Crusaders poised for second-half success
Expectations high in Hudson after sluggish start
January 6, 2009
 Sean Stewart connected for four goals in the Crusaders' 8-5 win over the Wildcats on Sunday. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Slowed by injuries and inconsistency for the better part of the first half of the season, the Hudson Crusaders are finally healthy, rejuvenated, and ready to make a strong push as the postseason inches a little bit closer.
“There’s lots of character on this team,” said Crusaders head coach Don Babineau. “I’ll tell you this is a tight group and a very close family. I never thought this was possible the first month of the season.”
The Crusaders got 2009 off on the right foot, downing the Minnesota Wildcats, 8-5, on Sunday in their only game of the weekend. Sean Stewart unloaded for four goals in the triumph, with Keegan Blehm assisting on three of them. Between the pipes, goaltender Ben Waalkens turned aside 25 shots.
“The guys continue to work hard everyday and are staying positive, too, and I know they’re on a mission the second half of the season,’ said Babineau, whose team is tied with the Wildcats in seventh place in the MJHL standings with 19 points. “With a few new additions, in addition to the guys we started with, I think good things are going to happen.”
The Crusaders have been aided by the arrival of two of last season’s key veterans, forward Scott Leibsch and defenseman Gabe Pearson, along with high-scoring forward Justin Neis, who was picked up in a trade from the Minnesota Owls.
“I believe we’re now as deep as anyone in the league,” Babineau estimated. “We became much stronger on offense as well as defense, and we finally have a full roster and almost everybody healthy.” MORE
Wildcats continue to stress development
Despite record, Minnesota encouraged with progress
December 22, 2008
 One of the league's top scorers, the Wildcats' Justin Brausen is getting plenty of college interest. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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The Minnesota Wildcats might lag near the bottom of the MJHL standings heading into the holidays, but the team’s coaching staff couldn’t be more proud of the players it puts out on the ice each night.
“We all wish we had better numbers in the win column, but as a focused development program we’re extremely pleased with the effort, conduct and focus of all of our players,” said Wildcats head coach Stu Ronsberg. “We’re impressed with the athletes we have. It’s the right mix that’s interested in not only winning, but also improving.”
And when it comes to progress, few have exhibited more than forwards Travis Raser and Matt Graves, as well as defenseman Tyler Erickson.
“Those three are a stable element of our defensive unit who have significantly raised their brand of play both offensively and defensively,” said Ronsberg.
Despite their record, the Wildcats boast three of the top offensive threats in the league in Justin Brausen, 20, Seth Ronsberg, 17, and Shay Klitzke, 19. Dubbed the “go-to crew” by Stu Ronsberg, all three players rank among the top 10 in league scoring.
That’s grabbing the attention of college and higher level junior leagues, as Ronsberg reports that Brausen, from Little Canada, Minn., is getting interest from both Division I and III schools, while Lake Elmo product Seth Ronsberg is on the radar of USHL, NAHL and Division I programs. Klitzke, of Annandale, Minn., is also starting to generate some “soft interest” from programs at the next level, according to Stu Ronsberg. MORE
Lakers moving in right direction
Slowly but surely, St. Paul starting to turn the corner
December 16, 2008
 On and off the ice, Sean Randall has played a big role for the Lakers this season. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Hampered by a slow start to their season, the St. Paul Lakers have shown continued progress in recent weeks, which has led to more consistent efforts and, consequently, more wins.
“We weren’t competitive early on and now we’re competing with any team on any given night,” said Lakers head coach Dan Strot. “I’m pleased that all of the players have accepted the challenge to improve their skill levels and play as a team versus individual players.”
The Lakers latest triumph – their sixth of the season – came on Friday, against the Minnesota Wildcats. Brandon Boyd’s hat trick, including the overtime game-winning goal, propelled St. Paul to its 7-6 victory. Oscar Carlsson added a goal and an assist in the win, and Colin Longren made 40 saves between the pipes.
