New Faces of the AAHL Working to Make a Change

Chris Ingellis

The Hockey Craze

With 20 games left to go, the league is staring at the finish line of a season no one on the outside thought would be completed. After all the adversity from team troubles (Detroit, and Madison) to front office problems the new faces of the AAHL are looking to change all that.

Ryan Harrison, the AAHL's League Administrator says the AAHL is strong. "All the owners in the league know what it takes to make this league successful and are all working together to make sure that happens."

This starts but does not end with new Commisioner Rod Davidson and the number of staff changes that have occurred. These changes don't only reflect in the league's front office but also stretches to teams themselves.

"The AAHL looks to make many new strides towards professionalism and credibility in the pro hockey relm with all the right people behind the scenes" stated Mr. Harrison.

According to him, this is the strongest time for the All American Hockey League and will only get stronger from here.

At the end of the season, look for many promising announcements. As of right now Mr. Harrison could not release any information on possible new teams but there is interest out there. There are arenas, cities and teams interested which has changed from months prior when it was reported to me, that parties looking to jump on board were quickly jumping ship. Expect to see at least two more teams for next season.

On the other end of the spectrum, the leagues front office is looking at more affiliations with not only other pro leagues but also national governing bodies. "We are looking into league wide sponsorship for many different aspects in the AAHL. I believe by sticking around for longer than two years as a single "A" league says a lot on it's own these days with leagues coming and going every year" said Mr. Harrison.

This is something the new faces of the league are not looking to have happen.

Ice Rays Help Raise Over $54,000 to Fight Cancer Pink in the Rink Night Donates to American Cancer Society

The Corpus Christi IceRays held their second annual Pink in the Rink Night, presented by Andrews Distributing and Radiology & Imaging in mid-February to help the fight against breast cancer, and raised more than $54,000 for the American Cancer Society in the event. The donations were raised as part of the IceRays 5-2 win over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at the American Bank Center on Saturday night (2/13/10). A season-high 5,958 fans attended the game, which helped raise nearly $20,000 more than last year.

In their second annual Pink in the Rink Night, the IceRays used pink sticks, wore pink jerseys, and auctioned them off to fans. The total amount raised on Saturday was $54,010 which will go to Corpus Christis local chapter of the American Cancer Society. IceRays General Manager, Pat Dunn said that he was overwhelmed and thrilled by the communitys response to Pink in the Rink Night.

It was absolutely incredible, said Dunn. This is a cause that is very personal to me, and so many people in the community. To see everyone rally together, to see a packed American Bank Center for something like this, and to be able to give that kind of money to the American Cancer Society is just incredible. I cant thank our fans and sponsors enough for what we were able to do on Saturday. Lindsey Johnson, Community Manager of Corpus Christis chapter of the American Cancer Society echoed Dunns sentiments.

Saturdays event was amazing to be a part of. It was such an inspirational night for anyone whos been touched by this disease, said Johnson. With the economy the way it is, and for people to be so generous, we were extremely floored and grateful. There arent enough words to express our gratitude to this community. On behalf of all the patients and survivors that his money will help, I wish I could thank everybody personally. Im not sure everybody realizes just how much a difference they can make.

The money raised from Saturday will help numerous cancer patients and survivors receive treatment, wigs and scarves, breast prosthesis, and transportation to and from medical centers all free of charge. For more information on the local fight against cancer and all the services that the American Cancer Society provides, please call them at 361.857.0136 or visit www.cancer.org.

Professional Hockey Not Leaving Muskegon

from aahlhockey.com

The West Michigan Blizzard intend to keep playing professional hockey in Muskegon for the 2010-2011 All American Hockey League Season

For the past two months rumors and articles have been released about how Muskegon will no longer have professional hockey after 50 consecutive years. The West Michigan Blizzard will continue the long tradition of professional hockey that extends back to the Muskegon Sailors from the 1930s and has continued this season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and starting on December 31, 2009, the West Michigan Blizzard. The owner felt like Muskegon was a perfect match for the team since Muskegon has over fifty years of a rich, vast history in professional hockey.

