Flanders and Max Johnson scored dramatic late-game goals to lock down the UNLV Rebels 6-3 win over a fiery Grand Canyon University team before a sold out crowd at the City National Arena on Saturday night. Vince Benedetto got the start as the Rebels goalie and made spectacular saves throughout the game. UNLV is ranked #4 in the ACHA D1 ratings and is qualified to play in the ACHA D1 Nationals.

Physically this was a hard, very physical game. “Wins can be hard to come by this late in the season – something we spoke about to our team,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener.

It was a wicked ride in all three periods– including hard checks etc. at center ice and in dark corners. The sold out crowd – the main seating area was jammed – as was the north rinkboards area.

===

Saturday

Ontario, California – Caleb Strong, Antoine Tourigny and Guillaume Dufour scored goals in regulation play, then Nick Bonaldi, Jadon Kwiatkowski, Isak Johansson scored on OT/Shootout goals to give the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds a 4-3 road win over the Ontario Jr Reign here at the Center Ice Arena on Saturday night.

===

Friday Rebels 3 Stars of the Game

#1 The Wall – goalie Zach Whickson

#2 Luke Burke

#3 Brad Golant

===

Shots on Goal

Rebels 34-25

===

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – Thank goodness for the Great One – UNLV Rebels goalie Zach ‘The Wall’ Whickson. He made some awesome saves as the #4-ranked Rebels beat a very smart, ambitious hard-skating Grand Canyon University team 3-2 on Friday night before a totally sold out City National Arena on Friday night. The stands were jammed and it was three-deep on the north rinkboards.

The Rebels scoring went like this:

Luke Burke from Alec Johnson

Brad Golant from Max Johnson

Max Johnson from Cole Wyatt

Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “I thought we were good in the first part of the game, then we struggled the rest of the game. We will be better on Saturday night for sure.“

Game Two of this weekend series is tonight – Saturday – at City National Arena, 7:30 pm

===

Ontario, Ca. – Heath Mensch scored his 42nd goal of the season, linemate Caleb Strong had two goals – his 36th, 37th – and Michael Wells got his 5th goal for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds in a 7-4 road loss to the Ontario Jr Reign here at the Ontario Ice Center on Friday night. Anthony Bonaldi and Gorial Yaro were the goalies for the T-Birds.

===

Coach Matt Johnson of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are in Detroit this weekend. “We have the Esmark Stars, Des Moines and the NH Avalanche on our schedule”, said coach Matt.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Saturday – Detroit

2-3 OT to Des Moines

vs New Hampshire Avalanche

===

Because of nasty cold snowy weather coach Wally’s VGK 14u schedule was tweaked today. “We now play Arvada in our first game at 6:30 pm.”

Here is how head coach Wally Lacroix of the VGK 14u looks at the Michigan Super Series for his team this weekend: “We need lots of structure and discipline – our young men must show up and be ready to play at the highest level.”….The VGK 14u are ranked #9 nationally and now have a season record of 42-15-1.

Friday Flash Final – Michigan Super Series

AA 14u

Arvada 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 0 (Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK 14u)

• Michigan Super Series
• Vegas Jr Golden Jr Knights 14u Revised Schedule
• Feb 19 – 7-0 over Music City Marauders – Kameron Laskaskas goalie for VGK
• Feb 19 – 5-1 over Kalamazoo K-Wings – Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK
• Feb 19 – vs #3 ranked Kensington Valley Rebels, 6:30 pm

Coach Wally Lacroix: “It’s Senior Night at St. Mary’s Orchard Lake. Myself along with coach Todd here to support senior Cayden Beringer, former Jr VGK player. St. Mary’s is home team – Cranbrook Academy is visiting team. The young men of VGK 14u are also supporting with their families.”

===

Breaker – Here is the lowdown on Grand Canyon University which is coming here Friday and Saturday to take on the UNLV Rebels at City National Arena. Rebels coach Nick Robone sees them as “a gritty team which is tough to play against. They have strong goaltending and have surprised a lot of teams lately. They were recently ranked in the Top 25 – as early as last week. Don’t think they have a single elite goal scorer but on our side we have to be on our A game all weekend.”

===

Coaches Wally Lacroix, Todd Owen and the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are heading to the Michigan Super Series tournament. “Kensington is ranked #3 in the country. We have our hands full going into this one.” The Kensington Valley Rebels, from Michigan, are 33-10-8. Coach Wally’s VGK 14u have a record of 42-15-1. The AA L.A. Jr Kings 14u are also in this great tournament.

===

FRIDAY, FEB 25, 2022

HISTORY WILL BE MADE!

7:30 PM

NEVADA STATE VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

CRUSADER HOCKEY CLUB

vs

LAS VEGAS STORM

@City National Arena, Las Vegas

====

Breaker – Vito Carlo, a very popular ice hockey player from Las Vegas, has 4 goals this season for NCAA Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire

Today’s Flashback Story

Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014

Las Vegas – Big, rugged Sam Braniff was the captain of the UNLV Rebels ice hockey team. He skated on the top line and was a driving force for years. The team wound up its season last weekend. Now Sam is skating for the UNLV Rebels roller hockey team which is gearing up for the WCRHL Regionals in Corona, California which begin March 1.

Braniff skated in roller games with the Rebels on Saturday and Sunday in Huntington Beach, helping the team go 5-1-0 and qualify for the Western Regionals. Braniff is on a team with roller superstars including Andrew Tamura, a gifted player who was the 2013 Vegas Hockey Roller Player of the Year.

“Sam was very solid in our games,” said coach Nick Robone. “He skated well, moved the puck efficiently and was tough in the corners. I think the more games he plays the better he will be. Our team finished 14-6-0 overall in the regular season and now we are off to the WCHRL Regionals on March 1.”

Only four Western roller hockey teams made the Regionals – Cal Poly, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State and UNLV. The four teams will play down to a gold medal winner which will advance to the U.S. Nationals. There, 24 D1 teams will be there.

UNLV, which plays out of Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive, has three coaches – Curt Weiman, Nick Robone and Adam Tamura.  Weiman said this about Sam Braniff “…he was the player we were looking for…tough, rugged…and yes he can play the game.”

====

Super Bowl Sunday – ….Michael Yochum of Las Vegas has 11 goals and is the Captain of ACHA D1 Canisus College this season…

Sunday final score at City National – Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 3, AAA Sno Kings Thunderbirds 3 (tie). VGK 16u goalies Logan Perez, Keynes Lake both got into the game. Goal scorers for VGK 16u were Gavin O’Hara, Ryan Pavlinsky and Cole West.

===

Rinkrat2 over at the Pepsi Arena likes the LA Rams to win.

===

Saturday, Feb 12, 2022

Breaker – UNLV Rebels tweeted they just beat ASU 4-3 on the road at Oceanside Arena.

Head coach Anthony Greener of the Rebels said “…we stressed using our forecheck going into this big game. Then our special teams went 2 for 4 on the powerplay in this game and we went 4 for 4 on our penalty kill.”

UNLV goal scorers:

Paxton Malone

Hunter Muzzillo

Bradley Golant

Ezekiel Estrada

Shots – UNLV 38-30

UNLV goalie – Zach ‘The Wall,’ Wickson

====

Breaker – Matt Johnson, head coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, just said “just finished, we won 6-5 in a back and forth battle (over AAA Seattle Sno Kings 16u). Both teams played very well.”

====

VGK 16u 3 Stars

(In first game Saturday)

Aidan Finch

Ryan Pavlinsky

Gavin O’Hara

Goalie Keynes Lake

=======

Saturday…

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – This was one of those interesting, intriguing games with highly skilled players from both teams and with awesome goalies – the kind of play you would see at the U.S. Nationals. And wouldn’t you know this entertaining highly skilled game ended in a 3-3 tie in regulation. The AAA Seattle Sno Kings 16u and the Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u then went to a Shootout and Seattle scored one more goal then the hometown team.

The game was awesome to watch before an amazingly large crowd at City National Arena. Finch is such a great player – we’ve written about him a few times here – and Pavlinsky, O’Hara have a lot firepower which gets unleashed often. Chayse Laurie darts about beautifully to get within firing range.

Amazingly it was a clean unforgettable game with very few penalities – the kind of game elite teams do it.

===

UNLV Rebels Flash Score

Friday

ASU wins in 4-3 OT Shootout

UNLV goal scorers

Ezekiel Estrada

Angelos Tsalafos

Jared Erickson

Shots on goal – UNLV 32-26

UNLV goalie – The Wall – Zach Wickson

===

– The Rebels had an early morning pre-game skate on Thursday – then coaches Anthony Greener, Nick Robone and all of the players boarded a team bus headed to Arizona. “Five hour bus ride – not that bad,” coach Anthony said. “We and the players will watch a movie, then we will be there.” The weekend games vs Arizona State begin Friday 7 pm at the Oceanside Arena.

===

Best Stat of the Day – Michael McNicolas of Las Vegas and the Fife Flyers of Scotland has 13 goals, 15 assists this season.

===

The USPHL Premier Thunderbirds are off this weekend – Lee

Today’s Flashback Story…

Friday, Nov. 24, 2005

ANTHONY GREENER, AARON BACA SCORE 2 GOALS
AS UNLV GETS 4-GOAL BURST IN 3RD TO WIN 7-4!!

Provo, Utah – With time ticking down, coach Eddie Kawa’s UNLV Rebels turned it up, stepped on the accelerator and took off here Friday night.

The Rebels scored four times in the third period to rally and defeat Utah Valley State College 7-4 at Pikes Peak Arena. The Rebels’ top goal scorer, Anthony Greener, got his 7th and 8th of the season and linemate Aaron Baca scored two more as UNLV won its fourth game in a row and raised its season record to 6-2-1.

UNLV scorched 54 shots in a game with a fiery third period. With 12:43 to go, Rebels defenseman Ryan Krametbauer locked up with an opposing skater in a scrap and both players were asked to leave the ice.

The two teams return here for a Saturday night game.

REBELS NOTEBOOK – In the last four games, UNLV in the third period has outscored opposing teams 13-2 — which really is an amazing statistic….

====

‘Late Skate’ – Painting by the famous Terrence Fogerty of Minnesota

===

Breaker – Anthony Bonaldi of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds is the Western ‘Goalie of the Month’ the league announced today.

===

USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

Updated Feb 25, 2022

Top Goal Scorers

45 – Heath Mensch

38 – Caleb Strong

22 – Evan Brown

18 – Antoine Tourigny

13 – Kevin Hanly

10 – Jadon Kwiatkowski

//to revise or update please send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===

===

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener lit a red flare today, noting his club has to be ready to rock in two road games against Arizona this weekend. “We must take these games very seriously – we cannot let down as a team. Arizona is better now with new coaches and suddenly they have a new sense of winning games since they made those changes.”

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Las Vegas – This is another big weekend for coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. The VGK 16u, 35-20-1, will take on the 34-10-2 AAA Sno-King Jr Thunderbirds 16u three times at City National Arena.

Saturday, Feb 12 – AAA VGK 16u vs Sno–King Jr Thunderbirds @City National Arena – 11:40 am, then 6:10 pm

Sunday, Feb 13 – AAA VGK 16u vs Sno-King Jr Thunderbirds, 8 am

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Breaker – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel has 11 goals this season for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in Attleboro, Mass.

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UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener talks about the team’s newest signing – big goal scorer Caleb Strong of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds.

“We’re excited to have Caleb Strong – he definitely has a scorer’s touch. We’re are going to work with him as well on some D Zone responsibilites. But to have a a big goal scorer like Caleb is a major bonus to our program,”coach Greener said.

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Here are UNLV’s final regular-season games of this season – then ACHA D1 playoffs get underway:

Feb 18-19 – Grand Canyon University vs UNLV Rebels at City National Arena, Las Vegas

March 4-5 – Oregon University vs UNLV Rebels at City National Arena, Las Vegas

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Sunday Flash Final Score – AA Dallas Penguins 14u 4, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0. “We had a slow start and never really recovered. Both of our goalies played in this game,” said VGK 14u head coach Wally Lacroix. “We next play in the Michigan Super Series.” AA Dallas is now 43-6-1 this season. Dallas is ranked #5 nationally, the VGK 14u is now 41-14-1 this season and ranked #9 nationally.

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Sunday Breaking News – The UNLV Rebels have announced that mighty 35-goal scorer Caleb Strong of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 21u has committed to the Rebels for next season.

Rebels coach Nick Robone said “Caleb has great hockey IQ. We’ve watched him play a lot over the last few months. The one things coaches strive is to find players who know what they are going to do before they get the puck and excel offensively when they do get it. Caleb has a knack for scoring, has strong leadership and we see as an asset on our powerplay.”

Vegas Hockey scout Steve Allen has watched Caleb, the T-Birds captain, play in a number of games. “Caleb plays on the Heath Mensch line – Caleb is a very fast smart skater who can score.”

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Most Searched Today – Caleb Strong, UNLV Rebels, Coach Rob Pallin, The Power of the Las Vegas Thunderbirds, VGK 14u Goalie Kellen Hardy, Dallas Penguins, Harris Whissel, Heath Mensch, Vegas Hockey Scout Steve Allen….

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Saturday, Feb 5, 202

Breaker – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris of Las Vegas and the AAA Northeast Generals 18u had a huge Saturday – two assists in an 8-2 win over the Maine Nordiques and then, in an evening game, scored 2 goals in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Hockey Club. Both games were at the Middletown, New Jersey, Sports Complex.

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Saturday Games

USPHL Premier

Caleb Strong 5 goals – giving him 35 goals this season for the Las Vegas Thunderbirds – in a 10-5 win over the Long Beach Shredders @ the Lifeguard Arena, Henderson. Caleb is from Alexandria, Minnesota. T-Birds, a powerful force, had more shots 62-27. Gorial Yaro goalie for Las Vegas. He is from Scottsdale, Arizona. The Thunderbirds are off on Sunday. Cory Ward and Joe Sullivan are the coaches for the T-Birds.

Bantam 14u

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 8, Santa Clarita Flyers 4 @Lifeguard Arena, Henderson

//Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK 14u who advance to take on the Dallas Penguins on Sunday.

//VGK coach Wally Lacroix: “It was hard, tough game, the game score just doesn’t reflect it. Our young men came ready to play. Now we play Dallas tomorrow.

Friday Score

Henderson, NV – Down 3-1 early, Evan Brown scored twice as the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds beat the Long Beach Shredders 7-4 at the Lifeguard Arena. Anthony Bonaldi and Aidan Spraggs were the goalies for the T-Birds.

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Best Stat of the Day – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas 2 goals, 2 assists for the AHL Silver Knights in a big 6-3 win over the San Jose Barracuda last night at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue…..Matthew Gross, 18, of Las Vegas has 21 goals for the NA3HL El Paso Rhinos. He just got called up to the NAHL El Paso Rhinos.

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Friday, Feb 4, 2022

Tonight – Hunter Keech of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredder come into town to take on the Cory Ward-coach USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson, Nevada. The biggest goal scorer in Las Vegas – Heath Mensch, 42 goals for the T-Birds, awaits their arrival. The Las Vegas TBirds have about seven regular season games to play, then the first round of the playoffs will begin.

Friday – Beau McCue, who played years ago on a Pokey Reddick gold medal AA Las Vegas Storm bantam team, is now an assistant coach with the WHL Tri City Americans…

Today’s #1 searches are for Vito Carlo, Harris Whissel and Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator – Lee

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Henderson, Nevada – Wally Lacroix’ Vegas Jr Golden Knights bantam 14u team is playing in a tough tournament with a lot of starpower this weekend here at the Lifeguard Hockey Arena.

The VGK 14u will take on the 42-6-1 Dallas Penguins today – Friday, February 4, 9:10 am – then face the Fairbanks Arctic Lions in their second game of the tournament at City National Arena. Game time at CNA is 1:30 pm Coach Wally, whose team is 41-13-1, said “The Top nationally ranked AA Bantam teams are going head to head – #5 Dallas, #9 our Vegas Jr Golden Knights team and the #11 ranked Valencia Jr Flyers.”

VGK 14u Schedule

Feb 4 – Dallas Penguins 1, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 0@Lifeguard Arena, Henderson

//Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK 14u. Coach Wally Lacroix said “….It was a great hockey game – we were one shot away on every one of our shifts to tie the game. Our young men just didn’t get the right bounce we needed – Dallas is a great hockey team, a solid program, and they played us tough.”

Feb 4 – 9-0 over Fairbanks Arctic Lions @City National Arena

//Kameron Laskaskas goalie for VGK 14u. “Tomorrow we have a very big game against the Flyers,” coach Wally said.

Feb 5 – vs Santa Clarita Flyers, 4:40 pm @Lifeguard Arena, Henderson

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Cory Ward, head coach of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds today said “Yes, Heath has signed his tender with the Utica Jr Comets in the NCDC, Tier 2 for next season. We are happy to see he is finally getting the recognition he deserves!” Mighty Heath Mensch is one of the greatest goal scorers in Las Vegas hockey history dating back to Josh Jasek who scored 61 goals for the 2001-02 Las Vegas Mustangs who were coached by Rob Pallin. Heath has seven more regular season games to go and then the playoffs begin – and the T-Birds should go pretty deep in the playoffs.

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Leroy Garcia who played travel roller hockey in the Micah Sanford era at the Little Home of Champions – Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive.

“Unfortunately, roller hockey here in Las Vegas has ended – until I win the lotto and start my own roller hockey rink. My sons play ice hockey, my oldest plays bantam travel, and my youngest 2 sons play house league. We last played in a Narch roller hockey tournament in Irvine. But I am still playing in an “A” league at CNA in ice hockey.”

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The Age Game

By Lee Samuels

A few years ago we were chatting with Micah Sanford, the very first star goal scorer here in Las Vegas, when he quietly reminded me “we’re not teenagers anymore Lee.”

He is so right….so let’s play the Age Game with some of the best ever Las Vegas star goal scorers, defensemen and goalies.

Age

40 – Micah Sanford

38 – Paul Lowden

37 – Jason Allen, JC Caron, Sean Darby, Cody Fulweiler, Justin Grossman, Jeff Hajner, Josh Jasek, Justin Johnson, Adam Naglich, Travis Roseberry

36 – Eddie Del Grosso, Travis Hackney, Eddie Samuels, Chris Simons

35 – Evan Zucker

34 – Shaun Stackhouse, Joe Trimboli

33 – Corbin Brown, Kyle Clay, Chris Francis, Ryan Townsend, Alex Winnik

32 – Steven Bolton, Matt Hedderly, Bryce Reddick

31 – Axle Anderton, Brandon Beebe, Vincent Ciaglo, Michael Chiasson, Chris Rial, Ryan Rivera, Adam Zucker

30 – Kenny Brooks, Connor Haney, Ross McMullan, Megan Myers, Ryan Rivera, Derek Sutliffe, Salvatore Tecci, Cody Williams, Sonny Zuloaga, Jason Zucker

29 – Brittany Brooks, Brady Burns, Kyle Callahan, Connor Nicholas, Mike Trimboli, Zach Zamora

28 – Drew Bryan, Ryan Chiasson, Erik Fischer, Michael McNicholas, Cody Milligan, Zach Pochiro, Beau Ricketts, Sara Robello, Joe Sullivan, Cory Ward

27 – Joseph Kaszupski, Kenny Luzak, Michael McNicholas, Daniel Nicholas, Beau Ricketts, Hamilton Whyte

26 – Brennan Blaszczak, Brendan Harris, Gage Quinney, Alex Mono, Ethan Montoya, Richard Prekop, Joey Raats, Eric Williams

25 – Hayden Knight, Dylan Miller, Spencer Poscente

24 – Michael Cichy, Vito Carlo, Paxton Malone, Graham McPhee, Landon Quinney, Jimmy Samuels

23 – Brenden Fehlig

22 – Alec Johnson, Brendan Manning, Zach Whickson

21 – Steven Avalone, Ash Printzen

20 – Anthony Bonaldi

19 – Eric Atchison, Trent Carter, Luke Fundator

18 – Gia Avalone, Zachary Ortolano, Heath Mensch, Harris Whissel

16 – Aidan Finch, Austin Moline, Ryan Pavlinsky, Logan Perez

15 – Jack Lackas, Chayse Laurie, Hunter Toms

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Coming here tomorrow – Roller hockey star goal scorer Leroy Garcia chats about his glory seasons playing with Micah Sanford, Patrick Stevenson, Freddy Young and the late great Johnny Oakes years ago at the ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive. Leroy wants to hook up with Nick Robone who each season take a Las Vegas elite men’s roller team to the NARCh Summer Nationals in the L.A. area. – Lee

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Here are UNLV’s final regular-season games of this season – then ACHA D1 playoffs get underway:

Feb 18-19 – Grand Canyon University vs UNLV Rebels at City National Arena, Las Vegas

March 4-5 – Oregon University vs UNLV Rebels at City National Arena, Las Vegas

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Updated Feb 10, 2022

Top Goal Scorers

42 – Heath Mensch

35 – Caleb Strong

22 – Evan Brown

17 – Antoine Tourigny

13 – Kevin Hanly

10 – Jadon Kwiatkowski

//to revise or update please send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday Breaker – The Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u got the silver medal today at the Silver Sticks Nationals in Port Huron, Michigan. The South Hills Panthers 14u won by 2-1. Kameron Laskaskas was in the net for Las Vegas. This was a tremendous, awesome performance for the VGK 14u at this tournament.

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Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels after the 3-1 win over #3 ranked Liberty – “This has to be one of our greatest wins or close to it. To win on the road before 4,700 fans – that was so exciting.”

Coach Nick Robone said Rebels goal scoring went like this:

Alec Johnson from Jake Berry

Alec Johnson

Brendan Manning from Paxton Malone

UNLV Goalie – Zach Whickson – 13-2-0, 92.9% save percentage, 2.05 gaa

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Saturday – Heath Mensch scored his 40th, 41st and 42nd goals for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds in a 6-5 OT win over the San Diego Sabers at the Lifeguard Arena.

Breaker – The Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will take on the South Hills Panthers 14u for the gold medal at the Silver Sticks Nationals tomorrow in Port Huron, Michigan.

Coach Wally Lacroix and the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u, after beating the N.Y. Cyclones again – this time by 4-3 -will play in the Silver Sticks National Gold Medal game Sunday in Port Huron, Michigan. Kellen Hardy was in the net for VGK 14u. “It’s tough enough to beat a great team once – but when you do it again it really is amazing – what a great effort our players gave – very proud of them. The gold medal game will begin 1:45 pm local time. “Oh, South Hills Panthers have not lost a game all week here,” said coach Wally

Saturday – Port Huron, Michigan – In an absolutely a staggering development coach Wally Lacroix Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u beat powerful 50-3-2 New York Cyclones 4-0 — coach Wally said “we had a great effort from our team, Kameron Laskaska was our goalie. We play the same team tonight at 7:45 pm local time in a Silver Sticks Final 4 game.”

‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel, who has been on scoring streak, had a goal for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in a 6-2 win over the AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u today at the Northeast Sports Village.

Saturday – The #4 ranked UNLV Rebels go at it one more time with #3 ranked Liberty University today – Saturday – in Lynchburg, Va. This is scheduled by the home team as a ‘Midnight Madness’ game.

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Friday Final –

#3 Ranked Liberty University 7,

#4 ranked UNLV Rebels 4

in Lynchburg, Virginia

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UNLV goal scorers:

Ezekiel Estrada 2 goals

Paxton Malone

Alec Johnson

UNLV goalie – Vince Benedetto

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Henderson, Nevada – Down three goals on home ice mega goal scorer Heath Mensch of Las Vegas scored three times and dealt two assists as the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds rallied dramatically to beat the San Diego Sabers 6-5 here in OT at the Lifeguard Arena on Friday night. That gives Heath 42 goals this season.

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//Heath Mensch of Las Vegas now has 39 goals this season for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds….The T-Birds are playing at home – Lifeguard Arena, Henderson NV – this weekend against the San Diego Sabers…..Tonight’s game has a 10 pm start time…..Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada and Sweden…..No 1 Most Searched today: Bethany Drysdale’s riveting story “…A Deeper Look at Las Vegas referee Ryan Townsend….

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Friday Breaker – Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator is playing with the NA3HL Northeast Generals and rooming with – guess who – Miracle on Ice Harris Whissel who is playing for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u. Luke, in his first two goalie starts, is 2-0-0 with a 1.98 gaa, 94.7% save percentage.

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Flash Update – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas scored dramatically for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in a stunning 3-2 win over the 3rd ranked USPHL Elite Wilkes-Barre Knights in the sixth round of an OT Shootout. Today Harris and AAA Northeast Generals beat the same team in another 3-2 win. There is one more game to go in this 3-game series, this one will on the Wilkes-Barre Knights home rink – Revolution Ice Centre in Pittston, Pa.

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Breaker – And off they go – Coach Wally Lacroix and the Vegas Jr Golden Knights bantam 14u are at the Silver Sticks Nationals in Port Huron, Michigan. Their flight landed there about 7 pm pacific time last evening. The VGK 14u, 38-11-1, dramatically won gold in a Silver Sticks Regional tournament a few months ago at the Las Vegas Ice Center over on Flamingo Ave. Coach Wally and Todd Owen will be on the bench coaching the AAA VGK 14u in this tournament.

VGK 14u Schedule

Thursday, Jan 27

0-3 to Pittsburgh Arctic Foxes, 33-7-5 – Glacier Pointe Ice Arena, Canada

//Kameron Laskaska goalie for VGK 14u…..

Friday, Jan 28

5-2 over Montgomery Blue Devils, 3 pm – McMorran Place – Port Huron, Michigan

//Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK 14u

Saturday, Jan 29

vs NYC Cyclones, ranked #14 in nation, 49-3-2, 1:45 pm – McMorran Place – Port Huron Michigan

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By Rocky

It’s never easy to win on the road particuarly against a mighty power like #3 ranked Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. That is what head coach Anthony Greener and the #4 ranked UNLV Rebels are facing beginning Friday night.

“Liberty has been a Top 5 hockey program for the last five years. Obviously it is a program we look up to not only for their skillset but how they run their program,” coach Greener said. “They are a fully funded program which gets great players and they have an unbelievable coaching staff.

“They are well structured with a lot of skill. We are going to have our hands filled playing them in the kind of arena they have – they average 4,000 plus every home game.”

So what is a blueprint for the Rebels for this two-game weekend road series?

“I think you have to play a simple game and it always helps to get an early lead to get the crowd out of it. We need to stick to our systems and stay structured,” coach Greener said.

Game time on Friday is 7 pm. Including this game the Rebels are down to their final eight games of the regular season, then playoffs get underway.

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Erik Atchison of Las Vegas fired in his 7th goal of the season for the WHL Spokane Chiefs against the Portland Winterhawks – then he was named Assistant Captain of the Spokane Chiefs after the game. …Down 3-0 early in the game Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the AAA Windy City Storm 15u scored on back to back power plays and then with 1.6 seconds left Fuzzy scored dramatically on a re-direct to beat big rival AAA Chicago Mission. Fuzzy has 22 goals this season.

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Bethany Drysdale, who has won many awards here on Vegas Hockey – mostly on her interesting game stories about the UNLV Rebels – sends this today about her hockey playing sons:

“Over the weekend they played 2 games vs the Carolina Rage. (Mites U8). So proud to say both Luke & Blake scored goals 🙌.  Blake’s 1st ever game goal!“

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The ACHA D1 Top 10 look like this:

#1 Lindenwood, #2 Minot State, #3 Liberty University, #4 UNLV Rebels, #5 Iowa State, #6 Adrian, #7 Central Oklahoma, #8 Stony Brook; #9 Jamestown; #10 Missouri State

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Updated Jan 28, 2022

Top Goal Scorers

42 – Heath Mensch

29 – Caleb Strong

19 – Evan Brown

13 – Kevin Hanly

13 – Antoine Tourigny

10 – Jadon Kwiatkowski

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Breaker – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas and the AAA Northeast Generals 18u scored the game-winning OT Shootout goal against the 3rd ranked USPHL Elite Wilkes Barre junior team in the 6th round of the shootout in a 3-2 win on Saturday……Then on Sunday morning Harris had a game-winning goal in a 3-2 win over the same team at the Revolution Ice Center in Pittston, Pa…..

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Ash Printzen of Las Vegas has 6 goals, 3 assists this season for NCAA Curry College in Milton, Mass. this season ….Gia Avalone of Las Vegas is playing this season with NCAA Adrian women’s hockey team. Like Ash, Gia is a very hard worker on the ice....

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Sunday, January 23, 2022

Game Schedule

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 21u vs Ogden Mustangs at the Ice Sheet in Utah, 1:30 pm local time.

Final in OT- Las Vegas Thunderbirds win 3-2.

LV goal – Antoine Tourigny 13th from Bradly Burden

LV goal – Kevin Hanly 13th from Guilaume Dufour, Jadon Kwiatowski

LV winning goal – Simon-Pier Brunet 2nd goal this season

LV goalie – Loic Morin

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Saturday, January 22, 2022

UNLV Rebels 5, Arizona University 3 @Tucson Convention Center

Rebels goal scorers: Hunter Muzillo, Ezekiel Estrada, Jayson Dimizio, Bradley Golant, Max Johnson

Coach Nick Robone: “It is always hard to sweep a team like Arizona on the road – but we played a more disciplined game and capitalized on our chances. Our Special Teams were excellent for us as well.”

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USPHL Premier – OT – Utah Outliers 4, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3 @Accord Arena, Utah

Las Vegas goal scorers – Loic Gosselin, Kevin Roswell, Evan Brown

Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 5, North Shore Academy – Massachusetts 2, City National Arena

Coach Matt Johnson: “This was a great win for us on Saturday. We battled and fought through adversity – we stayed strong , stuck to our game plan.”

VGK 16u goal scorers included Gavin O’Hara, Aidan Finch, Chayse Laurie, Ryan Pavlinsky and Spencer Foster.

Keynes Lake was awesome as the goalie for the VGK 16u.

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VGK 16u Top 5 Goal Scorers this season

Aidan Finch 20 goals, Chayse Laurie 15, Gavin O’Hara 13, Mason Jackson 11, Reese Bynan 7

Source – Elite Prospects

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Friday game….

Breaker – In OT the UNLV Rebels, away from home, scored to win 4-3 at Arizona University. Coach Nick Robone of the Rebels said “…we were very poised during the OT – and our players found a way to win in a tough environment.” Rebels goal scorers in order: Jaedin Ness, Jared Erickson, Brendan Manning and Max Johnson. Max scored the game-winner on a 3 on 1 break, getting a pass from Alec Johnson.

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By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – “We didn’t find Aidan Finch – he found us.”

That is what Matt Johnson, head coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u was saying after beating the Arizona Bobcats 16u by 7-1 before a large crowd at City National Arena last night.

Finch, 6’5 and a powerful force, played on the top line last night for Las Vegas which has star players including Chayse Laurie and goalie Logan Perez.

Aidan played last season for the Valley Thunder in Alaska. When the season was over he told his father he wanted to play for an AAA level club. “My Dad said “there’s a new team in Las Vegas. Let’s go there.“

Coach Matt Johnson said “Aidan is a big goal scorer – he has a big powerful stride – and he has a great shot. If we need a goal, put the puck on his stick.

“This was a great game for us – every single player competed hard for us. It’s a great start for us in this tournament.”

So many Las Vegas players played well – including goalie Keynes Lake for the VGK 16u. The Arizona Bobcats are coached by the legend Brent Gough. And after the game he and coach Matt shook hands and chatted for a bit.

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Heath Mensch and the USPHL Las Vegas Premier Thunderbirds were in a big road game – Thursday – taking on the Provo Riverblades at the Peak Ice Arena in Provo, Utah- Lee

//Overtime – Antoine Tourigny scores in OT for TBirds who get a big road win 5-4. Las Vegas had more shots 65-39.

Goals for Las Vegas – Simon-Pier Brunet, Guillaume DuFour, Nick Bonaldi 2 goals, Antoine Tourigny

T-Birds goalie – Gorial Yaro

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Best Quote of the Day – “Playing against Arizona University at their place this weekend is going to be a dogfight. They play everybody tight. They never get blown out. And they play better on their home ice,” said Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels.

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Coach Matt Johnson and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u open a three-game home weekend on Friday first taking on the AA Arizona Bobcats 16u over at City National Arena – faceoff 5:20 pm This is a bigger game than what you might think – this Bobcats team beat the AAA VGK 16u 3-2 in their very first game in September before a very large crowd at the very same rink.. The AAA VGK 16u have a season record of 29-17-1.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u weekend schedule here in Las Vegas

Friday, Jan 21 – vs Arizona Bobcats 16u at City National Arena, 5:30 pm

//The Bobcats have played against a mix AAA and AA 16u teams all season – they are well-coached and very skilled.

Saturday, Jan 22 – vs Atlanta Fire 16u at Lifeguard Arena, Henderson, NV 1 pm

Saturday, Jan 22 – vs North Shore Academy 16u at City National Arena, 7 pm

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To Rinkrat2 @ Pepsi Arena – The #1 goalie right now for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds is Anthony Bonaldi.

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Here are Las Vegas goal scorer Heath Mensch and his astounding statistics this season with the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

38 Goals

43 Assists

81 Points

15 Power Play Goals

9 Game-Winning Goals

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins tweeted this today:

pensfoundation@pensfoundation · “Together, through Hockey Fights Cancer, the hockey family looks to inspire hope and courage for those who are living with, going through, and moving past cancer.”

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Breaker – Talk about Star Power. The stories about Jason Zucker coming to town had the most hits and reads of any story here posted the last few years. In our annual Vegas Hockey Awards Jason has been voted ‘Best Player from Las Vegas’ a record 15 times in a row.

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Las Vegas – Jason Zucker, who grew up and played tier hockey years ago at the Las Vegas Ice Center – Wally Lacroix was his last tier coach here in town – was taken off the injury list and started on the top line for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night vs the hometown NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Jason, on his first shift, fired a hard shot which went wide right.

Jason Zucker then jammed in a close-range goal while in a fierce battle with defensemen, then scored a second goal to help the Penguins win the game 5-3.

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Best story of the Day comes from Cory Ward, head coach, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds:

“We are doing a school visit to Galloway Elementary this Wednesday to play ball hockey with kids. I am very excited about doing something for the community during this tough time with COVID-19.”

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Breaker -Austin Moline of Las Vegas and #1 ranked AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u had 2 goals – including a short-handed goal – plus 2 assists against Culver Academy 16u during the weekend. Austin has 6 goals, 31 assists this season….Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas had one goal, two assists for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets in a 5-2 win over Kalamazoo at Memorial Arena before a crowd of 6621..…Happy birthday to our hockey grandson Jimmy Samuels who is now – get ready – 30 years old, Lee

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Best Story of the Day – Wally Lacroix: “Caden Berninger plays for St. Mary’s in the MHSAA – the Michigan High School Hockey Association. Caden played for coach Todd Owen and myself for 3 years. The history of St. Mary’s Prep is deep in professional sports. Coach Todd and myself went to Orchard Park to see Caden play in a big game. We were extremely impressed with the facility and the school grounds. They beat Gross Pointe South High School, ranked #20, 5-0. St. Mary’s is ranked #9 in the Michigan High School League. It was a great hockey game with a great crowd cheering for their St. Mary’s team.”

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Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen notes that Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas is back in action. Zach has one goal, 5 assists this season for the ECHL Ft Wayne Komets……

Sunday, Jan 16, 2022

USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds vs Ontario Jr Reign @ Ontario, Ca, Center Ice

//T-Birds win 7-4 – 1st goal Matthew Lackas scored from Michael Wells and Heath Mensch……Loic Morin, from Canada, is T-Birds goalie

T-Birds Goals

LV – Matthew Lackas

LV – William Chateauvert

LV – Skylar Seckerson

LV – Jadon Kwiatkowski

LV – Caleb Strong

LV – Guillaume Dufour

LV – Skylar Seckerson

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AAA 14u

Wally Lacroix’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights have two games Sunday in Rochester, Michigan

Indy Jr Fuel 3, VGK 14u 2

Coach Wally said “our young men played a tough, hard game. Kellen Hardy was our goalie. We were down 3-0 with 5 minutes to play. Then we scored a big goal, then we got a power play goal. We had such a solid effort the last 1:30 with an empty net.”

Next game Sunday

VGK 14u 7, Bigsby 2 @Suburban Ice Arena, Macomb, Michigan

Coach Wally Lacroix said “….we had a very slow start in this game – and then our athletes got it all together and played our brand of hockey. Kameron was our goalie.”

VGK 14u goals

Casey Beringer 3, Chase Nehring 2, Colin Spencer 2, Finn McNabb

VGK 14u goalie – Kameron Laskaska

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Saturday, Jan 15, 2022

AHL

Ontario Reign 5, Henderson Silver Knights 2 @ The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue

//Las Vegas goal scorer Gage Quinney got a lot of ice time in this game – very big crowd at The Orleans Arena.

ACHA D1

Jamestown Jimmies of North Dakota vs UNLV Rebels at City National Arena, Las Vegas

//UNLV wins 5-3; Vince Benedetto goalie for the Rebels; The Rebels tweeted it was their 14th straight win.

UNLV coach Anthony Greener said “….another sweep of a Top 10 ranked team.”

Nick Robone added “this is the first time all season we had to come back from a two goal deficit to win and then in Game Two we had to preserve a two goal lead. It was good for us to try and finish out games in a different manner.”

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USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds vs San Diego Sabers @Icetown Carlsbad in SoCal

//Final Score – T-Birds win 4-3 – star goal scorer Heath Mensch scored his 37th, 38th and 39th goals of the season.

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NAPHL 14u

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 5, Esmark Stars 1 in Rochester, Michigan

Final Score – The Wally Lacroix-coached VGK 14u win 5-1; Kameron Laskaska goalie for Las Vegas. Coach Wally said “Kam was our goalie. Our young men played a disciplined structured hockey game – very very proud of them.”

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Las Vegas – Paxton Malone scored a very dramatic late-game OT goal for the UNLV Rebels who beat the ACHA D1 Jamestown Jimmies of North Dakota 4-3 before an excited jammed in crowd at City National Arena on Friday night.

“We had a rush towards their net from the left side,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. “Max Johnson (UNLV) shot the puck, their goalie made a good save but the puck got kicked out on the right side with Paxton coming onto the ice with fresh legs. Paxton beat their D wide, took the puck to the net, went back, then slid the puck into their net.”

Paxton described it this way: “The puck just popped out there towards me. It was either shoot it or take it to the net. I took it to the net.”

That was the game-winner. The Rebels got another strong effort from their goalie Zach ‘The Wall’ Wickson. Just before OT Bradley Golant of UNLV scored an awesome top shelf goal which tied the game 3-3.

This was a hard, fiery game. However Las Vegas referee Jeff Lewis and his linesmen did awesome keeping the game on a sane level.

From The Blue Line – That was Vegas HOF coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas at the rinkboards during this game……The goalie for Jamestown – Tyson Brouwer – has chalked up some awesome numbers this season: 21 games, 2.32 gaa and a 92.3% save percentage….The ACHA D1 Rebels are ranked #5 nationally; the D1 Jamestown Jimmies are ranked #9. These two teams go at it one more time here Saturday 7:30 pm.

===

Breaker – Coach Wally Lacroix’s AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u has a season record of 36-9-1 and are playing this weekend in NAPHL League games in the Detroit area. Tomorrow VJGK 14u take on the AAA Esmark Stars 14u from the greater Philadelphia area. Coach Wally noted the VGK Bantam A team is playing in Florida this weekend.

====

Friday, Jan 14, 2022 Scoreboard

ACHA D1

UNLV Rebels 4, Jamestown Jimmies of North Dakota 3@City National Arena

AA

Anaheim Jr Icedogs 16u vs Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u @Lifeguard Arena, Henderson, NV – 8 pm pacific start time. (This game was postponed)

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‘Late Skate’ – painting by the famous Terrence Fogarty, Minnesota

====

There is no night like Game Night – you will feel the heat and high-tension anticipation between the UNLV Rebels and Jamestown the moment you walk in tonight 7:30 pm into the City National Arena.

See you at the Blue Line, Lee….

====

Breaker – The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds have two road games this weekend – on Saturday the T-Birds are playing San Diego Sabers @ Carlsbad Icetown, then on Sunday the T-Birds vs Ontario Reign @ the Ontario Center Ice.

To Rinkrat2@Pepsi Arena – Yes, Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen will be going to the bigger than big UNLV Rebels vs Jamestown game Friday 7:30 pm at City National Arena…Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada – Lee

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Best Quote of the Day – “On the ice, hockey players are rough and tough, but when one of theirs is hurt or in trouble, they are the kindest, most compassionate, sensitive humans imaginable.” Las Vegas Hockey Mom Nancy Whissel who wrote the story here on Vegas Hockey about her hockey son Harris Whissel – A Miracle on Ice

====

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener outlines the challenges his Top 5 ranked team will face when the high-powered ACHA D1 Jamestown Jimmies from icy cold North Dakota hit town here this weekend at City National Arena….

“Jamestown is a hard, tough team,” coach Greener said. “They are well-coached, great on the forecheck and finish all of their hits. We have to be tough in this one – and do a good job in our D zone control and break out and therefore check. And also we need to capitalize on our opportunities – should be a great weekend.“

UNLV vs Jamestown go at it this Friday and Saturday at City National Arena. Both games begin 7:30 pm local time. As a sidenote, Jamestown’s team bus will be on a 21-hour journey to get to Las Vegas this weekend.

====

Matt Johnson, head coach of the 27-16-0 AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, has some top teams coming into town

“We have the Anaheim Ice Dogs coming in town this Friday, 8 pm, and on Saturday, 7:40 am – both games will be at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson,” coach Matt said. “Then the following weekend we have the Playmaker Series in town with the Arizona Bobcats, Atlanta Fire and the North Shore Hockey Academy heading here.”

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Top Goal Scorers – updated Jan 18

38 – Heath Mensch

25 – Caleb Strong

18 – Evan Brown

12 – Kevin Hanly

11 – Antoine Tourigny

10 – Jadon Kwiatkowski

6 – Loic Gosselin

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UNLV REBELS PROSPECTS CAMP

The UNLV Rebel Hockey team will once again have a prospect/tryout camp held at City National Arena on Friday, April 22nd, 2022 at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at 1:40pm. Cost per player will be $100. PLAYERS MUST HAVE AA/AAA OR JUNIOR HOCKEY EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE. All participants will get a UNLV hockey jersey, socks, 2 one hour skates and a workout session with the team trainer.

Please follow our social media accounts (Facebook: UNLV Hockey, Instagram: @UNLVHockey, and Twitter: @UNLVRebelHockey) for updates.

====

Las Vegas – If you want to be great you need to play the best teams – which is what Rebels coaches Anthony Greener and Nick Robone have been doing all season. Now the #4 ranked UNLV Rebels are taking the #11 ranked Jamestown Jimmies from the Dakotas for a two game weekend series starting this Friday, 7:30 pm at City National Arena. You may want to get there early for both of these games – See you there at the Blue Line, Lee

====

==============

THE VEGAS FIVE

Updated Feb 22, 2022

===============

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

42 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

23 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

22 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 15u

16 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penacola Flyers

15 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

15 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

===

11 – Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus

11 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals

9 – Trent Carter, USPHL Chicago Cougers

9 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets

7 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

6 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

6 – Ash Printzen, NCAA Curry College

4 – Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

3 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France3

4 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Swamp Rabbits

3 – Jerrett Overland, EHL Express – Massachusetts

0 – Gabriel Testa, CAJNL Vernal Oilers

0 – Gia Avalone, NCAA lll Adrian College

//To add here or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

====

On Sunday ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas dealt an assist for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in a 5-3 loss to the AAA East Coast Spartans 18u. It was a tied game late when the Generals got a penalty and the Spartans scored for a one goal lead and then scored into an open net to clinch the win.

====

Pittsburgh – Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u closed out the weekend with a big 4-1 win over the AAA Indy Fuel 16u here on Sunday.

VGK 16u AAA Weekend in Pittsburgh

4-4 vs AAA Philadelphia Flyers Elite

5-4 over AAA West Chester Express

1-6 to AAA New Jersey Devils

4-1 over AAA Indy Fuel – VGK goal scorers Aidan Finch 2 goals; Chayse Laurie, Mason Smith.

“Keynes Lake was goalie for us in the last game – he played for Indy last season. Great bounceback win. We were executing and competing and winning battles. Nice 2-1-1 weekend for us. We showed what kind of team we can be when everyone is going. Just need to make sure we are consistent,” said VGK 16u head coach Matt Johnson.

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On Sunday the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds took on the Springfield Jr Pics at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Game time is noon Eastern – Lee

USPHL Premier ‘Winter Blast’ Tournament in Marlborough, Mass

Las Vegas Thunderbirds

3-2 over Fort Wayne

1-7 to Jr Bruins

3-4 to Chicago Cougars

Sunday

1-5 to Springfield Jr Pics

//Springfield, with a record of 17-12-0, takes 4-1 lead late in 2nd period. Evan ‘Downtown’ Brown got the goal for the T-Birds whose season record is 17-11-0….Antoine Tourigny, Loic Gosselin assisted. Gorial Yaro goalie for Las Vegas. Springfield gets the win 5-1

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Saturday Evening Final Score – USPHL Premier Chicago Cougars 4, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3 in Marlboro, Massachusetts in the USPHL Winter Classic…Antoine Tourigny, Evan Brown and Caleb Strong scored for the TBirds; Trent Carter, an awesome defenseman from Las Vegas, had one assist for Chicago.

It is easy to report scores and names of your goal scorers and those who played well – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

====

Saturday – Reese Bynam scored a game-winner on a snapshot – with assists from Spencer Foster and Mason Jackson as the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the AAA Westchester Express 16u 5-4 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Reese had 2 goals in this game – other VGK 16u goal scorers were Connor Beers, Chayse Laurie and Spencer Foster. Keynes Lake was the winning goalie for Las Vegas. Tonight here the VGK 16s will take on the AAA New Jersey Devils.

—-

Also today – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas had an assist today for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in a very tough 3-2 loss to the highly regarded AAA South Shore Kings in Marlboro, Mass.

===

Friday live breaker – Evan Brown scored in overtime, Mighty Heath Mensch of Las Vegas earlier got his 36th goal and Caleb Strong scored his 23rd as the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds, down 2-0 early, rallied to beat Fort Wayne 3-2 at the New England Sports Centre in Marlborough, Mass. Anthony Bonaldi was the goalie for the T-Birds. Team records: The Las Vegas Thunderbirds are now 17-9-0, Fort Wayne 15-9-2.

The game had a mind-numbing riveting finish – Tristan Nelson, an awesome player – and a kind, caring person who has helped those in need of warm clothing and hot meals in brutally cold winter months for years in Las Vegas – and hard worker Kevin Hanly got the game-winning assists. It was Evan Brown’s 16th goal this season.

On Saturday the T-Birds will play twice – first against the Junior Bruins at 8 am local time, then take on the Chicago Cougers at 6 pm.

====

Also on Friday coach Matt Johnson’s VGK 16u wound up in a wild one -a 4-4 tie vs the AAA Philadelphia Elite 16u in Pittsburgh. Star goalie Logan Perez of Las Vegas was in the net. Las Vegas goal scorers in order were Connor Beers, Gavin O’Hara, Mason Jackson and Reese Bynan. Coach Matt said “we were down 2-0 then went up 4-2 and with 3:30 left in the game we had to kill a 5-on-3 and they scored twice and we wound up 4-4 at the end of the game.”

===

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From the Blue Line – Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin’s first star tier line here was the Triple Threat Line with JC Caron, Travis Roseberry and Spike Neely in 1999-2000. Home games were played at the Santa Fe Stations on North Rancho Drive….To Rinkrat2 at the Pepsi Arena…Mike Trimboli of Las Vegas last played as a pro in Germany right around in the 2016-17 era….Chris Francis of Las Vegas and his AA Texas Jr Stars 14u bantam 14u team are 22-8-0 this season…Trent Carter of Las Vegas 5 goals for USPHL Premier Chicago Cougars…..Hunter Keech of Las Vegas has two goals this season with the USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders……response To Rinkrat2 – Don’t worry about ‘getting too close to the rink glass’ when those invading Utah teams and their enforcers come here to take on the UNLV Rebels. The Rebels can deal with it on the ice over at City National Arena.

====

Zackary Ortolano, Las Vegas goalie with AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u is having an awesome season:

Zackary Ortolano

Record 15-5-0

1.93 gaa

92.3% save percentage

===

ACHA D1 National Rankings

#1 Lindenwood 11-0-0

#2 Minot State 12-2-0

#3 Iowa State 17-2-1

#4 UNLV REBELS 16-3-0

#5 Liberty 14-4-0

===

#6 Central Oklahoma 16-4-0

#7 Adrian 13-4-0

#8 Indiana Tech 16-2-0

#9 Marysville 12-5-1

#10 Missouri State 14-6-0

==============

THE VEGAS FIVE

Updated January 22, 2022

===============

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

42 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

18 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 15u

12 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

11 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

11 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

8 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

7 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

5 – Trent Carter, USPHL Chicago Cougars

3 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France3

2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

2 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL, Fort Wayne Komets

1 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

0 – Gia Avalone, NCAA lll Adrian College

To contribute or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

=====

Two of our top hometown hockey teams away from home in major tournaments. ….

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds @New England Sports Center, Marlboro, Mass.

Jan 7 – 3-2 OT over Fort Wayne

Jan 7 – 1-7 to Jr Bruins

Jan 8 3-4 to Chicago Cougars

Jan 9 – vs Springfield Pics – 17-9-4

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u @Alpha Sports Complex, Pittsburgh

Jan 7 – 4-4 vs AAA Philadelphia Jr Flyers

Jan 8 – 5-4 over AAA West Chester Express

Jan 8 – vs AAA N.J. Devils

Jan 9 – vs AAA Indy Jr Fuel

====

Coach Cory Ward of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds says their 35-goal scorer Heath Mensch is as special as it gets.

“Heath has a few things that make him an awesome goal scorer. Skill-wise his release is far beyond the USPHL,” Cory said. “He creates space for himself and in just his second year the game has slowed down for him. His consistency is something that has surprised me, in 25 games he has gone pointless only three times.

“Every team we play is trying to shut him down yet he continues to score huge goals for us and stays focused and never gets frustrated. In 25 games he also has only taken 4 penalties. 

“The last thing I have to say about Heath is his effort to better every part of his game. He is always talking to me about how his defensive game can improve, how his skating can improve, and that is the sign of a great hockey player.”

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The weekend story here featuring coach Dustin Coldren’s Vegas Jr Golden Knights Bantam 14u team winning a gold medal broke an all-time record for most readers here in a single day on Vegas Hockey.

====

Breaker – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas scored 2 goals and got the #2 Star of the Game for the WHL Spokane Chiefs last night in a 5-4 win over the WHL Tri City Americans at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Stadium. These were Erik’s 5th, 6th goals of the season……’Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel, a very popular Las Vegas player, returns Tuesday to his team the AAA Northeast Generals 18u, in Attleboro, Mass.

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Sunday Breaking News – Coach Dustin Coldren and his Vegas Jr Golden Knights Bantam A 14u team won a gold medal game today – Sunday, January 2 – in the Confetti Cup Tournament @City National Arena. VJK 14u beat the Capital City Thunder 14u 3-2.

There was no score in the first period and then with 4:32 remaining in the second period a power play goal was scored by Anze Guidino assisted by Ty Cranford. The game then got ultra-heated as Luca Domemus scored a power play goal assisted by Casyn Simmons and Anze Gudino. With 7:36 left in the game Luke Munroe scored assisted by Brody Litzinger and Cash Creel.

Las Vegas goaltender Varkis Beligian made 23 saves as Vegas fought off the Capital Thunder in the closing minutes of the game. This win marked the 5th gold medal in tournaments this season for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights Bantam 14u. The Las Vegas team is coached by Dustin Coldren, the assistant coach is Peter Mormillo.

Vegas Jr Golden Knights Bantam A 14u

Confetti Cup Weekend Scores

1-1 vs Vacaville Jets

3-2 over Steamboat Springs

4-2 over Capital City Thunder

Sunday – Gold Medal Game @ City National Arena

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 3, Capital Thunder 2

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“Our League” – Painting by the famous Terrence Fogarty in Minnesota

============

By: Matt Atencio

UNLV Rebels Hockey Website

Rebel Hockey is proud to announce their first ever match up against a NCAA Division One opponent.

The team will face off in a three-game set against the University of Alaska-Anchorage Ice Wolves at the start of the 2022-23 season.

“We want to put ourselves on the map,” Skatin Rebels head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener said. “[NCAA Division One] is where we want to be one day. That is our end goal.”

The deal was able to come through due to a variety of circumstances.  UAA needed a quality team to play in their preseason, and the Skatin Rebels have the ability to provide such a challenge.

The Skatin Rebels will head to the last frontier to take on the University of Alaska-Anchorage Ice Wolves for a two-game series on Oct. 14 and 15.

They will also play one game against the Ice Wolves at City National Arena on Nov. 16.  This will be part of a week-long hockey event where UAA will also play Liberty in Las Vegas.

This is a massive opportunity for the Skatin’ Rebels to get more recognition on a national scale.  This will allow Coach Vignieri-Greener and his staff to really see where the team is at skill wise.  The team has been dominant in the American Collegiate Hockey Association for the past few seasons.  Now, they get a chance to go up against a team that competes at the highest level of college hockey.

“It’s a big deal for our organization as a whole,” Skatin Rebels forward Brendan Manning said.  “The transition for our program to move into NCAA Division 1 has been up in the air for quite a while.  We find this opportunity to be one step closer to proving we are capable.”

Unlike in football and basketball, a team from a lower division playing an NCAA Division One school in hockey is highly uncommon.  There is not a sanctioned “lower conference”, such as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), so lower-level teams rarely have the chance to gain the exposure of the bigger schools.

The team that will be on the ice for these games next season will not be the same as this one. Despite losing some key starters due to graduation heading into the next season, coach Greener is confident they will be in position to succeed heading into these games.

“It will be exciting to see how the boys compete,” Vignieri-Greener said. “I know they are up to the task.  We have been recruiting higher-end kids that can compete at this level.  This is their chance to put their name on the map.”

Confidence within the team is at an all-time high.  The team firmly believes they are the best team whenever they step on the ice.  Even going up against a foe in a higher division than them has not shaken that confidence.

“I feel confident as always when it comes to this team,” Manning said.  “I believe if everyone does their part and brings the same level of confidence to the table as they have thus far, I am sure we will be happy with our results.”

A lot has gone into the Rebel’s rise in hockey prominence over the last few years.  This match up against a quality NCAA Division One program is just the latest in what the coaching staff has done to make the UNLV Skatin’ Rebels a premier hockey team in the ACHA.

==========2021 VEGAS HOCKEY AWARDS==========

The dynamic Jason Zucker, the first and only Las Vegas player in the NHL is the Vegas Hockey Player of the Year for the 15th straight time.

By Lee Samuels

Jason is a top skater right now with the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins. In his NHL career Jason has 155 goals, 133 assists.

He grew up in Las Vegas and went to his first arena in town when he was 3 1/2 years old. His father Scott took him to meet Larry Sanford, the 7-time Vegas Hockey Roller Coach of the Year, at his Crystal Palace roller rink. Jason brought his own hockey stick that day.

Few know that Jason, like many of the star players in his era and earlier in Las Vegas, initially began to play roller hockey before moving over to ice hockey.

Jason’s last Las Vegas ice hockey coach was Wally Lacroix on an AAA Nevada Storm 16u team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Jason was 14 1/2. When team practiced penalty shots Wally told the other players to fire off a shot in either corner, low, or high left or right corner. When it was Jason’s time to shoot Wally told him “….whatever you figure out Jason what works best to score is fine with me.” That’s how great Jason was at the time.

When Jason was getting drafted in the NHL he asked that Larry Sanford, his first hockey coach, and Rob Pallin, who did condition skates with him, go to Los Angeles with him. Jason recently got the NHL King Clancy Award for his Help for Others.

====

Jack Lackas:

Las Vegas’ Jack Lackas has astounding statistics – 42 goals, 28 assists, 70 points – for AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u. More readers this week voted for Jack than any other player in history of the Vegas Hockey Awards. His hockey mom noted Jack, 15, last year was drafted by the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes. He is the youngest ever to win such as award here.

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====

Wally asked us to create a new award and we did.

Best Assistant Coach

Todd Owen, AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

“In his seven years as an assistant coach he’s never gotten an award for a coach and he is so deserving. It takes a team with great managers and an assistant coach like Todd to put together a winning program.

Best Referees

The team of Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen are fair, honest and have the ability to control and settle down a game when it gets rough on the ice

Las Vegas Players of the Year

Jason Zucker, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins – winner here 15 straight years

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Zach ‘The Wall’ Wickson, goalie, UNLV Rebels

Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

Vito Carlo, Franklin-Pierce University

Heath Mensch, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – massive goal scorer

Ash Printzen, NCAA Curry College, Milton, Mass.

Logan Perez, goalie, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Chayse Laurie, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Gia Avalone, NCAA Adrian College

Zachary Ortolano, goalie, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

Chase Nehring, AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Carson Craig, AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Best GM

Adam Bonaldi, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Best Coaches of the Year

Anthony Greener and Nick Robone, UNLV Rebels

Cory Ward, Joe Sullivan, Hamilton Whyte, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Matt Johnson, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Wally Lacroix, AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u and Todd Owen, AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

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Best Assistant Coach

Todd Owen

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Best out of state coach – Chris Francis of Las Vegas and the AA Texas Jr Stars 16u

===

Best UNLV Rebels

Forward – Max Johnson

Defenseman – Hunter Muzzillo

All Heart – Jared Erickson

Goalie – The Wall, Zach Wickson

Best AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Logan Perez, goalie

“Logan has a great work ethic – always working to be better and who wants to play against the best competition. Many say they work hard – but he does it!” said coach Matt Johnson.

Chayse Laurie

“Chase has that amazing ability to make the players around him better and even more so in practices with his work ethic. He also puts himself in good positions on the ice,” said coach Matt.

Aidan Finch

Gavin Ohara

Best AA/AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Casey Beringer – forward

Chase Nehring – forward

Carson Craig – defenseman

All Heart – Jaxson Sabataso

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Best Referees

Wally Lacroix, Todd Owen

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Best Hockey Rink

City National Arena

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Special Award

Las Vegas Ice Center

//Team Brooks – Kirk, Kenny and team did awesome while hosting the recent Silver Sticks Western Regional which brought in the top teams from LA, Arizona and Utah teams – 10 Gold Stars to all who helped make the tournament so special.

Best rink coffee

City National Arena

//When you walk into the arena, turn left and there is a cool little coffee shop.

Best Hockey Writer

Bethany Drysdale

Best character in Lee’s annual Christmas hockey story – Johnny Gold

To contact Vegas hockey

Send to leesamuels07@aol.com

====

By Lee Samuels and (daughter) Mary Kate Zurfluh

Mary Kate is the author of the children’s book ‘Flash, The Very Brave Cat’

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December 24, 2021 – Las Vegas – It was snowing outside of the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive.  Inside the Pro Shop Dave Francis was sharpening skate blades as usual. When he finishes and gives the sharpened skates to a player Dave always says “that’s good for two goals tonight.”
==
Meanwhile during warmups – Johnny Gold was on the ice with his two enforcers the Barstow Brothers. And amazingly the Las Vegas coaches spotted a player they call The Genius. He has the mystic ability to look at a scoreboard and change the score – like for example – magically add some goals.
Just what Vegas didn’t want actually…

On the bench during warmups Anthony Greener asked Nick Robone “….what do we really have on this team”
Nick flipped through some pages in his thick handwritten notebook.

Nick told all the hometown coaches Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener, Cory Ward, Wally Lacroix, Matt Johnson and Chris Francis from the Texas Jr Stars:

“Johnny Gold and his team just came in from Billings, Montana. The riot there started early in the third period. The Barstow Brothers took out two of the bigtime Billings goal scorers. The game didn’t actually finish – too many fans got onto the ice. The Barstow Brothers won that battle too and then got onto their team bus to come here.”
==
Meanwhile in the Pepsi Arena pro shop Kid Leah, age 10, asked the Barstow Brothers if they wanted some pre-game Christmas cookies.

“I don’t think you are as mean as you look – not with Santa coming our way in a few days,” she said politely.

One of the Barstow brothers laughed. “Santa never came to our place. Neighborhood too rough. And we never had what you call as real parents. Our coaches raised us.”

“Oh, such a shame,” young Leah said while holding out the tray of assorted Christmas cookies. “I was hoping to meet your mother and father.”
==
Something was oozing out of the mouth of one of the Barstow brothers. 

“Please tell me you don’t have chewing tobacco in your mouth,” Kid Leah said politely.

And that’s when the sirens went off in the casino. A slot machine was being tampered with. Authorities were looking for The Genius who scooted out of the casino and was back in the sold out Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive. The Genius said he was looking for Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen. “He better stay out of my psychic way.’
==
On the Las Vegas bench Gramps was lining up the players sticks. He knew who was on each line and had everything done perfectly like always. No one loves Game Nights more than Gramps. He is and always will be a beloved one at all hockey games here in town.

Nick Robone told coaches Greener, Rob Pallin and Chris Francis, Matt Johnson and Wally Lacroix “…the Barstow brothers will first try to take out our enforcers. That gives Johnny Gold room to do his fancy moves on the ice right in front of our net.”

“What’s with all of those coaches on the Vegas bench – who is running the ship,” Jack Black said as he was filling out his lineup card.
==
A few moments later there was a gasp from the big crowd. Anthony Greener’s famous #96 jersey framed on the south wall for years at the Pepsi Arena was missing.  In fact Johnny Gold was wearing #96 jersey in warmups. Gramps lost it saying “somebody please do something. This just cannot keep going on. It is Christmas Eve for goodness sakes.”

That’s when Johnny Gold skated towards the Vegas bench.  “Fits perfectly – thank you #96.” Greener was simmering – like for real.
===
Chris Francis said “everyone calm down. I know Johnny Gold. He is trying to play mind games with us and the game hasn’t even started yet.”
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“Everyone stay cool here on the bench – let’s not all of this affect our players,” said coach Rob Pallin.
===
Then someone – maybe Gramps – said “Skitters is missing.” 

Skitters is the Pepsi Arena cat – every rink has one….except Skitters is extra special.

On the other bench one of the Barstow Brothers held up Skitters. “He’s rooting for our team now,” he said. 
But Skitters was shaking and moving trying to get back to home on the Las Vegas bench.
===
Buddy Caron was on the Zamboni and just before the game started the Zamboni stopped in front of the opposing team which included head coach Jack Black and the Barstow Brothers. The Zamboni stalled and then belched a plume of black smoke at coach Black and the Barstow Brothers. There was absolute mayhem going on. The Genius promise revenge was going to happen. 

“Glad Buddy is on our team,” said coach Matt Johnson.”That was a direct hit.”
===
The game got underway and back and forth it went. Kid Leah, over by the Pro Shop, was baking more cookies for a post-game treat. Dave Francis was sharpening one more skate. Gramps was lining up the sticks for the Vegas players. 
===
Finally, Vegas went ahead by a goal. Kid Jimmy, who had never scored a goal, lasered in a low liner for the game-winner. The Genius on the other bench did his telepathy bit and tried to reverse the score but for some reason the Pepsi scoreboard wasn’t responding.

Someone, Skitters the rink cat, got revenge and had bitten into the wiring and the scoreboard was stuck at 7 to 7.
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And that’s how the game ended, a tie. There was joy from the Vegas fans – we didn’t lose to a touring team which was unbeaten for two years. Gramps began to gather up the sticks.
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Most of the visiting players stormed out of the arena. The Barstow Brothers didn’t though. They wanted more Christmas cookies from the perfect host Kid Leah who welcomed them over by the pro shop where Dave Francis was sharpening one more pair of skates.
===
Outside the rink the coaching crew of Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener, Nick Robone, Wally Lacroix, Cory Ward, Chris Francis and Matt Johnson walked out of a side door at the Pepsi Arena. It was a bright starry night. And a gentle snow was just getting underway.
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All of our coaches and myself want to wish our dear readers on Vegas Hockey a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

===

THE VEGAS FIVE

Updated January 3, 2022

===============

Away from Home 2021-22

Goals

42 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

18 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy Storm 15u

11 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

9 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

9 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

8 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

7 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

6 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

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Flash Final Score Monday – Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 10, AAA Northeast Generals 2 in Blaine, Minnesota…..Star goalie Logan Perez was in the net today for the VGK 16s. Goal scorers included Gavin Ohara (3 goals), Jacob Webb (3) plus goals from Chayse Laurie, Ryan Disbrow, Aidan Finch and Spencer Foster. The VGK 16u have a season record of 26-13-0.…The Northeast Generals are from Attleboro, Massachusetts….

Best Stat of the Day – Matthew Gross of Las Vegas and the NA3HL El Paso Rhinos has 10 goals this season…Vito Carlo of Las Vegas playing with NCAA Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire this season…

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Sunday Stunner – Luke Miller scored a dramatic short-handed goal in the 2nd OT for the Wally Lacroix Vegas Jr Golden Knights in a 3-2 win over the Northern Colorado Eagles to get the bronze medal today in Arvada, Colorado. “Our young men played a great hockey game – we went back to basics – lots of net front prescence and hard-working goals including the overtime goal,” said coach Wally. Kameron Laskaska goalie today for Las Vegas.

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The great hockey mom Wendy Roksvold sends this: big goal scorer Kyle Callahan and his wife Shelby Callahan of Las Vegas welcomed a new daughter, Brinley Mae, she was born December 3rd at 9:56 pm.  She is 7 lb, 11oz and 19.5” tall.  “They are all doing great!  Gunnar is a super proud Uncle. 

“This is our first grandchild and we are over the moon!,” said hockey mom Wendy. 

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Sunday Game Final Score in Blaine, Minnesota – AAA New Hampshire Avalanche 16u 4, VGK 16u 0

//“Tomorrow we play the Northeast Generals,” said VGK 16u head coach Matt Johnson.

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Sunday Final 4 Game – L.A. Jr Kings 14u 4, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0. Tomorrrow – Monday – VGK 14u vs the Northern Colorado Eagles 14u in a Bronze Medal Game. Coach Wally Lacroix: “We stay the course and move forward – good things happen to hard working teams. We play for the bronze medal at 3 pm tomorrow – a rematch against the Eagles from yesterday.“

Saturday Final Score @ Schwan Super Rink, Blaine, Minnesota – AAA NorthStar Knights 16u 7, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 0. “We next play the Chicago Reapers today,” said VGK 16u head coach Matt Johnson.

Game Two/Saturday Final Score@Schwan Super Rink, Blaine, Minnesota – Gavin O’Hara scored for the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in a very tough 2-1 loss to the AAA Chicago Reapers 16u. Star goalie Logan Perez was in the net for the VGK 16u.

Saturday Final Score – Northern Colorado Eagles 14u 2, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0 “We didn’t get the bounces we needed in this one – Kameron was our goalie today,” said VGK 14u head coach Wally Lacroix. Today’s game was in Arvada, Colorado. Tomorrow – Sunday – VGK 14u take on the L.A. Jr Kings 14u in a playoff game.

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Friday – Flash Final Score – Goalie Kameron Laskaska got the shutout victory as coach Wally Lacroix’s Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u beat the Boise Jr Steelheads 6-0 in Arvada, Colorado. In their second game on Friday the VGK 14u beat the Colorado Rampage by 10-1. Goalie Kellen Hardy was in the net for Las Vegas. “Our young men were determined to play and took all the time and space away all night long,” coach Wally said.

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THE GREATNESS OF LAS VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

A LOOK AT VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

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Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West.
//A young Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

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It is easy to report scores and highlights – send to leesamuels07@aol.com – we are open 24/7

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Breaker – Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are in Blaine, Minnesota to play in a NAPHL Showcase at the famous Schwan Super Rink. The VGK 16s have a record of 26-13-3.

VGK 16s Schedule in Minnesota

Dec 18 – 0-7 to AAA NorthStar Christian Knights 23-9-0 – Minnesota team

Dec 18 – 1-2 to Chicago Reapers

Dec 19 – 0-3 to AAA New Hampshire Avalanche

Dec 19 – 10-2 vs AAA Northeast Generals – Attleboro, Massachusetts

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The Anthony Greener, Nick Robone coached UNLV Rebels have a 12-game win streak, the longest that we know in Rebels hockey history. Coach Robone says “…..as for the streak we really haven’t focused much on it. Anthony and myself have been preaching to players that they need to each be hungry for each week. We’ve prepare for all opponents the same way regardless of rankings. I think that consistency helps our players stay focused.”

UNLV, ranked #4 nationally, will return to action vs #15 ranked Jamestown of North Dakota on January 14-15 at City National Arena. These are two must-see games.

ACHA D1 Rankings

#1 Lindenwood

#2 Minot

#3 Iowa State

#4 UNLV Rebels

#5 Liberty

#6 Adrian

#7 Central Oklahoma

#8 Indiana Tech

#9 Maryville

#10 Missouri State

Next – Ohio, Pittsburgh, Stony Brook, Illinois, Jamestown and Arizona

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This has been an awesome season for Las Vegas goalie Zachary Ortolano with AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u. He will play on an All-Star team during the NAPHL games in Minnesota this week.

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By Zachary Ortolano

I committed full time to competitive travel hockey at the squirt level where I played for the Las Vegas Storm organization until the Vegas Golden Knights came to town. I played club hockey with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights top AA program for three seasons as well as playing for Faith Lutheran High School varsity hockey team where I lettered as a freshman. Our club team played all over the country and I have even competed in the International Tournament in Granby outside of Montreal for both of my Bantam years.

     In April 2019 our club team, Vegas Jr. Golden Knights, was able to clinch the 2019 USA Hockey National Championship vs. a stacked Atlanta team in Plano, Texas. We swept the tournament and I led all starting goaltenders with a 0.972 Save Percent only giving up 4 goals in aver 200 minutes of game time. (https://nationals.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1010771 )

     In the summer of 2019, I went with a select team to Hockey Night in Boston’s Sophomore Prep Showcase in Haverhill, MA. Our team (Western) went on to sweep the entire tournament going 6-0. I was the 3rd highest ranked goaltender in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage out of 32 goalies in our division after the tournament ended. It was there I committed to making the jump to prep school hockey where I can play the highest level of hockey and focus on my education at the same time.

     For the 2019-2020 Hockey season, I committed one more season to the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights where we were ready to defend, as National Champions. COVID-19 put a stop that. Our club team competed in the NAPHL, playing our league games in Minnesota. We competed in some great showcases such as the CCM World Invite Tournament in Chicago and the Nashville Jr. Predators NHL Showcase  where we won the tournament by beating the Jr. Sharks, Jr, Coyotes and then the Jr. Predators.

     During the first half of 2020, I toured several college prep schools throughout New England and Minnesota. After meeting with coaches and going through the application process, I was accepted by several schools and made the decision to attend Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota. It was my top choice and I am happy to be here now, playing hockey for this amazing program with some of the most talented players in the world for my age group.

     I have had several great former NHL, College and Pro level coaches and mentors along the way and regularly train with dedicated goaltending coaches on my own. In addition to skating on ice, I regularly cross train off ice, working on flexibility, durability, reflexes and nutrition with my personal trainer. I regularly use Vizual Edge for eye training to enhance my game.  I was selected to represent Nevada at the USA Hockey Pacific District Camp and have been selected for the new USA Hockey goaltending initiative (51 in 30). In July 2018.

     Education has always been a top priority in my family, and I have attended private schools since preschool. I attended the top academic private school in Nevada, The Meadows School, until 8^th grade where I transferred to a larger school, Faith Lutheran, which was a better fit with a school hockey program. This prepared me well for my academic life at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School where the boarding environment requires proper time management and study habits.  I am a good student, although not academically gifted, I try to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA through most of the year despite missing a lot of school for hockey. I have studied Spanish and currently French as well as taking a recent interest in business management and architecture.

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Monday – The amazing Heath Mensch of Las Vegas has 35 goals this season for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds…Heath scored 5 times in an 8-4 road win over the San Diego Sabers on Saturday at the Carlsbad Ice Arena in SoCal. The T-Birds on Sunday beat San Diego 9-4.

The Las Vegas Thunderbirds swept San Diego last weekend 8-4, 9-4. T-Birds this coming weekend are on the road, taking on the USPHL Premier Ontario Jr Reign @ the Center Ice Arena in Ontario, Ca.

Fuzzy Atchison has 18 goals, 11 assists this season with AAA Windy City Storm 16u…..Hunter Barto of Las Vegas has 9 goals, 11 assists for the USPHL Premier Ontario Jr Reign in Socal. D-man Austin Moline 4 goals, 24 assists for AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

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Catching up today – we were out of town last weekend – here is what happened in Las Vegas

Saturday scores:

UNLV Rebels 7, Arizona State 3 – Rebels, coached by Anthony Greener and Nick Robone, win decisively, extend win streak to 12 straight…..

Rebels goal scorers – Jared Erickson, Michael Boutoussov (on fire last few games), Nick Flanders, Brad Golant, Nick Flanders again, Hunter Muzzillo and Bradley Golant again – the Rebels have such a balanced attack and a great number of goal scorers.

Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 5, AAA Arizona Jr Coyotes 15u 3

VGK 16u goal scorers – Connor Beers 2 goals, Adan Finch 2 goals, Kaden Mulcahy 1 goal; Chayse Laurie 2 assists; star goalie Logan Perez 25 saves on 28 shots.

2nd Game

AAA Arizona Jr Coyotes 16u 3, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 0

//Coach Matt: “Both of our goalies played great. The Coyotes 16u are a heavy team – all 2005s. They are fast and quick on pucks. It was a great experience for our guys to see what is like to compete at that level. Eye opener! Hopefully we will take what we have learned and use it this weekend in Minnesota.

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Breaker – Erik Atchison, one of the precious few from Las Vegas who has ever played in the WHL, had a powerplay goal for the WHL Spokane Chiefs in a game vs the WHL Portland Winterhawks.

Best email of the Day

Great posts on Vegashockey.net! If you get a chance please come see the Vegas Jr Golden Knights Pee Wee AA team that has been selected to play the The Quebec Pee Wee International this year. Coached by Brian Salcido and registered for the Confetti Cup over new years weekand at CNA & Lifeguard Arena. These boys are 14 and 5 this season and some future Vegas born stars in net and many other positions. Look for Owen Schneider #91, Chase Raugust #18, and the big russian machine Timothy Kershkov #98. These boys score goals in bunches and so do the rest. Thanks! 

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Las Vegas – The ‘Wall’ goalie Zach Wickson is in the net tonight vs Arizona State. UNLV Rebels are ranked #5 in the nation…..UNLV tweeted this is their first home game in over a month —-UNLV strikes early, lead by 2-0….Paxton Malone of UNLV gets short-handed goal to give Rebels very quick 3-0 lead. Score is now 4-0 Rebels. 1st Period comes to a close….UNLV this season has only allowed 2.3 goals per game…ASU scores on a 5 on 3 powerplay to make it a 4-1 game, favored UNLV…in second period Rebels get a goal from Luke Burke to increase lead to 5-1….Rebels score again to make it 6-1….end of the second period…..in the 3rd period Jared Erickson skates through traffic and fires in a shot for a goal and a 7-1 Rebels lead…on Rebels livestream we spotted referee Wally Lacroix and linesman Todd Owen working this game ………there is a very big hometown crowd tonight…It is over – UNLV Rebels win 8-1 for their 11th straight win

Here are UNLV goal scorers in order in this game:

Ezekiel Estrada

Jared Erickson

Paxton Malone

Luke Burke

Michael Boutoussov

Luke Burke

Michael Boutoussov

Nick Flanders

Game Two of this weekend series is on Saturday, 7:30 pm at City National Arena in Las Vegas.

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Coming right here on Christmas Eve – The Kid Who Never Scored a Goal is our holiday story which will include many coaches in Las Vegas including Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener, Nick Robone, Matt Johnson, Wally Lacroix and Chris Francis plus appearances from The Genius – who can just glance at a scoreboard and give his team bunches of goals – plus from East L.A. comes Johnny Gold and the Barstow Brothers. Oh, and Gramps is over there by the stick rack and blade sharpener Dave Francis is doing his thing in the pro shop. Santa is on his way and bringing lots of goodies and toys – only if he can land his sleigh in a rare Christmas Eve blizzard here. – Lee

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Las Vegas – The Anthony Greener-coached #5 ranked UNLV Rebels are in heavy action tonight – Friday – taking on big rival Arizona State on home ice at the City National Arena. Game time is 7:30 pm

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Major breaking news right now – Chris Francis, who brought his AAA Texas Jr Stars tier team to the Silver Sticks Western Regional tournament a few weeks ago at the Las Vegas Ice Center, is now an assistant coach with NAHL Odessa Jackalopes. Congratulations to coach Chris. He is of the all-time tier goal scorers from Las Vegas.

Jack Lackas of Las Vegas and the Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u has been drafted second overall by the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the AAA Windy City Storm 15u in Chicago, has been drafted 28th overall by the WHL Edmonton Oil Kings.

When he heard the news Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin said “…..we work with Jackson every summer. He’s a good one. Competes hard.”

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Bet You Didn’t Know – “The last year I coached ice hockey was 2018-19, u-12 peewee AA, I was an asst coach to head coach Kevin Mulcahy,” said Bo Lackas of Las Vegas.

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10 QUESTIONS FOR CORY WARD, COACH, USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

1 – “Initially who’s idea was it to assemble three head coaches?”

Adam Bonaldi gave me a call after I was referred to him. He asked if coaching a Las Vegas Jr. team was something I would be interested in. After bringing Joe Sullivan and Hamilton Whyte on board we realized we all have different strengths as coaches. We felt having three voices gives young men different points of view to learn and ultimately help them develop. 

2 – “Was it hard for you as an awesome player and goal scorer to turn to coaching?”

For me it was not. I haven’t been disconnected from the game very long at all and I have studied the game of hockey for over 23 years. We still have the same passion for coaching as we did playing so seeing players develop gives us the same satisfaction as scoring goals or winning big games. 

3 – “When you played the game who were the best coaches you ever played for?”

Richard Seeley – Manchester Monarchs; Mike Stothers – Ontario Reign; Micah Sanford – Las Vegas Stars

4 – “Heath Mensch has always been a big goal scorer – but he has taken it to a new level this season, how did this happen?”

Heath Mensch has an unbelievable scoring skill set. His offensive hockey IQ, and his release are far beyond the USPHL. He has developed this season in understanding scoring doesn’t only come from when the puck is on your stick. He has learned to play the game the right way, how to play the game away from the puck, and has taken huge steps in becoming a leader. 

5 – “What are the responsibilities of each coach in practices?”

A huge reason we have three coaches is to split responsibilities. There are some areas where one coach knows better than another. Nobody has an ego so the only goal is to develop these young men and get better every day. You can only expect the players to do that as a team if the staff can work as a team. At the end of the day these are young men who all learn differently. Some better with Sulli, some better with Hamilton, some better with me. 

6 – “On game nights, who does what during the games?”

On the bench Sulli runs the defense, and Hamilton runs the offense. They do a great job with time management, matching lines, and understanding the players. I am watching with a more open mindset. Watching systems, habits, and finding what we are or aren’t doing well. 

7 – “In the USPHL Premier who are your biggest rivalries and why?”

Fresno Monsters are our rivals. We played each other 15 times last season, they knocked us out of playoffs, and we always have good battles when we play. We will probably see them in playoffs again this year. 

8 – “Did you wear the same jersey number each season when you played?”

I did throughout youth hockey, but I was forced to change it in college… then throughout professional hockey I honestly did not always get to choose. You kind of wear what they give you a lot of the time.

9 – “What do you think of the T-Birds playoff chances?”

Playoffs for our division (Pacific) consist of the top 4 teams and right now we are in 2nd, so our chances look good. 

10 – “What was the biggest game you have ever played in and why?”

The biggest game I ever played in was my first Game 7.  If any hockey player can get the chance to play in a game 7 it is an unbelievable experience. There is nothing like a professional hockey game 7. 

Thanks Lee I appreciate it! 

Breaker – The AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are off to Arizona this coming weekend. “Two games against the AAA Arizona Jr Coyotes 16u, one game against the AAA Arizona Jr Coyotes 15u at the Ice Den in Scottsdale,”announced VGK 16u coach Matt Johnson….

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Season Record – 16-9-0

Top 5 Goals – updated

35 – Heath Mensch

22 – Caleb Strong

16 – Sniper Evan Brown

11- Kevin Hanly

9 – Jadon Kwaitowski

9 – Antoine Tourigny

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Sunday Breaker – The Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u today beat the AAA Tahoe Prep Academy 16u 7-2 at Lake Tahoe to close out a very successful weekend. “We had a bunch of different goal scorers – Gavin O’Hara two goals, Chayse Laurie 2 goals and goals from Mason Smith, Ryan Pavlinsky and Aidan Finch. Keynes Lake was our goalie today,” said coach Matt. “Now it’s time to gear up and go back home.”

Saturday – Final Score UNLV Rebels 5, @ Grand Canyon University 2.….UNLV started goalie Vince Benedetto in this road game ..Vince is from Edmonton, Canada…Hunter Muzzillo scored Rebels first goal…….Max Johnson had a goal for UNLV..…Rebels defenseman Sean Plonski was selected the ‘Player of the Game.’

UNLV Rebels goal scorers in order

Brenden Fehlig

Hunter Muzzillo

Brendan Manning

Max Johnson

Michael Boutoussov

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The UNLV Rebels chalked up another road win, this one 3-2 over Grand Canyon University on Friday night. Max Johnson, Nick Flanders and Brenden Fehlig scored. The Rebels got another ultra-strong effort from star goalie ‘The Wall’ Zach Wickson. This marked the 6th straight time that the Rebels have won on the road.

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AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

All Games at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

Friday, Dec 3, 2021

6-5 OT over vs AAA Tahoe Prep Academy 16u

Saturday, Dec 4

8-0 over AAA West Coast Renegades 16u

Next Game Saturday

3-0 over AAA Ontario Jr Reign 16u

//Aidan Finch 2 goals, Gavin O’Hara one goal for VGK 16u

Sunday, Dec 5

7-2 over AAA Tahoe Prep Academy 16u

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//Lake Tahoe, Nevada – In a wild one with a maddening finish Gavin O’Hara sent a game-winning pass to bigtime goal scorer Chayse Laurie who scored as the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u rallied dramatically to beat AAA Tahoe Prep 6-5 in OT on Friday night. Logan Perez was in net for the VGK 16s. “This game was a character-builder for sure – we had to battle back multiple times and our boys never quit trying,” coach Johnson said. “The end of the game went like this – Gavin wound up with the puck in the neutral zone. Drove wide. Took a defender with him. Chayse went right to the net, Gavin dished the puck and Chayse hammered it home.”

Saturday, Dec 4

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

8-0 over AAA West Coast Renegades Utah 16u

vs AAA Ontario Jr Reign – 6 pm today

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Best Stats of the Day

Las Vegas goalie Zachary Ortolano

AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

13-4-0 record

1.79 gaa

93.2% save percentage

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Friday – It’s Game Night for the UNLV Rebels who are away from home taking on Grand Canyon University beginning tonight at the Peoria Ice Center in Arizona. Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are at Lake Tahoe today to begin a weekend of tier hockey games.

Breaker – Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas and the Fife Flyers leads the EIHL with 7 goals, 11 assists. Hockey dad John McNicholas has more on the EIHL – the league where his son Michael plays for with the EIHL Flyers in Scotland. “The Elite Ice Hockey League is the top league in Great Britain. There are 8 teams – three from Scotland, three from England, 1 from Cardiff, Wales and one from Belfast in Northern Ireland.“

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The other night we were at a game over at the Pepsi Ice Arena inside of the Fiesta Stations Hotel-Casino on North Rancho Drive in Las Vegas and one of the fans asked “why is UNLV Jersey #96 framed up there on the south wall?”  We took a look and there it was – Anthony Greener’s famous UNLV Rebels #96. The fan asked “..tell me more about him.” – Lee

Flashback Story…

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Las Vegas – “We don’t print jersey #96 anymore,” UNLV defenseman and promotions guru Arturo Castro was saying. “Not since Greener graduated.”

Jersey #96 is the most famous jersey of all time in Las Vegas. Anthony Greener wore it for what, 4 1/2 seasons. He was UNLV captain two seasons, co-captain two seasons.

He played on the top line for UNLV in every single game he ever skated for with the Rebels.

And all of a sudden the Alumni Game is scheduled and Greener is one of the Rebels greats invited to play.

++++

It’s amazing Greener is skating because the way he went out of the game – checked brutally hard when he was down and against the boards at Long Beach State quite a few seasons ago. It was a totally unfair way to shut down one of the greatest players of our time in Las Vegas.

Greener is on an alumni roster which includes Mike Zenzola, Sam Braniff, Jordan Brusig, Todd Monteros, Doug Wenglare and Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Chris Tate.

+++

So where are Greener’s home and away UNLV #96 jerseys. Well, one is framed and hung with care on the south wall of the Pepsi Ice Arena.

“I think my Mom has one, Gramps may have one,” Greener said last night. “That’s about it.”

+++

Greener said the best UNLV line he ever played on included the giant goal scorer Josh Jasek and Scott Rensmon.

“Jasek and I both made All-American that year. I had what, like 85 points. Another line I liked being on was with Sam Braniff and Robbie Silvernail. We had a few good combos and (coach) Rob Pallin was always good with finding the right lines and not really messing with them too much,” Greener said.

Greener’s biggest goals for UNLV?

“That’s a tough one,” he said. “Maybe scoring two goals with less than 50 seconds to play to beat Utah in their own building. Or maybe it was the breakaway winner to beat San Diego State with only a minute left. We had a alot of big goals when we were in that big unbeaten stretch on our home ice.

“So yes I will be skating in the Alumni Game. I don’t know what jersey though. I will wear whatever Arty (Arturo Castro) throws at me. I’ve been skating pretty good in town on Thursdays and Sunday nights,” Greener said.