Strot was also encouraged with his team’s performance the next night, a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Ice Hawks in which the Lakers fell just short of sending the game into overtime.
“We didn’t quit on either of those nights,” said Strot. “We played as a team and committed to winning, and that was the difference.”
The Lakers have been brought to life with the emergence of a number of newcomers, among them Boyd, who was recently acquired from the Central States League’s Dubuque Thunderbirds. The 18-year-old from Minnetonka, Minn., has eight goals in his last four games, including a pair of hat tricks.
“Brandon’s a highly-skilled forward who has a knack for finding the back of the net,” said Strot.
A number of other players who started their seasons with other MJHL teams have also found a home with the Lakers, including Cody Essel and Ryan Anderson, who were picked up in trades with the Wildcats, and Garret Ahlgrim and Tony Scheid, both former Ice Hawks. MORE
Owls get results in OT
Minnesota back on track after pair of losses
December 9, 2008
 Jascha Pettit scored two goals in the Owls' win over the Crusaders on Saturday, including the overtime game-winner. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Riding a two-game losing streak into the weekend, the Minnesota Owls broke out of their modest funk in dramatic fashion on Saturday, besting the Hudson Crusaders in overtime, 4-3.
“We certainly didn’t want to drop three straight, so that was big for us,” said Owls head coach Chad Kuznia. “And to win it in overtime added a little extra emotion, so all in all it was good night.”
Jascha Pettit’s overtime goal – his second of the game – lifted the Owls to their victory. Zach Morse registered a goal and an assist in the win, and netminder Aaron Corey steered aside 24 shots.
For Pettit, a 20-year-old from Wadina, Minn., it marked his sixth and seventh goals of the season. He now has 22 points after 20 games this season.
“To see Josh step up like that and take control of the game was great to see,” said Kuznia. “He’s a talented player and a great team player and we’re going to be looking for more good things from him in the second half of the season.”
Jacob Simicek, who connected for two assists in the Owls’ win over the Crusaders, has led the team’s offensive charge this season. The 20-year-old from Slovakia has 14 goals for 29 points after 22 games.
“Jacob is a gifted offensive player, and you don’t have to look any further than his stats to see that,” said Kuznia. “When he’s on, it usually means good things for our team.”
At 13-9-0-2, the Owls are perched in the top half of the MJHL standings, 10 points behind the third-place Minnesota Ice Hawks. Kuznia realizes there’s still plenty of work left on the table, but believes he has the right cast of characters to make a run towards to the top come March.
“When we all put out hands in the middle and play 60 minutes as a team, we’re as good as anyone, and that’s what we have to continually re-enforce,” said Kuznia. “This league is too good to take nights off, so we need to come out every night with committed, consistent efforts if we’re going to be successful.” MORE
Mustangs get back on track
Wisconsin ends two-game slide
December 2, 2008
 Steve Mlodozyniec recorded a hat trick in the Mustangs' win over the Crusaders on Saturday. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Losers of two straight games, the Wisconsin Mustangs got back on track last weekend with a pair of victories.
Steve Mlodozyniec’s three-goal, one-assist performance propelled the Mustangs to a 6-2 triumph over the Hudson Crusaders on Saturday. Jake Calleja added two assists in the win, and goaltender Kyle Johnson turned aside 31 shots.
The next day, Wisconsin skated to a 3-2 shootout win over the Minnesota Owls. Even Nelson and Nic Belonger scored in regulation for the Mustangs, with Calleja assisting on both goals. Johnson made 42 saves in regulation and overtime to pick up his second victory in as many days.
The first-place Granite City Lumberjacks rolled off two more wins last weekend, starting with an 8-1 triumph over the Minnesota Flying Aces on Friday. Louis Tincher and Matt Johnson each recorded two goals for Granite City, and Kent Kirby added four assists. Netminder Tyler Venne made 35 saves.