Sandra Hunnewell-Vitale bought the ailing Detroit Hitmen and moved the team to Muskegon during the middle of the season to complete its season. She hired players from two other failing teams, the Chicago Blaze and Madison Ice Muskies because we felt it necessary to keep these professional athletes on the ice. After a 3-3-0 start to the season she and the General Manager, Billy Vitale, shook up the ranks by replacing the coach with a well known Muskegon player and Olympic Gold Medal winner for the Soviet Union, Sergei Kharin. After losing the first 3 games as he transitioned the team to the new style, their record has improved to 11-8-1.

The West Michigan Blizzard is part of the All American Hockey League. The AAHL recently appointed Rod Davidson, who has a long history in minor league hockey, as their commissioner and he is working on some possible expansion teams for the upcoming season. With the planned expansion of the AAHL and the changes that have been implemented in the staff and team, This combined with the overall spirit of the coaching staff and our players, allows for us to push forward keeping the team together for next year and professional hockey in Muskegon according to the team owner.

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For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview contact the West Michigan Blizzard at info@wmblizzard.com

Pink in the Rink, Umbrella Giveaway Highlight Weekend of Hockey

BILOXI, MS - With three home games approaching on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Mississippi Surge have two big events that highlight the weekends' games.

On Friday, when the Surge face off against the Fayetteville FireAntz at 7:30 p.m., the first 2,000 adults through the gate will receive umbrellas courtesy of Mississippi Blood Services and WLOX Weather.

The Surge's first-ever Pink In The Rink event will take place this weekend, with the players wearing special pink jerseys on Saturday when they battle the Huntsville Havoc on 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday when they face the Louisiana Ice Gators.

Sunday's game will feature a special 3:00 p.m. start time. The Memorial Hospital Foundation will be on hand, selling Surge Pink In The Rink t-shirts. The team will also recognize both survivors of breast cancer and other cancers, and Deanna Favre, wife of Minnesota Vikings quarterback and Kiln, Miss.-native Brett Favre, will drop the first puck.

Following the game, a special after-party will be held at Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi. Fans who buy a gold-level ticket for $15 will also receive a ticket to the party. The party will feature complimentary food and a cash bar. Approximately 90 minutes after the game, the players will arrive for the live auction of the Pink In The Rink jerseys, with the auction's proceeds benefitting the Favre 4 Hope Foundation and the Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Tickets for these and all Surge home games start at just $8 and can be purchased by calling (228) 287-PUCK

Ice Flyers Partner with Aerotek, Inc. to Rasie Support for the Boys and Girls Club

The Pensacola Ice Flyers and Aerotek took an opportunity to benefit the local community this coming Friday, February 26th. The team partnered with Staffing and Recruiting Firm, Aerotek to raise needed funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County. At this Friday's home game, a check of over $1,500 will be presented to the organization.

Chad Wegeman, Director of Business Operations for the local Aerotek office, along with his entire staff have been working with the kids at the Club for a few months now tutoring them in their studies twice a week. The idea for the fundraiser started with Aerotek and the Ice Flyers coming together with an idea to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club as well as give them the experience of a Flyers game. "When the Ice Flyers agreed to the 50 tickets for the kids, the plan worked out perfectly." The staff at Aerotek has been selling tickets to the game for a few weeks now to friends, family, and clients and the response has been overwhelming. Chad said that "Friends, family, and clients have reached deep into their pockets for a great cause! The Ice Flyers offered us this chance, and the ability to bring the kids to the game for free, and it has turned out to be a tremendous experience. Not only have we got to experience their growth and success academically, but we have had an opportunity to impact their life and give them chances to experience things that they may have never gotten to without some help." In addition to the local support, Chad was able to leverage support from the Aerotek home office in Baltimore, who has agreed to match funds raised by the program. Aaron Epstein, Marketing and Promotions Manager for the Ice Flyers assisted in putting this event together and said "It was a real chance for us to leverage the support and connections of a well established, well respected company in the area to combine with our venue to present this opportunity. It has turned out better than we could have ever imagined."