Which brings us to Arturo Casto, the UNLV defenseman who in the fall was crushed from behind by a player from Long Beach State. Arturo had a very bad back injury and wore a neck brace at UNLV home games during the season.

But sometimes the will to play is too much.

Arturo plans to suit up and skate in the Alumni game.

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It’s about to heat up for star coach Matt Johnson and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team. Coach Matt and the VGK 16u are off to Lake Tahoe this weekend.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

All Games at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

Friday, Dec 3

vs AAA Tahoe Prep Academy 16u

Saturday, Dec 4

vs AAA West Coast Renegades 16u

vs AAA Ontario Jr Reign

Sunday, Dec 5

vs AAA Tahoe Prep Academy

“This is a big weekend for us,” said coach Matt. “We had a great week in Dallas prior to the Thanksgiving Day week break. We have a pretty heavy part of the season ahead of us playing 8 straight weekends and six of those eight on the road. So hopefully the break we just had gave everyone an opportunity to be rejuvenated. We currently sit in the Top 5 in our league and 2nd in our division to Ontario who we play this weekend.

“This gives us an opportunity to take control of our fate.

“We have three big weekends coming up – this weekend in Tahoe, next weekend we play the Coyotes 16u, 15u teams and then we go to Minnesota for more NAPHL League games.”

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Special to Vegashockey.net

The UNLV Rebels, coached by Anthony Greener and Nick Robone, return to action this weekend in a pair of road games vs ACHA D1 Grand Canyon University. The games will be at the Arizona Peoria Ice Center on Friday and Saturday.

“We leave Thursday from Las Vegas for Grand Canyon,” said head coach Anthony Greener. “We have to continue and buy in and play like we did in Chicago. No matter who we play we must compete for a full 60 minutes on the ice.”

Coach Robone noted today “Grand Canyon has a hockey program which is getting better every year. And for us anytime you go onto the road it makes it that much tougher. We need our guys to be focused and ready to bring the same consistency we had at the Chicago Cup.“

UNLV Rebels

Record 12-3-0

ACHA D1 rank #4

Top Goal Scorers

11 – Max Johnson

6 – Alec Johnson

4 – Ezekiel Estrada

4 – Brendan Manning

4 – Hunter Muzzillo

Source – ACHA D1 Statistics

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MAJOR AWARD FOR ASH PRINTZEN OF LAS VEGAS

Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and NCAA Curry College today was named the Commonwealth Coast Conference ‘Player of the Week’. She scored three of Curry’s goals in a 4-1 win over New England College this past week – she is the first from Curry College to win this award.

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Coming here on Christmas Eve – Our annual holiday story – ‘The Kid Who Never Scored a Goal’ written by our daughter Mary Kate Zurfluh who a few years ago wrote the children’s book ‘Flash The Cat.’ Johnny Gold, the Barstow Brothers and head coach Jack Black come from the bad part of L.A. – come into the Pepsi Ice Arena over on Rancho Drive and create all sorts of trouble at the annual Christmas Eve charity game. Hometown coaches including Anthony Greener, Wally Lacroix, Rob Pallin with hometown hockey dad Steve Allen among many others in town join defensive forces at the big game. And yes, the late great Gramps will be over by our stick rack to keep peace there. And the late great Dave Francis will be there too, sharpening skates in his Pro Shop there and when he’s done saying “those skates are now good for two goals tonight.”

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Monday Breaker – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and NCAA Curry College in Milton, Mass. – scored two goals and dealt an assist over the weekend in a 4-1 win over Nichols College. Ash, an awesome goal scorer, has 6 goals, 3 assists this season….

Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the AAA Windy City Storm 15u scored two goals against Belle Tire who won the game 4-3 in an OT/Shootout. Fuzzy has 14 goals this season.

Brennan Blaszack of Las Vegas and the SPHL Pensacola Flyers scored during the weekend -it was his 6th goal this season.

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ACHA D1 Rankings

1 – Lindenwood 10-0-0

2 – Minot 11-1-0

3 – Iowa State 15-2-1

4 – UNLV Rebels 12-3-0

5 – Liberty 12-4-0

6 – Central Oklahoma 13-4-0

7 – Adrian 13-4-0

8 – Missouri State 14-4-0

9 – Stony Brook 12-3-1

10 – Maryville 11-4-1

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Sunday – “When you build a team start from the back – start with goalies, then defensemen, then your goal scorers,” said coach Wally Lacroix after his Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u beat the L.A. Kings 2-1 to win a regional Silver Sticks gold medal and qualify for the Silver Sticks Nationals in Port Huron, Michigan.

The Kings have been the #1 rival for all Las Vegas teams regardless of age level for several decades. The VGK 14s got an awesome effort from their goalie Kellen Hardy and a game-winning goal from Zach Gay late in the game before a jammed packed Las Vegas Ice Center over on Flamingo Avenue.

It was a tight, hard game in all three periods and the game really wasn’t decided until the final seconds ticked down in the third period. Hardy unquestionably is a high level goalie as well as VGK 14u goalie Kameron Laskaskas.

After the game Wally and assistant coach Todd Owen walked to center ice to embrace the Kings coaches – it was that great of a game.

From the Blue Line – Matt Johnson, coach of the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team, was there at the Ice Center as well.

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Las Vegas – “First of all we are all very proud of (coach) Chris Francis of Las Vegas and what he’s been building with his young men with the Texas Jr Stars. He has a very young team and he’s trying to build his team structure. We hope they all know in Austin how lucky they are,” said VGK 14u head coach Wally Lacroix whose team beat the Texas Jr Stars 6-1 before a jammed in crowd at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Saturday night. Las Vegas got another great start from star goalie Kellen Hardy in an important Silver Sticks Tournament Final 4 eliminator game. The Texas Jr Stars started goalie Michael Lang, 13 years old. He is from Austin and did well early in the game and then the Vegas sharpshooters got wired in.

Las Vegas will take on the L.A. Jr Kings in the gold medal game on Sunday at the Ice Center. Game time 10:15 am Sunday.

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Saturday – The Wally Lacroix-coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u today beat the the Alaska Valley Thunder 3-0 at the Las Vegas Ice Center to set up a massive Final Four game vs the Chris Francis-coached AA Texas Jr Stars. Game time tonight is 6:40 pm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Golden Knights goalie Kameron Laskaskas got the shutout today to set up this big game. Chris, from Las Vegas, was a massive high-speed goal scorer when he played here in town years ago.

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Friday, November 26, 2021- Hockey coach Wally Lacroix sure knows how to construct a winning team – start in the back with top goalies, then sign rugged defenseman and lots of goal scorers.

And what goalies the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u have this season. Kellen Hardy, who played for the Dallas Penquins tier team last winter along with a premier goalie as well in Kameron Laskaskas. Both attended months ago a tryout with the VGK 14s at the City National Arena in Las Vegas

Hardy, 6′ 1″ and 190, was spectacular on Friday morning with his quick side to side movement in the net along with some impossible-like saves. All of that effort along with a small army of goal scorers helped the VGK 14u beat the Anaheim Jr Ducks 14u by 5-0 on Friday morning before a large festive crowd at the Pepsi Arena inside the Fiesta Stations Hotel complex on North Rancho Drive.

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Best Quote of the Day – Chris Francis, one of the all-time goal scorers in Las Vegas hockey history, said this about his former coach Wally Lacroix who is head coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team.

“His team here looks really good – lots of team speed and great structure – definitely a top team in the country. It’s funny because Wally coached me briefly when we were a 14u and now here we are. Possibly here we may play against each other as coaches. He’s doing a great job with his boys.”

Special to Vegas Hockey – Goalie Kameron Laskaskas got a shutout as the Wally Lacroix-coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u shut down the Utah Golden Eagles 8-0 in Las Vegas. The Vegas Jr Golden Knights are now 2-0-0 in the Silver Sticks Tournament. On Friday, the VGK 14u will take on Team Utah at the Pepsi Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive. Game time is 2 pm.

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Chris Francis of Las Vegas is coaching the AA Texas Jr Stars here at the Silver Sticks Tournament in Las Vegas this week. The Texas Jr Stars practice and play home games in Austin, Texas.

AA Texas Jr Stars 14u

3-1 over Las Vegas Storm

6-3 over Santa Clarita Flyers

“Not a bad start for us – playing in Las Vegas without three of our best players but we are happy how hard we are competing,” Chris noted.

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Las Vegas – Kellen Hardy was the winning goalie for the Wally Lacroix-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights in a solid 2-1 win over the San Diego Saints today – Thursday – in a Silver Sticks Tournament game. “We played on the south rink at the Las Vegas Ice Center and our men played well. The score really doesn’t indicate how well we played”….Tonight the VGK 14s take on the Utah Eagles at 7:50 pm at the Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

It’s going to be icy cold on Thanksgiving Day here in Las Vegas – will be like 39 degrees over…….Readers here today are from all parts of the USA and Canada plus France, Germany and Switzerland…

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‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel, who is playing this season with the AAA Northeast Generals 18u, is home here to be with his family for Thanksgiving Day.

He said his Vegas coaches Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen last season “were outstanding. They cared for each of our players and took the the time to prepare all of us for the next level of the game.”

At a breakfast presser here in Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin noted that the NHL Vegas Golden Knights have attracted “…an amazing number of new youth hockey players here in town. The true number of new players is unreal. That is the impact the Golden Knights are having on this community.”

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas had a awesome game with his skate speed and sharp passes as the NHL Pittsburgh Penquins took apart and beat the NHL Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Thanksgiving Day Eve.

HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL!

//Chris Francis, one of Las Vegas’ all-time goal scorers, is now an ice hockey coach in Texas. “Coming to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. Our AA Texas Jr Stars 14u team is playing this week in Las Vegas in a Silver Stick Tournament. Going to be at my Mom’s place for Thanksgiving Dinner.

//Rob Proffit, GM NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs (our son Eddie Samuels played for coach Proffit when he was head coach of the Ice Dogs) “This is our 25th season with the Ice Dogs. We plan to go to our team practice on Thanksgiving Day, then go home – my wife will be cooking.”

//Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels – “We plan to spend time relaxing time with family and friends. We hope everyone reading this has a Happy Thanksgiving Day.“

//Matt Johnson, head coach, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – “This year we are going to do it at home which is at Lynn, Massachusetts. Normally we do Thanksgiving with the Kevin Mulcahy’s and all of the hockey families – but it is my mother’s surprise birthday party!”

//Will ‘Money’ Munson, San Diego – He was called ‘Money’ because of all the big goals he scored years ago with the NAHL Billings Jr Bulls. Eddie Samuels and Money were linemates with the Billings Jr Bulls. Money said “still playing in the Sunday Night League at Riverside Ice Town. The league is called SNAFU. For Thanksgiving dinner going to my parents home at Lake Arrowhead.”

//Adam Tamura, Las Vegas roller hockey star player and coach “Heading to our in laws for dinner. Big family and everyone brings a dish! – Guamanian, Filipino and Traditional American is on the menu!”

//Adam Stio, roller and ice hockey coach for many seasons “Still hanging around our ice rink in Rock Springs, Wyoming. We will prepare a small turkey for myself and some staffers with homemade stuffing, corn and more.“

//Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich, star goal scorer in ice hockey and roller “Hello everyone – my wife’s grandparents are coming to town and we will be celebrating with them.”

//Las Vegas hockey Dad Steve Allen whose son Jason played at a high level when he was in tier hockey: “Working a half-day, then having turkey with grandchildren in town, then face-time his kids – Going to watch football with a lot of good food.” Years ago Steve was a referee during fierce roller games at ‘The Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive.

//’Miracle on Ice’ goal scorer Harris Whissel of Las Vegas – Harris is going to spend some quality time with his new baby niece – just born! – this week. Harris this season is playing for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u.

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Breaker – Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the AAA Windy Storm 15u, scored 4 goals during the weekend in big games vs #1 rival the AAA Chicago Mission. Fuzzy has 12 goals this season.

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//Coach Anthony Greener’s UNLV Rebels are coming home from the Chicago Cup Games with precious gold medals. The Rebels beat #3 ranked Liberty 2-1 – getting another awesome game from from ‘The Wall’ goalie Zach Wickson. Jayson Dimizio and Cole Wyatt were the Rebels gold scorers. The Rebels are now 12-3 this season. The games were played at the Chicago Blackhawks practice facility – the 5th/3rd Street hockey rink.

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Saturday – The red-hot UNLV Rebels beat #2 ranked Minot State 2-1 in Chicago – Rebels goal scorers were Ezekiel Estrada and Max Johnson. The Wall was in the Rebels net. –Lee

Chicago – The Anthony Greener-coached UNLV Rebels got their biggest win of the season beating ACHA D1 defending champions Adrian 4-2 here on Friday. UNLV’s goal scorers in order were Max Johnson, Nick Flanders, Max Johnson and then Jayson Dimizio. ‘The Wall’ Zach Wickson was the Rebels goalie. The Rebels 3-Stars were Max Johnson, goalie ‘The Wall’ Zach Wickson and Luke Burke. “Was this your greatest win?” coach Anthony Greener was asked. “It is for sure towards the top of our greatest wins. Keep in mind this is a three day tournament (the Chicago Cup) and we are playing the #1 ranked team tomorrow. Very very proud of our guys – they worked so hard to get past Adrian. But the game we had today – will never ever forget this one.”

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Breaker – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas this season is playing for NCAA Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. She has 6 goals this season. More good news – Ash is coming home to be with all in her family for a Thanksgiving Day celebration.

Las Vegas goalie Zackary Ortolano of AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u, was just named the NAPHL Goalie of the Month – a major award…., Heath Mensch of Las Vegas is having an awesome season with the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – Heath has 17 goals.…This season the Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u have a season record of 21-11-0, the Wally Lacroix-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are 23-7-0

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Most Searched Today – The ‘Last Skate’ at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive

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Guess who’s coming for Christmas? Santa delivered ACHA D1 defending national champions Adrian onto the UNLV Rebels schedule whose next games are this weekend at the Chicago Cup.

“It’s a Showcase and we have Adrian, ranked No. 5 right now – and yes they are the defending champions – on our schedule,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. “However, we like where we are at with a 9 and 3 record. Some games slipped away – it happens. But we are proud and happy where we are at. At the Chicago Showcase we will be playing three times a day – all different teams. In regards to Adrian they average seven goals a game. It’s a huge test for us but we’re having a good week of practice and will be ready. We head out to Illinois on Friday.“

Assistant Rebels coach Nick Robone said “Adrian is the defending champion for a good reason – they are very skilled, like to get into transition quickly and attack off the rush. We last played in Chicago in 2019 – at this very same tournament.”

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Breaker – Monday Flash Update – The Wally Lacroix-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights today beat the AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u 5-3. Kellen Hardy goalie for VGK 14s. “We had a very long weekend,” said coach Wally. “Our young men fought hard – we started strong and had to dig deep when they brought pressure late. Good overall effort.“

In their second game on Sunday the Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the AAA Colorado Springs Tigers 4-2 – Lee

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Jack Lackas of Las Vegas played over the weekend in the WHL Showcase in Phoenix. Jack scored 4 goals, putting his total of goals scored so far this year to 28.

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//Austin Moline (2005) of Las Vegas and the AAA 16u Shattuck St. Mary’s Hockey Team, won entry into the USA National Tournament in Rochester, Michigan in March. Shattuck beat Blue Ox of Minnesota 9-2 this week during state playoffs to clinch the title of Minnesota District Champions. Defenseman Austin Moline contributing with 2 assists. 

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NAPHL 14u – Schedule – Arlington, Texas

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Wally Lacroix

Nov 13 – 2-1 over AAA Ontario Jr Reign 14u

Nov 14 – 3-2 over AAA Madison Capitals 14u

Nov 14 – 4-1 over AAA Northwest Stars 14u

Nov 15 – 5-3 over AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

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By Robert Purdy

Guest reporter for Vegashockey.net

I enjoyed reading on vegashockey.net today that goalie Colton Miller is playing this season with ACHA D2 Texas State University.  Colton played on Wally Lacroix’s teams with my son, John Purdy.  Colton is an awesome goalie and a great young man.  It was nice to read about him.

On a related note, one of Colton’s teammates is Bradyn Mensch, also from Las Vegas.  Bradyn is in his first year as a graduate student at Texas State.  Bradyn was a high level goalie who previously played with Pokey Reddick’s midget teams at the Las Vegas Ice Center a few years back.  Bradyn took a few years off from competitive hockey to obtain his bachelor’s degree from UNLV.  At Texas State, Bradyn is playing forward.  He is a versatile athlete who comes from one of Las Vegas’ finest hockey families. 

Bradyn has three brothers who all have played on numerous Las Vegas hockey teams:  Brother Heath Mensch, who you have written of often, is presently a goal scorer for the LV Thunderbirds and played on many Jr Golden Knights and Storm and Jr Wranglers teams.  Brother Nolan Mensch was a former sharp shooter for the Vegas Golden Knights High School team.  Brother Cole Mensch presently plays for the University of Texas Longhorns ACHA D2 team and is also studies engineering there. 

One more interesting note about the Mensch hockey family is that Bradyn Mensch and his Texas State University Bobcats will be battling his younger brother, Cole Mensch and his University of Texas Longhorns, in a two game series.  The first game is tonight and the second game is tomorrow, both in Austin Texas.  It will be Mensch vs Mensch in the Lone Star State.  Should be fun!

Keep up the great work with vegashockey.net!

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//UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said the Rebels players will board a team bus Thursday morning to get to Utah. The Rebels have a practice scheduled once they arrive in Salt Lake City. There are two games scheduled – Friday and Saturday nights….Assistant coach Nick Robone noted this about Utah: “They are a much improved team. They have speed which is tough to match and they play well in their systems. Their (larger) Olympic ice definitely plays to their strengths.” The Friday game begins 7:30 pm local time.

//UNLV Rebels ranked #8 in ACHA D1; Utah ranked #21

//Head Coach Wally Lacroix of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u today said his team “will play games Saturday through Monday at the big AAA NAPHL 14u tournament in Dallas. Then we have Can/AM, followed by Silver Sticks on Thanksgiving Day weekend.”

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//Colton Miller, an awesome goalie from Las Vegas, is playing this season with ACHA D2 Texas State University.….Austin Moline of Las Vegas and AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u team had one goal, three assists this weekend in games against the AAA Colorado Thunderbirds 16u. Austin now has 3 goals, 21 assists, 24 points this season.

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Monday Breaker – UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said….”in regards to Utah, it is always tough to play on the road and playing on Olympic-sized ice. It is 15 feet wider so our defensemen need to make sure their gaps are good and they stay inside the dots. Utah is one of the better teams on our schedule.” UNLV vs Utah games will be on this Friday and Saturday evenings on their home rink – the Salt Lake City Sports Complex.

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Las Vegas goalie Zackary Ortolano of AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u team, amazingly had two shutout wins over the AAA Colorado Thunderbirds 18u this weekend..After the second game the T-Birds goalie skated over to congratulate Zackary….This season Zackary has a 9-4-0 record, 2.19 gaa and a 92.1% save percentage which are awesome numbers…..’Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas scored and dealt two assists for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in an 8-2 win over the AAA New Hampshire Avalanche 18u on Sunday.

Update – Yes, there was a mind-bending 7:20 am opening faceoff on Sunday morning – and coach Wally Lacroix’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u gave it all they had a game which had two overtimes and a five-player shootout. The ProTec Ducks of New Jersey won 3-2 in an OT/Shootout at the CCM World Invite tournament on a Sunday morning in Chicago.

Chicago – Coach Wally Lacroix’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u ‘Miracle Run’ continued late Saturday after getting an amazing OT goal from Carson Craig to beat the highly rated AAA Chicago Jets 14u 3-2 in overtime here at the CCM World Invite. “Carson got the game-winner – Riley, Chase and Casey were on the ice when he scored. Kellen Hardy was in the net for us.We have to win two more games Sunday to get what we came here for – gold medals.”

Breaker – Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas has scored 3 more goals for the AAA Windy City Storm 15u. Last weekend in the Boston Exposure Tournament he scored PP goals against the Seacoast Spartans and the Boston Advantage then a breakaway goal vs Little Caesars to vault the Windy City Storm into the finals. 

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Here is the schedule for the Wally Lacroix-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u at the CCM Invite in Chicago

CCM WORLD INVITE TOURNAMENT – WORLD’S LARGEST ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT IN ONE CITY

Friday, Nov 5 – vs AAA Tri State Spartans 14u of Indiana 3, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0

Friday, Nov 5 – 4-0 over AAA Chicago Bulldogs 14u

//Kellen Hardy was the goalie for AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u. Coach Wally Lacroix: “Much better effort. Our young men showed up to play. This was a big win over a Top 10 ranked team. We had a slow start – scored late in first period and we never looked back.”

Saturday, Nov 6 – 4-0 over (My Hockey) #8 ranked AAA L.A. Jr Kings 14u

“Our young men are playing well when they stay within our system and structure. We next play the AAA Chicago Jets today in a quarter-final game,” said coach Wally.

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Breaker – It’s a baby girl – Everlee Rae Ricketts who has a precious little smile – for an awesome big goal scorer Beau Ricketts who years ago played for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Beau, his wife Kayla and family live in Minot, N.D. Hockey mom Charla said “…Beau’s already a great daddy…..I cannot believe our hockey player is all grown up now.”

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Las Vegas has a rich history in hockey – ice and roller. This story written years ago here is the #1 most searched story today on Vegashockey.net

Bet You Didn’t Know…

Years ago the Las Vegas Ice Center was a roller rink. Big powerful roller teams including the Armadillos from SoCal came into town to take on top Las Vegas teams. In those days the top roller coaches included Oren Galor and for older players the coach was Dennis Parker. And the roller legend coach Larry Sanford was also around with a top team. There were big crowds in the stands when the Las Vegas team took on teams like the powerful hard-skating Orange County Blades roller team coached by Ken Gibo. The hometown team at that rink was called the Las Vegas Titans

Adam Naglich of Las Vegas was a top roller player then. Teammates called him Stick.

The greatest Las Vegas goal scorers ever in roller hockey include Jason Zucker, Chris Francis, Billy Tufano and Evan Zucker. Jason and Chris had awesome speed, Evan had that too with a close-range scoring touch scoring from all sorts of angles. Tufano was a pure roller player.

Bet you didn’t know that hockey dad Steve Allen was a top referee over at the Little House of Champions – Larry Sanford’s Crystal Palace roller rink on North Rancho Drive.

A few years ago the great Las Vegas roller hockey coach Curt Weiman named his “five best roller players I ever coached” and the list included in order Nick Robone, Adam Tamura, Eddie Samuels, Billy Tufano and Micah Sanford

Bet you didn’t know Micah Sanford of Las Vegas once played for the Las Vegas Blackjacks Jr B ice hockey team at the Sahara Ice Rink. There were a lot of line brawls that season. One of Micah’s linemates was the gifted roller hockey star Leroy Garcia.

Back in 2003-04 the top ice hockey line in town was Anthony Greener, Kurt Long and Conrad Trimbath on the AA Las Vegas Rebels. The team got off to a 13-0-2 start – a record at that time – and didn’t lose a game until late October. Conrad scored 29 goals that season. Rob Pallin was head coach of that dynamite team.

Bet you didn’t know hockey coach Rob Pallin played Pro Beach roller hockey and was seen on ESPN.

When Alex Redmond of Las Vegas years ago was signed by the Peninsula Panthers Jr B he wore the name ‘Blackjack’ on the back of his jersey. He was a smash hit as a player skating that season on Vancouver Island.

Back in the 1999-2000 season Travis Roseberry was named Skater of the Year for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u. He was the centerpiece of the Triple Threat Line with Spike Neely and JC Caron.

Before the 2001-02 Las Vegas Mustangs played in the U.S. Nationals coach Rob Pallin took them to Mount Charleston for long mountain runs.

The first to play rock music at hometown games was The Hockey Sister – Jessica Jasek, sister of 61-goal scorer Josh Jasek. Back then the games were played at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena.

The scoreboard that was at Santa Fe Station Ice Arena is now at the Sobe Ice Arena. So is one of the Zambonis.

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Top 5 Goals – updated

35 – Heath Mensch

22 – Caleb Strong

16 – Sniper Evan Brown

16 – Ken Hanly

9 – Jadon Kwaitowski

6 – Loic Gosselin

6 – Jadon Kwiatkowski

6 – Antoine Tourigny

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals…

12 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u

10 – Matthew Gross, NA3HL El Paso Rhinos

9 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

9 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

8 – Hunter Barto, USHL Premier Minnesota Moose

8 – Brennan Blaszczak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

6 – Cole Mensch, ACHA2 Texas University

6 – Ash Prinztzen, Curry College, Milton, Mass.

6 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

6 – Michael Yochum, ACHA Canisus Golden Griffins

5 – Henry Colbert, AA Anaheim Jr Ducks 14u

4 – Michael McNicolas, EIHL Fife Flyers

4 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

4 – Ash Printzen, NCAA Curry College

3 – Logan Hooser, AAA Northeast Wolves 16u

3 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Long Beach Shredders

2 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

2 – Antonio Buck, ACHA Northern Arizona University

2 – Skylur Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

2 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

2 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

2 – AJ Lackas, EHI New England Wolves

2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

2 – Jerrett Overland, ACHA San Diego State

2 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France

1 – Steven Avalone, ACHA D2 Lindenwood

1 – Daniel Madison, AAA Tahoe Prep 16u

1 – Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

1 – Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

0 – Gia Avalone, Adrian College

0 – Vito Carlo, Franklin-Pierce University

0 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

0 – Noah Smejkal, SIJHL Wisconsin Lumberjacks

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday Final – AAA/AA Wally Lacroix’s Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 5, AA Golden State Elite 0

“Proud of our effort this weekend – it is never easy beating a team back to back,” coach Wally said. “Off to the Chicago CCM world invite next weekend.

After beating AA Golden State Elite 14u by four goals on Saturday coach Wally Lacroix of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u said “It is never easy beating a team back to back. We had a good conversation with our group. We need to show up strong in the morning and play our brand of hockey – structured and with discipline.”

Saturday Update – Goalie Kameron Laskaska got the win as coach Wally Lacroix’ AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u today beat Arizona Hockey Union 7-1….”We had a slow start – once we got our skates moving our young men played a good game. We worked hard on tracking pucks in practice and we did a great job with that today. Our powerplay went 3-for-3.”

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Saturday Flash Final – UNLV blasted to a 5-1 win over Missouri State at City National Arena.

Rebels goal scorers in order – Alec Johnson, Hunter Muzillo, Michael Boutoussov, Cole Wyatt, Ezekiel Estrada – Goalie – The Wall – Zach Wickson

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Las Vegas – What a finish to a big game. Tied at 2-2 the UNLV Rebels electrified their hometown fans by scoring back to back goals in the final seconds to beat a game Missouri State team 4-2 on Friday night at City National Arena. Many Rebels fans wore Halloween-type costumes to add to the festivities.

UNLV’s goal scorers in order were Bradley Golant, Ezekiel Estrada, Max Johnson (game-winning goal) and Paxton Malone (empty net). Head coach Anthony Greener said “we had a great work ethic at the end of the game – we just ran our systems in all three phases of what we do.”

The Rebels got another strong effort from The Wall – star goalie Zach Wickson

The Missouri players came to Las Vegas by bus – a 23 hour trip according to their driver. It was a clean game – which usually happens when top officials like Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen are the referees.

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Coach Wally Lacroix of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u got a huge effort from his goalie Kellen Hardy who got a shutout 5-0 win over the 10-6-1 AAA Anchorage North Stars 14u at City National Arena on Friday. “Our young men played well,” coach Wally said. ‘We have a few injuries right now and our young athletes are playing through it with responsible hockey.”

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Las Vegas – Here comes Missouri State – who wiped out tough physical Central Oklahoma twice on their home rink – and are taking on the Anthony Greener, Nick Robone-coached UNLV Rebels in a two-game series at City National Arena. “These are league (WCHL) games and are two huge games for us. Missouri State is big with a mean streak. They like to play hockey the physical way. We need to be smart and play the best we possibly can this weekend,” coach Greener said. The games will be on Friday, Saturday nights this weekend at City National Arena. Each game has a 7:30 pm start time.

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The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds Top Goal Scorers – Heath Mensch 10 goals, Sniper Evan Brown 9, Caleb Strong 9, Kevin Hanley 8, Michael Wells 7

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It is easy to report game scores and highlights – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Here is an Austin Moline update:

This past weekend of October 22, Las Vegas defenseman Austin Moline and 16u Shattuck St. Mary’s Team swept AAA Little Caesars 16u in a 3 game series in Oak Park, MI.  Austin with a nice blue line goal in game two and three assists for the weekend.

AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u, 20-1-1, is currently ranked in 1st place in the country for 16U AAA Tier 1 on myhockeyrankings.

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AAA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 16U HEADING TO BEANTOWN CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

Coach Matt Johnson and the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are off to the famous Beantown Classic Tournament. VGK 16u will take on AAA Team Illinois 16u at the New England Sports Center on Thursday. Faceoff on Thursday is 3:50 pm eastern time. “We will depart on Wednesday night to get there,” said coach Matt.

Beantown Classic

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

10/28 – 2-6 to Team Illinois  – game was tied 2-2 at the half……Aidan Finch and Mason Jackson scored for AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

10/29 – 0-4 to Boston Jr Bruins 

10/30 – 2-6 to Islanders Hockey Club

10/31 – 2-3 to Springfield Rifles 

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More breaking news on Monday – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas three assists for WHL Spokane Chiefs vs Tri City. Younger brother Fuzzy Atchison 2 goals and Player of the Game award for AAA Windy City Storm 15u in a win over AAA Compuware.

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One of our readers checks in…..”My name is Garrett Clark, a defensemen way back who played on the Las Vegas Outlaws with Pokey Reddick. We wore jersey number 18. We played with Mike Trimboli, Zach, Bobby Burns, Connor Haney and Megan Myers.”

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Sunday Final Score – AAA Sno Kings 14u 3, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1 @ Lifeguard Arena, Henderson

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

9 – Michael McNicholas, Fife Flyers, Scotland

8 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

7 – Hunter Barto, USHL Premier Minnesota Moose

5 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

5 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 15

3 – Logan Hooser, AAA Northeast Wolves 16u

3 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

2 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

2 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

2 – AJ Lackas, EHI New England Wolves

2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

2 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u

2 – Cody Williams, Evry-Viry, France

2 – Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius

1 – Steven Avalone, ACHA D2 Lindenwood

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

1 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

1 – Daniel Madison, AAA Tahoe Prep 16u

1 – Michael McNicholas, EIHL Fife Flyers

1 – Ashley Printzen, Curry College

1 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

1 – Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

0 – Gia Avalone, Adrian College

0 – Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Goalies

Dylan St Cyr, NCAA Quinnipiac

2-1-0, 1.70 gaa, 90.7% save percentage

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond General

2-2-0 record, 2.02 gaa, 93.4% save percentage

Zackary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

8-2-0 record, 2.20 gaa, 92.7% save percentage

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===

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Saturday Rebels update: UNLV strikes first to take 1-0 lead over Arizona University at City National Arena. Arizona scored – it is now 1-1. UNLV now takes lead and wins 3-2. UNLV’s Brendan Manning, Sean Plonski and Alec Johnson scored.

“We battled hard to win this one,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener.

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Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Updated Nov 29

Top 5 Goal Scorers

35 – Heath Mensch

22 – Caleb Strong

15 – Sniper Evan Brown

15 – Caleb Strong

12 – Sniper Evan Brown

10 – Kevin Hanly

6 – Loic Gosselin

5 – Jadon Kwaiatkowski

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Coach Wally Lacroix and his AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u scored back to back 3-2 wins today against a strong AAA Snow–Kings Jr Thunderbirds 14u team from Seattle today at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson. Vegas goalies were Kameron Laskaskas and Kellen Hardy.

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Las Vegas – Arizona University won Round One of its weekend firefight with the UNLV Rebels, winning 4-3 on Friday night before a noisy festive crowd which was really into this game. UNLV’s goal scorers were Max Johnson, Hunter Muzzillo and Luke Burke. ‘The Wall,’ 6’6 Rebels goalie Zach Wickson was in the net for the Rebels.

This was a very hard, entertaining game which kept fans from both teams on edge.

Rebels head coach Anthony Greener put it this way: “We have to score on our opportunities. Arizona scored when they got their chances – that was the difference tonight.”

Game Two of this weekend series will be back at City National Arena on Saturday evening.

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Saturday – Final Score – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 6, Ontario Reign 2 @ Lifeguard Arena, Henderson, NV

T-Birds goals – Heath Mensch, Antoine Tourigny, Sniper Evan Brown, Loic Gosselin, Michael Wells and Caleb Strong

T-Birds goalie – Gorial Yaro

In a Friday stunner Heath Mensch scored 4 goals for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds who beat the Ontario Reign by 8-4 at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson. Anthony Bonaldi was the goalie for the T-Birds in this historic game. Las Vegas goal scorers in this game: Heath Mensch 4, Sniper Evan Brown 1, Ryan Duggen 1, Kevin Hanly 1, Loic Gosselin 1

More breaking news – Coach Wally Lacroix’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u have three home games vs the AAA Seattle Sno-Kings this weekend at the Lifeguard Arena here in Henderson, NV.

Friday Breaker – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas scored his second goal of the season for the WHL Spokane Chiefs in a 5-3 loss to the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds…young brother Fuzzy Atchison and the AAA Windy City Storm 15u of Chicago are off on a major road trip with games against Honeybaked, Compuware and the Oakland Jr Grizzlies.

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Best Stat of the Day – UNLV 6′ 6″ goalie Zach ‘The Wall’ Wickson from Calgary – 4-1-0 season record, 2.20 gaa, 92.3% save percentage.

News – UNLV Rebels ranked #10, Arizona #19 in new ACHA D1 ratings today…..Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said today there is danger in all games – and added “(Arizona) is mean and physical and that gave us problems last weekend (against Central Oklahoma) – but me, I think we bounce back against Arizona.“

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USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

All games this weekend @Lifeguard Arena, Henderson

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Thursday, Oct 21 – Final – Ontario Jr Reign 8, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4

//Vegas goals – Michael Wells, 2nd goal this season; Heath Mensch 5th, Jadon Kwiatkowski 5th – power play goal; Michael Wells 2nd goal of the game – powerplay

//Shots – Ontario 71 Vegas 35

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Friday, Oct 22 – T-Birds vs Ontario Jr Reign, 2 pm

Saturday, Oct 22 – T-Birds vs Ontario Jr Reign, 2 pm

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Season Record 4-5-0

Top 5 goal scorers

7 – Sniper Evan Brown

6 – Kevin Hanly

5 – Caleb Strong

5 – Heath Mensch

5 – Jason Kwaitkowski

2 – Bradly Burden

2 – Matthew Lackas

2 – Antoine Tourigny

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Adam Naglich, an ’84, grew up in Las Vegas and skated on the ‘Red Line’ with Josh Jasek and Eddie Samuels on a Rob Pallin-coached 2001-02 Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team which won the Pacific District Regionals and played in the U.S. Nationals. From there, Adam played with the BCHL Victoria Salsa, was a captain with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks, played in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors and finished his hockey career in Europe.– Lee

====================================================

ADAM NAGLICH OF LAS VEGAS – TEN QUESTIONS

#1 What was it like to play hockey in Europe

“The league I played in Europe was similiar to playing in North America. I would say it’s a little bit less physical and with the bigger ice you have more time to set up a play.”

#2 Were you born in Las Vegas and when did you play hockey

“I was born in Las Vegas. My first year was playing for the midget team Las Vegas Mustangs. My coach was Rob Pallin.

#3 Do you remember your first goal

“I don’t remember my first goal in midget hockey. I only remember being able to stop on one side as I really struggled during my transfer from roller hockey to ice hockey.

#4 Looking back, what did playing for AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u mean to you – playing on a team which went to the U.S. Nationals.

“I had a lot of fun that year. We had a great team and group of guys. I remember a big win over Shattuck St. Mary’s 2nd team in Colorado and also a win over the AAA L.A. Jr Kings at the Santa Fe Ice Arena in Las Vegas.

#5 What was the transition like, going from midget hockey to junior hockey with the BCHL Victoria Salsa

“The jump from midgets to junior was the biggest I ever took. You go from playing against kids to men.”

#6 How many times have you worn the ‘C’ and for what teams.

“The only time I wore the C was in my senior year for the University of Fairbanks.”

#7 What coaches or hockey folks helped you advance to the next level.

“When I was younger playing roller hockey, Larry Sanford always gave me great advice and taught me how to play the game the right way. When I moved to ice hockey Rob Pallin was very helpful. He spent countless hours with me in the summer after my first year of playing ice hockey. It really gave me a great chance to be one of top players the following year, giving me an opportunity in junior hockey.”

#8 Did you go to tryout camps when you were younger.

“I didn’t start playing ice hockey until I was 16 so I didn’t have an opportunity to attend any camps.”

#9 Tell us about your family

“My wife Jaime and I have two children. They are both girls – Ava and Harper.

#10 Do you still play competitive roller

“I have not played roller in years.

#11 What advice do you have for any young player in Las Vegas

“The best advice I was given was always do the small things on the ice when no one is looking.”

#12 – What hockey websites do you read.

“I always looked at eliteprospects.com and NHL.com”

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Las Vegas coaches Matt Johnson of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u and Wally Lacroix of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u have gotten off to astounding great starts this season. How did they do it? For Coach Matt this is how it all came together..

Coach Matt said”….it is great to see our players being rewarded for their hard work. Not everyone can score goals. Teams which are successful are the ones with the most depth. And you need those kind of blue collar style of hockey players – the ones who want to block shots, be physical and spend time in the dirty areas – and embracing all of it.“

From the Blue Line – Gabriel Testa of Las Vegas has signed with the WSHL Rogue Valley Royals in Southern Oregon….….Las Vegas premier defenseman Steven Avalone has one goal, six assists this season for ACHA D2 Lindenwood…..There are searches today for Spencer Poscente of Las Vegas. He skating this season with ACHA Eastern Michigan….to Rink Rat2 over at the Pepsi Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive: UNLV goalie Zach Wickson is 6’6″ and 210…..To the UNLV Rebel who cares – yes, Las Vegas hockey Dad Steve Allen – our statkeeper – and myself will both be at the UNLV/Arizona games this weekend. Can’t wait to see these games…..Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada plus Norway, Sweden…….

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The Countdown Clock is ticking – one of UNLV’s greatest rivals – Arizona University – is heading to a showdown game with the Rebels on Friday, 7:30 pm at City National Arena.

“We have a quick turnover coming off of road games to deal with Arizona,” said UNLV coach Nick Robone, “Arizona is a tough team and Anthony (Greener, head coach) and I both know what we are facing.”

This will be a two-game weekend – Friday/Saturday at City National Arena.

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Weekend Wrapup …

NAPHL 16u – Blaine, Minn.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

3-1 over Colorado Springs Tigers

4-2 over Madison Capitals

4-2 over Arizona Bobcats

2-0 over Northwest Stars

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NAPHL 14u – Blaine, Minn.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Wally Lacroix

3-0 over Chicago Jets

3-1 over St. Louis Sting

4-2 over Gurnee Illinois Vipers

3-2 over Highland Park Falcons

==========

Monday Score in Blaine, Minn.

AAA 16u

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2, Northwest Stars 0

VGK goals – Aidan Finch, Reese Bynam

VGK goalie – Keynes Lake

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Sunday final – Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u today beat the AAA Madison Capitals 16u 4-2 in Blaine, Minnesota. VGK 16u goal scorers – Mason Jackson from Reese Bynan, Chayse Laurie from Disbrow and Conner Beers, Maxmillian Kofchur, Ryan Pavlinsky from Foster and Reese Bynan. Tonight AAA VGK 16u play the Arizona Bobcats at 8 pm, then take on the Northwest Stars at 9:30 am tomorrow.

Goalie Kam Laskaska got the win on Saturday for the AAA VGK bantams 14u over the Illinois Vipers….Chase Nehring 2 goals and Collin Spencer, Riley Mabutas scored for the Wally Lacroix-coached VGK Bantams.

“Great win for our young men – coach Todd and myself are pleased. Kept to the game plan and showed a lot of patience – both forwards and defensemen,” Lacroix told reporters after the game.

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Season Record 4-4-0

Top 5 goal scorers

7 – Evan Brown

6 – Kevin Hanly

5 – Caleb Strong

5 – Heath Mensch

5 – Jason Kwaitkowski

2 – Bradly Burden

2 – Matthew Lackas

2 – Antoine Tourigny

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THE WEEKEND SCOREBOARD

Saturday, October 16, 2021

—–

Friday, October 15, 2021

ACHA D1

#8 Ranked UNLV Rebels at #10 ranked Central Oklahoma

With the clock ticking down to the final precious seconds in the game Central Oklahoma scored on a long wrist shot to beat the UNLV Rebels 2-1 before a sold out crowd in Oklahoma. Michael Boutoussov scored for the Rebels. The ‘Wall’ Wickson was in the net for UNLV.

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NAPHL 14u

Friday

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 3, St. Louis Sting 14u 1

VGK goal scorers – Chase Nehring, Finn McNabb, Luke Hardy – Goalie – Kellen Hardy

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 3, Chicago Jets 0

Vegas goals – Chase Nehring 2, Carson Craig; Vegas goalie – Kameron Laskaska – shutout win

Vegas coach Wally Lacroix: “Our young men played well considering the quick turnaround. Long ways to go with our structure and systems but feel good with our progress.”

Saturday

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs AAA Gurnee Vipers – Illinois

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Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u have an ambitious schedule this weekend far away from home – to chilly Minnesota this weekend. The last three games listed are NAPHL League 16u games.

Saturday, Oct 16 – vs AAA Colorado Springs Tigers 16u @ Shattuck St. Mary’s ice rink

Then…..
Oct 17 – vs AAA Madison Capitals 16u @  Blaine, Minnesota
Oct 17 – vs. AAA/AA Arizona Bobcats 16u @Blaine, Minnesota
Oct 18 – vs AAA Northwest Stars @ Blaine, Minnesota

Weather in Blaine, Minnesota – No snow, which is good. Temps – about 48 degrees during the day, down to 30s in evening…

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MY BIGGEST GOAL – THE MIRACLE GOAL

By Chris Francis of Las Vegas

“My biggest goal I ever scored was for the Portland Winterhawks when I shot and scored with about 3 seconds to play to put the game into overtime. That goal gave me a hat trick. Then I scored the shoot out winner in the game in front of over 9,000 fans at the Rose Garden.  My goal in regulation is listed on You Tube as the ‘Miracle Goal.’ ”

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Breaker – UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener, assistant coach Nick Robone and Rebels players are took a 6 am flight today to travel and take on ACHA D1 Central Oklahoma this weekend. “We arrive at 1 pm, team dinner at 6 pm. Lights out 11 pm. Our first game will be on Friday. Don’t plan to make a lot of line changes or anything. The Wall Zach Wickson will be in our net. They are 5-0 and we are 4-0. Yes, these games will be real battles,” said coach Greener.

Game Time Friday will be 7 pm.

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The NHL Vegas Golden Knights opened their season Tuesday – vs expansion team Seattle Kraken before a sold out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. Golden Knights won 4-3.

Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins – without injured star goal scorers Sidney Crosby (wrist) and Evgeni Malkin (knee) in the Penguins lineup – outplayed defending champions Tampa Bay Lightning on the road and in a shocker won 6-2 on Tuesday night

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Erik Atchison of Las Vegas scored his first goal of the season for the WHL Spokane Chiefs in a 5-3 loss to the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds…Erik’s younger brother Fuzzy has three goals this season for the #5 nationally ranked AAA Windy City Storm 15u in Chicago.

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Season Record 4-4-0

Top 5 goal scorers

7 – Evan Brown

6 – Kevin Hanly

5 – Caleb Strong

4 – Heath Mensch

4 – Jason Kwaitkowski

2 – Bradly Burden

2 – Matthew Lackas

2 – Antoine Tourigny

====

JUSTIN A. COHN | The Journal Gazette

Zach Pochiro, who had 14 goals and 29 points in 32 games last season, has retired and was removed from the Komets’ training camp roster Friday, multiple sources confirmed. Pochiro appeared in six playoff games, tallying one assist, as the Komets captured the Kelly Cup. A fourth-round draft pick of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues in 2013, Pochiro had also played in the ECHL for Allen, Norfolk, Quad City, Kalamazoo and Alaska. Last season was the first for Pochiro, 27, with the Komets. They open their 70th training camp Monday at Memorial Coliseum. According to the ECHL’s transactions report, added to Fort Wayne’s roster were forward Aaron Huffnagle, defenseman Carson Vance and goalie Tommy Proudlock, while defenseman Sacha Roy was released. Huffnagle played in the Southern Professional Hockey League in 2019-20, totaling seven goals and 15 points in 35 games for Roanoke and Birmingham. Vance played 20 games last season for Huntsville of the SPHL, accruing five assists. Proudlock was in camp last season with the Komets, out of Michigan-Dearborn.jcohn@jg.net – Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

42 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

5 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

5 – Trent Carter, USPHL Premier Chicago Cougars

3 – Logan Hooser, AAA Northeast Wolves 16u

3 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

2 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

2 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

2 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

1 – Steven Avalone, ACHA D2 Lindenwood

1 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

1 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

1 – AJ Lackas, EHl New England Wolves

1 – Daniel Madison, AAA Tahoe Prep 16u

1 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s

1 – Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

1 – Mikey Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius

0 – Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Goalies

Gerry St Cyr, NCAA Quinnipiac

1-0-0, 0.00 gaa., 1.00% save percentage

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond Generals

1-2-0 record, 1.69 gaa, 94.7% save percentage

Zackary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

8-2-0 record, 2.20 gaa, 92.7% save percentage

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

2021-2022 ACHA Men’s Division I Ranking #2
Rank	School Name	1st Votes	M1 Record	Pts	Previous
1	Adrian	20	2-0-0	546	1
2	Lindenwood	5	2-0-0	526	2
3	Liberty	1	3-0-0	511	3
4	Minot State		2-0-0	484	4
5	Iowa State		6-0-0	458	5
6	Michigan-Dearborn		2-2-0	404	8
7	Indiana Tech		1-1-0	396	6
8	Nevada-Las Vegas		2-0-0	378	10
9	Ohio		3-1-0	377	7
10	Central Oklahoma		5-0-0	362	11
11	Jamestown		0-1-1	349	9
12	Robert Morris		4-0-0	278	12
13	Maryville		5-0-0	271	16
14	Stony Brook		2-0-0	231	17
15	Davenport		1-1-0	221	18
16	Aquinas		1-1-0	201	14
17	Arizona		0-2-0	187	13
18	Missouri State		4-2-0	172	20
19	Pittsburgh		2-2-0	139	22
20	Illinois		0-5-1	132	15
21	Calvin		1-1-0	111	19
22	Drexel		3-0-0	103	23
23	Arizona State		0-0-0	94	21
24	Delaware		3-1-0	76	25
25	Oklahoma

Breaker – In a Sunday home game coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the AA McKinney North Stars 18u – historically a great hockey program in Texas for years – by 3-0 – at the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson. Logan Perez, one of the best tier goalies in the West, got the win.

Las Vegas – Talk about exciting wins – Jayson Dimizio’s wrister from the slot area took a high heat route into the net to give the 4-0-0 UNLV Rebels a 4-3 OT win over bigtime rival Utah on Saturday at City National Arena. Jared Erickson, Ezekiel Estrada and Alec Johnson also scored for the Rebels.

The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds beat the San Diego Sabers 6-3 on Saturday at the IceTown rink in Carlsbad, Ca. Caleb Strong 2 goals for the T-Birds – Rich Wells, Kevin Hanly, Evan Brown and Jason Kwiatowski also scored.

Connor Beers had two goals, Reese Bynam two more as the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the Carolina Rage 4-0 on Saturday. Las Vegas goalie Logan Perez chalked up another shutout win for the Jr Golden Knights 16s.

‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas scored for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u in a 4-1 win over the Boston Jr Huskies at the Canton Ice House in Canton, Mass.

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Major breaking news will be released right here this week – Lee

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Las Vegas – Chayse Laurie scored twice and Reese Bynam and Ryan Pavlinsky also scored as the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the AA Hyland Hills Jaguars 18u team 4-0 on Friday. The VGK16u scoring went like this: Chayse Laurie from Aidan Finch, Reese Bynam- then Reese Bynam scored assisted by Aidan Finch, Chayse Laurie. Chayse Laurie had a goal assisted by Gavin O’Hara – then Ryan Pavlinksy from Spencer Foster and Mason Jackson. Logan Perez, one of the best goalies in the West, got the shutout win. “We played well,” said Las Vegas coach Matt Johnson. “Still have some things that need to be correc

UNLV goal scorers in the 5-2 win over Utah were in order – Max Johnson, Brendan Manning, Alec Johnson, Cole Wyatt and Max Johnson again. This was Game one of a two-game weekend here.

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Breaker – Andrew Thornton, the 3 year Varsity Defenseman from Faith Lutheran is skating in his Freshman campaign with the Liberty Flames in Lynchburg, VA.

The Flames Mens D3 team take on California University Pennsylvania at the Lahaye Ice Center in Lynchburg, VA tomorrow night for their home opener.

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Best quote of the day: UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener on the new improved Utah: “Obviously Utah got much better. It’s going to be a tough task for us. But our focus is to sticking to our game plan and win every shift.”

UNLV Rebels vs Utah weekend game times – Thursday 11:59 pm, Saturday 12:50 pm – both games at the City National Arena.

On Friday, Matt Johnson’s high-powered AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u take on the AA Hyland Hills Jaguars 18u, to open a 4-game weekend at Lifeguard Arena. The Friday game starts 4:45 pm.

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Las Vegas – A reconstructed Utah University hockey team, which upset and beat Arizona twice – by 3-2, 5-1 last weekend will take on Anthony Greener’s UNLV Rebels in two games this weekend – the first game will be 11:59 pm Thursday at City National Arena.

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Popular – and very skilled – defenseman Steven Avalone of Las Vegas has signed with ACHA D2 Lindenwood.

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas has re-signed with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits in South Carolina. Bryce, 32, is 5’11 and 190. The Swamp Rabbits are affiliated with the NHL Florida Panthers and the AHL Charlotte Checkers.

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Best Stat of the Day

Las Vegas goaltender Zachary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St Mary’s 18u

Two shutout wins this week

This season 2.00 gaa

Save percentage – 92.8% save percentage this season

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As if Ilinois wasn’t physical enough, here comes rugged Utah this coming weekend vs the UNLV Rebels at City National Arena....Game times for UNLV vs Utah games: Friday, midnight start; Saturday, 12:20 pm in afternoon. See you at the boards – Lee

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Weekend Scores for USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds @ Lake Tahoe Lakers

Lake Tahoe Lakers win 9-4 – Vegas goals – Evan Brown, Guillaume Dufor, Tristan Nelson, Caleb Strong -goalies Anthony Bonaldi, Liam Donnelly

Lake Tahoe Lakers win 6-2 – Vegas goals – Matthew Lackas, Loic Gosselin; Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

Lake Tahoe Lakers win 5-2 – Vegas goals – Kevin Hanley, 2 goals; Vegas goalie – Liam Donnelly

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Las Vegas defenseman Garrett Clark checks in to say hello to all. “We played years ago on the Las Vegas Outlaws. Our head coach was Pokey Reddick and our team included Bobby Burns, Connor Haney, Megan Myers and Mike Trimboli. We were all around 18 years old. Those were really good times….“

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Here are the goal scorers for Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u who shocked and beat the AAA Ontario Jr Reign 16u on Sunday in Provo: Aidan Finch, Mason Jackson, Hunter Toms, Mason Smith, Reese Bynam, Ryan Pavlinsky, Chayse Laurie – Goalie Logan Perez

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Saturday – In a thrilling finish Illinois, down a goal, pulled its goalie and UNLV’s Brendan Manning launched a 150′ shot and watched the puck turn on its side and roll into the Illinois net to clinch a 5-3 win at City National Arena on Saturday night. “We took the shot, the puck began to roll and went right into their net. What a great win,”” Brendan said just outside the Rebels locker room after the game. ‘The Wall’ Wickson was the Rebels goalie. Again, another big crowd jammed into City National Arena.

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – While Illinois goal scorers darted around the ice feathering fancy passes it was UNLV’s massively big 6’7 goalie Zack Wickson who made the big saves as the UNLV Rebels – took a wild ride before a large lively crowd – skating in a high octane game to beat feisty Illinois University 4-1 at City National Arena on Friday night.

It wound up as a hard physical game. UNLV’s goal scorers were Jared Erickson, Alec Johnson – twice – and Max Johnson.

“Love seeing the stands packed,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener. “As far as our play went we have high standards and high expectations. Have to stay more disciplined. Our goalie Zack made huge plays when we really needed them. Then Alec Johnson controlled the blue line and gave us offense which was needed.”

Game Two is right back here Saturday night 8 pm at City National Arena.

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Provo – Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights are in action this weekend with three games at the Pikes Peak Arena in Provo.

Friday – 8-0 over AAA West Coast Renegades 16u

//Las Vegas coach Coach Matt Johnson: “We did the little things right in this Friday game – good puck movement and execution/ continuing to get better.”

Las Vegas goals in order

LV – Chayse Laurie

LV – Gavin Ohara

LV – Aidan Finch

LV – Gavin Ohara

LV – Aidan Finch

LV – Mason Jackson

LV – Ryan Disbrow

LV – Ryan Disbrow

Vegas goalie Keynes Lake got the shutout in this game.

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Saturday – 3-0 over Tahoe Prep Academy

LV goals – Liam Stoddard, Aidan Finch from Reese Bryan, Mason Jackson from Aidan Finch

Sunday – AAA Ontario Jr Reign 16u, 7 am, then 11:45 am

//In first game Ontario wins 4-3 in OT – Aidan Finch 3 goals for VGK16u; Keynes Lake in net – Game Two at 11:45 am today

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Friday Final Score – USPHL Lake Tahoe Lakers 9, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4

T-Birds goals in order – Gullaume Dufour, Celeb Strong, Tristan Nelson, Evan Brown

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

7 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

5 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 15u

3 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

3 – Logan Hooser, AAA Northeast Wolves 16u

3 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

2 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

1 – AJ Lackas, EHl New England Wolves

1 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s

1 – Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

1 – Mikey Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius

Goalies

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond Generals

1-1-0 record, 1.52 gaa, 94.1% save percentage

Zackary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

3-2-0 record, 2.80 gaa, 91.7# save percentage

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===

My Hockey Rankings 1st week team Rankings just came out and several Las Vegas youth players are on some of the top teams in the USA:

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15u Tier 1 – Ranked #6 – Phoenix Jr Coyotes AAA:  Jack Lackas a 2006 player from Las Vegas

15u Tier 1 – Ranked #7 – Windy City Storm: Tyler Atchison 2006 player from Las Vegas  
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16u Tier 1 – Ranked #1 Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u AAA: Austin Moline 2005 player from Las Vegas 

16u Tier 1 – Ranked #4 Bishop Kearney 16u AAA: Dexter Kichline 2005 player from Henderson

Links:https://www.instagram.com/p/CUaVNl2Fsjq/?utm_medium=share_sheet

Provo – This just in – coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights are in action this weekend with these games at the Pikes Peak Arena in Provo.

Friday – 8-0 over AAA West Coast Renegades 16u

//Las Vegas coach Coach Matt Johnson: “We did the little things right in this game – good puck movement and execution/ Continuing to get better.”

Saturday – vs Tahoe Prep Academy, 11:45 am

Sunday – vs AAA Ontario Jr Reign 16u, 7 am, then 11:45 am

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For many in Las Vegas the Illinois/UNLV Rebels showdown on Friday will be more than just a game on Friday at City National Arena.

Years ago UNLV head coach Anthony Greener played in the first-ever Rebels game – against UCLA whose players wore those famous golden helmets. That game was at the Sobe Ice Arena (now called Pepsi Arena) on North Rancho Drive.

Assistant coach Nick Robone, a star player for years, noted “…after such a long layoff the excitement to now play in a game and coach at this level is higher than it’s ever been here.”

Robone added “this is the first time in UNLV hockey history we have began a new season against a Top 10 ranked team like Illinois.”

ACHA D1 Pre-Season Rankings

• Penn State (5 times)
• Ohio (4)
• Lindenwood (3)
• Adrian (2)
• Central Oklahoma (2)
• Illinois (2) vs UNLV Rebels on Friday at City National Arena
• Minot State (2)
• North Dakota State (2)
• Arizona State
• Davenport
• Delaware
• Iowa State
• Oakland
• Rhode Island

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Congratulations to Adam Stio of Las Vegas – he was just named the General Manager of the City of Rock Springs Ice Arena in Wyoming.

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BEST QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Overall we played good during the weekend in Seattle. Those Seattle Sno-King Jr Thunderbirds were a very strong team and we look forward to playing them again. We are getting a variety of contributions – strong play from our goalies, defense and forwards. Still need to fine tune the smaller things of the game. And elevate our compete level to a consistence basis,” said Matt Johnson, head coach AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

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Meanwhile Sunday eve in Henderson: Final Score – Fresno Monsters 6, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4

LV goals – Antoine Tourigny, Jadon Kwiatkowski 2 goals, Evan Brown

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Seattle – Here are the Sunday goal scorers for the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in a 6-0 win over the West Coast Renegades

VGK 16u – Nathan Moore; Ryan Disbrow from Hunter Toms and Kaden Mulcahy; Ryan Disbrow from Maximillian Kofchur; Chayse Laurie; Liam Stoddard; Hunter Toms from Kaden Mulcahy – VGK 16u goalie – Logan Perez

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Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin noted today his ESV Kaufburen team in Germany is off to a 4-1-0 start including a 5-3 win over #1 Ravensburg.

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USPHL Premier Score Lifeguard Arena, Henderson, NV

Friday, Sept 24, 2021

Final – USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 6 Fresno Monsters 5

LV goal – Antoine Tourigny

LV goal – Evan Brown from Heath Mensch

LV goal – Kevin Hanley

LV goal – Heath Mensch

LV goal – Evan Brown

LV goal – Matthew Lackas

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Saturday, Sept 25 – Las Vegas Thunderbirds vs Fresno Monsters

@ Lifeguard Arena, Henderson NV

Final – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 6, Fresno Monsters 4

//Fresno had more shots 58-41 in this game…..

LV goal – Jadon Kwiatkowski from Bradly Burdon

LV goal – Bradly Burdon from Evan Brown

LV goal – Kevin Hanly from Michael Wells, Caleb Strong

LV goalie – Liam Donnelly

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Breaker – Head coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are in Seattle to play in a Showcase there this weekend.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u Schedule in Seattle

AAA SNOW-KING INVITATIONAL

Friday, Sep 24

VGK 16u 3, Wenatchee Wilderness 1

VGK 16u goals – Reese Bynam from Spencer Foster, Aidan Finch; Gavin O’Hara from Chayse Laurie, Connor Beers; Jacob Webb from Ryan Pavlinsky; VGK 16u goalie – Keynes Lake

Coach Matt Johnson, VGK 16u – “We played good in an ugly sort of game with a lot of penalities; we weren’t really able to collect flow in our game.”

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Saturday, Sep 25, 2021

VGK 16u 4, Couer D’Alene Hockey Academy 1

VGK 16u goals – Reese Bynam from Aidan Finch, Hunter Toms; Ryan Pavlinksy from Chayse Laurie, Aidan Finch; Connor Beers from Ryan Disbrow, Chayse Laurie; Gavin O’Hara from Reese Bynam

VGK 16u goalie – star goalie Logan Perez

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Saturday evening

VGK 16u vs Snow King Jr Thunderbirds, 7:15 pm

//Final Score – Snow King Jr Thunderbirds 4, VGK 16u 2

LV goal – Chayse Laurie from Aidan Finch, Gavin Ohara

LV goal – Aidan Finch from Ryan Pavlinsky, Chayse Laurie

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Sunday, Sep 26

VGK 16u 6 West Coast Renegades 0

VGK 16u goals – Nathan Moore; Ryan Disbrow from Toms, Kaden Mulcahy; Ryan Disbrow from Maximillian

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Henderson, NV – One of the Thunderbirds most fierce rivals – the WSHL Premier Fresno Monsters – are coming into the Lifeguard Arena to open a three-game weekend. Historically these two teams go at it for personal reasons. Faceoff on Friday is 9 pm. Free admission.

Here is the T-Birds roster:

https://www.usphl.com/view#/roster/1051/77?league=2

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Breaker – Mikey Yochum of Las Vegas, captain of ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins, scored the game-winner in a big 4-2 win over ACHA D1 Duquesne Dukes from Pittsburgh. The game was on Canisius home ice at the Harbor Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

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AAA Jr Golden Knights 16u Schedule in Blaine, Minnesota…..

Sep 16 – 1-7 to AAA Minnesota Green Giants 16u

Sep 17 – 1-3 to AAA Minnesota Walleye 16u @Fogerty Ice Hockey Arena

Sep 18 – VGK 7, AAA East Coast Spartans 16u 0

//VGK goals – Chayse Laurie 2, Aidan Finch 2, Reese Bynan 2, Ryan Disbrow 1; Goalie – Logan Perez

Sep 19 – Final – AAA Lakers 16u 3 VGK 2

VGK goals – Ryan Pavlinsky, Spencer Foster; VGK goalie – Keynes Lake

Blaine, Minnesota – The AAA Minnesota Green Giants 16u won 7-1 over the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in Game One in the NAPHL Showcase on Thursday. Chayse Laurie had the goal for Las Vegas. Spencer Foster got the assist on Chayse’s goal. Logan Perez was the Vegas goalie.

Thursday Final Score in Minnesota – AAA Team Walleye 16u 8, AAA Arizona Bobcats 16u 4

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Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator has signed with the USPHL Premier Richmond Generals; Joey Raats of Las Vegas has signed with EIHL Coventry Blaze in England.

===

Blaine, Minnesota – Matt Johnson, coach of the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u who are in the NAPHL Fall Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. He shouldn’t worry. One of his star players Chayse Laurie for sure will be on the ice and star goalie Logan Perez will be in the net for the AAA Jr Golden Knights 16u.

“Chayse is a complete player. He competes hard each shift. He has a great hockey IQ,” said coach Matt.

In Minnesota Chayse will center with linemates Connor Beers and Mason Jackson.

Coach Matt also liked how his goalie Logan Perez played last weekend against the Arizona Bobcats. “Logan is very good. Fundamentally sound. And good lateral movement. There is a lot to like about Logan.”

AAA Jr Golden Knights 16u Schedule in Blaine, Minnesota

Sep 16 – 1-7 to AAA Minnesota Green Giants 16u

Sep 17 – 1-3 to AAA Minnesota Walleye 16u @Fogerty Ice Hockey Arena

Sep 18 – 7-0 over AAA East Coast Spartans 16u

Sep 19 – 2-3 to AAA 95 Giants 16u

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Sunday Final Score at City National Arena – AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 3, Arizona Bobcats 16u 2

//Vegas Stars of the Game – Ryan Disbrow, Mason Jackson, Aidan Finch

Vegas coach Matt Johnson: “Overall it was a good weekend. This is the first time our players have really played together. There is a huge difference between between practice condition and game condition. Obviously we have things to correct and work on. But overall we have a pretty good team. Once we get through the acclimation period we will be a very good team.”

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

5 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

3 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

2 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

2 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

2 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

1 – AJ Lackas, EHl New England Wolves

1 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s

1 – Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

1 – Mikey Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius

Goalies

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond Generals

1-1-0 record, 1.52 gaa, 94.1% save percentage

Zackary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

3-2-0 record, 2.80 gaa, 91.7# save percentage

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

=====

Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2021-22

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Steven Avalone, ACHA D2 Lindenwood

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u- Chicago

Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers

Nicolas Bonaldi, NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Henry Colbert, AA Anaheim Ducks 14u

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond Generals

Matthew Gross, NAHL Bismarck Bobcats

Brett Harpling, USPHL Premier Palm Beach Typhoon

Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones, Hudson, N.H

Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

AJ Lackas, EHL New England Wolves

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

Michael McNicholas, EIHL Scotland Fife Flyers

Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u Minnesota

Gunner Moore, NAHL Shreveport Mudbugs

Zachary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Ash Printzen, Curry College, Milton, Mass.

Joey Raats, Coventry Blaze, England

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville, SC, Swamp Rabbits

Noah Smejkal, SIJHL Wisconsin Lumberjacks

Blade Taylor, WSHL Bellingham Blazers

Gabriel Testa, WSHL Rogue Valley Warriors

Andrew Thornton, ACHA Liberty University

Tristan Toth, EHLP Maine Eclipse

Cole West, AAA Boston Hockey Academy 16u

Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u, Attleboro, Mass

Cody Williams, HC Giants, Finland

Mikey Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

Jason Zucker, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins

to contribute or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

====

Austin Moline of Las Vegas scored for AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s in a win over Team Wisconsin. Shattuck St. Mary’s 2-0-0 this weekend.

Las Vegas – Coach Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u take on the Arizona Bobcats 16u three times this weekend at City National Arena. The next game Saturday is at 8:30 pm followed by a game on Sunday at 8:30 am.

//There was some great music played – “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night” and “Sugar Shack” – at the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u afternoon game at City National Arena.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Red Alert – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas scored the winning goal and dealt an assist for the AAA Northeast Generals 18u of Attleboro, Mass in a game vs the Elite Hockey Academy Prep 19u at the Northford Ice Pavillion in Middletown, Conn. Yesterday, the AAA Cal Wave beat the AAA Northeast Generals 4-1.

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Las Vegas – At the UNLV scrimmage game Saturday there was a large crowd at City National Arena as the Rebels were wiring in for their season-opening games vs mighty Illinois. Team Scarlet, with a massively big goalie Zach Wickson beat Team Grey 7-1. Team Scarlet’s team included Jayson Dimizio (who really played well) plus Angelo Tsalafos, Paxton Malone and Nick Flanders. Before the game the Rebels dj got the pre-game turned up to high heat when he played ‘Jump’ by the great Kriss Kross. Jared Joerger, who played a lot of hockey in town including roller, was at the game saying hello to all – Lee

After the scrimmage game UNLV head coach Anthony Greener said “Best player on the ice was Jayson Dimizio by far. A few others who stood out were Luke Burke and Michael Boutoussov. As for the D-men Adam Victorino played a good game.’

UNLV Rebels assistant coach Nick Robone said “I thought Jayson Dimizio, Jack Kennedy, Paxton Malone, Cole Wyatt and Zach Wickson had a great game.”

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Saturday Scores

AAA 14u

AAA Tampa Bulls 7, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 4

AAA St. Louis Knights 3, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2

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Breaking News – Long-time Las Vegas hockey coach Adam Stio – sends this today “we just took a job running an arena in Rock Springs WY…not coaching yet but l’m sure we will be part of the youth organization here and help where I can“

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

5 – Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

3 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

2 – Hunter Barto, USHL Minesota Moose

2 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

1 – Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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How to contact Vegas Hockey – We’re open 24/7 – send scores, goals and highlights to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Faith Lutheran High School of Las Vegas opens its Varsity season at home October 8th 7:30 pm at City National Arena against the Horizon Huskies D1 squad from Phoenix. The game is close to sold out already. Wristbands for admission are available at flhshockey@gmail.com

Coach Matt Stang Update////

//It wasn’t that long ago when Matt Stang and Arturo Castro, Richie Crossley were coaches of an AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u ice hockey team at the SoBe Ice Arena. So where is coach Matt now….in Canada!

Matt texted today “Hope all is well in Las Vegas. We opened up my own hockey development company called HBIQ Sports, so I have been running development camps all summer and currently travelling in Canada working with current NHL players and prospects as well as youth hockey players. I am still living in Prince George BC, with my wife Karri and daughter Harper (7) and son Brady (1)

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Las Vegas – It’s not just a scrimmage game – it will be a UNLV Rebels game with some heat and meaning to it says assistant coach Nick Robone. For years Rebels fans have jammed into City National Arena to see the new Rebels recruits in a high action game which will include Rebels returning players. Game time is 7 pm on Saturday.

“Matt Johnson and Cody Castro will be the bench coaches,” Robone said. “(Head Coach) Anthony Greener and I will try to split up our players as evenly as possible. We will be looking at quite a few things from our players – like compete level in front of a live crowd, skill and leadership on the ice. Our goal also is to really figure out line combinations for the season and who will fit nicely onto our depth chart this season.”

There is no admission as well…

Will there be a sense of urgency in this game. You bet. Powerful Illinois is coming to town on October 1…..

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Breaker – Tyler Jordan of Las Vegas scored for the AAA Northern Cyclones 15u in a 4-4 tie yesterday against the ’95 Giants in Foxboro, Mass.

=======================

Story by Matt Atencio, UNLV Rebels

UNLV Rebels

The Rebel Hockey family is proud to announce that three former players have signed deals to play professionally overseas.
Former players D’Andre John and Jake Saxe have agreed to deals with the Swedish Hockey League.  Cody Williams has also agreed to a deal in the Finnish Hockey league.
D’Andre John
John began his hockey journey at the age of three years old. Being from Toronto, hockey had been engrained in him at a young age.  After his first time playing, he fell in love with the sport and never looked back.  John came to UNLV in the 2018 season and played for two years.  During that time, John recorded 26 points in 39 games with the team.  After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down not one, but two of the Rebel’s last seasons, John began searching for other options to continue his playing career.
“Sal Caggulia contacted me saying the coach of Hofors HC wanted to get in contact with me,” John said. “He had seen me play before and it ended up working out.”
John will be heading over to Hofors, Sweden on Aug. 27 to play for Hofors HC.  The biggest thing he is looking forward to in this new chapter is being able to extend his playing career. “The fact that I am still playing at 25 is amazing.” John said.
Jake Saxe
Growing up in Montreal, Jake’s parents got him involved early in hockey.  Saxe played four seasons with the Rebels.  During that time, he racked up 105 points in 105 total games.  His last two seasons with the team, he served as an alternate captain.
“I think [playing with the team] was great,” Saxe said.  “I came in as 20-year-old freshmen and matured a lot.  I played a lot of minutes, and the coaching staff was very welcoming.  It was like a family, which made you want to stay and get better every year.”
After finishing his career at UNLV, Jake looked to continue his playing career elsewhere.  Despite things not materializing right away, Saxe and his team continued to press forward.  About a month into signing, he entered contract negotiations with multiple teams.  After some back and forth, he found his new home with the IK Guts in Finspång, Sweden.
Cody Williams
Cody Williams grew up in Las Vegas and started playing hockey at the age of three, thanks in part to his older brother.  At age 23, Williams had just finished playing minor league hockey and was looking for something new.  That is when assistant coach Nicholas Robone gave him a call to offer him a spot on the UNLV Rebel’s hockey team. Williams spent four seasons with the Rebels, where he racked up some very impressive numbers.  In his time spent at UNLV, he recorded 191 points (99 goals, 92 assists). In the 2019 season, he was named captain of the team.
After finishing his time at UNLV, Williams moved to France to join the Jets d’Evry Viry Centre Essonne in Evry, France.  He played 18 games with the team, recording 13 goals and 18 assists before the COVID-19 Pandemic ended the season.  After a year out of the game, Williams worked with his agency team and landed a spot on the HC Giants in Hollola, Finland.

Matt Johnson’s AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will open their season with two games vs the Arizona Bobcats 16u at City National Arena on Charleston Avenue in Las Vegas on Sept. 11-12. “It’s exciting – Energizing!,” said coach Matt. “We have a great group of young men. We are similar to the ‘Vegas Misfit’ mold – strong blue collar build! – with players from Vegas, Ohio, New Mexico, Chicago, Alaska, Utah and Colorado. We have very good speed and size up front. We are tough and heavy on the defensive side. We have two goalies who will be competing with each other all season. Most of all we have a team with great character.”

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Grand Rapids – Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas – with 1 goal, 4 assists – and the AAA Windy City 15u had a big weekend here with an 8-1 win over AAA Honeybaked, a 6-1 win over the AAA Oakland Grizzlies followed by a very tough 4-3 loss to AAA Little Caesars. This coming weekend Fuzzy and AAA Windy City 15u will be playing in the Midwest Exposure Tournament in St. Louis with games against Team Wisconsin, Car Shield and St Louis Blues.

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Attleboro, Massachusetts – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas scored his first goal of the season for the AAA Northeast Generals Academy 18u in a 4-1 win against the AAA Western Massachusetts Vipers 18u at the New England Sports Village. Harris and the Northeast Generals 18u tomorrow take on the AAA Northern Cyclones 19u. Harris’ last Las Vegas tier hockey team was coached by Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen.

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Coach Rob Pallin and his family’s trip to Germany looks like this: depart from Las Vegas, connect in Chicago, take an international flight to Munich, then get ground transportation to drive to Kaufbeuren.

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#1 Most Searched Today – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena – #1 Most Searched of All Time on Vegas Hockey –

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Breaker – Fuzzy Atchison of Las Vegas and the AAA Windy City 15u of Chicago played their first games last weekend. Fuzzy scored his 1st goal of the season on a short-handed breakaway. He tallied 2 goals and 3 assists in his 1st 5 games played. He’s headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend for their next round of games. In Grand Rapids they have a big schedule with games vs Little Caesars, Nashville Jr Predators, Honeybaked and Oakland Jr Grizzlies 

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‘Late Skate’ – Painting by the great Terrence Fogarty of Minnesota

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Las Vegas – For years UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener has taken his team on the road to take on mighty ACHA D1 Illinois University. Then a few weeks ago coach Anthony made a call to Illinois head coach Nick Fabbrini and said perhaps it’s your turn to play the games at our place. “We know coach Nick Fabbrini pretty well. His teams are well coached and play hard. So we spoke on the phone and suggested why not come over to our place – City National Arena on October 1 and 2. He said sure let’s do it and that is how it all went down. These will be hard games – they are a very skilled team which will be highly ranked. We are looking forward to it and so are all of our Rebels fans.” Each game has an 8 pm local time opening faceoff.

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Breaking news – Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin, wife Dora and their two daughters are now taking an international flight on Monday, August 30 to be with his team ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany for this coming season. “Anxious to get there and see our players. Returning to coach Rob’s team is captain Tyler Spurgeon and 28-goal scorer John Lammers – both are from Canada.

//Years ago goal scorer Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich of Las Vegas played four seasons at NCAA University of Fairbanks-Alaska. And yes, he still keeps in touch with his linemates in his senior season. “Braden Walls was on our line – he played in France and Hungary – and he was in my wedding party. Ryan Hohl lives in Florida. He played for a bit in the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League.)”

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Las Vegas – At a media brunch with reporters on Saturday morning Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin said “there’s a lot of good things to say about Austin Moline of Las Vegas. “He’s hockey smart, skates hard and we think he’s going to have an excellent season playing in a strong program like AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u team in Minnesota.” Moline is 6’4, 180. Coach Rob is returning to coach ESV Kaufburen in Germany this coming season.

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home 2021-22

Goals

3 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Chicago 15u

2 – Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u

1 – Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones

To revise or update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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UNLV RebelsHockey Schedule 20-21 Season

Date	Home	Away	Time	Venue	Preview
September 4, 2021	UNLV	UNLV	7:00 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 1, 2021	UNLV	University of Illinois	8:00 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 2, 2021	UNLV	University of Illinois	8:00 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 7, 2021	UNLV	Utah	11:59 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 9, 2021	UNLV	Utah	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 15, 2021	University of Central Oklahoma	UNLV	7:00 PM	Arctic Edge Ice Arena	Pregame Notes
October 16, 2021	University of Central Oklahoma	UNLV	7:00 PM	Arctic Edge Ice Arena	Pregame Notes
October 22, 2021	UNLV	University of Arizona	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 23, 2021	UNLV	University of Arizona	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 29, 2021	UNLV	Missouri State	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
October 30, 2021	UNLV	Missouri State	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
November 12, 2021	Utah	UNLV	7:00 PM	Salt Lake City Sports Complex	Pregame Notes
November 13, 2021	Utah	UNLV	7:00 PM	Salt Lake City Sports Complex	Pregame Notes
November 19, 2021	University of Illinois	UNLV	7:00 PM	Fifth Third Arena	Pregame Notes
November 21, 2021	University of Illinois	UNLV	7:00 PM	Fifth Third Arena	Pregame Notes
December 3, 2021	Grand Canyon University	UNLV	7:00 PM	AZ Peoria Ice	Pregame Notes
December 4, 2021	Grand Canyon University	UNLV	7:00 PM	AZ Peoria Ice	Pregame Notes
December 10, 2021	UNLV	ASU	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
December 11, 2021	UNLV	ASU	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
January 14, 2022	UNLV	University of Jamestown	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
January 15, 2022	UNLV	University of Jamestown	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
January 21, 2022	University of Arizona	UNLV	7:00 PM	Tucson Convention Center	Pregame Notes
January 22, 2022	University of Arizona	UNLV	7:00 PM	Tucson Convention Center	Pregame Notes
January 28, 2022	Liberty University	UNLV	7:00 PM	LaHaye Ice Center	Pregame Notes
January 29, 2022	Liberty University	UNLV	7:00 PM	LaHaye Ice Center	Pregame Notes
February 11, 2022	ASU	UNLV	7:00 PM	Oceanside Ice Arena	Pregame Notes
February 12, 2022	ASU	UNLV	7:00 PM	Oceanside Ice Arena	Pregame Notes
February 18, 2022	UNLV	Grand Canyon University	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
February 19, 2022	UNLV	Grand Canyon University	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
March 4, 2022	UNLV	Oregon	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes
March 5, 2022	UNLV	Oregon	7:30 PM	City National Arena	Pregame Notes

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Las Vegas is getting a major college hockey game next year. Perennial powerhouse North Dakota and the closest Division I program geographically, Arizona State, will play at T-Mobile Arena in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on Oct. 29, 2022, according to a report from the Grand Forks Herald. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs, which are both familiar with Las Vegas. North Dakota came to town in 2018 for the Hall of Fame Game against Minnesota, an event that packed the Orleans Arena.The Herald reported the game sold out immediately, and school officials wondered if T-Mobile Arena would have been a better destination.Arizona State has played at Las Vegas’ premier hockey venue, winning the Las Vegas Invitational in 2018 with victories over Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech.North Dakota, which will be the designated home team, and Arizona State are capable of drawing large crowds. The Fighting Hawks faithful are known as one of the best traveling fanbases in the league, while Tempe, Arizona, is about a five-hour drive from the Strip.T-Mobile Arena will also host the 2026 Frozen Four, the first NCAA hockey championship played in Las Vegas. North Dakota is the host school for that tournament.The last time college hockey came to Las Vegas was the Fortress Invitational in 2020 between Providence, Ohio State, Cornell and Army. The tournament featured Golden Knights draft picks forward Jack Dugan, who won the tournament MVP for Providence, and Layton Ahac, a defenseman for Ohio State. Both are now in the Vegas organization with the Silver Knights.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/hockey/7154661-Its-booked-UND-hockey-is-headed-back-to-Vegas

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Red Alert – Major breaking news – Goal scorer Michael McNicholas, a very popular player in Las Vegas, will play this coming season in Scotland for the pro team Fife Flyers, it was announced today. The Fife Flyers were founded in 1938 and are the oldest professional hockey team in the United Kingdom. The ice rink there is a few miles from St. Andrews Links, the birthplace of golf. Michael has family and friends in England, Ireland and Wales. Michael had offers to play in France and a potential offer to play in Italy. Last season he played for the ECHL Maine Mariners. The Fife Flyers GM is Daniel Briere.

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Las Vegas – Goal scorer Hunter Keech, 18, of Las Vegas will play this coming season with the USPHL Long Beach Shredders it was announced today. This franchise was formerly known as the Anaheim Avalanche. Emerson Etem, a first round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, played in 173 NHL games and 23 NHL playoff games, is the Head Coach/GM of the Shredders. In the NHL Emerson played for the Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks.

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Milton, Mass. – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas will skate for Curry College’s first ever woman’s ice hockey team this coming season. Ash has been a top goal scorer in ice hockey and in woman’s roller hockey on an international level. She said “I am very excited to be a part of hockey history at Curry College.”

Las Vegas – Big hometown news today – Goal Scorer Chayse Laurie and premier goalie Logan Perez have signed with the Matt Johnson-coached AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team for this coming season. Both are star players who last season skated for the AAA Arizona Bobcats. “Chayse will be a big impact player from the start. We have a good team and he is a big signing for us – as is Logan!,” Matt said. Meanwhile the awesome goalie Johnny Ng of Las Vegas will play for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team

Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas in action with ECHL Maine Mariners who play in Portland, Maine

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The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights Hockey Club is pleased to announce that they are part of the inaugural 2021-22 campaign of the Pacific Girls Hockey League. The league includes prominent teams from California, with the recent additions of the Arizona Kachinas and our Vegas Jr. Golden Knights 12u team.

“This is a step forward for girls’ hockey in Las Vegas. Promoting and elevating the girls’ game in the market and across the state is an organizational priority,” said Darren Eliot, President, VJGK Hockey Club. Eliot continued, “Competing consistently against top caliber teams allows our players to improve individually and forms the foundation for collective growth as a regional league.”

Please come and support our 12U girls for a weekend of great hockey on September 18th and 19th at Lifeguard Arena. Sheri Hudspeth is head coach of the VJGK girls 12u team.

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Las Vegas – The USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters are coming to town. Adam Bonaldi, GM of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds says that the blueprint for the Season Opening game will be taking on the always feisty Fresno Monsters on Friday, Sept. 14 here in town at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Expect some early game on-ice fireworks in this one – Lee

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Have a Las Vegas hockey story to share – send to leesamuels07@aol.com – we’re open 24/7

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Faribault, Minnesota – Zachary Ortolano, an awesome Las Vegas goalie for played on Las Vegas tier teams coached by Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen in Las Vegas, will return and play for the AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u team this coming season.

Gage Quinney of Las Vegas has re-signed for another season with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Last season Gage played for Knights affiliate AHL Henderson Silver Knights where he had 10 goals, 7 assists…Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas will return and play for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets this season. The Komets are the defending ECHL Kelly Cup Champions…An 8.2 mag earthquake hit Alaska last night. There are a number of major hockey teams there including Rob Profitt’s NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs…Rink Rat sent a text noting that Joe Sullivan, Cory Ward and Hamilton Whyte grew up playing tier hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue here in town – Lee

Thursday, July 29, 2021

RED ALERT – In a staggering hockey development three Las Vegas hometown hockey heroes – Joe Sullivan, Cory Ward and Hamilton Whyte – are on board to lead and coach the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds this coming season 2021-22. Adam Bonaldi, GM of the T-Birds, said Hamilton Whyte’s role will be as an Assistant GM and Joe Sullivan, Cory Ward will be co-head coaches.

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Junior hockey is returning to Palm Beach! The USPHL is thrilled to announce that the Palm Beach Typhoon will join the USPHL’s Premier and Elite Divisions for the 2021-22 season.

The program will be run by brothers Bill and Joe Flanagan, who have 20 years of experience in the junior hockey industry. The Flanagan brothers founded and have run the Northern Cyclones organization, based out of Hudson, N.H., since 2001. The brothers also built and operate their own facility, Cyclones Arena. The Cyclones, members of the USPHL’s NCDC, Premier and Elite Divisions, are one of the top junior programs in the country and have a proven history of both winning and development. 

The Flanagan brothers are now bringing their proven track record to Palm Beach, where the USPHL has had junior hockey in the past.

The Typhoon will practice and play home games out of the Palm Beach Skate Zone, which is located at 8125 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, Florida, 33467. The organization’s Premier and Elite teams will play out of the Florida Division.

The Typhoon will also be affiliated with the Northern Cyclones of the USPHL’s NCDC. The NCDC, a Tier-2 league, is a 13-team tuition-free junior hockey league entirely located in the Northeastern United States. The League and all of its teams are fully united and dedicated to the mission of player development and advancement to college hockey. Bill Flanagan, Typhoon Co-Owner, is the Head Coach of the NCDC’s Cyclones.

Twenty-year Junior head coach Joe Flanagan will be leading the way for the program, and will serve as the General Manager of both the Premier and Elite teams. In addition to his duties as General Manager, Flanagan will coach the Typhoon’s USPHL Premier team.

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2021-22

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u- Chicago

Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers

Nicolas Bonaldi, NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Henry Colbert, AA Anaheim Ducks 14u

Luke Fundator, USPHL Premier Richmond Generals

Matthew Gross, NAHL Bismarck Bobcats

Brett Harpling, USPHL Premier Palm Beach Typhoon

Tyler Jordan, AAA Northern Cyclones, Hudson, N.H.

Hunter Keech, USPHL Long Beach Shredders

Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney 16u

AJ Lackas, EHL New England Wolves

Jack Lackas, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 15u

Michael McNicholas, EIHL Scotland Fife Flyers

Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u Minnesota

Gunner Moore, NAHL Shreveport Mudbugs

Zachary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u

Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets

Ash Printzen, Curry College, Milton, Mass.

Joey Raats, Coventry Blaze, England

Blade Taylor, WSHL Bellingham Blazers

Andrew Thornton, ACHA Liberty University

Cole West, AAA Boston Hockey Academy 16u

Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u, Attleboro, Mass.

Cody Williams, HC Giants, Finland

Jason Zucker, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins

to contribute or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Las Vegas – Anthony Greener’s UNLV Rebels D1 ice hockey team has scheduled an explosive season-opening weekend- The D1 University of Illinois, an ACHA Top 10 level team for years, will be coming to town and play a Friday/Saturday two game set vs the Rebels on October 1-2 at the City National Arena

“We know they are a well-coached team,” coach Greener said. “Fabs (the Illinois coach) always has great recruits coming in. Historically they will rank anywhere from #5 to #8 in ACHA D1. It will be tough for us however I like that we are jumping right into the fire to start the season.”

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Here is what head coach Anthony Greener says about the Rebels new captain, Jared Erickson:

“I think Jared will be an awesome captain. He is well respected on the ice and more off the ice. He leads by example and does the little things right. We are excited and honored to have him as our eighth captain in the history of our program.