Six different players scored for the Lumberjacks the next night as they downed the St. Paul Lakers, 7-1. Tyler Wahl connected for two goals and an assist in the win, and Venne turned aside 21 shots.
The Minnesota Wildcats also came alive with a pair of victories, including a 4-3 triumph over the Owls on Saturday. Tyler Erickson potted two goals in the win, and Travis Raser notched the game-winner. Goaltender Mark Rajevski stopped 43 shots in net. MORE
Lights finding their groove
Twin Cities riding four-game winning streak
November 25, 2008
 Pennsylvania native Garrett Windle leads the Northern Lights in scoring. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Winners of four straight games, including two last weekend, the Twin Cities Northern Lights are slowly but surely starting to put together consistent efforts on a regular basis, much to the delight of their coaching staff.
“It's great for us to get on this roll at the time we are,” said Northern Lights head coach AJ Degenhardt. “We’ve been on wrong side of a lot of one-goal games recently, and I think we were lacking the confidence needed to win.”
They got the job done on Saturday, as five different players scored for the Lights in their 5-3 victory over the St. Paul Lakers. Garrett Windle connected for a goal and an assist in the win, and goaltender Steve Loyd made 16 saves.
Jordan Gates struck for two goals the next day, including the game-winner, as the Lights downed the Wisconsin Mustangs, 5-1. Josh Shingler added a goal and two assists, and goaltender Brian Nelson made 36 saves.
“Obviously I’d like our record to be a little better right now, but we’re heading in the right direction,” said Degenhardt, whose team sits at 11-7-0-2. “It's good for the guys to get that confidence back and regain that winning attitude.
“There’s been continued progress since the beginning of the season with these young men,” Degenhardt added. “We threw a lot of new things at them to start the season and it’s now starting to show in our play that we understand what’s being taught and that it works.” MORE
Veterans lead Lumberjacks' charge
Depth, balance have Granite City leading the pack
November 18, 2008
Experience can take you a long ways in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League win column. Just ask the Granite City Lumberjacks, who sit in first place with an impressive 18-2-0-2 record.
“We have a great group of veterans,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brent Boerger. “They’re leading by example and doing what’s expected of them when they put the Lumberjacks sweater on.”
Among the experienced making a difference is Brady Borer, who potted two goals in the Lumberjacks’ 6-3 win over the Wisconsin Mustangs on Friday, including the game-winner, and Alex Naujokas, who added a goal and an assist in the win.
Other veterans who have keyed Granite City’s early success are Kent Kirby, Matt Johnson, Tyler Sura and Tyler Wahl, who ranks fifth in league scoring with eight goals for 30 points after 20 games.
“Tyler is having a nice season, and I think his numbers are little conservative because we don’t have to rely just on him for scoring,” Boerger said of the 20-year-old from Willmar, Minn. “But I think he has the potential to have even better numbers in the second half of the season.”
And it’s that depth that makes the Lumberjacks one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With 13 players registering 10 or more points on the season, Granite City can come at its opponents from every direction.
“It’s an advantage,” said Boerger. “We don’t rely on any one line or any one player. At any given time, a player could be on first or fifth line in any game. MORE
Ice Hawks make it 10 straight
Streaking Minnesota rolls off three more wins
November 11, 2008
 Defenseman Robby Dahl connected for seven goals last weekend for the Ice Hawks. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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After opening the season with a 3-4 record, the Minnesota Ice Hawks are now riding a 10-game winning streak thanks in part to three more convincing victories last weekend.
“Anytime you can pick up a six-point weekend it's huge, but I’m more pleased by how we picked up the points,” said Ice Hawks head coach Nick Fatis. “We played three pretty solid games and we feel if we put out 100 percent effort, we should come out on top more often than not.”
The Ice Hawks opened their weekend with a 7-3 triumph over the Minnesota Owls on Friday. Adam Wiesner struck for two goals for the Hawks, including the game-winner, and Bryce Stevens added three assists. Between the pipes, goaltender Brady Sand turned aside 32 shots.