The Ice Flyers have made a conscientious effort to give back to the community this year and partnerships with local companies like Aerotek make it a reality. If you are looking for an excellent way to raise funds for your organization or to help a charitable cause, contact a member of the Ice Flyers Staff for more information.

Ice Flyers tickets are very affordable starting at just $10 for individuals, and as low as $8 for groups of ten or more. To take advantage of group pricing, call the Ice Flyers at (850) 466-3111. Individual tickets can be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Civic Center Box Office, located at 201 East Gregory Street in Pensacola.

Finalists for Major CHL Awards Announced

Central Hockey League Award Finalists Announced

The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today the five finalists for each of the four significant CHL awards, selected by the CHL front office following nominations from member clubs. Balloting will take place among CHL Head Coaches, team Communications Departments and selected media members in CHL markets to determine the recipients of the CHLs Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Goaltender, Most Outstanding Defenseman and Rookie of the Year awards.

2009-2010 CHL Most Valuable Player candidates include the defending CHL Most Valuable Player, Odessas Sebastien Thinel, along with Allens Bruce Graham, Colorados Kevin Ulanski, Corpus Christis Chad Woollard and Rapid Citys Les Reaney.

The finalists for the Most Outstanding Goaltender include three rookies in Chris Whitley of Allen, Charlie Effinger of Missouri and Danny Battochio of Rapid City. They are joined by Joel Martin of Odessa and Brett Jaeger of Texas.

The selected finalists to receive Most Outstanding Defenseman consideration include the reigning winner of the award in Aaron Schneekloth of Colorado. The other candidates are Bossier-Shreveports Simon Mangos, Rapid Citys Jamie VanderVeeken, Odessas Alex Dunn and Tulsas Derek Eastman.

Rookie of the Year honors will be determined amongst Allens Chris Whitley, Corpus Christis Ryan Garbutt, Missouris Nick Sirota, Rapid Citys Danny Battochio and Texas Joe Palmer.

Additional awards to be determined include Coach of the Year, Equipment Manager of the Year and Athletic Trainer of the Year, as determined by their CHL peers, along with six member All-CHL and All-Rookie teams (voted on by CHL Head Coaches). The CHLs regular season point leader will receive the Joe Burton Scoring Champion award, while the CHL front office will determine the recipients of both the Man of the Year Award (for outstanding leadership and contributions to the community) and Rick Kozuback Award (perseverance, determination and commitment to hockey) based on nominations and supporting material from CHL member teams.

NHL Trade Deadline Coverage

The National Hockey League's trade deadline was 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 3, and many moves made at the NHL level are sure to be felt by American Hockey League clubs as they prepare for the stretch run towards the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Here's a look at the deals made leading up to this year's NHL trade deadline that will affect AHL rosters:

Mar. 3 - Flames pick up Delmore for Armstrong

The Calgary Flames (Abbotsford) announced the acquisition of D Andy Delmore from the Detroit Red Wings (Grand Rapids) in exchange for F Riley Armstrong.

Mar. 3 - Picard to Phoenix, Kolarik to Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets (Syracuse) have acquired F Chad Kolarik from the Phoenix Coyotes (San Antonio) in exchange for F Alexandre Picard.

Mar. 3 - Reed, McNicoll in Avs-Canes swap

The Colorado Avalanche (Lake Erie) have acquired F Stephane Yelle and F Harrison Reed from the Carolina Hurricanes (Albany) in exchange for F Cedric McNicoll and a sixth-round draft pick in 2010.

Mar. 3 - Coyotes acquire Wiikman, send Eriksson to Rangers

The New York Rangers (Hartford) have acquired D Anders Eriksson from the Phoenix Coyotes (San Antonio) in exchange for G Miika Wiikman and a 2011 seventh-round draft pick.