Assistant Rebels and chief recruiter coach Nick Robone:

“He’s a pro in all aspects of the game. Jared is usually the first to arrive and last to leave at our practices. He’s going to be a great captain for us this season.”

Jared Erickson Named Captain of Rebel Hockey

July 16, 2021

Story by: Matt Atencio

Rebel Hockey has officially named Jared Erickson as their captain for the 2021-22 season.

The fifth-year senior takes over as the fifth captain for the Skatin’ Rebels since their move to division one in the American College Hockey Association.

“I found out I was going to be a captain through coach Greener,” Erickson said. “He had reached out and asked me how I felt about a leadership role and being the captain of the team. Obviously, I was really excited, ecstatic, and kind of in disbelief. To be named the captain and voted on by your peers, it really meant a lot to me.”

Erickson was born on Feb. 14, 1996.  He began playing hockey at the age of five in his hometown of Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Erickson played two seasons with the Iowa State Cyclones before transferring to UNLV.  In those two seasons, he registered 18 points.

“I had a buddy that was out here, and I asked him about the coaching staff,” Erickson said.  “They have such a top-notch program out here.  I was really excited to reach out to coach Greener and to have him welcome me with open arms, it meant a lot to me.”

Erickson was an alternate captain in the season previous.  He registered seven goals and 12 assists in 34 games played in his first season with the Rebels. After a year off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Erickson is looking forward to competing once again.

“I am thrilled [to be playing again],” Erickson said. “It was kind of weighing on me whether or not I was going to take a fifth-year.  When it came down to it, I felt uneasy with closing the book on my hockey career.  I just wanted to have one last ‘kick of the can’ and give it one last full season.”

Part of being a captain is the pressure and expectations that are associated with it. Not just internally, but externally as well. Instead of looking to someone else to be the voice, Erikson will be expected to provide that for his team.

“I think there are a lot of challenges in a leadership position,” Erickson said.  “One of the challenges I will be presented with is managing the guys on the bench and locker room, [as well as] keeping the emotions levelheaded.  Also making sure guys are living up to the ‘Skatin Rebel’ standard.”

Despite the pressure, the team is excited to showcase what they can do.  Erikson noted that all 30 players and coaches welcome the challenge that a new season will bring.  As for himself, Erikson wants to put his best foot forward every day he comes to the rink.  This is his last shot to play competitive hockey, and he wants to make it count.

The Skatin’ Rebels drop the puck for their first intersquad scrimmage on Sept. 4.  Their home opener will be on Oct. 1 against the Illinois Fighting Illini.  Tickets can be purchased at www.rebelhockey.com (placeholder).

[Edit]

RIP – There is a hockey heaven for those who have left us – Lee

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PLAYERS

Sean Darby – Rugged player who was the centerpiece on the Gold Line with best friends and teammates Sean Fox, Justin Grossman in 2001-02 season with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u in a massively great season.

Sean Fox – Always wore jersey #88 and played a hard, fast game; was on the fierce checking Gold Line with Sean Darby and Justin Grossman on coach Rob Pallin’s 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u which advanced to the U.S Nationals.

Johnny Oakes – He played high level roller hockey with dignity and grace while on a line with Micah Sanford, Leroy Garcia and other teenage stars of that era at Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive and at national roller tournaments throughout the USA. Johnny was a very special person and skater.

Eddie Samuels – His first coach was roller legend Larry Sanford when Eddie was 10 years old. Eddie played roller at all levels, then began played ice hockey with the AAA Vail Avalanche Colorado bantam team where the great Jamie O’Leary was head coach. Then Eddie was on the Red Line with Josh Jasek and Adam Naglich for star coach Rob Pallin on his 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team. Eddie and Eddie Del Grosso played for the AAA San Diego Gulls with head coach Rob Neumann, AAA Cal State Senators, BCHL Victoria Salsa, NAHL Billings Bulls and was captain of the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs where his coach was the legendary Rob Proffit. Eddie’s best friend was all-star defenseman Eddie Del Grosso of Las Vegas.

Nick Schaefer – Best friends with Jason Zucker. The two played youth hockey on an AAA Las Vegas Storm team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Nick was a gifted goal scorer, great skater, very popular and the unexpected passing of Nick in 2010 was an absolute devastating loss to the Las Vegas hockey community.

Hockey Dads and Moms

Lee Beebe – father of hockey son Brandon who played for the UNLV Rebels. Lee was a home builder, professional skier, musician and friend to all. Before games at the SoBe Ice Arena, Lee met his hockey friends and talked about the Rebels at the Subway shop just outside the rink doors.

Dave Francis – father of Las Vegas hockey star Chris Francis. Dave was the kind, helpful gatekeeper and blade sharpener at the SoBe Ice Arena Pro Shop. Dave was kind to all – no matter who you were or what team you played for. There wasn’t a player, coach or hockey parent he didn’t care for. Dave is tremendously missed in that arena setting.

Tommy Ricketts – One of the greatest hockey dads of our time. His hockey sons were Beau and Blade Ricketts. Beau played at all levels of the game – he was a star goal scorer for the Helena BigHorns in Montana and later returned to Las Vegas for a tremendous goal scoring season with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Tommy collected hockey cards and would give them to youth hockey players when he was at an arena. Tommy and Jimmy Samuels of Las Vegas were best friends.

Bill Tufano – father of roller star Billy Tufano of Las Vegas. Bill for years was the statkeeper, ran the scoreboard and announced the goals in the Micah Sanford era at the Little House of Champions – Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive. “It was a honor to have Bill announce your goals,” said Eddie Samuels.

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Best Tweet of the Day from the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Congratulations to former T-Bird, Arik Altman, on being drafted today in the #nahldraft by the Johnstown Tomahawks!!! #gotbirds #vegashockey #usphl

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Readers here dig deep into our archives each and every day. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories about Vegas Hockey on this website. The most read is the Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations story. However this past week this particular story – The World of House Hockey – Kimmie Zucker – is the #1 most searched. It was written and posted here six years ago.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015 

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – “Are you writing about me again – one more time,” house hockey player Paige Nowag of Team Red was asking at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Ave last night.

To her left was linemate Kimmie Zucker who laughed real hard in the lobby of the ice rink.

“What’s going on?” asked teenage playmaker Jimmy Samuels, leaning on his hockey stick.

And then, on a very cold winter night at the Las Vegas Ice Center, it all came flashing back.

The Paige Nowag story.

On a summer night about a year ago over at the Crystal Palace roller rink, Paige Nowag was skating in a house game. So was her best rink pal teenage Kimmie Zucker. At the red line – the center of the rink – there was an earthquake shaker of a collision. Somehow, someway, Paige and Kimmie ran into each other and Paige was on the floor. 

As Kimmie leaned over, Paige said she was hurt bad, couldn’t get up, needed help. She cried out ‘oh, my gosh.’ At last a hockey dad went over the rink wall, gently picked up Paige, took her to the Crystal Palace area where there are rows of tables.

Paige was placed onto the floor as a small crowd gathered around her.

Then, Jason Zucker – yes, that Jason Zucker of the NHL Minnesota Wild – came over to take a look.

“Elevate her left leg. Let me take a look,” Jason said. He carefully touched her left ankle which was beginning to swell.

When Dr Jason was finished, medics were called.

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Last night, Paige, Kimmie and Jimmy Samuels were on Team Red which beat Team Blue 6-3. Jimmy had 4 assists. 

Or maybe he had one goal, three assists?

His hockey dad Rich was at the rinkboards and said he had hard evidence.

At least that’s what he said he saw on his camera.   

“I know Jimmy scored a goal. Look at this,” he said. 

There was a picture of a red 29 in front of the Team Blue net.  There was a black hockey stick in front of red 29.

“That’s Jimmy’s stick. He scored the goal,” Rich said while looking deep into the back of his camera. He zoomed in on the Big Picture. 

“Don’t write about that,” Jimmy said. “I’m good with the 4 assists.”

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Sunday, July 18, 2021=====

IT’S THE GOLD FOR THE ADAM TAMURA-COACHED SIN CITY REBELS AT NARCH 2021

Irvine, Ca. – Tour Aztecs of SoCal led 2-0 early in this NARCh Men’s Gold title game…..Kris Carter scores on powerplay for Vegas; it’s a 2-1 game…Ross McMullan, Austin Shannon get the assists…Dominic Carter scores for Vegas – it’s 2-2, assists Tim Mullis, Nick Robone……fiercely played game with gold medal on the line….1:30 left in first period….Rebels score, take 3-2 lead – Jared Joeger from Tim Mullis…End of First Period; 3-2 Sin City Rebels Orange leads by a goal….we are in second period…game is now tied 3-3.

4:30 left in second period, still 3-3….Rebels go onto powerplay….Nick Robone, Kris Carter, Austin Shannon on Rebels powerplay

Ross McMullan, with a pass from Tim Mullis, scores to win the game for Sin City Rebels Orange in NARCh Mens Division. Sin City goalie Johnny Eugenio was in the net and after the game received a Best Goalie award

Nick Robone said McMullan’s winning goal went like this: “Tim Mullis and Dom Garcia were battling down low by the two defenders, worked out the puck and Tim found Ross in the slot who buried the puck high glove.”

This game was played on Sunday, July 18, 2021

NARCh – Sunday, July 18 Game Schedule

Men’s Silver Division

Playoff Game – Sin City Rebels Green vs Tour Roadrunners, 9:40 am

//Teams are warming up – game is about to start – Roadrunners strike first, lead 1-0….shots are 3-3…5:06 left in first period…score is now 3-0 Roadrunners….coach Adam calls for a timeout….Roadrunners now lead 4-0….with 9:12 left in 2nd period, Rebels go onto a powerplay….Sin City Rebels score…Darion Conaway from Ryland Johnson and Mark Nowag. Roadrunners lead 4-1…..3:37 left in 2nd period..Nate Valdez, from Phil Friendman for Sin City and it’s a 4-2 game!…….Roadrunners win the game 5-2………NARCh Tournament comes to a close for this great Sin City Rebels Green team….

Men’s Gold Division….

Gold Medal Game Sunday – Sin City Rebels Orange vs Tour Aztecs of SoCal – 4:30 pm faceoff

Tour Aztecs break to an early 2-0 lead….

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Saturday, July 17 Game Schedule

Men’s Gold –

1st period – we are underway….0-0 midway first period…Kris Carter scores for Sin City Rebels who lead 1-0.. Austin Shannon scores with an assist from Jared Joerger and Sin City Leads 2-0….Johnny Eugenio in net for Vegas…Westside scores – Vegas now leads 2-1….very late in game….Sin City leads by a goal…..REBELS WIN 2-1…

Saturday Evening – Sin City Rebels Orange vs LaBeda Purple Haze, 9:40 pm start time

1st period – Sin City strikes quickly – Ethan Montoya scores with assists coming from Tim Mullis, Adam Tamura and Nick Robone. Sin City takes 2-0 lead as Jared Joeger scores. Assists dealt by Nick Robone, Kris Carter. Then it’s 3-0 as Kris Carter scores with an assist from the great Austin Shannon. Purple Haze scores, so it’s a 3-1 game. Johnny Eugenio in the net for Vegas. 0:45 left in first period, Sin City leads 3-1. Now going into 2nd period. This game wound up in a 3-3 tie.

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Mens Silver

Final – Sin City Rebels Green 6, Boston Blizzard 5 – a 10 Star Game!

//Boston Blizzard, a very fast team, takes 4-2 lead in 2nd period on Saturday. Darion Conaway and Nate Valdez have goals for Sin City Rebels Green of Las Vegas…..Matt Strickler in net for Vegas…..Devin Chiero scores, assist Dario Valdez – then Devin Chiero scores again. It’s a 4-4 game. Moments later Mark Nowag scores off faceoff, then Darion Conaway scores to put Vegas ahead 6-4. Game is over Vegas wins dramatically 6-5. Adam Tamura, head coach, in a 10-star game. On Sunday, Sin City Rebels Green will play in the Final 4. After the game Adam told reporters “…This group has really come together and are piquing at the right time. They have fought and clawed all season for every goal – now they are being rewarded with big wins. They play for each other and are very hungry for their first major title.”

//Confirming LV goals in this game -#1 Darion Conaway from Mark Nowag; #2 Nate Valdez; #3 Devin Chiero from Ryland Johnson; #4 Devin Chiero from Ryland Johnson; #5 Mark Nowag; #6 Darion Conaway from Devin Chiero

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Friday Evening Game Final Score – Sin City Rebels Orange 7 Tour Aztecs 1 – Men’s Gold Division – Sin City now 3-0-0

//Sin City goal scorers in order – Tim Mullis, Jared Joeger, Kris Carter, Adam Tamura, Nick Robone, Tim Mullis, Domininc Garcia – Sin City goalie – Johnny Eugenio

Friday Evening Final Score – Sin City Barons Green 3, NorCal Rhinos 1 Men’s Silver Division – Sin City Green 3-0-0

This late-night game is underway – Darion Conaway scores for Sin City Green who take a 1-0 lead….Nate Valdez scores, Sin City Greens leads 2-0 vs the NorCal Rhinos at 10 pm! 8 minutes left in the game…Clock ticking down…Matt Strickler in net tonight for Sin City……He’s been awesome all week here…4 minutes to play…now it is Vegas by 2-1…..3:51 left….clock ticking down….game heats up…..Darion Conaway gets powerplay goal – Vegas leads 3-1…Game comes to a close – Sin City Rebels Green wins 3-1. Eliminator games begin tomorrow. Sin City Rebels Green 3-0-0. Adam Tamura, head coach….Sin City Rebels Green will play in a Final 4 game on Sunday!

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Breaker – Nick Robone of Las Vegas scored today – Friday – for coach Adam Tamura’s Sin City Rebels Orange roller hockey team in an 8-0 win over the Storm in a Gold Division game at the NARCh Finals at The Rinks in Irvine. Ca. Other Las Vegas goal scorers included Ross McMullan (2), Kris Carter (2), Austin Shannon, Tim Mullis and Dominic Garcia here. The great Johne Eugenio was the goalie for Las Vegas….In Game Two on Friday the Sin City Rebels Green roller team is 0-0 in first half vs California Rollers. 2:45 left in first half, no score…..Matt Strickler back in net for ;Rebels….Darion Conaway scores 1st goal of the game, then Phil Freedman scores for Las Vegas for a 2-0 lead late; Cal Rollers score – it is a 2-1 game….Rollers pull goalie…1:10 to play…it’s getting dicey out there….Devin Cheiro from Rebels Green took a back-hand shot into open net to score as Las Vegas wins by 3-1 win and raise record to 2-0-0 here.

Breaker – Game one for Coach Adam Tamura of Las Vegas with the Sin City Rebels Green men’s roller hockey team was a 4-0 win over the Modelo Raiders from Irvine. The Vegas goals – Nate Valdez PP goal from Darion Conaway; Darion Conaway goal from Dylan Hadfield; Mark Nowag goal from/ Darion Conaway and Dario Valdez; Darion Conaway PP goal from Ryland Johnson. Matt Strickler, from New Jersey, was the goalie for Sin City Green. The Silver Division men’s league game was played at The Rinks in Irvine, Ca. “We’ve been working all season for this. My hope is that we peak at the right time and bring home the Cup to Las Vegas,” said coach Adam Tamura

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THE GREATNESS OF MICAH SANFORD

By Lee Samuels

Micah Sanford of Las Vegas was our first star player – in ice and roller – here in Las Vegas. 

He was the first from Las Vegas to leave home and play on the AAA level ice hockey with the AAA Vail, Colorado, Avalanche midget 18u team, the first to play in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A in Canada, and the first to play on a college scholarship at NCAA Division One Nebraska Omaha.

Micah launched his career here in Las Vegas in roller hockey which is the same route star players such as ice hockey stars Jason Zucker, Adam Naglich, Chris Francis, Eddie Samuels and Eddie Del Grosso also took.

Micah’s father Larry Sanford was the head roller hockey coach who took Las Vegas teams to major tournaments throughout the country. Big rivals for Las Vegas back then included the Orange County Blades, Brea Bulldogs, Arizona Stars and the Northern Colorado Blast.

When Micah was 16, he was named the National Roller Hockey Player of the Year.

“My Dad (Larry) played a lot of roller hockey when he was in his early 20’s,” said Micah. “He played for a team out of Louisana that was one of the best in the nation. He held the scoring title nationwide for about five years. We moved to Las Vegas because my folks thought roller rinks would do well here in town.”

That big roller rink was called Crystal Place built on North Rancho Drive. They call it “The Little House of Champions.”

“My favorite teammates in roller hockey were Freddie Young, Patrick Stevenson, Travis Gunderson and Leroy Garcia. We really meshed well together and we were all work horses – never getting out-competed,” Micah said.

That roller team – the Las Vegas Rolling Thunder – was an unstoppable force on a national level.

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MICAH’S GREATEST HOCKEY COACH

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Micah Sanford had many great coaches starting with his father Larry in roller hockey. Larry is a six-time Vegas Hockey Roller Coach of the Year.

Micah’s first travel ice hockey team was the AAA Vail Avalanche 18u in Colorado. Brad Buetow was the head coach. Brad was a former head coach at the Minnesota University and Colorado College hockey programs.

To get to Vail, Colorado, Micah packed up his gear in his pickup truck, then he drove back to the Crystal Palace roller rink where he grew up in Las Vegas. There was a group of younger players and hometown hockey moms and dads who were there and who wished him well and watched him drive off on North Rancho Drive. Micah was the first to leave Las Vegas to play the game and it was big news in the world of hometown hockey.

Micah also played for one of the greatest coaches in Harvey Smyl, a legend with the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada. When Micah played for Chilliwack hockey dad Larry Sanford would wear his black and yellow-striped Chilliwack jacket at Crystal Palace.

When Micah was at Chilliwack he told Vegashockey.com in 2000 “…I could always stick-handle and score but they worked on my skating and made me more of a complete player.”

After his first season with Chilliwack Micah went to the Peter Twist Skating School in Vancouver.

But who was Micah’s best coach?

“Harvey Smyl at Chilliwack was the best coach I ever had on the bench during a game. But Brad Buetow was the best coach I ever had at running a practice and teaching skills.

“Harvey was great managing his bench, knowing game situations and who to put onto the ice.

“Brad Buetow was the best at motivating his players and getting the best out of them,” said Micah.

Brad Buetow retired a few years ago, as did Harvey Smyl.

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MICAH’S ASTOUNDING GOAL-SCORING IN 2001-02 PLAYOFFS

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When Micah played for the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada hometown fans back in Las Vegas listened to the play by play on radio from the Chiefs two great announcers Barry Douglas and Richard Brew who called the game from the press boxes no matter where the Chiefs were playing. And little did Barry and Rich know  – and their radio listeners – they were about to go onto the biggest ride of their lives.

Chilliwack finished the regular season with a record of 46-10-4. Micah, on the top line, led the team with 47 goals. He was 19 years old.  His linemates and best rink friends were Kaleb Betts with 35 goals and Matt Gibbons with 28 goals.

On this same Chilliwack team was 17-year-old Gabe Gauthier the former GM/head coach of the WSHL Las Vegas Storm and the Hockey Director at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Gabe had 37 goals that season for Chilliwack. Gabe’s linemates were David Van Der Gulik, 38 goals, and Jeff Tambellini with 46 goals.

Micah always played on top lines. When he was with AAA Vail midget majors he was on the number one line with the great Teddy O’Leary.

Micah was now in his second season with Chilliwack and suddenly – and no one, including him – knows how and why Micah Sanford began scoring so many goals in the playoffs.

While Chilliwack was winning the Nowat Cup and the Doyle Cup and qualifying for the grand finale – the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – Micah had racked up 31 playoff goals. When he was interviewed by me at Vegashockey.com (the old site, not this one) Micah said….

“I’m not doing anything differently. It’s like everything I shoot – no matter what part of the net – the puck goes right into the net. I cannot explain it.”

On the Chiefs radio Barry Douglas and Richard Brew were going insanely wild calling the games.  Gauthier said “…it was unreal, so intense.”

At the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – the one last crown to capture – Micah and the Chiefs worked their way to the Final 4.

They took on the OCN Blizzard from the Manitoba Hockey League.  It was a close, tight game, right down to the final buzzer at the Halifax Forum.

OCN won 4-3.

When the game was over – and maybe it was the pressure of winning so many times – the Chiefs players collapsed onto the ice in all parts of the arena.

On the radio Barry and Richard lost it – they both wept.

They were trying to describe and capture in their own words the final time this great Chilliwacks Chiefs team would ever be on the ice.

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Micah scored 31 goals during the playoffs. For the season he had 78 goals, 80 assists – by far the most goal and assists and points by any Las Vegas skater on any level of the game.

Gauthier said “this was such a great team. Micah was a big part of it. I counted 12 of our players who went to NCAA Division 1 teams.

Chilliwack coach Harvey Smyl sized it all up when he said “Micah was a man among boys with his determination and strength.”

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Micah got a scholarship to play at Nebraska-Omaha. After four years he played professionally signing with the ECHL Bakersfield Condors.

In 2009 Micah retired as an active player.

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MICAH SANFORD CAREER ICE HOCKEY RECORD

1997-98 – Las Vegas Mustangs Midget A

1998-99 – Las Vegas Blackjacks Jr B

1999-20 – AAA Vail Avalanche midget major – 49 goals/35 assists

2000-01 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 12 goals/9 assists

2001-02 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 78 goals/80 assists

2002-03 – Nebraska-Omaha 8 goals/9 assists

2003-04 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2005-05 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/6 assists

2005-06 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2008-09 – ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers 0 goals/0 assists

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Breaker – Canada hockey writer Gregg Drinnan – one of the best there is – reports the WHL Kamloops Blazers are without a GM after the departure of the great Matt Bardsley. Matt is now an amateur scout for the NHL Philadelphia Flyers – Lee

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Las Vegas – At a breakfast meeting with reporters on Sunday morning Las Vegas Coach Rob Pallin said he plans to return as head coach of ESV Kaufbeuren for the 2021-22 season in Germany. Coach Rob’s team made the playoffs last season. His top goals scorers included John Lammers, Tyler Spurgeon and Branden Gracel.

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Las Vegas Players Away From Home – 2021-22 Season

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Windy City Storm 15u – Chicago

Nicholas Bonaldi, NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Dylan St-Cyr, NCAA Quinnipiac University

Henry Colbert, AA Anaheim Ducks 14u

Daylan Lipanovich, Botany Swarm, New Zealand Hockey League

Austin Moline, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 16u in Minnesota

Andrew Thornton, ACHA Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia

Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u, Attleboro, Mass.

Cody Williams, HC Giants, Finland

To add or revise here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the Fort Wayne Komets captured the 2021 Kelly Cup championship on Friday with a 2-1 win over the South Carolina Stingrays in Game 4 of the 2021 Kelly Cup Finals in front of a capacity crowd of 10,477 fans at Memorial Coliseum, marking the sixth largest crowd in Riley/Cup Finals history.

Fort Wayne, which was appearing in the Kelly Cup Finals for the first time in its nine ECHL seasons, has captured 10 championships in its 69 seasons of existence across the ECHL, Central Hockey League, United Hockey League and International Hockey League.

Komets’ forward Stephen Harper earned the June M. Kelly Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. Harper, who scored two goals in the Game 4 victory, shared the playoff lead with 13 points and was tied for second with six goals.

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Saturday, July 3, 2021

Here is how Las Vegas head coaches, assistant coaches, Las Vegas hockey execs and goal scorers will be celebrating during the July 4 weekend of festivities

Coach Rob Pallin, wife Dora and their two daughters will at the 4th of July parade in the Village Trails Center area. July 4 is also the birthday of Dora who is from Szekesfehervar, Hungary. Coach Rob is working with a number of Las Vegas players on the ice to get them prepared for their games in the fall.

Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels – “We are going to our uncles’ house with all of our family. Then we leave for a week at Huntington Beach.”

Vito Carlo of Las Vegas and now with NCAA Franklin Pierce University hockey team – “We will be with our hometown buddies this year on the 4th – lighting fireworks, grilling and watching some LA Dodgers baseball. All the best to everyone in Las Vegas.”

Las Vegas hockey Dad Steve Allen and his goal scoring son Jason – “We will be working on July 4th – we are back working full-time again which his good and Jason will be with his children watching the fireworks. I want to warn whoever writes those Christmas Stories on Vegas Hockey you better keep that character The Genius away from me.”

Las Vegas goal scorer Michael Cichy. “He has no big plans, just hang by the pool, take it all in and relax,” said the great hockey mom Pat Cichy.

JJ Hartman, former UNLV Rebels head coach – “We are staying home in Las Vegas helping out with the Lil Jr Golden Knights kids skaters as my son, age five, is now playing hockey. There is a 5 to 8 years old level here for kids who are just starting to play ice hockey.”

Will ‘Money’ Munson, formerly of the NAHL Billings Jr Bulls. He and Eddie Samuels were teammates. Will, very popular in Billings, was called ‘Money’ because in the biggest games he would score the winning goal. “We will stay at home and light up the bbq. Then go to a local park and see the fireworks.”

The awesome goal scorer Adam Naglich of Las Vegas – “We plan to be staying down on the casino strip with our family. We have a room at the Venetian. So wish me luck there!”

Colorado hockey coach Jamie O’Leary who years ago coached our hockey son Eddie in Vail, Colorado. “Right now we are running Hyland Hills Hockey Association 12u division. We will be assisting all of our competitive teams but mostly focused on our two peewee AA level teams. Our family will be at cookout and then lacing up the skates to play at our outdoor roller rink.

Rob Proffit, GM NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs – going into his 25th season there – “Happy 4th to all in Las Vegas. As we write this we are on Alpine Lake fishing for trout. Cheers to all reading this.”

Nick Robone, assistant coach and chief recruiter, UNLV Rebels – “We’re keeping it simple this year by going to my brother’s house for bbq and fireworks to see with family and dear friends.”

The great goal scorer Robbie Silvernail of Las Vegas – “We are now living in Reno. Golfing, lighting up the barbecue with dear friends. We are not playing hockey now, busy with our 15 month old son Hudson.”

Adam Stio, premier Las Vegas coach in ice hockey and roller hockey – “We are back in South Carolina visiting family right now. So we plan to play golf if the weather holds up and then see a minor league baseball game here on Sunday.”

Premier roller hockey head coach Adam Tamura of Las Vegas – one of the great ones in the sport. “Just heading to dinner with the in-laws. Keeping everything on the down-low this year.

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Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets are one win away from winning the prestious Kelly Cup Championship.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/minor_leagues/fort-wayne-tops-stingrays-to-take-control-in-echl-kelly-cup-finals/article_247b28b4-d9fd-11eb-8c95-7f420bde5eb4.html

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Coach Adam Tamura of Las Vegas has put together the Sin City Rebels Orange men’s roller team for NARCh’s Finals in SoCal. The games begin for Sin City on Jul 16.

Sin City Orange roster:

Austin Shannon, Kris Carter, Ethan Montoya, Dominic Garcia, Paul Nguyen, Nick Robone, Ross McMullen, Jared Joerger, Louis Dube – Goalie- Johne Eugenio.

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Coach Adam Tamura just announced he is sending a second team – Sin City Green men’s roller team which will play in NARCh’s Men’s Silver Division.

Here is Sin City Green’s roster

Nate Valdez, Dario Valdez, Ryland Johnson, Darion Conaway, Devin Chiero, Philip Freedman, Jake Baba and goalie Matt Strickler

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Here is today’s schedule at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

https://www.lasvegasice.com/Schedule

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Breaking News – Cody Williams, the dynamic goal scorer for the UNLV Rebels a few seasons ago, has signed with the HC Giants in Finland for the 2021-22 season.

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To all Las Vegas roller hockey teams going to the NARCh Finals in SoCal – send scores, names of goal scorers and names of goalies to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Las Vegas Players Away From Home – 2021-22 Season

Nicholas Bonaldi, NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Dylan St-Cyr, NCAA Quinnipiac University

Daylan Lipanovich, Botany Swarm, New Zealand Hockey League

Andrew Thornton, ACHA Liberty University

Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals 18u, Attleboro, Mass.

Cody Williams, HC Giants, Finland

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A LOOK AT VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers and more recently with ESV Kaufburen in Germany. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the 1999-2000 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

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Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West.
//A young Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

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Las Vegas – Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich, a star Las Vegas player in ice hockey and roller hockey, is now a realtor. Adam was with hockey coach Rob Pallin this morning having a Venti coffee at Starbucks and noted “the housing market right now is very, very strong.” Adam, captain of the 2008-09 NCAA Alaska Fairbanks University team, still plays hockey here in hometown men’s league games.

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Tuesday, June 22 –Montreal – Nicholas Roy blasted in a dramatic late-game, close-range rebound shot for Vegas Golden Knights for a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens before a sold out crowd at the Bell Center on Sunday. The Best of Seven is now 2-2. Game Five will be on Tuesday on the VGK’s home ice at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Game time 6 pm pacific. NBCSN

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Montreal – In a thrilling high-action game in all three periods the NHL Montreal Canadiens won 3-2 in OT over the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night at a sold out Bell Center in Montreal. Montreal has a 2-1 lead in a Best of Seven. Game Four will be on Sunday in Montreal

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Flashback Story

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Santa Barbara, California –  Cody Williams of Las Vegas had a 16 goal weekend for the UNLV Rebels nationally rated roller team which went 4-0-0 this past weekend. Cody had 16 goals, 4 assists for 20 points and teammate Drew Bryan played well defensively while getting six points. Mike Alex also played for UNLV this weekend.

UNLV outscored opposing teams 31-8.  The Rebels, coached by Nick Robone, are 14-1-0 this season

Weekend Scores
6-3 over Cal Poly
6-3 over Cal Poly
9-2 over San Jose State
10-0 over UC Santa Barbara

UNLV Leading Goal Scorers
2014-15 Season
17 – Andrew Tamura
16 – Cody Williams
12 – Austin Shannon
11 – Logan Sussman
7 – Darren Corsatea
7 – Anthony Robone

UNLV Goalie
Terry Martin 14-1-0, 2.54 gaa, 88.9% save percentage

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Wednesday Final Score – Montreal 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2 – Best of Seven is now 1-1. Next Game – Friday – Golden Knights vs Montreal @Bell Centre in Montreal. 5 pm faceoff. USA Network – Channel 34 on Cox

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NARCh Update,We are getting a lot of questions leading up to the NARCh FINALS, but by far the most common question.  “Can a player play on two different men’s teams at different levels at the Finals?”The answer is – NO!  Pro/Platinum/Gold/Silver are the different levels, and a men’s player can only play on one team, not multiple teams at different levels. The same rules apply to youth divisions, a player cannot play on different teams within the same age group. Players can play on multiple teams in age divisions.  For example, if a player is over 30, they can play on both a men’s division team, and also a 30-plus team.  18-yr-olds are the prime age for NARCh.  They could technically play 18u, 21u, D1, and men’s if they choose to. If you registered your team for the FINALS already, thank you very much for being organized and getting it taken care of!  We are going to allow one more day before we impose the late fee.  If your team has not registered, please get it in today, or it will be $100 more expensive tomorrow. Registration and Host HotelsWe will release more information pertaining to the NARCh FINALS soon.  Team list, skills competition information, etc.  The locker rooms are now available and will be used for the NARCh FINALS.  The Rinks in Irvine have just made some upgrades to the facility with fans and new side shade panels.  The rinks look amazing, and this tournament will truly feel like a normal NARCh FINALS Event! We hope you are as excited as we are!

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FAITH LUTHERAN ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 ROSTERS

Las Vegas – Faith Lutheran 2021-2022 Varsity and Jr Varsity teams were announced today. General Manager Craig Thornton calls it “a robust roster representing our Varsity squad this season, and we could not be more pleased with the turnout and caliber of talent that has shown interest for both our teams”.

Since taking over in late April, Executive Director of Hockey Shane Hnidy and Head Coach Adam Miller have revamped the program to align more professionally with standardized methods & systems similar to NHL/AHL organizations.

Miller added “We feel very good about the talent we rostered this season, and feel we will be very competitive in the ADHSHL, in our debut season”

Faith Lutheran practices and plays all home games at City National Arena, where they routinely pack 700-1000 fans in for Friday Night Varsity games.“We’ve built quite a following for our Friday night home games” says Thornton. “The support form both the Golden Knights and City National Arena has done nothing but amplify our product as far as quality goes, along with accelerating our growth at the High School level in Las Vegas”.

This season Faith plans on live streaming all Varsity games with play by play for their families that have out of state relatives. For more information regarding Faith’s Hockey department, email flhshockey@gmail.com

FAITH LUTHERAN VARSITY TEAM

Colby Abele F

Cobe Arnold F

Lazzaro Cabrera F

Matthew Campos D

Keon Dudschus D

Jack Edlin F

Jacob Fellows D

Colton Fleitz D

Neils Hartvig-Neilsen F

Zaden Hnidy F

James Knurbein F

Brandon Lingo D

Darren Lingo F

Cole Liston F

Corbin McGuire D

Connor Mcleod F

Henry Morgan D

Ean Vitz F

James Vogel Jr F

Christian Yepes F

Joseph Bullock G

Austin Neill G

FAITH LUTHERAN JUNIOR VARSITY

Haden Bourgault F

Joshua Bullock F

Jacob Dennon D

Luke DiMaria D

Asher Frank D

Chase Grattini F

Sienna Karris D

Jacob Mehling F

Victor Proykov F

Braeden Schroeder

Igor Strizhanov F

Riley Vian F

Bryson Walsh F

Kyle Mir F

Alexa Novak G

Chrostos Zaferatos G

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Las Vegas – Faith Lutheran’s physical defenseman Andrew Thornton has committed to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty skates in the 5000 seat Lahaye Ice Center on campus, skating in Divisions l, ll and lll of the ACHA, where they are powerhouses in all three divisions with regular visits to the National Championship Finals.

Thornton has skated for Faith since their inaugural season in 2018. “It’s been a wonderful ride skating at Faith, I would not trade it for the world”. While receiving 4 collegiate offers, including Washington State, Gonzaga, The University of Arizona and the University of Oregon. Thornton says “Liberty’s Champions of Christ beliefs coupled with their strong East Coast Hockey presence & Medical program felt right”. “My hope is to contribute to the Hockey program for the next 4 years while I obtain my degree in Bio-Medical Science”. (PreMed).
Faith has gained National attention in just 3 short seasons, attracting scouts from the ACHA, NAHL and several Collegiate visits as well.

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Sunday, June 13, 2021

Wally Lacroix, Las Vegas hockey community leader and a multi-time Vegas Coach of The Year, made a special announcement today.

This season he will be the head coach of an AAA/AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team.

“With a heavy heart I am announcing to the community that I will be leaving the Pepsi Ice Arena at the end of this month. The Fiesta/Santa Fe Arenas have been a big part of my world and in my Las Vegas life.

“We took over the arena 6 1/2 years ago and always promised that we would do our best for everyone who grew up in the Valley.

“Rob Pallin will always be the face of Fiesta/Santa Fe – we always want to people to remember what Rob did for the hockey community being the face of those buildings.

“We will be relocating to the Lifeguard Arena in Green Valley on July 1. We are still committed to hockey in the Valley helping to building athletes to their goals in the community.”

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Game One – Montreal Canadiens at Vegas Golden Knights on Monday 6 pm pacific @T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. The winner of the VGK/Montreal best of seven series will take on the winner of the New York Islanders/Tampa Bay Lightening series.

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Las Vegas – In an amazing performance the NHL Vegas Golden Knights scored a crushing 6-3 win over a strong, proud NHL Colorado Avalanche team before a roaring hometown crowd at the T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night. VGK eliminated the Avalanche to advance to the NHL Final 4. Next, the Golden Knights will take on the NHL Montreal Canadiens in a Best of Seven.

WSHL Premier Thunderbirds Star Players On the Move for 2021-22 Season

Arik Altman to NCDC Boston Advantage

Nick Bonaldi to NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Nate Mohr to ACHA Grand Canyon University

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Denver – In an all–out riveting finish Mark Stone scored an OT game-breaker for the NHL Vegas Golden Knights in a massively big 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche before a stunned sold out crowd Tuesday here at the Ball Arena. Alex Tuch and Jonathan Marchessault scored earlier and VGK goalie Marc-Andre Fleury – who was awesome throughout the entire game – got the win. VGK leads the Best of Seven 3-2. Game Six will be on home ice at the T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, 6 pm local time in Las Vegas.

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Goal scorer Brennan Blaszack of Las Vegas and the SPHL Pensacola Flyers in Florida is on the team’s Protected List for the 2021-2022 season.

NARCh Update,The registration deadline is quickly approaching for the NARCh FINALS.  One week from today is the deadline, June 14th!If you have a team that is planning to participate and hasn’t registered, make sure to do so before the deadline.  NARCh Finals InfoPlease note, we only put teams into the event once the team has paid the registration fee.  Sending in the form without the fee does not hold your spot in the tournament.   Also, we accept Venmo and prefer that form of payment.  We accept team checks as well!If you have any questions about the NARCh FINALS please email daryn@narch.com.Have a great week! NARCh Staff

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2020-21 – LAS VEGAS PRO GOAL SCORERS

NHL – 11 goals – Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penquins

AHL – 11 goals – Gage Quinney, Henderson Silver Knights

ECHL – 14 goals – Zach Pochiro, Fort Wayne Komets; 9 – Michael McNicholas, Tulsa Oilers; 6 – Joe Sullivan, Indy Fuel; 3 – Bryce Reddick, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

SPHL – 7 goals – Brennan Blasczak, Pensacola Ice Flyers

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Sunday, June 6, 2021 – The NHL Vegas Golden Knights dominance was so great they played the Surfaris’s 1962 rock record ‘Wipe Out’ after the 2nd period. Jonathan Marchessault scored 3 times for VGK in a crushing 5-1 win over the NHL Colorado Avalanche at the sold out T-Mobile Arena. Patrick Brown and Max Pacioretty also scored. The Best of Seven is now 2-2. The Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche go at it full blast again on Tuesday at Ball Arena in Denver.

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Las Vegas – “We have a strong group of players. In the heat of battle at the end of a big game we know how to keep our composure,” said Max Pacioretty of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights who rallied to beat the NHL Colorado Avalanche 3-2 before a frenzied sold out crowd on Friday night at the T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights got a great effort from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. It was unquestionably one of the greatest all-time wins for the Golden Knights. The NHL Colorado Avalanche lead this Best of Seven, 2-1. The next playoff game will be on this Sunday 5:30 pm at the T-Mobile Arena.

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals was named to the NA3HL All South Division Team for this past season. Gunner had 18 goals, 27 assists for 45 points.

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Denver – In a historic battle Mikko Rantanen scored 2:07 into overtime to lift the NHL Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights before a frenzied sold out crowd at the Pepsi Center on Wednesday evening in Denver. Rantanen is from Finland. The Avalanche selected him #1 in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Colorado has a 2-0 lead in this Best of Seven playoff series. Game 3 will be on Friday 7 pm pacific at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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By Lee Samuels

The very popular ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas has signed with the AAA Northeast Generals 18u who are based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Harris, 17, last season skated for the AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. Previously he was a fiery forward for Las Vegas coach Wally Lacroix on an AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team. Harris will play at right wing for the Northeast Generals. He is a hard skater who gives it his all in the heat of the biggest gam

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2021-22 Season

Nicholas Bonaldi, NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club

Skyler Cameron, BCHL Naniamo Clippers

Vito Carlo – NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Dylan St. Cyr, goalie – NCAA Quinnipiac

Daylan Lipanovich – Botany Swarm, New Zealand Hockey League

Jerrett Overland – NCAA Air Force Academy

Andrew Thornton, ACHA Liberty University

Harris Whissel – AAA Northeast Generals 18u, Attleboro, Massachusetts

Cody Williams – HC Giants, Finland

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Breaker – Jason Zucker’s head coach Mike Sullivan of the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins will be back next season per hockey writer/guru Elliotte Friedman in his ’31 Thoughts’ story……One of UNLV Rebels all-time dynamite goal scorers – Cody Williams of Las Vegas – will play for the HC Giants pro team in Finland for the 2021-22 season. Cody, 29, set a number of scoring records when he played for coach Anthony Greener’s Rebels.

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Breaker – Game Two for the NHL Vegas Golden Knights will be on Wednesday, June 2, at Colorado Avalanche’s home ice in Denver. Faceoff 7 pm. NBCSN

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Sunday Game

Denver -Nathan MacKinnon’s all-out destructive-force like play ignited the NHL Colorado Avalanche to a 7-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game One of a Best of Seven playoff series here Sunday. MacKinnon had two goals, one assist in an extremely hard physical game. There were 76 penalty minutes in this game, 64 of those penalty minutes in the third period. William Karlsson scored for the Golden Knights. Robin Lehner was in the net for VGK. Game Two is back here on Wednesday.

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Saturday Final Score – AHL Bakersfield Condors 3, Henderson Silver Knights 2 — Bakersfield wins Best of Three playoff series and moves on….

Breaker – Big game in town here on Saturday night – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and AHL Henderson Silver Knights vs Bakersfield Condors in playoff game at the T-Mobile Arena…..This Best of Three playoff series is tied 1-1 – the Silver Knights need to win to advance….. Game begins 7 pm pacific……You can watch this game on AHL.com or listen to it on 1230am radio The Game here in Las Vegas……Nicholas Bonaldi, a top player with the Dave Hrysky-coached USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds last season, will play for the NCDC Philadelphia Hockey Club in 2021-22 according to a transaction posted on eliteprospects.com

Friday Final Score – Vegas Golden Knights 6, Minnesota Wild 2 — VGK advances to next round of playoffs – will now take on the NHL Colorado Avalanche in a best of seven. That best of seven series begins Sunday in Colorado.

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Las Vegas – This is it – Game Seven – for the hometown Vegas Golden Knights vs the Minnesota Wild at the T-Mobile Center. Game time tonight – Friday – is listed at 6 pm pacific. NBCSN, ATTSN

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Back in the 2006-07 season the great GM Matt Bardsley of the WHL Portland Winterhawks signed big goal scorer Chris Francis of Las Vegas. In his four seasons there Chris has 70 goals, 130 assists. Matt Bardsley eventually left Portland and became GM of the WHL Kamloops Blazers where he resigned this week – no reason was given – Lee

#1 Most Searched Saturday – Eric Williams UNLV Rebels ultra goal scorer, Las Vegas.

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We asked UNLV Rebels ice hockey coaches Anthony Greener and Nick Robone historically who are UNLV’s greatest goal scorers with the clock ticking down in a close game. Here we go....

Anthony Greener – “Elijiah Barriga scoring a big goal in our first season in ACHA D1. Max Braun scored a big one as did Cody Williams and Kuzy – better known as Joe Kaszupski.

Nick Robone – “Here we go in order – Anthony Greener, Josh Jasek, Cody Williams, Elijiah Barriga and Sam Braniff.“

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Adam Tamura, a star Las Vegas roller hockey player and coach of elite Las Vegas men’s teams, is putting a Vegas roller team together for NARCh’s Pacific Cup Championships in SoCal this summer. Nick Robone plans to play on this team. Adam said “the tournament date is not until July 15-18. We do not yet have a confirmed set roster. We will update soon and let everyone know on Vegas Hockey.” It looks like the great Billy Tufano may be on this team – but like Adam noted not confirmed yet.

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Breaker -Final Score – NHL Minnesota Wild 3, Vegas Golden Knights 0 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Down 1-0, Golden Knights scored in the 3rd period but the goal was disallowed because of a goalie interference penalty on Wednesday night. A few moments later the Minnesota Wild scored to take a 2-0 lead, then added another goal to lead 3-0 late in 3rd period. Game is over – this best of seven series is tied 3-3. Game Seven will be on Friday evening at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Uniondale, Long Island – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas had his greatest playoff game – he skated hard, had one goal, one assist – for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a 5-3 loss to the hometown NY Islanders before a sold out frenzied Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Penguins are eliminated from the the playoffs, the Islanders advance and will now take on the Boston Bruins. After the game Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said “…you win games as a team, you lose games as a team. We’ve got to support each other right now.”

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Breaker – Weather tonight – Wednesday – outside the Excel Energy Arena, home of the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn- 48 degrees, rain showers

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NHL Playoff Scores on Monday

NARCh Update,The Pacific Cup Finals will take place September 10th-12th at the Rinks in Irvine!Games will start the afternoon of the 10th (after school).Due to Covid Restrictions and the lack of events in California, this will be an OPEN TOURNAMENT.  Going forward, teams will need to play in a minimum number of Pacific Cup Tournaments to be eligible for the Finals Event.   There are no regional restrictions for this tournament. Age cut off are still ’21, so teams that have been assembled get one last great event before the season ends!Divisions offered:  6u/8u/10u/12u/13u-girls/14u/16u/18u/21u/Men’s/Women’s.Registration for the tournament will be open shortly!NARCh Staff

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Monday, May 24, 2021

Breaker – St. Paul, Minnesota – The NHL Vegas Golden Knights beat the Minnesota Wild for the third straight time on Saturday night to take a 3-1 lead in their Best of Seven playoff games. The Golden Knights won 4-0. Game Five will be on Monday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Faceoff 7:30 pm.

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Las Vegas – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas had an assist on Jack Dugan’s goal as the AHL Henderson Silver Knights beat the AHL San Jose Barracuda 4-1 in a playoff game on Friday night at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana. The crowd was 2137.

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas scored for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a road playoff game against the NHL New York Long Islanders on Thursday night. Pittsburgh won 5-4 to take a 2-1 lead in a Best of Seven. In Minnesota, the NHL Vegas Golden Knights beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their Best of Seven series.

2021 – LAS VEGAS PRO GOAL SCORERS

NHL – 11 goals – Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penquins

AHL – 10 goals – Gage Quinney, Henderson Silver Knights

ECHL – 14 goals – Zach Pochiro, Fort Wayne Komets; 9 – Michael McNicholas, Tulsa Oilers; 6 – Joe Sullivan, Indy Fuel; 3 – Bryce Reddick, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

SPHL – 9 goals – Brennan Blasczak, Pensacola Ice Flyers

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Breaking News – Jack Lackas and Chayse Laurie of Las Vegas today made the USA Hockey Pacific Selects 2006 team and are now enroute to the USA National Developmental Camp.

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Photo of the Day

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Former UNLV Rebels goalie Erik Eidissen of Sweden who had many great wins from 2016-20 is still living here in Las Vegas. “It’s just a great place to be,” he said. Erik said his biggest wins with UNLV “were against Boston College and Colorado.”

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Wednesday, May 19, 2021

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – This for the out of town players trying out this week for the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, 14u teams this week. Lucky you…the two coaches – Wally Lacroix and Matt Johnson – are two of the best coaches in town who include Anthony Greener, Nick Robone of the UNLV Rebels, Dave Hrysky with the USHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds and Pokey Reddick who built a powerhouse of a high school team here. Rob Pallin, who now coaches in Germany, is one of the best of all time.

Here are the reasons we are writing this – Lacroix and Johnson are two great teachers of the game. When you watch their teams play you too will realize it as well. Their teams have a will to win, their players have a skillset to do it and like great coaches they do not fuss with referee and or linesmen in the heat of a big fiery game. Micah Sanford, the first giant scoring hockey star here in town, said while on the bench between shifts he used to watch how his head coach Harvy Smyl of BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs handle his team particularly in a late-game heated situation. “If we made a penalty Harvey didn’t argue about it, he put the right players on the ice to defend our net.”

Years ago Lacroix coached ultra skilled bantam goal scorer Jason Zucker at the Las Vegas Center. When Lacroix’ team practiced penalty shots players were told to sniper pucks high or low towards corners of the net. Except for Jason. “Whatever is takes to score Jason,” coach Wally told him. And Jason today as we write this is playing for the NHL Pittsburgh Penquins.

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Saturday, May 15, 2021

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

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Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West.
//A young Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Rob Pallin’s Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

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Presently Rob Pallin is head coach of ESV Kaufburen in German======

Adam Naglich, an ’84, grew up in Las Vegas and skated on the ‘Red Line’ with Josh Jasek and Eddie Samuels on a Rob Pallin-coached 2001-02 Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team which won the Pacific District Regionals and played in the U.S. Nationals. From there, Adam played with the BCHL Victoria Salsa, was a captain with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks, played in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors and skated in Hungary with Sapa Fehervar

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Captain Adam Naglich (right) of Las Vegas & NCAA Alaska Fairbanks 2005-06

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ADAM NAGLICH 

‘MY GREATEST GOAL”

“I would have to say my greatest goal would have to be when I was playing in college with NCAA Alaska Fairbanks.

“I scored against Ohio State in the playoffs. We went on to win the Best of 3 series and got to play in the CCHA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. It was my senior year and it was the first time that our team made it to the Joe in my time playing in Alaska.

“My linemates at the time were Braden Walls and Ryan Hohl.

“The actual goal wasn’t anything fancy or special. I received a pass right around the top of the left face off circle and put it low glove.

“But it really felt great winning this important series on home ice —  something that meant a lot to me and I will never, ever forget it.

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BRENDAN HARRIS

WENATCHEE WILD

Top Scorers – Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2016-17 Points……………………………………………………..Goals/Assists 

106 – Brendan Harris, BCHL Wenatchee Wild 26 goals, 80 assists

62 – Chris Francis, ECHL Quad City Mallards 28/34

44 – Gage Quinney, ECHL Wheeling Nailers 18/26

44 – Cory Ward, ECHL Manchester Monarchs 18/25; AHL Syracuse Crunch 0/1

43 – Michael McNicholas, New Hampshire University 13/30

38 – Eric Williams, WSHL Ontario Avalanche 11/27

31 – Derek Sutliffe, St. Scholastica College-Minnesota 11/10; SPHL Mississippi River Kings 3/7

31 – Bryce Reddick, Aaborg Pirates – Denmark 7/24

28 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Norfolk Admirals 4/24; AHL Bakersfield Condors 0/2

26 – Joe Sullivan, St. Lawrence University 12/14

26 – Mike Trimboli, EHC Neuwied Bears – Germany 6/20

22 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood University 8/14

21 – Michael Cichy, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals 7/14

21 – Vito Carlo, WSHL Las Vegas Storm 0/7; NA3HL Atlanta Capitals 4/10

20 – Spencer Poscente, USP3HL Tri City Icehawks 10/10

13 – Ashley Printzen, AAA Colorado Selects 16u  2/11

12 – Adrian Nicholas, NOJHL French River Rapids 7/5

12 – Kenny Brooks, ECHL Colorado Eagles 6/6

12 – Alec Mono, Curry College 2/10

9 – Hayden Knight, BCHL Coquitlan Express 6/3

8 – Ross McMullan, ECHL Wheeling Nailers 3/5

8 – Richard Prekop, GMHL South Muskota Shield 3/5

8 – Landon Quinney, QMJHL, Saint Johns Sea Dogs 1/7

7 – Jerrett Overland, Connecticut Wolf Pack 16u 1/6

7 – Joey Raats, NCAA Arizona State 1/6

3 – Daylan Lipanovich, HF Ludvika – Sweden 0/3

2 – Ryan Chiasson, SUNY-Plattsburgh 0/2

2 – Megan Myers, Boston Blades 0/2

1 – Brenden Russ, Connecticut College 0/1

1 – Jimmy Samuels ACHA D3 Kansas University 0/1

0 – Joe Kaszupski, Endicott College NCAA III 0/0

0 – Kenny Luzak, ACHA RIT – Rochester Institute of Technology 0/0

0 – Cameron Sylvester, NAPHL Arizona Bocats 15u 0/0

0 – Hamilton Whyte, ACHA New York University

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2021 – LAS VEGAS PRO GOAL SCORERS

NHL – 10 – Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penquins

AHL – 10 – Gage Quinney, Henderson Silver Knights

ECHL – 11 – Zach Pochiro, Fort Wayne Komets; 8 – Michael McNicholas, Tulsa Oilers; 6 – Joe Sullivan, Indy Fuel; 3 – Bryce Reddick, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

SPHL – 6 – Brennan Blasczak, Pensacola Ice Flyers

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Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Here are the head coaches for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights in the 2021-22 season.

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – Matt Johnson

AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u – Wally Lacroix

Bantam A 14u – Dustin Coldren

AA 12u – Brian Salcido

A 12u – Ryan Mattison

AA 10u – Brian Fox

A 10u – Harrison Luce

Home Arenas This Season

Vegas Golden Knights City National Arena

Lifeguard Arena – Henderson, Nevada

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

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Sunday, May 9, 2021

Here is why Las Vegas hockey moms are the real unheralded heroes on Mother’s Day Weekend

Star defenseman Eddie Del Grosso of Las Vegas talking about his famous hockey mom Patty Del Grosso ….”It is very hard to put in words everything my Mom did for me while growing up. I cannot thank her enough for supporting me emotionally and financially in the sport of hockey. All of the time spent and money spent helping me follow my dreams. Patty is one of a kind – she was my Mom and my Dad and everything else in between. Taught me the value of hard work and to go after what I wanted. Without her nothing would have been possible.

Anthony Greener, head coach UNLV Rebels…..”The dedication my mother had for me and entire hockey career is amazing. All of the long weekends on the road. Waking up so early in the morning to to get me to practice. I would not be where we are today without her.”

Travis Hackney, Las Vegas goal scorer – “Would like to share a few things on Mother’s Day. My Mom (Candi) especially but some other great hockey moms as well. Will always remember playing for the Las Vegas Falcons A travel team with Mom waking me up 5 am for a 5:30 am practice run by coaches Steve Johnson and Steve Allen. We also couldn’t get through this without remembering our honorary hockey mom Mary Margaret Samuels. We also remember a road trip from Las Vegas to DesMoines, Iowa for a Las Vegas Tour Rebels roller hockey team going to the Six Pack Nationals. We also cannot skip Mother’s Day without showing my personal appreciation for hockey moms Patti Tamura and Patty Delgrosso. (there is more coming from Travis…)

Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin, head coach ESV Kaufburen in Germany….”I cannot write or say enough what my mother deserves. The dedication she had for my entire hockey career. Getting me to practice all of the time. She worked for the youth hockey organization for 40 years, ran the coffee shop inside the ice arena. Everyone in town knows my mother. She is a wonderful lady.”

Nick Robone, assistant coach UNLV Rebels…..”As you all know playing competitive travel hockey isn’t cheap. There was a time when my Dad was looking for work for about a year and my Mom worked at two jobs just to afford the opportunity to allow me to continue playing. I will never forget that. That was an example that both my Mom and Dad made during our time playing youth hockey. I cannot thank her enough. It made a big difference in and my brother’s lives.

Rob Profitt, legend GM and head coach of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs….”Mom always thought I played a ‘Good Game’ Ha! Happy Mother’s Day to each and every Hockey Mom reading this.”

Matt Johnson, head coach, AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u….”Growing up you always correlate sports with Dad. But when we look back my Mom did just as much. My Dad was an athletic director and a teacher so when school was out he had to be there for sporting events. That meant Mom was driving us to practice to get us ready to play games. Growing up my brother and l wanted to play street hockey. My Mom was not athletic but she got out there with us, even playing goalie. She was always there for support – whether we made the team or not, scored the big goal or not.”

Adam Stio, head coach of Las Vegas ice hockey and roller hockey teams….”Me, we were more about skill in hockey and my Mom was always trying to get me to be more aggressive. She always taught me to be humble but to leave everything else on the ice. All the best to those reading this- we are spending this weekend with our grandmother in South Carolina.”

Charla Ricketts, mother of the great Las Vegas goal scorer and captain Beau Ricketts whose hockey dad was the late great Tommy Ricketts….“For us Beau playing hockey was a family affair because we were all involved in his hockey. Our girls loved watching him play. They knew the game, his stats and gave it to refs in the heat of a game. When we found our newest baby was a boy – his name is Blade – We held up a sign at the rink glass saying ‘It’s a Boy!” Of course Tommy was the social one in our family. Me we were Beau’s cheerleader, fan, nuturer, snuggler (even a tough hockey player needs to snuggle his Mom). We didn’t have much money, so no vacations but a lot of hockey trips. We drove a big white Ford and took all of our kids and usually another player. My job was to figure out how we were going to pay for everything. Sometimes we took a lot of ramen noodles to cook in microwave in our hotel room. We quietly told our kids to order water – not the shakes – when we went to team dinners. By the time Beau began playing junior hockey his father – my husband Tommy – was sick – he was in a care center was able to see Beau in games on the internet. (more to come from the amazing hockey mom Charla Ricketts)

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Many more Las Vegas players, coaches, execs have stories which will be posted right here. To contribute your Mother’s Day story send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, May 7, 2021

Pittsburgh – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas dealt two assists for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in an 8-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres here at the PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night.

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Here is a statistical look at Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and of Gage Quinney of Las Vegas with the AHL Henderson Silver Knights. Keep in mind Jason is coming off a severe lower body injury earlier this season.

JASON ZUCKER – NHL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

9 GOALS, 9 ASSISTS, 18 POINTS – ONE GAME-WINNING GOAL

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GAGE QUINNNEY – AHL HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

10 GOALS, 5 ASSISTS, 15 POINTS — +7 ON THE ICE

//Both Jason and Gage played tier hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Wally Lacroix was Jason’s bantam ice hockey coach.

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Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Las Vegas Players Away from Home – 2021-22 Season

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce University

Dylan St. Cyr, goalie – NCAA Quinnipiac

Daylan Lipanovich, – Botany Swarm, New Zealand Hockey League

Cody Williams, – HC Giants – Finland

Jerrett Overland – NCAA Air Force Academy

Harris Whissel, AAA Northeast Generals, Attleboro, Massachusetts

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Happy Birthday today to our hockey son Eddie Samuels – Lee and Mary Margaret

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Las Vegas – Adam Miller – who played for NCAA D1 Ferris State, then with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers, is the new head coach of the Faith Lutheran High School varsity hockey program. He replaces Pokey Reddick who had a great run as head coach at Faith Lutheran HS. Jordan Van Son will be the assistant coach. Faith’s Executive Director is now Shane Hnidy who played 12 seasons in the NHL including a season on a NHL Stanley Cup team. Shane is also a current broadcaster with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Faith Lutheran’s High School Athletic Administrator Bret Walter made this announcement today.

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Monday, May 3, 2021

Las Vegas – When his team played its last game at the Nationals all of a sudden it hit hockey coach Matt Johnson – we’ve got to get together one more time as members of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u.

“Our 2006-07 team has played together and has grown together. They won a squirt tournament in Fargo and they won a Silver Sticks Tournament in Las Vegas and advanced to play at Silver Sticks in Quebec. A lot of our players have taken up golf and spent alot of time on the course together. It’s not like we won’t see each other again. For sure we will have a team get together,” coach Matt said.

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With his season over Las Vegas Rob Pallin, head coach of ESV Kaufburen in Germany, said “we are heading Tuesday with family to Budapest to visit in laws. Tenatively heading to Las Vegas around May 12, 13.”

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Sunday, May 2, 2021

Greenville, S.C. – Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas scored for the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits in a tough 4-3 OT loss to rival the Jacksonville IceMen before 2,010 fans here at the Bon Secours Wellness Center on Saturday night. .

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SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE FOR COACH ROB PALLIN AND ESV KAUFBUREN

Breaker – This just in from Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin and his ESV Kaufburen pro team in Germany. “We ended up losing our decisive playoff game 4-1. After going up 2-1 in this playoff series Freiburg went with their backup goalie and he stopped 68 out of 70 shots in games 4 and 5.”

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Saturday Games – USA Hockey Championships @Grand Rapids, Michigan

Final – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 1, AA Nashville Flyers 8, Grand Rapids, Michigan

//Las Vegas goal – Ryan Pavlinsky

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Sunday AA 16u Final 4

Team South Dakota 4, CDA Iowa 3

Atlanta Fire 5, Nashville Flyers 1

Monday AA 16u Gold Medal Game

Final – Atlanta Fire 4, Team South Dakota 3

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AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 6, OKC Oil Kings 3 @Mckinney, Texas

//Las Vegas goal – Brandon Cabral – short-handed

//Las Vegas goal – Connor Beers from Carter Adams, Kaden Israel

//Las Vegas goal – Finn McNabb – short-handed – from Chase Nehring, Kaden Israel

//Las Vegas goal – Carter Adams from Kaden Mulcahy

//Las Vegas goal – Kaden Israel from Carter Adams, Kaden Mulcahy

//Las Vegas goal – Kaden Israel from Jesse Brewer

//Las Vegas goalie – Kameron Laskaska

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Sunday AA 14u Final 4

Atlanta Madhatters 3, Team Wyoming 1

Charleston Jr Stingrays 3, Montana Big Sky Stars 2

Monday AA 14u Gold Medal Game

Charleston Jr Stingrays 5, Atlanta Madhatters 4

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Grand Rapids, Michigan – Ryan Pavlinsky scored dramatically off a rebound shot to lift the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u to a 4-3 OT win over CDA-Idaho. The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are now unbeaten at 2-0-0 here Friday at the USA Hockey Championships

Lacroix said right after the game “….Jesse Castro and Micah Williamson worked the corners and won big battles in the corner forcing Idaho to wrap the puck around the boards. Matt Lackas kept the puck in play, shoots on net and Ryan Pavlinsky gets a huge rebound goal for us. Totally a team effort from start to finish.”

Lacroix added “..so proud of our young men who beat a really good Idaho team. We got into penalty trouble late in the third period but fought back as a unit

Scoring

VGK – Ryan Pavlinsky from Jesse Castro, Micah Williamson

VGK – Jesse Castro from Micah Williamson.

VGK – Matthew Lackas from Carver Alfred, John Sinagra

VGK – OT – Ryan Pavlinsky from Matthew Lackas

VGK Goalie – Jonathan Ng

Next game: AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs AA Nashville Flyers 16u on Saturday.

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This just in from HOF hockey coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas. “Hey everyone back home our ESV Kaufburen is in a best of five playoff series and is tied 2-2 against Freiburg. We played 4 games against Freiburg in the regular season and went 2-2. All of this is very exciting with the decisive game on Saturday night. All of the best as well to the Las Vegas hockey teams at the Nationals.”

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Friday, April 30, 2021 – Games @ the USA Hockey Championships

Breaker – Its’ Game Two today – Friday – for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u who take on CDA-Iowa 16u in Michigan – and the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u who play the AA Atlanta Madhatters 14u in McKinney, Texas.

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Thursday, April 29 2021 – Games @ the USA Hockey Championships

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs Charlestown Colonials 16u – Southside Arena, Byrne Center, Michigan

//Final – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 6, AA Charlestown Colonials 16u 0

//LV goals – Micah Williamson 3, Andrew Crawford, Ryan Pavlinsky, John Sinagra

//Coach Wally Lacroix said “….Our entire team played so well – a great 200-foot game, all over the ice doing good things. Also – and this is good as well – we were able to get both of our goalies (Johnny Ng, Austin Schaertel) into this game. They split time in our net. I really believe in our young men when we play as a group and stick to the structure built for our team.”

Next Game – Friday – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs CDA Iowa, 10 am local time

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs Montana Big Sky Stars 14u – Children’s Health Star Center, Mckinney, Texas

//Final – AA Montana Big Sky Stars 14u 7, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 4

LV goals

Kaden Mulcahy from Carter Adams – powerplay

Jesse Brewer from Trevor Abele, Darren Lingo

Carter Adams from Connor Beers, Kaden Israel

Kaden Mulcahy from Connor Beers, Kaden Israel

LV goalie – Kameron Laskaska

Friday Final Score – AA Atlanta Madhatters 14u 2, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0

VGK goalie – Kameron Laskaska

Note – AA Atlanta Madhatters 14u have won their first two games 10-0, 2-0

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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Wally Lacroix, head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u said today “….We are very excited about the Nationals as a group. We have not played any of these organizations this season but we have in the past. It is a honor to represent Las Vegas and the Jr Golden Knights. We have practiced hard for the past few weeks preparing for this event. If our young men stay within our structure we created as a group good things will happen.”

The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are off to Grand Rapids for the USA Hockey Championships, the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will play in the USA Hockey Championships in Mckinney, Texas.

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Quote of the Day

“I don’t coach players to be someone else. I coach them to be the best they can be,” said coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas in the book ‘Puck Dreams’ by the great Joe McCauley

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Northford, Connecticut – Ian Williams of Las Vegas and the AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u won the gold medal at the East Coast Elite Tournament of Champions. Ian had two goals, five assists in the tournament. He and the Wolves finished their season 13-1-4 in their last 18 games. Ian, 18, is listed at 6’2, 175.

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By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – Matt Johnson, head coach of the AA Jr Vegas Jr Golden Knights bantams 14u, says he and his goal scorers, defensemen and goalies “cannot wait to play in the USA Hockey Championships in Texas this week.”

“As a team we are excited to go to Texas. This provides a bit of normalcy for such a chaotic and uncertain year.

“Our players and families have really put forth their best effort all season. With a lot of the guidelines put in place during this pandemic, we had to travel to get games. We went to Florida and Texas 3 times, then to Nashville, Minnesota, Denver, Boise and Phoenix and no one batted an eye. Again the biggest word we can say is ‘normalcy.’ Our players worked hard every single practice not knowing when they would play again.

“The improvements we have made since August 17 is enormous – and we as a coaching staff are very proud. Nationals is a great stage for us to measure our development and growth against other communities throughout our country.”

It all starts on Thursday when the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights open the tournament Las Vegas against the AA Montana Big Sky Stars in McKinney, Texas.

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LAS VEGAS PRO GOAL SCORERS THIS SEASON

NHL – 7 goals – Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penguins

AHL – 10 goals – Gage Quinney, Henderson Silver Knights

ECHL – 11 goals – Zach Pochiro, Ft. Wayne Komets; 7 – Michael McNicholas, Tulsa Oilers; 6 – Joe Sullivan, Indy Fuel; 3- Bryce Reddick, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

SPHL – 5 goals – Brennan Blasczak, Pensacola Ice Flyers

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Monday, April 26, 2021 – For the USA Hockey Championships – or what the players call The Nationals – the Wally Lacroix coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will play in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will play at the Children’s Health Star Center in McKinney, Texas. The games begin this Thursday….

AA Las Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

2018 USA Hockey National Champions

Head Coach – Wally Lacroix

USA Hockey Championships – Southside Arena, Byrn Center, Michigan

Thursday, April 29

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs. AA Charlestown Colonials, 11 am local time

Friday, April 30

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs AA CDA – Iowa 16u, 11 am local time

Saturday, May 1

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs Nashville Flyers 16u, 5:30 pm local time

Saturday, May 2

Eliminator games then get underway

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AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

Children’s Heath Star-Center, Mckinney, Texas

Thursday, April 29

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs. Montana Big Sky Stars 14u, 2:15 pm local time

Friday, April 30

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs Atlanta Madhatters, 10:15 am local time

Saturday, May 1

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs OKC Oil Kings, 6:45 pm local time

Eliminator Games then get underway

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From the Blue Line – Premier goalie Gunnar Roksvold of the Las Vegas Storm Bantam 14u team celebrated the end of their season with a team dinner and a special event. Gunnar, younger brother of the great goal scorer Kyle Callahan, had four shutouts and a 2.84 gaa in 17 games. The Las Vegas Storm bantams had a season record of 22-23-2 – Lee

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Brendan Harris of Las Vegas has signed with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. He has graduated from NCAA Bemidji State where he had 9 goals, 14 assists in his senior season.

//Update – Brendan will wear jersey #19 for the ECHL Wheeling Nailers.

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Darion Conaway announced that the Sin City Barons are sending two high-powered roller hockey teams – 21u, 18u – to the NARCh Western Regional this weekend at roller rinks in Corona, Ca. and Irvine, Ca. Hunter Barto and Darion will coach the 18u roller team. Star Las Vegas defenseman Steven Avalone will play for the Sin City Barons 21u roller team.

Sin City Barons 21u platinum team – Darion Conaway, Hunter Barto, Steven Avalone, Matti Lempiamen, Terry Glynn, Nathan Valdez, Alan Yu, Rashi Patel, goalie Justin Lake –First game – vs Tour Roadrunners, Friday, 8:30 pm @Irvine rink

Friday – Final Score – Tour Roadrunners 21u 9, Sin City Barons 21u 1

Saturday – Final Score – Konixx Outcasts Black 21u 6, Sin City Barons 21u 2

Saturday – Final Score – Sin City Barons 21u 4, Jr Glazers 21u 0

Sunday- NARCh Gold Semifinal – Sin City Barons 21u 4, Konixx Nitrous 21u 2

Sunday – NARCh Gold Medal Game – Sin City Barons 21u 4, Konixx Outcasts 2

Sin City Barons 18u team – AJ Lackas, Deric Prier, Kevin Hanley, Chase McCrossan, Joseph Ballesteros, Caden Thorne, Andrew Cervantes, Alex Kuntz

//Friday – Final Score – Labeda Mayhem 18u 6, Sin City Barons 18u 0

//Friday – Final Score – Smurfs 18u 8, Sin City Barons 18u 1

//Saturday – Final Score – Bulldogs Black 6, Sin City Barons 18u 3

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These are the lines Las Vegas coach Matt Abraham has put together for the KamaGraf RoyalOnes roller team at the NARCh Western Regional this weekend. There are quite a few Las Vegas star players on this team.

Matt Abraham, Joey Kaszupski, Al Mono, Ian Wong

Cory Ward, Keith Abraham, Parker Moskal, Eric Wakefield

Duane Jones, Andy White, Garrett Vincent, Hamilton Whyte

Goalie Patrick Pugliese

//Friday game – KamaGraf Royal Ones 2, Stingrays 2 – tie

//Friday game – Rink Rats 4, KamaGraf Royal Ones 3

//Saturday game – KamaGraf Royal Ones 3, Pama Labeda Golden Knights 3 – tie

//Sunday – Platinum Pro Playoff Game – KamaGraf Royal Ones 3, Apex Mavin 2

//Sunday – Platinum Pro Gold Medal Game – KamaGraft 21u 5, Skittles 3

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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Breaker – Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas is the top scorer for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets with 11 goals, 10 assists, 21 points, +5 on the ice

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2020-21 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 33 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 18 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose; 18 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 18 -Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 11 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 9 -Brendan Harris, NCAA Bemidji State; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 7 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 7 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Tulsa Oilers; 6 -Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 5 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood; 4 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers; 3 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Swamp Rabbits; 2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club; 2 – Tristan Nelson, USPHL Elite Northern Cyclone; 1 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs; 1 – Vito Carlo, University of Franklin Pierce; 1 -Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State; 1 – Noah Smejkal, NA3HL Northeast Generals; 1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers

To revise or add here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Breaker – In the NA3HL Fraser Cup Gold Medal game on Monday the North Iowa Bulls beat the Rochester Grizzlies by 5-1 at the St. Peter’s Rec Place in Missouri.

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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced that the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights have been accepted as full-time Tier 1 members of the NAPHL for the 2021-22 season. The organization will field Tier 1 teams at the 16U and 14U levels in the NAPHL.

For the past two seasons, the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights have played in the NAPHL’s Showcase Division at the 16U and 14U levels. The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights are dedicated to the development of youth hockey in the city of Las Vegas and state of Nevada. They are committed to providing their hockey players and families an environment where young athletes can develop on and off the ice while learning the value of teamwork, competition, sportsmanship, discipline, respect, self-esteem, hard work and integrity – in a safe and fun environment. They are dedicated to the growth and development of the game in their city and aim to foster a community spirit among our players, families, coaches and officials.

“This is a great addition to the NAPHL’s Tier 1 West Division as we continue to help facilitate the growth and development of programs like the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights. They have represented themselves very well at our events the past two seasons and we are confident they will be able to be a competitive organization at the Tier I level,” stated NAPHL Director Tony Zasowski. “We look forward to watching their evolution to our Tier 1 16U and 14U Divisions and look forward to seeing them at more of our events.”

Matt Johnson will serve as the 16U head coach, while Wally Lacroix will serve as the 14U head coach. Johnson is entering his fourth year in the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights program and has become increasingly instrumental in defining the Skills Progression Path throughout the Hockey Club. His passionate approach is tailor-made for this age group and competitive level. Lacroix has been in the program since its inception coaching the 16U team. He won a USA Hockey National Championship two years ago – a tremendous accomplishment in just the second year of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights Hockey Club existence. Coach Lacroix brings a wealth of experience to the role and is one of the most well-known and respected hockey figures in the area.

“The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights Hockey Club is thrilled to be part of the NAPHL Tier 1 League for the upcoming 2021-22 season. We appreciate the incumbent members for having the faith in us to build a quality program in Vegas. Having the consistently high level of competition provided by the NAPHL is a big part of the program’s development,” said Darren Eliot, Executive Director of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights.

For more information on the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights, please visit their website

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Buffalo, NY – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas scored off an offensive zone faceoff for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres here at the Key Bank Center here on Sunday evening. Jason in his NHL career has 150 goals, 121 assists.

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Las Vegas – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights take on the Tuscon Roadrunners tonight on the ice Sunday 5 pm at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue. Gage this season has 10 goals, 5 assists for 15 points and is +7 on the ice. He has 3 game-winning goals, 3 powerplay goals, and 3 short-handed goals – what a season for Gage a hometown star.

//Final Score – Tucson wins 4-2

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NA3HL Final 4 – St. Peter’s Rec Place, Missouri

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs North Iowa Bulls

//Final Score – North Iowa Bulls win 2-1 – advance to Gold Medal game

Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks vs Rochester Grizzlies

//Final Score – Rochester Grizzlies win 7-1 – advance to Gold Medal game

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Monday – Gold Medal Game

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Saturday, April 17, 2021

The USPHL Premier gave the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds a massive number of All-Star awards. It’s all right here..

https://www.usphl.com/news_article/show/1158309#.YHkFauKdDuA.link

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Saturday NA3HL Fraser Cup Championships Scores – St. Peter’s Rec-Place, Missouri

Noah Smejkal of Las Vegas and Northeast Generals vs North Iowa Bulls

//Final Score – North Iowa Bulls 8, Northeast Generals 1

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs Texas Brahmas

//Final Score – Oklahoma City Blazers 5, Texas Brahmas 1 – major win in this tournament

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Friday, April 16, 2021

Las Vegas – Gage Quinney, who grew up playing youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, scored two goals – including the OT game-winner – for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights in a 2-1 OT win over the Tucson Roadrunners on Thursday night at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue. Gage’s first goal goal was short-handed with an assist from Cody Glass, his game-winning goal was assisted by Cody Glass and Ryan Murphy. Gage has 9 goals this season. Gage, Cody and Silver Knights goalie Logan Thompson were selected as ‘Stars of the Game.’

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NA3HL Fraser Cup Championship

Friday Game Schedule – St. Peter’s Rec-Place, Missouri

Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks vs North Iowa Bulls

//North Iowa Bulls win 2-1 in OT

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs Rochester Grizzlies

//Rochester Grizzlies win 3-1

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Thursday Game Schedule

Noah Smejkal of Las Vegas and Northeast Generals vs Goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks

//Final score – Sheridan Hawks win 13-2

//Final score – Rochester Grizzlies 4, Texas Brahmas 3

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It wasn’t that long ago when Noah Smejkal of Las Vegas played for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights High School Team. His coaches were Daryl Wademan and the Zucker brothers – Evan and Adam. Now Noah is playing for the powerful NA3HL Northeast Generals in Attleboro, Mass, who are heading to the big NA3HL Fraser Cup Championships at the St. Peter’s Rec Place in Missouri. These will be unquestionably the biggest games of the season.

And how exactly did Noah initially connect with the Northeast Generals?

“We reached out, sent a video of me on the ice, they liked what they saw and we got invited to their training camp and we made the team. We are a forward at right wing. Our head coach is Daryl Locke and our assistant coach is Bryan Erickson,” Noah said. “During the regular season we primarily played the Eastern teams – so we did not play against teams like the Sheridan Hawks (Luke Fundator) or the Oklahoma City Blazers (Anthony Rodriguez)

There are two pools of team – Pool A, Pool B – with two other Las Vegas players included as well.

Pool A

Sheridan Hawks – Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator

Northeast Generals – Noah Smejkal of Las Vegas

North Iowa Bulls

Pool B

Rochester Grizzlies

Texas Brahmas

Oklahoma City Blazers – Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas

And who do Noah and the Northeast Generals play first on Thursday of this week.

They play the Sheridan Hawks who have several goalies including Luke Fundator of Las Vegas.

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Tuesday, April 13, 2020

Breaker –

U14 defensemen Kaden Mulcahy and Hunter Toms of the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights have been selected to the 2020-21 NAPHL showcase division, First and Second team All-Star selections, respectively. Mulcahy is a defensive defenseman who plays a physical game. His long reach, awareness and grit has made him an integral part of the penalty kill. Coming into his own on the offensive side, Kaden has developed into a  power play specialist utilizing his heavy shot from the point. He has evolved into an offensive weapon with 16 goals and 14 assists. He was also named defenseman of the month for October. Toms, is an offensive defenseman who has great poise with the puck. He returns to Vegas this year after spending two seasons with the LA Jr. Kings 2006 AAA team. Toms’ stability at the blue line has led him to be an  important piece of the penalty kill. While his vision and poise has allowed him to be an offensive threat on the power play, playing both offense and defensive position, putting up 11 goals and 19 assists. Both Toms and Mulcahy were part of the Vegas squirt team that won the prestigious Squirt international tournament in Fargo North Dakota in the top division. Mulcahy’s peewee team made it to the Semi Finals of the Quebec Peewee international Tournament in the AA division. Toms, meanwhile, captured the Quebec tournament as a member of the LA Jr. Kings

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Sunday Breaker – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas last night scored his 3rd goal of the season for the WHL Spokane Chiefs. Erik, 18, has seven points in his last 3 games while skating in his 100th WHL game of his career.

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Special to Vegas Hockey

Las Vegas – In a Sunday morning shocker Casey Berninger with the clock ticking down to 0:01 drove to the net, cracked the puck in from the left post area to score a game-breaker goal as the final horn sounded for the Matt Johnson coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights bantams in a 3-2 win over Arizona State Champions AA Arizona Jr Coyotes 14u at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive. Both of these team will play in the U.S. Nationals.

Earlier in the game Carter Adams scored twice for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u. Vegas goalie Kam Laskaska was very strong in this firefight.

Coach Johnson said “….this was a huge momentum win for us. At this age consistancy is the most important factor. It was nice to play at home in front of our hockey families and give them a good showing.”

In the second game Sunday at the Pepsi, the AA Park City Miners 16u of Utah nudged the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2-1. Micah Williamson, a big powerful forward, scored for coach Wally Lacroix’s team. This was a tough, entertaining battle in all three periods. After the game the Utah parents said it would be a three hour journey to get home.

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Saturday, April 10, 202

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas -Goalie Jonny Ng is a Shining Star – special and unique – playing for coach Wally Lacroix’ AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights. The way Ng defends is something to see – or as his hockey mom Shauna says – “if he sees the puck coming in he will stop the puck.”

Ng has good size – 6’1, 185 – playing for Lacroix – who has won many Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year Awards – playing in a challenging season with a totally rebuilt club. The AA Park City Miners 16u won 4-0 before a pretty big crowd at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive.

Ng, from Henderson, NV, began playing the game at the age of six.

His goalie hockey stick is a Bauer Supreme 35 Pro.

And while we were chatting with hockey mom Shauna a hockey scout joined us at the Pepsi Ice Arena rinkboards.

“We drove here from Utah to see your son play today. He sees the puck very well and in the heat of action stays very calm. We like everything about him and would to have him with us next season.”

It was Nick Dreyer, Assistant GM, with USPHL Premier Ogden Mustangs – a dynamic hockey program.

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By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – For years AAA/AA Utah-based tier teams have come here with a rough physical edge to their game. This weekend the AA Park City Ice Miners 16u of Utah are coming into Las Vegas to take on the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in a 3-game weekend series. On Saturday games are 10 am, 5:30 pm and on Sunday 10 am. All games are at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive. Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen, whose hockey Jason was a big goal scorer years ago, says he “cannot wait” to see these games.

April 10-12 Weekend Scores

Saturday

AA 16u – Head Coach Wally Lacroix, Vegas Jr Golden Knights

AA Park City Ice Miners 16u 4, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 0

2nd game – Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 4, AA Park City Ice Miners 16u 1

//VGK head coach Wally Lacroix said “…great effort from our entire group. We rallied as a group and competed at a high level. Our goalies shared the duties and played well. We followed the structure – it was fun to watch a completely different team.”

Next game – Sunday, 10 am – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u vs AA Park City Ice Miners 16

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AA 14u – Head Coach Matt Johnson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights

AA Arizona Jr Coyotes 14u 4, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 1

Las Vegas goal – Zach Gay

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 6, AA Arizona Jr Coyotes 14u 2

Las Vegas goals – Connor Beers 2, Finn McNabb, Hunter Toms, Jesse Brewer, Brandon Cabral

Next Game, Sunday, 8 am, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u vs AA Arizona Jr Coyotes 14u

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Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Breaker – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs scored a go-ahead goal on a powerplay and was named the ‘Player of the Game’ against the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds. It was Erik’s 2nd goal of the season.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Special to Vegas Hockey – Goal scorer and very popular Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel today was dealt to the ECHL Tulsa Oilers. McNicholas, 27 and listed at 5’10, 180, was traded for Brent Gates. McNicholas has 6 goals, 10 assists this season. Gates has 6 goals, 12 assists. Gates played a few games with the AHL San Diego Gulls earlier this season. The Tulsa Oilers are affiliated with the NHL Anaheim Ducks and the AHL San Diego Gulls. The Tulsa head coach is the great Rob Murray who years ago was head coach six seasons with the powerful ECHL Alaska Aces. When then Aces shut down operations, coach Rob was hired by the Tulsa Oilers.

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Monday, April 5, 2021

Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator with the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks in Wyoming and goal scorer Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers are back in best-of-three playoff action this week. On Thursday Luke and the Sheridan Hawks will play the NA3HL Great Falls Americans. On Friday Anthony and the Oklahoma City Blazers will meet the Texas Brahmas – who just rubbed out the Atlanta Capitals in the playoffs – at the NY/TEX Sports Center in North Richland Hills, Texas.

NA3HL Playoffs – Best of Three

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks at Great Falls Americans @Great Falls Ice Plex, Great Falls, Montana

Friday, April 9, 2021

Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks vs Great Falls Americans @Whitney Rink inside M&M Center, Sheridan, Wyoming

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs Texas Brahmas @NYTEX Sports Centre, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Special to Vegas Hockey

The Vegas Jr Golden Knights have announced their Spring Clinics – go to this link or onto the VJGK hockey website

https://lifeguardarena.frontline-connect.com/sessionslist.cfm?facid=1&fac=lifeguardarena

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Sheridan, Wyoming – For Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator the time is now for him and the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks who open a Best of Three playoff series vs the NA3HL Missoula Jr Bruins here at the Sheridan M and M Ice Center on Friday night. Luke has had an awesome season with a 10-1-0 record, 92.3% save percentage and a 2.21 gaa. The Sheridan Hawks are 39-1-0 this season. Missoula has a record of 21-17-2. Outside the big arena on Friday the temp will be in the upper 40s during Game One of the playoff series.

Friday final score – Sheridan Hawks win Game One, 4-2

Saturday score – Sheridan Hawks win Game Two, 10-1

Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and NA3HL Sheridan Hawks win best of three, 2-0, and advance in playoffs

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NA3HL Playoffs

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Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs El Paso Rhinos

April 2 – El Paso Rhinos at Oklahoma City Blazers

Final Score – Oklahoma City Blazers win 5-0

April 3 – El Paso Rhinos at Oklahoma City Blazers

Final Score – Oklahoma City Blazers win 7-2

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers win best of three 2-0 and advance in the playoffs

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals vs Texas Brahmas

April 2 – Atlanta Capitals at Texas Brahmas

Final Score – Texas Brahmas win 6-1

April 3 – Texas Brahmas at Atlanta Capitals

Final Score – Texas Brahmas win 7-0

Texas Brahmas win best of three 2-0; season comes to a close for Gunner Moore and Atlanta Capitals

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Las Vegas – The AA Park City Ice Miners 16u are heading here to take on the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u on April 10-11 for three weekend games at the Pepsi Arena here on North Rancho Drive…..

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Our Monday readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

Breaker – Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin has signed for two more seasons as Head Coach with ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany. “We just signed for next season in Kaufbeuren. I really feel good about our decision. We are the best team in the league the last 30 games – but remember it was a real struggle the first 15 games of the year. I’ve always believed it is not how you start, rather how you finish! We have 5 games before playoffs. I like our chances to win it all. We are led by John Lammers from Vancouver (a 3rd round Dallas Stars draft pick), Tyler Spurgeon from Edmonton (Edmonton draft pick), Branden Gracel from Calgary and Sami Blomqvist from Finland.”

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Ian Williams of Las Vegas and the Wenatchee U18AAA Wolves took part in the ECEL “Play The Beach Spring Classic” over the weekend in West Palm Beach, FL and posted a strong 2-0-2 record at the event.

The showcase opened on Thursday at 5pm for the Wolves with a hard fought 2-1 shootout loss to Elite Hockey Academy. After falling behind 1-0 in the first period, the Wolves answered quickly to tie on a goal by Rylan Marcum with the helper from Andrew Alonzo. “The play from both teams was pretty even throughout the game. We had some good looks, they had some good looks, but we couldn’t find the back of the net”, reported Development Teams Coach Jordan McTaggart. “Both teams had six Power Plays. I think you could say both teams weren’t too happy to give up that many power plays and for us to not score with the man advantage makes it hard to win games.” Coach McTaggart applauded a good overall team effort, and one player in particular stood out for him. “ (Goalie) Braeden Bovey again was our best player; he might have made one of the best gloves saves I have seen in a midget game in a long time.” In the shootout Elite Hockey scored once and it was enough to lock down the win. Back at it bright and early with an 8a faceoff with the Washington Little Caps. Wenatchee got off to a quick start. “We scored the 2nd shift of the game and then sat back and let them dictate the play the first half. Down 3-1 going into the second half (following the ice cut) we came out hard and went up 4-3. They tied it up late in the game to force OT”, said Coach McTaggart. The Little Caps nabbed a 5-4 win with an overtime goal. “Again, I thought we had the better of the chances but a breakdown led to their winning goal.” Wolves goals came from Rylan Marcum, Andrew Alonzo, Kai Belliveau, and Drake Flynn. Braeden Bovey was in net once again for Wenatchee, and he would play every Wolves game in the event. The line of Belliveau, Alonzo and Marcum combined for 7 points in the game.Back on the ice at 1 pm, the Wolves played a strong bounce-back game with a 6-1 win over the PHA Icemen after the tough morning loss. Coach McTaggart: “The guys came out hard and didn’t look back. Hunter Hodgson got his first of the year with a nice top-shelf shot from the point. He’s been good for us all year and it was nice to see him finally get rewarded with one.”