Stevens and Robby Dahl both recorded hat tricks the next night as the Ice Hawks skated to an 11-2 win over the St. Paul Lakers. Evan Balcom chipped in three assists for Minnesota, and netminder Sam Hingtgen made 17 saves.
On Sunday, goaltender Alex Bjerk stopped all 20 shots he faced as the Ice Hawks blanked the Twin Cities Northern Lights, 5-0. Dahl rang up his second hat trick in as many days, with Ricky Litchfield notching a goal and an assist.
“We played one heck of a team game all weekend, picking up for one another and making sure we took care of our own end,” said Fatis, whose team improved to 13-4 on the season. “Teamwork is going to be huge with this squad, just like any team that strives for championships, and now we’re starting to see the boys buy into Ice Hawks Hockey." MORE
Aces starting to take flight
Pair of victories cures what ails Minnesota
November 4, 2008
 With four more points last weekend, Tim Benner is now tied for second in league scoring with 25. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Hampered by injuries the past few weeks, the Minnesota Flying Aces got well in a big way last weekend, outscoring their opponents, 12-2, on their way to a pair of victories.
“Those were a couple of big games for us,” said Flying Aces head coach Jim Bydlon, whose team had only one win in its previous six contests. “We were in a little bit of a slump so it was nice to finally break out. That and we got a lot of players healthy again.”
The Aces opened their weekend on Friday with an 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Wildcats. Jason Moir rang up a hat trick and an assist in the win, with Tim Benner and Tony Schultz each connecting for a goal and three assists. Between the pipes, goaltender Conrad Kersten turned back 22 shots.
Four different Aces tallied the next night in Minnesota’s 4-1 win over the Minnesota Owls. Luke Davis potted the game-winning marker, and Jedadiah Stone chipped in a goal and an assist. Kersten made 36 saves in the victory.
“We started off fairly well, but once all the injuries hit, we had to switch a lot of things around,” said Bydlon, whose team improved to 8-9 on the season. “We hung in there and weathered the storm, so things should finally turn around now. We should be a much stronger team.”
In particular, the Aces welcomed back two key ingredients to their blue line in Eric Bishop and Cody Bollinger.
“That was big for us,” said Bydlon, who is also anticipating the return of forward Kyle Paulson. MORE
Crusaders on the right track
Hudson ends skid with win over Wildcats
October 28, 2008
 Crusaders captain and leading scorer Kyle Romanchuk struck for a goal and three assists in Hudson's win over the Wildcats on Sunday. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Losers of nine in a row, the Hudson Crusaders righted the ship last weekend with a morale-inspiring 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Wildcats on Sunday.
“That win was a big boost for us, considering that was a pretty long losing streak,” said Crusaders head coach Don Babineau, whose team improved to 3-10-1 on the season. “It felt good to be able to turn the page on that stretch and move forward.”
Bradley Lukasz connected for a natural hat trick and Kyle Romanchuk added a goal and three assists in the win for the Crusaders. Between the pipes, goaltender Steven Estep turned aside 23 shots.
“I think the guys are learning different pieces of the game right now,” said Babineau, whose team consists primarily of first-year junior players. “Learning how to adjust to the refs, learning how to adjust to different teams and how to play against them, adjusting to the flow and pace of the game at this level… those kinds of things.”
Among the Crusaders’ few junior veterans is Lukasz, who played Junior B in Syracuse, N.Y., last season before joining Hudson this year. The 20-year-old from East Grand Forks, Minn., has a team-high 12 goals to go along with four assists in his first 14 games.
“He’s probably the hardest worker on our team right now,” Babineau said of his assistant captain. “He’s back and forth, up and down, and he’s a very respectful young man.