Mar. 3 - Panthers add defenseman Roy

The Florida Panthers (Rochester) have acquired D Mathieu Roy from the Columbus Blue Jackets (Syracuse) in exchange for the rights to F Matt Rust.

Mar. 3 - Hurricanes trade for Osala, Pothier, pick

The Carolina Hurricanes (Albany) have acquired F Oskar Osala, D Brian Pothier and a 2011 second-round draft pick from the Washington Capitals (Hershey) in exchange for D Joe Corvo.

Mar. 3 - Ducks acquire MacDonald from Toronto

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired G Joey MacDonald from the Toronto Maple Leafs (Toronto) in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Mar. 3 - Canucks get Zimmerman for M. Schneider

The Vancouver Canucks (Manitoba) have acquired D Sean Zimmerman and a conditional draft pick from the Phoenix Coyotes (San Antonio) in exchange for D Mathieu Schneider.

Mar. 3 - Red Wings, Rangers exchange AHL'ers

The Detroit Red Wings (Grand Rapids) have acquired F Jordan Owens from the New York Rangers (Hartford) in exchange for F Kris Newbury.

Mar. 3 - Avalanche acquire young forwards

The Colorado Avalanche (Lake Erie) have acquired F Kevin Porter and F Peter Mueller from the Phoenix Coyotes (San Antonio) in exchange for F Wojtek Wolski.

Mar. 3 - Canucks, Blues swap prospects

The Vancouver Canucks (Manitoba) have acquired F Yan Stastny from the St. Louis Blues (Peoria) in exchange for F Pierre-Cedric Labrie.

Mar. 3 - Weller to Florida in Seidenberg deal

The Florida Panthers (Rochester) have acquired F Byron Bitz and F Craig Weller and a 2010 second-round pick from the Boston Bruins (Providence) in exchange for D Dennis Seidenberg and the rights to D Matt Bartkowski.

Mar. 3 - Hurricanes acquire Pogge from Ducks

The Carolina Hurricanes (Albany) have acquired G Justin Pogge and a fourth-round draft pick from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for D Aaron Ward.

Mar. 2 - Canadiens get Palushaj from Blues

The St. Louis Blues (Peoria) have acquired F Matt D'Agostini from the Montreal Canadiens (Hamilton) in exchange for F Aaron Palushaj.

Mar. 2 - Maple Leafs acquire Caputi from Penguins

The Toronto Maple Leafs (Toronto) have obtained F Luca Caputi and D Martin Skoula from Pittsburgh (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) in exchange for forward Alexei Ponikarovsky.

Mar. 2 - IceHogs add Boynton after NHL trade

The Chicago Blackhawks (Rockford) have acquired D Nick Boynton from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations and have assigned him to the AHLs Rockford IceHogs.

Mar. 2 - Bruins get Providence native Wild

The Boston Bruins (Providence) have acquired D Cody Wild from the Edmonton Oilers (Springfield) in exchange for F Matt Marquardt.

Mar. 2 - San Jose adds B. Westgarth

The San Jose Sharks (Worcester) have acquired D Brett Westgarth from the New York Islanders (Bridgeport) in exchange for future considerations.

Mar. 2 - Sound Tigers pick up Radja

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have acquired F Mike Radja from the Syracuse Crunch.

Mar. 1 - Ducks acquire Oystrick

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired D Nathan Oystrick and a conditional selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from the Atlanta Thrashers (Chicago) in exchange for RW Evgeny Artyukhin.

Mar. 1 - Blue Jackets, Islanders complete trade

The New York Islanders (Bridgeport) acquired D Dylan Reese from the Columbus Blue Jackets (Syracuse) in exchange for C Greg Moore.

Mar. 1 - Blackhawks, Blues announce trade

The St. Louis Blues (Peoria) acquired G Joe Fallon from the Chicago Blackhawks (Rockford) in exchange for G Hannu Toivonen and D Danny Richmond. In addition, Peoria has acquired D Daryl Boyle from Rockford for future considerations.