Other Wenatchee goals came from Ian Williams (x2) of Las Vegas, Andrew Alonzo, Kai Belliveau, and Rylan Marcum with Braeden Bovey earning the win.Wenatchee’s showcase slate concluded with a convincing 5-1 win over the 95 Giants (from Attleboro, MA) at 8am on Saturday. Drake Flynn pumped in a pair, with additional goals scored by Kai Belliveau, Jake Measel, and Andrew Alonzo. Goalie Braeden Bovey closed out the week with a sub 2.00 GAA.  

“It was a great way to end the weekend for the Wolves”, claimed Coach McTaggart. “The line of Alonzo, Belliveau, and Marcum took a big step forward and was dominant all weekend long. Bovey again stood tall for us when we got into penalty trouble. Coming away with 6 out of a possible 8 points made for a pretty good first ECEL showcase and hopefully, we can take that momentum into next weekend.”

Next weekend Coach McTaggart referenced has the Wolves visiting the Northwest Stars on Saturday March 27 in Lynnwood, WA for Game 1 of a Best-of-Three schedule. Games 2 and 3 return to the iFiber Rink at Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee on Friday April 2 (5:30p) and Saturday April 3 (9:00a). Both teams are slated to advance to the Tier I Pacific District Tournament to be held in Phoenix April 8-11. The best-of-three will determine seeding as the teams advance.The games in Wenatchee will be streamed live here: https://bit.ly/U18WolvesLive

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Pittsburgh – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins was back on the ice Monday night in a 2-1 win over the visiting New York Islanders. Jason, wearing his famous #16 jersey, had one shot on goal. Weeks ago Jason had a lower body injury during a game and was placed on a long term injured reserve list. Jason, a 14-time Vegas Hockey Player of the Year, played on the second line with Jared McCann and Evan Rodrigues. The win raised the Penguins season record to 23-11-2. Next on Jason’s schedule: the Penguins have a two-game road series in Boston.

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Update – Matt Johnson’s AAA Tier 1 Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will have tryouts May 22-23 at City National Arena. Tryout dates will be announced for the Wally Lacroix-coached AAA Tier Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u – those tryouts when announced will also be at City National Arena. Players will register on the Vegas Jr Golden Knights hockey website.

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Las Vegas – Massive breaking news today – The Vegas Jr Golden Knights announced they will play on the AAA/Tier 1 level in 2021-22 season with games at the City National Arena. Matt Johnson will coach the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, Wally Lacroix will coach the AAA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u. There is tryout information posted on the Vegas Jr Golden Knights hockey website. The last AAA Tier 1 team here was coached by Rob Pallin whose AAA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u went 33-24-5, won the Vancouver Sun Classic tournament, went 2-2-1 at the Tier One Pacific District Championships including a historic 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in Fairbanks. Cody Morin was the top goal scorer for the Mustangs during that season. The AAA Las Vegas Mustangs played at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Later, Gage Quinney of Las Vegas skated on an 2012-13 AAA Las Vegas Storm 18u team which played home games at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Ave. Gage was signed by the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and is playing with their AHL affiliate team – the AHL Henderson Silver Knights who play home games at the The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue here in town.===

Sunday, March 28, 2021 – This weekend is the final regular season games in the NA3HL. Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas is on the roster of the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers who are 28-7-2 and have clinched a playoff spot. Anthony and Oklahoma City close out their regular season today in a road game vs the NA3HL Louisana Drillers at the Planet Ice Arena in Lafayette, La.….Best Stat of the Day – Gage Quinney, Las Vegas, AHL Henderson Silver Knights – 7 goals, 5 assists, 12 points, +6 on the ice

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Saturday, March 27, 2021

Here are the weekend game scores for the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. All game were at the St Peters Rec-Plex in Missouri

Friday (Final Score) – AA Anaheim Ice Dogs 16u (17-9-5) 4, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2

Saturday – AA Nashville Jr Predators 16u 5, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2

Sunday – AA New Mexico Ice Wolves 16u (6-3-0) 3, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

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The 2020-21 Hockey Season is over for these Las Vegas Players Away from Home

Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

Vito Carlo, NCAA D3 Franklin Pierce University

Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Rockers

Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

Tristan Nelson, USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones

Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Hampton Roads Whalers

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Here is the #1 most searched story of all-time on Vegashockey.net, a story which is searched here every single day. The photos are somewhere in cyberspace but here is the story we filed that day – we will never forget the greatest games at the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena.  The “Hockey Sister” playing music was Jessica Jasek, sister of big goal scorer Josh Jasek. The Hockey Sister was the first to play rock music at the big games – Lee

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Coach Matt Johnson with the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u is No. 1 Most Searched today.

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How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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May 17, 2004 – 17 Seasons Ago…

SPECIAL REPORT: SANTA FE STATION ICE ARENA IS HISTORY…

By Lee Samuels

LAS VEGAS – That’s it. It’s all over at the Santa Fe Ice Arena.

The figure skaters whirled about at center ice. The hockey skaters, in multi-colored jerseys, did laps around the outside lanes. Rinkboard parents sipped coffee in paper cups and were bunched near the south end. The music was nice and loud.

And all of a sudden, at 4:00 pm, it was over.

There will be no more skating at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena which has been opened since 1991.

No more enemy teams coming in. No more big hockey tournaments with those invading, imposing, hard-hitting AAA teams in town. No more Buddy Caron on the Zamboni. No more clanging gates. No more Hockey Sister spinning CDs at faceoffs. No more heading to the Food Court and asking for a slice of the good stuff from Village Pizza. No more walking to Starbucks for a pre-game cup.

Even the big Pepsi scoreboard was dark.

Rink manager Rob Pallin, wearing his new Fiesta Ice Arena Manager badge, proudly showed off new blueprints of the new rink which will open on Rancho Drive this fall.

John J. James, general manager of the Fiesta, said the Santa Fe rinkboards, the thick rink glass and one Zamboni will be heading to a rink in Utah.

And the sheet of ice?

“There are 30,000 gallons of water out there,” said James, peering through the rink glass and looking at the sheet of ice. “So you have start shaving down the ice maybe a half-inch at a time, then begin to melt it down.”

It’s a process which will begin in a day or two.

Meanwhile, no more ice time is scheduled.

“The sign company YesCo will take down the Santa Fe scoreboard and take it to the Fiesta,” James said. “We’ve bought a new Zamboni and we’re taking one from here. We plan to get a front-loader, lift the Zamboni and drive it over to the Fiesta.”

Pallin will work out of his office here for the next several weeks before heading to the Fiesta.

“So many things to do,” said Rob. “We’re in a shutdown phase and we need to move a lot of things to the new arena.”

The banners, including the coveted, giant 2001-02 Mustangs Pacific District Champions one, have been taken down and carefully packed.

“The Fiesta is going to a vibrant, brilliant ice arena,” said James, speaking to the rinkboard parents. “We are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a snack bar. Wait until you see it. We will have a community trophy case, on the right side as you walk in. We will have a First Aid Station. We will have 500 seats in the bleachers. The new Arcade will have 23 machines. Hot coffee? We have a contract with Boyd’s and it’s good stuff.

“We’ve got new nets coming in too,” James added.

Still, for many rinkboard parents, who huddled about making small talk here, the rink closure is a total shock.

We’ve been coming into this ice-cold, refrigerator-like arena for years, for practices and for games.

When the Final Skate was almost over, Tanya Root – a Team Mom for so many hockey teams here – took one last look towards the ice and said “I’m heading for Starbucks in the casino…..for one last cup.”

Final Rinkboard Notebook at the Santa Fe – There were over 100 skaters on the ice….then, some of the older skaters stayed over for a pickup game. Sammy Micco was the goalie….Chris Francis, Ryan Krametbauer, Eddie Del Grosso, Eddie Samuels, Josh Odoms, Chad Butcher, Sean Stackhouse, Jeff Root were among those on the ice…Also skating was coach Rob who actually looked pretty sharp….

In the bleachers, for the record, Patty DeGrosso was the last to take photographs….

There are 3 men’s leagues games scheduled to start at 6:00, 7:30 and 9:00 pm Sunday and that’s it – no more games at the Santa Fe….

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021

By Bethany Drysdale

This past weekend, the Ft Wayne Komets came to Charleston, South Carolina for the first time in 14 seasons. As soon as tickets went on sale, we purchased four seats behind the Ft Wayne bench for two very specific reasons… Zach Pachiro and Brandon Hawkins. Vegas fans are probably familiar with Zach, since he is a local. Brandon is also a good friend of ours, playing previously with Bowling Green State University, Wheeling Nailers, and WBS Penguins. He was signed to play with the Toledo Walleye, but when they opted out of the season, Brandon signed with the Komets. Zach and Brandon are the one-two punch for the Western Conference leading ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. Zach leads the Komets with 9 goals and 3 assists this year. While Brandon has 7 goals and 5 assists in their 17 games played.

            Friday night, we witnessed Zach score the lone Komets’ goal in the second period. Although they lost to the Stingrays, my kids did not even notice the score. When Zach scored and came back to the bench, we waved to him and he pointed to the boys. They felt so important, because Zach noticed them. The whole evening was very special to us, as we came home with a broken goalie stick, a stick blade from team captain AJ Jenks, and 2 warm up pucks from Brandon.

            We watched most of Saturday and Sunday’s games online, since we had to be in Pineville, North Carolina for our own mites games. Zach played very well. After being checked in the back by a Rays’ player in the 2^nd period of Saturday’s game, Zach let the fists fly. Firing up the Komets’ bench, Zach tried to get some momentum going. Down 4-0 in the third period, Brandon Hawkins scored the first Ft Wayne goal of the game. It would be the only Komet goal as they lost their second game of the weekend 5-1.

            Sunday afternoon, the final game of a 6 game road trip (3 in South Carolina), the Komets struggled once again on the power play. It was Brandon Hawkins getting the boys on the board with 18 seconds left in the first period. Tensions were high all weekend, with multiple fights and penalties. Although the Komets scored 1 more goal Sunday in the third period, it was not enough for the win and dropped their 3^rd straight to the Stingrays.

Zach led the team with ice time and was giving it his all each shift. He’s a strong skater who can see pucks into tight spots for quick goals. When hockey gets back to normal, look for Zach to get a call-up to Henderson next season. He has the talent and mindset to make it to the AHL. For more about Zach, watch the interview video of him by Kat Craner, Christina Oka and Shannon Walker on youtube. Same goes for Brandon Hawkins. If you have not been following him, keep an eye on number 7, because he will be another AHL regular next season. And personally I hope he stays with the Golden Knights system, we sure could use the speedy winger in Henderson.

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Monday Games

USPHL Premier/Elite Nationals Gold Medal games Chesapeake, Va

USPHL Nationals Premier

Gold Medal Game

Charlotte Rush 2, Florida Eels 0

USPHL Nationals Elite

Gold Medal Game

Charlotte Rush 6, Charlotte Colonials 5

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Sunday Games

Las Vegas – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas dealt two assists and was +2 on the ice for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights in a 4-0 win over the San Jose Barracuda Sunday at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue. The great Las Vegas official Ryan Townsend was a linesman in this game. The crowd was 1533.

//Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin, head coach of ESV Kaufburen in Germany – said today “…we have our best record 17-3-0 in our last 20 games. We keep climbing in our standings with eight games to play.”

2020-21 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 47 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 45 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 18 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose; 18 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 18 -Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 15 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 12 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Tulsa Oilers; 11 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 7 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 6 -Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 5 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood; 3 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs; 2 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers; 2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club; 2 – Tristan Nelson, USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones; 2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners; – 1 – Vito Carlo, University of Franklin Pierce; 1 -Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State; 1 – Jo Jo Heinzelman, AAA Northern Cyclones 18u; 1-Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits; 1 -Noah Smejkal, NA3HL Northeast Generals; 1 – Tyler Owens, USPHL Premier Midwest Blackbirds; 1 -Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday, March 21, 2021

USPHL Nationals Premier Final 4 – Chesapeake, Va

Florida Eels 4, Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes 1

//Season comes to a close for Aidan McNabb whose team Carolina Jr Hurricanes had an awesome run at the USPHL Premier Nationals.

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USPHL Nationals Elite Final 4 – Chesapeake, Va

Final Score – Charlotte Rush 4, Tristan Nelson of Las Vegas and Northern Cyclones 1

https://www.usphl.com/view#/game-summary/15187

An amazing season and a deep playoff run comes to a close for the all-heart Tristan Nelson of Las Vegas

Final Score – Charleston Colonials 5 Richmond Generals 3

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Breaker – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Henderson Silver Knights dealt an assist to linemate Ben Jones who scored in a 5-2 win over the visiting San Jose Barracuda on Saturday night before 1533 at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue.

Saturday Scores

In a staggering development Tristan Nelson dealt two assists for the Northern Cyclones of New Hampshire who rocked the Jersey Hitman 6-0 to advance to the USPHL Elite Final 4 on Sunday in Chesapeake, Va. Tristan and the Northern Cyclones will take on the Charlotte Rush on Sunday.

Saturday – USPHL Premier Nationals – Chesapeake, Va

Final Score – Fresno Monsters 8, Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and Minnesota Moose 6

//Hunter had an assist on Minnesota’s 5th goal

Final Score – Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes 5, Toledo Cherokee 2

//Aidan and the Carolina Jr Hurricanes move on to the Final 4 on Sunday

Final Scores

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored his 18th goal for the Atlanta Capitals in a 4-1 road win over Louisana Drillers.

AA 16u

Game One on Saturday – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 5, AA Orange County HC 16u 2 @Pepsi Arena

Game Two on Saturday – AA Tri Valley Blues Devils 16u 2, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 1

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Friday Scores

//Gillette, Wyoming – Star goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks had 41 saves in a 3-2 win over a very strong Gillette Wild team here on Friday night. Luke this season has a 10-1-0 record with a 2.21 gaa and a 91.3% save percentage.

//That was John Purdy of Las Vegas who blasted a rocket of a shot for the first goal of the game for the Pokey Reddick-coached Faith Lutheran HS Varsity D1 Crusaders in a sold out game vs the Horizon Huskies Varsity D1 from Phoenix on Friday evening at the City National Arena. Faith Lutheran goalie Joey Hallett had a solid night between the pipes allowing just 2 goals on 26 shots. Purdy had two goals, Ean Vitz scored, defenseman Andrew Thornton scored, followed by goals from Danny Ruettiger, then Dominic Shur scored assisted by Andrew Thornton. Faith Lutheran HS Varsity D1 won 6-3 in front of a jammed arena.

It is easy to report scores and game highlights – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Las Vegas – The Pokey Reddick-coached Faith Lutheran Varsity Division 1 Crusaders will play their first homestand in over a year this Friday night at City National Arena against the Horizon Huskies Varsity D1 from Phoenix. Faith has skated every game on the road this season traveling to Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Texas, compiling a 18-5-5 record.
Friday nights game at CNA sold out in less that 1 hour. A very small handful of tickets has been saved for giveaway. If interested, email flhshockey@gmail.com with your contact information and the # of tickets you are requesting to join the waiting list. Here is a live video link for tonights game.

https://www.cih-media.com/watch-live

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Saturday Games@USPHL Premier Nationals in Chesapeake, Va

Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and Minnesota Moose vs Fresno Monsters

Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes vs Toledo Cherokee

Saturday Game@USPHL Elite Nationals in Chesapeake, Va

Tristan Nelson of Las Vegas and USPHL Northern Cyclones 6, Jersey Hitman 0

Friday Games @USPHL Premier Nationals in Chesapeake, Va

Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and Minnesota Moose vs Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes

Final – Hunter Barto and Minnesota Moose 3, Aidan McNabb and Carolina Jr Hurricanes 2

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Friday game – Tristan Nelson Las Vegas and USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones vs Tampa Bay Juniors

Final in Overtime – It was a 2-2 OT final score

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Thursday Games @ USPHL Premier Nationals in Chesapeake, Va.

Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and the USHL Premier Minnesota Moose and Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes each begin play today – Thursday, March 18 – in the USPHL Premier Nationals in Cheasapeake, Va.

//Final – Toledo Cherokee 4, Hunter Barto and Minnesota Moose 2

//Final – Aidan McNabb and Carolina Jr Hurricanes 8, Fresno Monsters 6 – Aidan one assist

Tristan Nelson of Las Vegas is playing with the USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones which are also in action at the USPHL Nationals. The Northern Cyclones are based in Hudson, New Hampshire. Tristan and the Northern Cyclones will take on the Richmond Generals today.

//Final – Richmond Generals 4, Tristan Nelson and Northern Cyclones 3 – Tristan Nelson two assists

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Weekend Home Games for the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Friday, March 19 – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 4, AA Tri Valley Blue Devils 16u 0

Saturday, March 20- AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 5, AA Orange County HC 16u 2

Saturday, March 20 – vs AA Tri-Valley Blue Devils 16u from Dublin, Ca

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VEGAS HOCKEY FLASHBACK STORY – EIGHT SEASONS AGO

Flashback – November 8, 2013

In seven games Jason Zucker of Las Vegas has 3 goals, 3 assists for AHL Iowa Wild who are on the road tonight vs the Rockford Ice Hogs in Illinois

The ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers are off to a slow start, but not like the Bakersfield Condors, 0-6-1. The Condors signed vet goalie Andy Chiodo, 30, to help turn their season the right way. The ironry of this is that the Condors are one of the best marketed teams in hockey, averaging 5,440 fans each home game.  Las Vegas is at Bakersfield on Saturday night.

Chris Jones, Brandon Beebe and Tyler Wilson were the goal scorers for UNLV Rebels in that 3-3 tie against the Santa Clara Broncos last Sunday. It was the first UNLV game at the Ice Center on Flamingo Drive.  Kyle Kimsey was in the net for UNLV.  Tonight, UNLV travels to take on Loyola-Marymount in a two-game weekend series. LMU, like most skilled teams, is very tough on its home ice in Bay Harbor, California. LMU 8-6-0, UNLV goes in with a record of 4-3-1.

Hockey dad Steve Allen of Las Vegas checks in, noting son Jason — who years ago played for the AAA L.A. Jr Kings, AAA San Diego Jr Gulls and AAA Las Vegas Rebels – is now in Wyoming and still hits the ice at local arenas to shake out his game. Yes, Steve reads Vegashockey.net each and every day.

Beau Dommer of Utah is one of leaders in most goals, assists for the AAA Colorado Thunderbirds 18u this season.

AAA Las Vegas Storm alum CJ Stubbs of Utah 2 goals, 5 assists for the CCHL Hawkesbury Hawks in Canada.

There is pro roller action this weekend. On Saturday, the Las Vegas Battalions play at the new roller rink in town at 3585 West Diablo (near Russell and Valley View), taking on the OC Cowboys 3 pm, SJC Bullies 5:30 pm and the Anaheim Bullfrogs 8:50 pm.

The Battalions roster includes star skaters Micah Sanford, Nick Robone, Billy Tufano, Andrew Tamura, Shawn Pearson, Axle Anderton plus three players from Arizona. The goalies are Terry Martin and Eric Hernandez.

Roller player Alex Wilson’s grandmother GG recovering nicely from replacement hip surgery. She has watched Alex’s games while at the rinkboards at Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive for years.

The teams which get the most hits and views here on Vegashockey.net are Anthony Greener’s AA Las Vegas Jr Wranglers 18u and the UNLV Rebels roller team which is off to a big 7-3-0 start in Division One college.  There is a huge roller readership here.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Two Las Vegas players – Hunter Barto of the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose and Aidan McNabb of the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes – have advanced to the USPHL Premier Nationals. Here is their game schedules.

Hunter Barto, Las Vegas, USPHL Minnesota Moose @ USPHL Premier Nationals

Thursday, March 18 – Minnesota Moose vs Toledo Cherokee @Chilled Ponds Sentara Healthcare Rink, Chesapeake, Va

Friday, March 19 – Minnesota Moose vs Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes @Chilled Ponds Optima Rink, Chesapeake, Va

Saturday, March 20 – Minnesota Moose vs Fresno Monsters @Chilled Ponds Optima Rink, Chesapeake, Va.

Aidan McNabb, Las Vegas, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

Thursday, March 18 – Carolina Jr Hurricanes vs Fresno Monsters @Chilled Ponds Optima Rink, Chesapeake, Va

Friday, March 19 – Carolina Jr Hurricanes vs Hunter Barto and Minnesota Moose @Chilled Ponds Optima Rink, Chesapeake, Va.

Saturday, March 20 – Carolina Jr Hurricanes vs Toledo Cherokee @Chilled Ponds Sentara Rink, Chesapeake, Va.

After these games, teams will be seeded and eliminator games will be scheduled.

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2020-21 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 33 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 18 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose; 18 – Moore Gunner NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 18 -Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 8 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 7 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 6 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Tulsa Oilers; 6 -Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 4 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood; 2 Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers; 2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club; 2 – Tristan Nelson, USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones; 1 – Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs; 1 – Vito Carlo, University of Franklin Pierce; 1 -Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State; 1 -Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits; 1 – Noah Smejkal, NA3HL Northeast Generals; 1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers

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Sunday Game

Irvine, Ca. – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas dealt a game-winning assist to linemate Jimmy Schuldt who scored the decisive goal for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights who beat the AHL San Diego Gulls 3-2 here Sunday at the Five Point Arena @ Great Park Ice.

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Best Tweet of the Day

lasvegastbirds@lasvegastbirds – Thank you to everyone who made the Las Vegas T-Birds 20-21 season possible. Even though we played 36 of our 42 games on the road, we finished 27-13-2! #gotbirds#vegashockey#usph

Breaker – Las Vegas goal scorer Hunter Barto and the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose are one win away to go to the USPHL Premier Nationals. The Minnesota Moose and the Hudson Havoc are tied 1-1 in their Best of Three. On Sunday night the two teams play in their tiebreaker with the winning team to advance. The game is at the Spooner Civic Center in Wisconsin.

Two days ago Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes qualified for the Nationals.

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The Pokey Reddick-coached Faith Lutheran Varsity Division 1 Crusaders will play their first homestand in over a year this Friday night at City National Arena against the Horizon Huskies Varsity D1 from Phoenix. Faith has skated every game on the road this season traveling to Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Texas, compiling a 18-5-5 record.
Friday nights game at CNA sold out in less that 1 hour. A very small handful of tickets has been saved for giveaway. If interested, email flhshockey@gmail.com with your contact information and the # of tickets you are requesting to join the waiting list.
The game will also be broadcast via live stream with play by play call, the link will be distributed early next week and will be on vegashockey.net as well.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Breaker – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas scored his 7th goal of the season for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights during a 4-2 road loss to the Ontario Reign on Saturday at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, Ca.

Portland, Maine – Vito Carlo of Las Vegas and NCAA Franklin Pierce University scored his first goal in collegiate hockey on Saturday night. “It sure felt amazing,” he said. In this road game Franklin Pierce University lost 6-4 to the University of New England.

Buffalo – Big game scorer Mike Yochum of Las Vegas scored 3 goals for ACHA D1 Canisus in an 8-3 win over Mercyhurst today at the HarborCentre Ice Arena. Mike, a junior, has 4 goals this season. He is one of the captains for Canisus. Next week Mike and ACHA D1 Cansisus take on the University of Buffalo.

Breaker – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas dealt the game-winning assist dealing a pass to linemate Jonah Berstrom who scored in OT as the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose beat the Hudson Havoc 2-1 on Friday evening. This was Game One of a Best of Three playoff series at the Spooner Civic Center in Wisconsin. The two teams play again Saturday and the winner of this series advances to the USPHL Premier Nationals. On Saturday, the Hudson Havoc won 2-1 in OT over the Hunter Barto and Minnesota Moose.

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Friday, March 12, 2021

Here is a deserving salute to the Las Vegas Thunderbirds 20 year olds who have graduated from junior hockey.

Steven Avalone

Brett Castanguay

Darion Conaway

Jeremiah DeValk

Ethan Knutsen

Anthony Seykora

Tanner Turcotte 

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NARCh Update – California Specific,

We are getting many questions daily about our events in California, as the state has been very slow/cautious to reopen.  Thankfully, that is now changing due to a multitude of positive reasons.

If your team is from outside California and has been hesitant about the NARCh FINALS happening, we feel safe saying the NARCh FINALS are 100% going to happen in July.  Start your preparation to travel to an amazing NARCh FINALS Experience that your team will never forget!   The block schedule and host hotel info can be found here – Finals Info

Coming up quickly is our NARCh Regional Qualifier set for Irvine on April 22^nd-25^th.  (Local teams will start Thursday afternoon/evening, out of town teams will start Friday Morning).   This tournament will 100% happen, with one caveat.   We are hoping to use The Rinks in Irvine as our main facility with Corona Inline for overflow.  If for some reason we are not able to use Irvine, the event will strictly be in Corona.

If this happens, we can only fit 65 teams in the tournament, which is just over half the size of our typical Irvine Qualifier with 120 teams.  What that means is that many teams in California that have been waiting for California to open are going to miss out on this tournament due to the simple fact that we don’t have room/rink time.  

We already have many teams registered.  If you are planning to play in this tournament regardless of whether it’s in Irvine or Corona, we suggest YOU REGISTER NOW!  Tournament Registration.  No guarantees on getting in if you don’t.

Having said that, we are hopeful that Irvine is open, and we can also use Corona and accommodate all teams.   We will likely have a firm answer on this next week.

An additional sign of California heading in the right direction, SD Inline Hockey just got word that they can resume their league play with games in San Diego.   This is a 2-rink facility in Escondido owned and operated by the City of Escondido.   A great sign, and also the facility for our tournament on May 14^th-16^th.  

We have never been more excited and energized about the future of NARCh and hope that your team is planning on participating in an event soon, as well as the ’21 NARCh FINALS!

NARCh Staff

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Big game goal scorer Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose begin a best of three series with the Hudson Havoc today at the Spooner Civic Center in Wisconsin. The winner of this series advances to the USPHL Nationals. Barto has had an awesome season with 16 goals, 28 assists for 44 points. Game time tonight is 7 pm central.

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Thursday Game

USPHL Premier Pacific Division Gold Medal Game @Gateway Ice Arena, Fresno

Thursday Final Score – Fresno Monsters 7, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 2

Las Vegas goal – Braden Husby 18th

Las Vegas goal – Ethan Knutsen 18th from Peyton Kelly, Heath Mensch

Shots Fresno 37-35

Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi; Fresno goalie – Knute Loe

Fresno – On Wednesday in Game One of the USPHL Premier Pacific Division playoffs goalie Anthony Bonaldi got a shutout win for the Las Vegas Thunderbirds who beat the Anaheim Avalanche 4-0 here at the Gateway Ice Center. The T-Birds will next play the Fresno Monsters who beat the San Diego Sabers 6-2 in a Pacific Division Final Four game here on Wednesday.

The big gold medal Pacific Division regional game – Las Vegas Thunderbirds vs Fresno Monsters – is set at the Gateway Ice Center for 2 pm today – Thursday – and the winning team – either the Thunderbirds or the Fresno Monsters – will advance to the USPHL Premier Nationals.

Las Vegas goals in order on Wednesday – Braden Husby 17th from Keith Shenkel, Nate Mohr; Arik Altman 14th from Steven Avalone, Peyton Kelly – powerplay; Arik Altman 15th from Steven Avalone – short-handed; Ethan Knutsen 17th from Peyton Kelly, Francois Breton. Las Vegas raised its season record to 26-13-2.

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Fresno – The Countdown Clock is Ticking for the powerful USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds who go into playoff action today – Wednesday – in Fresno. The T-Birds in their first game will take on the USPHL Premier Anaheim Avalanche at the Gateway Ice Arena. Game time for the Thunderbirds is 4:30 pm pacific. In the opposite bracket the Fresno Monsters later in the day will face the San Diego Sabers. The winners of these two games play on Thursday – and that winner advances to the USPHL Premier U.S. Nationals. During the regular season the Fresno Monsters had a record of 28-10-1, Las Vegas was 25-13-2.

Las Vegas Thunderbirds goal scorers this season – 32 goals – Nate Mohr, 20 – Keith Shenkel, 18- Braden Husby; 18 – Ethan Knutsen, 17 – Heath Mensch, 15 – Trey Ponto, 15 – Arik Altman, 13 – Francois Breton, 12 – Brett Castonguay, 11 – AJ Lackas, 8 – Mark Kurliandchyk, 7 – Austin Kerridge, 6 – Steven Avalone, 5 – Cole Senum, 4 – Nick Bonaldi, 4 – Tanner Turcotte, 3 – Anthony Juric, 2 – Nick Dufek, 2 – Caden Thorne, 2 – Petr Teuber, 1 – Jack Boyd, 1 – Trent Carter, 1 – Andre Cervantes, 1 – Darion Conaway, 1 – Kevin Hanly, 1 – Peyton Kelly, 1 – Mark Nowag

Thunderbirds General Manager – Adam Bonaldi; Head Coach – Dave Hrysky

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2020-21 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 33 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 17 – Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 17 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose; 17 -Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 8 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 7 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 6 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Indy Fuel; 5 -Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 4 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood; 2 Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers; 2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club; 1 – Vito Carlo, University of Franklin Pierce; 1 -Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State; 1 -Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits; 1 – Noah Smejkal, NA3HL Northeast Generals; 1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers

To add here, revise or update send to leesamuels07@aol.com

VEGAS JR. GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Vegas Jr Golden Knights Essay Contest
The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights are offering an “end of the season” essay contest as a creative
outlet for players to express how hockey has impacted their lives and communities during the
Covid-19 pandemic. The contest is open to all members of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights travel
teams. There will be a winner and runner-up from each age division (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and
HS).
Entrants should select from the following themes:
• Team – When you play on a team, you look out for and help each other. During the
pandemic, you may have made a different team with your family or friends in your
neighborhood. Write about your new team and how you have helped each other.
• What Sports Mean to Me – Everyone plays hockey for a reason. Tell the reader what
hockey means to you and why you play the game.
• Use Your Voice – Many professional athletes use their voices to share their thoughts on
how to make the world a better place to live in. If you had the platform of a professional
athlete, what message would you share and why?
Guidelines:
Essays will be judged by the following criteria.
• Writing – proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Organization – the writing flows logically with clear structure.
• Content – subject is discussed clearly, fully and matches topic.
All entries must be original works at least 400 and 600 words in length. Each entry must have a
cover page with the title of the work, the author’s name, full mailing address, telephone number
and email address. Entries can be hand-written or typed. By submitting an essay, a parent or
teacher of the author certifies that the essay represents the independent work of the child.
One winner and one runner up will be selected from each age group to be featured on our website.
The winner from each age group will also receive a complimentary pass to a VJGK clinic.
Entries must be submitted by March 31, 2021 to Brian Salcido via email to….

bsalcido@hendersonsilverknights.com

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‘Late Skate’ painting by Terence Fogarty, Minnesota

Monday, March 8, 2021

Flash Update – Gia Avalone of Las Vegas has committed to the NCAA D3 Adrian College women’s ice hockey team beginning with the 2021-22 season. She is the sister of star defenseman Steven Avalone of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds. Gia is a premier player who has played high level hockey for years most recently with the AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks ice hockey team. Adrian College is located in Adrian, Michigan.

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Monday, March 8, 2021 – Breaking News – the USPHL Premier announced that the powerful USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds will go into playoff action beginning Wednesday at the Gateway Ice Arena in Fresno. There are four teams in the Pacific Division. Las Vegas will take on the San Diego Sabers 4:30 pm pacific, the Fresno Monsters take on the Anaheim Avalanche at the same rink at 7:45 pm. The two winning teams will play Thursday 2 pm at the Gateway Ice Arena. The winning team advances to the USPHL Premier Nationals.

Sunday Game

Final Score – Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes 3, Richmond Generals 2 OT @ Extreme Ice Main Rink – ‘Carolina’s Premier Ice Skating Facility.’ Aidan and the Carolina Jr Hurricanes advance in the tournanament. Aidan in 2016-17 played for the AAA Las Vegas Storm 16u and the following season for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm junior hockey team. Both of those teams were at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

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Weekend Goal Scorers – 3 – Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights; 1 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

Saturday Scores

AHL

Final – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and AHL Henderson Silver Knights win 4-1 over Colorado Eagles

NCAA

Final – UMASS Dartmouth 4, Vito Carlo and NCAA Franklin Pierce 2 @Jason Ritchie Arena, Rindge, N.H.

USPHL Premier

Final – Aidan McNabb one assist for Carolina Jr Hurricanes 5, Richmond Generals 2

Best of Three playoff series is tied 1-1

Final – Hunter Barto and Minnesota Moose 5, Rum River Mallards 1

//Hunter and the Minnesota Moose advance to the next round of playoffs

Friday Games

AHL

Gage Quinney and AHL Henderson Silver Knights at Colorado Eagles

//Final score – Gage Quinney 3 goals – his 4th, 5th, 6th of the season to help Silver Knights win 4-2 at Colorado

USPHL Premier – Playoff Games – First Round, Best of Three

Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and Minnesota Moose vs Rum River Mallards

//Final – Hunter Barto 1 goal, 3 assists, Minnesota wins 7-1 at the Spooner Ice Arena in Wisconsin

Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and Carolina Jr Hurricanes vs Richmond Generals

//Aidan McNabb one assist; Richmond Generals win 5-4 in OT

Cameron Sylvester of Las Vegas and Hampton Roads Whalers vs Charlotte Rush

//Charlotte Rush wins

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Most searched today – ‘My Biggest Goal’ by Nick Robone….Jason Zucker, Gage Quinney, Hunter Barto, Ian Williams, Wally Lacroix, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u; big game goal scorer Nate Mohr of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds; Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin in Germany with his team ESV Kaufburen, star goalie Anthony Bonaldi of the USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds, Ash Printzen, Steven Avalone, star defenseman for USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds; ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas …The 1999-2000 Triple Threat Line – Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely – with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive in Las Vegas ... Hockey coach Matt Johnson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u….. Gia Avalone…..the one and only Johnny Gold who plays with a pure gold hockey stick with honing devices for goal scoring.…Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen who was vaporized by the Genius in a summertime story over at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive. Steve said “it didn’t hurt that much and we did find our reading glasses.”…..We are looking for the whereabouts of Chris Francis….email me leesamuels07@aol.com

Sunday Game…

Fresno, California – It came down to the last moments of the game – with the clock ticking down the USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters scored to beat the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4-3 in an ultra-heated game involving division leaders here Sunday in a late afternoon game at the Gateway Ice Center. Las Vegas awesome goalie Anthony Bonaldi was in net all three games. The Thunderbirds won two out the three games over Fresno this weekend.

T-Birds goals in order – LV Francois Breton 13th from Arik Altman, Steven Avalone – powerplay; LV – Nick Bonaldi 4th from Ethan Knutsen; LV – Cole Senum 5th from Francois Breton – short-handed.

//Elsewhere today Sunday goals – Gunner Moore, 16th, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

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Saturday February 27, 2021 – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas scored his 3rd goal of the season for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights in a 4-2 win over the San Diego Gulls at The Orleans Arena here on Tropicana Avenue. Gage grew up playing youth hockey over at the Las Vegas Ice Center. He is a very popular hometown goal scorer …..Also tonight the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds go into a return game against their greatest rival – the Fresno Monsters at the Gateway Ice Arena in Fresno. Fresno has a season record of 24-10- 0, the T-Birds are 22-11-0.

Saturday from Fresno Final Score in OT- Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4, Fresno Monsters 3……LV goal – Ethan Knutsen 16th from Peyton Kelly, Steven Avalone; LV goal Cole Senum 4th from Francois Breton, Ethan Knutsen; LV goal goal Ethan Knutsen 17th from Francois Breton, Darion Conaway; LV goal Keith Shenkel 19th from Steven Avalone — Thunderbirds goalie – Anthony Bonaldi wins for second straight night.

Las Vegas Thunderbirds weekend goal scorers – 3 – Colen Senum; 2- Brett Castonguay; 2 – Ethan Knutsen, 1 – Nick Bonaldi; 1 – Francois Breton; 1 – Arik Altman; 1 – Mark Kurliandchyk; 1 – Keith Shenkel; Thunderbirds goalie Anthony Bonaldi 2 wins

Elsewhere Saturday night Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas and ECHL Fort Wayne Komets scored 2 goals in a 8-1 win over the Indy Fuel at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. There were three Las Vegas players in this game – Zach, plus Joe Sullivan and Michael McNicholas with the Indy Fuel….Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored his 15th goal, dealt an assist and was +1 on the ice for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals who beat the MidCities Jr Stars 6-0 at the Duluth Ice Forum in Georgia.…Hunter Barto of Las Vegas dealt two assists for the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose in a 7-2 win over Minnesota Blue Ox. Hunter this season had 16 goals, 28 assists for 44 points.

Report scores and highlights to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday Flash Final Score – – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 5, Fresno Monsters 1—- Scoring – LV – Arik Altman 13th from Heath Mensch; LV – Brett Castonguay 10th from Mark Kurilandchyk, Francois Breton; LV – Cole Senum 3rd from Nate Mohr – powerplay; LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 4th from Francois Breton; LV – Brett Castonguay 11th from Cole Senum– LV goalie Anthony Bonaldi awesome in net with 33 saves for T-Birds

Elsewhere on Friday – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas scored his 16th goal of the season for the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose in an 11-2 win over the Rochester Vipers.

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2020-21 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 33 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 17 – Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 17 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 16 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose; 13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 8 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 6 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 5 – Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 4 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Indy Fuel; 4 – Dylan Miller, ACHA D2 Lindenwood; 2 Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Penascola Ice Flyers; 2 – Hunter Keech, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club; 1 – Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State; 1 -Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits; 1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers

How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

Vito Carlo of Las Vegas – a freshman at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire – and his teammates are awaiting the invasion of Dartmouth University next week – Thursday evening and Saturday evening – on home ice at the Jason Ritchie Arena.

“College life is awesome,” said Vito. “Days off we play 3 x 3 tournament pond hockey. It is great to be with your teammates especially during these unusual circumstances this season. Staying healthy and keeping the legs fresh is important for these next two big games.”

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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Las Vegas – In a showdown of top AHL teams Gage Quinney of Las Vegas scored for the Henderson Silver Knights who beat the San Diego Gulls 4-2 at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue on Wednesday night. The Gulls have a season record of 7-2-0, the Silver Knights raised their season record to 6-2-0.

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By Craig Thornton – After over 30 road games this season, the state of Nevada has finally given in! Faith Varsity D1 Hockey is having Opening Night, Senior Night and Closing Night all in one, Friday Night March 19th 7:30 pm at City National Arena. We have not even gone public and already ABC and NBC have requested Media credentials. It will be a sell out 100% for sure. I have already signed streaming rights for a live feed as well. 
Playing the Horizon Huskies D1 Varsity from Phoenix a 3 game series Fri/Sat/Sun.
There will be a VERY limited amount of tickets available, 100% sell out for sure, depending on how many I am allowed to let in, rumor has it to be around 300 at this point. For ticket information or to get on the ticket list email flhshockey@gmail.com, first come first serve IF we have any available to the public.
It’s going to be an electric evening.
So far our senior class, Andrew Thornton (D) has signed a letter of intent with the University or Oregon (ACHA D1) and Danny Ruettiger (F) has signed with Arizona State University as well.
Pokey Reddick has announced he will be back for his 4th season as Head Coach of the program, with Shane Hnidy and Dmetri Culkar as Asst. Coaches. We will continue as Manager of Hockey Operations for Faith Lutheran as we join the ADHSHL D1 in 2021-2022

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The NHL Pittsburgh Penquins said on Monday Las Vegas star goal scorer Jason Zucker is “still being evaluated” after he took a late-game awkward fall while on the ice in front of the Penquins bench in Sunday game. As described by the Penguins Jason’s right skate caught on Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen skate resulting in the injury. Jason is having a dynamic season skating on the Malkin line for the Penguins. Jason has 4 goals, 3 assists for 7 points ….Update – The Penguins have taken Jason Zucker back to Pittsburgh for additional medical treatment.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Zach Pochiro of the Fort Wayne Komets is the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week for Feb. 15-21.

Pochiro scored five goals in three games against Wheeling last week.

The 26-year-old scored once in both a 4-1 win on Friday and a 4-2 victory on Saturday before recording a hat trick in a 6-2 win on Sunday.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Pochiro has recorded 162 points (70g-92a) in 213 career ECHL games with Fort Wayne, Allen, Norfolk, Quad City, Alaska and Kalamazoo. During the 2018-19 season, he finished third in the league with 34 goals for Allen. Pochiro has added two assists in six career American Hockey League games with Chicago and Bakersfield.

Prior to turning pro, Pochiro recorded 147 points (61g-86a) in 169 career games with Prince George in the Western Hockey League.

On behalf of Zach Pochiro, a case of pucks will be donated to a Fort Wayne youth hockey organization by Inglasco, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000-01, Inglasco has donated more tMMASSMAhan 43,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.

Runners Up: Michael McNicholas, Indy (3 gp, 2g, 4a, 6 pts.) and Ryan Lowney, Utah (3 gp, 2g, 4a, 6 pts)

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MASSIVE OT WIN FOR COACH ROB PALLIN IN GERMANY

In an all-out stunner Branden Gracel scored three times for the Rob Pallin-coached ESV Kaufburen in an OT win over Lausitzer Fuchse on Monday in Germany. Pallin said Gracel is from Calgary, Alberta – “He played in the AJHL and then in his four seasons he had 90 points with UMass in Hockey East. Branden has 15 goals this season. The big news today also is that we have won seven out of our last 10 games.”

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//In a rare Monday game Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals today scored his 14th goal of the season in a road game vs the Texas Brahmas. Texas win 5-1 at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas.

Sunday, February 21, 2021 – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas scored the decisive goal on a powerplay for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights who beat the AHL Ontario Reign 3-2 on Sunday evening here at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, California.

Carlsbad, California – Nate Mohr scored his 29th goal, Heath Mench his 16th as the WSHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds took an 2-0 early in the game – then Braden Husby got his 14th goal, Heath Mensch’s short-handed goal was his 17th goal of the season, Braden Husby scored again – his 15th – and Francois Breton got his 12th to give the T-Birds a big 7-0 win against the San Diego Sabers on Sunday. Trey Ponto of the the T-Birds scored his 15th goal – the final goal in the game – with assists from Nick Bonaldi and Trent Carter on Sunday afternoon at IceTown Arena. Anthony Seykora was the Thunderbirds Birds goalie in this game. Seykora is from South Falls, South Dakota.

On Saturday night Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas scored his 4th goal and dealt an assist for the ECHL Indy Fuel who beat the Greenville Swamp Rabbits 4-1 on Saturday night here at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The crowd was 2257.

Saturday Late Night

Bakersfield, Calif – Gaqe Quinney of Las Vegas was in the lineup for the AHL Henderson Silver Knights against the hometown AHL Bakersfield Condors here Saturday night. Bakersfield took a 1-0 lead then added two late-game goals to win 3-0.

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LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS GUT IT OUT, WIN IN OT

Carlsbad, Ca. – Keith Shenkel scored three times and Francois Breton got an OT game-winner as the WSHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds gutted it out and won 5-4 vs the San Diego Sabers. Shenkel got his 16th, 17th and 18th goals of the season here at the Carlsbad IceTown Arena. San Diego had a 3-1 lead in this game. Shenkel fired it up for Las Vegas with his three goals, Heath Mensch – who is having an awesome season – got his 15th goal and Francois Breton scored the OT game winner. Francois, from Quebec, began this season with the USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters and then was moved to the Thunderbirds. He has 9 goals this season for Las Vegas. The T-Birds used two goalies in this game, Colin Gallamore and Anthony Seykora. Las Vegas raised its season record to 20-11-2.

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Friday Games

Carlsbad, California – Mighty goal scorer Nate Mohr of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds scored three times – his 26th, 27th, 28th – in an 8-1 win over the San Diego Sabres here at the Carlsbad Icetown on Friday night. In order the Thunderbirds scoring went like this – Nate Mohr from Nick Bonaldi; Nate Mohr from Trey Ponto; Braden Husby from Nate Mohr, Trey Ponto; Francois Breton from Brett Castongua; Nate Mohr from Darion Conaway; AJ Lackas from Nick Bonaldi; Trent Carter. Anthony Seykora was in the net for the Thunderbirds.

Also on Friday – Zach Pochiro of Las Vegas scored his 2nd goal of the season for the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets in a 4-1 win over the Wheeling Nailers at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The crowd 2943. Zach, 26, is listed at 6’1, 190.…Anthony Bonaldi, the awesome goalie for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds, was named the ‘Best Goalie of the Week’ in the USPHL Premier Pacific Division.

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Steven Avalone 11 Questions – Steven, from Las Vegas, has played at a high level as a high speed star defenseman for many seasons. We asked which of his hockey coaches and teammates helped to get him to such an elite level of the game.

    1.    I began playing ice hockey at 7 years old. I was on roller skates the first time I skated. I started out playing ice hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center in house league. 
    2.    My first hockey coach was Dominique Beaudoin. That season I played a combination of playing house league games and travel tournaments for the Las Vegas Outlaws. I was 8 years old.
    3.    There were many coaches, more than I can remember, that I have learned my defensive play from… I played center all the way up to Peewees for Pokey Reddick and switched to defense during the season. I realized at that time the game was more enjoyable as a defensemen than a forward. The main thing Coach Pokey taught was work ethic and on ice conditioning. Coaches Micah Sanford, Adam Naglich, Evan Zucker, Adam Zucker, and Nick Robone had a great impact on my defensive game during Bantams and Midgets playing for the Nevada Storm. They taught me to play more of a team game and to make the simple plays. In Arizona, playing for the Bobcats, it was great to work and talk hockey with Coach Derick Morris. That year I focused on gap control, keeping players outside the face off dots and giving flat passes tape to tape. In Kindersley, I was able to work with Larry Wintoneak about using certain skills at the right time and penalty killing. This year for The Vegas T-Birds, Coaches Dave Hyrysky, Shane McColgan and Adam Bonaldi have all watched my game closely and have taught me their systems. I learn mostly with in game situations that I can improve on like 1 on 1 corner play and net front battles. I have learned a lot training with Rob Pallin for the past few off-seasons. My father and I are always talking about hockey since I respect his knowledge of the game.

    4.    My defensive partner for the games I played with the Las Vegas Storm in was Tino Nummela. It was great to play with him since he was a mobile defensemen and a leader on the team. I have played defense with a couple of players on the Tbirds this season. I have played games with Nick Bonaldi, Trey Ponto, Cole Senum, Trent Carter and Nick Dufek.

    5.    The biggest difference in my perspective between the USPHL and SJHL is the style of hockey. The SJHL is more system based and structured. The USPHL style allows room for creativity and an offensive mindset. 
    6.    The secret to being a solid defensemen is being coachable and adaptive in the moment. Communication with your center and defense partner are important to execute in the D-Zone. Finding a consistent role, which can be different each season and being trusted is important. Focusing or widening your vision on multiple players instead of staring at the puck helps me slow the game down. 

    7.    The best team we have played was Provo Riverblades. They are a fast skating team and play a modern style of hockey. Provo has good movement in the offensive zone and they activate their defensemen. Defensively they block a lot of shots which is a team first mentality. 
    8.    The defensive coaches for the T Birds are Shane McColgan and Adam Bonaldi. Defensively… we are working on winning battles in front of our net and using our centers to break out of our defensive zone. We also have worked on making hinge plays. The main teaching point on a hinge play, is the defensemen without the puck has to support behind the puck-carrying defensemen, to receive a pass and make a play to the forwards gaining speed. 
    9.    The Tbirds goals this season are to establish a successful junior hockey culture and to win a national championship.
    10.    My personal goal in hockey is to play as long as I can. It is my dream to play the highest levels my abilities and work ethic can take me. I would like to play college hockey next.
    11.    The defensemen I admire in the NHL is Shea Theodore. The first game I watched him play, he became my favorite defensemen. I enjoy watching his smooth skating and his skilled puck handling. I also like his confidence on the blue line and ability to find shooting lanes. 

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Pittsburgh – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas turned it up bigtime with a goal and then an assist to linemate Bryan Rust to help the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins take down the New York Islanders 4-1 here at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night. Jason had a great skate while blasting around the ice playing on the Malkin line. It was Jason’s 148th NHL career goal. The Penguins defensive crew was physical while pinning down the Islanders for most of the game.

Top 10 Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 33 goals – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006; 17 – Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Coyotes 18u; 15 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose; 14 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals; 13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; 7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights, Minnesota; 6 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Carolina Jr Hurricanes; 5 – Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel; 4 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Indy Fuel; 2 – Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets; 1 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

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Looking for the whereabouts of the great Las Vegas goal scorer Chris Francis……

Monday, February 15, 2021 – Trey Ponto’s dramatic late-game goal in the third period gave the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds a 6-5 win over the Fresno Monsters at the Gateway Ice Arena in SoCal. It was Trey’s 14th goal this season. Nate Mohr got the game-winning assist. Brett Castonguay and Braden Husby each had two goals in this game and Nick Dufek also scored. The T-Birds used two goalies in this game – Colin Gallamore and Anthony Seykora.

Sunday, February 14, 2021 – Fresno, Ca. – In a wild one on Sunday night Nate Mohr scored his 25th goal of the season for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds in a game against the Fresno Monsters. Nate, 19, grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is listed at 6’1, 170. T-Birds teammate Keith Shenkel got his 15th goal, Heath Mensch 14th, Trey Ponto 14th Brett Castongua his 7th, Cole Senum 2nd……Fresno won the game 7-6…..On Saturday night Ethan Knutsen scored a very dramatic decisive OT/Shootout goal to lift the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds to a 5-4 win over a very strong Fresno Monsters team at the Gateway Ice Center. Arik Altman, Brett Castonguay, Braden Husby, Steven Avalone and Heath Mensch of Las Vegas scored earlier in the game. Anthony Bonaldi was in the net for the T-Birds. ………Everyone reading this knows how hard it is to win away from home. The Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u had an absolutely awesome run in Texas, then the team lost in a Final 4 game on Sunday…In Duluth, Ga. Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored his 13th goal and dealt an assist for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a very tough 3-2 home loss to the Oklahoma City Blazers on home ice at the Duluth Ice Forum on Saturday night.…The Vegas Jr Golden Knights 12u squirt team played in a 72-team tournament in Fargo, N.D. this weekend.

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Dallas – Chris Kerl scored for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in a 9-1 loss to the AA Chesterfield Falcons 16u on Saturday. “We were down 1-0 with 20 minutes to play when the game just got out of our structure,” said Golden Jr Knights coach Wally Lacroix. Chesterfield raised its season record to 18-16-0.…Next for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights is a game on Sunday with the AAA Pittsburgh Icemen 15u……Also on Saturday the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u lost 3-2 in OT to the AA Anaheim Jr Ducks 14u…..Kaden Israel and Jesse Brewer scored for Las Vegas. On Sunday the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u will play the AA Park City Utah Ice Minors….

Dallas – In a pair of OT/Shootout shockers Kenny Curtis of the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u scored twice in a 2-1 OT win over the AA Texas Jr Brahmas 16u here Friday. Johnny NG was the winning goalie for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. Lacroix said “…we had a slow start but really started competing during the second half of the second period. We were tied after regulation and a five minute 3 on 3 overtime period when Kenny Curtis won it in an OT/Shootout. Kenny had both goals for us.”

At the same time in Dallas the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u bantam team got goals from Carter Adams, Zach Gay and Conner Beers in a 3-2 OT/Shootout win over the AA Rose City Pats 14u here at the Valley Ranch Ice Arena on Friday. Kenny Laskaska was in net for Las Vegas.

“This was a huge win,” coach Johnson said. “We needed to start winning in close games and this was really a gutsy effort. From the net to our D and our forwards it was such a good one. We lost some overtime games at the beginning of this season so to be on the plus side is great for our team.”

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Breaking News — The AA Wally Lacroix-coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u and the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u teams are in Dallas to play in a series of road games. The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights first game will be against the AA Texas Jr Brahmas 16u……Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs are looking at a March 19 start date with a shortened season of 24 games….. Best Stat of the Day – Matthew Gross of Las Vegas and the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u has 15 goals, 15 assists for 30 points.

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Special to Vegas Hockey

AAA ARIZONA BOBCATS 14U BATTLE, WIN ARIZONA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u lost game 1 by a score of 1-0 in heartbreaking fashion. With only 29 seconds to go before OT the AAA Arizona Coyotes 14u picked up an errant rebound and put it home to win game 1. Game 2 featured a back and fourth affair that ended up a duel between both goalies. After the Bobcats buried a goal halfway through the 1st period Logan Perez made save after save to lead the team to a 1-0 victory tying the series 1-1. The Final game was a snapshot of the Bobcats season. The Coyotes went up 1-0 at the end of the 1st on a PP goal that was deflected into the net. The Bobcats proceeded to dominate the 2nd period out shooting the Coyotes but just couldn’t beat the Coyotes goal tender. Halfway through the 3 period Jack Lackas roofed the game tying goal which sent the Bobcats bench and fans into a frenzy. Less than 2 minutes later the game winning goal was scored by the Bobcats and there was no turning back. With the momentum swing the Bobcats would dominate the rest of the period including 2 huge penalty kills led by Fuzzy Atchison, Jack Lackas, Chayse Laurie and goaltender Logan Perez sealing the 14U AAA State Championship over the Arizona Coyotes.

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Las Vegas – Star defenseman Steven Avalone, goalie Anthony Bonaldi and massively great goal scorer Nate Mohr of the USHPL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds today received ‘Players of the Month Awards’ from the USPHL Premier West Division. Avalone, an awesome defenseman for years here in Las Vegas, scored five times to help get his award.

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Our readers are incredible; they dig late-night into our Vegas Hockey archives and you never really quite know what they are searching for. Then there is this story posted here many years ago – our #1 Most Searched Story right here each and every day.

Utah Regulators’ Special Needs Hockey Program a Winner

By Matt Mackinder

When Utah Regulators president Mike Holmes first helped create a special needs hockey program in Utah back in 2008, he had no idea it’d grow to be as big as it is today.

The organization has a south team located in Provo and a north team in Salt Lake City and is comprised of male and female players ages 5-50 with cognitive disabilities. The only requirement to participate is that the players be ambulatory and able to take verbal instruction. 

The ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies are a main supporter, while the Regulators are the main sponsor, providing gear and finances when needed. The Grizzlies provide the jerseys, ice and tickets to their games.

There are no fees assessed to the players due to the high cost of care and treatment, and games are played The Peaks in Provo and the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City.

“Some of the players are quite memorable,” said Holmes. “Kanu had great difficulty wearing his helmet. He’d tear it off and throw it across the ice. It took three years for him to understand that he couldn’t go onto the ice without it. He still hates it, but wears it anyways.”

“Jhessi wouldn’t speak, but loved being on the ice. For four years, she needed full-time support on the ice. Finally, one day when the support wasn’t right there when she was ready to go, she just couldn’t wait any longer and just took off on her own. She’s been doing it ever since.

“Douglas has cerebral palsy and had one foot that turned inward. He couldn’t speak, but had devised his own sign language. We jerri-rigged a tripod that would allow him to be strapped in and keep him from falling over. He insisted he be allowed to go on the ice without help and did just fine.”

Deann Torsak, a parent and co-manager of the south team, has been impressed with the program since Day 1.

“My son, Jathan, is one of the original six from when this started and hockey has given him a sense of belonging,” said Torsak. “He had played other sports in the past with some success, but never really felt any connection to them. With hockey, it’s a completely different story.”

Rich Henricksen has a daughter, Karissa, in the program and coaches the north team. His wife, Tammie, is one of the team managers.

“Karissa has Down Syndrome and hockey helps keep her active,” said Henricksen. “Playing hockey has been a big positive for her. In the past, she’d watch dad and her two brothers play. Now, she has her own team, everyone watches her, and she loves it.

“She loves skating with her friends and scoring goals. She’s always packed and ready for practice on Saturday and can’t wait to get on the ice.”

The local high school hockey teams play games with the teams, making sure each kid scores at least one goal. The special needs kids generally win every game by a score of at least 25-0. 

“The volunteers and high school players have been wonderful, working with a great deal of patience and dedication,” said Holmes. “They generally pay for the ice and donate an afternoon as volunteers, all to make memorable experiences for some very special kids.”

Holmes says the players love the camaraderie, the colorful jerseys (some insist on sleeping in them), equipment and the idea that others are there to watch them.

“My association with these kids has been wonderful,” he said.

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Hunter Barto of Las Vegas is having an absolutely amazing season with the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose. Hunter, just 19, in 33 games has 14 goals, 20 assists for 34 points – including a short-handed goal and a game-winning goal. Hunter is listed at 6′, 0″ and 180. The Minnesota Moose this season have been playing home games at the Spooner Civic Center in Wisconsin.

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Best Quote of the Day: “At least we were right with Tampa Bay scoring 31 points on Sunday,” said Las Vegas hockey dad Tony Robone who said the Bucs would win 31-27.

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From Germany Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin – who is head coach of ESV Kaufburen – texts he likes Tampa Bay to win 30-28 on Sunday. He also said his team today had a big win – their 3rd straight win – and is “playing with our third string goalie who is 6-2-0 now. Tyler Spurgeon from Edmonton had two goals – Tyler is the brother of Minnesota Wild’s Jared Spurgeon. Tyler has 36 points in 27 games. John Lammers had two assists tonight. He is a Dallas Stars 3rd-round draft pick and has 16 goals, 25 assists. Sami Blomqvist from Finland had a goal. Sami’s father played in the NHL for Washington and New Jersey in the mid-1980s. Sami has only played in seven games for us but he has six goals. We want to say hello to all of our dear hockey friends in Las Vegas.”

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Famous Las Vegas hockey mom Charla Ricketts checked in early Sunday morning and noted her son Beau – a star goal scorer years ago for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center years ago – and said “….the KC Chiefs will win today.” Back in 2014-15 Beau had 30 goals, 14 assists for the Storm and home games were always sold out. D-man Jake McKenna of Las Vegas was on that fantastic team as well. Beau and his family live in Minot, N.D. He plays house league hockey there at the legendary Maysa Arena – Lee

Sunday Games

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals vs invading El Paso Rhinos, a powerful team, @Duluth, Ga. Ice Forum

//Gunner Moore scores his 12th goal of the season in 2nd period as Atlanta Capitals take 2-1 lead, hold on and beat El Paso Rhinos 3-2.

Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and Texas Roadrunners vs Louisana Drillers @ Planet Ice Rink, Lafayette, La.

//Texas Roadrunners win 3-2 in OT over the mighty Louisana Drillers.

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Season Record – 16-10-2; Top Goal Scorers – Nate Mohr 24, Ethan Knudsen 15, Keith Shenkel 14, Heath Mensch 13, Arik Altman 12, Trey Ponto 12, AJ Lackas 11

Super Bowl Eve Games

NCAA

Vito Carlo of Las Vegas and NCAA Franklin Pierce University vs Becker College at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena, Winchendon, Massachusetts

//Becker College in a revenge game wins 4-1

ECHL

//Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas scored his 3rd goal of the season for the ECHL Indy Fuel in a big 6-3 win over visiting Rapid City Rush at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Super Bowl Eve. The festive hometown crowd was 2189.

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals vs El Paso Rhinos at Duluth, Ga. Ice Forum

Final – El Paso, a mega power, wins 8-0

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs Mid Cities Stars @ Arctic Edge Arena

Final – Oklahoma City Blazers win 6-0

Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and Texas Roadrunners vs Louisana Drillers at Planet Ice Arena, Lafayette, La.

Final – Lousiana Drillers wins 4-3

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Friday Games

USPHL Premier

Ogden Mustangs 7, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3 @ Peaks Ice Arena, Utah

LV – Braden Husby 9th from Keith Shenkel, Nate Mohr – powerplay

LV – Trey Ponto 12th from Braden Husby, Cole Senum – powerplay

LV – Keith Shenkel 14th from Ethan Knudsen, Cole Senum

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Worcester, Mass. – Vito Carlo, wearing jersey #26, of Las Vegas and NCAA Franklin Pierce University beat Becker College 4-1 on opening night. The game was at Becker’s home rink in Worcester, Mass. The two teams will play again – this time at Franklin Pierce’s home ice on Saturday night.

After the Friday night win Vito said “…that was the most exhilarating feeling ever. Once we got our first shift out of the way it was like lacing up a pair of shoes. We had so much fun with our teammates getting this win. It was amazing…”

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Friday Games

Duluth, Ga. – Gunner Moore of Las Vegas got his 11th goal of the season in a 6-3 home loss for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals to the powerful El Paso Rhinos. The game was here at the Duluth Ice Forum.

Also on Friday night – Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas dealt 3 assists for his very strong NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers in a 16-1 win over the visiting Mid-Cities Jr Stars at the Artic Edge Ice Arena.

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Who will win the Super Bowl – KC Chiefs or Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Don’t worry our Las Vegas hockey experts know. They have sized up the big game and their picks are posted here. Want to pick the game here too – if so, send now to leesamuels07@aol.com

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SUPER BOWL PICKS

Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen …..”One more win for the veteran quarterback Tom Brady. Tampa Bay 28, KC Chiefs 25.

Star Vegas Hockey reporter Bethany Drysdale..”I’ve been told never to bet against Tom Brady. So we will take the Bucs to win by a TD 28-21. Tom Brady is older than me and to be in top form at his age I have to give him respect. He has definitely earned all of that.”

Goal scorer Michael Cichy of Las Vegas has a lean towards “the young one,” QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to win on Super Bowl Sunday.

Richie Crossley – Years ago Richie and Devin Lane of the AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u were voted as the Best Defensive Pair of All Time in Las Vegas. Now Richie is caretaker of the sheets of ice at the T-Mobile Arena, City National Arena and The Orleans Arena. You can see Richie on the Zamboni between periods during the big games in town. …..”Tampa Bay wins 38-27. Tom Brady and Mike Evans are going to have a huge game.”

Star defenseman Eddie Del Grosso of Las Vegas….”We are a Buffalo Bills fan so we really don’t care much about the two teams in the Super Bowl. Kansas City knocked us out and we also do not really care much for a team that Tom Brady is on. So….we think Kansas City is gonna win…probably like 38-28.”

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener…”We are saying Chiefs 31-23. Hate playing against Brady but we are going to.”

Matt Johnson, head coach, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u …..”Tampa Bay with Tom Brady marching down the field with the game winning drive wins 42-36.”

Zee Khan, former GM UNLV Rebels who “still loves and supports the Rebels……”Cannot go against Tom Brady. He is a young 43 and he looks primed for a 7th Super Bowl win.”

Wally Lacroix, head coach, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u …”Brady is old school. It will be great to see an athlete who is such a student of the game and so well prepared for every game.”

Hockey dad John McNicholas of Las Vegas…..”Tom Brady wins 30-21. Because he’s the best.”

Will ‘Money’ Munson, 2005-06 NAHL Billings Jr Bulls. Teammates called him ‘Money’ because he scored so many decisive goals. ….”Chiefs win by 7.”

Hockey dad Steve Pochiro of Las Vegas “…Chiefs will win on a bad call – other than that this will be close game.”

Rob Proffit, GM, NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs (years ago our son Eddie was a captain at Fairbanks. Rob was the head coach. Home games at the Big Dipper, no matter what the weather, were always sold out.) “TB 32, KC 28. Brady just wins!!”

Faith Lutheran H.S. head coach Pokey Reddick….”Bucs 24, Chiefs 21. Why? Tom Brady will have the Bucs ready for this game! Going with the more experienced quarterback.”

Star goal scorer, captain and team leader Beau Ricketts with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm years ago at the LV Ice Center….”Chiefs are the team this season. They will win Sunday.”

Hockey dad Tony Robone of Las Vegas….”31-27 Tampa Bay. Brady has the experience, the Bucs have the defense.

Big game goal scorer Robbie Silvernail of Las Vegas……Tom Brady = GOAT = Greatest of All Time. Tampa Bay wins.

Matt Stang, former coach of AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u and now coaching in Canada….”We are going with the Buccaneers. The final score will be 38-27.”

Adam Stio, one of the all-time roller hockey coaches in Las Vegas….”Tampa Bay 34-30. Why not Brady drama one more time.”

Adam Tamura, awesome roller hockey player/coach here in Las Vegas – “We think it’s going to be KC by 24-17. Would love to see Brady prove he is the ultimate GOAT – the greatest player of all time – but we think KC’s offense is too much to handle.”

Las Vegas hockey dad Greg Yochum….”KC wins this one 34-26. Kansas City’s offense too much for Tampa.”

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Worcester, Massachusetts – At last the very popular Las Vegas defensman Vito Carlo will gear up and play ‘D’ for NCAA Franklin Pierce University vs Becker College here Friday. Faceoff is at 6 pm. Vito grew up playing hockey mostly at the Las Vegas Center. He was a top d-man for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm junior hockey team. Vito played three seasons with the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals. He was an Assistant Captain in his third season with the Capitals. He will wear jersey #26 this weekend. This is a home and away series for Vito – the Friday game is here at the Fidelity Bank Ice Center, a very big arena, and then two teams will go at it on Saturday night on the U of Franklin Pierce’s home ice.

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Coming right here – Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin will update how his pro team is doing in Germany.

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

On the day Jason Zucker of Las Vegas recently scored for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins our star reporter Bethany Drysdale’s hockey goalie son Blake – all of five years old – was awarded the Penguins ‘Away Game All Star’ certificate when he participated in a ‘Try Hockey for Free’ skate at the Lemieux Sports Complex. This is the hometown practice facility for the Penguins. Blake’s hockey mom Bethany has been voted the last three years as the ‘Best Writer’ here on Vegas Hockey. She and Kat Craner have covered – and written brilliantly – about the UNLV Rebels which included many in-depth profiles of star Rebels players.

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Nate Mohr, a big scoring forward from Sioux Falls, S.D. leads the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds with seven powerplay goals this season. Nate is a powerful force, a 24-goal scorer for the AAA Sioux Falls Power 18u last season.

Thunderbirds Power Play Goals Leaders this season –

7 – Nate Mohr, 4 – Heath Mensch, 4 – Trey Ponto, 3 – Arik Altman, 2 – Braden Husby, 2 – Keith Shenkel, One each – Steven Avalone, Nick Bonaldi, Brett Castonguay, Ethan Knudsen, Mark Kurliandchyk

To revise or update this powerplay goals list send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday Breaking News

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener was the first to get the alarming news – because of the coronavirus pandemic going on – their season in the ACHA D1 never got green-lighted – and now it is over and done. They turned off the scoreboard lights. No more pre-game Countdown Clock ticking full blast right before the first puck drop. No big sold out home games this season. “They told us last week,” coach Greener said. “We’re done. No games. It’s a sad day.” The unforgiving covid virus is the reason. So on those cold winter nights big powers like Minot State, Arizona State and the Utah college teams will not be rumbling into City National Arena over on West Charleston Avenue next to the Red Rock Hotel Casino this season. The UNLV Rebels’ assistant coach Nick Robone had astounding recruiting results during the off-season with top goal-scoring snipers, defensemen with an edge to their game and top goalies coming into the program. If there is any bright side to all of this – well, coach Greener was told his seniors will for sure receive an extra year and be eligible to play next season.

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MORE GOLD FOR THE LAS VEGAS ROKSVOLD HOCKEY FAMILY……

Las Vegas bantam goalie Gunnar Roksvold comes from a hockey family – his older brother Kyle Callahan was a major goal scorer at many levels of the game. Gunnar meanwhile and his Las Vegas Ice Center House League Red team just won the Winterfest bantam gold medal during playoffs at that historic rink.

The Roksvold family includes an exchange student Boris Horsky who plays hockey for the Faith Lutheran Crusaders HS JV team. Last weekend Boris and the Faith Lutheran JV team won a gold medal in Victor, Idaho. In order Faith Lutheran’s JVs first lost to the Park City Utah Miners 3-1, then beat Teton Valley by 7-4, Snake River Wolves Blues 9-1, won 3-0 over the Davis County Eagles and in the 5th game for the gold medal beat Teton Valley 4-1.

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins scored his 2nd goal of the season in a thrilling 5-4 OT win over the New York Rangers on Saturday night at the famous Madison Square Garden. It was Jason’s 140th goal in the NHL. Jason grew up playing youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. His last hometown hockey coach was Wally Lacroix. Jason also worked with Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin on his skating technique to make final preparations for the NHL Draft.

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Sunday Games

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and 14-9-0 Atlanta Capitals vs the 14-2-2 El Paso Rhinos @El Paso County Arena. Historically El Paso rarely loses on home ice.

//OVERTIME – Gunner Moore scores his 9th goal of the season to help Atlanta Capitals take an early 2-1 lead over the El Paso Rhinos in a very hard, physical game. The game finished 2-2 in regulation play to send it into OT — El Paso Rhinos scored dramatically in OT to win 3-2.

High School

Faith Lutheran H.S. Weekend Scores

Friday – 4-0 over Idaho Falls Tigers

Saturday – 2-0 over Idaho Falls AA 18u; Game Two – 2-3 to Idaho Falls 18u

Sunday – 2-1 over Idaho Falls AA 18u @ Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, Idaho

Saturday Games

//Joe Sullivan and Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas scored for the ECHL Indy Fuel who beat the hometown Wheeling Nailers 5-4 at the Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia on Saturday night. It was Sullivan’s 4th goal of the season, McNicholas 2nd goal of the season.

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Las Vegas – Elite defenseman Steven Avalone of Las Vegas and goalie Dylan Woods of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds each received major awards this week. Avalone, who as a d-man has 5 goals, 11 assists this season, was named as Best Defenseman in the Pacific Division of the USPHL Premier League. Avalone is listed at 5’10, 190. Woods, a goalie from Niagara Falls, N.Y., has a 3.00 gaa and a 91.4% save percentage for the T-Birds.

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Saturday Games

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals vs El Paso Rhinos @ El Paso County Arena. Rhinos rarely lose on their home ice for the past few seasons.

//El Paso wins it 5-1……

Bozeman Icedogs vs Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator and Sheridan Hawks @Whitney Rink inside M and M Center, Sheridan, Wyoming. Outside the arena tonight during the game there will be low temps and a lot of snow coming down.

//Luke Fundator was in the net for the Sheridan Hawks who beat the Bozeman Icedogs 4-2 on a cold, snowy night.

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‘Late Skate’ – Painting by Terence Fogarty in Minnesota

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Rindge, New Hampshire – For the great Las Vegas defenseman Vito Carlo it’s time to get back onto the ice and play the game.

Vito earlier played with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm over at the Las Vegas Ice Center, then was an assistant captain with the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals. Now he is at practices for NCAA D3 Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. Vito and his college team in two weeks are set to take on Becker College in a home and away series.

“It’s exciting and we’re learning a lot about the college game which is about to start for our team,” Vito said. “I am still playing defense. We are prepared and more ready than ever. College hockey is faster, higher paced and much more physical. I’m defintely a better version of myself than what I was when we got here for our freshman season.”

“No matter what we talk to our father Mark and my brother Michael each and every day. I’m about to reach out for my great friend Jimmy Samuels who I am now told has left Las Vegas is now living and working in Austin, Texas. Miss talking to him. He is doing great things there.”

For the first time Vito will playing without his dear hockey mother Rosie at the rinkboards.

“We are by ourselves here at the college – just me, our coaches and teammates. We are majoring in criminal justice. We want to say hello to all of our hockey friends in Las Vegas.”

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Friday, January 29, 2021

MLK Bantam Cactus Cup – Arizona

#1 Dallas Penguins 6-0-0

#2 Texas Warriors 5-1-0

#3 Cal Wave 4-1-0

#4 Las Vegas Storm 3-2-0

#6 Mission Arizona White 2-2-0

#7 Las Vegas Ice Warriors 1-3-0

#8 New Mexico Ice Wolves 1-3-0

Phoenix – The Las Vegas Storm bantams, who play out of the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, got a great effort from Las Vegas goalie Gunnar Roksvold who – in his three games here – only allowed two goals with a 93.9% save percentage – to help his team finish 3-2-0 in a field of top bantam level teams here at the MLK Cactus Cup. Totalled the Las Vegas Storm bantams scored 24 goals while only allowing eight goals in five games. The tournament was run on a number of regulation ice hockey rinks in the greater Phoenix area.

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Las Vegas – Nate Mohr, a big strong goal scorer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the top goal scorer – with 24 goals – for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds this season. Nate, 19, is listed at 6’1, 170. Last season he played for the AAA Sioux Falls Power 18u team. The T-Birds have a record of 16-7-1 and lead the USPHL Premier Pacific Division.

The top T-Birds goal scorers – Nate Mohr 24, Ethan Knudsen 14, Heath Mensch 13, Keith Shenkel 12, Arik Altman 11, Trey Ponto 10, AJ Lackas 9, Braden Husby 7, Mark Kurlandchyk 7, Austen Kerridge 6, Steven Avalone 5, Brett Castonguay 5, Nick Bonaldi 3, Anthony Juric 3, Tanner Turcotte 2, Petr Tueber 2; Jack Boyd 1, Darion Conaway 1, Mark Nowag 1, Kevin Hanley 1, Andrew Cervantes 1, Nick Dufel 1, Cole Senum 1

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To Snooks – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas is on the roster of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights – at the moment, he’s on the taxi squad with the big club.

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Tuesday Game

Boston – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas scored and dealt an assist for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins during a very tough 3-2 OT road loss to the Boston Bruins here on Tuesday evening.

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Color of Hockey: Pokey Reddick coaching Nevada’s only high school team

Former NHL goalie, who won Stanley Cup with Oilers, now making mark behind bench

by William Douglas @WDouglasNHL / NHL.com

William Douglas has been writing The Color of Hockey blog for the past nine years. Douglas joined NHL.com in March 2019 and writes about people of color in the game. Today, he profiles former NHL goalie Eldon “Pokey” Reddick, who is coaching Nevada’s only high school hockey program.

Eldon “Pokey” Reddick is the best high school hockey coach in Nevada.

“Being the only one, yeah, that’s an easy one,” he said.

The former NHL goalie is in his third season as coach of Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School in Las Vegas, the first and only high school hockey program in the state.

Like the Vegas Golden Knights, Faith Lutheran is a success story in the desert. The program has grown from having to scrounge up 16 players for each of its two teams in 2018 to having 80 players compete for 40 slots this season.

The program is popular, with fans packing City National Arena, the Golden Knights’ practice facility, for varsity and junior varsity games.

And the school is awaiting final qualification for the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships. The high school tournament is scheduled for April 15-19 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Craig Thornton, Faith Lutheran’s manager of hockey operations, said Reddick is a key component to the program’s rise.

“He’s a phenomenal coach,” Thornton said. “He’s lived hockey since he was a little three-year-old kid. He’s played at every level. And you just don’t want to say to people, ‘He made it to the NHL.’ Yeah, he made it to the NHL, but the other steps along the way are equally as important if you’re coaching.”

Reddick played 132 games for the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers between 1986-94, going 46-58-16 with a 3.71 goals-against average and .873 save percentage. He won the Stanley Cup with Edmonton in 1990, becoming one of 10 Black players to have their names inscribed on the trophy.

“Pokey was better than people gave him credit for,” said Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Grant Fuhr, who was Reddick’s teammate on the Oilers. “Having him in Edmonton was a great security blanket for us.”

In addition to his NHL stint, Reddick enjoyed a lengthy career in North American minor leagues and Germany before he retired in 2002 and settled in Las Vegas, where he played in the old International Hockey League from 1994-96.

It was four years ago when officials at Faith Lutheran, which has students from grades 6-12, asked Thornton, whose son Andrew is now a senior, if he would help form a hockey program after they learned he had helped establish a high school hockey program in Phoenix.

He said he’d be happy to do it under one condition: that Reddick, who had been a fixture on the Las Vegas youth hockey scene for more than a decade, be the coach.

“I knew that he was the only coach I had a desire having my son skate under just because of his enormous experience and, equally important, his demeanor with children and young adults,” Thornton said. “When I moved here in 2008, I found out quickly that Vegas hockey wasn’t what Phoenix hockey was by any stretch. I started sniffing around town and it didn’t take me long to figure out that Pokey was ‘the guy’ in this town as far as experience and ability and success.”

Reddick thought he was finished with hockey when he stopped coaching AAA hockey and stopped conducting private lessons so he could golf and focus on his daughter Zoe’s quest to become a professional ballerina.

But when Thornton called with the high school hockey gig, Reddick was ready with a response.

“I was all in,” he said. “It was something different, kids could see the game from a different perspective. And somebody has to be first, right?”

Being the only high school team in the state hasn’t been easy. Road games are often flying affairs — even more so this season because several states have paused or canceled youth hockey due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

Reddick and his players have traveled to Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, along with Phoenix, Midland and Odessa, Texas, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for weekend games.

“That’s the tough part, when we tell kids, ‘Tell your mom we’ll see them on Sunday,'” he said. “But that comes with the territory — travel, travel, travel. I thought I was done with traveling on airplanes like that when I retired.”

Not that he’s complaining.

“I’m enjoying myself,” Reddick said. “The part I like is when [the players] come back and say, ‘Thank you, coach.’ Put it this way, I get up every day at 4:30 a.m. to go to practice at 5:50 a.m. We have a bunch of kids and parents who are committed, and I don’t think I’ve missed a practice in three years.”

The 56-year-old said he’s looking forward to having company in the Nevada high school hockey coaching ranks.

He and Thornton envision Faith Lutheran, which receives support from the Vegas Jr. Knights, becoming the lynchpin of a statewide high school hockey league.

The potential talent pool is there. According to USA Hockey, the number of high school-age players in Nevada has increased by 138 percent since 2016, the year before the Golden Knights debuted. 

“To try to do the league will take a little bit more time than we thought,” Reddick said. “With the success of our school, hopefully the other schools will jump in.”

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Sioux Falls, S.D. – Las Vegas players Fuzzy Atchison, Jack Lackas and Chayse Laurie of the AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006 went 2-2-0 here in a major weekend tournament and nearly upset the #5 nationally ranked 25-5-0 AAA Northeast Wisconsin Jr Gamblers team 2006. That heated close game got away when a Bobcats late-game goal was disallowed. Afterwards Jr Gamblers head coach and Stanley Cup winner Brian Rafalski remarked how well the Bobcats played. Next week the Bobcats take on the AAA Arizona Coyotes 14u in a best of three for the Arizona State Championship. That big series begins on February 2.

This season Fuzzy Atchison has 33 goals, Jack Lackas 31 and Chayse Laurie 20.

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Monday, January 25, 2021

For the first time in our VegasHockey.net website history a bantam player – Hunter Toms, defenseman for the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team is the #1 Most Searched Player here. Not just a day or two, but for the last two weeks.

And the folks at Elite Prospects describe Hunter Toms as a “Complete Player.”

Coach Johnson says “….Hunter Toms is an 06 defenseman on our AA 14u team. He came back to Las Vegas this season after spending a couple of seasons with the AAA L.A. Jr Kings.

“He is a prominent fixture on the blue line. Versatile as well, sometimes playing as a forward on our powerplays when he isn’t out there on the D

“Hunter has good poise with the puck and stays calm under pressure. He is one of the players we have relied on to be one of our leaders this season.”

SUNDAY GAME

Duluth, Ga. – Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored again – his 7th goal of the season – for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a 3-1 win over the Texas Roadrunners here at the Duluth Ice Forum.

//In a rare Monday game Gunner Moore scored his 8th goal of the season for the NAHL Atlanta Capitals in a 11-2 win over the Texas Roadrunners at the Duluth Ice Forum.

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Breaker – Hunter Keech of Las Vegas scored his first goal for the USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club in a 9-8 loss to the Decatur Blaze on Saturday night.

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Saturday Games

Final Score

Anaheim – Braden Husby scored dramatically three times to help the USPHL Premier Thunderbirds beat the USPHL Premier Anaheim Avalanche 8-6 at the Center Ice Arena on Saturday night. Braden, 18, is from Sioux Falls, SD. He is listed at 6’0, 170. He began this season with the USPHL Premier Minnesota Mullets.

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 8, Anaheim Avalanche 6

LV – Braden Husby 5th from Nate Mohr, Jeremiah De Valk

LV – Keith Shenkel 12th from Trey Ponto, Braden Husby

LV – Braden Husby 6th

LV – Ethan Knudsen 13th from Jeremiah De Valk

LV – Braden Husby 7th from Nate Mohr, Trey Ponto – powerplay

LV – Steven Avalone 5th from Arik Altman

LV – Brett Castoguay 5th from Nick Bonaldi, Braden Husby

LV – Ethan Knudsen 14th

LV goalie – Dylan Woods

Anaheim on home ice on Friday night upset the T-Birds; This was Game Two of this riveting road series

Goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and NA3HL Sheridan Hawks vs Yellowstone Quake @Riley Arena, Cody, Wyoming

//Final Score – Luke Fundator 32 saves as Sheridan Hawks win a 4-3 OT thriller.

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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The AHL Henderson Silver Knights will open their season vs the AHL Ontario Reign on Feb 6 at the Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue. Locally the Silver Knights game will be broadcast live on radio station 1230 am ‘The Game.’

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Friday Scores

Final Score @ Anaheim

USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4, Anaheim Avalanche 5

LV goal – Arik Altman 11th goal of season from Trent Carter, Heath Mensch

LV goal – Brett Castonguay 4th from Steven Avalone, Trent Carter

LV goal – Steven Avalone 4th from Nate Mohr, Keith Shenkel

LV goal – Nate Mohr 14th from Heath Mensch, Steven Avalone

LV goalie – Colin Gallamore

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Duluth, Ga. – Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored two goals – his 5th, 6th of the season – for the hometown NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a very tough 5-4 OT/Shootout loss to the visiting Texas Roadrunners here at the Duluth Ice Forum

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USPHL Premier Pacific Division

#1 Fresno Monsters 16-5-1

#2 Las Vegas Thunderbirds 15-7-1

#3 Anaheim Avalanche 6-13-1

#4 San Diego Sabers 1-20-1

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Saturday #1 Most Searched – Steven Avalone, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

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Seth Bergeron of Las Vegas is now playing for the NAHL Northeast Generals who play home games in Attleboro, Massachusetts

The NA3HL Bay State Bobcats have signed Gabe Testa of Las Vegas. The Bobcats are based in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

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Wednesday Game

Tulsa – Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas scored the game-winner and Las Vegas linemate Michael McNicholas had two assists – including one on the winning goal – as the ECHL Indy Fuel beat the hometown Tulsa Oilers 3-2 here at the BOK Center on Wednesday night. The crowd was 2128.

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Best Stat of the Day – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas has 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points for the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

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The USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – the ultimate Road Warriors – will play away from home this coming weekend. The T-Birds will take on the USPHL Premier Anaheim Avalanche in a Friday/Saturday two game set at the Ontario Center Ice Skating Arena.

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Pueblo, Colorado – It’s hard to win on the road particuarly against the mighty USPHL Premier Pueblo Bulls in Colorado. The Dave Hyrsky-coached USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds go into a decisive Game Three of this road series today noon local time at the Pueblo Ice Arena. On Sunday here Las Vegas won 5-4; on Monday the Pueblo Bulls won 7-4. Both teams are division leaders.

Tuesday Final Score – Pueblo Bulls 5, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 2

LV goal – Nick Bonaldi 3rd from Trey Ponto, Nate Mohr

LV goal – AJ Lackas 9th goal of season, unassisted

LV goalie – Colin Gallamore

//This was a hard, physical game with wicked checking.……..

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Monday final score – USPHL Premier Pueblo Bulls, 7, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4 @ Pueblo Ice Arena, Colorado. T-Birds goal scorers – Steven Avalone (3rd goal of the season), Nate Mohr 23rd, Ethan Knutsen 12th, Heath Mensch 13th. Goalie – Colin Gallamore.

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Las Vegas – Coach Pokey Reddick says his top goal scorer 6’6, 210 lb Dominic Suhr “…is not a kid in a game, he’s a Man on the Ice.” Suhr is one of the big reasons why Pokey’s Faith Lutheran High School hockey team is off to a staggering great start this season.

Pokey Reddick’s Faith Lutheran High School team in Las Vegas

Season Record – 7–2-5

Last Game – 3-3 vs Braves Jr B/North Idaho All-Stars

Top goal scorers – Dominic Suhr 13, John Purdy 9, Ean Vitz 8, Danny Ruettiger 4, Matthew Cooper 3, Zaden Hnidy 3, Noah McAnallen 3, Colton Fleitz 2, Jack Edlin 1, Niels Hartvig-Nielsen 1, James Knurbein 1, Andrew Thornton 1

Goalies – Joey Hallet, Mitch McCombs

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Breaker – Hunter Keech of Las Vegas is playing this season with USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club.

Sunday Flash Final – USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 5, Pueblo Bulls 4 – @ Pueblo Ice Arena, Colorado. T-Birds are now 15-4-1 overall, leaders of USPHL Pacific Division. Pueblo Bulls are a top team 22-9-1, leaders of USPHL Premier Mountain Division. Anthony Bonaldi goalie today for Las Vegas. This is a three-game road series for the T-Birds with games today, Monday, Tuesday.