“He’s always asking what he can do better, how he can get the guys going. He’s definitely into his team, he’s definitely into his season, and not to mention he can definitely put the puck in the net." MORE
Young Wildcats making strides
First home victory energizes Minnesota
October 21 2008
Seth Ronsberg has been one of the league's top offensive performers during the first month of the season. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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Wins haven’t been easy to come by early on for the first-year Minnesota Wildcats, which gave their 10-8 triumph over the Minnesota Flying Aces on Friday - their first at home – a little extra meaning.
“Every win is important, but it was our first in Maple Grove and it was a fun night for the fans,” said Wildcats head coach Stu Ronsberg. “We’ve had great support from the community so far and we needed to reward them a little. Hopefully, we'll keep it going.”
Seth Ronsberg tallied four goals and three assists in the victory over the Aces, and Matt Graves recorded a hat trick and an assist. Justin Brausen also got in on the act offensively to the tune of a goal and five assists.
“Obviously, we'd like to be a little better in our own end of the ice, but we’ve been making progress in that regard,” Stu Ronsberg said of the high-scoring win. “It’s nice to fill the net at the other end, too. Our guys have been creating lots of chances all year but we’ve had trouble finishing. Against the Aces, we finished.”
Ronsberg, Brausen and Shay Klitzke, who connected for a goal and two assists against the Aces, have led the Wildcats’ offensive charge in the early goings.
“Those three are the best offensive weapons we have,” said Ronsberg. “It was only a matter of time before they had that kind of game. Seth had a hat trick in the previous game, too (a 7-3 victory over the St. Paul Lakers on Oct. 12), so he’s been finding the mark lately. Those guys need to produce if we're going to win.” MORE
Lakers come alive with victory
St. Paul nails down first win of the season
October 14, 2008
Lakers captain Mark Huber's two goals helped lift St. Paul to its first win of the season on Saturday. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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It took a little over a month, but the St. Paul Lakers finally broke into the win column with a 5-3 victory over the Hudson Crusaders on Saturday.
“It’s great to be rewarded for all the hard work everyone has put in,” said Lakers head coach Dan Strot, whose team opened the season 0-7 before tasting its first victory. “We’re looking for this to be the start of more good things this year.”
Mark Huber struck for two goals and an assist in the triumph over the Crusaders, with Brandon Anderson notching a goal and two assists. Newcomer Sean Randall also chipped in two assists, including one on Brandon Sterling’s game-winning goal. Between the pipes, goaltender Ben Hause turned back 43 shots.
“I was pleased with our puck control, passing and our positional play,” Strot said of the win. “All aspects of our game were solid, from the goaltender on out.”
Which led to a jubilated Lakers locker room after the game.
“They were more than excited,” Strot said of his players. “Having to go eight games for your first win is tough."
The Lakers’ captain, Huber, a 19-year-old from Dodge Center, Minn., has led St. Paul early on, especially in the victory against Hudson. He leads the team with 10 points on seven goals.
“Mark comes to the rink to play every night,” said Strot. “He often gets rewarded for his efforts and our game with Hudson was no exception, not to mention the many other good plays he’s involved in.” MORE
Early results positive for Owls
Three wins have Minnesota off on the right foot
October 7, 2008
Jakub Simicek, who recorded a hat trick on Saturday, is among the Owls' scoring leaders. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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With only five games under their belt – the fewest of any Minnesota Junior Hockey League team to date - the Minnesota Owls are quietly putting together a formidable start to their season.
“We’re happy with what we’ve been able to accomplish so far, but we know it’s early,” said Owls head coach Chad Kuznia, whose team holds a 3-1-0-1 record. “The most encouraging thing is that I see a lot of potential with the guys we have in our locker room, both in terms of talent and character.”
After dropping a 2-1 decision to the Wisconsin Mustangs on Friday – Sam Soika scored the Owls goal and goaltender Aaron Corey made 34 saves – Minnesota rebounded strong the next night with a 6-0 shutout of the St. Paul Lakers.