LV goal – Ethan Knudsen 10th

LV goal – Nate Mohr 22nd from Braden Husby

LV goal – Andrew Cervantes 1st from Darion Conaway, Trent Carter

LV goal – Heath Mensch 12th from Arik Altman, Trent Carter

LV goal – AJ Lackas 8th from Andrew Cervantes, Ethan Knudsen

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Pittsburgh – Jason Zucker’s amazing pass to linemate Marcus Petterson set up a key goal today for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins who were in a very rough game today against the Washington Capitals. Jason, who grew up playing youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center, got the puck and curled behind the Washington net and fired off a pass to linemate Marcus Petterson who scored to tie the game 3-3. The Caps enforcer Tom Wilson was on a hard checking rampage in this game. The game ended 3-3 in regulation, then the Caps scored in an OT/Shootout to win 4-3.

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Best Stat of the Day

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points, +14 on the ice

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Saturday Games

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas scored the first goal of the game for the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits in a 5-4 OT road win over the South Carolina Stingrays at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday night. Bryce was back in the lineup for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the Saturday night game – a tough 4-3 OT loss to the South Carolina Stingrays.

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College Station, Texas – In a big Saturday night game Ethan Sodona of Las Vegas dealt his 9th assist this season to help the NA3HL Texas Roadrunners beat the Louisana Drillers 5-3 here at the Spirit Ice Arena.

‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas is back with his team – AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. He is there with his Las Vegas teammate goalie Blade Taylor. The first game back will be on Feb 3 – Lee

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Saturday, January 16, 2021

Dallas – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas had a burst of three goals for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u here at the CCM Invite. Ash has 13 goals this season. She has received many awards here on Vegas Hockey.

//Ash one goal and one assist for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a 3-1 win over AAA Milwaukee Jr Admirals girls 19u

//AAA St. Louis Blues girls 19u 3, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 1

//Ash one goal, one assist for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a 3-2 win over AAA Madison Capitals girls 19u

//Ash one goal for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a 5-2 win over AAA Milwaukee Jr Admirals girls 19u

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RIP – There is a hockey heaven for those who have left us – Lee, Vegas Hockey

PLAYERS

Sean Darby – Rugged player who was the centerpiece on the Gold Line with best friends and teammates Sean Fox, Justin Grossman in 2001-02 season with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs in a massively great season.

Sean Fox – always wore jersey #88 and played a hard, fast game; was on the fierce checking Gold Line with Sean Darby and Justin Grossman on coach Rob Pallin’s 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u which advanced to the U.S Nationals.

Johnny Oakes – He played high level roller hockey with dignity and grace while on a line with Micah Sanford, Leroy Garcia and other teenage stars of that era at Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive and at national roller tournaments throughout the USA. Johnny was a very special person and skater.

John Paul McNicholas – The dear son of hockey dad John McNicholas – who coached tier hockey many years ago in Las Vegas – and the brother of goal scorer Michael McNicholas who is playing this season in the ECHL .

Eddie Samuels – His first coach was roller legend Larry Sanford when Eddie was 10 years old. Eddie played roller at all levels, then began played ice hockey first with the AAA Vail Avalanche bantam team, then was on the Red Line with Josh Jasek and Adam Naglich for coach Rob Pallin on his 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team. Eddie played for the AAA San Diego Gulls, AAA Cal State Senators, BCHL Victoria Salsa, NAHL Billings Bulls and was captain of the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs where his coach was the legendary Rob Proffit. Eddie’s best friend was all-star defenseman Eddie Del Grosso.

Nick Schaefer – Best friends with Jason Zucker. The two played youth hockey on a Las Vegas team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Nick was a gifted goal scorer, great skater, very popular and the unexpected passing of Nick was a devastating loss to the Las Vegas hockey community.

Hockey Dads and Moms

Lee Beebe – father of hockey son Brandon who played for the UNLV Rebels. Lee was a home builder, professional skier, musician and friend to all. 

Rosie Carlo – very popular hockey mom – mother of star player Vito Carlo of Las Vegas. Rosie was a fixture at Las Vegas ice hockey rinks whenever Vito was in a game.

Dave Francis – father of Las Vegas hockey star Chris Francis. Dave was the kind, helpful gatekeeper and blade sharpener at the SoBe Ice Arena Pro Shop. Dave was kind to all – no matter who you were or what team you played for. He is tremendously missed in that arena setting.

Gramps – Anthony Greener’s grandfather who for years on game nights was on the UNLV Rebels bench over by the stick rack. He had a kind word for all – the Rebels, visiting players, game officials plus dear hockey moms and dads. Tremendously missed by me and by all who are reading this now. Gramps once a year appears in our annual hockey Christmas story.

Tommy Ricketts – One of the greatest hockey dads of our time. His hockey sons were Beau and Blade Ricketts. Beau played at all levels of the game – he was a star goal scorer for the Helena BigHorns in Montana and later returned to Las Vegas for a tremendous goal scoring season with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Tommy collected hockey cards and would give them to youth hockey players when he was at an arena.

Bill Tufano – father of roller star Billy Tufano of Las Vegas. Bill for years was the statkeeper, ran the scoreboard and announced the goals in the Micah Sanford era at the Little House of Champions – Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive. “It was a honor to have Bill announce your goals,” said Eddie Samuels.

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday High School Game

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Pokey Reddick’s Faith Lutheran HS team are in Idaho to take on the CdA Cristeros HS team at the Frontier Ice Arena in Idaho on Friday, 8 pm local time. This is game one of a three-game weekend series.

Faith Lutheran’s top goal scorers – 12 – Dominic Suhr, 8 – John Purdy, 7 – Ian Vitz, 4 – Danny Ruettiger; 3 – Matthew Cooper; 3 – Zaden Hnidy, 2 – Colton Fleitz, 2 – Noah McAallen, 1 – Jack Edlin, 1 – James Knurbein, 1 – Niels Nelson, 1 – Niels Hartvig-Nielsen, 1 – Andrew Thornton

Goalies

Joey Hallet 2-0-3 record, 1.88 gaa, 92.4% save percentage

Mitchell McCombs, 3-1-1 record, 2.00 gaa, 92.2% save percentage

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Head coach Dave Hrysky and the very strong USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds are going to Colorado to take on Mountain Division leader Pueblo Bulls at the Pueblo Ice Arena in a three-game road series Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Pueblo has a record of 22-11-0. T-Birds players and coaches will dress warmly off the ice – there will be snow coming down there Monday.

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It is official – very popular Las Vegas defenseman Vito Carlo is on the roster of NCAA D3 Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. Vito played previously with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center and was a star defenseman with the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals.

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Wednesday Game – USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 5, Fresno Monsters 3 – Final Score

T-Birds Sweep 3-Game Series, Take Over 1st Place in Pacific Division

LV – Cole Senum 1st from AJ Lackas

LV – Steven Avalone 2nd from Arik Altman, Heath Mensch

LV – Brett Mero 1st from Heath Mensch

LV – Ethan Knudsen 10th from Steven Avalone, Heath Mensch

LV – Brett Mero 2nd

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi – 43 saves, spectacular game for Anthony

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

33 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

31 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

20 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

15 – Matthew Gross, AAA Arizona Jr Coyotes 18u

14 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan

13 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights – Minnesota

4 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

4 – Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

3 – Dexter Kichline, Bishop Kearney Selects 15u

3 – Michael McNicholas, ECHL Indy Fuel

3 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u – Washington

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL Northwest Stars 16u – Seattle

2 – Shane Dean, Gentry Academy – Minnesota

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u

1 – Brennan Blasczak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

1 – Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

1 – Noah Smejkal, NA3HL Northeast Generals – Massachusetts

1 – Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Elite Hampton Roads Whalers

1 – Gabriel Testa, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club

To add or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday Game – USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 5, Fresno Monsters 3

LV – Arik Altman – 10th goal of season – from Heath Mensch, Austen Kerridge

LV – Steven Avalone – 1st – from Keith Shenkel

LV – Trey Ponto 10th from Nick Bonaldi

LV – Nate Mohr 20th from Keith Shenkel, Trent Carter

LV – Nate Mohr 21st from Keith Shenkel

LV goalie – Colin Gallamore

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Indianapolis – Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas today signed to play for the ECHL Indy Fuel who are an affiliate of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks. Michael, 26 and listed at 5’10, 180, played for Indy Fuel several seasons ago. He is the son of hockey dad John McNicholas who years ago was a coach of tier ice hockey teams in Las Vegas.

Joe Sullivan, a goal scorer from Las Vegas, is also on the ECHL Indy Fuel.

The ECHL Indy Fuel have a massive fan base and play home games at the famous Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins has always cared for others, particular children and his former Las Vegas linemates…..

“Before a game Jason Zucker writes “mom” and “dad” on every stick just under the initials of his Las Vegas teammate friend, Nick Schaefer, who died in 2010 at the age of 19 in a car accident. Tattooed on Zucker’s chest is “Game Time,” a funny saying Schaefer used to say. Tattooed on Zucker’s left wrist is the autograph of a young boy named Tucker who Zucker befriended in Minnesota before Tucker died of a rare form of bone cancer in 2016.”

— Michael Russo, writing in The Athletic –

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Giant goal scorer Chris Francis of Las Vegas – who played high energy game with explosive ultra speed and who made many game-winning goals – has retired as a player noting “it’s mostly due to the pandemic and what is going on in the world now.” He has relocated to Austin, Texas where he has started a new company – Puck University – and is now a coach in the AA Texas Jr Stars AA 14u, A14u hockey programs.

Chris played youth ice hockey and roller hockey in Las Vegas and was one of the very first from Las Vegas to be a star goal scorer in the WHL when he played with the Portland Winterhawks. He also played with the AHL Springfield Falcons, ECHL Alaska Aces, ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers and was captain of the ECHL Quad City Mallards. He played internationally last season in Germany with Salle Bulls Halle. Rob Pallin was Chris’ hockey coach on many of his teams. Chris’ father was the late great Dave Francis who was very popular in Las Vegas. Dave ran the Pro Shop at the Sobe Ice Arena (now known as the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive) and he always had a bright 8 x 10 color photo of his hockey son Chris wearing his red Portland Winterhawks jersey taped onto the front window of the Pro Shop.

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Monday Score

USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 8, Fresno Monsters 5

LV goals – Nate Mohr 3, Arik Altman, Darion Conaway, Heath Mensch, Trey Ponto, Keith Shenkel

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Monday, January 11, 2021

Hockey games are hard to win – all of the Las Vegas coaches know that as none of the teams here town can play home games. Which brings us to head coach Dave Hyrsky whose ‘road warriors ‘ USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds have carved out an 11-4-1 record and are a tremendous force in a very tough league.

USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

HEAD COACH DAVE HYRSKY
TEN QUESTIONS

When you recruit players on the junior hockey level what exactly are most important things to see – skill level, skate speed, hockey knowhow?

“Adam (Bonaldi, GM) and I recruit skill level obviously as this is what first catches your eye. After that we are looking into the character of a player – and a lot goes into the word ‘character.’ Like how does a player interact with his teammates – is he positive, does he get along……“

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#2 You have constructed a great hockey team this season. What are the most important positions which concern you first when putting it all together

“Adam (Bonaldi) was responsible for putting most of the team together and I think our biggest attribute at this very moment is our depth. We can roll 4 lines every game.”

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Who is the best player/goalie you have ever signed on any team

“We had the opportunity to coach Chris Thorburn when he was just 15 years old. He later was on the St Louis Blues which won a Stanley Cup a few years ago.”

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What is the role of each coach you have on game nights

“One handles the defense during the game, one handles the forwards and we work with all on the bench and make adjustments as needed.”

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In your opinion why do you think the Thunderbirds have gotten off to such a great start. What drives you to coach this particular team.

“Our depth is the reason for our great start. We enjoy being in Las Vegas very much with all of the time from top to bottom with John Marks (President), Adam Bonaldi (GM) to the players has been a lot of fun – we have kept our sanity throughout all of this with the pandemic going on is pretty amazing.”

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It’s late in 3rd period, you are down a goal, with the game on the line which of your penalty killers go onto the ice.

“We would go with one of our top offensive units if we are down by a goal in the third period. If we are up one goal in the game we would send in one of our defensive units.’

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What is the difference of playing a regular season game compared to playing in a high tension playoff game. 

“The difference between playing a regular season game and a playoff game is the intensity level. In the minds of the players we’re in a do or die situation so you see players willing to do just about about anything to win.”

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#11 Do you look at video of your next opposing team and if so, what is the most important thing to look at.

“We do look a lot of videos of opposing teams basically to study their systems– how they forecheck and how they play the penalty kill.”

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Is there anything you would like to add.

“We want to sincerely thank John Marks (President) and Adam Bonaldi (GM) for all they do – which is a lot.”

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Sunday, January 10, 2021

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North Richland Hills, Texas – Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas was picked the #2 Star of the game after he dealt two assists for the NA3HL Texas Roadrunners in a 3-2 win over the Northeast Generals here at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Looking for the whereabouts of these Las Vegas players – Spencer Poscente, Landon Quinney, Derek Sutliffe, Jacob Underhill, Cory Ward. Contact leesamuels07@aol.com

Coming this week – A Deep Look at awesome head coach Dave Hyrsky and GM Adam Bonaldi regarding their ‘Road Warriors’ Las Vegas Thunderbirds who amazingly lead the USPHL Premier Pacific Division.

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Saturday, January 9, 2021

Pensacola, Fla. – “We competed at such a high level,” said head coach Wally Lacroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u after a 3-0 win over the AA Nashville Jr Predators 16u here at the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Goalie Johnny Ng, who has played at the high level here all weekend, got the win. Micah Williamson, Mike Turner, Andrew Crawford scored. “Think about this – we’ve only allowed just one goal in our last three games here today. It truly is amazing!” Lacroix said.

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Provo, Utah – Big game goal scorer Ian Williams of Las Vegas scored twice and dealt three assists for the AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u who went 2-1-0 in a weekend road series here against the AAA West Coast Renegades 18u. Ian and the Wenatchee Wolves will travel to Omaha for the USHL AAA Under Armour Tournament scheduled for January 22-24.

Saturday Games

High School

Game One Today

Faith Lutheran H.S. Las Vegas 4 at West Texas High School 0

Game Two Saturday night

Faith Lutheran H.S. Las Vegas 6, West Texas High School 3

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AA 16u @ Florida Panthers Ice Den, Pensacola, Fla.

1st game Saturday, January 9

Final Score – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2, AA Coral Springs Makos 1

//Micah Williamson 2 goals, goalie Austin Schaertel spectacular effort for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

2nd Game Saturday, January 9

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 3, Nashville Jr Predators 16u 0

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1st game Friday, January 8

Final Score – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2, AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 16u 1@ Florida Panthers Ice Den, Pensacola, Fla.

//Vegas goalie John Ng very strong in this game. Micah Williamson, Josh Hinkle scored for Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. Coach Wally Lacroix after the game said “…..our young men played at a very high level. Our goalie had a solid performance.”

AA 14u

AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 14u 5, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0

AA Coral Springs Makos 14u 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

AA 12u – Squirts

Carolina Jr Hurricanes 12u 6, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 12u 3

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Friday Scores – January 8

High School

Faith Lutheran H.S. Las Vegas 5, at West Texas High School 0

//1st game of a weekend series for the Pokey Reddick-coached Faith Lutheran High School in action this weekend in Texas. Faith Lutheran raises season record to 5-1-4. Faith Lutheran HS will play West Texas HS two more times on Saturday. Top goal scorers this season for Faith Lutheran HS are Dominic Suhr with 11 goals, Ean Vitz 6 and John Purdy 6. Goalie Joey Hallet has a 2-0-3 record, 1.71 gaa and 92.5% save percentage and goalie Mitchell McCombs has a 3-2-1 record with a 2.50 gaa and a 90.5% save percentage.

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AA 16u

Florida Panthers Ice Den, Pensacola, Fla.

Coral Springs Makos 4, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3

AA 14u

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3, Nashville Jr Predators 1

AA 12u – Squirts

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 4, Nashville Jr Predators 1

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Friday, January 8, 2021

Pensacola, Florida – The Wally Lacroix coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u and Matt Johnson’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are here for weekend games at the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Each Las Vegas team will play four games

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach – Wally Lacroix

Jan 8 – vs AA Coral Springs Makos 16u

Jan 8 – vs AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 16u

Jan 9 – vs AA Coral Springs Makos 16u

Jan 9 – vs AA Nashville Jr Predators 16u

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AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

Jan 8 – 3-1 over AA Nashville Jr Predators 14u

LV goals – Brandon Cabral, Caden Ross, Carter Adams – LV goalie Kam Laskaska

Coach Matt Johnson ….”Excellent game. We outplayed them, controlled the game. This was a real good win.”

Jan 9 – vs AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 14u

Jan 9 – vs AA Florida Makos 14u

Jan 10 – vs Nashville Jr Predators 14u

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Breaker – Hockey coach Pokey Reddick and his Faith Lutheran High School varsity team in Las Vegas depart 11:05 am Friday to head to Texas to take on the West Texas High School varsity team in a three-game weekend series – Lee

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Spooner, Wisconsin – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas scored twice – his 7th, 8th goals of the season to help the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose beat the Rochester Vipers 9-4 here Friday night at the Spooner Civic Center. Hunter, in his first year in junior hockey is having an awesome season with 8 goals, 11 assists.

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Faith Lutheran H.S. Las Vegas varsity roster – #4 Colton Fleitz A, #7 Jack Edlin, Captain; #8 Taylor Pettigrew, #9 Ean Vitz, #10 John Purdy A – star goal scorer, #11 Noah McAnallen; #14 Niels Hartvig-Nielsen; #16 Dominic Suhr; #19 Matthew Campos; #21 Hugo Larios; #23 Phillip Stromer; #24 Matthew Cooper; #28 James Knurbein; #29 Joey Hallet – star player at all levels of the game; #33 Andrew Thornton; #34 Zaden Hnidy; #37 Mitchell McCombs; #45 Danny Ruettiger; #66 Ian McKenna; #77 Brandon Lingo; #91 Jake Fellows

To add to this roster or make revises send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Here is a look at the top goal scorers for the dynamic Dave Hyrsky-coached USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds this season. Adam Bonaldi is the GM.

Goals

16 – Nate Mohr; 10 – Heath Mensch; 10 – Keith Shenkel; 9 – Ethan Knudsen; 8 – Arik Altman; 8 – Trey Ponto; 7 – AJ Lackas; 7 – Mark Kurliandchyk; 6 – Austin Kerridge; 6 – Braden Husby; 3 – Anthony Juric; 2 – Nick Bonaldi; 2 – Tanner Turcotte; 2 – Petr Teuber; 1 – Jack Boyd; 1 – Nick Dufek; 1 – Mark Nowag; 1 – Kevin Hanley

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Breaker – The very popular ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas is returning today to his team AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. Las Vegas goalie Blade Taylor is on the Chiefs as well.

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Narch Roller Hockey Tournament Update

We hope that your New Year is off to a great start!  Here’s a quick update on upcoming events the next few months.

Jan 15^th-18^th Pacific Cup in Tucson

• Team List
• Host Hotels

The schedule will be up this Friday!  10u and 16u will run Fri-Sun.  12u, 14u, 18u will run Sat-Mon.

Jan 29^th-31^st Pacific Cup Men’s Tourney in Tucson 

We only have 3 spots left!

Register here: Pacific Cup Registration

Feb 5^th-7^th Rocky Mountain Cup –  This event is a GO!  We are excited to head to Legends Family Sports for the first time and hope your team can join us!  We hope to have 10u/12u/14u/16u/18u/men’s.  We already have men’s teams and some youth teams registered but need more teams to round out the youth divisions.  Please register ASAP if you’re planning to play in this event. 

Feb 26^th-28^th East Coast Invitational – We’re excited to head to Hotshots in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  If you have a team that wants to participate, it’s time to get registered!  Since this is a two-rink facility we’re hoping for a great turnout. 

March 12^th-14^th Winternationals in Irvine – With CA still closed for competition, we’re hoping to pull this off but still too early to tell.

April 22nd-25th NARCh Regional in Irvine – This is always our largest tournament of the year, outside of the FINALS and WINTERNATIONALS. 

We are working on adding additional events and will continue to send updates as we do.

We’re looking forward to a lot more NARCh Hockey in 2021

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Most Searched Today – #1 ‘My Greatest Game’ by Jeff Hajner; #2 Chris Francis, star goal scorer; #3 Pokey Reddick; #4 Gage Quinney – in camp with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights at City National Arena; #5 Micah Sanford – The Star Player Who Started It All in Las Vegas; #5 The first big giant-scoring Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u 1999-2000 Triple Threat Line with Travis Roseberry, Spike Neely and JC Caron. The Vegas Hockey All Heart Award each season is named after Spike Neely; #6 John Purdy, Faith Lutheran HS sharpshooter; #7 When in Doubt give the puck to the Vegas Thunderbirds amazing goal scorer Nate Mohr. Nate is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is an unstoppable force; #8 HOF coach Wally Lacroix; #9 Dave Hyrsky – Head Coach, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds; #10 Rob Pallin, the coach who ignited the sport of hockey in Las Vegas; #10a Hockey coach Matt Johnson, Vegas Jr Golden Knights; #10b Brian Salcido, Hockey Director

#11 UNLV coaches Anthony Greener, Nick Robone; #12 Star Vegas Hockey writer Bethany Drysdale; #13 Las Vegas hockey Dad Steve Allen and his rinkboard dustup last summer with The Genius at the Pepsi Arena. “It was only a story, didn’t hurt much when we got vaporized over on the south rinkboards.” #13a Skitters the wandering baby rink kitten at the Pepsi Arena is missing – again – Skitters created a few years ago by local hockey dad Dr Jay Zurfluh; #14 Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena – #1 All-Time Most Searched story; #14a The Kid Who Saved Christmas at the Pepsi Arena; #15 Premier goalie Johnny Ng, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u; #16 Miracle on Ice Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. What happened to Harris, when you read his story here, it is truly a real-life Miracle; #17 Luke Fundator, goalie for NA3HL Sheridan Hawks; #18 Vito Carlo; #19 Jake McKenna; #20 – Anthony Greener’s grandfather Gramps; #21 CJ Stubbs; #22 The Barstow Brothers

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The AHL Pacific Division looks like for this season. The AHL is looking for – hoping for – a Feb 5 start

AHL Pacific

Bakersfield Condors

Colorado Eagles

Henderson Silver Knights

Ontario Reign

San Diego Gulls

San Jose Barracuda

Stockton Heat

Tucson Roadrunners

Source – Pro Hockey Rumors website

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Monday, January 4, 2021

Gold Medal Game Update Sunday in Phoenix – D1 Desert Vista High School of Phoenix edged the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u by 3-2. Coach Wally Lacroix said “….our goalie Johnny NG played very well and our athletes showed moments of competition but we were a bit inconsistent. We took on a big strong team here.”

Pre-Game Story……

Phoenix – The Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u are in gold medal game action today – Sunday – here at the Winter Classic. The Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will take on D1 Desert Vista High School at 2 pm local time. Assistant coach Todd Owen is also on the bench with the hometown AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team.

Here is how the AA Vegas Jr Knights 16u got to the gold medal game.

3-3 tie vs Arizona Hockey Union – Austin Schaertel goalie for Vegas

1-3 to Park City Utah – Johnny Ng goalie for Vegas

3-1 over Arizona Jr Coyotes – Johnny Ng goalie

4-1 over Orange County Hockey Club – Austin Schaertel goalie

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GAGE QUINNEY OF LAS VEGAS TO NHL GOLDEN KNIGHTS CAMP TODAY

Las Vegas – Gage Quinney, who played tier hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center, is on the NHL Vegas Golden Knights training camp roster. Practices begin Monday morning at the City National Arena over on Charleston Avenue near the Red Rock Casino Hotel. The practices are closed to public. The Golden Knights indicated video streams will be released for their fans.

Gage, 25, played three games for the NHL Golden Knights last season. He primarily played for the Golden Knights’ #1 affiliate the AHL Chicago Wolves where he had 17 goals, 19 assists. He is 25, listed at 5’11, 185. His hockey father Ken Quinney played in the NHL two seasons with the NHL Quebec Nordiques and then five seasons 1993-98 with the wildly popular IHL Las Vegas Thunder.

Gage has always been a driving force and and a dynamic big game scorer at all levels of the game. He will begin this season with the NHL Golden Knights or with their new #1 affiliate the AHL Henderson Silver Knights. The Golden Knights begin NHL play on January 14, taking on the Anaheim Ducks at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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The Ticker – The NA3HL Louisana Drillers have added Mark Kurliandchik – an awesome goal scorer with the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – onto their active roster. It was announced on the NA3HL transactions area. Kurliandchik, 19, has 7 goals, 7 assists this season. He is listed at 6’3″ and 195 and is from Belarus.…Goal scorer Seth Bergeron of Las Vegas began the season playing for the NAHL Maryland Black Bears. He is now with the NAHL Northeast Generals who are based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Seth in 2021 is committed to playing hockey at D3 Stevenson University in Baltimore. Just a few seasons ago Seth was a top player for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm over at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue…. Jake McKenna, now with the UNLV Rebels, was a top defenseman for that LV Storm junior hockey club.…and who was the best, most feared goal scorer for the Las Vegas Storm. That would be captain Beau Ricketts who was a powerful awesome force.

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Big Games Saturday Night – January 2, 2021

SPHL – Southern Professional Hockey League

Final Score

Brennan Blasczak of Las Vegas and Pensacola Ice Flyers 5, visiting Huntsville Havoc 1 @ Bay Center, Pensacola, Fla.

NA3HL

Final Score

Goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and Sheridan Hawks 6, vs visiting big rival Gillette Wild 3 @ Whitney M and M Center, Sheridan, Wyoming

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The Ticker – Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin, head coach of ESV Kaufburen in Germany, said today “…we have great news to share. We have a player on our team – Markus Schweiger, only 18 years old – who is playing for Team Germany against Team Russia today. Markus is very skilled with tremendous skating ability. All the best to Markus today!”

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Saturday, January 2, 2021

Here is a good look at star goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks in Wyoming who talks about reasons why he always wanted to be a top goalie. He is 18, listed at 6’2, 185 and has won many awards here on Vegas Hockey.

• “Why I started goalie? I started goalie roughly a year after I started playing hockey. I always wanted to try it since the very beginning. I never thought it would be as my career position in hockey, but here we are. Watching the pros definitely helped to inspire me to follow my passion for goal tending, also being fortunate to have a great friend (Brayden Mensch) who help me get into it and helped me strap the pads on initially. 
• “Before playing for the Sheridan Hawks I mainly played my career in Las Vegas for the Outlaws, Junior Storm AA and one year with the Junior Wranglers AA. It wasn’t until I was 15 when I played for my first team outside of Vegas with the Arizona Bobcats AAA program for 2 years before starting my junior career with the Sheridan Hawks NA3HL.
• “My all time career goal has always been the same. I would love to play college hockey D1 and hopefully make my way to play pro hockey (NHL, AHL, European).“

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Quote of the Day…

“One night a kid failed to show up and they asked me to play goalie. At the end of the swamp closest to the streetlight, there was a ‘net’ someone had knocked together from two-by-fours with rusty chicken wire. I was handed a pair of battered sofa cushions for leg pads and an old catcher’s mask and a first baseman’s mitt and was directed into the crease. The game began and one of the players on the other team streaked towards me. He rifled a shot on goal, and I came sliding out knocking the puck aside. My teammates cheered and as the puck was gathered up they went zooming the other way. 

“Using the blade of my stick, I cleared ice shavings from the front of the net, like an old pro. In that instant, I discovered my  passion for the sport.”

— The great author Jay Atkinson, writing in his book Ice Time – A Tale of Fathers, Sons and Hometown Heroes – 2001 – Three Rivers Press 

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Quote of the Day – “On the ice hockey players are rough and tough, but when one them gets hurts or is in trouble they are the kindest, most compassionate, sensitive humans imaginable” — Las Vegas hockey Mom Nancy Whissel who wrote a story here on Vegas Hockey about her hockey son the great Harris Whissel called- “A Miracle on Ice.”

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Friday, January 1, 2021 – It’s New Year’s Day!

Las Vegas – Jason Zucker, who grew up playing hockey here in town, of the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins, and goal-scoring phenom Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u, are the 2020 Vegas Hockey Players of the Year.

Jason was 3 1/2 years old when his hockey dad Scott took his to see roller hockey legend coach Larry Sanford at his roller rink. Jason brought his own hockey stick and later here his tier hockey coach was Wally Lacroix over at the Las Vegas Ice Center. When Jason was preparing for the NHL Player Draft it was Rob Pallin who worked Jason in hard skating drills while he was all alone on the ice.

Jason, now 28, has played 10 season including 471 games. He has a NHL career 138 goals, 138 assists and 255 points

Ash Printzen is playing at a very high level with AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u. During summer months she skates in touring international roller hockey tournaments.

One of the most amazing stories this season is Dave Hyrsky who is head coach of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds. With no games on home ice because of the coronavirus the T-Birds have been an awesome force on the road and amazingly are the leaders in the Pacific Division in USPHL Premier.

Brian Salcido, HSK Hockey Director in Henderson, is the Vegas Hockey Person of the Year.

“I grew up playing youth hockey is the Los Angeles area for teams such as the West Valley Wolves and the L.A. Jr Kings. My sophomore year of high school we moved to Faribault, Minnesota to attend Shattuck St. Mary’s which is known for producing players like Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Zach Parise. We earned a scholarship to Colorado College and played along with Brett Sterling, Mark Stuart, Curtis McElhinney and Hobey Baker winner Marty Sertich

“We were drafted by the Anaheim Ducks and became the first California-born and raised player to play for the Ducks. I was the ‘black ace’ during the Ducks Stanley Cup winning playoff run in 2007. After 4 years in the Anaheim system including two All Star selections, we had a successful career in Europe playing in the KHL, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic.

“My grandparents moved to Las Vegas in 1989 and our family vacationed in Las Vegas quite often. We had a vacation home in Las Vegas and we spent many summers here. I remember attending several hockey camps at the old Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. In 2007 my parents retired here as well and my wife and I bought a house shortly afterwards. We spent all of summers in Henderson.

“My father Frank was coaching hockey in Las Vegas and we would help him with clinics and practices during the summers. He had a couple of players who were looking for extra training so we began to help find ice time to give them lessons. Dell Truax, head coach at the Jr Golden Knights, asked me to coach at some skills clinics and Wally Lacroix, the GM at the Sobe Ice Arena, let me coach his VJGK 14u team at the VJGK Memorial Day Tournament.

“We received a few offers to play in Europe, but decided to retire from professional hockey and stay in Las Vegas. That fall my Dad and I coached the VJGK 10u B squirts for the VJGK and the rest is history. It’s been a whirlwind since we stopped playing but it has been extremely rewarding and motivating to have been so well received by the hockey community in the Vegas Valley.”

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LAS VEGAS COACH ROB PALLIN AND ESK KAUFBUREN ON HOT RUN

Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin and his ESV Kaufburen team in Germany have been on a hot run, winning six of their last seven games. Coach Rob said ” We continue to get better and grow confidence in our systems. We played a very good team last night and won 6-2. Our leading goal scorers are John Lammers, who was a draft pick for the NHL Dallas Stars and Tyler Spurgeon of Canada who was a draft pick by NHL Edmonton. We want to wish everyone in Las Vegas a Happy and Safe New Year!!

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2020 VEGAS HOCKEY AWARDS

Best Coaches UNLV – Anthony Greener, Nick Robone

Best Coach UPSHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds – Dave Hyrsky

Best International Coach – Rob Pallin, ESVK Kaufbeuren

Best High School Coach – Pokey Reddick

Best AA 16u Coach – Wally Lacroix, Vegas Jr Golden Knights

Best AA 14u Coach – Matt Johnson, Vegas Jr Golden Knights

Best Roller Hockey Coach – Kevin Conaway, Sin City Barons

Las Vegas Hockey Person of the Year – Brian Salcido, HSK Henderson, Hockey Director

Best NCAA – Dom Garcia, Arizona State

Best AHL – Gage Quinney

Best ECHL – Bryce Reddick, Joe Sullivan

Best WHL – Eric Atchison

Best NAHL – Seth Bergeron

Best NA3HL – Gunner Moore, Luke Fundator

Best SPHL – Brennan Blasczak

Best USPHL Premier – Jerertt Overland, Hunter Barto

Best USPHL Elite – Tristan Nelson

Best NAPHL – Austin Moline

Best Player Las Vegas Thunderbirds – Nate Mohr

Best Defenseman Las Vegas Thunderbirds – Trey Ponto

Best Las Vegas Roller Players – Matt Abraham, Nick Robone, Darion Conaway, Andrew Tamura, Billy Tufano

Best AAA 18u – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves; ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs; Goalie Zackary Ortolano, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s

Best AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – Micah Williamson, Andrew Crawford, Kenneth Curtis

Best AAA 14u – Fuzzy Atchison, Jack Lackas, Chayse Laurie with AAA Arizona Bobcats

Best AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u – Forwards – Connor Beers, Chase Nehring, Carter Adams; Defense – Kaden Mulcahy, Hunter Toms; Goalie – Kameron Laskaskas

Best Referees – Adam Hendren, Wally Lacroix multiple winner; Ryan Townsend, previous winner

Best writer on Vegas Hockey – Bethany Drysdale has won 3 straight years; Kat Craner tremendous interviews with top UNLV players and coaches.

Best hometown hockey website – Las Vegas Ice Center (lots of updates, easy to navigate, multiple winner here),

Best hockey websites – SinBin.Vegas; Gregg Drinnan’s daily hockey blog in Canada

Best Hockey Dad – Steve Allen – totally recovered after The Genius vaporized him at the rinkboards in one of our hockey adventure stories over at the Pepsi Arena.

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

20 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

19 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

15 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

10 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

8 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights 16u – Minnesota

4 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

3 – Dexter Kichline, Bishop Kearney Selects 15u

3 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u – Washington

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL Northwest Stars 16u – Seattle

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u

1 – Seth Bergeron, NAHL Black Bears

1 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

1 – Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Premier Hampton Road Whalers

1 – Gabriel Testa, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club

To add, revise or tweak send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, December 25, 2020 – It’s Christmas Day…..

THE VEGAS KID WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

Our Annual Christmas Story

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – That didn’t take long. Brian Salcido’s handheld lighted device turned pink for a moment, then there was a bright pulsing redness.

Sector 4 it read in bright gold letters.

Salcido, who runs the Pepsi Ice Arena over on North Rancho Drive, knew it was trouble. 

Sector 4 was the casino buffet area. Which is where Johnny Gold and the Barstow brothers were having a pre-game meal.

Salcido hustled to the buffett area and the Barstow brothers said they don’t pay for their pre-game meals because they are so special.

In a few moments it was all handled.

“You’re lucky,” Johnny Gold said curtly. “We were ready to leave town. And if we leave town we’re taking Christmas with us.”

He wore a gold outfit and when he smiled there was a golden glow. 

His coach, Jack Black from East LA, was sitting over in a side booth, smiling gently.
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Tonight’s big game – Johnny Gold and the Barstow Brothers plus linemates against the hometown Las Vegas team had been sold out for weeks. Actually no tickets were sold, there were given away to locals who had been battling covid stuff for what has seemed to be forever. Salcido said it the right thing to do, let everyone in and enjoy.
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The Las Vegas coaches include Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener, John McNicholas, Matt Johnson. All have been winning coaches for years.  They were going over some pre-game stuff.  Star reporter Bethany Drysdale with a thick notebook was there as well as Gramps who was getting the players game sticks in order behind the bench. Skitters, the rink kitten who usually wanders into problem areas on game nights, was there as was newcomer Ruby the Rink Dog who was there basically to watch over Skitters.

Hi-tech Ryan was there too. He was there to figure out how Johnny Gold’s golden stick shaft turns emerald green when he perfectly lines up a shot and fires in goal after goal. 

In the Pro Shop was the great kid Leah who was baking cookies for the players. Dave Francis, the best blade sharpener in town, had quite a few skates and blades to work on. He kept a pot of coffee on to share with the players Dads, Moms, Uncles and Aunts.

During the pre-game coach Rob asked Tommy Ricketts, who was also on the bench, who and what is Johnny Gold and what makes him so special.

“Well, he hasn’t lost a game in years. Two weeks ago in Big Mountain fans got out of shape when Johnny scored seven times. The Barstow brothers give him protection from hometown enforcers. Sometimes it gets real nasty out there on the ice,” Tommy said.

“Let’s put extreme pressure on Johnny Gold anytime he carries the puck,” said Miracle on Ice Harris Whissel.

But why does Johnny Gold’s golden stick turn emerald green when he fired off rocket blasts.
That’s when Pallin turned to the youngest on the bench, kid Ryan who is a whiz in mathematics and science.

“Can you figure this out?” Pallin asked Ryan

“Shouldn’t be that hard actually,” Ryan said.
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Ryan had a hand device called Digital Power Analyzer. He bought it over at the Swap Meet on Charleston Avenue in Las Vegas. Didn’t cost much. But it sure figures things out if you know what to do with it.
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Before the game the Barstow brothers came to the Vegas bench to talk to coach McNicholas.
The big Barstow brother, with the reddish beard, said “…we heard about your son John Paul. We played a lot of games with him. Good player who played with all of his heart. We wanted to let you know now because sometimes fans chase us out of town.”

The two Barstow brothers tapped their glove to McNicholas’ right hand.
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Just then Gramps said “hey…Skitters is missing and Ruby the Rink Dog just went over to Johnny Gold’s bench to get her back.”

Salcido turned to coach Rob and asked “does things like this happen in most of your games” and Rob said not really, only when Johnny Gold is on the ice.

“By the way during warmups the Barstow Brothers told our players they don’t believe in Santa and they said he’s not coming here tomorrow night. Some of our younger players are terribly upset,” said Vegas coach Matt Johnson.

“Santa will be coming,” coach Rob said. “We promised that to our daughters.”

Johnny Gold then blasted in back to back shots. He drove to the net, wound up and each time his golden stick shaft turned emerald green and the puck rocketed into the Vegas net.

Coach Rob asked Kid Ryan Zurfluh if could figure what is going on here.

Sure, Ryan said. He knew Johnny Gold had an hidden source of power for his golden stick.
Ryan turned on his handheld Digital Power Analyzer and followed its signal.
He walked towards the back of the Pepsi Arena, walked past the two Zamboni’s and Digital Power Analyzer got louder.
And there it was…
Johnny Gold’s team bus.  The Golden One it said on the side of the bus.
And the energy beeping was coming from inside the bus.
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There was some sort of energy device inside the team bus sending electronic waves out to Johnny Gold. In a few short moments, Ryan unplugged the power cord and shut down the energy device.
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When Johnny Gold couldn’t score he walked off the ice taking the two Barstow brothers with him.  And when he reached the south rinkboards he swung his golden stick hard and it a broke into hundreds of pieces. At that very same moment the back gate opened and Peppers, the zany Zamboni driver, drove onto the ice for a cleanup. 

While all of this was going on hockey writer Bethany Drysdale was working on her second notebook.

Hockey Dad Steve Allen of Las Vegas was pounding the rink glass in joy.
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And what eventually happened to Kid Ryan.

From that very moment on he was known in Las Vegas as…..

The Kid Who Saved Christmas

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Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2021 WHL Draft, previously referred to as the WHL Bantam Draft, has been rescheduled and will be conducted in December 2021. The WHL Draft was originally scheduled to take place in May 2021.

“Moving the 2021 WHL Draft from May to December allows additional time for players in the 2006 age group to be evaluated following a challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “We anticipate minor hockey leagues and tournaments will be fully operational in the fall, which will allow players to compete at a high level once again.”Players eligible for the 2021 WHL Draft will be 2006-born players who reside in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

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THE KID WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

They are on their roadtrip right now. Johnny Gold, with his solid gold hockey stick which has electronic honing devices for easy goal scoring and the Barstow Brothers have road games in Montana, Colorado, Arizona and will soon be at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive. To all – including Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen – please do not get too close the rinkboards on game night. Our hometown coaches including Rob Pallin, Anthony Greener, John McNicholas, Matt Johnson, hockey dad Tommy Ricketts plus Gramps over by the stick rack, award winning hockey writer Bethany Drysdale on the Vegas bench and ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas have to deal with all of this in our annual Christmas story. Dave Francis will be in the Pro Shop. Kid Leah Zurfluh will be baking cookies in the Pro Shop and her old pre-teen brother Ryan will be looking for a technical way to shut down Johnny Gold. Brian Salcido, director of hockey and the arena for that matter, will be a calming centerpiece in this story called The Kid Who Saved Christmas.

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Tuesday, December 22, 202

The first-year USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds have extreme firepower. Top goal goal scorer Nate Mohr, 19, is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is listed at 6’1, 170. He initially played tier hockey with the AAA Rocky Mountain Roughriders.

As we approach the Christmas holidays here is an overall look at the top goal scorers for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds who have a record of 11-4-1. Dave Hyrsky is head coach, Adam Bonaldi is GM and John Marks is the president.

Goals

16 – Nate Mohr

10 – Heath Mensch, Keith Shenkel

9 – Ethan Knutsen

8 – Arik Altman, Trey Ponto

7 – AJ Lackas, Mark Kurliandchyk

6 – Austen Kerridge

4 – Braden Husby

3 – Anthony Juric

2 – Nick Bonaldi, Tanner Turcotte, Petr Teuber

1 – Jack Boyd, Nick Dufek, Mark Nowag, Kevin Hanly

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Monday Game

Estero, Fla. – Cameron Sylvester of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers lost a tough one, 2-1 to the USPHL Florida Jr Blades here at the Hertz Ice Arena, Blue Rink.

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How to contact Vegashockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday Scores

Breaking – The Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u today beat the AA Nashville Jr Predators 16u 5-0 at the StarCenter in McKinney, Texas.

Weekend Scores

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach Wally Lacroix

All Games at StarCenter in McKinney, Texas

0-1 to McKinney North Stars

1-2 to Nashville Jr Predators

5-0 over Nashville Jr Predators

4-3 over McKinney North Stars

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AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

All Games at StarCenter in McKinney, Texas

3-0 over Nashville Jr Predators

3-6 to McKinney North Stars

5-1 over Nashville Jr Predators

Sunday evening

1-3 to McKinney North Stars

//This was a 1-1 game with six minutes to play; then McKinney North Stars scored on a powerplay and then near end of the game North Stars got an empty-net goal.

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Estero, Fla. – With the clock ticking down towards Christmas week Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes beat the USPHL Premier Atlanta Mad Hatters today – Sunday – by 2-0 at the Hertz Ice Arena on the Green Rink.

Orland Park, Illinois – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose beat the USPHL Premier Metro Jets today 2-1. The Jets had more shots 42-32 in this game at the Arctic Ice Arena on the European Rink.

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Saturday USPHL Premier Game…..

Tempe, Arizona – Trey Ponto scored his 8th goal of the season and teammates Tanner Turcotte got his 2nd goal, Ethan Knutsen 9th and Nate Mohr 16th as the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds scored three times in the third period to beat the San Diego Sabers 4-1 here at the Oceanside Arena. Colin Gallamore was the goalie for the T-Birds who are the USPHL Premier Pacific Division leaders. The mighty T-Birds had more shots 47-27.

Las Vegas scoring

LV – Trey Ponto 8th from Nick Bonaldi, Keith Shenkel

LV – Tanner Turcotte 2nd from Mark Kurliandchyk, Mark Nowag

LV – Ethan Knutsen 9th from Keith Shenkel, Nate Mohr

LV – Nate Mohr 16th from Ethan Knudsen

LV goalie – Colin Gallamore

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Estero, Florida – Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes beat the USPHL Premier Florida Eeels 2-1 here Saturday at the Hertz Ice Arena Green Rink.

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Weekend Goal Scorers – December 18-21, 2020

Goals

4 – Mark Kurliandchyk, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

3 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

2 – Trey Ponto, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Austen Kerridge, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Ethan Knudsen, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Heath Mensch, USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Nate Mohr, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Tanner Turcotte, USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds

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It’s easy to report game scores and highlights here on Vegashockey.net – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday Games

Tempe, Arizona – Mark Kurliandchyk hammered in four goals for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds who beat the San Diego Sabers 7-1 here at Oceanside Arena. Mark, 19, is listed at 6’3″ and 195. He is from Belarus. The T-Birds, in their debut season in USPHL Premier, have a record of 10-4-1.

Las Vegas scoring

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 4th goal of season from Trey Ponto, Tanner Turcotte

LV – Austen Kerridge 6th from Heath Mensch, Arik Altman

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 5th from Keith Shenkel, Nate Mohr

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 6th from Trey Ponto

LV – Trey Ponto 7th from Jeremiah DeValk

LV – Heath Mensch 10th from Arik Altman, Trey Ponto

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 7th from Heath Mensch, Austen Kerridge

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Independence, Missouri – Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel beat the hometown Kansas City Mavericks 4-3 in overtime before 2169 here at the Cable Dahmer Arena.

Estero, Fla. – Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas dealt an assist for the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes in a 4-2 loss to the USPHL Premier Tampa Bay Juniors on Friday here at the Hertz Blue Rink.

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Big game scorer Ash Printzen of Las Vegas had 3 goals for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a big 6-2 win over rival AAA Detroit Little Caesars girls 19u. Ash has 13 goals this season.

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The Wally Lacroix coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u and the Matt Johnson coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are off to Dallas for weekend games. The Jr Golden Knights announced the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 10u are also on this big road trip.

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

Head Coach – Wally Lacroix

StarCenter, Mckinney, Texas

Saturday, Dec 19 – Final – McKinney NorthStars 16u 2, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 1

Sunday, Dec 20 – vs Coral Springs Makos

Sunday, Dec 20 – vs Nashville Jr Predators

Monday, Dec 21 – vs Nashville Jr Predators

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AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Head Coach – Matt Johnson

Saturday, Dec 19 – vs Nashville Jr Predators

Saturday, Dec 19 – vs McKinney North Stars 6, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3

Sunday, Dec 20 – vs Nashville Jr Predators

Sunday, Dec 20 – vs McKinney North Stars

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Saturday Searches – #1 Flashback 2004 The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena; #2 Ash Printzen; #3 Leroy Garcia, roller hockey; #4 Micah Sanford; #5 Micah Williamson (repeated searches); #6 Luke Fundator, goalie; #7 The Barstow Brothers; #8 Hockey dad Steve Allen and rinkboard dustup with The Genius last summer; #9 Rob Pallin; #10 Anthony Greener; #11 Wally Lacroix, Todd Owen; #12 Rink Rats #1, #2 at Pepsi Arena

Coming Soon Here – The Kid Who Saved Christmas – Our annual holiday story – Johnny Gold and the Barstow Brothers invade the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive …Lee

THE KID WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

BY LEE SAMUELS AND DAUGHTER/AUTHOR MARY CATE ZURFLUH
Story will soon be released here on Vegashockey.net

Our cast includes
Johnny Gold and the Barstow Brothers from East LA. Johnny, in his gold gear, plays with a solid gold hockey stick with electronic honing devices for ez goal scoring. The grinch-like Barstow Brothers clear his pathway to attack areas on the ice.

Pepsi Arena Exec
Brian Salcido

Coaches
Rob Pallin

Anthony Greener

Matt Johnson

John McNicholas

Tommy Ricketts – researcher

Players in the Game include ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas

On the Las Vegas Bench
Bethany Drysdale, hockey writer

Gramps, over by the stick rack

Ryan Zurfluh, age 11

Leah Zurfluh, age 9

Guest Stars
Visiting coach Jack Black
Dave Francis in the Pro Shop. Best blade sharpener in town.
Hockey dad Steve Allen of Las Vegas
Peppers, the zany Zamboni driver – Peppers created by hockey dad Jay Zurfluh

Ruby, the Rink Dog – Ruby’s first big game

Skitters, the baby rink kitten who invaribly wanders to the wrong bench and gets captured. Skitters created by hockey dad Jay Zurfluh–

Want to be in the story email me leesamuels07@aol.com

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NARCh Roller Tournament Update heading into 2021!

There’s at least some hope and optimism that we can get back to a more normal tournament schedule in 2021, but the first few months of the year are still going to be a bit turbulent do to Covid-19.  Here’s the current update on events.

• Jan 8^th-10^th – The Colorado Event is being moved back a month to February 5^th-7^th and renamed Rocky Mountain Cup!
• Jan 15^th-18^th – MLK Weekend has always been used to host Winternationals.  With California still closed to youth sports, we are still going to have a great tournament at the Tucson Indoor Sports Arena in Arizona.  With only one rink, this Pacific Cup Tournament will max out at 35-40 teams.  We will offer 8u/10u/12u/14u/16u/18u and expect it to fill quickly.

• Winternationals has been rescheduled for March 12^th-14^th at the Rinks in Irvine, with the possibility of the Rinks in Corona as overflow if needed.
• Jan 29^th-31^st – We are heading back to Tucson for a Men’s/Women’s Tournament!  The facility has a restaurant/bar and we expect this Pacific Cup Event to be a really fun tournament for the adults that haven’t had an opportunity to play tournament hockey in a long time.
• Feb 19^th-21^st – We originally scheduled to go to Hot Shots in PA and are pushing that back one weekend to Feb 26^th-28^th due to the facility accidentally double booking our original weekend.  We are very excited to get back East and hope this will be an amazing event for all ages, including a Pro Division!

You can register for any of the events here –

NARCh Registration

We will continue to monitor the landscape in each state and offer tournaments at facilities where we can do so safely within government guidelines.  Hopefully in the upcoming weeks we can put a more concrete schedule out for the rest of 2021. 

One thing is certain, we plan on hosting the NARCh FINALS at the Rinks in Irvine on July 9^th-18^th and we’re getting interest from all over the WORLD for this event!  With the continued uncertainties the next few months, we are focused on this tournament being the ultimate goal and our only NARCh FINALS EVENT for 2021!

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

NARCh Staff

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USPHL Premier Pacific Standings

#1 Fresno Monsters 13-2-0

#2 Las Vegas Thunderbirds 9-4-0

#3 Anaheim Avalanche 5-11-1

#4 San Diego Sabers 1-9-0

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Thursday Top Searches

#1 Anthony Greener; #2 Rob Pallin; #3 Micah Williamson – big game goal scorer; #4 Harris Whissel; #5 Ash Printzen; #6 Chris Francis; #7 Ian Williams; #8 Matt Johnson; #9 Michael McNicholas; #10 Johnnie Gold and the Barstow Brothers heading to Vegas; #11 Skitters, the rink kitten who wanders to the wrong bench on game nights

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Trey Ponto, a 6’2, 195 lb powerful defenseman for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds, was rewarded with major award – The Defenseman of the Week in the Pacific Division of the USPHL Premier. Trey, 19, is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has 6 goals, 5 assists this season.

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Las Vegas goalie Logan Perez was awesome in the net for the AAA Arizona Bobcats bantams 14u who beat the rugged, tough AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 2-1 this past weekend. In the second game of this series Jack Lackas, Fuzzy Atchison and Chayse Laurie helped the Bobcats beat the Coyotes 6-3. The Bobcats are off to Dallas this weekend playing in a NAPHL Holiday Tournament.

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LATE SKATE BY FAMOUS ARTIST TERRENCE FOGARTY

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By Wendy Roksvold

Las Vegas – The LV Storm bantams 14u won/swept all three scrimmages against LV Ice Warriors with shut outs this weekend!  Unbelievable!  Actually this team has not been scored on in 4 games and one period. 

Nick Talton in net Friday night at LVIC with a 4-0 win for the team (many sick saves).  Saturday morning, Gunnar Roksvold with a 5-0 win for the team- some great saves, and the afternoon game with Nick in net – another shut out 7-0.  This team has special chemistry!  Donuts left and right!  Great coaching by Tara Nilles.

Gunny had a house league game last night and won that game 6-1 (I believe- we stopped counting).

Tonight Gunnar back in net for a Crosstown Ice Game at Pepsi Center (Sobe) at 7:30pm LVIC vs Pepsi 14u. 

He just started growing and just passed me- hard to believe the little boy at Kyle’s game is growing up! 

From the Blue Line – Our new writer Wendy is also the mother of Las Vegas’ awesome goal scorer Kyle Callahan – Lee

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Las Vegas Players Away From Home….2020-21 Season

This is the most updated chart of the season

Goals

22 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

20 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

17 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

13 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights 16u – Minnesota

6 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

5 – Matthew Gross, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u

4 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

3 – Dexter Kichline, AAA Bishop Kearney Selects 15u

3 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u – Washington

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL Northwest Stars 16u – Seattl

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u

1 – Seth Bergeron, NAHL Northeast Generals – Massachusetts

1 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

1 – Michael McNichols, ECHL Utah Grizzlies

1 – Gabriel Testa, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club

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Sunday Games

NA3HL

//Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and NA3HL Atlanta Capitals vs Texas Brahmas – 3rd game of a weekend series

— Final — Atlanta Capitals 3, Texas Brahmas 0

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Saturday ECHL Games

//Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas scored an important goal – his first goal of the season – for the ECHL Utah Grizzlies in a big 3-1 road win over the ECHL Rapid City Rush at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in South Dakota. There was a big crowd of 3216 at this game

//Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel beat the Wheeling Nailers 3-2 before a crowd of 759 at the Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia.

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Saturday NA3HL Games

//Gunner Moore of Las Vegas scored his 4th goal of the season for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a 4-2 loss to the NA3HL Texas Brahmas at the Duluth, Ga Ice Center.

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Saturday USPHL Premier Games

//Cameron Sylvester of Las Vegas dealt an assist tonight for the USPHL Premier Hampton Roads Whalers who beat the Potomac Patriots 7-1 at the Chilled Ponds Sentara Healthcare hockey rink in Chesapeake, Va.

Saturday USPHL Premier Final Scores

Fresno Monsters 11, San Diego Sabers 1

Provo Riverblades 4, Ogden Mustangs 0 – upset

Wisconsin Rapids RiverKings 3, Minnesota Blue Ox 0

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North Iowa Bulls Holiday Classic – Mason, Iowa

//Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator and the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks vs the hometown North Iowa Bulls.

This is the 3rd weekend game for the Sheridan Hawks. Luke has two wins this weekend here first with 22 saves in a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Jr Blues, then Luke had 20 saves Saturday in a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Jr Blues.

Send scores and highlights to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, Dec 11, 2020

ECHL Scores

//Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas and the ECHL Utah Grizzlies led early, then lost 6-4 to the ECHL Rapid City Rush at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in South Dakota. The Opening Night crowd was 3570.

//Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel rallied and battled bravely to beat the visiting Kansas City Mavericks 4-3 in an OT/Shootout on home ice at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum

Friday NA3HL Scores

//Gunner Moore of Las Vegas dealt two assists for the Atlanta Capitals in a 4-3 loss to the Texas Brahmas on home ice at the Duluth Ice Forum.

Friday USPHL Premier Scores

Final Score – Ogden Mustangs 6, Provo Riverblades 4

Final Score – Fresno Monsters 8, San Diego Sabers 5

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Breaking News – Big game scorer Joe Terrana’s sister – Jaden Terrana, a star soccer player at Bishop Gorman H.S. in Las Vegas – will play for the UNLV Rebels girls soccer team next season. It was announced today. Joe Terrana, a top forward for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds, years ago played for a Matt Johnson-coached AA Nevada Storm 14u team. Matt now is the head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team which is based at the Pepsi Center on North Rancho Drive – Lee

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Friday, December 11, 2020

At last it’s Opening Night in the ECHL!

Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas and the ECHL Utah Grizzlies head out to take on the Rapid City Rush tonight. The game will be at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in South Dakota. Outside the arena tonight is will be clear and cold with temps around 8 degrees or so.

Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas and the ECHL Greenville, S.C. Swamp Rabbits will also be away from home taking on the South Carolina Stingrays at the North Charlotte, SC, Arena. Outside the arena during the game temps will be in the 10 degrees area.

Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel will take on the invading Kansas City Mavericks at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. During the game outside the arena tonight it will be clear and mild, with temps in the 50s.

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We are looking for the whereabouts of these Las Vegas goal scorers – Vincent Dekumbis, Chris Francis, Josh Jasek, Travis Roseberry, Cory Ward and Cody Williams…..send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Thursday, December 10, 2020

The #1 ranked bantam team in Arizona which include Jack Lackas, Fuzzy Atchison, Chayse Laurie and Logan Perez of Las Vegas with the AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006, beat the Arizona Sun Devils twice and split a series with the Phoenix Jr Coyotes this past weekend. The Bobcats are 21-7-0 and are ranked nationally in the My Hockey ratings. The Bobcats take on the Phoenix Jr Coyotes again this weekend. This season Jack Lackas has 20 goals, Fuzzy Atchison 19 and Chayse Laurie 15.

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Coming Here Next Week – The Kid Who Saved Christmas – By Lee Samuels and daughter Mary Cate Zurfluh — Johnnie Gold, who plays with a solid gold hockey stick with honing devices to score goals, and enforcers the Barstow Brothers of East LA are heading to the Pepsi Center on North Rancho Drive here in Las Vegas. Our real-life hometown coaches, players and officials must stop them in the biggest most important game of the year on Christmas Eve.

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Zach Pochiro, who grew up playing youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center, has signed with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets who will begin their season in January 2021. Zach, 26, played earlier with the 2009-10 NAPHL Nevada Stars at the Ice Center. He then played the AAA LA Jr Kings 16u and a few years later was drafted in the sixth round by the NHL St. Louis Blues. Last winter Zach played for the Esberg Energy in Denmark.

—-

WHAT A ROAD TRIP FOR IAN WILLIAMS OF LAS VEGAS

What a road trip for big game scorer Ian Williams of Las Vegas and the AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u. Ian, 17, and listed at 6’2, 175, had one goal, three assists during a tournament this past weekend in Dallas. Then AAA Wenatchee went to Phoenix where Ian had two goals in an 8-0 win over the Arizona Sun Devils and an assist in a tough 2-1 loss to the Phoenix Jr Coyotes.

Ian and the AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u still have road games – first against the Arizona Bobcats in Chandler, Arizona and then will play vs the Arizona Sun Devils at the Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe, Arizona.

The tier ratings service My Hockey lists the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 18u and the AAA Arizona Bobcats 18u as the top two ranked teams in Arizona.

Ian was an awesome goal scorer while playing in Las Vegas. Two seasons ago he had 32 goals for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u who play their home games at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive.

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Monday Final Score

USPHL Premier Richmond Generals 6, Cameron Sylvester of Las Vegas and Hampton Roads Whalers 2

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By Bethany Drysdale

Columbia, SC – The annual Parents vs Mites game was the best time we have had on ice in years! If I can say, both of my kids are now officially better than me at skating. I claim it’s because I worry more about the pain the next day if I fall. The kids won 😏. And the best part is we have enough parents interested in forming a C league team to play on the Sunday Adult league schedule.

One Dad, he had to be in his late 40s, had never been on skates before 😳. He said he would sign up for a learn to skate program because he had so much fun. 

As adults, we sometimes forget to have fun. 

We forget what it means to just go out and do something different. 

Every kid was laughing and I guarantee that is what they will remember most about this season. Not COVID, not wins/losses, not even the Zamboni burning, but the time they scored on their mom. 
Even better was in the past 2 weeks, we had 4 more kids join the league. Which means we can now participate in the Reindeer Games Tournament in Greenville Dec 19th. Played at the arena where ECHL Swamp Rabbits play. 

//Star reporter Bethany Drysdale has been voted as the Best Writer on Vegas Hockey for the last two years. She and her dear friend Kat Craner have written many player profiles and detailed game reports about the UNLV Rebels.

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We are looking for the whereabouts of Las Vegas star goal scorer Chris Francis. If you know please contact me at leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday Scores

Flash Update – Gabriel Testa of Las Vegas today scored in his first game with the USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club

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USPHL Premier

Final Score

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4, Fresno Monsters 9 at Gateway Ice Arena, Fresno

LV goal – Keith Shenkel 10th from Nate Mohr, Ethan Knutsen

LV goal – Austen Kerridge 5th from Heath Mensch, Arik Altman

LV goal – Trey Ponto 6th from Nate Mohr, Jack Boyd

LV goal – Arik Altman 8th from Austen Kerridge

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi, Colin Gallamore

Fresno goalie – Knute Loe

From the Blue Line – This ignited into a hard, rough physical game

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NA3HL

Sunday Evening Game

Final Score

Atlanta Capitals 2, Texas Brahmas 4

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals vs Texas Brahmas at NYTEX Sports Centre, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Saturday Scores

Fresno, Ca. – Big game goal scorer Nate Mohr got his 14th, 15th goals for the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds in a wild one, a 7-6 OT game won by the hometown Fresno Monsters here at the Gateway Ice Arena on Saturday night. T-Birds goalie Anthony Bonaldi had 39 saves in this game. Bonaldi this season has a 7-2-1 record, a 2.98 gaa and a 92.8% save percentage – all awesome numbers. The Fresno Monsters are now 12-3-0 and are the #1 team in the USPHL Premier Pacific Division standings. Las Vegas is in second place with a record of 9-3-1.

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From the Blue Line – Nate Mohr now has 15 goals, 14 assists this season. He is off to one of the greatest season starts in Las Vegas hockey history…….Josh Jasek scored 60 goals in one season for the Rob Pallin coached 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u who were the first hometown team to play in the U.S. Nationals…..The Las Vegas Thunderbirds and the Fresno Monsters play again here Sunday evening. Game time 7:30 pm here at the Gateway Ice Center.

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T-Birds scoring on Saturday night went like this

LV – Trey Ponto 5th from Ethan Knutsen, Nate Mohr

LV – Tanner Turcotte 1st

LV – Arik Altman 7th from Austen Kerridge, Jack Boyd

LV – Nate Mohr 14th from Ethan Knutsen

LV – Nate Mohr 15th from Ethan Knudsen, Keith Shenkel

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 3rd

Shots on goal – Fresno 46-37

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Sheridan, Wyoming – Star goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas was in the net Saturday night for the hometown Sheridan Hawks who beat the Yellowstone Quake 9-0 here at the Whitney Rink inside of the M and M Center. Luke this season has a 4-1-0 record, 1.92 gaa and a 92.5% save percentage. Outside the arena during this game it was clear and very very cold with temps in the 22-degree area.

Richland Hills, Texas – Gunner Moore of Las Vegas dealt one assist for NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a 5-1 road loss to the Texas Brahmas before a crowd of 1,250 at the NYTEX Sports Centre. Gunner has 3 goals, 9 assists this season.

College Station, Texas – Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Texas Roadrunners lost 6-1 to the El Paso Rhinos here at Spirit Arena. El Paso, which has played a limited schedule so far this season, raised its record to 4-1-0.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Hudson, New Hampshire – The amazing defenseman Tristan Nelson of Las Vegas is playing with the USPHL Elite Northern Cyclones who are off to a 4-1-0 start this season. They play home games at the Cyclones Arena here in Hudson, N.H. Last season Tristan while playing for Wally Lacroix’s high-energy and powerful AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team, arranged a number of winter charitable functions to help the homeless in Las Vegas. He did it so many times our readers here on Vegas Hockey voted Tristan the 2019 ‘Hockey Person of the Year’- a major award on this site. With the Northern Cylones Tristan’s spot on the team is listed as a right defenseman.

Today – Saturday – there is a Winter Storm Warning in Hudson, NH with snow in the forecast and temps in the ice cold 28-degrees area.

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Friday Flash Final – Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes today beat the Potomac Patriots 5-2 at the Wake Competition Center in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Friday, Dec 4, 2020

Gia Avalone of Las Vegas and the AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u played four games in Detroit – they finished 2-2-0 overall beating AAA Little Caesars Detroit twice and losing to AAA Belle Tire and AAA Grand Rapids girls 19u teams. Gia scored her first first goal of the season on a power play. She has one goal, two assists in four games this season.

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Top Goal Scorers

Goals

15 – Nate Mohr

10 – Keith Shenkel

9 – Heath Mensch

8 – Arik Altman

8 – Ethan Knudsen

7 – AJ Lackas

6 – Trey Ponto

5 – Austen Kerridge

4 – Braden Husby

3 – Anthony Juric, Mark Kurliandchyk

2 – Nick Bonaldi

1 – Jack Boyd, Kevin Hanly, Nick Dufek, Mark Nowag, Tanner Turcotte

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Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020

Special to Vegas Hockey

Chandler, Arizona – Las Vegas goal scorers Jack Lackas, Fuzzy Atchison and Chayse Laurie plus goalie Logan Perez’ awesome play in the net helped the AAA Arizona Bobcats Team 2006 go 3-1-1 at the WHL Showcase. There were 18 WHL scouts at this showcase. Arizona Bobcats beat the AAA San Jose Jr Sharks, AAA Dallas Jr Stars, AAA Chicago Young Americans, lost in OT to the AAA Anaheim Ice Dogs and lost to the AAA L.A. Jr Kings team 2006. This season Jack Lackas has 18 goals, Fuzzy Atchison 15 and Chayse Laurie 13.

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West Valley City, Utah – Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas will be playing here for the ECHL Utah Grizzlies this season.

He was on the roster of the ECHL Maine Mariners but that team shut down operations because of covid 19 concerns and restrictions in their state.

The ECHL Utah Grizzlies are affiliated with the NHL Colorado Avalanche and the AHL Colorado Eagles.

“This is very very good news for Michael and obviously our entire family,” said hockey dad John McNicholas. “He reports tomorrow to the Grizzlies.

Michael in two seasons had 24 goals, 67 assists and 91 points for the Maine Mariners. He is 26 and listed at 5’11, 180

He is also a very popular player here in Las Vegas.

The Utah Grizzlies open their season against the ECHL Tulsa Oilers here at the Maverik Center on December 18-19

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Las Vegas hockey dad John McNicholas years ago coached many Vegas hometown teams including Silver State house mites, Las Vegas Mustangs house mites, mites travel, Mites A, Squirt AA, Las Vegas Outlaws Mites BB, Mites A, Squirt A, Peewee A, Midget A and Las Vegas Icemen Bantam A.

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away From Home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

20 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

19- Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

15 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006

10 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights 16u – Minnesota

6 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

4 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

3 – Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u – Washington

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL Northwest Stars 16u – Seattle

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u

1 – Seth Bergeron, NAHL Black Bears

1 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

1 – Gabriel Testa, USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club

To revise or add here please send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Breaking Roller News

NARCh Tournament Update

This year has been extremely challenging for everyone due to Covid-19, including NARCh. We rolled out some tournaments in December, but with the rise in cases and new state restrictions, we’re having to push the dates back a little.  We will not try to run events against state/county guidelines. Here are the updates on each December Tournament.

• Dec 4^th-6^th – AZ (Pacific Cup) – youth event that IS happening.  Schedule will be up this weekend.  If you are attending this tournament, please read these guidelines – Arizona Rink Protocol.
• Dec 11^th-13^th – PA – Eastern Invitational – moved to February 20^th-21^st, same location.
• Dec 18^th-20^th – CO – Christmas Cup – moved to January 8^th-10^th, same location.

Trust us when we say we can’t wait to get back to work and provide teams with great competition in the safest environment possible.
Looking further down the road, we have many teams asking about the NARCh FINALS next summer.  
We are very excited to host the NARCh FINALS at The Rinks in Irvine along with Corona Inline (if needed) on July 9^th-19^th, 2021.
We will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation in each region of the country and host events where we can, as soon as we can!
We appreciate your continued patience and support.

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Breaking News – When the USPHL Premier Southern Oregon Spartans shut down operations due to covid restrictions in their state, Las Vegas’ Gabriel Testa was moved from that team to the USPHL Premier Motor City Hockey Club. Gabriel is a hard worker on the ice and this really is great move for him. (Thank you to Gabriel’s hockey dad and to coach Adam Stio for this breaking news)

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When you take a look at the USPHL Premier standings the hometown – and powerful – Las Vegas Thunderbirds are really in a good spot. Check this out….

USPHL Pacific Division Standings

#1 Fresno Monsters 10-2-0

#2 Las Vegas Thunderbirds 9-3-0

#3 Anaheim Avalanche 4-11-0

#4 San Diego Sabers 1-7-0

#5 Southern Oregon Spartans 0-6-0

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In his daily hockey notebook Gregg Drinnan in Canada noted the BCHL is looking at a December 8 start date.

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We are looking for the whereabouts of the great Las Vegas goal scorer Cody Williams and also hard-playing Gabriel Testa Jr who was on the roster of the USPHL Southern Oregon Spartans. If you know please send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Saturday Evening Games

NA3HL

Sheridan, Wyoming – Star goalie Luke Fundator of Las Vegas got the win for the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks who beat big rival Gillette Wild 8-3 at the Whitney Rink inside of the M and M Center here Saturday night. Luke raised his season record to 3-1-0. He has a 2.35 gaa and a 91.1% save percentage this season.

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USPHL Premier

Maverik Center, West Valley City, Utah

OT/Shootout

Utah Outliers 5, Ogden Mustangs 4

Shots – Utah Outliers 43-23

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There are just two – a party of two – of Las Vegas players who have skated in the NHL. One is Jason Zucker, now with the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and the other is Gage Quinney who last season skated in three games with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.

Both grew up playing youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center over on Flamingo Avenue and each had tremendous firepower then and again when skating on much higher levels.

Quinney, whose father Ken played in the NHL, put together some great numbers too when he played on the AHL Level.

Let’s take a look at Gage’s AHL numbers….

Gage Quinney

AHL

2017-18 – AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins

14 goals, 19 assists, 33 points, +5 on the ice

2018-19 – AHL Chicago Wolves

19 goals, 34 assists, 53 points, +37 on the ice

2019-20 – AHL Chicago Wolves

17 goals, 19 assists, 36 points, +6 on the ice.

As we write this Gage is on the roster of the the AHL Henderson Silver Knights who are the #1 affiliate of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.

Friday, November 27 Scoreboard

It is easy to report scores, game highlights, hockey news – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

NA3HL

Sheridan Hawks 9, Gillette Wild 3

//Las Vegas star goalie Luke Fundator was the backup goalie for Sheridan Hawks during this game . The Sheridan Hawks, based in Wyoming, raised their season record to 9-1-0. They have outscored teams – are you ready for this? – 100 goals to 12.

USPHL Premier

Ogden Mustangs 5, Provo Riverblades 4 OT/Shootout

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USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Top Goal Scorers

13 – Nate Mohr

9 – Heath Mensch

9 – Keith Shenkel

7 – AJ Lackas

6 – Arik Altman

4 – Braden Husby

4 – Austen Kerridge

4 – Trey Ponto

Source – USPHL Premier website

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Here are USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds scores in Utah during Thanksgiving Day week. All games were played at The Weber County Ice Sheet in Ogden, Utah. The T-Birds are a powerful force in USPHL.

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Thanksgiving Week Games

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Monday – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 4-2 over the Ogden Mustangs (major road win)

Las Vegas goal – Austen Kerridge 3rd

Las Vegas goal – Nate Mohr 10th

Las Vegas Goal – AJ Lackas 7th

Las Vegas goal – Nate Mohr 11th

//Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

Tuesday – Provo Riverblades 3, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 1

//Las Vegas goal – Austen Kerridge 4th

//Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

Wednesday – Thanksgiving Day Eve

Ogden Mustangs 5, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3

//Las Vegas goals – Nate Mohr 12th, 13th, Keith Shenkel 9th

//Las Vegas goalie – Colin Gallamore

From the Blue Line – Las Vegas big game goal scorer Nate Mohr is from Sioux Falls, S.D. He is 19 and listed at 6’1, 170. He has been a major scoring force on every team he’s played on – such an awesome player.

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Las Vegas leading goal scorers away from home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

18 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

15 – Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

13 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

10 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

7 – Austin Moline, NAPHL NorthStar Knights 16u – Minnesota

6 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

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#1 Most Read Story today – “A Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning” by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

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#1 Most Searched Today – Big goal scorer Heath Mensch, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

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It is Thanksgiving Eve and here is how Las Vegas hockey execs, coaches and players will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. And, to all bundle up – hockey weather has arrived in Las Vegas – Low temps during Thanksgiving week here have been from 41 degrees down to 37 degrees – Lee

How We Are Celebrating Thanksgiving Day

Hockey Dad Steve Allen whose son Jason was a big goal scorer here in Las Vegas and then with the L.A. Jr Kings and the San Diego Jr Gulls

“We are planning to have Thanksgiving Dinner with Jason and his daughter Gianella. Jason’s son Roman plays high school football in Texas and cannot come in. He is very talented and will be with us at Christmas. We plan to have our Thanksgiving dinner here in town at the Casa Di Amore over on Tropicana Avenue. Our friend Mike owns it and it is a great old Italian place.”

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Las Vegas goal scorer Justin Battaglia.

Justin, a very popular skater, played two seasons with ACHA D2 UNLV Rebels, then skated here in town with the Las Vegas Wolves and Las Vegas Jesters. His hockey dad Joe said Justin will be going over to his grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving Dinner

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Vegas Hockey star reporter Bethany Drysdale and family live in Columbia, South Carolina. “On Wednesday we plan to drive to Alexandria, Virginia to have Thanksgiving dinner with my brother Kevin. There will be six of us for dinner. Then we are going outdoor skating at the 2020 Ice and Lights @Winter Village over at Cameron Run. Hello to all of our dear friends in Las Vegas.”

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Kat Craner, Vegas Hockey writer – and a great reporter who does insightful interviews with UNLV Rebels star players

“Hello everyone. We are going to go have dinner over at our nieces house, then stop over at Stephen Smetany’s home.”

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Matt Edlin, head coach AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights Pee Wee Team

“We will be spending time with family here in Las Vegas. We are really looking forward it. Happy Thanksgiving to all reading this today.”

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Anthony Greener, head coach, UNLV Rebels

“The plan is to be with our family, have dinner and a great time.”

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Matt Johnson, Head Coach, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

“Our Thanksgiving Day plan is to get together with some friends here in Las Vegas. Our family is back in Massachusetts. So we will be with our hockey family!”

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Adam Naglich, a legend Las Vegas goal scorer in ice hockey and roller. His roller teammates for years called him Stick.

Adam said “just my wife and the kids this year for Thanksgiving dinner. We are still playing hockey a couple of times a week – usually Wednesday’s at the Las Vegas Ice Center and Thursday’s at Fiesta.”

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Rob Pallin, legend Las Vegas coach now head coach of ESV Kaufburen in Germany

(Texting from Germany) “We will be in our home because of quarantine. We plan to watch a few NFL football games on our television. We are a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings. Our team (ESV Kaufburen) was hit hard by the virus – we had 14 players, my assistant coach and our GM all test positive. Our entire team went into quarantine for 14 days. We will start practice again on November 30 and begin playing games on December 4. Wanted to let you know that our team was really pro active and was being very careful. On a good note we want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all in Las Vegas. JP RIP.“

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Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u – nationally ranked team

Ash is flying in from Michigan to be with her hockey family in Las Vegas. Her hockey brother Cody Printzen now lives in California. Hockey mom Aimee is driving Ash to SoCal so all can have Thanksgiving Day dinner together. Ash is the #1 goal scorer among all Las Vegas players away from home this season.

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Beau Ricketts and younger hockey brother Blade Ricketts

“Beau will be having Thanksgiving at his in-laws place in Minot, North Dakota. Blade is still in Army Boot Camp at Fort Benning,” said the great hockey Mom Charla Ricketts.

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Nick Robone, chief recruiter and top assistant coach UNLV Rebels

“Keeping it pretty low key! Going to my parents house with my brother and our girlfriends.”

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Brian Salcido, Pepsi Hockey Arena Director – and Director of Coaches with Vegas Jr Golden Knights

“Good question. We love to cook. Get the process going a couple of days before Thanksgiving Day. Cook and eat all day. Have football on and fall asleep on the couch.

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Jimmy Samuels, grew up playing roller hockey at the ‘Little Home of Champions’ Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive and ice hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center. He also played a season with ACHA D3 Kansas University, then became their GM when the Jayhawks advanced and played at the U.S. Nationals. Jimmy is now living and working in Austin, Texas.

“Hey everyone at home in Las Vegas we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day in Austin by ourselves this time.“

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Hockey Mom Mary Margaret Samuels – massive UNLV Rebels hockey fan – “For the first time we are not cooking, can you believe it?. Our daughter Mary Catherine, husband Jay and grandchildren Ryan and Leah are bringing Thanksgiving dinner to our place. All of our children like to read so Lee got Barnes and Nobles gift cards for all of our grandchildren.”

Adam Stio, legend Las Vegas ice hockey and roller hockey coach

“Heading right now to Sarasota, Florida to be with my mother for the holidays. My best to all hockey coaches and players in Las Vegas.

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‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas and AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

Harris will be coming home this Wednesday to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The state of Connecticut has shut down youth sports until at least December 7 but more likely until January 19. Harris was a hard worker and a star player for Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u last winter, then signed with AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. “We are so excited we will be able to spend Thanksgiving with him,’ said hockey mom Nancy Whissel.

How are you spending Thanksgiving Day in Las Vegas – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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#1 Most Searched Today – Cody Printzen of Las Vegas. Cody last played with the WSHL Fresno Monsters in 2018-19

Sunday, November 22, 2020

REST IN PEACE JOHN PAUL MCNICHOLAS

http://www.holycrossmortuary.com/obituary/john-mcnicholas

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Game Report

Newington, Connecticut – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of Las Vegas turned it up for the AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u in a 7-4 win over rival AAA Connecticut Jr Rangers 18u here on home ice at the Newington Ice Arena on Saturday. Harris, who was a star player for coach Wally LaCroix’ AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u last winter, had 10 shifts during the game and got his first point – an assist. He blasted up and down the ice creating opportunities for his team in a great hometown win. While all of this was going on Las Vegas goalie Blade Taylor had an awesome game himself and got the win for AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u. Blade last season played for the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds.

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Saturday Games

Blaine, Minnesota – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas scored two goals for the USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose in a 10-3 win over the USPHL Premier Rum River Mallards. Hunter has 6 goals, 11 assists this season. The game was played here at the Fogarty Ice House in Blaine.

Edmond, Oklahoma – Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers will take on the El Paso Rhinos at the Arctic Edge Arena in Edmond, Oklahoma. Game will begin 7:05 pm local time. Outside the arena during the game it will be chilly with rain showers.

Final Score – El Paso Rhinos 6, Oklahoma City Blazers 3

To report a game score send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and South Korea

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Las Vegas premier defenseman Jerrett Overland, 19, is playing for the 10-0-0 NCDC Jersey Hitmen junior team this season. The Hitmen play home games at the Ice Vault in Wayne, New Jersey. After this season Jerrett will play with the NCAA Air Force Academy.

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Friday, November 21, 2020

Breaking News – Tonight – Friday – Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3H The L Oklahoma City Blazers will take on the El Paso Rhinos at the Arctic Edge Arena in Edmond, Oklahoma. Going into this game Oklahoma City is 10-2-0 and a division leader; El Paso has played a limited number of games and is 2-0-1. Outside the arena during the game it will be chilly with a chance of rain showers.

//Final Score – Overtime – El Paso Rhinos 3, Oklahoma Blazers 4

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MY GREATEST GOAL – NICK ROBONE

Nick Robone of Las Vegas is a 4-time Vegas Hockey Roller Player of the Year while with the Las Vegas Tour Rebels and with the UNLV Rebels college roller teams. He has scored hundreds of goals in his career but he says one particular goal is the most special of all.

Nick, who is now a super scout and top assistant coach with Anthony Greener of the UNLV Rebels nationally ranked ice hockey team, started out his hockey career in roller hockey.

“My biggest greatest goal was at the NCRHA National championships playing for the UNLV roller hockey team,” Nick said. “We were pitted against a great team – the defending national champions Lindenwood and we were down 4-3 with three minutes to play. We went onto a power play and Alex Yug fed me a great pass in the slot area for a quick one-timer on the blocker side.

“That tied the game, then Andrew Tamura would then score for us a few minutes to send us into the National Championship game. Looking back this was always one of my all-time favorite tournaments in the sport of roller hockey.

More on Nick Robone…

//He was born, raised in Las Vegas

//He played 16 seasons in ice and roller.

//He played for the Las Vegas Tour Rebels roller team during most of those seasons.

//For five years he was the captain of the UNLV Rebels roller team.

//Nick had over 300 points – an amazing number of points – in the NCRHA.

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Breaking News – The Nick Robone ‘My Greatest Goal’ story is the #1 most read story in the last six months here on Vegas Hockey.

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Regarding the previous mention here about the T-Birds going away from home this weekend to take on the Fresno Monsters – the Monsters announced the State of California has shut down the Gateway Ice Arena in Fresno. All USA hockey teams – no matter where or what level – are in a total scramble right now.

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Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin’s ESV Kaufburen in Germany and all of the teams in their league are on pause right right. No games until further notice.

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This is a Flashback Story written here on March 18, 2015

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By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – “We don’t make, print or use UNLV number 96 anymore,” UNLV’s defenseman and promotions director Arturo Castro was saying the other night.

Jersey #96 is the most famous jersey of all in Las Vegas. Anthony Greener wore it for what — 4 1/2 seasons. He was the UNLV captain two seasons, co-captain two seasons.

Think about this – Anthony Greener played on the top line on every single game he skated for with the Rebels.

And of a sudden the (2015) Alumni Game is scheduled this Saturday night at the SoBe Ice Arena and Greener is one of the Rebels greats invited to play.

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It is amazing Greener is even skating because of the way he went out of the game – checked brutally hard when he was down on the ice while playing against Long Beach State in a road game a few seasons ago. It was a totally unfair hard devastating hit to shut down one one of the greatest most driven and exciting players in Las Vegas hockey history.

Greener is on an (2015 season) Alumni team which includes Mike Zenzola, Sam Braniff, Todd Monteros, Doug Wenglare and the great Vegas Hockey Fall of Fame goalie Chris Tate.

So where are Greener’s home and away #96 Rebels jersey as we write this.

One is framed and hanging on the south wall at the Sobe (now Pepsi) Ice Arena. “I think my Mom has one, Gramps has another and that’s about it,” Greener said.

Greener said the best Rebels top line he was ever on was with giant goal scorer Josh Jasek and Scott Rensmon.

“Jasek and I made All American that year,” Greener said. “I had like 85 points. Another line we liked was playing with Sam Braniff and Robbie Silvernail. We had a few great top line combinations and coach Rob Pallin was always good finding the right lines and not really messing with them during a season.

“In the Alumni Game Saturday we will wear whatever Arty (Arturo Castro) throws at me. I’ve been skating pretty good on Thursday and Sunday nights.”

Which brings us to Arturo Castro, the UNLV defenseman who in the fall was crushed from behind by a player from Long Beach State.

As a result Arturo has been troubled with a very bad back injury and is wearing a neck brace.

But sometimes for an all-heart hockey player like Arturo the will to play is too much.

Arturo plans to suit up and skate in the Alumni Game on Saturday night.

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Where is #96 Anthony Greener now? He is the head coach and is assisted by Nick Robone of the powerful UNLV Rebels hockey team which practices and plays home games at the City National Arena just off of Charleston Avenue, next to Red Rock Casino.

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Rest in Heavenly Peace….

John Paul McNicholas, 30, and the son of Las Vegas hockey dad John McNicholas and the brother of pro player Michael McNicholas, has unexpectedly passed. John Paul last played hockey for the 2008-09 North Bay Skyhawks and with the 2009-10 University of Cal-Berkley team. Arrangements for John Paul will soon be announced by the family.

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Breaking News – Hunter Barto of Las Vegas two assists today for the USHPL Premier Minnesota Moose in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Mullet at the Fogarty Ice Center in Blaine, Minnesota……The UNLV Rebels are still waiting to get their official start date for the 2020-21 season. The Rebels play their home games at the City National Arena ….To Snooks – Jerrett Overland of Las Vegas this season is playing for NCDC New Jersey Hitmen junior hockey team. Jerrett will play for NCAA Air Force Academy next season…..

We are looking for the whereabouts of Matthew Gross of Las Vegas. Last season he was a 28 goal scorer for the AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 16u…….

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AFTER A BIG WEEKEND IN TEXAS THE AA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 14U ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH TO A BIG SEASON SAYS HEAD COACH MATT JOHNSON

“Over the course of the weekend in Texas I would say everyone contributed in some way. Whether it was a winning a battle on the boards or blocking a shot, a big hit, the little things which do not show up on a scoresheet at the end of a game,” said Matt Johnson, head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u bantam team.

“We really did elevate our level of play this past weekend. We were hoping to have a big weekend in town but we haven’t yet been approved to play yet. That would have been a great opportunity to show family and friends how far we have come along.

“Our players have really bought into the development and the blue collar style of play and in turn has resulted in success. 

“It’a tough to play against top teams when we’ve only played 8 games and they have already played in 20 to 30 games. But that is what we are dealing with this season.

“Not only are we now developing physically we are developing mentally.

“Hopefully we can keep this going and build on it throughout the season.”

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

10 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

6 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Premier Minnesota Moose

5 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

4 – Austin Moline, NAPHL Northstar Knights 16u Minnesota

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL AAA Northwest Stars 16u

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

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Breaking News – Goal scorer Brennan Blasczak of Las Vegas has signed with the SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers for the 2020-21 season. Brennan is listed at 6’0, 185.…Rhett Rakhshani who played for the 2003-04 AAA Cal Wave 18u years ago in SoCal – and skated against a number of Las Vegas teams in that era – has signed with SHL Djurgardens IF in the Swedish League. He is 32 and is listed at 5’10, 185.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Late Sunday Night Scores…..

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers beat the Texas Roadrunners 6-2 at the Spirit ice Arena in Lubbock, Texas. …Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas and the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes beat the Charleston Coloniels 3-0 at the Wake Ice Center in Morrisville, N.C.