Jakub Simicek led the Owls’ offensive charge with a hat trick and an assist in the win against St. Paul, with Josh Pitti adding a goal and an assist. In goal, Kevin Sillfors was perfect stopping all 18 shots he faced.
“Obviously, we would have liked to have taken that game from Wisconsin, but I was pleased with how we were able to put it behind us and bounce back with a solid, all-around effort the next night. It was good to see.”
Simicek, a 20-year-old from Slovakia, is tied for the team lead in scoring with six points along with Justin Neis and Mike Mulally.
“Jakub just flat-out knows how to score,” said Kuznia. “He’s dangerous every time he touches the puck and there’s no question we’re expecting big things from him this year.” MORE
Mustangs remain undefeated
Veterans lead Wisconsin to 4-0 start
September 30, 2008
The Mustangs are 4-0 thanks in part to second-year forward Jake Calleja. PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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The undefeated Wisconsin Mustangs continued their winning ways last weekend, skating to a pair of victories to improve to 4-0 on the season.
“The kids are playing well, and the new kids who’ve come in have fit in real well,” said Mustangs head coach Donnie Roberts. “We had some big leaders come back and that’s probably helped our team more than the others; they bring a boost to our lineup and have been the real reason for our early success.”
Speaking of key returnees, Jake Calleja came through with the game-winning goal and added two assists in the Mustangs’ 4-2 win over the Minnesota Ice Hawks on Saturday. Evan Nelson added a goal and an assist in the victory, and netminder Tanner Milliron turned aside 33 shots in goal.
Calleja was at it again the next day, striking for a goal and an assist as Wisconsin doubled up the Hudson Crusaders, 4-2. Nelson tallied the game-winning marker, and goaltender Kyle Johnson made 16 saves between the pipes.
The experience of Jake Calleja, Steve Mlodozyniec and Loren Egan, to name a few, has spurred Wisconsin’s good fortunes to start the campaign.
“We had a strong class of veterans who came back, and they’re definitely carrying the load for us the load right now,” said Roberts. MORE
Lumberjacks off to strong start
Granite City posts pair of victories to move to 4-0-1
September 23, 2008
Tyler Venne allowed only three goals in both Granite City victories last weekend.PHOTO/ESP1000.com
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With two more wins last weekend, the Granite City Lumberjacks remain one of only two teams in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League without a regulation loss.
The Lumberjacks opened their weekend on Friday with a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wildcats. Four different players lit the lamp for Granite City, with Robert Thompson connecting for the game-winning goal. Tyler Sura added two assists, and goaltender Tyler Venne turned back 18 shots.
Alex Naujokas’ unassisted goal in the third period lifted the Lumberjacks to a 3-2 victory over the Twin Cities Northern Lights on Saturday. Brady Borer and Brad Phenow scored the other Granite City markers, and Venne again stood tall in net with 34 saves.
The Minnesota Flying Aces also pocketed a pair of victories last weekend, starting with a 6-4 decision over the Wildcats on Saturday. Chris Decent potted two goals in the triumph, including the game-winner, with Kevin Bergquist assisting on both. Between the pipes, Cutter Hurst stopped 40 shots.
The next day, the Aces downed the Wildcats, 6-4. Tim Benner and Kevin Bergquist each tallied two goals and an assist in the victory, with goaltender Conrad Kersten turning back 35 shots. MORE
Lights rattle off two more wins
Northern Lights jump out to 3-1 start
September 16, 2008
The Twin Cities Northern Lights are off to a formidable 3-1 start, thanks in part to a pair of wins last weekend.
“At this point in the season, I'm impressed with the willingness of the team to learn and the dedication the kids have shown,” said first-year Lights coach AJ Degenhardt. “We’ve thrown a lot of teaching at these young men and they’ve translated it into games pretty well this quickly.”