SUPER SUNDAY GAMES

NAPHL 16U

Commerical Center Arena, Frisco, Texas

Final Score

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3, Ontario Jr Reign 1

Goals

LV – Andrew Crawford

LV – Jesse Castro from Andrew Crawford

LV – Ryan Pavlinsky from Ty Phillips

LV goalie – Austin Schaetel

NAPHL 14U

Commercial Center Arena, Frisco, Texas

Sunday Final Score

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 12 Arizona Bobcats 3

Goals

VJGK – Chase Nehring

VJGK – Kaden Mulcahy from Finn McNabb

VJGK – Finn McNabb from Chase Nehring

VJGK – Darren Lingo from Trevor Abele

VJGK – Chase Nehring from Caser Beringer, Kyle Roberson

2nd Period

VJGK – Finn McNabb from Caser Beringer

VJGK – Brandon Cabrel from Kaden Mulcahy

VJGK – Brandon Cabrel from Hunter Toms

3rd Period

VJGK – Kaden Mulcahy from Hunter Toms

VJGK – Hunter Toms from Kaden Mulcahy, Chase Nehring

VJGK – Connor Beers from Hunter Toms

VJGK – Kaden Mulcahy from Caden Ross

VJGK goalie – Will Harris

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Special to Vegas Hockey

Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u scored in a big game vs the AAA Milwaukee Jr Admirals girls 19u on Saturday. Milwaukee won the game 3-2. Ash is a premier player in girls ice hockey and during the summer in girls international level roller hockey.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Sheridan, Wyoming – Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator had 16 saves for the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks in an 8-1 over the Bozeman Ice Dogs at the Whitney Rink here in Sheridan on Saturday night. It was the first win of the season for Luke who had 12 wins for the Sheridan Hawks last winter. Outside the arena during this game it was very cold in the 24-degree area.

//Also on Saturday night Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers beat their big rival Texas Roadrunners 3-2 in an OT/Shootout. Oklahoma City raised its season record to 9-2-1. The big game was at the Spirit Ice Arena in College Station, Texas.

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Saturday, November 14, 2020

NAPHL 16u – Plano, Texas

OVERTIME – Final Score

AA Arizona Jr Bobcats 16u 2, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 1

Las Vegas goal – Andrew Crawford from Ty Phillips

Las Vegas goalie – Johnny Ng

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Saturday, November 14, 2020

NAPHL 14u – Plano, Texas

Final Score

AA Houston Wild 14u 5, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 2

Las Vegas goals

LV – Connor Beers from Carter Adams – powerplay

LV – Darren Lingo from Carter Adams

LV goalie – Kameron Laskaska

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Friday, November 13, 2020

Helena, Montana – Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Helena BigHorns got a 4-2 win over the Missoula Jr Bruins on home ice at the Helena Ice Arena on Friday night. Outside the arena during the game it was very cold – down to 39 degrees – with a red-alert high wind gust warning

Also on Friday night….

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers beat the Texas Roadrunners 6-2. Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas dealt an assist for Texas at the Spirit Arena in Lubbock. This was an ultra heated rough game with a couple of roughing double minor penalities followed by four Unsportmanlike 10-minute penalties including one for boarding.

Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas dealt an assist for the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes in a 5-2 win over the Charleston Colonials at the Wake Performance Center in Morrisville, N.C. Aidan has one goal, three assists this season.

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Las Vegas Weekend Goal Scorers – Nov 13-15, 2020

Goals

AAA Girls 19u

1 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

AA 16u

2 – Andrew Crawford, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

2 – Micah Williamson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Jesse Castro, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Ryan Pavlinsky, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Ty Phillips, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

AA 14u

3 – Connor Beers, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

3 – Brandon Cabral, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

3 – Kaden Mulcahy, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Darren Lingo, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Finn McNabb, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Chase Nehring, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Carter Adams, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Hunter Toms, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Collin Spencer, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

To contribute or revise here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Weekend Scoreboard – November 13-15, 2020

Children’s Health StarCenter, Plano, Texas

Friday, November 13, 2020

NAPHL 16u

AA Texas Jr Brahmas 8, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

//VGK Jr Golden Knights 16u have a very young team in their rebuilding season – Coaches Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen are working hard with them – Lee

AA Dallas Penguins 5, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2

NAPHL 14u

Friday, November 13, 2020

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 5, AA Dallas Penguins 14u 2

//Matt Johnson is the head coach of the the Jr Golden Knights bantam team

AA Littleton Hawks – Colorado 14u 1, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u 0

//Littleton Hawks bantams have been the ultimate power for years in the Rockies

The next games for the USHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds will be away from home, taking on the Fresno Monsters November 19, 20, 21 at the Gateway Ice Arena. The T-Birds are off to an awesome 8-1-0 start this season.

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Friday, November 13, 2020

Goal scorer Aidan McNabb of Las Vegas has scored for the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes. It was his first goal this season. He has 1 goal, 3 assists. Last winter Aidan had 12 goals, 11 assists for 23 points with the USHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

Aidan, 20, and listed at 6’1, 195, played his youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center. He was a top player and a team leader with the AAA Las Vegas Storm 16u and then with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm junior team. He also played a season with the AAA NAPHL Cal Titans 18u.

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Many Las Vegas star players and top teams have played at the Ice-Plex

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News Release

Escondido, Calif. – We are sad to announce the closure of Ice-Plex, effective immediately. This was not an easy decision. Our hockey and skating communities have been strong partners to us throughout the years, and we have worked hard over the last few months to find an alternative way to keep the facility open. Unfortunately, that solution has not emerged. 

In recent years, Ice-Plex has operated at a substantial loss. The facility’s refrigeration and HVAC systems, which are used to cool ice and provide safe air flow throughout the building, are beyond their lifespan and in dire need of replacement. These are complex and energy-intensive systems, and the cost of design and install is prohibitively high. When compounded with the financial impacts of forced closure due to COVID-19, we cannot make these investments. 

First and foremost, we want to assure all teams, hockey players, figure skaters, public skaters, and all other customers, that they will receive a full refund for all programming that was scheduled to occur at the Ice-Plex facility. Refunds will be issued immediately through our platform, Square. 

The Ice-Plex has been an integral part of the community since its opening in 1995. As San Diego’s largest ice-skating facility, we are proud to have been a place for hockey players and skaters of all ages and skill levels to grow and develop.  

Unfortunately, the Ice-Plex was operating at a loss prior to the COVID-19 mandated shutdown, which essentially brought the facility’s revenue to zero. The primary driver of losses to the facility is the exorbitantly expensive and carbon-intensive process of cooling the ice with the facility’s aging equipment. In recent months we have worked to identify alternative energy options and new equipment for the rink. We brought in engineers and other experts, but the cost of an overhaul is more than we can commit to. 

We turned to others in the community, including rink operators, investors and hockey organizations, offering a five-year, no-cost lease to a qualified operator who could make the necessary investments in equipment. We engaged in promising conversations, but ultimately, a solution did not emerge. 

We understand the impact this decision will have on California’s hockey teams, skaters and fans. We love ice sports and share their disappointment. It is unfortunate that the impacts of COVID-19 are reaching beyond hospital walls, tipping fragile operations like ours over the edge. 

We close our doors with a heavy heart and would like to extend our deepest thanks to our athletes, customers, staff and volunteers, who have been responsible for creating a welcome and competitive environment at Ice-Plex. You have brought joy to our lives. Your dedication to sport, community and individual achievement will not end with Ice-Plex.

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NATE MOHR OF LAS VEGAS T-BIRDS TOP SCORER IN LEAGUE

There are 62 teams in action this season in the USPHL Premier Hockey League. Big game goal scorer Nate Mohr of the Las Vegas Thunderbirds is among the Premier’s Top 20 best scorers. Nate has 9 goals, 13 assists for 22 points and is ranked at #14 in the league.

Nate, 19, earlier played with the NAPHL Rocky Mountain Roughriders 18u, then with the AAA Sioux Falls Power, South Dakota 18u team. He is listed at 6’1, 175.

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Contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

San Diego – The USPHL Premier division leading Las Vegas Thunderbirds are away from home taking on the San Diego Sabers this coming weekend. The game times beginning Friday night are 9:55 pm, Saturday 9:30 pm and on Sunday 2:25 pm.

USPHL Premier Pacific Division

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 8-1-0

Fresno Monsters 7-2-0

Anaheim Avalanche 2-7-0

San Diego Sabers 1-5-0

Southern Oregon Spartans 0-3-0

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ASH PRINTZEN OF LAS VEGAS 3 GOALS VS AAA LITTLE CAESARS DETROIT

Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u swept a three game weekend series over AAA Little Caesars Detroit girls 19u by scores of 2-0, 4-2, 6-2. Ash, a mighty goal scorer in ice hockey, had 3 goals for AAA Meijer Western Michigan in the third game.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Las Vegas Weekend Goal Scorers – Nov 5-8, 2020

Goals

3 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

2 – Arik Altman, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

2 – Nate Mohr, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Jack Boyd, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Braden Husby, USHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – AJ Lackas, USHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

1 – Gunner Moore, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals

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Sunday, November 8, 2020

Oklahoma City – Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals vs NA3HL Oklahoma Blazers at the Blazers Ice Center, Oklahoma City. Atlanta has a record of 9-2-0, Oklahoma City is 7-1-1. Weather outside the arena at faceoff will be in high 50s and clear. Temp there on Tuesday will be in low 40s.

//Final Score – Atlanta Capitals win 3-1. Gunner Moore two assists, his 7th and 8th this season…..

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Las Vegas – The USPHL Premier Fresno Monsters halted the Las Vegas Thunderbirds eight-game unbeaten streak in an 8-2 win here in a late-night Saturday game at Las Vegas Ice Center. The Thunderbirds earlier won the first two games of this three-game weekend series.

Final Score

Fresno Monsters 8, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 2

Las Vegas goal – Nate Mohr 9th goal from Trey Ponto

Las Vegas goal – Arik Altman 6th from Mark Nowag, Joe Terrana

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Shots on Goal – Fresno 37-29

Fresno goalie – Knute Loe

Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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To revise or update send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Special to Vegas Hockey

John Lammers scored and dealt three assists to help Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin’s ESV Kaufburen of Germany win 8-1 against Dresdner on Friday – Opening Night – of the regular season.

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Friday, November 6, 2020

Las Vegas Ice Center

USPHL Premier

Final Score

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3, Fresno Monsters 2

Las Vegas goal – Nate Mohr 8th goal of season from Nick Bonaldi – powerplay

Las Vegas goal – Arik Altman 5th from Heath Mensch, Jack Boyd – powerplay

Las Vegas goal – Jack Boyd 1st from Arik Altman, Joe Terrana

Shots on Goal – Las Vegas 39, Fresno 39

Fresno goalie – Knute Loe

Las Vegas goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

From the Blue Line – Jack Boyd, who scored the game-winning goal, is 19 years old, a defenseman and is listed at 6’4, 201. He is from Richboro, Pa.…Las Vegas is off to its best ever start 8-0-0 in club history….Here is an amazing statistic – Unbeaten T-Birds have scored 58 goals and have only allowed 13 goals in their first eight games.

This was Game Two of a three-game weekend series

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For years Matt Edlin has been a top hockey coach here in Las Vegas on a variety of levels. And where exactly is he this season? “Coaching the Las Vegas Jr Golden Knights Pee Wee AA team with Frank Salcido, Brian Fox and Andy B,” Matt said. “It’s been a lot of fun working with a great group of coachable players. Hope all is well with everyone in Las Vegas.“

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Thursday, November 5, 2020

T-BIRDS GOALIE ANTHONY BONALDI 31 SAVES IN A 2-1 WIN OVER THE USPHL PREMIER FRESNO MONSTERS

Las Vegas Ice Center

Final Score – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 2, Fresno Monsters 1

LV – AJ Lackas 6th goal this season from Nate Mohr, Jack Boyd

LV – Braden Husby 4th from Keith Shenkel, Nate Mohr

LV – Goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Fresno Monsters@USPHLMonsters Heading to Las Vegas to take on the @lasvegastbirds who are currently tied with Fresno for 1st in the Pacific Division

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Las Vegas – Let’s get ready to rock – the 6-0-0 USHL Premier Fresno Monsters are in town today to take on the 6-0-0 USHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds noon today at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. The Fresno team tweeted they are coming here. The game is also posted on the USPHL Premier hockey website. The T-Birds have taken apart two previous teams in league games but their first utra-heated game may be this one. It’s a 3-game series with two more games – Friday noon, Saturday 9 pm – at the Ice Center.

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Big goal scorer Heath Mensch, 17, of the USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds has some astounding early-season stats. Let’s take a look

Heath Mensch

5’10, 175

6 Games

9 Goals

3 assists

12 Points

3 Powerplay Goals

1 Game-winning goal

Has scored in four straight games

Heath and the Thunderbirds, 6-0-0, will take on the undefeated Fresno Monsters on Thursday noon at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

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JOHN LAMMERS 2 GOALS FOR COACH ROB’S ESV KAUFBUREN

John Lammers, a NHL Dallas Stars draft pick, scored two goals for coach Rob Pallin’s ESV Kaufburen who beat Ravensburg 2-1. “That is the end of our pre-season – we have our first regular season game vs Dresden on Friday,” said coach Rob.

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Coming Tomorrow – Heath Mensch’s astounding statistics with the USPH Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds who take on the 6-0-0 Fresno Monsters in a three-game series beginning Thursday in Las Vegas. The games will be at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

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Tuesday, November 3, 2020

By Bethany Drysdale

It is already November and our hockey season is in full swing. It is still hard for me to believe I have been out of Las Vegas for 16 months now. I still feel very connected to my adopted home for the previous 7 years. The connections I made in the hockey community will undoubtedly stick with me for the rest of my life. To know that my boys learned to skate at City National and the Fiesta is a privilege. As much as we miss our home in Las Vegas, we are beginning to make new friends here in Columbia, SC.

            Now, with a 7 year old and a precocious 4 year old, I navigate the waters of 8U Mites games twice a week. With my husband deployed, I now must get both kids ready and on the ice by myself. I’m not complaining, because we are fortunate enough to still be playing, despite the ongoing pandemic. There are multiple changes to this season, including our travel to other cities for Mites Jamborees, which have all been cancelled for the 2020-21 season in the Carolinas. Instead, we play against the Plex House teams each week, with fun results. Lucas (age 7) scored his first game goal this week on Tuesday. He has struggled with his stick and puck skills in the past year, but finally had a breakaway opportunity to score. The best part was a parent captured the moment on video, which we could send to dad to see in the Middle East. With his confidence boosted, he had 2 assists in Saturday’s game. Little brother Blake (age 4) decided to try his skills between the pipes in 2 games. He had a shutout his first game, earning him player of the week honors. The second game was against the development team, and he allowed 7 goals for his first loss. No matter where he plays or what the score, Blake has the best time.

            Seeing hockey from their perspective, I am reminded that the best parts of this crazy year are to see the world the way a child does. To celebrate the small victories, make new friends, and to encourage each other to be their very best are the keys to staying positive. Believe me, it is so easy to get frustrated or depressed, especially the way things have developed this year. But, as my kids remind me, as long as we have hockey and fun, everything will be ok. Look on the bright side of every situation, you just might see something good happening without realizing it.

Bethany Drysdale is a star reporter here on Vegas Hockey. She has won ‘Best Writer’ awards here the last two years.

     

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By Bethany Drysdale

        Live hockey returned to City National Saturday with a 4 team 3 on 3 hockey tournament featuring the UNLV players and Vegas professionals. And the competition was a real “treat” on Halloween for all those who attended. The games were streamed lived as the teams battled it out in what should have been well into the ACHA season. This event was the perfect opportunity to meet the newest Rebels and welcome back to some familiar faces. The ECHL Indy Fuel’s Joe Sullivan, Fort Wayne Komet’s Zach Pochiro both showed they are ready for the upcoming season as well. Both Sullivan and Pochiro looked they had a great time playing with UNLV Rebels. It was Frankie’s Uptown winning the tournament, beating Jing in a late night battle of spooky goal scoring. 

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It was a big weekend for Austin Moline of Las Vegas and the 16-2-0 NAPHL AAA NorthStar Knights 16u of Alexandria, Minnesota. Austin scored in a game vs Compuware at the USHL Classic in Green Bay. He has 3 goals, 8 assists in NAPHL games this season. The AAA NorthStar Knights 16u are ranked in the My Hockey Tier 1 Top 20 this season.

Sunday Games

USPHL Premier

Final Score

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 8, Southern Oregon Spartans 2

Las Vegas goals in order – AJ Lackas his 5th goal of season, Heath Mensch 8th, Keith Shenkel 6th, Keith Shenkel 7th, Keith Shenkel 8th, Heath Mensch 9th, Austen Kerridge 2nd, Trey Ponto 4

Las Vegas goalie – Colin Gallamore

Las Vegas Thunderbirds vs Southern Oregon Spartans @ Bill Collier Ice Arena, Klamath Falls, Oregon on Sunday. Gabriel Testa of Las Vegas plays for Southern Oregon Spartans. Outside the arena today crisp, cold, low 40s when the game gets underway.

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of Las Vegas and Atlanta Capitals on home ice vs the Louisana Drillers, Duluth Ice Forum, 12:30 pm local time. Outside arena during this game clear, mid 60s.

Final Score – Gunner Moore scored a dramatic short-handed goal in the 3rd period to give the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals a 3-2 lead enroute to a 5-2 win on home ice. It was Gunner’s first goal this season.

Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and NA3HL Texas Roadrunners vs Texas Brahmas at NYTEX Sports Centre, North Richland Hills, Texas

Texas Roadrunners – Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas scores 2nd goal of season

Final Score – Texas Brahmas win 5-2

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Saturday, October 31, 2020 – It’s Halloween

Saturday Games

USHL Premier

@Bill Collier Ice Arena, Klamath Falls, Oregon

Final Score

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 7, Southern Oregon Spartans 2

Klamath Falls, Oregon – The undefeated Las Vegas Thunderbirds had more shots 19-4 in the first period to help ignite a 7-2 win over the Southern Oregon Spartans here on Halloween Night. Anthony Bonaldi was the winning goalie for the T-Birds.

Las Vegas scoring in order….

LV – Nate Mohr 6th goal of the season from Braden Husby, Keith Shenkel

LV – AJ Lackas 4th from Mark Kurliandchyk

LV – Heath Mensch 6th from Trent Carter, Nick Bonaldi

LV – Heath Mensch 7th from Arik Altman, Darion Conaway

LV – Mark Kurliandchyk 2nd

LV – Keith Shenkel 5th from Nate Mohr

LV – Nate Mohr 7th – powerplay

LV goalie – Anthony Bonaldi

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Friday, October 30, 2020

USPHL Premier

Las Vegas Thunderbirds 16, Southern Oregon Spartans 1

@Bill Collier Ice Arena, Klamath Falls, Oregon

Las Vegas T-Birds are now 4-0-0. The top goal scorers this season are Heath Mensch 5 goals, Nate Mohr 5 goals, Arik Altman 4, Keith Shenkel 4, Braden Husby 3, Anthony Juric 3, AJ Lackas 3, Trey Ponto 3

Most T-Birds assists this season – Nick Bonaldi 7, Nate Mohr 7, Austin Kerridge 6, Steven Avalone 4, Trey Ponto 4

Las Vegas goalie Anthony Bonaldi 3-0-0, 1.67 gaa, 95.5% save percentage

Game Two of this weekend series is back at the Bill Collier Ice Arena tonight – Saturday. Faceoff 7:30 pm local time.

NA3HL

Missoula Jr Bruins 6, Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and Helena BigHorns 2

//Send game reports, goal scorers to leesamuels07@aol.com

Breaking News – Gregg Drinnan in Canada reporting today the Western Hockey League (WHL) is looking at a January 8 start. Players report to their teams after Christmas to get ready for the season. Earlier, the American Hockey League (AHL) which includes the Henderson NV Silver Knights has pushed its start date to February 5.

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On the USPHL Premier schedule: Las Vegas Thunderbirds at Southern Oregon Spartans – Bill Collier Arena – this weekend

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Star goalie Rhett Bruckner of Las Vegas – who had a spectacular season with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds last season – is looking for a spot to return to the game.

“Basically I am now just training this season here in Vegas waiting for covid to pass,” Rhett said. “We were originally going to Belgium through Coach Dave Hyrsky from the T-Birds, but the travel restrictions ruined that, and then I was going to try to play in the FPHL in Motor City and they folded their team.

“We were going to try a few other teams but the SPHL(Southern Professional Hockey League) is down to 5 teams and all those teams that folded have goalies looking for a place to play and of course the FPHL teams will take them over anyone in a heartbeat. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the upcoming months with covid and shutdowns so I’m pretty much just playing it safe and just skating with the T-Birds.

“My goalie coach Patrick Spaulding has me doing a lot of off ice training and hopefully by next season covid will be under control and things will be back to normal. I’ll probably try for Europe and the Federal Hockey League again.”

Rhett is 21 and listed at 6’1″, 185.

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How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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USPHL PREMIER LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

Head Coach – Dave Hyrsky

Record – 8-1-0

2020-21 Season

Goals

9 – Heath Mensch

9 – Nate Mohr

8 – Keith Shenkel

6 – Arik Altman

6 – AJ Lackas

4 – Braden Husby

4 – Trey Ponto

3 – Anthony Juric

2 – Nick Bonaldi

2 – Austin Kerridge

2 – Mark Kurliandchyk

1 – Jack Boyd

1 – Nick Dufek

To revise or update this chart send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Las Vegas – There was a Kyle Callahan sighting this week. Yes, that Kyle Callahan who was a dynamic goal scorer on a number of hometown teams years ago including the Las Vegas Outlaws bantam ice hockey team, AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u and then a big season with the famous hockey coach Kurt Goar and his AA Arizona Hockey Union 18u team.

Kyle is now 28 years old. His younger brother Gunnar plays on a Las Vegas Storm bantam ice hockey team over at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Tara Niles is the head coach and the Storm bantams last week swept a three-game series against the Bakersfield Jr Condors.

And where is Kyle at?

He was spotted focused and skating hard as usual in a roller hockey game over at Dan Corsatea’s Las Vegas Roller Rink on Sahara Ave here in town.

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Quote of the Day – Our star hockey reporter Bethany Drysdale: “Our son Lucas scored his first ever hockey goal! Our son Blake, a goalie, was in the net playing against a bigger team and lost by 7. He tried hard but they were a better team. He didn’t seem to mind – he’s always happy to be playing.”

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BIG WIN FOR LAS VEGAS COACH ROB PALLIN’S ESV KAUFBUREN

“We really played a solid game,” said head coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas after his ESV Kaufburen team beat Heilbronn from Germany 7-3. Sami Blomqvist, from Finland, scored two goals and Tyler Spurgeon had a goal for ESV Kaufburen.

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Years ago Matt Stang was the head coach of an AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u team which included one of the best defensive pairs ever here in town – Richie Crossley and Devin Lane. Stang is now a BC Scout for the WHL Prince Albert Raiders and he is also doing “…coach mentoring in the Prince George minor hockey system.”

Looking for the whereabouts of Las Vegas goalie Rhett Bruckner who last season played for the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds

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Monday, October 26, 2020

Star goalie Erik Eidissen, who played four seasons with the UNLV Rebels, felt the inner spark to play again. He was a very popular top Rebels goalie beginning in the 2015-16 season to the 2019-2020 season.

“We called our agent to have him look for an opportunity for me to play in Europe,” said Erik “But it fell through primarily because of the covid.”

Erik, 26, is from Upplands, Vasby, Sweden. He is listed at 6’0, 185.

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Sunday Games – October 25, 2020

NA3HL

Gunner Moore of the Atlanta Capitals vs Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and the Texas Roadrunners, Spirit Ice Station, East College Station, Texas

//Final Score – Atlanta Capitals win 5-4 in OT – Gunner Moore 1 assist for Atlanta Capitals; Ethan Sodoma 1 goal, 1 assist for Texas Roadrunners,

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and Oklahoma City Blazers vs Texas Brahmas at NYTex Sports Center, North Richland Hills, Texas

//Final Score – Oklahoma City Blazers win 4-1.

NAPHL 16u

Austin Moline of Las Vegas and AA NorthStar Knights 16u vs AAA Car Shield 16u at NorthStars Sports Complex, Alexandria, Minnesota

//Sunday final score – Austin Moline scored his 3rd goal of the season for the AA NorthStar Knights 16u in a 4-2 win over AAA Car Shield 16u

Saturday, October 24, 2020

North Richland Hills, Texas – Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers handed the Texas Brahmas their first loss of the season today winning 4-3 here at the NYTex Sports Center. Oklahoma City raised its record to 5-1-0. The Brahmas are now 3-1-0. Anthony Rodriguez has two assists this season for Oklahoma City.

//Gunner Moore of Las Vegas dealt two assists for the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals in a 5-3 road win over the Texas Roadrunners. Ethan Sodoma of Las Vegas and the Roadrunners got the #3 Star of the Game in this game.

Special to Vegas Hockey

It’s a big W for Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin and ESV Kaufburen of Germany.

“We won 5-3 against a good Bietigheim-Bissingen team. Hope all are doing well back in Las Vegas,” coach Rob said.

Tyler Spurgeon scored two goals for ESV Kaufburen and teammates Denis Pfaffengut and Tobias Worle also had goals.

Helena, Montana – There is a Winter Storm Warning here with heavy snow and temps down to one degree. A scheduled game – the Butte Cobras at the Helena Bighorns – is off. Bret Harpling of Las Vegas plays for Helena.

Breaking News Right Now…

Fraser, Michigan – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u are beginning play today – Friday – in the annual USA/Canada Cup Games in Michigan. Ash has 7 goals, 7 assists for 14 points this season. The games are at the 3,400-seat Fraser HockeyLand Ice Arena. Outside of Hockeyland the weather is clear, cold with a low of 37 degrees

Friday Scores

Madison Capitals girls 19u 2, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 1

AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 1, Western Pride girls 19u 1 (tie)

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Las Vegas Goal Scorers Away from Home – 2020-21 Season

Goals

10 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

5 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

4 – Austin Moline, NAPHL Northstar Knights 16u Minnesota

4 – Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

2 – Mykah Carter, NAPHL AAA Northwest Stars 16u

2 – Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

1 – Aidan McNabb, USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes

To revise or update send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Thursday, October 22, 2020

Breaking News – Cody Williams, one of UNLV’s greatest goal scorers, has signed to play with the Port Huron Prowlers in the Federal Hockey League. Joe Pace Jr is head coach. The team plays their home games at the McMorran Arena in Port Huron, Michigan.

From the Blue Line – Austin Moline of Las Vegas and the NAPHL Northstars Knights 16u are off to an 8-0-0 start this season. Austin has 2 goals, 8 assists for 10 points.

More Breaking News – Big goal scorer Gunner Moore of Las Vegas has signed with the NAHL Odessa Jackalopes. Odessa is affiliated with the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners and the NAPHL Colorado Springs Tigers.

Flash Update – Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas has signed with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits for this season. Home games are at the Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are affiliated with the NHL Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL Chicago Wolves. Bryce, 31, is listed at 5’10, 180.

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Las Vegas – This looks like a very strong, powerful USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds 21u team which will open their season vs the USPHL Anaheim Avalanche on Friday night at City National Arena over on Charleston Avenue near the Red Rock Hotel-Casino. These games were announced on the primary USPHL Premier Hockey website.

The Thunderbirds roster is packed with Las Vegas star players including Joe Terrana who is really an awesome goal scorer along with Heath Mensch, Zach McClenahan, AJ Lackas plus star defensemen Steven Avalone, Trent Carter, Darion Conaway, Mark Nowag and Nicholas Bonaldi. Steven Avalone played two seasons with the Kinderley’s Klippers in the Saskatchewan Hockey League and then decided to play this season with his hometown team. Avalone played in 97 games in two seasons with the Klippers – many of those games on cold, snowy nights.

Trent Carter has been a star player and team leader in the biggest of games for years in tier hockey here in Las Vegas. He is strong with the puck and is super smart moving his line right into war zone attack areas. Conaway is a strong premier d-man who has played at a very high level in ice hockey and in roller hockey. Another Las Vegas elite player is Jeremiah DeValk of Appleton, Wisconsin. He is 6’1, 195 and played in 41 T-Birds games last winter. Anthony Juric and Deric Prier of Las Vegas are also on the T-Birds this season.

Anthony Bonaldi of Las Vegas and Colin Gallamore of Lakewood, Colorado are the Thunderbirds goalies.

Dave Hrysky, an awesome head coach, is back with the T-Birds as well.

Interestingly, the Anaheim team include Las Vegas goalie Blade Taylor. Troy Redmann, a premier goalie when he played tier hockey in SoCal, is the Anaheim goalie coach.

This is a 3-game weekend series beginning Friday. Tickets will be sold at the City National facility on game nights.

USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds Weekend Schedule

City National Arena – Charleston Avenue

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To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Flash Update – Premier goalie Zachary Ortolano of Las Vegas – a star performer for coach Wally Lacroix and his AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team last season – is today – Monday – with the AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s 18u team which is playing the AAA Ontario Jr Reign 18u at the NAPHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. Outside the Super Rink today it cold, in the mid 20s

Final Score – Shattuck St. Mary’s won 6-1. Zackary, wearing jersey #1, was the backup goalie for Shattuck but did not see action.

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Here is a deeper look at Jason Zucker of Las Vegas who as a teenager played hockey primarily at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Wally Lacroix was his last hometown hockey coach. Jason was drafted by the NHL Minnesota Wild in 2010 in the 2nd round. He now plays for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins.

JASON ZUCKER – NHL STATISTICS

NHL games – 471

Goals – 138

Assists – 117

Points – 255

Plus/Minus – +20 on ice

Power play goals – 48

Shootout goals – 3

NHL game-winning goals – 24

Vegas Hockey Player of the Year – 13 Straight Years

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Breaking News – The legend sportswriter Sid Hartman, who was still actively writing at the age of 100, passed on Sunday. He had just written and filed a story Sunday with the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper. Sid covered all sports including ice hockey and wrote about Jason Zucker of Las Vegas during the time he played for the NHL Minnesota Wild.

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Sunday, October 18, 2020 Scoreboard

NAPHL Showcase – Blaine, Minnesota

AA 16u

Overtime – Final Score

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1, Hyland Hills Jaguars 2

Las Vegas goal in 3rd period – Micah Williamson from Kenneth Curtis

Las Vegas goalie – Austin Schaertel

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AA 14u

Final Score

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 7, Des Moines Buccaneers 3

Matt Johnson, head coach of the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u, said after the game “everyone really contributed. Our D was really good here all weekend. And regarding our forwards everyone contributed – whether it was back check, blocked shot, goal or assist. It’s a matter of getting all of the pieces to go in the same direction at the same time.”

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

Kaden Israel from Connor Beers

Chase Nehring from Kaden Mulcahy

Carter Adams from Hunter Toms, powerplay

Jesse Brewer from Caser Beringer, powerplay

Luke Miller from Brandon Cabral

Chase Nehring – 2nd goal of game

Darren Lingo from Kaden Israel

Las Vegas goalies – Will Harris, Kam Laskaska

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Saturday, October 17, 2020 – Scoreboard

NA3HL

Final Score

Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas one assist for the the Oklahoma City Blazers in a 4-1 win over the Texas Roadrunners.

NAPHL Showcase – Blaine, Minnesota

AA 16u

Final Score

Chesterfield Falcons 4, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

LV goal – Kenneth Curtis

Las Vegas goalie – Johnny Ng

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AA 14u

OT/Final Score…..

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2, Park City Miners – Utah 3

Las Vegas Goal – Hunter Toms

Las Vegas Goal – Brandon Cabral from Jesse Brewer

Las Vegas Goalie – Kam Laskaska

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Friday, Oct 16, 2020 – Scoreboard

NA3HL

Oklahoma City Blazers 6, Texas Roadrunners 0

//Anthony Rodriguez of Las Vegas one assist for OC Blazers

NAPHL Showcase – Blaine, Minnesota

AA 16u

#8 ranked Littleton Hawks 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 0

Clearwater Ice Storm 6, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2

//Carver Alford, Kenneth Curtis lll goals for Vegas Jr Golden Knights

AA 14u

Ontario Jr Reign 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2 OT

//Collin Spencer, Zach Gay goals for Las Vegas

Rose City Pats – Pasadena 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

//Hunter Toms scored for Las Vegas

How to report scores – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Friday, October 16, 2020

Blaine, Minnesota – In a defensive firefight the #8 nationally ranked AA Littleton Hawks 16u from Colorado worked past the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u by 3-0 here on a snowy day outside of the Super Rink

Wally Lacroix, head coach of the Jr Golden Knights 16u, said “we knew going into this game it would have to be a defensive structured game for us. We also need to capitalize when we get into transition which we did not do today.

“Our young group is learning a lot from these games.”

Johnny Ng was in the net today for the 16s.

//In Game Two on Friday Carver Alford scored early and then Kenneth Curtis lll scored for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u during a 6-2 loss against the Clearwater Ice Storm 16u. Austin Schaertel was in the net for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

Blaine, Minnesota – Collin Spencer and Zach Gay scored for the Matt Johnson-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u in a tough 3-2 OT loss to the AA Ontario Jr Reign 14u. Kameron Laskaska was the goalie for JrVGK 14u in this game.

//In Game Two here Friday, Hunter Toms scored for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u in a 3-1 loss to the AA Rose City Pats 14u of Pasadena, Ca. Kameron Laskaska was the goalie for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u.

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Las Vegas Weekend Goal Scorers – Oct 16-19 2020

Goals

2 – Kenneth Curtis, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

2 – Jesse Brewer, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Luke Miller, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Chase Nehring, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

2 – Hunter Toms, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Carter Adams, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Carver Alford, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Brandon Cabral, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Zach Gay, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Kaden Israel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Darren Lingo, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Micah Williamson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Collin Spencer, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

To add or correct send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday Breaking News

In Germany Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin and ESV Kaufbeuren are off to a 2-0-0 start in pre-season games and play in their 3rd pre-season game tonight against Bietingheim in Germany. ESV Kaufbeuren won their first two games 10-0, 6-2. Coach Rob reports “everyone in our family is doing fine. Hello to all in Las Vegas.”

In Canada Gregg Drinnan reports the Western Hockey League (WHL) is now looking at January 8 at its start date for the new season.

Friday, October 16, 2020

Breaker – Heavy Snow on Game Day!

Blaine, Minnesota – The Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will open play in the NAPHL Showcase against the #8-nationally ranked Littleton Hawks Friday, 10 am local time. The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team, coached by Matt Johnson, will face the AA Ontario Jr Reign from California in an 8:30 am game Friday here at the Super Rink. The weather here is clear with temps in the low 40s.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Special to Vegas Hockey

Las Vegas – For the 2020 -2021 season making the move to strictly high school teams – and combining squads with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights – Faith Lutheran High School will be skating with a D1 varsity team and a Junior Varsity squad this season.

The JV’s hit the road in Provo Utah this weekend to kick off the season in a showcase featuring the Provo Polar Bears, Idaho Falls, Boise and the Salt Lake Junior Grizzleys.

The highly anticipated D1 Varsity team will kick off the season in Phoenix on November 6 against the #1 ranked Chaparral Firebirds and their D1 rivals, the Horizon Huskies. Both the JV and D1 Varsity Crusaders will skate in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League (ADHSHL) this season as well.

Coach Pokey Reddick feels good about the depth of his offense this season with the return of last season’s leading goal scorer Dominic Suhr and the additional firepower this season from a very productive John Purdy as well, combined with the return of starting defenseman Andrew Thornton and Colton Fleitz, Reddick feels good about this years D1 squad.

“Right out the gate we are noticeably deeper,” says Reddick. Also after five weeks of camp and practice the chemistry of the team seems real tight. In addition returning senior goaltenders Joey Hallett and new addition senior Mitch McCombs both look very strong, we feel our goaltending is noticeably stronger than last season and anticipate a solid showing between the pipes”.

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Breaking News – Anthony Rodriguez, a dynamic player, team leader and captain of the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds last winter, is skating with a very strong team – the NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers this season. Anthony, from Henderson, Nevada, last year had 18 goals, 12 assists for the T-Birds. Anthony, 18, is listed at 5’10, 175.

Wednesday, October 14

Blaine, Minnesota – Coach Wally Lacroix’s amazing AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – a totally rebuilt team with new snipers like Micah Williamson, Kenneth Curtis lll and top goalies – and are off to a 5-1-1 start this season – will take on an upgrade of AA level teams at the NAPHL Showcase here at the famous Super Rink. More good news – there is no snow in the forecast.

Premier AA teams here include Cal Wave, Littleton Hawks, Ontario Jr Reign, Texas Jr Brahmas and a familiar foe in the Park City Ice Miners from Utah. Las Vegas has had an awesome start to this season from new fiery goal scorer Micah Williamson and outstanding play in the net in all games.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Breaking News…

It wasn’t that long ago when Blade Ricketts – the younger brother of star goal scorer Beau Ricketts – was skating on a high energy Las Vegas roller hockey team coached by Micah Sanford and Nick Robone. Blade also skated on youth Las Vegas ice hockey teams. Now, according to a family Facebook post, Blade enlisted in the U.S. Army on Monday. Blade’s hockey dad is the famous late great Tommy Ricketts. Blade is 20 years old. “Yes Blade reported to the U.S. Army on Monday and he is now off to his Basic Training,” confirmed the great hockey mom Charla Ricketts.

Monday, October 12, 2020

Nashville Music Festival Tournament (Final Day)

Final Score

AA 16u

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 3, AA Nashville Predators 16u 2

LV goals – Micah Williamson 2, Kenneth Curtis 1

LV goalie Johnny NG

Coach Wally Lacroix said “….a good win – however we still have things to learn.”

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u in Nashville

Matt Johnson, Head Coach

0-1 to McKinney Stars 14u- Texas

1-1 with Carolina Jr Hurricanes 14u

7-1 over Nashville Jr Predators 14u

5-0 over Phoenix

Las Vegas goalies – Kam Laskaskas, Will Harris

Weekend Las Vegas Goal Scorers

Goals

5 – Micah Williamson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

3 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

3 – Kenneth Curtis lll, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

1 – Casey Beringer, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Darren Lingo, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Chase Nehring, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Finn McNabb, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Kaden Mulcahy, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Kyle Robinson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

1 – Colin Spencer, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

AAA Girls 19u

Dallas CCM World Invite

Sunday, Oct 11 Final Scores

Game One

AAA Dallas Elite girls 19u 4, Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 0

Game Two

Ash Printzen of Las Vegas 1 goal, 2 assists for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 5, AAA Florida Alliance girls 19u 0

Nashville Music Festival Tournament

AA 16u

Sunday Game Two

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 3, AA Nashville Jr Predators 2

LV goals – Micah Williamson 2, Kenneth Curtis lll 1

VGK Coach Wally Lacroix said “….we played a good game and our goalie Austin made key saves at key moments. “

Sunday Game One

AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 2, AA Carolina Jr Hurricanes 2 (tie)

Kenneth Curtis and Micah Williamson scored for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights. Goalie Johnny NG was in the net. “A 2-2 tie is a much better effort – still we need to be a little more responsible with our structure. Johnny NG played really well in the net to keep us in the game. Goals by Kenny and Micah,” said head coach Wally LacCroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights. Next for today the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights will take on the hometown AA Nashville Jr Predators.

Las Vegas goalie Luke Fundator is back in action with the NA3HL Sheridan Hawks in Wyoming this season. Luke, 18, is coming off an awesome season – in 15 starts he had a 2.48 gaa and a .911 save percentage. Luke is listed at 6’0, 185. The Sheridan Hawks play home games at the Sheridan’s Ice M+M Center in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Weekend Scores

NA3HL

Final Score/Saturday Evening

Missoula Jr Bruins 8, Helena Bighorns 6

Helena, Montana – Missoula Jr Bruins vs Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and Helena Bighorns at the Helena Ice Arena in Montana – outside the arena on Saturday night there is a high wind warning; temps will do down to 42 degrees during the game.

Nashville Music Festival Tournament

Final Score

AA Nashville NorthStars 16u 4, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 1

//”We got a great game from our goalie Austin who kept us in the game right to the very end. Micah Williamson scored on a well executed powerplay from Kenny Curtis and Carver Afford,” said coach Wally Lacroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights.

Dallas CCM World Invite

AAA Girls 19u

Game One Sunday

AAA St. Louis Blues 3, AAA Meijer Western Michigan 1

//Ash Printzen of Las Vegas one goal for AAA Meijer Western Michigan

Game Two on Saturday

AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u 4, AAA Limitless 1

//Ash Printzen and AAA Meijer Western Michigan now 2-0-0 this weekend

Report scores to leesamuels07@aol.com

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Nashville – Coach Wally Lacroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will take on the high-powered McKinney North Stars of Texas 16u in a first round tournament game today – Saturday – in rainy Nashville. Coach Matt Johnson is with the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u team and the Salcido’s – Brian and Frank – are with the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 12u, 10u teams. The games are part of the Total Package Hockey Music Festival at the twin-sheet Ford Center Ice Arena in Bellevue, Tennessee.

Dallas – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and the AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u are on the road today in the CCM Dallas World Invite opening in a game against the AAA St. Louis Blues girls 19u. Then there will be weekend games against CCM Detroit, AAA Dallas Stars Elite and AAA Florida Alliance. Ash is a premier player in ice hockey and in roller hockey.

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Friday Final Score – NA3HL Great Falls Americans 3, Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and Helena Bighorns 2

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Flash Update – Las Vegas defenseman Skylur Cameron, 18, is returning to the BCHL West Kelowna Warriors this season. Skylur, listed at 6’3, 185, played in 49 games for West Kelowna last winter.

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Friday breaking news – Las Vegas goal scorer Gage Quinney, who played for the NHL Vegas Golden Knights top affiliate AHL Chicago Wolves last winter, is listed on the roster of the NHL Golden Knights’ new affiliate the AHL Henderson Silver Knights. The Silver Knights this season will play home games at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas this season. Quinney grew up playing tier hockey in Las Vegas primarly at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

Friday, October 9, 2020 – Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Helena Bighorns are the road tonight taking on the unbeaten Great Falls Americans at the Great Falls Ice Plex in Montana. Brett is wearing jersey #21 this season. Game time is 7:30 pm mountain time. Outside the arena on game night the temp will be a frosty 49 degrees

Thursday, Oct 8, 2020 – In a massive staggering development the Southern Professional Hockey League will only have five teams in action this coming season and big goal scorer Derek Sutliffe of Las Vegas and the Evansville Thunderbolts are not among those five active teams. The reason is Covid-9 related, the league announced. According to the league website players like Derek are listed as free agents for 2020.

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Yes ultra-skilled goalie David Anderson will indeed be back in action this winter for the UNLV Rebels. “He’s on the roster and is all set for us,” said assistant coach/recruiter Nick Robone of the Rebels.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2020 – UNLV Rebels coaches Anthony Greener and Nick Robone recruited a great number of awesome players including fiery 50-goal scorer Brock Palmer from Alberta, Canada and are looking for – hoping for – to begin their new season on January 8.

“Looks like we are going to start on January 8 at home (City National Arena on Charleston Avenue). Holding on hope that it stays on that date,” Greener said.

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The SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts included Las Vegas 22-goal scorer Derek Sutliffe on their 13-player Protected List for this coming season.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2020 – Chase Smith, a premier goalie when he played years ago in Las Vegas, is now playing on a high-level men’s ice hockey league at the Ice Den in Scottdale, Arizona. Years ago Chase was a top Las Vegas goalie prospect going into junior hockey, signing with the EHL Philadelphia Flyers junior team but he had a serious hip injury which required surgery in his rookie season. He took months off from the game. Each summer Chase takes the time to play the game with his former Las Vegas teammates who are reunited on a team called the LV Iceaholics who play in the ‘The Great Throwback Classic’ summer tournament in Anaheim.

Bethany Drysdale has been voted the ‘Best Hockey Writer’ here on Vegas Hockey for two straight years. Her hockey son son Blake, age four, just won a Player of the Week award for the Columbia Cyclones 8u ice hockey team in South Carolina. Blake’s coach said “he may be the youngest on our team but he lives and breathes hockey 24/7.”

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Las Vegas Weekend Goal Scorers – Oct 2-4, 2020

Goals

4 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan, girls 19u

1 – Austin Moline, AAA North Stars Knights – Minnesota – 16u

1 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006

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Sunday Breaking News – What an awesome weekend for Las Vegas goal scorers and goalies.

Austin Moline of Las Vegas had 1 goal, 5 assists to help the AAA NorthStars Knights 16u dramatically win the gold medal at the Tier 1 NAPHL Showcase in St. Louis. Austin, who ranks second in most points for his team this season, and the NorthStars went 4-0-0 this weekend. The NorthStars are based in Alexandria, Minnesota

The AAA Arizona Bobcats 2006 went 5-0-0 to win a gold medal at the CCM Showcase in Nashville. In the gold medal game Chayse Laurie of Las Vegas scored in the third round of an OT/Shootout to help the AAA Arizona Bobcats beat the Pittsburgh Vengeance. Las Vegas goalie Logan Perez shut out Pittsburgh in the OT/Shootout. During the weekend the Bobcats had wins over the Carshield from St. Louis, Indy Jr Fuel, Nashville Jr Predators and the Pittsburgh Vengeance.

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Milwaukee – It was a Super Weekend for goal scorer Ash Printzen of Las Vegas who scored 4 goals for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u. In the first game Ash scored one goal in a 4-2 win over the AAA Milwaukee Jr Admirals girls 19u, then another goal in a 2-0 win and on Sunday two goals in a 5-2 win over Milwaukee.

Saturday Night Final Score – NA3HL Gillette Wild 3, Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and Helena Bighorns 1 at the Helena Ice Arena. Next weekend Brett and the Helena Bighorns are on the road taking on the Great Falls Americans in Montana.

Saturday, October 3, 2020 – The very popular Adam Cracknell – a 39-goal scorer for the 2007-08 ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers who played years ago at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue – is off to Europe this season. The NHL Edmonton Oilers announced that Cracknell, 35, has been assigned to Esberg Energy in Denmark. Cracknell is listed at 6’3, 209. In Cracknell’s era here the visiting ECHL Alaska Aces always drew massive sold out crowds when they came into Las Vegas to take on the Las Vegas Wranglers in ultra heated games.

Friday Game Update – Bret Harpling is wearing jersey #21 and is in the lineup tonight for the NA3HL Helena Bighorns who took a quick 1-0 lead over the Gillette Wild at the famous Helena Ice Center in Montana. The Gillette Wild scored to tie the game 1-1 and then scored two more to win the season-opening game 3-1. Game Two of this weekend series is tonight – Saturday. Game time is 7:05 pm. Outside of the arena during the game the temp will be about 44 degrees.

Friday, October 2, 2020

Helena, Montana – Brett Harpling of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Helena Bighorns are opening their season against the Gillette Wild on Friday night at the famous Helena Ice Arena in Montana. Bob Richards is head coach of the Helena Bighorns. Helena has 4 goalies rostered including 6’7 Nate Gulsvig from Fargo. Outside the Helena Ice Arena on game night the temperature will be in the mid-40s. Faceoff Friday is at 6:30 pm local time. Helena and Gillette will play again here on Saturday evening.

Zackary Ortolano, a premier goalie with the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights last winter, is on the roster of the AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s Varsity High School 18u team in Minnesota

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

Las Vegas – Head coach Wally Lacroix has announced a big schedule for his AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – and more good news – the Jr Golden Knights 16u are hoping to play some home games at the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive.

Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

October 10-12 Total Package Hockey Bauer Music City Invitational in Nashville

October 16-18 NAPHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota

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TOP SEARCHES RIGHT NOW

#1 Gage Quiney; #2 Kenneth Curtis, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u; #3 Micah Williamson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u; #4 Explosive goal scorer Brock Palmer, UNLV; #4 Anthony Greener, Head Coach, UNLV Rebels; #5 Las Vegas Coach Wally Lacroix, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u; #6 Rob Pallin, head coach ESV Kaufburen, Germany; #7 A Miracle on Ice – Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u; #8 Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u; #9 Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius Griffins; #10 Las Vegas Coach Matt Johnson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u

#11 Zee Khan, GM, UNLV Rebels; #12 Darion Conaway, Las Vegas Thunderbirds 21u junior team; #13 Beau Ricketts; #14 Zach Pochiro; #15 Pokey Reddick; #16 Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits, South Carolina; #17 Tristan Toth; #18 John Purdy, Faith Lutheran High School; #19 Johnnie Gold

#20 – ‘My Biggest Goal’ by Nick Robone; #21 Joe Sullivan; #22 Austin Moline, AAA Northstar Academy Knights – Minnesota; #23 Evan Zucker, massively great goal scorer in ice and roller hockey; #24 Gia Avalone; #24 Andrew Tamura – many searches for several days here; #26 Jason Allen; #27 Ian Williams; #28 Just in Time for 2020 Christmas Eve – the Unbeatable Johnnie Gold and the Barstow Brothers take over the Pepsi Arena on North Rancho Drive; #29 The Jesters

#30 Larry Sanford, Crystal Palace Roller Hockey Rink, North Rancho Drive; #31 RIP coach Jack Bowkus – a teacher of the game who deeply cared for others; #32 RIP – hockey mom Rosie Carlo – There is a Hockey Heaven (repeated searches for her); #33 Cody Williams, Motor City Rockers, Detroit; #34 Jason Allen; #35 Gabriel Testa; #36 Colorado hockey coach Jamie O’Leary; #37 Jake Saxe, UNLV; #38 Dominic Suhr; #39 Skitters, baby rink kitten who usually wanders over to enemy benches in our annual Christmas stories here on Vegas Hockey. (Skitters created by hockey dad Jay Zurfluh of Las Vegas)

How to contact, report games scores to Vegas Hockey – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Fairbanks Arctic Cam Today 18 degrees and yes it is snowing today – Monday

Blaine, Minnesota – Jack Lackas scored 6 times, Fuzzy Atchison had 5 goals and Chayse Laurie scored 5 as the three Las Vegas goal scorers helped the AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u bantam team go 4-1-0 this past weekend at the NAPHL Showcase. The three Las Vegas players and the Bobcats are now off to the CCM Showcase in Nashville which includes high-powered teams from Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Michigan.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

From the Blue Line – Roller hockey star Jason Allen of Las Vegas was one of many players who celebrated the birthday of Vegas Hockey Referee of the Year Adam Hendren at the ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace roller rink on North Rancho Drive in Las Vegas on Sunday eve. ...In Columbia, S.C. Vegas Hockey’s star reporter Bethany Drydale’s hockey son Blake, age 4, pulled on goalie gear and did very well in the net for the Cyclones 8u in an ice hockey game. Blake’s team won 7-4. Bethany writes extensively about the UNLV Rebels ice hockey team and was voted by our readers as the Best Writer here on Vegas Hockey.

Special to Vegas Hockey

Minot, ND – In an annual Minot Minotauros alumni hockey game on Saturday Beau Ricketts of Las Vegas scored four times and dealt two assists for his team in a 17-5 win at the famous Maysa Arena – which is now called the Pepsi Arena. Beau’s hockey mom Charla was at the game. Beau played two seasons with the NAHL Minot Minotauros junior hockey team and then played at a star level for the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. After his season with the Las Vegas Storm Beau relocated to Minot, North Dakota.

Megan Myers, 28 and a legend woman’s hockey player from Las Vegas, will play for an independent team in the National Women’s Hockey Team this season. The league headquarters are in New York City. Teams include the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Conn. Whales, Metropolitan Riveters and the Minnesota White Caps. Megan has been a premier player and goal scorer on every level she has played and is also a former coach in women’s collegiate hockey.

https://www.nwhl.zone/

Gabriel Testa of Las Vegas has signed with the USPHL Premier Southern Oregon Spartans who play home games at the RRink in Medford, Oregon. Big ultra-heated rivals for the Southern Oregon Spartans include the Seattle Totems and the Bellingham Blazers. Gabriel, 20, is listed at 5’10, 180.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

FOREST CITY, Iowa – Looking for the best talent they can put on the ice, the ACHA D1 Waldorf hockey team is adding another versatile player to its roster for the upcoming season.

Warrior head coach Brett Shelanski is pleased to announce the signing of Kale Norman from Las Vegas, Nev., to a Letter-of-Intent. Norman will be a freshman for the Warriors this fall.

“We are very pleased to add Kale to our program,” Shelanski said. “He has been away from competitive hockey for a little bit here and I am excited for him to get the chance to compete at the college level. I know that Kale is very appreciative of the opportunity and that he is looking forward to competing along with his teammates every day.

“I am glad that Kale chose Waldorf and our program to continue his hockey career and I look forward to him joining us this fall.”

After finishing his high school career with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights, where he had six goals and 10 assists in 26 games, Norman took a season off.

The versatile skater who attended Arbor View High School and plays both forward and defenseman returned to the ice last season, playing junior hockey with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds of the Western States Hockey League before signing to play for the Warriors this coming season.

“It means a lot,” Norman said of the opportunity to play college hockey. “I have been wanting to do this for a couple years, after high school I thought I was ready to give it up, but I missed playing competitively every day.”

Norman plans to study Sports Management at Waldorf.

“The coach gave me a shot after many schools wouldn’t,” Norman added of what drew him to Waldorf. “He reached out to me when other schools wrote me off.”

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Breaking News – Gregg Drinnan in Canada reporting that the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs junior hockey team will play their first two months of this season in Marshall, Minnesota.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Chesapeake, Va. – Cameron Sylvester, 19, of Las Vegas is returning to play again with the USPHL Premier Hampton Road Whalers who play home games here at the Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex. Cameron is listed at 6’2, 177. The Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex is also the proud “Home of the ECHL Norfolk Admirals.” Cameron earlier played tier hockey in the AAA Arizona Bobcats 15u, 16u programs.

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Austin Moline of Las Vegas and the AAA NorthStar Knights 16u from Minnesota had 1 goal, 4 assists for the Knights who went unbeaten 4-0-0 at the NAPHL Showcase last weekend.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Aidan McNabb, who played youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center, will skate this season with the USPHL Premier Carolina Jr Hurricanes. Aidan, 20, played for the 2016-17 AAA Las Vegas Storm 16u travel team. He is listed at 6’1, 195. This will be Aidan’s second straight season with the Carolina Jr Hurricanes.

The legend Bliss Littler returns as the GM, Chris Clark head coach and Leigh Mendelson assistant coach this season for the BCHL Wenatchee Wild in the state of Washington. Home games again will played at the 4,300-seat Town Toyota Center.

Kirk Underwood will be captain and Bas Assaf, Eric Williams and Jared Erickson will be co-captains for the UNLV Rebels this coming 2020-21 season. The Anthony Greener coached UNLV Rebels will begin their season in early January 2021. Home games again will be at the City National Arena on Charleston Ave – near the Red Rock Hotel-Casino.

Photo Special to Vegas Hockey – Rob Pallin of Las Vegas is the new head coach of ESV Kaufburen in Germany this season.

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Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin and his ESV Kaufburen pro team in Germany will open their season vs the Dresden Ice Lions on November 6, then take on Bietigheim Steelers the next day. Coach Rob and ESV Kaufburen are in the Germany Ice Hockey League.

Matt Johnson, one of the best youth ice hockey coaches in town, and the Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u bantams, played in some pre-season road games over the weekend and went 2-2-1. Kam Laskaska and Will Harris were the goalies for the Jr Golden Knights 14u.

In Canada hockey writer Gregg Drinnan tweets that the NAHL Corpus Christi Ice Rays, Springfield Jr Blues and Kansas City Scouts 21u junior teams have opted out of the 2020-21 season.

Two USHL teams – the legendary Cedar Rapids Roughriders and the Madison Capitals each announced they are shutting down operations this season. For their players who want to continue playing in the USHL a player draft is being arranged.

John Purdy, a high-octane player with firepower – like wicked blasts for shots – last season played for Wally Lacroix’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. This season Purdy will play for the Pokey Reddick-coached Faith Lutheran High School team in Las Vegas.

Big goal scorer Cody Williams of Las Vegas will wear jersey #98 for the Motor City Rockers pro hockey ice team in Detroit this season. Adam Stio of Las Vegas is the GM there...looking for the whereabouts of skater John Purdy who had a wicked-hard blast of a shot last season for the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u..

Las Vegas – Huge news today. Premier defenseman Steven Avalone of Las Vegas is returning home to play for the Las Vegas Thunderbirds junior 21u hockey team which will play at the City National Arena on Charleston Ave. The T-Birds this season will play in the United States Premier Hockey League.

Steven played with the Kindersley Klippers in the Saskatchewan Hockey League in Canada the last two years. The T-Birds, loaded with hometown star players – including the awesome Darion Conaway, AJ Lackas, Heath Mensch, Trent Carter and Joe Terrana, will play in the United States Premier Hockey League this season.

The Las Vegas players include….

Goalie

Anthony Bonaldi

Forwards

Anthony Jurcic

AJ Lackas

Zach McClenahan

Heath Mensch

Deric Prier

Joe Terrana

Caden Thorne

Defensemen

Steven Avalone

Nicolas Bonaldi

Trent Carter

Darion Conaway

Mark Nowag

//John Marks is the president of the Las Vegas Thunderbirds. Dave Hyrsky is returning as head coach

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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

HOCKEY ON THE ROCKS – PAINTING BY TERRENCE FOGARTY

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Sunday, Sept. 13 Game 3 Update – Johnny Sinagra and Kevin Hanley scored in an OT/Shootout to help the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the hometown AA Park City Miners 4-3 Sunday morning at the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah. “We got into some penalty problems, but we held our own. Both of our goalies played. We now move on as a group and build as group,” said Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u coach Wally Lacroix.

Sunday Breaking News – Coach Wally Lacroix’s AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u close out their weekend series vs the Park City Miners 9 am today at the Peaks Arena in Provo, Utah. The temperature there was 44 degrees outside of the arena this morning. The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, U.S.A. Champions two seasons ago, are one of the best tier hockey programs in the West – with Lacroix and Todd Owen teaching the intricacies of the game – Lee, reporting.

Game Two Saturday – Kevin Hanley – getting assists from Micah Williamson and Matt Lackas – scored a dramatic game-winning OT goal as the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights beat the AA Park City Miners by 3-2 here at the Peaks Ice Area in Provo, Utah. Both Vegas Jr Golden Knights goalies – Johnny NG and Austin Scharetel played in this game.

The AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights, 2-0-0 this weekend in their season-opening games, take on AA Park City Miners again here on Sunday.

Game One Today – AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2, AA Park City Miners 16u 1 – Both Vegas goalies – Johnny NG, Austin Schaertel played this morning at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah. Vegas coach Wally Lacroix said “…our athletes are learning new things and I believe we can get there as a group. Structure is a key to winning big games.”

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Provo, Utah – The hockey season begins today – Saturday – for Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year Wally LaCroix and assistant coach Todd Owen whose AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u won a U.S. National Championship two years ago and was a mighty exciting hard-skating force last winter. Now…the reconstruction begins when the Jr Golden Knights 16u take on the AA Park City Miners 16u in a three-game weekend series here at the Peaks Ice Arena.

Returning and new players include Micah Williamson, Kenneth Curtis lll plus Ty Phillips, Matt Lackas, John Sinagra and Austin Schaertel from Phoenix who will be here in Utah. One of the goalies is Johnny NG who should get some action this weekend. Coach LaCroix said the art of blue-printing and rebuilding a power team begins this weekend.

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We are told that one of coach Wally’s graduated star goalies last season – Zackary Ortolano – is now with Shattuck St. Mary’s famous hockey program.

Here is the weekend schedule:

AA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 16U

Saturday, 10 am – Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 2, Park City Miners 1

Saturday, 5 pm – Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 3, Park City Miners 2 OT

Sunday, 9 am – Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u 4, Park City Miners 3 OT/Shootout

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Breaker – Adam Cracknell, who played for the 2007-08 Las Vegas Wranglers at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Ave., has just signed a deal with the NHL Edmonton Oilers. Adam, 35, is listed at 6′, 3″ and 195.

Friday, September 11, 2020

Special to Vegas Hockey

This year the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u are very different this coming season. Coach Matt Johnson noted “we had a couple pleasant surprises at tryouts.

“We have some real firepower on the forward side. We have some pure goal scorers, playmakers and some blue chip type players. We are going to be tough and physical blended with poise and finesse. We have great depth up front. So players will be challenged and required to compete every day, which will in turn make each player better.

On the back end we have our top 2 D-men from last year in Kaden Mulcahy and Connor Beers, returning. Hunter Toms has come back from playing for the AAA L.A. Jr Kings and Trevor Abele has returned after playing last season for Faith Lutheran High School. We also added Carson Craig and Luke Miller who were members of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights Peewee team last season.

Kam Laskaska, moving up from the PW AA, is between the pipes, and is going to be our backbone in net.

We have high expectations for this season. Coach Kevin Mulcahy and myself have known these players for a long time, since back in our days of coaching for the Storm. He also coached a majority of them at the Quebec International Peewee Tournament where they had great success. We are hoping to continue on the path. We hope that we can reach the pinnacle of success that Coach Wally Lacroix and Todd Owen did the last two seasons with their 16u team.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Dom Garcia of Las Vegas will return and play for NCAA Arizona State’s hockey team this season. Dom was an assistant captain with Arizona State last winter. He is going into his senior season

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Sunday game – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas one assist today for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a 3-1 loss to the AAA Saginaw Valley Eagles girls 19u at the NAHA Labor Day Tournament in Connecticut. This was the final game of the tournament for Ash and AAA Meijer Western Michigan this weekend.

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Las Vegas goal scorer Zach Pochiro, who played for the AAA Nevada Stars 16u team at the Las Vegas Ice Center back in 2009-10, has signed with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets for this season. The Komets are affiliated with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Zach, 26, is listed at 6’1, 186. Last season Zach played for Esberg Energy in Denmark

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Friday Flash Final – OT – AAA Buffalo Bisons 19u girls 1, AAA Western Michigan Meijer 19u girls 0; In the second game Ash Printzen of Las Vegas scored for AAA Western Michigan Meijer girls 19u in a very tough 2-1 loss to AAA Little Caesars-Detroit girls 19u; In game three Ash and AAA Western Michigan lost 6-0 to the Bay State Breakers. The Bay State Breakers are from the New England area. In the 4th game of the weekend Ash and AAA Meijer Western Michigan lost 4-0 to the NAHA girls 19u team.

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Breaking News – Ash Printzen of Las Vegas and the AAA Western Michigan Meijer girls 19u are off to Connecticut this weekend to begin play in the mega 15-team 20th Annual NAHA North American Labor Day Tournament. Ash and AAA Western Michigan will take on the Buffalo Bisons girls 19u in a first-round game Friday, Sept. 4. AAA Little-Caesars-Detroit has a girls 19u team in this tournament as well.

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In other news today hockey coach Jamie O’Leary who years ago coached the ‘Vegas Connection’ of Travis Roseberry, Eddie Samuels and premier defenseman TJ Craig with the AAA Vail, Colorado Avalanche tier travel bantam team, is coaching this season in the Hyland Hills, Colorado youth hockey program in Westminster, Colorado.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

The NHL Vegas Golden Knights announced that Manny Viveriros, 54, of St. Albert, AB, Canada will be the head coach of their top affiliate AHL Henderson NV Silver Knights this season. Manny has NHL coaching experience – he was an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers in 2018-19 – and he was a very successful head coach of the WHL Swift Current Broncos and the WHL Spokane Chiefs. The AHL Henderson Silver Knights will play their home games this season at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue.

Monday, August 31, 2020

COACH ROB PALLIN OF LAS VEGAS UPDATE IN GERMANY

Media News Release

With a two-week training camp under the new ESVK coach Rob Pallin, on 1. September 2020/2021 season preparation for the Joker. In the further preparation period for the DEL2 season, which will hopefully start on October 2nd, six test games have been agreed. The ESVK meets the EHC Lustenau (AlpsHL) as well as the league competitors Ravensburg Towerstars and Tölzer Löwen. There will also be a second leg against the Tölzer Löwen. The Joker continue to test against the Bietigheim Steelers and for the first time in seven years against EV Füssen from the Oberliga Süd. The exact schedules of the games will be announced at a later date. We ask for your understanding.

The obligatory and always very popular first public ice training is currently scheduled to take place on Friday, September 4th. Independently Whether or not spectators are allowed by then, the training will of course be broadcast live and free of charge via ESVK.TV in the living room at home.

The entire planning of the pre-season as well as the mentioned test matches were of course agreed with the proviso that the official requirements allow the DEL2 season 2020/2021 to start as planned on October 2nd. Whether at all, and if so, with how many and under what conditions viewers are allowed to play in the test matches and, above all, in the league, is of course the decisive factor as to whether a league game is possible from October 2nd. Until these decisions have been made, the ESVK asks its fans for a lot of understanding and the necessary patience.

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Saturday August 29, 2020

MICHAEL YOCHUM OF LAS VEGAS NAMED CAPTAIN

ACHA D1 CANISIUS GOLDEN GRIFFINS 2020-21 SEASON

Special to Vegas Hockey

Canisius College’s American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 men’s program is proud to announce that returning players, Matt Canada (Niagara Falls, NY / Niagara Wheatfield HS) and Mike Yochum (Las Vegas,NV / Vegas Jr. Golden Knights) have been named co-captains for the upcoming 2020-2021 season. Canada will be suiting up for his fifth year as a Griff as he returns to start his Master’s of Sport Product Development next year. Yochum will be entering his third year with Canisius continuing focusing on Economics and Sports Management.

“We are ecstatic to have both Canada and Yochs back for another year leading this team together. After having a large graduating class last year it is great to have these two tremendous gentlemen lead our team into a new era of hockey at Canisius.” said head coach Steve Hurtubise. “Matt has a great attitude and has done a fantastic job as a captain for our team for a few seasons now. He has an uncanny ability to bring everyone together which has been paramount to our success for the past few seasons. Yoch’s love for the game is shown each and every day as you will find a tough time finding another player in the country working as hard as him. He is always thinking of new ideas to help not only himself but the team to get better and we are lucky to have him in our program.” 

We reached out to both players to do a quick ten questions to see what they have been up to and to share a few fun facts about both below:

• Who did you look up to the most as a hockey player growing up?

           Canada – Growing up my favorite player was Dion Phaneuf

           Yochum – Brian Campbell was my favorite player and inspiration when I was little

• Name something most people don’t know about you?

           Canada – One thing most people don’t know about me is I only like red M&Ms

           Yochum – I’m a huge NASCAR, Formula 1 and Indy Car Fan

• What music have you been listening to lately?

           Canada – I mostly listen to country music but I’ll mix in some DaBaby every now and then

           Yochum – I’ve been on an EDM and Country kick over the summer

• Favorite Number?

           Canada – My favorite number is 5

           Yochum – 51 for Brian Campbell

• Name a movie you can watch over and over without hesitation

           Canada – Caddyshack

           Yochum – Ocean’s Eleven

• Favorite subject at Canisius?

           Canada – Economics and Fiance of Sport with Dr. O’Rourke

           Yochum – I am a big fan of all of my economic classes

• If you had your own goal song what would it be?

           Canada – Losing It by Fisher

           Yochum – You Belong with Me (Taylor Swift) or Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen)

• Comedies, dramas, documentaries – what would you watch the most?

           Canada – I mostly watch action movies and comedies but I can get into a good documentary if I am feeling it

           Yochum – I would go Action/Drama with comedies as a close second

• Drums or Flats?

           Canada – Flats all day

           Yochum- Flats by far. Big flats guy!

• Post Graduate plans?

           Canada – I plan to work in the sports industry in hopes to one day start my own sport and entertainment company

           Yochum – Not entirely sure yet but I’d love to work for a pro sports team in analytics

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020

NOT JUST ANOTHER ROAD TRIP FOR COACH ROB PALLIN OF LAS VEGAS….

By Lee Samuels

Just one more sip of coffee hockey coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas was saying yesterday on the outdoor patio at Eggworks on Centennial here in town. Coach Rob was working on his second cup. The great hockey dad Greg Yochum – whose son Michael plays for ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins – was at the table messing around with scrambled eggs, rye toast and so were we….

Coach Rob and family – his wife Dora and the little ones – today are taking a 7 am flight from Las Vegas to Chicago, then Copenhagen, then Munich to coach ESV Kaufburen in Germany.

Yes, one of the greatest ever coaches from Las Vegas, said he was excited to be with his new European team which includes two familiar players – John Lammers and Tyler Spurgeon – who played for coach Rob on previous pro teams.

And then out of no where coach Pallin talked about one of first-ever great lines he had put together – the Triple Threat Line of Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely – on a 1999-2000 AA Las Vegas 18u team over at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive. It was the very first bigtime electrying goal-scoring line in Vegas history. Which soon attracted, for the first time, large excited bell-ringing crowds to watch that team take on the L.A. teams, the ones from San Jose and Arizona. This was the first Las Vegas 18u team ever to have a winning record.

“Travis competed hard and always seemed to win his faceoffs,” said Rob. “J.C. played great in the hard areas on the ice. And Spike – he was all heart and soul.”

That table got quiet for a moment.

“Those were good times,” he said.

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And how did Pallin raise the compete level of that team and many others here in Las Vegas.

At defenseman Eddie Del Grosso’s wedding a few years ago Spike Neely said this about coach Rob.

“He made us believe we were better players than who we really were – that we will always be a winning team,” Spike said. “So when a game started and we went over the wall we knew were going to win.”

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Would you like to write hockey stories about hometown teams and players here on Vegas Hockey – all are welcome – first-time writers always welcome here — contact me leesamuels07@aol.com

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Saturday, August 22, 2020

The great hockey writer Gregg Drinnan in Canada put together this insightful list when hockey leagues plan to begin their seasons.

source – greggdrinnan.com

ACHA D1: to be announced

AHL: Dec. 4

AJHL: Sept. 18

BCHL: Dec. 1

ECHL: Dec. 4

Heritage Junior B Hockey League: Oct. 28

KHL: Sept. 2

KIJHL: Oct. 2

MJHL: Sept. 25

NAHL: Oct. 9

NHL: Dec. 1

OHL: Dec. 1

Pacific Junior Hockey League: Sept. 29

QMJHL: OCT. 1

SJHL: Oct. 9

UNLV Rebels: January 2021

USHL: Nov. 6

Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League: Sept. 7 (48 games), Oct. 12 (40), Nov. 16 (40), Dec. 14 (32)

WHL: Dec 4

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Richie Crossley, a premier defenseman when he played tier hockey here in Las Vegas, will again drive the VGK Zamboni before games and between periods during the home games at the T-Mobile Arena this coming regular season. He is hoping to drive the Zamboni at home games for the AHL Henderson Golden Knights at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Ave but that has not yet been confirmed.

“There’s no real secrets to driving the Zamboni,” Richie said. “You need to focus on certain things on the ice and pay attention how warm the building is.”

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Breaking News – UNLV Rebels legend 100 goals career goal scorer Cody Williams, a dynamic offensive force at all levels of the game from Las Vegas, has just signed with the Motor City Rockers. Motor City Rockers are in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and play home games at the Hockeyland Arena in Fraser, Michigan which is just north of Detroit.

Adam Stio of Las Vegas is the President of the Rockers who are playing in their debut season.

Adam said “when our coach Kahlil Thomas got on board he was already talking to Cody’s agent. We both wanted Cody but our coach got to him first – great minds think alike!”

Last season Cody played in pro hockey for Evry-Viry in the France3 League. He had 16 goals.

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Friday, August 14, 2020

Rebels Flash Update – During the shutdown the UNLV Rebels are not permitted to practice, train or meet in team groups over 10 players.

“I am heartbroken for our players but we will all get through this – we really will,” said Rebels head coach Anthony Greener

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Las Vegas – The Anthony Greener-coached UNLV Rebels, a nationally ranked hockey program for years, announced today the new season will now begin in January 2021. The Rebels tweeted “…we’ll be back stronger than ever.” The UNLV Rebels practice and play home games at City National Arena.

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Monday, August 18, 2020

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks 19u

Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

Brennan Blaszak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

Rhett Bruckner, to be announced

Skylur Cameron, BCHL West Kelowna Warriors

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce

Mykah Carter, NAPHL Northwest Stars 16u

Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University

Brenden Fehlig, to be announced

Luke Fundator, NA3HL Sheridan Hawks

Dom Garcia, NCAA Arizona State

Matthew Gross, to be announced

John Hallet, to be announced

Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns

Brendan Harris, NCAA Bemidji State

Dexter Kichline, to be announced

Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State

Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team

Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners

Colton Miller, EHL Premier New York Bridgemen

Austin Moline, AAA Northstar Academy Knights 16u – Minnesota

Gunner Moore, NAHL Atlanta Capitals

Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A

Zackary Ortolano, goalie, AAA Shattuck St. Mary’s HS Team

Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen

Graham McPhee, AHL Bakersfield Condors

Kale Norman, ACHA D1 Waldorf College – Iowa

Logan Perez, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Zach Pochiro, ECHL Fort Wayne Komets

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

Anthony Rodriguez, NA3HL Oklahoma City Blazers

Ethan Sodoma, NA3HL Texas Roadrunners

Noah Smejkal, Northeast Generals – Attleboro, Mass

Dylan St. Cyr, NCAA Notre Dame University

Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits – South Carolina

Joey Raats, to be announced

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts

Cameron Sylvester, USPHL Hampton Road Whalers

Blade Taylor, USPHL Elmira Jr Enforcers

Gabriel Testa, USPHL Southern Oregon Spartans

Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

Jaiden Wild, SC Bietgheim – Bissingen ll/Germany4

Cody Williams, FHL Port Huron Prowlers – Michigan

Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To revise/update here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, August 7, 2020

Breaking News – The Western Hockey League (WHL) will begin play on Friday, December 4 with a full schedule of 68 regular season games plus four rounds of playoffs as usual. Erik Atchison of Las Vegas plays for the WHL Spokane Chiefs.

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//Want to write about Las Vegas hockey right here – contact me at leesamuels07@aol.com

//First time writers always welcome……

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Thursday, August 6, 2020

UNLV’s new explosive 56-goal scorer Brock Palmer’s former linemate – Jack Verstraete of the KIJL Kimberly Dynamiters – will play for the Rebels this coming season. UNLV head coach Anthony Greener said today “…He and Palmer come from the same team and they really work well together. We’re excited to see what they can do this season for us.” Verstraete, 20, is listed at 6’0″, 180.

The ECHL, which usually opens play in October, announced it will begin its season on December 4.

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Monday, August 3, 2020

Final Score – Vegas Golden Knights 5, Dallas Stars 3

Down 3-1, VGK rallies dramatically to win in Edmonton

VGK Goals in order

Chandler Stephenson

Mark Stone

Nate Schmidt

William Carrier – first playoff goal

William Karlson

VGK goalie – Robin Lehner – 24 saves

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Jason Zucker Update in Toronto

Final Score – Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Montreal Canadiens 1

//Jason Zucker scored for Pittsburgh in 2nd Period; Best of Five is now tied 1-1.

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Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the Pittsburgh Penguins are going into Game 2 of their Best of Five series in Toronto on Monday. Jason has been skating on the Crosby line for the Penguins. Game time is 5 pm pacific on the AT&T Sports Network. Montreal leads 1-0 in this series.

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Saturday Overtime Final Score

Montreal Canadiens 3

Pittsburgh Penguins 2

//Heated, physical game; Jason Zucker of Las Vegas skating on Crosby line; this is Game One of a Best of Five in playoffs. Montreal had a 2-0 lead in this game….2-2 at the end of regulation; now in overtime….Montreal scores in OT and wins 3-2 in first game of this Best of Five series……Next game Monday 5 pm – Game Two, Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens….

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Toronto – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins are beginning a best of five playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, 5 pm pacific. The game will be televised live nationally on NBC. Jason, who played youth hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center, is a 13-time Vegas Hockey Player of the Year. His last tier ice hockey coach in Las Vegas was Wally LaCroix at the Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

Friday, July 31, 2020

Las Vegas – The AHL Henderson NV Silver Knights will begin play on December 4 at the 7300-seat Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue it was announced today.

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Gage Quinney of Las Vegas is with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights who are off to Edmonton – first to play against the Arizona Coyotes in an exhibition game on Thursday and then begin to play in the NHL post-season games. Gage, who grew up skating at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue, played three NHL games with the Golden Knights late last season.

Vegas Golden Knights

All Games in Edmonton

Thursday, July 30

Final Score – Thursday

Vegas Golden Knights 4, Arizona Coyotes 1

VGK – Reilly Smith powerplay goal

VGK – Reilly Smith short-handed goal

Phoenix – Taylor Hall – close range goal

VGK – Alex Tuch side-angle goal

VGK – Nick Cousins – empty net goal

VGK Goalie – Marc-Andre Fleury

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NHL Round Robin Playoff Games

Monday, August 3 – VGK 5, Dallas Stars 3

Thursday, August 6 – VGK vs St. Louis Blues, time tba (ATTSN)

Saturday, August 8 – VGK vs Colorado Avalanche, time tba

============

Toronto – Jason Zucker of Las Vegas and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins are beginning a best of five playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens here at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, 5 pm pacific.

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LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks 19u

Steven Avalone, to be announced

Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

Brennan Blaszak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

Rhett Bruckner, to be announced

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce

Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University

Brenden Fehlig, to be announced

Matthew Gross, to be announced

Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns

Dexter Kichline, to be announced

Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State

Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team

Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners

Colton Miller, EHL Premier New York Bridgemen

Austin Moline, AAA Northstar Academy Warriors 16u – Minnesota

Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A

Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen

Logan Perez, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Zach Pochiro, to be announced

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

Noah Smejkal, Northeast Generals

Gage Quinney, To Be Announced

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Joey Raats, to be announced

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts

Blade Taylor, USPHL Elmira Jr Enforcers

Gabriel Testa, to be announced

Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

Cody Williams, FHL Port Huron Prowlers

Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To contribute or correct here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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HOCKEY ON THE ROCKS – PAINTING BY TERRENCE FOGARTY

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JOE SULLIVAN OF LAS VEGAS RETURNING TO ECHL INDY FUEL

Las Vegas – Joe Sullivan, one of the great, hard-working fiery goal scorers from Las Vegas, has re-signed with ECHL Indy Fuel for this coming season.

Sullivan has been a premier player for years starting with the 2009-10 AAA Nevada Storm 16u which included star players Cory Ward, Zach Pochiro, Beau Ricketts and Cody Milligan at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

Joe, 26, is listed at 5’10, 190. He played at a high level with NAHL Aberdeen Wings, BCHL Wenatchee Wild, USHL Indiana Ice and was captain while playing for NCAA St. Lawrence University and who also skated for the ECHL Manchester Monarchs in New Hampshire during the 2018-19 season.

ECHL Indy Fuel is an affiliate of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL Rockford Ice Hogs.

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BRYCE REDDICK GOING TO ECHL ATLANTA GLADIATORS

Breaking News – Defenseman Bryce Reddick of Las Vegas has signed with the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators for the 2020-21 season. Jeff Pyle, coach of the Gladiators, said “Bryce is a very smart two-way defenseman who really moves the puck and who has the ability to get the puck to the net area.”

Bryce, 30, is the son of the famous Pokey Reddick who played in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers and is a premier ice hockey coach in Las Vegas.

Bryce is listed at 5’10, 185. He played the last three seasons with the Cardiff Devils. Earlier Bryce played for the BCHL Cowichan Valley Capitals, NCAA Michigan Tech, the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers and also played for pro teams in Denmark, France and Norway.

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Las Vegas defenseman Austin Moline, a star player last season with the AAA L.A. Jr Kings 14u bantam team, has signed with AAA NorthStar Christian Academy Warriors 16u in Minnesota for 2020-21. Austin is listed at 6’3, 170 and is regarded as a premier player

===============

THE GREATNESS OF MICAH SANFORD

Lee Samuels

Micah Sanford of Las Vegas was our first star player – in ice and roller – here in Las Vegas. 

He was the first from Las Vegas to leave home and play on the AAA level ice hockey with the AAA Vail, Colorado, Avalanche midget 18u team, the first to play in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A in Canada, and the first to play on a college scholarship at NCAA Division One Nebraska Omaha.

Micah launched his career here in Las Vegas in roller hockey which is the same route star players such as ice hockey stars Jason Zucker, Adam Naglich, Chris Francis, Eddie Samuels and Eddie Del Grosso also took.

Micah’s father Larry Sanford was the head roller hockey coach who took Las Vegas teams to major tournaments throughout the country. Big rivals for Las Vegas back then included the Orange County Blades, Brea Bulldogs, Arizona Stars and the Northern Colorado Blast.

When Micah was 16, he was named the National Roller Hockey Player of the Year.

“My Dad (Larry) played a lot of roller hockey when he was in his early 20’s,” said Micah. “He played for a team out of Louisana that was one of the best in the nation. He held the scoring title nationwide for about five years. We moved to Las Vegas because my folks thought roller rinks would do well here in town.”

That big roller rink was called Crystal Place built on North Rancho Drive. They call it “The Little House of Champions.”

“My favorite teammates in roller hockey were Freddie Young, Patrick Stevenson, Travis Gunderson and Leroy Garcia. We really meshed well together and we were all work horses – never getting out-competed,” Micah said.

That roller team – the Las Vegas Rolling Thunder – was an unstoppable force on a national level.

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MICAH’S GREATEST HOCKEY COACH

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Micah Sanford had many great coaches starting with his father Larry in roller hockey. Larry is a six-time Vegas Hockey Roller Coach of the Year.

Micah’s first travel ice hockey team was the AAA Vail Avalanche 18u in Colorado. Brad Buetow was the head coach. Brad was a former head coach at the Minnesota University and Colorado College hockey programs.

To get to Vail, Colorado, Micah packed up his gear in his pickup truck, then he drove back to the Crystal Palace roller rink where he grew up in Las Vegas. There was a group of younger players and hometown hockey moms and dads who were there and who wished him well and watched him drive off on North Rancho Drive. Micah was the first to leave Las Vegas to play the game and it was big news in the world of hometown hockey.

Micah also played for one of the greatest coaches in Harvey Smyl, a legend with the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada. When Micah played for Chilliwack hockey dad Larry Sanford would wear his black and yellow-striped Chilliwack jacket at Crystal Palace.

When Micah was at Chilliwack he told Vegashockey.com in 2000 “…I could always stick-handle and score but they worked on my skating and made me more of a complete player.”

After his first season with Chilliwack Micah went to the Peter Twist Skating School in Vancouver.

But who was Micah’s best coach?

“Harvey Smyl at Chilliwack was the best coach I ever had on the bench during a game. But Brad Buetow was the best coach I ever had at running a practice and teaching skills.

“Harvey was great managing his bench, knowing game situations and who to put onto the ice.

“Brad Buetow was the best at motivating his players and getting the best out of them,” said Micah.

Brad Buetow retired a few years ago, as did Harvey Smyl.

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MICAH’S ASTOUNDING GOAL-SCORING IN 2001-02 PLAYOFFS

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When Micah played for the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs in Canada hometown fans back in Las Vegas listened to the play by play on radio from the Chiefs two great announcers Barry Douglas and Richard Brew who called the game from the press boxes no matter where the Chiefs were playing. And little did Barry and Rich know  – and their radio listeners – they were about to go onto the biggest ride of their lives.

Chilliwack finished the regular season with a record of 46-10-4. Micah, on the top line, led the team with 47 goals. He was 19 years old.  His linemates and best rink friends were Kaleb Betts with 35 goals and Matt Gibbons with 28 goals.

On this same Chilliwack team was 17-year-old Gabe Gauthier the former GM/head coach of the WSHL Las Vegas Storm and the Hockey Director at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Gabe had 37 goals that season for Chilliwack. Gabe’s linemates were David Van Der Gulik, 38 goals, and Jeff Tambellini with 46 goals.

Micah always played on top lines. When he was with AAA Vail midget majors he was on the number one line with the great Teddy O’Leary.

Micah was now in his second season with Chilliwack and suddenly – and no one, including him – knows how and why Micah Sanford began scoring so many goals in the playoffs.

While Chilliwack was winning the Nowat Cup and the Doyle Cup and qualifying for the grand finale – the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – Micah had racked up 31 playoff goals. When he was interviewed by me at Vegashockey.com (the old site, not this one) Micah said….

“I’m not doing anything differently. It’s like everything I shoot – no matter what part of the net – the puck goes right into the net. I cannot explain it.”

On the Chiefs radio Barry Douglas and Richard Brew were going insanely wild calling the games.  Gauthier said “…it was unreal, so intense.”

At the Royal Bank Cup in Halifax – the one last crown to capture – Micah and the Chiefs worked their way to the Final 4.

They took on the OCN Blizzard from the Manitoba Hockey League.  It was a close, tight game, right down to the final buzzer at the Halifax Forum.

OCN won 4-3.

When the game was over – and maybe it was the pressure of winning so many times – the Chiefs players collapsed onto the ice in all parts of the arena.

On the radio Barry and Richard lost it – they both wept.

They were trying to describe and capture in their own words the final time this great Chilliwacks Chiefs team would ever be on the ice.

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Micah scored 31 goals during the playoffs. For the season he had 78 goals, 80 assists – by far the most goal and assists and points by any Las Vegas skater on any level of the game.

Gauthier said “this was such a great team. Micah was a big part of it. I counted 12 of our players who went to NCAA Division 1 teams.

Chilliwack coach Harvey Smyl sized it all up when he said “Micah was a man among boys with his determination and strength.”

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Micah got a scholarship to play at Nebraska-Omaha. After four years he played professionally signing with the ECHL Bakersfield Condors.

In 2009 Micah retired as an active player.

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MICAH SANFORD CAREER ICE HOCKEY RECORD

1997-98 – Las Vegas Mustangs Midget A

1998-99 – Las Vegas Blackjacks Jr B

1999-20 – AAA Vail Avalanche midget major – 49 goals/35 assists

2000-01 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 12 goals/9 assists

2001-02 – BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs Jr A – 78 goals/80 assists

2002-03 – Nebraska-Omaha 8 goals/9 assists

2003-04 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2005-05 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/6 assists

2005-06 – Nebraska-Omaha 1 goal/0 assists

2008-09 – ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers 0 goals/0 assists

—-

Monday, July 20, 2020

CHICAGO, IL – The United States Hockey League (USHL), the only Tier I junior hockey league in the United States, announced Friday its plan to start the 2020-21 season this fall with the intention to play a full schedule. The Board of Directors met Thursday in the first of a series of weekly scheduled Zoom calls to review Return to Play protocols for the coming season based on the latest recommended COVID-19 health precautions.

“Our Board of Directors meetings have been another great example of how in a time of uncertainty across sports, our Clubs are coming together to provide the best opportunity for our players to continue their development in the safest manner possible,” said USHL President and Commissioner Tom Garrity. “Each of our Member Clubs was represented as we discussed the best way to return to play for the 2020-21 season while ensuring the safety of everyone involved in returning to the ice.”

The Board of Directors meetings use information provided by separate USHL committees including the COVID-19 Taskforce, Scheduling Committee and Competition Committee, which all have separate, specialized focuses to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for the discussion of the Return to Play protocol.

Return to Play

The USHL has created a working Return to Play document, updated daily, which features guidance on safety protocols at local, state and national levels. USHL front office members are utilizing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and collaborating with representatives from the NHL and USA Hockey. Each Member Club is responsible for working directly with local health officials to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest information in their market. The main emphasis of the document is providing guidelines and recommendations for the safety of players, coaches, staff, billets and fans, as well as ensuring Clubs are taking all available precautions against the spread of COVID-19.

Executive Committee Members Announced

After a ballot voting process during the Board meetings, Ryan Schiff (Lincoln Stars) was re-elected as Chairman of the Board while Brian Schoenborn (Sioux Falls Stampede) was also re-elected to the Executive Committee and Ryan Suter (Madison Capitols) was elected to the Committee for the first time. The trio join Brendan Bruss (Green Bay Gamblers), Koots DiCesare (Omaha Lancers) and Dan Lehv (Chicago Steel).

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JIMMY SAMUELS NOW IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Las Vegas skater Jimmy Samuels, who just graduated from Kansas University with a degree in Film and Production, has relocated to Austin, Texas. “We were looking for a great affordable city with opportunities,” Jimmy said.

His first Las Vegas ice hockey coach was Drew English while playing on a youth team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Jimmy and Vito Carlo were teammates and best friends on a number of teams. Jimmy also played roller hockey at Larry Sanford’s ‘Little Home of Champions’ Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive. When Jimmy went to Kansas University he played on the team’s ACHA D3 team for one season, then became the General Manager the following season. KU, with Jimmy as GM, qualified and played in the ACHA D3 U.S. Nationals for the first time in school history.

While at KU, Jimmy won a number of major awards in video and film production. Jimmy’s uncle is Eddie Samuels.

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Las Vegas defenseman Austin Moline, a star player last season with the AAA L.A. Jr Kings 14u bantam team, has signed with AAA NorthStar Christian Academy Warriors 16u in Minnesota for 2020-21. Austin is listed at 6’3, 170 and is regarded as a premier player.

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Saturday, July 18, 2020

BURNABY, B.C. – The BC Hockey League announced today that it is planning to start the 2020-21 regular season on Dec. 1, pending approval from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

A full schedule with a December start date will be announced at a later date. The pushback to Dec. 1 aligns with the NHL’s plan to start their 2020-21 season.

“The reality is that, for us to be able to operate, we need to have fans in our buildings,” said Chairman of the BCHL Board of Directors Graham Fraser. “It became clear from our discussions with the PHO that the best way to accomplish this would be to delay the start of our season to give them time to assess the effects of a potential second wave of COVID-19 during flu season.”

MEGAN MYERS SIGNS WITH NEW TEAM

Megan Myers, one of the greatest women’s ice hockey players ever from Las Vegas, will be in action this season in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association which has teams in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Minnesota and New Hampshire. Megan, 28, last played with the Worcester Blades two seasons ago. Eliteprospects.com released Megan’s hockey plans for this year.

Friday, July 17, 2020

MAJOR SIGNING FOR COACH ROB PALLIN – AGAIN!

Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin signed another great one – John Lammers who years ago was a draft pick of the NHL Dallas Stars and who played the last five seasons with HC TWK Innsbruck in Austria. Lammers was an Assistant Captain for two of his seasons in Innsbruck. This past season he had 14 goals, 16 assists. He is from Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. Pallin is going into his first season as head coach of ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany.

Coach Rob said “John Lammers is a very skilled forward. Great stick skills, shoots the puck extremely well and he is a very intelligent player. Most important, he is a great teammate. Always puts the team first.

“His fitness preparation always helps him succeed. He never takes any shortcuts.

“Third round pick of NHL Dallas. Lammers has an average of 48 points in the Austrian Elite the past six seasons.”

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Las Vegas – Let’s Get Ready to Score – like, a lot of times.

Brock Palmer, a massive 56-goal scorer for the 43-4-1 Kimberley Dynamiters in Canada, leads a pack of new goal scorers for the UNLV Rebels this coming season. It was UNLV head coach Anthony Greener and top assistant coach/recruiter Nick Robone who put together one of their best recruiting classes.

UNLV’s freshmen include…

Blaise Arkle, Hearst Lumberjacks – Northern Ontario League

Alec Johnson, NAHL St. Cloud Blizzard

Max Johnson, NAHL St. Cloud Blizzard

Jack Kennedy, Waywayseecaps Wolverines – Manitoba

Brock Palmer, Kimberley Dynamiters

Kyle Quinn, Blind River Beavers – Canada

Grant Smith, Minnesota Blue Ox

Jack Verstraete, Kimberley Dynamiters

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GAGE QUINNEY CALLED UP TO NHL VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Las Vegas – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas has been called up by the NHL Vegas Golden Knights. Gage, who played three games with the Golden Knights last winter, skated primarily with the Golden Knights affiliate AHL Chicago Wolves last winter. Gage played youth hockey here in town at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Gage, 24, is listed at 5’11, 180.

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TYLER SPURGEON SIGNS WITH ROB PALLIN’S ESV KAUFBUREN

“He’s the best Captain you can ever have on a team – and now we have him, what a signing,” said Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin who announced he has signed Tyler Spurgeon of Edmonton with his new team ESV Kaufburen in Germany.

Tyler was captain of coach Pallin’s last four teams with HC Innsbruck.

Tyler will be the captain of coach Rob’s new team as well.

“On the ice he is the ultimate team leader. And he always seems to win those faceoffs whenever we need them the most. He leads by example. As a coach we like to teach. Tyler is the kind of player you want to fire up and lead your team against the best teams – home or away – on game nights.

Tyler, 34, scored 80 goals during his last four seasons with Pallin-coached TWK HC Innsbruck teams in Austria.

Coach Rob, living with his family here in Las Vegas, plans to depart to Germany around August 10 to 15.

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“Our League” – Painting by Terrence Fogarty

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The Global Las Vegas Showcase is officially postponed till 2021 due to federal/state/county restrictions on gathering/group size, social distancing requirements during on-ice activities, competition, continued travel restrictions, coaching restrictions and spectator limitations (Scouts and family) preventing the camp from operating. 

This is the first time in 30 years a Global camp has had to be postponed but the health and safety of you our customers, and our staff is the upmost importance, as well as keeping our high camp standards.

Global LV has been a tradition for many years and continually sells out very quickly. We understand many players look forward to the opportunities Global provides, but with some patience, we will have great 2021 camp ready for you to come back too and will work even harder to provide a great camp experience. With missing most of spring and summer hockey in 2020, which is prime time for coaches to be out on the recruiting trails and forthcoming budget restrictions, 2021 Global camps will be even more important to players, Global will be even more important to be seen and mentored by the coaches that attend.

As we gear up for 2021 from these unprecedented times, Global is committed to providing players the best opportunities/education in hockey and we will continue to do that into the future. As our great sport changes and adopts during this pandemic, 2021 will bring many exciting opportunities for players, and Global will be at the forefront at bringing those opportunities to you through our camps and clinics.

Please do not forget to cancel your hotel bookings at the Orleans/Suncoast 

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THREE TOP PLAYERS WITH LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS GOING TO EUROPEAN TEAMS

Three top players with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds junior hockey team – Tomas Urbanec, Emil Svartbro and Christopher Juvas have signed with European teams for this season.

//Urbanec, the all-time scorer in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) with 362 points in 241 games, will play for HC Dukla Jihlava of the Czech Republic.

//Emil Svartbro is going to Tyreso/Hanikan SK in Sweden.

//Christopher Juvas has signed with Hammarby IF in Sweden.

Las Vegas Thunderbirds coach Dave Hyrsky said “….they are all gifted offensively and have great character.”

(Thank you, Scott Ludwig, publicist of the Thunderbirds.

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GAGE QUINNEY’S AWESOME STATISTICS WITH AHL CHICAGO WOLVES

Gage Quinney of Las Vegas and the AHL Chicago Wolves has racked up some awesome numbers in his two seasons on this level. Gage, who grew up playing ice hockey at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue is in the NHL Vegas Golden Knights system. In his two seasons with the AHL Chicago Wolves Gage had – including playoff statistics – 40 goals, 48 assists, 88 points and was +42 on the ice.

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July 4, 2001 — 19 Seasons Ago!

Another Thrilling Win For AAA Las Vegas!!!!
ADAM NAGLICH SCORES IN OT, AAA TITANS
TAKE ON O.C. BLADES FOR GOLD MEDAL!!!

Anaheim, Calif. — Adam Naglich drove in from the left side, angled towards the net, deked the goalie and scored a super-clutch goal as the AAA Las Vegas Titans roller team fought off and beat the Tour EPH Oilers, 4-3, in overtime on Monday afternoon.

The victory put Larry Sanford’s AAA Titans roller team into the Pacific Cup 16-and-under gold medal game.

At 6:45 p.m. Monday evening, the Titans will take on Ken Gibo’s Orange County Blades who stunned and eliminated the #1 seed Anaheim Mission Bulldogs, 1-0.

Naglich, playing spectacular hockey here, scored two goals. Alex Redmond scored, as did Evan Zucker.

Cody Fulweiler had a huge game in the net and got the win.

AAA Las Vegas is 3-1 here, as are the O.C. Blades.

Here’s how the two teams have done so far in this eight-team Pacific Cup AAA tournament.

AAA Las Vegas Titans
Head Coach – Larry Sanford
4-1 over Pro Joy Valley Stars
1-6 to Anaheim Mission Bulldogs
4-2 over Mission Gretzky Armadillos
4-3 OT over EPH Oilers

AAA Orange County Blades
Head Coach – Ken Gibo
1-2 to EPH Oilers
5-2 over San Diego Gulls
3-2 over Anaheim Mission Bulldogs #2
1-0 over Anaheim Mission Bulldogs

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Here are the scoring details from AAA Las Vegas Titans 4-2 shocker over the Armadillos midnight Sunday in Anaheim:

1st goal – Billy Tufano (power play)
2nd goal – Adam Naglich (from Tufano)
3rd goal – Evan Zucker (from Naglich)
4th goal – Adam Naglich (unassisted)

Goalie – Tyler Woodbury

From the Blue Line, Lee
edsamuels.com

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Sunday, July 5 Top Searches

#1 Chris Francis – repeated searches

#2 Dexter Kichline Listed as a Top Prospect

#3 Ash Printzen

#4 Jared Erickson, UNLV Rebels

#5 Bryce Reddick

#6 The Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 2001-02 Red Line

#7 A Miracle on Ice – Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#8 RIP to the late, great roller star Johnny Oakes on the Micah Sanford line

Next – The rinkboard dustup between The Genius and Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen in a Vegas Hockey summertime adventure hockey story

How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Philadelphia Hockey Club of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) announced an affiliation agreement with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds for the 2020-21 season.

“We are excited to announce a new affiliation agreement with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds,” said PHC General Manager Troy Mick. “Las Vegas enjoyed tremendous success in their first year of Junior hockey last season and recently became members of the USPHL-Premier West Division and we are thrilled to add the Thunderbirds as a development affiliate for our players.”

Under the affiliation agreement, the Thunderbirds will serve as a resource for the development efforts and personnel needs of the Philadelphia Hockey Club. The agreement allows PHC-NCDC prospects to be assigned to the Thunderbirds for developmental purposes throughout the season.

“We feel that Philadelphia is the perfect fit as our NCDC affiliate,” stated Head Coach Dave Hyrsky. “The commitment they have to developing and progressing players, is exactly in line with what we are looking to do in Las Vegas.”

Additionally, the PHC-NCDC staff will work along the Thunderbirds to promote their players to our tuition-free NCDC league and will be involved with their summer camp in Las Vegas tentatively set for August 2020.

— Scott Ludwig, director of publicity, Las Vegas Thunderbirds

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LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks 19u

Steven Avalone, to be announced

Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

Brennan Blaszak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

Rhett Bruckner, to be announced

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce

Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University

Brenden Fehlig, to be announced

Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns

Dexter Kichline, AAA L.A. Jr Kings Bantams

Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State

Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team

Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners

Colton Miller, EHL Premier New York Bridgemen

Austin Moline, AAA Northstar Academy Warriors 16u – Minnesota

Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A

Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen

Logan Perez, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Zach Pochiro, to be announced

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

Noah Smejkal, Northeast Generals

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Bryce Reddick, ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Joey Raats, to be announced

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts

Blade Taylor, USPHL Elmira Jr Enforcers

Gabriel Testa, to be announced

Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

Cody Williams, to be announced

Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To contribute or correct here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

========================================

Hunter Barto, 18, of Las Vegas is returning to the USPHL Minnesota Moose this coming season. Hunter is listed at 5’11, 180. He had 11 goals, 15 assists for Minnesota last season. Hunter’s signing was noted on eliteprospects.com

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Brock Palmer, a massive 56-goal scorer last winter for the KIJHL Kimberly Dynamiters in Alberta, Canada, will play for the Anthony Greener-coached UNLV Rebels this coming season. Brock, the MVP in the KIJHL last season, is 21 years old and listed at 5’10, 170.

UNLV head coach Anthony Greener said “…This is exciting for sure. Brock has a knack for scoring – he’s fast and shifty.

“We began to watch him him two years ago and then Nick (Robone) began talking to Brock about six months ago. Nick and I went to the KIJL Showcase in Kamloops, Canada and met some of the coaches there.

“Nick and I then worked together to get Brock here.

“For sure we expect Brock to score some goals for us. As far as which line he will be on I want everyone to know we have a very talented lineup and it’s going to a battle in practices for our players to get into our starting lineup.”

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Vegas Hockey reporter Bethany Drysdale writes that VGK team dog Winston Doodle is undergoing a medical procedure today. Winston’s handlers wrote to Bethany ‘Paws Crossed” for a good outcome.

Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas has re-signed with ECHL Indy Fuel. Joe, 26 and listed at 5’10, 185, is a hard worker on the ice. He had 7 goals, 8 assists for Indy Fuel last season.

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NARCh ROLLER WEST COAST FINALS TEAM LIST – JULY 10-19 – CORONA, CA

Click to access 2020FinalsTeamListwCover.pdf

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Like mighty star goal scorer Micah Sanford said recently “we’re not teenagers anymore.” And boy is he right about that. Let’s play the Las Vegas Age Game…

Age

38 – Micah Sanford

36 – Adam Naglich

35 – Josh Jasek

35 – Justin Johnson

35 – Alex ‘Blackjack’ Redmond

34 – Jason Allen

34 – Eddie Del Grosso

34 – Jeff Hajner

34 – Eddie Samuels

32 – Shaun Stackhouse

31 – Kyle Clay

31 – Chris Francis

31 – Ryan Townsend

31 – Alex Winnik

30 – Bryce Reddick

29 – Michael Chiasson

29 – Chris Rial

28 – Kenny Brooks

28 – Megan Myers

28 – Ryan Rivera

28 – Derek Sutliffe

28 – Andrew Tamura

28 – Sonny Zuloga

28 – Jason Zucker

27 – Brittany Brooks

27 – Mike Trimboli

26 – Erik Fisher

26 – Michael McNicholas

26 – Cody Milligan

26 – Zach Pochiro

26 – Joe Sullivan

26 – Cory Ward

26 – Cody Williams

25 – Beau Ricketts

25 – Hamilton Whyte

24 – Jason Allen

24 – Joseph Kaszupski

24 – Ethan Montoya

24 – Gage Quinney

24 – Joey Raats

24 – Eric Williams

23 – Spencer Poscente

22 – Vito Carlo

22 – Vincent Dekumbis

22 – Landon Quinney

21 – Rhett Bruckner

21 – Michael Cichy

20 – Steven Avalone, Caleb Day, Brenden Fehlig, Aiden McNabb, Cody Printzen

19 – Gunner Moore, Jerrett Overland

18 – Erik Atchison

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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NA3HL announces new team in El Paso, Texas

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced that it has approved the membership of the El Paso Rhinos Hockey Club. The El Paso Rhinos are located in El Paso, Texas and will begin play in the NA3HL’s South Division beginning in the 2020-21 season. The team plays out El Paso County Events Center.

“We are excited to continue our growth in the South Division with the addition of the El Paso Rhinos. The Rhinos have an established organization with a focus on player development and advancement, along with a rich tradition of community outreach and support. I think the passionate fans of the El Paso Rhinos will enjoy the brand of hockey the NA3HL will being and also the new rivalries that will be established,” said NA3HL Commissioner Blake MacNicol.

Founded in 2001 as a youth hockey team, the El Paso Rhinos played their first junior hockey game in 2006. Since that game, the Rhino staff has strived to improve every facet of hockey and business operations, develop players, and grow the program each season.

Over the past four seasons, 90% of all the El Paso Rhinos home games have sold out. Between 2017 and 2019, the Rhinos had 37 straight sellouts. Each game, over 15 off-ice officials volunteer to provide a professional experience for teams, referees, and fans. All off-ice officials previously worked for the semi-professional team, the El Paso Buzzards, and have volunteered with the Rhinos since the team’s inception. At the El Paso County Events Center, the Rhinos’ locker room contains 25 player stalls, a flat screen television, and a surround-sound system. Connected to the locker room is the bathroom, with five showers, and the training room, fully stocked with all practice and game-day essentials.

“The Rhino franchise has modeled their objectives after the NAHL and NA3HL’s excellent level of play, commitment to players’ career advancement and personal development, and the league’s overall business professionalism. As an organization and ownership group, we believe that the step to the NAHL will facilitate the growth and development of the Rhinos’ program and athletes, and in turn, help the organization continue to expand and succeed in the years to come,” said Rhinos Owner and Head Coach Cory Herman.

A big part of the Rhinos success since 2006 has been their connection with the surrounding community. During the 2019-20 season alone, players volunteered over 8000 hours. Each season, players make a minimum of 200 local appearances. Players visited hospitals, charity fundraising races, crisis shelters, other non-profit events and even rang bells to collect money for the Salvation Army. Through the Rhinos’ Skate Mates Educational Program, the organization has sent players to dozens of El Paso County schools for the past 12 seasons. Players regularly visit schools, become interactive role models and work closely with students, encouraging them to excel inside and outside of the classroom.

Any team inquiries can be directed to Director of Operations, Tyler Deloach at: tdeloach@elpasorhinos.com

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ADAM TAMURA TAKING 2 ROLLER TEAMS TO NARCH WC FINALS

Las Vegas roller coach Adam Tamura, one of the best coaches in the city, is taking two Vegas teams with star players to the NARCh West Coast Finals which are scheduled July 10-19 at the Corona Inline Arena in Southern California. There will be other Las Vegas roller teams participating in the NARCh West Coast Finals as well.

Here is a look at coach Tamura’s two teams:

Resys Rebels

Forwards

Austin Shannon

Emmanuel Baez

Ethan Montoya

Tim Mullis

Defense

Ian Davis

Eddie Davis

Logan Sussman

Goalie

Johne Eugenio

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Vegas United

Forwards

Ryland Johnson

Vlad Voican

Paul Nguyen

Jake Baba

Defense

Adam Tamura

Nate Valdez

Dario Valdez

Phillip Freedman

Goalie

Matt Strickler

===

Click to access 2020WCFinalsBlock.pdf

Thursday Searches

#1 The Wally Lacroix/Todd Owen coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#2 Hockey coach Rob Pallin

#3 For goalie Chase Smith of Las Vegas and the Yuma Blaze, It’s More Than Just a Game.

Thursday Fairbanks Arctic Cam

49 degrees, dark and cloudy

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LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College

Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks 19u

Steven Avalone, to be announced

Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose

Brennan Blaszak, SPHL Pensacola Flyers

Rhett Bruckner, to be announced

Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce

Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University

Brenden Fehlig, to be announced

Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns

Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State

Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team

Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners

Colton Miller, EHL Premier New York Bridgemen

Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A

Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen

Logan Perez, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u

Zach Pochiro, to be announced

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan

Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

Noah Smejkal, Northeast Generals

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Bryce Reddick, to be announced

Joey Raats, to be announced

Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel

Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts

Blade Taylor, USPHL Elmira Jr Enforcers

Gabriel Testa, to be announced

Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

Cody Williams, to be announced

Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday Top Searches

#1 Gage Quinney

#2 Coach of the Year Wally Lacroix, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#3 Minnesota hockey artist Terence Fogarty

#4 Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen, The Genius dustup at the SoBe Ice Arena rinkboards in a Vegas Hockey adventure story.

#5 Cody Williams, one of the greatest UNLV Rebels goal scorers

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The Atlanta Capitals of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Vito Carlo has committed to play NCAA Division II hockey for Franklin Pierce University. Carlo, 20, just completed his third and final season playing in the NA3HL for the Capitals. The 6’1/180 lbs. native of Las Vegas, Nevada, appeared in all 47 games during the regular season and recorded 43 points (7 goals, 36 assists). Carlo was also selected to and played in the 2019 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament for the South Division team, where he had two points in three games. Overall in his three-year NA3HL career, Carlo played in the 119 career games and recorded 98 career points.

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Contact Vegas Hockey 24/7 at leesamuels07@aol.com

A LOOK AT VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ROB PALLIN

Years ago hockey coach Rob Pallin helped turned Las Vegas hockey around, putting it on a national map. He has coached on the AA midget 18u/16u level, AAA midget 18u, UNLV college hockey, the ECHL level with the Las Vegas Wranglers. He is a Seven-Time Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year.

Here is a look at his ‘early years’ of coaching when the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u were coming off a 4-21-0 season.

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Coach Rob began skating at the age of three on ponds in Chisholm, Minnesota. He is the youngest of nine children. His father was a math and science teacher at a Catholic high school in Minnesota. Rob skated on local teams and then was recruited by Frank Serratore, now the head coach at the Air Force Academy, to skate on his Junior A team – the Austin, Minnesota, Mavericks. Rob, at 16, was one of the youngest skaters on the team.

While skating Junior A hockey, the Mavericks won the 1984-84 USHL championship and Rob was named to the U.S. National Junior team. He was recruited by many colleges and played initially at Minnesota-Duluth and later transferred to Western Michigan.

Following college, he skated in Germany and then found his way to Las Vegas when he played professionally for the Las Vegas Aces who played out of the now-closed Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena. Rob also skated roller professionally on the Pro Beach Hockey’s Heavy Metal team whose games were televised on ESPN and later with the Las Vegas Coyotes.

Serratore said Pallin was one of his best players.

”I picture Rob, and always will, as the up and coming youngster with the wonderful skills,” Serratore told author Joe McCauley who wrote about Rob in the book ‘Puck Dreams & Other Stories’ published by 1st Books Library in 2003.

Here is Rob’s Las Vegas midget major coaching record:

ROB PALLIN EARLY YEARS COACHING RECORD

2000-01
AA Las Vegas Mustangs………………..36-15-3
//Rob puts together the Triple Threat Line featuring Travis Roseberry, J.C. Caron and Spike Neely which was one of the most powerful lines in the West. Spike said years later “…somehow, someway coach Rob made us believe we were better players than what we really were. When a game started, we know we were going to win.“
//A young dynamic Eddie Del Grosso plays defense for the first time.

2001-02
AA Las Vegas Mustangs ………………..60-11-3
//Powerful ‘Red Line’ of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels set 10 team scoring records. Each advanced to Jr. A level hockey. This was the very first AA Las Vegas team to play in the U.S. Nationals.
//Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden are the two best goalies in the West. Combined, the two had a club-record 10 shutouts.
//Southwest League Champions
//Pacific District Regional Champions
//5-0-0 at Pacific District Championships
//3-1-0 at U.S. Nationals 

2002-03
AAA Las Vegas Outlaws………………..33-24-5
//First Las Vegas AAA midget level team.
//Cody Morin top goal scorer.
//Vancouver Sun Silver Division Champions
//First Las Vegas team nationally rated
//2-2-1 at Pacific District Championships including a riveting 6-5 OT win over the Alaska All-Stars in a game played in Fairbanks.

2003-04
AA Las Vegas Rebels…………………….30-19-9
//Huge season for top line of Anthony Greener, Conrad Trimbath and Kurt Long.
//Opened season 13-0-2, a club record
//3-1-0 record at Pacific District Championships

2004-05
AA Las Vegas Outlaws……………………31-24-3
//First team to skate at new Fiesta Stations Ice Arena
//Beat Arvada in 4-3 thriller to win Holiday Blast Tournament on home
ice.
//Silver medalists at Richmond, B.C. Tournament
//Beat AAA L.A. Jr. Kings minors in thriller 3-2 and then defeated AA Long Beach midget majors 3-0 to capture Tier 1 Southwest League Championship.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker were leading goal scorers – with 31 apiece. Conrad Trimbath is named MVP.

2005-06
AA Las Vegas Rebels……………………………56-11-4
//For the 6th straight season, Las Vegas wins its opening game of the season. The Rebels beat the So-Cal Vipers 9-0.
//Chris Francis and Evan Zucker set a club record by recording back-to-back hat tricks during the Labor Day Blast at Las Vegas.
//In 5 away games, the Rebels score 45 goals and win all 5 games at the Duel in the Desert in Phoenix.
//On Oct. 4, Las Vegas defeats the Cal Cougars 4-2 for coach Rob’s 200th career win.
//Las Vegas wins all 5 games in Southwest League competition in Peoria, Arizona and is unbeaten in 10 straight.
//Ryan King has 16-point weekend as Rebels go 4-1-0 in Southwest League action at the Glacial Gardens. Chris Francis gets his 5th hat trick of the season, tying record held by Adam Naglich.
//Chris Francis scores 7 goals as Las Vegas wins all five games to capture the gold medal at the Silversticks Regionals in Portland during Thanksgiving weekend.
//On Dec. 22, Rebels beat the Alumni skaters 7-4 before a big crowd in their annual charity game.
//On Dec. 26, the Rebels beat the Phoenix Firebirds 2-0 win a Southwest League game and won their 30th game of the season. The Rebels, with Pallin as head coach, have won 30 or more games six straight seasons.
//On Dec 29, the Rebels beat the L.A. Jr. Kings 6-5 to win all five SWYHL games and raise their unbeaten record to a team-record 18-0-1.
//On Dec 31, coach Rob is named the 2005 Las Vegas ‘Coach of the Year’
//On Jan 16, the Rebels beat Cal North Stars 7-2 to win MLK tournament, raise record to 40-6-1 and extend unbeaten record to 24 straight.
//Rebels go unbeaten 27 straight games, a new team record.
//Rebels beat L.A. Hockey Club AAA 16u 3-2 to win the gold medal at Kings Challenge Cup during President’s Day weekend in El Segundo, Calif.
//Rebels go 5-0-0 including thrilling 5-4 OT win over Cal North Stars in gold medal game to win the Pacific District Regional Championship.
//Rebels 3-2-0 at U.S. Nationals, beating New Jersey Devils 6-5 OT in Final Eight game before losing 3-2 to Butler Valley, Pa. in a thrilling Final 4 game in Pittsburgh. Rebels broke over a dozen records this season including most goals, 404, and had nine skaters with 20+ goals for the year. Chris Francis was top scorer at U.S. Nationals with 7 goals, 6 assists.

Las Vegas Career Record……………………………………………..247-94-26

//Coach Rob is presently in Las Vegas. He will soon depart for Germany where is the head coach of the pro team ESV Kaufbeuren.

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Sunday Top Searches

#1 Rob Pallin

#2 UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener

#3 Miracle on Ice Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#4 Ian Williams, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – 2nd straight day

#5 The Return of Johnnie Gold and the Barstow Brothers this Dec 24 at SoBe Ice Arena

#6 For Chase Smith and the Yuma Blaze It’s More Than Just a Game

#7 Goal Scorer John Purdy, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#8 Hockey artist Terrence Fogarty – many searches

#9 Hockey dad – a great unforgettabe one – Tommy Ricketts

#10 Vito Carlo and Jimmy Samuels hockey connection

Sunday Fairbanks Arctic Cam

54 degrees – dark, rainy all day

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Flash Back Story – Seven Seasons Ago

Game Three – Las Vegas, HB Hurricanes Tie 3-3

June | 2013 | Vegashockey.net

Irvine, California – The Micah Sanford-coached Las Vegas Tour Rebels Squirts 12u roller hockey team tied the Huntington Beach Hurricanes 3-3 in their third game of the day Sunday afternoon at the WIHA Finals at The Rinks Inline Arena.

Goals scorers for Las Vegas were Cody Printzen, Kaitlyn Barto and Eric Atchinson.

Hunter Barto had two assists.

Las Vegas, 2-0-1 overall, plays again Monday morning, then the Final 4 eliminator games get underway.

Game Two – Las Vegas Wins, 4-2

Irvine, California – Hunter Barto scored 2 goals, Cody Printzen scored 2 and Kaitlyn Barto dealt two assists as the Las Vegas Tour Rebels Squirts 12u beat the Reebok Jr Ducks 4-2 to go 2-0-0 here at the WIHA Finals.

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Game One – Las Vegas Wins, 1-0

Irvine, California – Cody Printzen scored the only goal of the game and the Las Vegas Tour Rebels Squirts 12u roller team got a huge effort from goalie Jessie Grycowski to beat the Puckhogs 2000 1-0 in the opening game of the Western Inline Hockey Association (WIHA) Finals at The Rinks Inline Arena on Sunday.

The Rebels 12u are coached by Micah Sanford. The team skates out of Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS TOUR REBELS 12U

Western Inline Finals

• 1-0 over Puckhogs 2000
• 4-2 over Reebok Jr Ducks Gold
• 3-3 vs vs HB Hurricanes

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ACHA COLLEGE TEAMS – INCLUDING UNLV REBELS – WILL PLAY THIS SEASON

The ACHA intends to have a regular start to the 2020-21 season for all members that are permitted by their respective colleges and universities to compete this fall.

We anticipate our annual Team Declaration and Registration process to begin in July and will be providing all those details shortly.

The ACHA strongly encourages our member Team Reps and Coaches to be in regular contact with their respective athletic and club sports departments so you are aware of any decisions being made on reintroducing students back to campus as well as restarting sports and competition. We also recommend communicating with your local home ice rink (if you utilize a non-campus facility) as to their policies and possible restrictions to ensure your team will be compliant.

It is the responsibility of each ACHA team to make sure they are in compliance with their respective institution, state and local guidelines to resume competition. The ACHA’s primary concern is the well-being and best interests of our student-athletes, coaches and fans, so we want to make sure that all ACHA teams meet these requirements and are eligible to participate during the 2020-21 season.

The ACHA continues to monitor college and university plans on returning to campus and sports as well as the lead of several organizations such as the CDC, NCAA and USA Hockey regarding the COVID-19 situation. We are also working on several contingency plans to implement if need be due to the fluidity of these uncertain times.

Top Friday Searches

#1 Coach Rob Pallin

#2 For Chase Smith and the Yuma Blaze It’s More Than Just a Game

#3 For the Love of Hockey A Look at UNLV’s Jordan Rea by star reporter Bethany Drysdale

#4 Ian Williams, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#5 A Miracle on Ice – Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#7 The Return of Johnnie Gold this December 24 at SoBe Ice Arena

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Friday Fairbanks Arctic Cam

55 degrees, rainy all day

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Friday readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada and Austria

==================================

NARCh West Coast Finals Update Right Here….

by Daryn Goodwin

We are getting a lot of repeated questions daily, so we thought we’d address some of those most common questions.

• Due to the fact that there wasn’t an opportunity to play in a regional qualifier, teams/players can participate in the NARCh FINALS without attending a regional qualifier.
• We are getting a lot of questions regarding particulars with the event as it relates to Covid-19.  Most of these questions cannot be answered yet because they are based on the continuing re-opening process.  We will definitely send updates as the event gets closer with guidelines that will be in place to assure everyone’s safety.
• If you are a player looking for a team, or a team looking for a player, please email daryn@narch.com and we will be happy to post to the Player Finder.  http://www.narch.com/player-finder
• We will also take Venmo for the NARCh FINALS Fee.   Send to Daryn-Goodwin and make sure to include your contact info, team and division.
• 6u Division is half price, $650 per team.
• There’s NO WAY to possibly know what times of the day teams will play.  The block schedule can be found at http://www.narch.com/2020-finals-info
• The cutoff to play any men’s division is a 2002 birthyear, younger is not permitted.
• Don’t forget the registration deadline is June 22^nd! 

TOP FIVE SEARCHES TODAY

#1 Hockey coach Rob Pallin

#2 Miracle on Ice – Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#3 The Red Line

#4 Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

#5 The hockey dad Steve Allen/Genius rinkboard dustup at the SoBe Ice Arena

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MY FIRST GOAL

ANTHONY GREENER
For years, the heart, soul and a giant big game goal scorer for the UNLV Rebels and now the head coach of the nationally-ranked Rebels.

“The first year I played was as a second-year squirt – an ice hockey team called the Las Vegas Flames with Earl Brady and my dad Sean Greener as my coaches.

“I scored in my first game ever. I wasn’t the best skater but I could score.

“And, it was on a breakaway.

“Once I scored that first goal I knew hockey was for me.”

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FUZZY ATCHINSON, JACK LACKAS, CHAYSE LAURIE, LOGAN PEREZ HEADING TO USHL PLAYERS DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP IN GREEN BAY

Las Vegas – Fuzzy Atchison, Jack Lackas, Chayse Laurie and Logan Perez of Las Vegas who play for the AAA Arizona Bobcats team 2006 have been invited to go to the USHL Player Developmental camp in Green Bay, Wisconsin on July 23-26.

Every USHL team with their coaches and scouts will be there to look at invited players.

Top Sunday Searches

#1 Jeff Hajner ‘My Greatest Game’

#2 Star defenseman Mike Trimboli – 2nd day most searched list

#3 Kenny Brooks

#4 Jake McKenna

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Star goalie Colton Miller of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u will be playing this coming season for the EHL Premier New York Bridgemen junior hockey team who play their home games at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion in Staten Island, New York.

Eliteprospects.com reported the transaction

Colton and his goalie teammate Zackary Ortolano two seasons ago helped the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u win a U.S. National Championship. This past season Colton and Ortolano again played at a very high compete level and helped the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in riveting games take down top teams from Arizona, California and Texas.

The Miller/Ortolano goalie connection is up there with some of the greatest goalies in Las Vegas including UNLV’s star goalies Chris Tate and Terry Martin and coach Rob Pallin’s top tier goalies including Tim Douglas, Cody Fulwiler and Paul Lowden. In the world of Las Vegas roller hockey legend coach Curt Weiman said the star roller goalies here include Travis Barendt, Chris Franco and Johnny Eugenio.

Top Saturday Searches

#1 Wedding Bells for Las Vegas goal scorer Kyle Callahan

#2 New Baby for the Anthony Greener bockey family

#3 Jacob Underhill

#3 Just in Time for Christmas – The Return of Johnnie Gold

#4 Defensive pair Richie Crossley, Devin Lane – Las Vegas Ice Cats

#5 Defenseman Mike Trimboli of Las Vegas

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Provo Riverblades To Join Elite U-20 Junior Hockey League – KSL Sports

PROVO, Utah – The Provo Riverblades announced their formation as an elite U20 Junior hockey team at a press conference on Thursday.

The Riverblades will join junior hockey which is the highest level played by amateur athletes in the world in the sport. It is a league with players aged under 20 who are competing to advance to NCAA and professional hockey.

“In the absence of sports due to COVID-19, it’s particularly exciting to announce a new community sports offering for Provo and Utah County,” said Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “The Provo Riverblades have already shown their strong community support by choosing a name reflective of our identity and history.”

The Provo Riverblades will play in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). The USPHL is widely respected as one of the top developmental leagues in North America. It’s the largest junior hockey league with teams all across the United States. Thousands of alumni from the USPHL are playing NCAA Division I and III as well as professional hockey in North America and Europe.

The Provo Riverblades will compete in the Mountain Conference. Teams in the conference will include the Northern Colorado Eagles, Pueblo Bulls, Utah Outliers (SLC).

“The teams in both Colorado and Utah have generated large crowds and packed stands,” said Kevin McCloskey, Provo Riverblades Managing Partner. “We believe we will achieve the same level of interest and excitement here in Provo with the Riverblades and having two other Utah teams in the league will make for great rivalries.”

“In addition to the entertainment, we expect to see a positive economic impact in Provo. A 22-home game schedule equates to visiting teams and spectators staying in hotels, dining, shopping and enjoying all our city has to offer,” said Mayor Kaufusi.

The head coach of the Riverblades will be Mike Callan, who was recruited from Pittsburgh will be recruiting players from all over the world to come and live in the community for seven months during hockey season. Players will live with host families during their stay.

Players will report late August and the season will begin mid-September and conclude in mid-March. The team will play a 53-game regular season schedule with 22 home games. Playoff games will be determined based on the team’s seeding in its division.

Additional information can be found at ProvoRiverblades.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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NARCh FINALS UPDATE RIGHT HERE

The NARCh FINALS WILL take place as scheduled July 10^th-19^th.   The Rinks in Irvine are currently still closed due to Covid-19.  We are hoping that they will re-open in the next few weeks and we will host the NARCh FINALS in Irvine as scheduled.  If the facility in Irvine is not open to host the event, we will instead host the tournament at Corona Inline.

We still have 35 days before the tournament starts and are hopeful and somewhat confident that the event will take place in Irvine, but also felt the need to have a backup plan in place.

Corona Inline is currently open for practices and will be restarting league games next week.  Each county is in a different phase of re-opening, and Riverside County is ahead of Orange County in the re-opening process, which is why Corona is currently open and Irvine is not.

The Block Schedule and Registration Link – http://www.narch.com/2020-finals-info

Registration Deadline is June 22^nd!

If you registered for the Huntington Beach Regional, we will be in contact to confirm whether you plan to participate in the NARCh FINALS or will be issued a refund.

As we get closer, we will be sending out information to confirm which facility the tournament will take place at along with the information on the necessary precautions that will be in place.

— Daryn Goodwin, NARCh

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Top Friday Searches

#1 Jacob Underhill, Las Vegas – AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

#2 Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce

#3 Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A

Contact Vegas Hockey 24/7 – leesamuels07@aol.com

Fairbanks Arctic Cam today – 57 degrees, cloudy

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LAS VEGAS HOCKEY DAD BATTLED BRAVELY – NOW HIS FAMILY NEEDS OUR HELP….

With Heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Noah Kirste’s father Jason lost his battle with recently diagnosed Liver/Pancreatic cancer this morning. Jason & Robin raised 4 incredible children and they all can use our support right about now. Emotions will be pushed to the limit for them and to top it off medical bills and funeral expenses are going to pile up quickly. We ask if you can support this incredible family in their time of need, please visit the goFundme page Jason’s daughter Brittany set up. Noah was a member of our Faith Varsity Hockey team this past season, this young man is an absolute class act, and his mother Robin jumped in, rolled up her sleeves and donated an incredible amount of time and energy to the team as well. Thank you all for your support, I’m sure the Kirste’s will appreciate it from the bottom of their hearts….https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-my-dad-beat-cancer-for-the-second-time?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

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Breaking News…

Las Vegas goalie Blade Taylor, 16, has signed with the USPHL Jr Elmira Enforcers, a New York junior hockey team. The signing was announced on eliteprospects.com

This is the very same league where the USPHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds will be playing this season. (Thank you Scott Ludwig for clarifying)

Blade played four games last season with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds and in four starts had these glittery numbers: 0.75 gaa, 92.7% save percentage.

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Pokey Reddick, who has coached many top teams here Las Vegas including most recently the Faith Lutheran H.S. team, is the new head coach of the Vegas Jr Golden Knights High School team. Brian Salcido, director of coaching for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights, made the announcement on the VJGK hockey website. Pokey’s hockey son Bryce has been playing for years most recently with the Cardiff Devils in Cardiff, Wales.

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LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose
Brennan Blaszczak, SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University
Brenden Fehlig, to be announced
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helen BigHorns
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State
Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team

Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners
Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen

Logan Perez, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Zach Pochiro, to be announced

Spencer Poscente, ACHA Eastern Michigan
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights

Colton Miller, EHL Premier New York Bridgemen
Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A
Joey Raats, to be announced

Bryce Reddick, to be announced
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts

Blade Taylor, USPHL Elmira Jr Enforcers
Gabriel Testa, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced
Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

==

Tuesday Top Searches

#1 Wally Lacroix – #1 four straight days

#2 Rob Pallin

#3 Derek Sutliffe

#4 Michael Yochum

#5 Cody Williams

#6 Ash Printzen

#7 Gia Avalone

#8 Kody Holmes

========================================

VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS COACHING STAFF ANNOUNCED

2020-21 VJGK Coaching Staff

16U AA

Wally Lacroix

Playing Background:

• Six years PWCHL (Las Vegas, Reno, El Paso)
• Four years roller hockey (Pro Beach, Intercontinentleague)
• Four years junior (St-Hubert, Iberville, Pembrooke, St-Jean)
• Four years high school (St Francis Xavier)

Coaching Background:

• Two years head coach junior hockey (Las Vegas Gold Minors)  
• Three years head coach 16u AA Vegas Jr. Golden Knights
• 2019 16U Tier 2 National Champion Vegas Jr. Golden Knights
• One year Midget AAA (Las Vegas Outlaws)
• One year high school (St. Francis Xavier)
• 11 years (Nevada Youth Hockey)

Other Experience:

• Executive Board Jr. Golden Knights
• Coach in chief two years Las Vegas Rebels 
• Director Las Vegas Roller Hockey five years (Crystal Palace)
• Refereed 14 years Professional Hockey (ECHL) 

14U AA

Matt Johnson

Playing Background:

• NCAA D3 (Norwich University)
• NCAA D1 (Providence College) 
• High School (Tilton Prep School)

Coaching Background:

• Two years Coach Tufts University NCAA D3
• Two years Head Coach Islanders Hockey Club USPHL
• Two years Asst. Coach Las Vegas Storm WSHL
• One year Asst. Coach Las Vegas Thunderbirds WSHL
• Five years Asst. Coach St. Mary’s High School MIAA D1
• Two years Coach Vegas Golden Knights U14
• Two years Coach North Suburban Wings U12
• Two years Nevada Storm U14, U12

Other Experience:

• One year NCDC Twin City Thunder
• Two years NAHL Minnesota Wilderness and League Scout
• Two years Hockey Director Nevada Storm
• Two years Skills Director and Power Skating Coach N.S Wings
• Two years Director of Player Development CN Hockey
• Co-Owner High Stakes Hockey

14U A

Dustin Coldren

Playing Background:

Coaching Background:

• Played Mite – Junior B AAA & AA ( MYHA Syracuse Stars Hockey)

• USA Level 4 Coach
• 25 years coaching experience
• Trained, mentored and skill developed 400 plus hockey players
• Coached Mite to Midget House League to AAA
• Syracuse Youth Hockey Coach 12u AA to 18u AA 2010–2019
• Four Central Section Championships, three WNYAHL Titles, six NYSAHA Championship appearances. 293–148 –34 overall record.
• Head Instructor for Syracuse University summer hockey camps
• Private goalie and skater Instructor
• 2019-20 VJGK Head Coach 12U Development teams
• 2019-20 VJGK Skills Coach

Other Experience:

• Director of Players and Coaches development for Syracuse Youth Hockey Association
• Key Director in starting and developing Syracuse Youth Hockey Association
• Implemented the single birth year team model at SYHA

U12 AA

Frank Salcido

Playing Background:

• Southern California Midget All Star Team (1973)
• AHAUS National Junior A Championship Tournament (1973)
• Leading scorer, Los Angeles Junior Hockey League (1973-74)
• Los Angeles Bruins, PSWHL (1976-1989)

Coaching Background:

• 28 years of coaching experience, 
• Eight years at the AAA level (Bantam U16 and U18)
• Eight years at the AA level (Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget)
• One year Head coach with Loyola Marymount University in ACHA Division III.
• Club Co-Head Coach Bay Harbor Minor Hockey Assn. (1976-77) 
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Other Experience:

• Evaluator, Pacific District Select Camps
• Presenter, USA Hockey Coaching Clinics
• CAHA Board of Directors

Coaching Philosophy:

” Teaching life lessons through the sport of hockey”

12U A

Dave McShane

Playing Background:

• Youth Hockey, Ottawa and Montreal including juniors
• Portland Royals, NWHA Semi-Pro 
• Competed in age tiered USA National and International Tournaments (CARHA World Cup and Austria in 2018)

Coaching Background:

• Over 12+ years coaching experience, 10U, 12U, HS, Bantam Travel, Juvenile, College ACHA
• Head Coach Bantam Travel A – Austin TX (Won TAHA League)
• Head Coach Leander High School – Austin TX (First playoff appearance since team inception and went to states)
• Four years  Asst. Head Coach University of Texas ACHA
• Two years Asst. Head Coach Texas State University ACHA
• Vegas Golden Knights House League Hockey 

Other Experience:

• Director Adult Learn to Play at LVIC
• Level CEP 5 USA Hockey coach – thesis “Scoring Between the Equal Signs”

Coaching Philosophy:

“To convey to players the team spirit, joy, camaraderie, sense of accomplishment, sportsmanship that our great sport of hockey can provide.  To ensure that all keep in mind it is a game and fun and safety come first.”

10U AA

Brian Salcido

Playing Background:

• Four seasons between the NHL/AHL (Portland Pirates, Anaheim Ducks, Iowa Chops and Manitoba Moose)
• Eight Years in Europe’s top professional leagues (Liiga, Finland; Extraliga, Czech Republic; DEL, Germany; KHL, Russia; Allsvenskan, Sweden)
• Team USA 2011, Deutschland Cup
• Three years NCAA D1 (Colorado College)
• Three years Shattuck St. Mary’s High School, Faribault, MN

Coaching Background:

• Vegas Junior Golden Knights Coach in Chief
• Vegas Junior Golden Knights Director of Skill Development
• Vegas Junior Golden Knights Squirt A Coach
• Co-owner High Stakes Hockey
• Power Skating Instructor

Other Experience:

• Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks, 2005
• First born and developed player from Southern California to play for the Anaheim Ducks
•  “Black Ace” on Anaheim’s 2007 Stanley Cup team
• Midget AAA National Champion, Shattuck St. Mary’s 2003
• NCAA Second All-Star Team 2005-2006
• Two AHL All-Star Selections (2008-09,2009-10)
• AHL Second All-Star Team 2007-2008
• NCAA Frozen Four appearance 2006

Coaching Philosophy:

“Work hard and have fun. Good things will happen”

10U A

Tony Esposito

Playing Background:

• Four years NCAA DIII at Brockport State University
• Two year Junior B at Niagara Falls Cataracts

Coaching Background:

• 10 years Mite House League Coach (Las Vegas Storm)
• Two years Vegas Junior Golden Knights 8U
• Two years Vegas Junior Golden Knights Youth Development Program
•  USA Hockey Level 4
• USA Hockey Bronze Level Goalie Development Program

Other Experience:

• One year Head Coach Youth Sled Hockey, VGK Foundation

Coaching Philosophy:

“I believe in following USA Hockey’s American Development Model, which is designed to develop young hockey players, ensuring they move to the next level successfully.  During my time with them, I strive to ensure they gain the necessary skills to excel at the game and learn life skills so they can be well-rounded.”

14U GIRLS

Adam Miller

Playing Background:

• Seven years playing Over Seas in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, Japan, France
• Three years ECHL/AHL (Las Vegas Wranglers)
• Four years D1 (Ferris State University)
• One year USHL (Des Moines Buccaneers)
• Youth Hockey Detroit Little Caesars

Coaching Background:

• Vegas Junior Golden Knights Coach/Skills

Other Experience:

• Las Vegas Wranglers All Time Leading Scorer
• ECHL All-Star Game 2010
• ECHL Fastest Skater 2010
• Midget AAA State Champ 2003

Coaching Philosophy:

“Lets get something out of the hour we have together”

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GOOD NEWS FOR DEREK SUTLIFFE, BRENNAN BLASZAK

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Good news today for two Las Vegas goal scorers in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Derek Sutliffe, an awesome goal scorer, and a very strong hard player Brennan Blaszczak were placed on their team’s Protected List and will be rostered on their teams this season.

Sutliffe, 28, scored 22 goals for the SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts last season. Derek has won many hockey awards, particuarly with the BCHL Langley Rivermen where he was a team leader and an Assistant Captain. It was Evansville Thunderbolts head coach Jeff Bes who made the announcement about Derek.

Blaszczak, 24, played four seasons with NCAA Alaska Fairbanks and then was signed by the SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers. It was Pensacola who put Blaszczak on their team protected list for the 2020-21 season.

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CELEBRATION FOR BEAU RICKETTS OF LAS VEGAS IN MINOT ND

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Beau Ricketts, a very popular and a massive 30-goal scorer for the WSHL Las Vegas Storm in 2014-15 at the Las Vegas Ice Center, celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife Kayla yesterday. Kayla is a kindergarten teacher and Beau just finished his first year in the electricians apprentice program. Beau is also working for an oil exploration company in Minot.

Beau played two seasons in Minot with the NAHL Minot Minotauros at the famous Maysa Ice Arena. Beau met Kayla when he played for the Minotauros. Beau’s younger brother Blade was Best Man when Beau and Kayla were married.

Beau still plays men’s house hockey at the Maysa Ice Arena.

==

There were services yesterday for the great Las Vegas hockey dad Steve ‘The Glass Guy’ Warren whose sons Dustin Brandon and Chris played roller hockey years ago on a high level over at Larry Sanford’s ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho Drive. Hockey son Dustin, who played for the Las Vegas Tour Rebels roller hockey team, gave a very touching speech about his father. (Thank you Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen for sending this)

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It’s a new baby girl – Karter Rene Vignieri – for UNLV head coach Anthony Greener and his wife Ashley. Welcome Miss Karter to the world of bigtime Rebels hockey…

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Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Las Vegas – Let’s get it on, like real soon.

Coach Anthony Greener’s ACHA D1 UNLV Rebels, 21-13-1 last season, will play their first home again against guess who – feisty Utah University which always come into the City National Arena with swagger and a giant edge to their game on Friday, October 9.

“First, I cannot wait until we open our season on the road against Liberty University (Sept 24, 25) before over 6,000 fans in each game,” said coach Greener. “Then we have our home opener. And we have Illinois coming into City National for a two game weekend. Very exciting.”

Here is how the Rebels home schedule is shaping up for the new season

UNLV Rebels

City National Arena, Las Vegas

2020 Season

Home Games

Oct 9 – vs Utah University

Oct 10 – vs Utah University

Oct 23 – vs Arizona University

Oct 23 – vs Arizona University

November 5 – vs Arizona State

November 6 – vs Arizona State

December 11 – vs Grand Canyon University

December 12 – vs Grand Canyon University

January 8 – vs Illinois

January 9 – vs Illinois

January 15 – vs Missouri State

January 16 – vs Missouri State

January 29 – vs Grand Canyon University

January 30 – vs Grand Canyon University

February 12 – vs Minot State

February 13 – vs Minot State

February 19 – vs Indiana State of Pennsylvania

February 20 – vs Indiana State of Pennyslvania

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NEW COMMITMENTS – UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-LAS VEGAS

F Blaise Arkle (Hearst Lumberjacks/NOJHL)

G Vince Benedetto (Chase Heat/KIJHL)

F Michael Boutoussov (South Shore Kings/NCDC)

D Alec Johnson (St. Cloud Blizzard/NAHL)

F Max Johnson (St. Cloud Blizzard/NAHL)

F Kyle Quinn (Blind River Beavers/NOJHL)

D Jack Kennedy (Waywayseecappo Wolverines/MJHL)

==============================

Monday, June 1, 2020

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose
Brennan Blaszczak, SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University
Brenden Fehlig, to be announced
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helen BigHorns
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State
Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team
Jerrett Overland, NCDC New Jersey Hitmen
Zach Pochiro, to be announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights
Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A
Joey Raats, to be announced
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts
Gabriel Testa, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced
Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

Friday Evening Notebook….

RIP – There is a hockey heaven for those who have left us – Lee

—
PLAYERS

Sean Darby – tough, rugged player who was the centerpiece on the Gold Line with best friends and teammates Sean Fox, Justin Grossman in 2001-02 season with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs in a massively great season.

Sean Fox – always wore jersey #88 and played a hard, fast game; was on the fierce checking Gold Line with Sean Darby and Justin Grossman on coach Rob Pallin’s 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u which advanced to the U.S Nationals.

Matt Moore – tremendous goal scorer for Las Vegas based Silver State squirt ice hockey team – coaches included Dana King, Steve Johnson and his father Larry Moore – then moved to Colorado at the age of 12 where he played hockey there. Matt passed at the age of 33 in Colorado.

Johnny Oakes – He played high level roller hockey with dignity and grace while on a line with Micah Sanford, Leroy Garcia and other teenage stars of that era at the ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive and at national roller tournaments throughout the USA. Johnny was a very special person and a tremendously smooth skilled skater who was unselfish with the puck.

Eddie Samuels – His first coach was roller legend Larry Sanford when Eddie was 10 years old. Eddie played roller at all levels, played ice hockey with the Jamie O’Leary-coached AAA Vail Avalanche bantam team which included Travis Roseberry and d-man TJ Craig. Then Eddie came home and was on of greatest most respected teachers of the game with teams including the LA Jr Kings and those in Las Vegas.

Rosie Carlo – beloved mother of hockey son Vito who has played for a number of teams including the WSHL Las Vegas Storm, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals and presently at NCAA Franklin Pierce University. Rosie was at her son’s games at the rinkboards for many many years in Las Vegas. She was – and will always be – one of the greatest, most caring hockey mom in Las Vegas and is very missed by all.

Dave Francis – father of Las Vegas hockey star Chris Francis. Dave was the kind, helpful gatekeeper and blade sharpener at the SoBe Ice Arena Pro Shop. Dave was nice to all – no matter who you were or what team you played for. He is tremendously missed in that arena setting. After he sharpened a players skates Dave would return them to the skater and say “…well, that’s good for two goals for your game tonight……Dave always had a pot of coffee on high heat for any reporter or coach who might wander into the pro shop.

Frank ‘Gramps’ Perone Sr – for years the unofficial GM of the UNLV Rebels – he was a fixture on game nights at the Rebels bench over by the game sticks area. His grandson is UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener – a former captain of the Rebels who played a hard game while being a total team leader. Gramps loved being with the Rebels players on game nights, he was very popular with fans, reporters, even players from opposing teams – a true ambassador for the sport of hockey.

Tommy Ricketts – One of the greatest hockey dads of our time. His hockey sons were Beau and Blade Ricketts. Beau played at all levels of the game – he was a star goal scorer for the NAHL Helena BigHorns in Montana and later returned to Las Vegas for a tremendous goal scoring season with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Tommy collected Topps NHL hockey cards and would give them to youth hockey players when he was at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

Bill Tufano – father of roller star Billy Tufano of Las Vegas. Bill for years was the statkeeper, ran the big electric scoreboard and announced the goals in the Micah Sanford era at the Little House of Champions – Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive. “It was a honor to have Bill announce your goals,” said Eddie Samuels.

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===============================================
GET READY FOR THE AHL HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

Breaking News – The NHL Golden Knights #1 affiliate will be called the AHL Henderson Silver Knights and will play home games this season at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana Avenue.

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Friday, May 29, 2020

In our latest COVID-19 update, we hear directly in a flash news release from BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb.

Message from the British Columbia Hockey League:

First off, I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy with their families during this challenging time. With the ever-changing situation we are all facing, the BC Hockey League has committed to providing regular updates to our fans, team staff, players and their families.

We continue to have discussions with Hockey Canada and the CJHL every two weeks to reassess the COVID-19 situation and how to best move forward under the guidelines of our provincial health authorities. Although there is no set timeline at this moment, we expect to have a clearer picture of where things are headed later this month.

As many of you already know, the League has reached out to the Provincial Government for advice on how to access economic support to offset the losses that our teams are facing due to the cancellation of the playoffs, as well as spring and summer camps. These discussions have been positive so far and are ongoing. We’re committed to exploring every option to make sure our teams get the support they deserve as important cultural and economic pillars of their communities.

This call for financial support has also, unfortunately, led to some talk at various levels that the BC Hockey League is somehow in danger of not returning next season. This is entirely false. As we’ve mentioned in previous communications, the BCHL will be back on the ice as soon as we get the go-ahead from Hockey Canada and the provincial health authorities. The idea behind our call for financial support is to address the losses that our teams have incurred before they become a major problem down the road. Like everyone else, we eagerly await the day that we can return to the ice in a safe manner.

We hope to see everyone back on the ice as soon as possible and we will be working with Hockey Canada to make a return to play safe for our players and fans.

Sincerely,

Chris Hebb, BCHL
===

RIP

===

≈ Leave a comment
[Edit]
RIP – There is a hockey heaven for those who have left us – Lee

—

PLAYERS

Sean Darby – Rugged player who was the centerpiece on the Gold Line with best friends and teammates Sean Fox, Justin Grossman in 2001-02 season with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs in a massively great season.

Sean Fox – always wore jersey #88 and played a hard, fast game; was on the fierce checking Gold Line with Sean Darby and Justin Grossman on coach Rob Pallin’s 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u which advanced to the U.S Nationals.

Matt Moore – tremendous gold scorer for Las Vegas based Silver State squirt ice hockey team – coaches included Dana King, Steve Johnson and his father Larry Moore – then moved to Colorado at the age of 12 where he played hockey there. Matt passed at the age of 33 in Colorado.

Johnny Oakes – He played high level roller hockey with dignity and grace while on a line with Micah Sanford, Leroy Garcia and other teenage stars of that era at the ‘Little House of Champions’ Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive and at national roller tournaments throughout the USA. Johnny was a very special person and tremendously skilled skater.

Eddie Samuels – His first coach was roller legend Larry Sanford when Eddie was 10 years old. Eddie played roller at all levels, then began played ice hockey first with the AAA Vail Avalanche bantam team, then was on the Red Line with Josh Jasek and Adam Naglich for coach Rob Pallin on his 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team. Eddie played for the AAA San Diego Gulls, AAA Cal State Senators, BCHL Victoria Salsa, NAHL Billings Bulls and was captain of the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs where his coach was the legendary Rob Proffit. Eddie’s best friend will always be all-star defenseman Eddie Del Grosso.

Nick Schaefer – Best friends with Jason Zucker. The two played youth hockey on a Las Vegas team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Nick was a gifted goal scorer, great skater, very popular and the unexpected passing of Nick was a devastating loss to the Las Vegas hockey community.

Patrick Stevenson – Dynamic jet-speed roller player who skated in the Micah Sanford era at the Cystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho Drive. Patrick’s quick speed and his high energy action help many Las Vegas elite roller teams play at a very high level.

Hockey Dads and Moms

Lee Beebe – father of hockey son Brandon who played for the UNLV Rebels. Lee was a home builder, professional skier, musician and friend to all.

Rosie Carlo – beloved mother of hockey son Vito who has played for a number of teams including the WSHL Las Vegas Storm, NA3HL Atlanta Capitals and presently at NCAA Franklin Pierce University. Rosie was at her son’s games at the rinkboards for many many years in Las Vegas. She was – and will always be – one of the greatest, most caring hockey mom in Las Vegas and will very missed by all.

Dave Francis – father of Las Vegas hockey star Chris Francis. Dave was the kind, helpful gatekeeper and blade sharpener at the SoBe Ice Arena Pro Shop. Dave was kind to all – no matter who you were or what team you played for. He is tremendously missed in that arena setting.

Frank ‘Gramps’ Perone Sr – for years the unofficial GM of the UNLV Rebels – he was a fixture on game nights at the Rebels bench over by the game sticks area. His grandson is UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener – a former captain of the Rebels who played a hard game while being a total team leader. Gramps loved being with the Rebels on game nights, he was very popular with fans, reporters, players from opposing teams – a true ambassador for the sport of hockey.

Tommy Ricketts – One of the greatest hockey dads of our time. His hockey sons were Beau and Blade Ricketts. Beau played at all levels of the game – he was a star goal scorer for the Helena BigHorns in Montana and later returned to Las Vegas for a tremendous goal scoring season with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Tommy collected hockey cards and would give them to youth hockey players when he was at an arena.

Bill Tufano – father of roller star Billy Tufano of Las Vegas. Bill for years was the statkeeper, ran the scoreboard and announced the goals in the Micah Sanford era at the Little House of Champions – Crystal Palace Roller Rink on Rancho Drive. “It was a honor to have Bill announce your goals,” said Eddie Samuels.

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com
To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

Friday Searches
#1 Rob Pallin
#2 Micah Sanford – The Star Player Who Started it all in Las Vegas
#3 Wally Lacroix
#4 Gabriel Testa
#5 Harris Whissel
#6 John Purdy
#7 Ian Williams
#8 Matt Johnson, hockey coach
#9 2018 Just in Time for Christmas – Shaggy, the Golden One holiday story
#10 Richie Crossley, Devin Lane defensive pair
#11 Las Vegas Ice Center rink coffee in tall paper cup
============

Thursday, May 28, 2020

It’s the biggest and the best – the Western Hockey League (WHL) – for elite Las Vegas players. Let’s take a look how these three hometown players – Chris Francis, Zach Pochiro and currently Erik Atchison – have done on this ultra level.

CHRIS FRANCIS, LAS VEGAS
WHL Portland Winterhawks

Games 279
Goals 66
Assists 123
Points 189

Where is Chris now…..

Chris, 31, last season played with Saale Bulls Halle/Germany3

ZACH POCHIRO, LAS VEGAS – 4th Round draft pick NHL St. Louis Blues
WHL Prince George Cougars – Assistant Captain

Games 169
Goals 61
Assists 86
Points 147

Where is Zach now……

Zach, 26, last season played with Esberg Energy in Denmark

ERIK ATCHISON, LAS VEGAS
WHL Spokane Chiefs
Active Player

Games 93
Goals 7
Assists 9
Points 16

Where is Erik now….

Erik, 18, is going into his 3rd season with the Spokane Chiefs

=================================
Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Western States Hockey League 2020-2021 Season Announcement

As we all have learned over the last 10 weeks, there is a “New Normal” underway, that is yet to be clearly defined in a current or future narrative. The WSHL was one of the first sports organizations, on March 6th, to modify its operating procedures, schedule, and preparations for playoffs. The playoff schedule to begin on March 12 was amended, removing two Washington State teams from playoffs, due to the extreme surge of COVID-19 patients in the greater Seattle area. At the time, many fans, pundits, parents, players, and team representatives, alike, were utterly appalled by the decision. Subsequent to the initial decision by the Executive Committee of the WSHL, with concern for an abundance of caution for the safety of our players, staff, fans, families, etc., canceled the entire 26th Annual WSHL Thorne Cup Playoffs. Within hours of the WSHL’s decision, the NHL halted their own 2019-2020 season, reflecting the actions of other major sports leagues, worldwide.

Since then, we have been monitoring the constant medical reports, federal and state, provincial governments’ responses to COVID-19, and all of the restrictions implemented by them. The majority of the variables which impact our sport and participation are still in effect, and will continue to be for an indefinite period of time.

Given that the WSHL has over 300 international players on its teams, plays regular season games internationally, has over 500 players living with our gracious host families, has bus travel to games that can exceed 12 hours, and the inability to social distance and wear medical type facemasks in training and/or game situations, the medical reasons alone make it a major safety issue. Additionally, the logistics of operation, in uncertain times, is an unfathomable task for each team to undertake, as well as at a league level. The obvious potential liability for team owners in the face of COVID-19 requires significant consideration.

Currently, across Canada and the United States, very few ice rinks are open, and tryouts cannot be held. Even if they were open, the tryout would be minimized due to the governmental restrictions over crowd control. Nonetheless teams need to continue to recruit, which creates payroll and expenses, without any assured knowledge that the 2020-2021 season will start on-time, or start at all. Medical predictions indicate the likelihood of a resurgence of COVID-19 as the Winter months approach. Given the current status of closed borders, it would seem optimistic, at best, to project that the required number of players, for Summer Tryout Camps or Fall Training Camps, would be able to lawfully attend. As important is the very recent announcements by several universities and colleges, even minor pro leagues that likely they will not participate in the 2020-2021 season either which impacts the players advancing to higher levels without recruiting being done at the higher levels.

Lastly, with the current governmental restrictions that have slowed the economy, and put millions out of work in both Canada and the United States, teams become extremely vulnerable. Operating in this financial climate could easily result in failure, based on potential losses or inability to generate ticket sales, sponsorship or advertising dollars, etc. The aforementioned revenue streams are crucial to the success and sustainability of WSHL member clubs, and junior hockey clubs around the globe.

On the grounds that, currently, there is no known vaccine, accompanied by extremely negative medical conditions, economic pitfalls, and the forecast of a resurgence of COVID-19, which could again be cause to terminate the season, the WSHL, with an abundance of caution, must make an extremely difficult decision.

Based on the above reasons, and forecasted medical problems that could be ahead of us, the Board of Governors of the Western States Hockey League have voted to go dormant for the 2020-2021 season. The WSHL will immediately start preparing for a return in 2021-2022 season. This is the most burdensome and painful decision ever made at the WSHL Board of Governors level, however, we strongly feel that continuing operations in the current climate is not safe or conducive to the success of our member players, nor teams.

We wish everyone health and prosperity, and we look forward to coming back stronger than ever!

###

LAS VEGAS ICE CENTER WORKING ON RE-OPENING………

Greetings Las Vegas Ice Center Patrons….

We hope that you and your families have been staying safe and healthy over the last 9 weeks. As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, the Las Vegas Ice Center wants to remind you all how much we value the members of our community and know we can – and will – overcome the current issues facing our community together.

While being closed has been necessary to do our part to help reduce the spread of Covid 19, we have taken this opportunity to make significant upgrades to the building and ice surfaces. Below you will find an update on what we have been doing to create an even better experience for each of you when you are here at LVIC as well as our initial plans for reopening and the processes we will be implementing to provide the most safe and healthy environment for everyone.

As we are all missing our time on the ice, seeing our friends, coaches and teammates we know you are anxious to getting back to having fun. Here at the Ice Center we have been working diligently to upgrade the facility over the last 9 weeks. Upon your return to the rink you will be skating on brand new sheets of ice including many repairs to the cooling system for the South rink. We have installed new kick plates on both sheets, cleaned, repaired and updated all boards and glass. Additionally, locker rooms, the gym and much of the facility have been repainted. The hospitality room has been redesigned to host Pilates, Yoga and meetings. The pro shop has been remerchandised for a more pleasant and easier shopping experience along with other upgrades throughout the building.

The upgrades and changes we have made have us anxiously awaiting the opportunity to reopen the facility and welcome you back. At this time, we are hopeful that we will be given the word we can open soon. We are ready and just waiting for the governor’s approval. We recognize this situation has impacted and challenged each individual and every family in different ways. Our ownership and management have been working tirelessly to determine what the future looks like for our business and develop a reopening plan that allows for the safest and healthiest environment as possible.

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Emily Kline, who has won many awards as a top player here in town, is #1 Most Searched today. She is going into her sophomore season with NCAA Arizona State.

Wednesday readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada plus Germany

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LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose
Brennan Blaszczak, to be announced
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Joey DiBenedetto, ACHA D1 Utah University
Brenden Fehlig, to be announced
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helen BigHorns
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State
Emily Kline, Arizona State women’s team
Jerett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, to be announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights
Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A
Joey Raats, to be announced
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, to be announced
Gabriel Testa, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced
Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

GREATEST AAA/AA LINES IN LAS VEGAS
=========================
1999-2000
TRIPLE THREAT LINE – LAS VEGAS MUSTANGS
TRAVIS ROSEBERRY, JC CARON, SPIKE NEELY
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2000-2001
THE RED LINE – LAS VEGAS MUSTANGS
JOSH JASEK, ADAM NAGLICH AND EDDIE SAMUELS
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2005-06
THE TEAL LINE – LAS VEGAS OUTLAWS
BRYCE REDDICK, KYLE CLAY, CORBIN BROWN

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

LAS VEGAS HOCKEY COACH ADAM STIO WORKING ON A NEW TEAM FOR THIS FALL

Las Vegas hockey coach Adam Stio – who has coached ice hockey and roller teams for many years here in Las Vegas – is working on putting together a new semi-pro ice hockey club and may dabble in the game of elite level roller hockey as well.

“We may be soon be getting in touch with some Las Vegas players to help out,” Adam said. Last season Adam was GM/Head Coach of the Battle Creek Rumble Bees.

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The NA3HL announced that the Coulee Region Chill in LaCrosse, Wisconsin has relocated to Oklahoma City and will be known as the Oklahoma City Hockey Club and will play home games at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena.

Brenden Fehlig of Las Vegas was an 18-goal scorer for Coulee Region Chill last season.

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Monday, May 25, 2020

FLASHBACK STORY…..
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2014 IN LAS VEGAS – SIX SEASONS AGO……..

Las Vegas (2014) – That was BCHL West Kelowna Warriors coach Rylan Ferster who called Las Vegas skater Vito Carlo on Saturday night. Vito got hit with a bad check – a rough one, actually – during a West Kelowna Las Vegas Prospects Camp scrimmage game earlier that day at the SoBe Ice Arena in Las Vegas. Kelowna scout Eddie Samuels was concerned as well. He sent a text to Vito asking if he was ok.

“Yes, coach Ferster called and asked me how I was,” said Vito, who was in the bleachers on Sunday. “I was really concerned what he was going to say but he asked me how I was and then said he was happy with the way I played in camp. It was a great call.”

“Rylan is a class act, as is the entire Kelowna organization,” Eddie said.

+++++

Vito meanwhile plans to skate in the USHL Lincoln Stars main camp and for sure he will be at Roy Henderson’s Global Showcase at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Vito, 16, plans to play for a new club this season – AAA West Coast Renegades 16u which will skate out of Park City and Salt Lake City this autumn.

++++

Alec Mono of Las Vegas had a great skate all weekend at the Kelowna camp. Someone at the rinkboards asked his hockey mom Cindy why he was named Alec and not Alex.

“At the time Alec was born, the actor Alec Baldwin was a big deal,” she said, smiling.

++++

That was Hamilton Whyte of Las Vegas who scored the winning goal in the final game in camp. The two teams were tied so they went to a 4 on 4, then a 3 on 3 at the finish.

++++

Kelowna brought two of its returning starting players – Jason Cotton and Ryan Ivey – who spoke to all of the prospects.

++++

About six to seven skaters in Kelowna camp here are expected to get main camp invites. Those will be mailed out to the players in June.

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The goalies in camp included TJ Yochum and Gage Roberts of Las Vegas. Jimmy Schilletter and Stephen Smetany of Las Vegas played for Team Green. Schilletter last winter skated for the AAA Utah Jr Regulators.

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One of the referees this weekend was Justin Grossman. Years ago, back in 2001-02, he was a very tough, hard-working player for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team which went to the U.S. Nationals.

After the last game was over Sunday, hockey coach Rob Pallin went to the Fiesta Festival Buffet. He talked hockey for almost two hours while working on an omelet, no toast, chased with a Diet Coke. A few folks stopped by his table to say hello. Hockey mom Mary Margaret Samuels passed around pictures of grandchildren.

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Trending on Vegas Hockey.net on 2014 Memorial Day – #1 BCHL West Kelowna Warriors Las Vegas Prospect Camp; #2 Ethan Montoya; #3 Rob Pallin – Ten Questions; #4 Eddie Samuels My Greatest Goal; #5 Vito Carlo; #6 Sean Darby; #7 NARCh Nationals

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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada

Memorial Day 2020 Top Searches

#1 Drew and Jimmy Schilletter Updates
#2 New Team in Town – The Cavalry
#3 AJ Lackas

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MY GREATEST GOAL – JASON ZUCKER, ADAM NAGLICH ANTHONY GREENER, NICK ROBONE, GIA AND STEVEN AVALONE, JASON ALLEN, GABRIEL TESTA, ‘MIRACLE’ HARRIS WHISSEL, MICHAEL YOCHUM

13-time Vegas Hockey Player of the Year Jason Zucker said his greatest goal was the very first NHL goal he scored for the Minnesota Wild in his 2012-13 rookie season. Jason got the puck, blasted down the right side of the ice, veered to the left and blasted a high rocket shot which smoked into the net against the Detroit Red Wings – a spectacular goal which tied the game 2-2 on Feb 17, 2013. Jason now plays on the top line with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Sunday, May 24, 2020

Star Las Vegas players and their Greatest Goals…….

Jason Allen, Las Vegas – “We were playing for the AAA L.A. Jr Kings in a game against the Riverside Jets and we scored the winning goal with just a little bit of time left on the clock in what really was a very super-heated game. The game was at the Riverside Ice Town Center. We will never forget it.”

Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Lady Ducks girls 19u. Gia said her greatest goal was her game-winning goal playing for Lady Ducks 16AAA against the San Jose Sharks Girls 19U AAA in the Fall-Classic tournament, Lakewood California 2018. It was the championship game of the tournament and the score was 1-1 with about a minute remaining in the 3rd period and she scored on a snapshot from the point.

Steven Avalone of Las Vegas said his greatest goal was his game-winning goal in the Can-Am Peewee Division Tournament. In the championship game, his team, (Nevada Jr. Storm) was down 2-0 in the 3rd against San Diego Oilers and they came back to win 3-2, Steven having the 3rd goal on a wrist shot from the point.

Anthony Greener, Head Coach, UNLV Rebels – “We were playing with the WSHL Las Vegas Rattlers – Randy Burridge was our coach – and I was just 16 years old. We scored an OT game winning goal against the San Diego Gulls in our opening weekend. It was awesome being my first goal in junior hockey and having all of our family there.”

Matt Johnson, youth hockey coach with Vegas Jr Golden Knights

“It was the Argus Tournament in Norwich. We were playing Utica and it was 1-1 late in the third period. I was pressuring the forecheck. The goalie went to play it – I then knocked the puck down out of the air and put it home. We went on to score another goal to put our stamp onto it – but having 3500 people erupt was pretty cool.”

Adam Naglich

“I would have to say my greatest goal would have to be when I was playing in college with NCAA Alaska Fairbanks.

“I scored against Ohio State in the playoffs. We went on to win the Best of 3 series and got to play in the CCHA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. It was my senior year and it was the first time that our team made it to the Joe in my time playing in Alaska.

“My linemates at the time were Braden Walls and Ryan Hohl.

“The actual goal wasn’t anything fancy or special. I received a pass right around the top of the left face off circle and put it low glove.

“But it really felt great winning that important series on home ice — something that meant a lot to me and I will never, ever forget it.”

Zach Pochiro, who played in Denmark last season, said his greatest goal was for the (WHL)Prince George Cougars in a playoff game vs the Vancouver Giants. Zach scored the decisive game-winner to force a Game Five.

Nick Robone, assistant coach, chief recruiter for UNLV Rebels – “My biggest goal was at the NCRHA National Championships for UNLV. We were pitted against defending champions Lindenwood and we were down 4-3 with three minutes to go. We went onto a powerplay and Alex Yug fed me a great pass in the slot for a quick one timer blocker side. Andrew Tamura would score a few minutes into overtime to send us to the national championship game. It was one of my favorite tournaments on and off the rink.”

Micah Sanford, The Star who Started it All in Las Vegas

“I scored my first goal in house league roller hockey at my Dad’s rink (Crystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho Drive.) I believe I shot a muffin on the ground and it went in. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky I guess. I don’t remember the name of the team but I think my Dad was coaching me. I was 10 years old.”

Gabriel Testa, Las Vegas goal scorer

“My greatest goal was when we were playing for the Wichita Falls Force in the USACHL. We were tied with the Rio Grande Killer Bees 3-3 in overtime. We were in their zone when my teammate passed it to the point when I blasted a slap shot over the goalie glove side. We won 4-3 in front of around 4100 fans.”

Harris Whissel – who is called the Miracle on Ice for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

“My greatest goal was in the championship game in December 2019. It was against the Charleston Colonials. I kept the puck in the zone by hitting two players and knocking the puck over to Heath Mensch who brought it behind the net and skated a little further out to the corner and passed it to Tony Mazza who then chipped the puck to me where we had snuck behind the defense in front of the net. I got the puck and brought it from my backhand to my forehand and chipped it in – and celebrated by swinging my arms upwards towards one of the hockey moms and then hitting the rink glass.”

Michael Yochum, Las Vegas – ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins – “It was my first game with Canisus College and my first game after two years off from multiple knee injuries. We were playing against Slippery Rock University at the Lemieux Center in Pittsburgh. I received a pass right in front of the net and I turned around and shot it 5-hole to tie the game. It wasn’t a pretty goal – but it was my first goal in two seasons so it was pretty special.”

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What was your Greatest Goal – send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday #1 Most Searched

Jason Zucker, Las Vegas – ‘My Greatest Goal’

#2 Most Searched

Adam Naglich – ‘My Greatest Goal’

#3 Most Searched

Goal scorer Hunter Barto of Las Vegas and USPHL Minnesota Moose

#4 Most Searched

Brittany Brooks

#5 Most Searched

Connor Haney 10 Questions story

Sunday readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada
//Welcome to all….

From the Blue Line on Sunday – NCAA Alabama-Huntsville shockingly dropped its D1 ice hockey program citing budget issues related to the coronavirus…

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Thursday, May 21, 2020

Years ago it was very common for top Las Vegas ice hockey and roller hockey teams to play in big Memorial Day Tournaments in SoCal. Here is an example of that in these stories which include Las Vegas players, coaches and teams in that era.

5.28.01
Two Unbeatens Collide In Memorial Day Gold Medal Game, As…
CODY FULWEILER NAMED MVP AS ARIZONA 
STUNS LANGLEY HORNETS IN DOUBLE OT!!!!

Anaheim, Calif. –– Joe Morin’s Arizona Roadrunners, which included some top AA Las Vegas Mustangs, won a stunner here on Monday. The Roadrunners beat a highly energized, hard-hitting Langley Hornets ice team, 3-2 in an overtime shootout in the 17-and-under gold medal game at the Disney Ice Arena.

Morin’s team was in the finals last Memorial Day, but lost to Todd Collins’ AAA Polar Bears of Peoria, Az.

This time, Morin had a top goalie in Cody Fulweiler who plays for Rob Pallin’s 17-and-under AA Mustangs ice team. Fulweiler allowed only three goals all weekend and was named the tournament MVP.

Arizona and Langley were both 4-0 going into the final game. Josh Jasek of Las Vegas and Shane Palmer of Flagstaff scored goals to help Arizona battle to a 2-2 tie in regulation.

The game was not decided until the second OT shootout, when Palmer scored again and Arizona got the win, 3-2.

The Las Vegas skaters on the Arizona roster included Josh Jasek, Travis Roseberry, Spike Neely, T.J. Craig and J.C. Caron.

“I’ve seen a lot of hockey,” said Bob Roseberry, GM for the Las Vegas Mustangs, “and this was about as good as it gets. That was an exceptional Langley team which came out hitting hard.”

From the Blue Line, Lee

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2001 Memorial Day Weekend Roller Hockey…
SANFORD’S TITANS WIN 2 OF 3 IN ANAHEIM!!!

Anaheim, Calif. — Ryan Hobbs of Las Vegas usually winds up and cranks in blue-streak shots from long range. In house roller leagues, when he sets up, defensemen run for cover. That’s how brutally-fast the shots are.

However, Hobbs scored on two breakaways, used a nice backhand and netted three goals from close range as coach Larry Sanford’s Las Vegas Titans AAA 16-and-under roller bantam team closed out with an 8-0 win over the Anaheim Mission Bulldogs late Sunday night.

That gave Las Vegas a 2-1 record for the weekend.

Here’s what happened:

AAA KOHO Bantam Roller, 16-and-under

Las Vegas Titans 6, NorCal Extreme 1
Pro Joy Valley Stars 4, Las Vegas Titans 2
Las Vegas Titans 8, Anaheim Mission Bulldogs 0

Billy Tufano, Jason Allen and Evan Zucker scored two goals each in the three games. Eddie Del Grosso played, but complained of a thumb injury on the shooting hand. Goalie Cody Fulweiler, who was also playing ice here for the Arizona Roadrunners at the Disney Arena, started the second game.

That was the toughest one, as the Pro Joy Valley Stars got off to a 4-0 lead. The Stars play out of Northern California and are regarded as one of the top KOHO roller teams from that region.

Pro Joy won this regional, beating NorCal and
Anaheim by scores of 4-3 and 4-3.

NOTEBOOK — Michael Morton, who is tearing up house league action this summer, also scored a goal for the Titans…..Spike Neely pulled a ‘double,’ playing ice and roller this weekend…Joe Morin’s Arizona Roadrunners won two more games, 9-0 and 9-3, and are taking on the high-powered Langley Hornets of Canada on Monday at the Disney Ice Arena.

From the Blue Line, Lee

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RON WHITE’S WSHL LEAGUE GREEN-LIT FOR 2020 SEASON

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Two months ago eight junior hockey teams – including the hometown Las Vegas Thunderbirds – departed Ron White’s Western States Hockey League for the USPHL Premier’s newly branded Pacific Division. That is, for any league, a staggering development.

In a news release WSHL Commissioner Ron White said his league is still in a green-light active situation and added that “….new teams – some from the United States, some from Canada – will be coming into our league for this coming season. We are looking for a start date for games during the first weekend in October.”

The WSHL plans to run its usual holiday WSHL Showcase with all teams going to the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue December 18-21. There will be an awesome number of hockey scouts at this particular showcase.
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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada plus Australia
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Contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com
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Most Searches last three days
#1 Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin
#2 Athletic trainer Kendell Galor
#3 A Miracle on Ice – Harris Whissel of Las Vegas
#4 Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena
#5 Zach Pochiro
#6 UNLV’s Jared Turcotte
#7 Ian Williams
#8 Heath Mensch
#9 John Purdy – goal scorer with a laser-liked wicked shot
#10 When in Doubt, Give the Puck to UNLV’s Mike Zenzola
#11 Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins
#12 Anthony Greener’s framed retired jersey #96 at SoBe Ice Arena
#13 The Genius wearing jersey #96 in a Christmas story on Vegas Hockey
#14 Big goal scorer Beau Ricketts
#15 Star reporter Bethany Drysdale
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COACH ROB PALLIN’S GROUP WORKOUTS AT PALO VERDE HIGH SCHOOL IN LAS VEGAS

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Las Vegas – Hockey coach Rob Pallin, who has won many coaching awards here on Vegas Hockey, has a dryland workout group every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Palo Verde High School. The start time is 9 am. Any Las Vegas hockey player is invited. Coach Rob is the new head coach of ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany.

Las Vegas players currently in this workout group include…

Steven Avalone – SJHL Kindersley Klippers
Brennan Blasczak – SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers
Anthony Bonaldi – Las Vegas Thunderbirds
Nick Bonaldi – Las Vegas Thunderbirds
Jerrett Overland – NCAA Air Force Academy

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Most Searched Tuesday

#1
Adam Naglich My Greatest Goal

#2
When In Doubt, Give the Puck to UNLV’s Mike Zenzola

#3
When Harris Whissel Gets onto the ice he’s a Miracle, a Miracle on Ice for the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#4
For The Love of Hockey, a Look at Stephen Smetany of the Las Vegas Jesters by Bethany Drysdale and Kat Craner

#5
For goalie Chase Smith of Las Vegas and the Yuma Blaze roller team It’s More Than Just a Game

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Monday, May 18, 2020

Jimmy Samuels, who grew up playing roller hockey and ice hockey in Las Vegas, has graduated from Kansas University where he majored in Film and Media Studies. On July 15, he plans to move to Austin, Texas to explore opportunities in that area.

“Not only that, but Austin is one of the best places to live in the world,” said Jimmy, 22.

He played roller hockey at Larry Sanford’s ‘Little Home of Champions’ Crystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho Drive. Jimmy played ice hockey with his dear friend Vito Carlo at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Jimmy’s uncle is Eddie Samuels and his grandmother is hockey mom Mary Margaret Samuels. Jimmy was also a close friend of the late great Las Vegas hockey dad Tommy Ricketts.

In Kansas Jimmy played one season with Kansas ACHA D3 hockey team, then became the general manager of the team a year later when KU played in the ACHA D3 Nationals.

Jimmy in 2019 won the Golden Gnome Award for Best Film Production.

He accepted the award at the Runefest Festival in London

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Monday, May 18, 2020

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Jr Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Hunter Barto, USPHL Minnesota Moose
Brennan Blaszczak, to be announced
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Joey DiBenedetto, to be announced
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helen BigHorns
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State
Jerett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, to be announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Henderson Silver Knights
Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A
Joey Raats, to be announced
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, to be announced
Gabriel Testa, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced
Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Monday readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada

#1 Most Searched Monday, May 18
Adam Naglich – My Greatest Goal

#2 Most Searched Monday
Big goal scorer Chris Francis of Las Vegas

#3 Most Searched Monday
Pokey Reddick, Head Coach, Faith Lutheran HS Hockey

Fairbanks Arctic Cam Sunday
38 degree – cold, clear in morning hours

Looking for the whereabouts of hockey dad Steve Allen of Las Vegas

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THE SAGA OF ALEX ‘BLACKJACK’ REDMOND OF LAS VEGAS
=================================================

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Las Vegas – In the 2001-07 era big, rugged defenseman Alex ‘Blackjack’ Redmond was one of the most popular hometown players in Las Vegas roller hockey and ice hockey.

He initally played roller hockey with the great Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich and Eddie Samuels with the Larry Sanford coached roller team at the ‘Little Home of Champions’ Crystal Palace roller rink on North Rancho Drive. This roller team won a qualifying tournament and then played in the 2001 U.S. Nationals in Florida.

Alex, listed at 6’2, 200, then made the roster of the 2002-03 AAA Las Vegas Outlaws 18u ice hockey team – coached by Rob Pallin – which had one of its biggest wins of all-time, 6-5 OT over the AAA Alaska All Stars in a Pacific District Regional game.

When Alex was signed by the Peninsula Panthers Jr B in Canada he was an immediate smash hit with the hometown fans.