The Lights opened their weekend with a 4-3 shootout win over the Granite City Lumberjacks on Saturday. Tyler Sorensen scored the decisive goal in the shootout and assisted on Erik Ordahl’s game-tying marker in regulation, while Phil Cook turned back 37 shots between the pipes. Brady Borer (goal, assist) and Andrew Peterson (two assists) each connected for two points for the Lumberjacks.
On Sunday, Josh Lehr stopped all 30 shots at Twin Cities blanked the Minnesota Flying Aces, 3-0. Jonathan Barrick recorded a goal and an assist in the win, with Tyler Erickson striking for the game-winner.
Lehr, who played high school hockey in Appleton, Wis., last year, was on the Lights’ radar throughout the 2007-08 season. He played exceptionally well at the Chicago Showcase, according to Degenhardt. MORE
Regular season gets underway
Defending MJHL champs open 2008-09 with victory
September 8, 2008
The four-time defending Minnesota Junior Hockey League champion Minnesota Ice Hawks picked right up where they left off to start the 2008-09 season, skating to a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wildcats on Saturday.
“It was a pretty sloppy game from both sides,” admitted Ice Hawks head coach Nick Fatis. “They’d been on the ice quite a bit longer than we had and it showed, but we were able to snap into game mode late, so that's a plus for sure.”
After falling behind 2-0, the Ice Hawks scored five unanswered goals from five different players, including the game-winner by Morgan Sanchez, to seal the victory. Ryan Hurd chipped in a goal and an assist.
Both goaltenders - the Ice Hawks’ Alex Bjerk with 22 saves and the Wildcats’ Zac Reneau with 48 - were in midseason form.
“Anyone who loves goaltending would have loved to watch the display put on by these two,” said Fatis.
During one sequence in the second period, Reneau made a handful of acrobatics saves on one shift with Bjerk responding with a highlight reel stop on a breakaway.
“It got the heart pumping, that’s for sure,” said Fatis. MORE
Crusaders' Barnauskas on the move
All-MJHL Second Team selection headed to Northern Ontario
August 7, 2008
Colin Barnauskas, the swift-skating center and leading scorer of last year’s Hudson Crusaders team, is heading to Canada to skate with the Tier II Junior A Soo Indians of the Northern Ontario Junior League.
Barnauskus notched 32 goals and added 28 assists in 47 games for the first-year Crusaders in 2007-08. He also won 56 percent of his faceoffs and netted 12 power-play goals and three shorthanded goals on special teams. He was named to the All-MNJHL Second Team for his efforts.
“With Colin’s mindset and gritty style, he will quickly find his niche in the Canadian game,” said Crusaders head coach Don Babineau. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever coached and I have no doubt he will be successful.”
Alan Jones, the director of hockey operations for the Thunderbirds, whose program is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, made the offer to Barnauskus to join his team following a successful tryout in May.
“Colin has all the skills needed for him to make an immediate impact with the Soo Thunderbirds,” said Crusaders associate coach Ted Urschel. “Anytime he has the puck on his stick in the offensive zone, his team is a threat to score. Not only that, but his hard work and the leadership he provides on and off the ice will allow him to excel at the next level.”
Lumberjack headed to USHL
Nevada-born Kenny a Force to be reckon with
July 23, 2008
The Granite City Lumberjacks have only been in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League for a season, but they’ve wasted little time sending a player directly to the USHL.
Sean Kenny, who joined the Lumberjacks after Christmas, has found himself on the expansion Fargo Force’s 25-man protected list after a strong showing at the team’s main camp earlier this month.
For Kenny, a Reno, Nev., native who played Midget AAA hockey in Las Vegas the first half of last season, the past 12 months have exceeded all expectations.
“From where I came from, this wasn’t an option a year ago,” said Kenny, who turned 19 earlier this month. “It seemed like the AAA path wasn’t working, so I decided to go that (the MJHL) route instead.” MORE
Granite City forward Tyler Wahl ranks fifth in league scoring. 