He wore the name of ‘Blackjack’ on the back of his jersey. Alex and Las Vegas goalie Paul Lowden helped the Peninsula Panthers Jr B battle for the league gold against the powerful Campbell River Storm on Vancouver Island.

In 2005-06 Alex signed with the ACHA D2 San Jose State Spartans – a mega power in that era – and Alex in one of his best games had a goal and assist to help San Jose shock Denver University 6-5 which advanced San Jose State to the U.S. Nationals.

And where is Alex today?

He’s 35 and out of the game.

ALEX BLACKJACK REDMOND
LAS VEGAS

2001-02 – Las Vegas Mustangs Midget A …….17 goals, 21 assists
2002-03 – AAA Las Vegas Outlaws 18u………..6 goals, 13 assists
2003-04 – Peninsula Panthers Jr B………………4 goals, 11 assists
2004-05 – Peninsula Panthers Jr B …………….. 16 goals, 16 assists
2004-05 – BCHL Victoria Salsa Jr A…………………0 goals, 0 assists
2005-06 – ACHA D2 San Jose State……………….7 goals, 10 assists
2006-07 – ACHA D2 San Jose State……………..15 goals, 26 assists

Total………………………………………………………..65 goals, 97 assists

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#1 Most Searched Saturday
Jared Turcotte, UNLV Rebels

#2 Most Searched
Heath Mensch, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#3 Most Searched
My First Goal story

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BIG GAME GOAL SCORER IAN WILLIAMS OF AA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 16U TO AAA WENATCHEE WOLVES 18U
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Friday, May 15, 2020

Las Vegas – Big game goal scorer Ian Williams of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u has signed with the AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u for this coming season. He will report to his new team in August.

Head coach Wally Lacroix of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u said “…Ian is a great young man with a great family. Todd (Owen, assistant coach) and I both agree Ian will succeed in his next hockey endeavors. Ian can be used as a skilled forward and as a defensive specialist. He excels at both. We both wish Ian all the best and we are very proud of him.”

The AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u are in the Tier 1 NAPHL League and are an affiliate of the Bliss Littler-coached BCHL Wenatchee Wild.

Ryan McKelvie is the head coach of the AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u.

Ian, 17, is listed at 6’1, 170, and has played his last two seasons here with coach Wally Lacroix and assistant Todd Owen on the AA 16u level. Previously as an AA 14u bantam he was on a Las Vegas team coached by Wally Lacroix. Ian played on an AA Las Vegas Storm 12u peewee team. Eric LaCroix was the head coach.

Ian has tremendous acceleration on the ice, is hockey smart, and has played at a high level particuarly in the closing moments of a big game. In Blaine, Minnesota last winter Ian scored a dramatic OT/Shootout goal to help AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the Illinois-based AA West Dundee Leafs 16u 5-4.

Earlier his OT/Shootout blast of a goal helped the the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u beat the McKinney, Texas North Stars.

Ian scored four times in a win over AA Wyoming.

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#1 Most Searched on Friday
Gunner Moore of Las Vegas to NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

#2 Most Searched
For the Love of Hockey, A Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

#3 Most Searched
Micah Sanford – The Star Goal Scorer Who Started It All in Las Vegas

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Thursday, May 14, 2020

This Vegas Hockey website was launched in 2013. There are hundreds of treasured posts here. Readers each and every day from all parts of the USA dig into our archives.

Here are the Top 25 most searched and most read stories.

Vegas Hockey
All-Time Most Searched Stories

#1 Jason Zucker (2019) Vegas Hockey Player of the Year for 12th Straight Time, Anthony Greener, Wally Lacroix Best Coaches.

#2 AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u Go All The Way – Battle to 2-1 win in Overtime to win U.S. National Championship

#3 Big W for Las Vegas coach Rob Pallin

#4 Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena

#5 Eddie Samuels – My Greatest Goals

#6 Micah Sanford – The Star Goal Scorer Who Started it All in Las Vegas

#7 Shock City – UNLV Rebels Beat #1 Ranked Minot at City National Arena

#8 Harris Whissel is a Miracle, a Miracle on ice when he plays for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#8 For the Love of Hockey, a Look at Brendan Manning of UNLV Rebels by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

#9 RIP Sean Darby – 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u

#10 RIP Rosie Carlo – mother of Las Vegas star player Vito Carlo

#11 Shock City – Sin City Barons roller team wins NARCh Gold. Darion Conaway named MVP.

#12 The Ticker – The Ash Printzen Story

#13 Another Gold! Vegas Jr Golden Knights 12u win gold at Can Am Tournament

#14 Patrick Voors MVP, Michael Yochum Hobey Baker winner at Vegas Jr Golden Knights HS Team wins gold in Anaheim Ducks League

#15 Just in Time for Christmas, The Unstoppable Johnnie Gold at SoBe Ice Arena

#16 Joey Raats signs with Briancon Red Devils in France

#17 Pokey Reddick, Head Coach, Faith Lutheran High School ice hockey team

#18 Larry Sanford, Vegas Hockey Hall of Fame roller hockey coach

#19 Goalie Luke Fundator goes to USA High Performance camp

#20 RIP hockey dad Tommy Ricketts

#21 A Look at Coach Rob Pallin in his Early Years

#22 Jared Turcotte of UNLV to Play in World Winter Games in Russia

#23 The Wedding – Eddie and Victoria DelGrosso

#24 RIP roller star Johnny Oakes — teammate of Micah Sanford

#24 My Greatest Game – Jeff Hajner

#25 The Genius vaporizes hockey Dad Steve Allen at the Sobe Ice Arena in a summertime hockey adventure story

===

The story – Flashback 2004, The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations is read here practically every day. The story includes the names of the hometown Las Vegas players who took their last skate collectively on the day this famous ice arena closed on North Rancho Drive.

This Vegas Hockey website was launched in 2013; Here are the year by year hits on this story. Keep in mind practically all of the stories here are searched for a week or so. It is rare when a story like this is still being sought and read by our USA readers.

Flashback 2004, The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena.

2014 16 times; 2015 57; 2016 133, 2017 222, 2018 236, 2019 164, 2020 130

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

TIME TO CELBRATE FOR COACH MATT EDLIN OF LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas – For Las Vegas coach Matt Edlin – who coaches in the world of the Vegas Jr Golden Knights youth hockey here in town – it is a time for celebration. He and his wife Alexis just had a beautiful baby boy – Carter.

Matt is one of the great ones here in town winning many Vegas Hockey awards as a youth hockey director and as a coach.

He grew up in Massachusetts and played hockey for his hometown team Needham High School. Matt was also a walk-on freshman player at UMass Amherst.

“My son Jason has played men’s league hockey with Matt. He’s a good player and such a nice person,” said hockey dad Steve Allen of Las Vegas.

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Bet You Didn’t Know…
Wally Lacroix, one of the best coaches in Las Vegas, was a referee in the ECHL for 14 seasons.

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#1 Most Searched Wednesday
Las Vegas goal scorer Chris Francis

#2 Most Searched
Las Vegas hockey dad Scott Zucker

#3 Most Searched
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns
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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Breaking News Just Flashed In…

Brett Harpling, a top player with the Daryl Wademan-coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights Varsity High School team, has signed with the NA3HL Helena BigHorns junior hockey team in Montana. Brett, 19, and listed at 6’3, 170, is one of the top young players in Las Vegas.

Brett wants to thank all of his Las Vegas coaches including Jeff Bruckner, the Zucker brothers, Daryl Wademan and his personal skills coach Rocco Cammarata.

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HERE IS HOW COACH ROB PALLIN WORKS HIS MAGIC IN TEAM PRACTICES…..

Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin has won many awards here on Vegas Hockey. He has coached here in town on a variety of different levels and is now the new head coach of the ESV Kaufbeuren pro team in Germany.

Coach Rob, at a quiet lunch with a couple of reporters, outlined what is a good effective practice for pro level players.

So let’s go to the ice rink, head to the rinkboards and watch one of coach Rob’s practices….

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Warm up goalies with pace. Everything at a very high pace.

Then 2 on 2s or 3 on 3s games to set the tone of practice

1 on 1 drill

2 on 1 high speed

Skating drill

2 on 2 high speed

Skating drill

3 on 2 high speed

Skating drill

3 on 3 high speed, very competitive drill

Skating drill

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And when recruiting a player coach Rob looks for each of these categories

#1 Hockey IQ

#2 Great skater

#3 Very competitive player

#4 All out effort/attitude

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Check out this Las Vegas flashback game…

December 9, 2001 – 19 seasons ago

Westminster, Colorado – The first reaction was bleacher shock, then lots of hugging and high-fiving. Team captain and the heart of the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u, center Josh Jasek, slammed in a super-clutch shot with 0:47 to play lifting the Rob Pallin-coached Las Vegas skaters to a staggering 3-2 win over powerful Shattuck St. Mary’s in a Silver Sticks Final 4 game on a Sunday morning.

“There was a celebration we’ve never seen before on our side of the bleachers,” said Las Vegas hockey dad and stat-keeper Dan Shiode.

“Lots of embracing, some of our parents wept. I’m not sure who was hugging who, but a lot of it was going on.

“And you should have seen our players on the ice.”

Next: Las Vegas takes on three-time defending national champion Arvada later today at 3:20 pm in the Silver Sticks gold medal game.

==

From the Blue Line – Las Vegas’ Justin Johnson played for Shattuck St. Mary’s last season.

He was immediately roughed up by Shattuck enforcers.

With a Shattuck d-man in the penalty box Adam Naglich of Las Vegas scored with assists from Josh Jasek and Justin Johnson.

Naglich scored again with assists from Jasek and Eddie Samuels.

The winning goalie in this game was Paul Lowden who had not lost a game all season going into this tournament. He has a record of 9-0-1. Goalie Cody Fulwiler, 22-3-1, 1.20 gaa, gets the start tonight against mighty Arvada.

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#1 Most Searched Tuesday

Brett Harpling, Las Vegas, signing with NA3HL Helena BigHorns

#2 Most Searched Tuesday

Heath Mensch, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

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Monday, May 11, 2020

STAR DEFENSEMAN TRISTAN NELSON OF AA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 16U TO USPHL PREMIER NORTHERN CYCLONES

Breaking News Today

Star defenseman Tristan Nelson of the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u team has signed with the USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A for this coming season.

Nelson last season organized fund raisers to help the homeless and the less fortunate in Las Vegas.

“We’ve been helping others since we joined the Boy Scouts,” said Tristan. “No one likes to live without shelter or with very little to eat. Helping others is what is all about – getting blankets, gloves, hats and food for those in need.

Tristan said he wants to thank “all of the Vegas Jr Golden Knights coaches who believed in me and who helped me become the player and person we are today.”

The USPHL Premier Northern Cyclones play home games at the Cyclones Arena in Hudson, New Hampshire

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21 SEASON

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nicholas College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Brett Harpling, NA3HL Helena BigHorns
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Matthew Johnson, ACHA D2 Boise State
Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners
Jerett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, to be announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves
Tristan Nelson, USPHL Northern Cyclones Jr A
Joey Raats, to be announced
Noah Smejkal, NAHL Northeast Generals
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins
Cory Ward, ECHL Tulsa Oilers
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced
Ian Williams, AAA Wenatchee Wolves 18u

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Most Searched Last 30 Days – In Order

#1 Eddie Del Grosso, Johnny Kemp, Rob Pallin Update story – posted July 5, 2019
#2 For the Love of Hockey a Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka
#3 Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at a Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena
#4 Bliss Littler, Mike Hastings, Rob Pallin at Great Westerns Futures Camp at Pepsi Arena (formerly SoBe Ice Arena) on North Rancho Drive – July 6 to 9.
#5 When Harris Whissel Gets onto the Ice, He is a Miracle – a Miracle on Ice for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

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#1 Most Searched Monday
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs

#2 Most Searched Monday
Big game Las Vegas goal scorer Ryan Pavlinsky – repeated searches

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Monday readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada and France

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IT’S MOTHERS DAY IN LAS VEGAS

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Las Vegas – It’s Mother’s Day, time to celebrate.

UNLV Rebels hockey coach Nick Robone knows.

“Hockey Moms are the best. I know personally my mom and dad sacrificed a lot of time and money for my brother and me to enjoy the sport.

“Plus Moms are always there to pick you up after a tough loss!”

==

UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener said “My mom and parents are a huge part of my life. The time and devotion they gave no amount of money or love could pay them back. They are a huge part of our success in life.”

Many years ago our wife Mary Margaret was driving on Rancho Drive in Las Vegas and noticed a large banner saying ‘Learn to Skate – $10’ sign on the front of the Crystal Palace Roller Hockey Rink

A week later she took our son Eddie there. In a few weeks he and best friend Travis Hackney were on a roller hockey team coached by Larry Sanford and playing against top youth roller teams from LA and San Diego.

That was Natalie Zucker, mother of Jason Zucker, who used to take Jason to SoCal youth ice hockey tournaments week after week, season after season.

It was Patty Del Grosso, mother of Eddie Del Grosso, who shook the cowbells in the arena whenever Eddie and the Las Vegas Mustangs scored a goal. When Eddie played in junior hockey and scored his first goal Patty, at home, was so excited she began “…hopping around our living room and unexpectedly wound up hopping to our favorite spot – next to our coffee pot in our kitchen.”

Jennifer Lener, mother of top player William Jacob on Wally Lacroix’ powerful AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, took the time after a big game to get a scoresheet to send over here to Vegas Hockey. And then tell us what was next on the team’s game schedule.

Hockey mom Aimee Printzen, whose daughter Ash is a premier skater and son Cody who played ice hockey and roller hockey for many seasons, keeps us totally updated about both of her son and daughter – and that is very appreciated.

The late great caring hockey mom Rosie Carlo of Las Vegas was a fixture at Las Vegas rinkboards for years whenever her great hockey son Vito Carlo was in a game. She is dearly dearly missed at the big rinks in town.

“My mom was my hero – driving me to be the very best I could be,” said Vito

And who’s a better hockey mom than Nancy Whissel of Las Vegas. After her son Harris and a friend tumbled down a mountain three years ago here in Las Vegas she kept her son Harris’ hockey hopes alive. After recovering – which took over a year – Harris last season played competitively for the Wally LaCroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u. Harris was a miracle, a Miracle on ice when he played the game which he will for the AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u this coming season

All of this hockey mom love collectively means so much to the sons and daughters who play the game.

And today – Sunday – is Mother’s Day..

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STAT OF THE DAY
LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS JR A
Top Goals Scorers This Past Season
22 – Tomas Urbanc
20 – Joe Terrana
19 – Nikolas Sotiriou
18 – Anthony Rodriguez
15 – Mikhail Gerasin
13 – Joe Wheeler
12 – Austin Kerridge
11 – Owen Webster
8 – Yegor Khomyakov

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#1 Most Searched Story Sunday

For the Love of Hockey, a Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

#2 Most Searched Story

Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena
//This story is read here everyday on Vegas Hockey

#3 Most Searched Story

JJ Williamson, William Jacob Score; Zackary Ortolano Strong in Net for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

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Looking for the whereabouts of Las Vegas hockey dad Harry Long, father of the big Vegas goal scorer Kurt Long.

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Sunday readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada

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Great Western Futures Camp
Pepsi Arena (formerly SoBe Arena)
North Rancho Drive
July 6-9

Roy Henderson’s Las Vegas Global Camp
Las Vegas Ice Center
Flamingo Avenue
July 27-30

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Contact Vegas Hockey leesamuels07@aol.com

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THE INSIDE STORY – WHAT HAPPENS DURING GAME WEEK FOR UNLV REBELS

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Las Vegas – Ever wonder how the big teams – like the Anthony Greener-coached UNLV Rebels – prepare during game week for high action Friday, Saturday games on home ice at City National Arena.

Greener and Nick Robone are two of the best coaches in town. They have won, by a vote of our readers, many awards here on Vegas Hockey.

Here is how they prepare for a Friday/Saturday weekend on home ice at City National Arena.

Greener said “we have 16 forwards so we work five lines during the week – Red Line, White, Blue, Gray and Orange. These lines work together all week long. We use four goalies – two wearing red jerseys, two wearing grey jerseys.

“On Wednesday of game week it is all flow and tempo at practice with a lot of scoring chances.

“We post the lineup on Thursday.

And, the Thursday practice is all about systems – powerplay setup, penalty kills, breakouts, zone coverage, things like that.

“On game night Nick from our bench watches the visiting team warm up. On a small piece of paper he writes down the jersey numbers of the players on each of their lines as they we get ready for the opening faceoff.

“That way we will know how to match with their forward lines. Or, maybe we already have a plan in place for our defensemen to work against certain lines.

===

Greener added “on the day of the game we will have a morning pre-game skate, right around 8 am or so.

“We then get back to the arena around 4:30 pm for a 7 pm faceoff.

“At 6 pm our players go onto the ice for warmups.

“At 6:15 pm we will look at some film – usually a short look at the other teams’s powerplay and penalty kill setup.

At 6:45 pm we go over the game plan one more time – short and sweet.

“At 7 pm it’s puck drop.”

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A Look at Las Vegas goal scorer Conrad Trimbath
===================

Team leader, got the puck deep in attack areas, set up his lines, unselfish with puck, great close-range sniper.

In 2003-04 Conrad worked on a line with Anthony Greener and Kurt Long on an AA Las Vegas Rebels 18u team which got to a team record 13-0-2 start and did not lose a game until late October.

At the 2004 Pacific Districts, Conrad scored a key goal and dealt an assist as Las Vegas worked extremely hard and captured one of their greatest victories 4-3 over the rugged Paramount Panthers which had beaten Las Vegas earlier.

CONRAD TRIMBATH
Las Vegas

2003-04 – AA Las Vegas Rebels 18u………………15 goals, 31 assists
2004-05 – AA Las Vegas Outlaws 18u……………29 goals, 35 assists
2005-06 – Northern Mass. Jr Cyclones Jr A………7 goals, 13 assists
2006-07 – Northern Mass. Jr Cyclones Jr A………7 goals, 17 assists

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Most Searched Stories on Friday/Saturday

#1 Big W for Coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas

#2 For the Love of Hockey, A Look at UNLV’s Tommy Harrison by star reporter Bethany Drysdale

#3 JJ Williamson, William Jacob Score, Zackary Ortolano Strong in Net for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#4 “My Greatest Game” by goal scorer Jeff Hajner of Las Vegas

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam – Saturday

49 degrees – partly cloudy

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Friday, May 8, 2020

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME – 2020-21

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks girls 19u
Steven Avalone, to be announced
Rhett Bruckner, to be announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners
Jerrett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, to be announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves
Joey Raats, to be announced
Noah Smejkal, NAHL Northeast Generals
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, to be announced
Jacob Underhill, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins
Cory Ward, ECHL Tulsa Oilers
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, to be announced

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#1 Most Searched Friday
Las Vegas goal scorer Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u

#2 Most Searched Friday
Joey Hallet, goalie, Faith Lutheran HS Las Vegas

#3 Most Searched Story Friday
For The Love of Hockey, a Look at Freshman Angelos Tsalafos by star reporter Bethany Drysdale of Vegas Hockey

#4 Most Searched Story Friday
For the Love of Hockey, a Deeper Look at Las Vegas Referee Ryan Townsend by star reporter Bethany Drysdale of Vegas Hockey
//Bethany’s in depth hockey stories are read here every day on Vegas Hockey

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A LOOK AT LAS VEGAS GOALS SCORER TRAVIS ROSEBERRY
In 2000-01 Travis was on the Triple Threat Line with Spike Neely, JC Caron for the Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u who had an awesome season at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive. This was the first Las Vegas team on this level to have a winning record. Travis’ hockey dad Bob Roseberry was a team manager for many of the teams Travis played on.

Travis Roseberry
1998-99 – AA Team Las Vegas bantams……………35 goals, 21 assists
1999-20 – AAA Vail, Colorado Avalanche bantams….36 goals, 25 assists
2000-01 – AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u……………39 goals, 45 assists
2001-02 – AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u……………23 goals, 30 assists
2002-03 – AAA Las Vegas Outlaws 18u…………….7 goals, 6 assists
Total……………………………………………………………140 goals, 128 assists
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Fairbanks Arctic Cam – 52 degrees, cloudy

Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada, Austria, France, Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine

How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Thursday, May 7, 2020

SECONDS TO PLAY, TIE SCORE, A GOAL SCORER BREAKS OUT – HOW DO YOU DEFEND

Las Vegas – Jimmy Samuels of Las Vegas a few years ago asked his uncle Eddie Samuels about this late-game situation: seconds to play, a goal scorer breaks out of pack right towards to you, how do you defend. This conversation took place when both were skating on the ice over at the SoBe Ice Arena.

Eddie told Jimmy “….When a goal scorer is coming down at you for a one on one, you look towards his chest area and nothing else. Looking at that spot – the chest – and it will indicate what route he will be taking trying to score.”

We asked Matt Johnson, a premier Las Vegas coach, the same question.

Matt said “…in that breakaway situation you defend this way….stick on puck, eyes up on the chest.”

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#1 Most Searched Thursday
Las Vegas goal scorer Chris Francis. For years his father Dave worked at the SoBe Ice Arena Pro Shop on North Rancho Drive. Dave always had a pot of coffee pot working there in the pro shop. And candy canes for the young skaters. When he sharpened skates, he would return them to the skater and say “…that’s good for two big goals tonight.” Dave is dearly missed. His hockey son Chris has been a massive goal scorer at every level of the game.

#2 Most Searched
Hockey coach Adam Stio. Adam has coached high level both in ice hockey and in roller hockey.

#3 Most Searched
Heath Mensch, big goal scorer for the AA Las Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – repeated searches for Heath. Scouts say he’s the real deal.

#4 Most Searched
Premier skater and goal scorer Ash Printzen of Las Vegas. She will play again this season with AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u.

#5 Most Searched Story
“For the Love of Hockey, A Look at the Greatness of Las Vegas Goal Scorer Derek Sutliffe” by Vegas Hockey star reporter Bethany Drysdale.

#6 Most Searched
Vito Carlo, a premier Las Vegas player at different levels of the game. He will playing at NCAA Franklin Pierce this season.

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Thursday readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada, plus Austria, Germany

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

OH THOSE COWBELLS AND THE GREATEST OF LV HOCKEY MOM PATTY DEL GROSSO

Back in the 1999-2002 era Las Vegas hockey mom Patty DelGrosso shook cowbells when her son Eddie’s team – the Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u – scored. No matter who the Mustangs played, when they scored the cowbells rang loud and clear. She even took them to Vancouver Island when Las Vegas played in the annual Christmas Tournament there.

And where are those cowbells now?

“Safe and sound,” Patty said. “The hockey bells are in the garage guarding my hot water tank.”

At the same time this conversation was going her famous hockey son Eddie Del Grosso walked into the living room not wearing a beard – which he has worn for over 10 seasons. He was totally cleaned shaven. Even his little girl Scarlet was taken aback.

“Do you like it like this,” he asked and Scarlet nodded her head yes. Then she shook her little head and ran into the arms of her grandmother Patty.

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DelGrosso, 34, is the greatest goal scoring d-man of all time in Las Vegas. He always played at a high level – after starring for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u, he played for the USHL Indiana Ice, them four seasons with NCAA Nebraska-Omaha, then turned pro initially with the AHL Springfield Falcons, then with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers. Eddie finished playing pro hockey in Europe. He scored over 100 goals overall on different levels of the game. He retired in 2014.

“In Las Vegas Eddie DelGrosso was – and will always be – the best defenseman we ever had,” said Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin.

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And who else shook cowbells when their team scored?

When the ECHL Alaska Aces scored against the Las Vegas Wranglers at The Orleans Arena here in town the visiting Alaska Aces fans stood and shook their cowbells for what seemed to be forever.

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#1 Most Searched Wednesday
Brendan Manning, UNLV Rebels – second day #1 most searched

#2 Most Searched Story Wednesday
When Harris Whissel of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights gets onto the ice he’s a miracle – a miracle on ice

#3 Most Searched
Las Vegas goalie Rhett Bruckner

#4 Most Searched Wednesday
Austin Moline, Las Vegas – AAA LA Jr Kings 14u

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam

49 degrees – clear, sunny

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Would you like to write hometown hockey stories? Just contact me leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

THE NIGHT AUTHOR JAY ATKINSON DISCOVERED HIS PASSION FOR ICE HOCKEY

“One night a certain kid failed to show up, and they asked me to play goalie. At the end of the frozen swamp closest to the streetlight, there was a ‘net’ that someone had knocked together from two by fours and rusty chicken wire. I was handed a pair of battered sofa cushions for leg pads and an old catcher’s mask and a first baseman’s mitt and was directed into the crease.

“The game began and one of the players streaked towards me. He rifled a shot on goal and I came sliding out knocking it away. My teammates cheered as the loose puck was gathered up and they all went zooming the other way.

“I cleared ice shavings from in front of the net, like an old pro.

“In that instant, I discovered my passion for the sport.”

— Jay Atkinson, author of Ice Time – a Tale of Fathers, Sons and Hometown Heroes. Three Rivers Press 2001.

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Great Western Futures Super Camp
July 8-11
Pepsi Arena (formerly the SoBe Ice Arena)
North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas
//Coaches include Bliss Littler, Mike Hastings, Mark Carlson and Rob Pallin

Roy Henderson’s Vegas Global Showcase
July 27-30
Las Vegas Ice Center
Flamingo Ave., Las Vegas

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#1 Most Searched Tuesday
For the Love of Hockey, a Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

#2 Most Searched Tuesday
Las Vegas goal scorer Ash Printzen

#3 Most Searched Tuesday
Head Coach Wally Lacroix, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#4 Most Searched Tuesday
Jared Turcotte, UNLV Rebels

Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada and Mexico

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Monday, May 4, 2020

LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS MOVE TO USPHL PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

In a stunner USA Jr Hockey Magazine announced that a number of Pacific area teams – including the Las Vegas Thunderbirds – have departed the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) and will play in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) this coming season. USPHL Premier League is calling this their 2020 Western Expansion

A staggering number of WSHL teams moved with the T-Birds include rivals San Diego Sabers, Fresno Monsters, Anaheim Avalanche, Northern Colorado Eagles, Ogden Mustangs, Pueblo Bulls, Southern Oregon Spartans and Utah Outliers. They will play in a new USPHL Premier Pacific Division.

Each of these teams including the T-Birds who will make an East Coast trip to take on top eastern USPHL Premier teams.

The WSHL meanwhile announced this week they will do their 20th annual WSHL Showcase – which includes every team in their league, on December 18-21 at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. These teams will include the Valencia Flyers, a WSHL Pacific Division team.

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#1 Most Searched Monday
Joey Raats of Las Vegas – a number of weekend searches

#2 Most Searched
Anthony Rodriguez, USPHL Premier Las Vegas Thunderbirds

#3 Most Searched
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffens

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Sunday, May 3, 2020

BACK IN 2002 THE ROB PALLIN-COACHED AA LAS VEGAS MUSTANGS TOOK DOWN THE AAA LA JR KINGS 18U

Somehow, someway – don’t ask me how – but Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin of the 2001-02 AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u convinced the mighty nationally-ranked AAA L.A. Jr Kings 18u to come into the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena in Las Vegas on January 19, 2002. And on that day Pallin’s Mustangs put it all together and won their biggest game of all-time.

Here is our game story…..18 seasons ago right here in Las Vegas.

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January 19, 2002

Las Vegas – Shot after shot. Low-liner blue-streak tracers, high fliers, tricky bouncers, rockets fired in from the blue line.

The mighty AAA L.A. Jr Kings 18u lit the fuse and had the cannons smoking in the third period at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena before a sold out crowd on Saturday night.

Las Vegas goalie Paul Lowden stopped them all, unleashing a super-human effort in the net in which was the biggest all-time win in Mustangs hockey history.

Final Score – AA Las Vegas Mustangs 2, nationally ranked AAA L.A. Jr Kings 18u 1

“Sometimes you need your goalie to steal one for you,” Pallin said. “That was exactly what Paul Lowden did for us in the third period.”

In the 3rd period the Kings had more shots 18-3.

Pallin’s heart was pounding as he stood tall on the Mustangs bench.

“I thought the game would never end. I kept looking up at the scoreboard,” he said.

It was one of the most riveting hockey experiences ever in the big rink, with hometown heroes all over the ice.

They included Las Vegas defenseman Justin Johnson who was the quarterback of what the Mustangs skaters call the offensive trap zone.

Johnson, standing near goalie Lowden at the Mustangs net, held the puck, waiting for Kings skaters to roar in and then Johnson ripped long fiery passes to Mustangs breaking wingers who went off to the Kings net.

That strategy worked perfectly as the Mustangs put on a lot of heat on Kings star goalie Troy Redmann.

Adam Naglich scored both goals, getting passes from Justin Johnson and Spike Neely.

Eddie Del Grosso and Johnson were brilliant protecting the Mustangs net. It was a hard-hitting game as both were powdered by the Kings toughman #13 Archie Dessert. The Mustangs d-men Josh Shiode, Steve Novotny and Chris Anderson took turns shutting down Kings star forwards who included Shane Mohr, Chris Finley and Nico Rodriguez.

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Before the game Kelly Crossley sang the National Anthem and players from both teams tapped their sticks when she came to….”and the home of the brave.”…The hockey sister, Jessica Jasek, brought her CDs and played rock music during the entire game.

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#1 Most Searched Sunday

Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena

#2 Most Searched

Harris Whissel of Las Vegas to AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u

#3 Most Searched

Las Vegas goalie Anthony Bonaldi – repeated searches

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam on Sunday

42 degrees – sunny, clear today

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‘OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE NARCH WEST COAST ROLLER FINALS ON JULY 10-19’

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Irvine, California – As of this very moment the biggest roller hockey event of the summer – the NARCh West Coast Finals here at The Rinks – is a go on July 10 to 19.

However Daryn Goodwyn, president of NARCh, is playing the waiting game.

NARCh East Coast Finals were cancelled and all NARCh roller events in May are off to the coronavirius epidemic. NARCh’s biggest event – the West Coast Finals where many Las Vegas teams and skaters go to each summer – is on the green light active schedule.

“Obviously adjustments must be made – how players react during a game, how fans will watch the West Coast Finals. But at this very moment we are a ‘go,'” said Daryn.

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The historic Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Ave is closed until May 15.

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Most Searched on Saturday

#1 “A Look at Dave Hrysky, GM/Head Coach WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds’ story.

#2 Heath Mensch 4 Goals, Anthony Mazza, William Jacob also score for AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u in 6-0 win in Minnesota story

#3 Kenny Brooks

#4 Austin Moline, Las Vegas, AAA LA Jr Kings 14u – repeated searches

#5 Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin

#6 Star skater ‘The Genius’ vaporizes Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen at the Pepsi Ice Arena rinkboards on North Rancho Drive in a 2019 Vegas Hockey summertime adventure story – Steve, in real life, says he’s ok but his favorite rinkboard coffee mug is missing.

Flashback Game – 13 Seasons Ago – 2007

Eddie Samuels of Las Vegas scored twice including a dramatic goal in an OT/Shootout to lead the Rob Proffit-coached NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs Jr A to a big 4-3 win over the Wichita Falls Wildcats at the Big Dipper Arena in Fairbanks on a Sunday night. The game was tied 3-3 when Samuels, getting a drop pass from Craig Johnson, scored the go-ahead goal. When Wichita Falls scored to tie the game, Samuels was the only Fairbanks shooter to get a goal on Wichita goalie Tom Billick in an OT/Shootout.

After the game Eddie told the Fairbanks Daily Miner “…for the shootout goal I just went in, faked a shot and went to my backhand – I just tucked it in.”

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‘MIRACLE ON ICE’ HARRIS WHISSEL TO AAA CONNECTICUT CHIEFS 18U

Friday, May 1, 2020

Las Vegas – ‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel of the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u has signed with the AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u for the 2020-21 season.

Harris, after falling during a mountain climb two seasons ago, amazingly recovered and was a force offensively this past season for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

So how did Harris discover AAA Connecticut Chiefs?

“We researched teams with winning records and player advancement,” Harris said. “And, we chose the Chiefs because of their record, player advancement, finished wooden locker room and they have an equipment manager.

“Everyone welcomed me on the team through groupme and we thought that was pretty cool.

“Seems like we had a good connection with the coach as we are both survivors of trauma – the coach had a serious car accident a couple of weeks before he got married

“It feels surreal to be part of an AAA Tier 1 program with a big weight on my shoulders to be on a team.

“One of the worst things to happen in my life was when our U.S. Nationals were cancelled this season. But it was good when tryouts were cancelled for so many teams because it gave me an opportunity to play on a team back East since they were recruiting virtually this year.”

Vegas Hockey Coach of the Year Wally Lacroix, head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u, said “…Harris is a good role player on any team. He understands his role and responsiblities on the ice. He’s a great teammate who always gives well above 100%. Coach Todd (Owen)and myself wish him all the best.

“We know Harris will have success anywhere he goes.”

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Las Vegas Players Away From Home 2020-21 Season

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u
Steven Avalone, To Be Announced
Rhett Bruckner, To Be Announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners
Jerrett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, To Be Announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves
Joey Raats, To be announced
Noah Smejkal, NAHL Northeast Generals
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, To Be Announced
Jacob Underwood, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins
Cory Ward, ECHL Tulsa Oilers
Harris Whissel, AAA Connecticut Chiefs 18u
Cody Williams, To Be Announced

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#1 Most Searched Friday
Steven Avalone, Las Vegas, Kindersley Klippers in Saskatchewan League
#2 Most Searched
Heath Mensch, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – 6th time in two weeks
#3 Most Searched
Wally Lacroix, Todd Owen – coaches of AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u
#4 Most Searched
Las Vegas goal scorer Austin Moline, AAA LA Jr Kings 14u – repeated searches for Austin
#5 Most Searched
Star reporter Bethany Drysdale’s well-researched and written profiles about a number of UNLV’s star players this past season.

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Flashback 15 Seasons Ago on Vegas Hockey – 2005
Jeff Hajner became the first Las Vegas skater to score in a NCAA Tournament game
when he scored the first goal of the game for Air Force Academy against #1 seed Minnesota before 11,161 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Hajner and Air Force took a 3-1 lead, then Minnesota lit a massive late-game rally scoring three times to win 4-3.
“We gave it our all – our skill, our heart every single second tonight,” said Air Force Academy head coach Frank Serratore.

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam Today
38 degrees, clear skies
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Contact Vegas Hockey 24/7 leesamuels07@aol.com
================

Thursday, April 30, 2020

2019 VEGAS HOCKEY AWARDS
As we proceed to a new season let’s look back who were the best of the best in Las Vegas. You, the readers here, voted for these award winners.

BEST COACHES
Anthony Greener, UNLV
Dave Hrysky, WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds
Matt Johnson, Vegas Jr Golden Knights
Wally Lacroix, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u
Todd Owen, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u
Rob Pallin, HC TWK Innsbruck
Pokey Reddick, Faith Lutheran H.S.
Frank Salcido, Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14u
Adam Tamura – Las Vegas Rebels roller hockey team – NARCh West Coast Champions
Daryl Wademan, Vegas Jr Golden Knights H.S. Team

BEST GM
Zee Khan, UNLV Rebels – winner multiple times

BEST PLAYER
Jason Zucker, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins – winner 13 straight years

BEST AHL PLAYER
Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves

BEST DEFENSEMAN
Eric Williams, UNLV Rebels – winner multiple times

ALL HEART
Tristan Mayer, UNLV Rebels
Tristan Nelson, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

BEST ACHA D1
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

BEST HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER
Brett Harpling, Vegas Jr Golden Knights

BEST GOALIES
Rhett Bruckner, WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds
Morgan Marinello, Las Vegas Rebels roller hockey
Colton Miller, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u
Zackary Ortolano, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

BEST HARD BLAST GOAL OF THE YEAR
John Purdy, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

MOST INSPIRATIONAL
‘Miracle on Ice’ Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

BEST GIRLS PLAYERS
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 16u
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Zoe Zamora, Vegas Jr Golden Knights H.S. Team

BEST TEAM MOM
Jen Lener, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

BEST PR AND SOCIAL
UNLV Rebels – winner multiple times

BEST REFEREE
Ryan Townsend

BEST WEBSITE
Las Vegas Ice Center – winner multiple times – easy to navigate; updated daily

BEST RINK COFFEE
City National Arena – first time winner

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BREAKING NEWS – ROB PALLIN OF LAS VEGAS NEW HEAD COACH OF ESV KAUFBEUREN IN GERMANY

Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin is the new head coach of ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany for this coming season. “I’m excited, it’s a new challenge, we have great players there and we cannot wait until the season begins.”

Coach Rob spent the last four seasons with HC TWK Innsbruck and said “we are proud of what we accomplished there. We had many great wins before sold out crowds.”

In Las Vegas coach Rob was the first to ever have a winning team on the AA 18u level. He put together the 1999-2000 Triple Threat Line of Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely with the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u which was an awesome force in an era when the AAA LA Jr Kings, AA San Jose Jr Sharks and the AA Washington Totems ruled the West.

And how did Pallin do all of that?

Las Vegas goal scorer Spike Neely said “coach Rob made us believe we were better players than who we really were. If we had a tough loss he never raised his voice at us in the locker room. He never really messed with any of the referees even in the closing moments of a really heated game. And, he put the right lines on the ice at the right time.”

The following year Pallin put together the Red Line of Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels on an AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u team which was the first to win a Pacific District title and play in the U.S. Nationals.

Coach Rob’s new team plays home games at the 3100-seat Erdgas Schwaben Arena which is located in southern Germany.

ESV Kaufbeuren has top returning goal scorers including Joey Lewis (19 goals last season), Branden Gracel (from Calgary, 17 goals) and Max Lukes (14 goals) from Germany. Goalies are Jan Dalgic and Stefan Vajs.

ESV Kaufbeuren’s #1 most biggest ultra-heated rival are the Ravensburg Towerstars

Coach Rob, his wife Dora and two young daughters are presently in Las Vegas. They will soon make their way to Germany.

From the Blue Line — Gregg Drinnan in Canada reports the WHL Victoria Royals have let go president/GM Cam Hope. He was with the program 8 seasons…Drinnan also noted that SoCal hockey star Rocco Grimaldi told SportsNet’s famous hockey writer Elliott Friedman…”Hockey in SoCal is where it is because of coach Jack Bowkus.” Saturday, April 25, 2020

LAS VEGAS PLAYERS AWAY FROM HOME 2020-21 SEASON

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Erik Atchison, WHL Spokane Chiefs
Fuzzy Atchison, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Gia Avalone, AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u
Steven Avalone, To Be Announced
Rhett Bruckner, To Be Announced
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Brendan Harris, NCAA Bemidji State
Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 14u
Michael McNicholas, ECHL Maine Mariners
Jerrett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Zach Pochiro, To Be Announced
Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
Noah Smejkal, NAHL Northeast Generals
Joe Sullivan, ECHL Indy Fuel
Derek Sutliffe, To Be Announced
Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves
Jacob Underwood, AAA Wenatchee Wild 18u
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins
Cory Ward, ECHL Tulsa Oilers
Cody Williams, To Be Announced

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Gregg Drinnan in Canada noted that the Everett Herald in Washington laid off the great hockey writer Josh Horton. “This is a tough time for newspapers,” Gregg said. “Josh was the primary writer covering the WHL Everett Silvertips. It was a beat he covered with discipline, enthusiasm and thoroughness.”

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To SoBe Rink Rat – Jason Zucker and his family are in Pittsburgh

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#1 Most Searched Story – Team Zucker Update – a story posted here in 2015

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Contact Vegashockey 24/7 ….leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, April 24, 2020

NICK ROBONE RELEASES HIS VEGAS TOP 10 ROLLER HOCKEY PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

Las Vegas – Nick Robone, one of the greatest Las Vegas roller hockey players – and an elite roller coach – here in town released his Top 10 Best Roller Hockey Players of all time. The roller legend Micah Sanford is in the #1 spot.

Nick is presently the top assistant coach – and a recruiter – with head coach Anthony Greener with the UNLV Rebels ice hockey team.

NICK ROBONE’S LIST
LAS VEGAS GREATEST ROLLER HOCKEY PLAYERS

#1 Micah Sanford
#2 Chris Francis
#3 Billy Tufano
#4 Jason Zucker
#5 Adam ‘Stick’ Naglich
#6 Adam Tamura
#7 Evan Zucker
#8 Kris Carter
#9 Anthony Robone
#10 Leroy Garcia

Honorable Mention – Shawn Pearson

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Connor Bedard, 14, of West Vancouver Prep, was the #1 pick by the WHL Regina Pats in the WHL Bantam Draft on Thursday. Connor had 43 goals, 41 assists in 36 games.

Two USA players – Max Lightwood of Team Alaska and Luke Anderson of the Northstar Christian Academy in Alaska – were drafted by the Tri City Americans who are are based in Kennewick, Washington. Max was picked in Round 8, Luke in Round 11.

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#1 Most Searched Story Friday

The Amazing Kendell Galor of Las Vegas

#2 Most Searched Friday

Flashback 2004 – The Last Skate at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena
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Breaking News – Roy Henderson’s Las Vegas Global has a new date – July 27-30 – at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

Friday readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada plus Germany

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

GIA AVALONE OF LAS VEGAS WITH AAA ANAHEIM LADY DUCKS 19U THIS SEASON

Las Vegas – Dynamic goal score Gia Avalone of Las Vegas will play for the AAA Anaheim Lady Ducks 19u this season. Gia, a very hockey smart skilled player, has been playing in the Lady Ducks hockey program. Her older brother Steven last year played for the Kindersley Klippers in the Saskatchewan Hockey League

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For the 4th time in two weeks goal scorer Heath Mensch of the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u is the Most Searched skater here on Vegas Hockey.

Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin said “…Heath has a great hockey IQ. He isn’t afraid to skate right into the hard areas on the ice right around the crease area. There is a lot to like seeing him on an attack run.”

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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada and Germany.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

ASH PRINTZEN OF LAS VEGAS RETURNING TO AAA MEIJER WESTERN MICHIGAN GIRLS 19U

Las Vegas – Ash Printzen, one of the greatest Las Vegas girls goal scorers in ice hockey and in roller hockey, is returning to Top 20-ranked AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u this fall. She is a big game player and is coming off a 20-goal season. She competes in ice hockey and during the off-season plays in high level international roller hockey tournaments.

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The Vegas Jr Golden Knights are planning to have girls ice hockey teams in 10a, 12a and 14a this season. Go the Vegas Jr Golden Knights website for signup and tryout details

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Let’s look at this interesting chart – the all-time leaders in most assists for the UNLV Rebels ice hockey team.

Most UNLV Career Assists
169 – Anthony Greener – head coach of the UNLV Rebels
156 – Chris Jones
151 – Sam Branif
125 – Mike Zenzola
98 – Robbie Silvernail
92 – Cody Williams
80 – Bas Assaf
64 – Tyler Wilson
57 – Adam Siavelis
50 – Jake Saxe

#1 Most Searched Story Today

USHL Tri City Storm Drafts Dynamic Goal Scorer Matthew Gross, 15, of Las Vegas

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam Wednesday

31 degrees – Flood Advisory

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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA and Canada
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How to contact Vegas Hockey – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

AMAZING BUT TRUE – BCHL HAS 166 PLAYERS COMMITTED TO NCAA COLLEGES

Jerrett Overland of Las Vegas and the BCHL Wenatchee Wild is one of 166 BCHL players committed to NCAA college hockey this coming season. Jerrett is going to NCAA Air Force Academy to play hockey.

BCHL executive director Steve Cocker of the BCHL said “…the BCHL prides itself on moving its players to the NCAA ranks. Our BCHL alumni are tremendous on the college level as leaders and captains of their respective schools.”

“When it’s seeing our BCHL alumni play in the NCAA, the NHL or moving on to becoming CEOs, lawyers or doctors we are incredibly proud to call them our alumni.”

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#1 Most Searched Tuesday

Heath Mensch, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16 (4th time last two weeks)

#2 Most Searched

Great Western Futures Super Camp at Pepsi Arena (formerly SoBe Arena) in Las Vegas July 6-9

#3 Most Searched

UNLV Rebels hockey feature stories here written by star reporter Bethany Drysdale

#4 Most Searched

‘A Miracle on Ice’ – Harris Whissel, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

#5 Most Searched

After calling star hockey player The Genius ‘a total fraud,’ the Genius vaporizes Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen at the rink glass over at the Sobe Ice Arena in a summertime adventure story here on Vegas Hockey. Steve said it “didn’t hurt that much because it was just a story.”
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Fairbanks Arctic Cam Tuesday

36 degrees, dark, cold, foggy
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Monday, April 20, 2020

VEGAS STAR GOAL SCORER BEAU RICKETTS IN MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA

Beau Ricketts, who scored 30 goals for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm in 2014-15 at the Las Vegas Ice Center, is back in Minot, N.D. Beau, 25, earlier played two seasons with the NAHL Minot Minotauros at the famous 1,800-seat Maysa Ice Arena. In 2011-12 Beau was a 24-goal scorer for the Helena Bighorns in Montana. In Helena, even on the most coldest, snowy nights every home game was sold out at the Helena Ice Arena.

Now during the summer and winter months Beau plays on his men’s league ice hockey team at the Maysa. Outside the game Beau is in his electricians apprenticeship.

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Las Vegas – The historic Las Vegas Ice Center – with its North and South rinks – is closed until April 30. And, it is still uncertain if the Ice Center will open on that date. The fate of the Ice Center – where Jason Zucker skated as a young teenager – and the other ice arenas in Las Vegas will be determined by the Nevada Governor’s team.
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#1 Most Searched Monday

Micah Sanford, The Star Las Vegas Player Who Started it All

#2 Most Searched

WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds goalie Jesper Ahlberg signs with Adrian College

#3 Most Searched

Matt Stang, former Las Vegas hockey coach, update in Canada

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Fairbanks Arctic Cam

It’s cloudy, overcast, 38 degrees with rain showers all day long

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How to contact Vegas Hockey 24/7 – leesamuels07@aol.com

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Sunday, April 19, 2020

Las Vegas – The AHL Vegas Golden Knights will be playing home games at The Orleans Arena on Tropicana during the 2020-21 season. The NHL Vegas Golden Knights last season bought the AHL San Antonio Rampage franchise and transfered it here. The plan is to have the AHL Vegas Golden Knights play one season at The Orleans Arena, then move across town into their new ice arena facility in Henderson NV the following season.

Last season the NHL Vegas Golden Knights were affiliated with the AHL Chicago Wolves.

#1 Most Searched Sunday

GAGE QUINNEY

#2 Most Searched

EDDIE DEL GROSSO

#3 Most Searched

JOHN PURDY, AA VEGAS JR GOLDEN KNIGHTS 16U

Fairbanks Arctic Cam on Sunday

36 degrees with an icy rain all day long

How to contact Vegashockey.net

leesamuels07@aol.com

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Saturday, April 28, 2020

MICAH SANFORD’S 31 PLAYOFF GOALS LEADS ALL LAS VEGAS GOAL SCORERS

It’s hard to score in the biggest of games.

It’s harder to score in a playoff game against fire-breathing defensemen before sold out crowds.

So let’s take a look at the all-time Las Vegas playoff goal scorers in pro hockey, NCAA and in junior hockey.

Las Vegas Playoff Goals
31 – Micah Sanford – He scored 31 times in playoffs for BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs
17 – Chris Francis
13 – Adam Naglich
13 – Gage Quinney
9 – Cory Ward

8 – Aidan McNabb
7 – Joe Sullivan
6 – Rod Butler
6 – Landon Quinney
5 – Joseph Kaszupski
5 – Michael McNicholas
5 – Cody Milligan
4 – Dylan Miller
4 – Derek Sutliffe
3 – Eddie Del Grosso
2 – Corbin Brown
2 – Michael Chiasson
2 – Hayden Knight
2 – Tanner Todd
1 – Jeff Hajner
1 – Josh Jasek
1 – Ross McMullen
1 – Ben Mercurio
1 – Ethan Montoya
1 – Joey Raats
1 – Beau Ricketts
1 – Gabriel Testa

To contribute or revise to send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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Friday, April 17, 2020

Las Vegas – The T-Birds are coming back for sure this coming season. The WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds junior hockey team plans to return to practice and play home games at the Pepsi Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive. The T-Birds were in a playoff spot when the season suddenly ended with the coronavirus epidemic. John Marks is president of the Thunderbirds and Dave Hyrsky is GM/Head Coach. Hyrsky is one of the best most premier coaches in the WSHL. Matt Johnson, who has coached on a variety of levels in Las Vegas, is a top assistant coach with the T-Birds.

T-Birds Top 5 Goal Scorers

#1 Hockey coach Wally Lacroix of Las Vegas was an ECHL referee for 14 seasons. True or false.

//Wally is not only a premier hockey coach but a top hockey official – and yes he did work in the ECHL as a referee for 14 seasons. He is now the head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – USA National Champions two seasons ago.

#2 Right wing forward Harris Whissel is called ‘A Miracle on Ice’ for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u because he can see the future – actually tell you who will win each game.

//Here is the real reason Harris is called ‘A Miracle on Ice.’ Two years ago Harris and a friend on New Year’s Eve climbed Blue Diamond Mountain here in town – the two slipped and fell 110-feet. Both were terribly injured. Harris, rescued by helicopter, amazingly returned to the game and had an awesome hockey season in 2019-20. This is why hockey writers refer to Harris as a ‘Miracle on Ice.’

#3 When Richie Crossley and Devin Lane were a defensive pair for the AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u they were – and are – regarded as the all-time best defensive pair in Vegas.

//Richie and Devin unquestionably were one of the greatest ice hockey-smart defensive pairs in Las Vegas

#4 The Scoreboard hanging center ice at the Sobe Ice Arena is the same one which was at the Santa Fe Stations Ice Arena.

//Yes it is, the one and only, originally known as the Pepsi Scoreboard…

#5 Defensive star Eddie Del Grosso once skated in the NHL Rookie Camp with the Washington Capitals.

//Yes Eddie, one of the greatest d-men ever in Las Vegas, was in the Stars rookie camp

#6 Roller hockey legend coach Larry Sanford played college basketball.

//Larry never spoke about it but he did play college basketball

#7 Anthony Greener’s #96 jersey is the only one officially retired by UNLV. Think carefully on this.

//Anthony Greener’s #96 and Ryan Krametbauer’s #13 jerseys are offically retired – UNLV’s premier d-man Eric Williams asked – and was told it was ok – to wear #13 this past season.

#8 Jason Allen of Las Vegas in one season played for the AAA Jr Gulls, AAA L.A. Jr Kings and the AAA Las Vegas Outlaws.

//This is true – what a season Jason had that year.

#9 Athletic trainer Kendell Galor’s father is one of the legendary roller hockey coaches in town – Oren Galor

//When Kendell was a small girl she and her father would roller skate together at Crystal Palace on North Rancho Drive. Oren was an elite roller coach at that time.

#10 Jason Zucker was 3 1/2 years old when his father Scott took him to meet legend coach Larry Sanford at Crystal Palace roller rink.

//That was Jason’s introduction to the sport of hockey – all true.

#11 The very first Las Vegas score-king Micah Sanford was scouted by the NHL Dallas Stars

//Yes, he sure was…

#12 There is a totally intact roller rink underneath the ice at the North Rink at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue. Take a blowtorch, melt the ice, the roller rink is there.

//This has been a raging story for years – there was a roller rink on now what is called the North Rink at the Las Vegas Ice Center. The folks at the Ice Center say there is no roller floor underneath the ice.

#13 – Josh Jasek, Adam Naglich and Eddie Samuels played on the Red Line for the AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u for coach Rob Pallin in 2001-02. Jasek, Naglich and Samuels played on same line for one shift for the BCHL Victoria Salsa. True or false. It cannot be true – right?

//The ‘Red Line’ of Jasek, Naglich and Samuels was signed collectively by the BCHL Victoria Salsa. Once they were there they did one shift together. Tyler Bozak, long-time NHL hockey star, was on that Victoria Salsa team as well.

#14 – Nick Robone is an awesome coach for the nationally ranked UNLV Rebels ice hockey team. Previously, Nick was a 4-time Vegas Hockey Roller Player of the Year. That seems like a lot of years as the best most elite roller player don’t you think. Yes or no.

//Nick is one of the greatest roller players – and a great roller coach – who was a 4-Time award winner here on Vegas Hockey. Nick is now a top assistant coach and recruiter with head coach Anthony Greener with the nationally-ranked UNLV Rebels ice hockey team.

Tiebreaker right here…

#15 – Pokey Reddick is an awesome hockey coach – a legend – here in Las Vegas. As an active NHL goalie he played with the 1989-90 Stanley Cup Champions Edmonton Oilers. Really? Yes or no….

//Absolutely true. Pokey most recently has been head coach of the Faith Lutheran High School hockey team here in Las Vegas.

====================
TOP 10 WEST
2019-20

Pro, NCAA, ACHA

Goals
27 – Chris Francis, Salle Bulls, Germany3
22 – Derek Sutliffe, SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts
20 – Ash Printzen, AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u
19 – Brenden Fehlig, NA3HL Coulee Region Chill – Wisconsin
17 – Gage Quinney, AHL Chicago Wolves
17 – Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

AAA/AA/High School

Goals
40 – Matthew Gross, AAA Phoenix Jr Coyotes 16u
39 – Fuzzzy Atchison AAA Arizona Bobcats 13u
22 – Jack Lackas, AAA Arizona Bobcats 13u
21 – Tristan Toth, Vegas Jr Golden Knights High School Team
21 – Chayse Laurie, AAA Arizona Bobcats 13u
19 – Austin Moline, AAA LA Jr Kings Team 2005

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Las Vegas Players Away from Home 2020-21 Season

Joey Allegrini, NCAA Nichols College
Vito Carlo, NCAA Franklin Pierce
Jerrett Overland, NCAA Air Force Academy
Noah Smekal, NAHL Northeast Generals
Michael Yochum, ACHA D1 Canisus Golden Griffins

To contribute here send to leesamuels07@aol.com

===================================================
Wednesday, April 8, 2020

THE DAY MIGHTY GOAL SCORER MICAH SANFORD LEFT LAS VEGAS……..

Special to Vegas Hockey

Las Vegas – We remember it like it happened yesterday. Twenty seasons ago the greatest Las Vegas goal scorer in ice hockey and roller hockey – Micah Sanford – drove his pickup truck to Crystal Palace Roller Rink on North Rancho on a warm August afternoon. The truck bed was loaded with his hockey bags and sticks. Micah Sanford, one of the greatest ever hometown players, was about to say goodbye to teammates, moms and dads.

There were hugs and handshakes and all sorts of best wishes.

It was summer 1999. Micah then drove off to Colorado to play for the Brad Buetow-coached AAA Vail Avalanche 18u ice hockey team. One of Micah’s new teammates would be the the great Teddy O’Leary.

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Micah was initially a star player in roller hockey. He said his favorite hometown teammates were Freddy Young, Patrick Stevenson, Travis Gunderson and Leroy Garcia – all from Las Vegas. This touring roller team coached by Micah’s hockey dad Larry ruled the West playing out of the Little Home of Champions on North Rancho Drive in Las Vegas.

Micah was named that season the National Roller Hockey Player of the Year.

He played a season in ice hockey at Vail where he scored 49 goals, then was signed by legend coach Harvey Smyl of the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs. One of Micah’s teammates was Gabe Gauthier.

In a more than an amazing story Micah and Chilliwack went 46-10-4 and the Chiefs had an awesome two-month run in the playoffs.

Micah scored 31 goals in the playoffs.

Yes 31 playoffs goals – think about that.

“I didn’t do anything different,” he said. “No matter where we shot the puck it went right into the net.”

Smyl, whose Chiefs got the silver medal in the playoffs, said Micah was “a man among boys with his determination and strength.”

Micah finished that season with 78 goals, 80 assists.

—

After playing with the NCAA Nebraska University and a few games with the Las Vegas Wranglers pro team, Micah left the game and began to coach.

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Vegas Ice Center is scheduled for June 22-25. Taylor Henderson of The Global Showcase announced today if necessary the alternate date will be July 27-30.
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Monday, April 6, 2020

CHECK OUT JASON ZUCKER’S TREMENDOUS NHL STATISTICS

Special to Vegas Hockey

Las Vegas – Just take a look at Jason Zucker’s amazing career statistics in the NHL – first playing for the Minnesota Wild and now with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jason Zucker
Minnesota Wild
Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL
471 Games
142 Goals
121 Assists
263 Points

He is a 13-time Vegas Hockey Player of the Year voted by the readers on this hockey website.

Like 13 straight years, a record which will never be broken here.

His last Las Vegas ice hockey coach was the great Wally Lacroix with the AA Las Vegas Outlaws 16u who in the 2006-07 season played home games and practiced on the South Rink at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Jason had jet-like speed, tremendous hockey sense in the biggest of games against the LA teams, was unselfish with the puck and when it was time to take a penalty shot coach Wally would tell him “…do whatever you think will work best.”

Before his awesome season with the AA Las Vegas Outlaws Jason was playing at a fiery high level in roller hockey with HOF coach Larry Sanford over at the ‘Little Home of Champions’ Crystal Palace roller hockey rink on North Rancho Drive.

When Jason was drafted into the NHL during a ceremony in Los Angeles his parents – Scott and Natalie – were invited as well as Rob Pallin, who helped Jason in hard conditioning skates to prepare for the draft, Larry Sanford, and Adam Naglich – a goal scorer who was called ‘Stick’ in roller hockey and who later played college and pro hockey.

Jason has three tatoos: USA on his back (for playing with Team USA), Game Time on his chest (in memory of best friend Nicholas Schaefer of Las Vegas) and In Pursuit of Perfection on his left arm.

There are giant banners of Jason hanging in two of the ice rinks in town – the Las Vegas Ice Center where Jason played and at the SoBe Ice Arena where Wally Lacroix, Jason’s former coach, is head coach of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights – the Golden Ones – are defending National Champion.

Jason’s brothers include Adam, a tough physical hockey player with the UNLV Rebels here in town, Evan – a tremendous sharpshooter in ice and roller, Cameron who was quick, smart with the puck and played at a high level in junior hockey – and sister Kimmie who was a legend while playing roller at Crystal Palace. The sea of defenders would disappear when Kimmie with the puck power-skated down the center of the floor at Crystal Palace. It really was something to see.

Jason’s hockey dad Scott and hockey mom Natalie – who took Jason on many hockey road trips when he was a pre-teen – are fine and living in Las Vegas.

And where is Jason right now?

He, his dear wife Carly and family are together in Pittsburgh.

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HERE IS WHAT HOCKEY SCOUTS WILL BE LOOKING FOR AT LAS VEGAS GLOBAL AND THE GREAT WESTERN FUTURES SUPER CAMP
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Friday, April 3, 2020

By Charles V Reilly

Las Vegas – Here is what hockey scouts will be looking for when the two biggest summer Showcases – Las Vegas Global June 22-25 at the Las Vegas Ice Center and the Great Western Futures Super Camp July 8-11 at the Sobe Ice Arena.

First and most important …

Skate Speed. Scouts like to see a lot of speed from forwards and particularly from defensemen. The D-Men should skate as fast at those lightning-like forwards who dart about in deep attack areas.

Hockey Sense – When pressured, how quickly do you react and fire off a pass to a teammate. Or on a 3 on 1 break who are you passing to….

Do not bark at the officials – The top coaches in hockey do not fuss with the officials. When a penalty is called go right to the penalty box. Top coaches in games will deal with what they are dealt with – getting the right players on the ice in say a very tough spot like defending against a 5 on 3.

Scouts watch what you do on the bench – After a tough shift scouts will look at your behaviour on the bench. Did you slam or throw your stick there – that is a no.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

“Life is Difficult Without Hockey” – from Nancy Whissel, mother of Harris Whissel who plays for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u.

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ALL LAS VEGAS ICE ARENAS ARE CLOSED

Las Vegas – The historic Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue earlier announced it was shutting down beginning March 18 for 30 days due to the coronavirus epidemic. Also, City National Arena – home of the UNLV Rebels – is closed as is the SoBe Ice Arena – home of the Wally Lacroix coached defending National Champions AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u on North Rancho Drive. It is uncertain what exact dates these three great hometown arenas will re-open.

There have been searches today for the dynamic goal scorer Ash Printzen of Las Vegas. She played for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u last season. There are also searches for Vincent Dekumbis, the electric-like goal scorer a few seasons ago with the WSHL Las Vegas Storm junior team at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Good times for hometown fans when Vincent Dekumbis was blasting about on the ice. Vincent, 22, is going into his junior season at NCAA Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

SoBe Rink Rat reminds Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen to “keep washing your hands, stay home in isolation and do what the hometown health officials say.” Rink Rat is trying to patch up Steve and hockey star The Genius when the SoBe re-opens.

The Fairbanks Arctic cam, which we check daily, was at 15 degrees this morning.

To send in your hockey updates send 24/7 to leesamuels07@aol.com

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LEGENDARY AAA LA JR KINGS HOCKEY COACH JACK BOWKUS PASSES

Hockey Dad Charles Moline, father of Las Vegas’ Austin Moline who played for the AAA LA Jr Kings 14u team said on Sunday “….Jack Bowkus was an unbelievable coach, the team and the hockey community has lost a great man.”

Former Kings player Brandon Underwood texted “This is a very sad day for the sport of hockey. Jack taught me the game of hockey beginning at the age of 11. He moved me to defense, began calling me ‘Woody,’ a nickname we still have.”

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Reports came in Sunday – and were confirmed on the AAA LA Jr Kings hockey website – that legendary AAA L.A. Jr Kings coach Jack Bowkus has passed. According to Elite Prospects this past season Jack was the head coach of the AAA L.A. Jr Kings bantam team which included Las Vegas goal scoring phenom Austin Moline. This Kings bantam team won CAHA gold, Pacific District Region gold and was set to advance to the US Nationals which were unfortunately cancelled because of the coronavirus epidemic.

Jack was a former head coach of the USHL Indiana Ice. He was also the owner of the Cali Prospects Camp which ran each year in El Segundo, Ca.

Jack was born in Lansing, Michigan on Feb 19, 1967. He was widely respected as one of all-time best ever tier hockey coaches in the USA.

Las Vegas hockey Dad Steve Allen said “…what a tragedy…Jack was a legend in all of youth hockey.”

Brian McDonough, writing on the AAA LA Kings hockey website, wrote …”Jack passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday after a courageous battle with cancer.”

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Monday, March 30, 2020

//There are searches today for Ash Printzen and Ryan Pavlinsky of Las Vegas

//In Canada Gregg Drinnan writes that former assistant coach Brock Sawyer is the new head coach of the BCHL Powell River Kings. He replaces Tyler Kuntz who stepped down noting there are family reasons for his decision to leave the program. Powell River Kings were 29-23-6 last season.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

//Las Vegas goal scorer Kyle Callahan of Las Vegas is now working as a utility designer for Nevada Power. Years ago he played for AA Las Vegas Outlaws bantams, AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u and then played played for famous coach Kurt Goar with AA Arizona Hockey Union 18u…Years ago when we wrote Just in Time for Christmas the Unstoppable Johnnie Gold it was Kyle’s younger brother Gunnar – an outstanding artist – who drew tremendous very creative images of Johnnie Gold which we posted with the story here on Vegas Hockey. We thank you Gunnar and yes so does the unstoppable Johnnie Gold and his head coach Jack Black.

//More good news here today – it looks like our star writer Bethany Drysdale may be soon sending in one of her very very good Vegas hockey stories….We want to say hello to one of the great ones – Las Vegas hockey mom Patty Del Grosso……

Friday, March 27, 2020

Las Vegas – Seventeen seasons ago the Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u won the Southwest League gold medal. Las Vegas beat a very strong and fierce AA San Jose Jr Sharks 18u team on their home ice by 4-2. After the game Justin Grossman, Sean Darby, Steve Novotny and Paul Lowden of Las Vegas went to center ice to get the golden trophy. “They first played together on a 4-31 Vegas team. They played hard this season and earned the right to go get that trophy,” Pallin said that day. It was the very first banner this team won.This Las Vegas team included the famous Triple Threat Line of Travis Roseberry, JC Caron and Spike Neely. A year later this AA Vegas Mustangs 18u team won many golds and played in the U.S. Nationals.

//And how and why did Rob Pallin teams do so much. Spike Neely, at Eddie Del Grosso’s wedding, said “…coach Rob made us believe we were better players than what we really were. When we went over the wall and onto the ice in big games we knew we were going to win.”

//For the 4th straight day there have been searches here for awesome goal scorer Heath Mensch who plays for the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

//In his last two seasons Chris Francis of Las Vegas has awesome numbers with Salle Bulls Halle Germany3. Chris has 43 goals, 67 assists for 110 points.

//Former AA Las Vegas Ice Cats 18u hockey coach Matt Stang is home in isolation with family in Prince Albert, BC. He is now a top scout for the WHL Prince Albert Raiders – Lee

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Friday, March 27, 2020

BIG GOAL SCORER AUSTIN MOLINE OF LAS VEGAS DRAFTED IN 1ST ROUND BY WHL SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS

Special to Vegas Hockey

Defenseman Austin Moline, a goal scoring force from Las Vegas, was selected by WHL Swift Current Broncos in the first round of the WHL Top Prospects Draft. Austin, 14, had 18 goals, 14 assists for the Jack Bowkus-coached AAA LA Jr Kings bantam team this past season. Austin is listed at 6’2, 150. Dean Brockman is GM/Head Coach of the Broncos. Dean noted that Moline has a hard right-handed shot and led all AAA Jr Kings bantam defensemen in scoring this season. Moline was scouted when he scored three times for the Jr Kings at the famous John Reid Memorial Bantam Tournament in Canada. The WHL Swift Current Broncos play home games at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada.

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More on Austin Moline – He grew up playing hockey here in Las Vegas. When he was 4 1/2 he learned to skate at the Las Vegas Ice Center. He played for a number of Las Vegas ice hockey teams and his coaches (who Austin wants to mention) included Tom Lackas, Bo Lackas, Jeff Bruckner, Dell Truax, Matt Johnson and with the Faith Lutheran HS Crusaders where Austin was coached by Pokey Reddick, Craig Thornton and Shane Hnidy…

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Wednesday, March 25,2020

THE JERRETT OVERLAND, ROB PALLIN, FRANK SERRATORE CONNECTION

By Lee Samuels

See hockey miracles do happen.

Las Vegas defenseman Jerrett Overland, who played for the BCHL Wenatchee Wild last season, will play for the Frank Serratore-coached NCAA Air Force Academy this fall.

Serratore, 62, is same hockey coach who Rob Pallin of Las Vegas played for in 1984-85 with the USHL Austin Mavericks in Minnesota. At the time Rob, from Chisholm, Minnesota, was just 16, the youngest player on the Mavericks. Mike Hastings, a top coach now with St. Cloud State, was also on that Mavericks team.

“I will always think of Rob Pallin that season as that up and coming youngster with such wonderfull skills,” Serratore told writer Joe McCauley in his 2003 book Puck Dreams and Other Stories

Coach Rob knows Jerrett Overland very well working with him during off-season skate sessions. When you take an overlook look at this it’s an amazing connection we think.

Overland, 18, is a very gifted defenseman who earlier played in the AAA Anaheim Jr Ducks program.

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Do you want to write about hockey? We are always on the hunt for new writers. Contact me at leesamuels07@aol.com

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Flash Update

Tuseday, March 24, 2020

Las Vegas – One of UNLV’s greatest-ever defensemen Eric Williams of Las Vegas is predicting big things – like alot of pure gold – for the Anthony Greener-coached Rebels in the upcoming 2020-21 season.

“We have a lot of great players coming back next season, we have a great exciting fan atmosphere whenever we play home games at City National Arena and we’re going to pick up where we left off – we’re going right for a National Championship.”

UNLV has qualified to play in the ACHA D1 Nationals four straight years.

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Roy Henderson’s Las Vegas Global Showcase with lots of Western scouts set for June 22-25 at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

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Monday, March 23, 2020

Buffalo, NY – Michael Yochum, a Las Vegas goal scorer at every level of the game, will return and play for ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins in the 2020-21 season. Michael, a sophomore, had 17 goals, 7 assists this past season. Michael, 20, has a dual major in economics and sports management. Canisus went 17-11-0 this past season.

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Most Searched Today –
Heath Mensch, AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – tremendous high action goal scorer
Hamilton Whyte, Las Vegas goal scorer who played years ago at Las Vegas Ice Center
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UNLV’s Top 15 All-Time Goal Scorers
Goals
138 – Mike Zenzola
100 – Cody Williams
96 – Anthony Greener
83 – Sam Braniff
67 – Chris Jones
59 – Robbie Silvernail
55 – Jake Saxe
54 – Josh Jasek
40 – Drew Bryan
39 – Tristan Mayer
38 – Paxton Malone
35 – Zach Richards
34 – Bryden Marsh
31 – Viktor Brask
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Sunday, March 22, 2015

WHEN IN DOUBT, GIVE THE PUCK TO UNLV’S MIKE ZENZOLA

By Lee Samuels – Flashback Story

Las Vegas – UNLV alum Chris Tate peered through his goalie facemask and saw trouble coming. At mid ice three red-jersey UNLV forwards broke through the pack and were heading his way on Saturday night at the SoBe Ice Arena.

Chris looked to his left, then to the right.

Not a defenseman in sight or was on his radar.

He looked again and leading the attack run was #18 Mike Zenzola, the greatest goal scorer in the history of UNLV Rebels hockey.

The three forwards arrived, sprayed ice at the net, the puck was quickly shot and rocketed into a far corner of the net. The three forwards then turned as a unit and sped back down the ice.

It was a quick strike and score, the way Mike Zenzola of UNLV used to do it so many times when the big teams rolled into town.

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It was the annual UNLV Alumni Game at the SoBe Ice Arena on a warm Saturday night. Zenzola looked the same – tall, lean, ready to rock down the ice and unleash blasts of shots from a variety of distances.

Officially he is 6’2, 200.

He scored 138 career goals and the only other Rebel remotely close to that was Anthony Greener who played a different kind of game. Greener usually played much closer in the shark waters around enemy nets when big teams like Michigan, Texas, San Diego State and yes, even UCLA got into UNLV’s grill.

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Mike Zenzola said he couldn’t have scored all of the goals without his longtime linemate Sam Braniff. They played on the same AA midget team, the Inland Valley Coyotes in the Riverside area, then with the Fort Vancouver Pioneers in junior hockey, then together with UNLV. It was Rob Pallin, Mike said, who recruited he and Sam.

Biggest goals ever? Zenzola, like most great athletes, laughed and said he had just a few. Well he scored over a hundred of them, including six goals in one game against Cal State Fullerton. Zenzola said he had a big game against Colorado and he mentioned one or two more.

His best line? Zenzola, Braniff and Greener or with the explosive goal scorer Josh Jasek.

===============

Practically all of the top UNLV alum players were in the game. Tate, who was in the net in the very first UNLV game in 2005-06 season, wore a powder blue jersey. Years ago he said he never looked at the Pepsi scoreboard during the closest of games at the SoBe Ice Arena. “My only concern was keeping any eye on the puck and keeping it out of out net,” he said.

Greener, whose #96 jersey is framed and hanging on the south wall at the SoBe, was handed red jersey #3 to start the game.

“Never wore a #3 before,” he said. “But here we go.”

Moments later his hockey mom Sue, in the cold bleachers, told everyone “Anthony is now wearing number 20 red.”

Greener had a great game, chipping passes, setting up linemates. Ryan Krametbauer, whose #13 jersey is also framed and hanging on the wall at the SoBe, is an attorney now. He gave me his card, just in case, you never know when you need a good attorney he said. He plays in a men’s league on Sunday nights. A former Rebel, Danny Kaminski, is on the team.

Arturo Castro wanted to play but didn’t. He is still recovering from a serious back and neck injury in a game against Long Beach State. Will he play this fall? Doesn’t think he can do it. Too much at risk in the health area. He now works in UNLV Rebels hockey promotions. He is very popular and the players call him Arty.

Even UNLV defensemen like Doug Wenglare got into the goal scoring. He made it look easy, getting to the net, feinting and scoring.

UNLV enforcer Kyle Curry was prowling around on the ice. He had a great skate, just like his former teammates. Kyle’s temperature never red-lined, so that was good for all.

No one skated harder than an active Rebel, Trey Johnson. He went up and down the ice high speed.

Just the way he always does in the real Rebels games.

The game? It was a scorefest. Final score was 14-14. No goals were announced. Rock music blasted during the game, not just during timeouts.

We asked one of the goalies Katie Scheafer who was the most dangerous goal scorer out there.

She said didn’t track many of the jersey numbers who were at the net.

But she said #18 was pretty good.

That was the Great One, Mike Zenzola.

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Today’s #1 Most Read Story
For the Love of Hockey – A Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Las Vegas – Back in 2015-16 the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm was a mighty force over at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Hometown skaters Beau Ricketts, Vito Carlo, Joey Allegrini, Steven Avalone and Jake McKenna were on this team.

And then there was Vincent Dekumbis from Fribourg, Switzerland.

During that season Vincent blazed about and had 31 goals, 15 assists for 46 points. He was selected to the WSHL All-Star team and, while accompanied by coach Gauthier, won the WSHL Fastest Skater Award.

Vincent was voted by our readers as the 2016 Vegas Hockey Player of the Year

And where is Dekumbus now?

Vincent will be going into his junior season with the NCAA D3 Lawrence University hockey team in Appleton, Wisconsin.

WSHL Las Vegas Storm
All-Time Goal Scorers

Goals
49 – Isaiah Letendre
48 – Vincent Dekumbis
43 – Nikita Pintsuv
32 – Jeffrey Morgan
30 – Beau Ricketts
29 – Arrigo Burgener
22 – Teddy Astrom
20 – Sam Sykes

Sam Sykes had 34 goals this season for the WSHL El Paso Rhinos

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Las Vegas hockey dad Steve Allen notes that practically all adult league ice hockey games have come to a halt here in Las Vegas. “Very sad,” he said.

Steve added “We also feel very sad for the UNLV Rebels and for Wally’s AA Jr Golden Knights 16u teams who could not go to their tournaments.”

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Today’s readers are from all parts of the USA, Canada, Austria, Germany and South Korea

Coming tomorrow – When in doubt, Give the Puck to Mike Zenzola

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To contact Vegas Hockey send an email to leesamuels07@aol.com
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Monday, March 16, 2020

Las Vegas – For these great UNLV Rebels seniors there are no U.S. Nationals. UNLV qualified for the 20-team ACHA D1 Nationals but the cornonavirus epidemic took it down for this season.

UNLV Seniors
#7 Connor Hetzel – 0 goals, 3 assists, 3 points
#13 Jake Saxe – Assistant Captain – 16 goals, 13 assists, 31 points
#23 Tristan Mayer – 3 goals, 4 assist, 7 points
#27 Erik Eidissen, goalie – 9 games, 3.23 gaa, 87.6% save percentage

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Transaction of the Day – Rhett Rakhshani, a massive 54-goal scorer for the AAA Cal Wave 16 in 2003-04, has re-signed with Frolunda HC in Switzerland.

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Sunday, March 15, 2020

The historic and very famous Las Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue is shutting down for two weeks from March 16 to March 29 as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The biggest stars from Las Vegas including Jason Zucker, Gage Quinney, Cory Ward, Kenny Brooks, Zach Pochiro, Joe Sullivan, Derek Sutliffe, Beau Ricketts, Vito Carlo, Vincent Dekumbis, Steven Avalone, Rhett Bruckner and many others played on youth teams at the Ice Center. Pokey Reddick for years was a top tier hockey coach there.

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The NAHL, which includes the famous Fairbanks Ice Dogs, has “paused its playoffs – but has not cancelled it.”

Saturday, March 14, 2020

It was announced that Rob Pallin of Las Vegas will return as Head Coach of HC TWK Innsbruck in Austria for 2021.

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TOP FIVE GOAL SCORERS
UNLV REBELS
22 – Paxton Malone
16 – Jake Saxe
13 – John Moeller
12 – Kane Toriumi
10 – Brendan Manning

WSHL LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS

20 – Joe Terrana
18 – Anthony Rodriguez
16 – Mikhail Gerasin
13 – Joe Wheeler
8 – Gleb Schlyaiger
8 – Egor Khomyakov

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To SoBe Rink Rat – Yes, coach Rob Pallin of Las Vegas will return as Head Coach of TWK Innsbruck in Austria 2020-21 season.

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Four more leagues – the NHL, AHL, ECHL and SPHL

– have suspended play as well – Lee

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More Breaking News – The WSHL has shut down operations for this season – meaning the season has come to an unexpected close for the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds who practice and play home games at the SoBe Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Special to Vegas Hockey

The UNLV Rebels who worked so hard to get eligible for the ACHA D1 Nationals – their 4th straight time playing in the Nationals – were told the 20-team tournament is shut down as result of the coronavirus epidemic. Anthony Greener is the head coach of the Rebels who were ranked #15 and scheduled to take on big rival Arizona State in Texas. The Rebels tweeted “…we cannot wait to begin prepping for next season.”TEXAS

Kalamazoo, Michigan – Joe Sullivan of Las Vegas and the ECHL Indy Fuel held off the hometown Kalamazoo Wings to win 1-0 here at the Wings Arena. Joe, who wears jersey #18, had one shot on goal. He has seven goals, eight assists this season. As a tier hockey player Joe played for a number of teams over at the Las Vegas Ice Center. The crowd for this game was 1552. Indy Fuel is an affiliate of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks.

ERIK ATCHISON OF LAS VEGAS AND WHL SPOKANE CHIEFS WIN 3-0

Spokane, Washington – Erik Atchison of Las Vegas and the WHL Spokane Chiefs beat the Kamloops Blazers 3-0 on Tuesday night before 4159 at the Spokane Memorial Arena. Erik this season has 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points and is +3 on the ice. Erik and Spokane close out their regular season with games vs the Portland Winterhawks here Friday and Saturday nights.

NEW RULES FOR UNLV REBELS AND OTHER TEAMS AT ACHA D1 NATIONALS IN TEXAS

When the UNLV Rebels hit Texas and take on Arizona State in a first-round game in the ACHA D1 Nationals on March 19 there will be new rules and regulations –including (a) no hand-shake line after a game; gloved fist bumps will be ok and (b) each player will have an individual bottle of water on the bench. The games will be played in Austin, Texas. UNLV vs ASU is set for March 19. The winner of UNLV/ASU gets to tangle with 31-4-0 Liberty College. And yes, UNLV played ASU twice during the regular season – in fact the opening games of the 2019-2020 season. On the road UNLV lost 3-1 to ASU at the Oceanside Arena in Tempe, Az. In Game Two UNLV beat ASU 4-2. Oh, get this – this will be the 4th straight year UNLV will play in the ACHA D1 Nationals. You can congratulate Rebels head coach Anthony Greener, #1 assistant Nick Robone, GM Zee Khan and the rest of the great coaches who guide the way.

It was just announced that Grand Valley State University in Michigan will compete in ACHA D1 next season. There will be 72 teams in ACHA D1 in 2020-21.

Fairbanks Arctic Cam – It’s on 24/7 and as we write this it is 6 degrees and going down to minus-13 degrees overnight. Many Las Vegas teams for years have played in Fairbanks. And it’s the home of legend GM Rob Profitt and the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs hockey team…

BREAKING NEWS – JOEY ALLEGRINI OF LAS VEGAS TO NCAA D3 NICHOLS COLLEGE IN MASSACHUSETTS IN 2020-21

Joey Allegrini of Las Vegas and the NA3HL Atlanta Capitals has committed to NCAA Nichols College D3 in Massachusetts for the 2020-21 season. Joey has 15 goals this season. Joey played for the Gabe Gauthier-coached WSHL Las Vegas Storm in 2016-17 at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Joey had 16 goals while playing for the Storm.

GAGE QUINNEY DEALS GAME-WINNING OT ASSIST FOR CHICAGO WOLVES

Chicago – Gage Quinney of Las Vegas dealt an OT game-winning pass to Dylan Coghlan whose powerplay goal clinched a 3-2 OT win for the AHL Chicago Wolves over the Rockford Ice Dogs at the All State Arena on Sunday night. The crowd was 9808. Gage this season has 17 goals, 19 assists, 36 points and is +6 on the ice for Chicago – an afffiliate of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.

COUNTDOWN CLOCK TICKING FOR UNLV REBELS AND ACHA D1 NATIONALS

It’s crunch time for UNLV Rebels head coach Anthony Greener as his team is wiring in for the ACHA D1 Nationals in Texas. On March 19 the Rebels will take on Arizona State in a first-round game. The Countdown Clock is ticking, like loudly.

So what’s the blueprint now?

We asked coach Greener exactly that.

“Monday we have a team workout. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday practices with film mixed in. Saturday we have a team building activity. Next Monday and Tuesday we practice again. We take a flight next Wednesday and practice again this time in Texas.”

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AUSTIN MOLINE OF LAS VEGAS AND AAA L.A. KINGS 2005 GOING TO USA NATIONALS

Austin Moline, a premier defenseman from Las Vegas, scored in the gold medal game this past weekend to help the AAA L.A. Jr Kings 2005 team win in the gold medal game and advance to USA Nationals.

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Arch Ecker, the voice of the BCHL Wenatchee Wild, is one of the best ever at doing game broadcasts for hometown hockey teams. We asked Arch what other teams has he called games for and he replied…”the AWHL Butte Irish in 1996-2002, Helena BigHorns 2002-06, Santa Fe Roadrunners 2006-7 and then we went to Topeka with them where they played through 2015-16 and from 2016 we’ve been on the BCHL Wenatchee Wild broadcasts.”

FLASH SATURDAY, MARCH 7 SCORE
WSHL
Final Score
Las Vegas Thunderbirds 1, Fresno Monsters 7
Las Vegas goal – Linus Lomander (Sweden) – 2nd goal of season – from Egor Khomyakov, Joe Terrana
Shots on goal – Fresno 38-19
Las Vegas goalie – Owen Kennedy

FLASH FRIDAY MARCH 6 SCORES
BCHL
Friday Final Score – Vernon Vipers 8, Wenatchee Wild 3
//Season comes to a close for premier defenseman Jerrett Overland of Las Vegas and the BCHL Wenatchee Wild. Vernon Vipers win the Best of of Five series, 4-1. The great Bliss Littler is the GM/Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wild for eight seasons. The Wild has a great play by play broadcaster in Arch Ecker. The crowd for this game was a big one – 1,979.

WSHL
Friday Final Score – Las Vegas Thunderbirds 1, Fresno Monsters 5
//Joe Terrana scored his 20th goal of the season for the T-Birds in 3rd period; Mikhail Gerasin with the assist
//Las Vegas had more shots 37-32
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WSHL LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS VS FRESNO MONSTERS SATURDAY

The WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds are on the road Saturday, March 7 taking on the Fresno Monsters at the Gateway Ice Center. Top goal scorers for the T-Birds are Joe Terrana 20, Nikolas Sotiriou 19 and Anthony Rodriguez 18. Fresno’s season record is 33-13-2. The T-Birds in their debut season are 26-21-2. Game time is 6 pm.

http://www.wshlstats.com/live_scoreboard.php

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Las Vegas Weekend Goal Scorers – March 6-8, 2019
1 – Brenden Fehlig, NA3HL Coulee Region Chill – La Crosse, Wisconsin
1 – Linus Lomander, WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds
1 – Austin Moline, AAA L.A. Jr Kings 2005
1 – Joe Terrana, WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds
=========================================================

Down 3-1 in a Best of Seven playoff series premier defenseman Jerrett Overland of Las Vegas and the BCHL Wenatchee Wild are in a must win game tonight — Friday — against the Vernon Vipers at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, Washington. The great Bliss Littler is the GM/Head Coach of the BCHL Wenatchee Wild. There will be $1 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks at this game.

The Anthony Greener-coached UNLV Rebels are seeded 15th in a field of 20 teams and will take on big rival Arizona State in a first-round game in the ACHA D1 Nationals which is set March 19 at the Comercia Center – formerly known as the Dr. Pepper Center – in Frisco, Texas. ASU is seeded #18.

Coach Greener said “…little upset winning the last three games and dropping two spots in the rankings but there is nothing we can do about it. We can use it as ammo. ASU is going to be tough for us for sure. They are a rough team with a lot of energy. We will have to play them tough and stick to our game plan. We definitely have our hands full.”

Today’s #1 Most Read Story – A Look at UNLV’s Brendan Manning by Bethany Drysdale, Kat Craner and Christina Oka. This has been the #1 most read story for three straight weeks. Bethany Drysdale is a two-time Vegas Hockey Writer of the Year and the interviewing/writing team of Bethany, Kat and Christina is the best all-time on Vegas Hockey.

Ash Printzen of Las Vegas scored for AAA Meijer Western Michigan girls 19u in a big 3-2 OT win over Honeybaked girls 19u in a Michigan State Playoff Game..

The Golden Ones – the Wally Lacroix-coached AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – will take on the AA L.A. Jr Kings 16u in Las Vegas on March 21 (9:15 am Sobe Ice Arena, 3:30 pm Las Vegas Ice Center) and March 22 9:15 am faceoff at the Sobe Ice Arena…Jimmy Samuels, who played youth hockey in Las Vegas and later played a season with ACHA D3 Kansas University, will graduate from KU this spring with a degree in Film….. The Ticker is told that Las Vegas goal scorer Vito Carlo, out since the loss of his dear hockey mom Rosie, will be back onto the ice next season….Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas during the weekend scored his 10th goal of the season and dealt an assist for the ECHL Maine Mariners in a 6-4 loss to the South Carolina Stingrays…..It looks like the new AHL Golden Knights minor league team will play at The Orleans Arena here in town next season. The Golden Knights bought the AHL San Antonio Rampage franchise..RIP to #88 Sean Fox, a tremendous Las Vegas player in his era for Rob Pallin-coached tier teams. There is an family rememberence for him – Sean passed in 2018.

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BryAAA Vegas Jr Glden Knights 134u Coach Rob Sunday – 1st 3rd === in this Best of Seven series.