Texas Brahmas Insider

2012-02-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Time to cut the proverbial bullcr*p

Brahmas 22 games away from the playoffs or Palookaville

'When I was a boy, I saw a bulldog take a bull by the nose and wrestle him to the ground. The dog bit too hard, and the bull stomped that dog to death. (Smiling) Well boys, we got a whole pack of dogs to deal with."

- Jason Robards in Comes a Horseman

With just 21 games remaining on the schedule, the Texas Brahmas (20-17-8, 48 points) are on the home stretch of the 2011/12 regular season and it's time to throw the excuses to the wind. It's time to put up or shut up for the purple and black.

First and second place in the Berry Conference are out of reach which leaves the Brahmas, the Tulsa Oilers (21-17-5, 47 points) and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (20-19-6, 46 points) wrangling for the third and fourth place spots. Fifth place is not an option.

The Schedule

Just seven road games remain - five in Allen and two in Tulsa. The remaining 14 games will be played at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Seven games will be played against the Americans (two at home, five at the AEC), four against Tulsa (two at the BOK Center and two at home), four against Rio Grande Valley (two at NYTEX and two at the Fort Worth Convention Center), two against Laredo (at home) and one each against Dayton, Evansville, Missouri and Wichita (all at home).

Where We're At

The Brahmas overall record as of today is 20-17-8 (.533). Their road record is 9-13-4 and their home record is 11-4-4.

They have the third lowest number of goals scored in the league at 116, averaging 2.58 per game. Only Laredo and Bloomington have less, at 114 each.

The Brahmas have the lowest number of penalty minutes in the league at 582 as well as the worst power play in the league at an atrocious 11.11%. Their penalty kill is middle of the road, which is about average for the Brahmas, ranked seventh at 82.49%.

Grading the Offense: C-

In a way, this season's Brahmas remind me of the Dallas Cowboys - a lot of talent but not a lot of output when it's needed most. Led by Woolly, the Foxes, Kary and Hogger, the talent is definitely there. The question is, what's holding them back?

Grading the Defense: B-

What started out as one of the best defensive corps we've seen during the Wildfong years has waned at times, but overall they're a solid group. Too many third period collapses have plagued the Brahmas and their have been lapses in coverage in front of the net. Time to tighten up.

Grading the Goaltending: B-

Overall, the Brahmas' goaltenders haven't been the main issue. Sure, Steve Silverthorn had an atrocious start by purple and black standards, but I think most agree that a number of his losses had other elements to blame as well. Unfortunately, just as it appeared he was on the way to truly leading this team, he jumped ship.

Avramenko - never should have been there, but who knew? He'll probably have nightmares for years, waking up screaming to Fonger's glare and thorough dressing down.

Mark Guggenberger emerged early as a fan favorite, winning his first three professional starts and going 9-4-3 in 19 games played. With a 2.24 GAA, Guggenberger is ranked second in the league and seventh with a .918 Save Percentage. He's struggled early in games, but overall has been a solid goalie. He'll have a new second to back him up tonight - I'll let the Brahmas announce the name if you don't already know.

Grading Special Teams: Grade D-

During the Wildfong era, the Brahmas' power play has been a joke for all but the championship season. In 45 games, the purple and black have had 153 advantages and capitalized just 17 times - rock bottom in the league with a 11.11 percentage. Chad Woollard, Phil Fox and Adam Hogg lead the team with three power play goals apiece.

This has to improve. Whether it's coaching or the personnel, you have to be able to score with an advantage. If it's coaching, find someone who can come in and work with the boys during practice - even some different perspectives might help. The Brahmas have access to Al Secord, one of the best power forwards during the 1980's. Maybe Al can give some advice. Bring in Wes Mason for a talk - he was one of the leaders in power play goals in 2005-06. Something...anything!

I'd dedicate a full day of practice a week on improving this.

The penalty kill is where it's been historically - middle of the road. Currently, exactly there, ranked seventh at 82.49%. Could be better.

Grading the Coaching: B-

Overall, with what Fonger's had to work with/deal with this season, I think he's done a very good job. Still have to fault him for the power play situation - how has this not improved? With some restraints placed on hiring/firing players and with Ronnie's attention split between the kids and the pros, Dan's carried a heavy load but the man knows what it takes to win. The question is - is anybody listening?

Tonight's The Night

The boys face the Allen Americans tonight at NYTEX. The Americans are coming off a dreadful performance last night on their home ice, giving up a two-goal lead and allowing four unanswered strikes to lose to the first-place Wichita Thunder 4-2.

The Americans have won three of the first four meetings and they think the Brahmas are a joke on every level.

My advice to the boys (for what it's worth)? Bully Deitsch and Yellow Horn. Send someone into the opposing net early to rattle the 'tender. Don't stop the action for a heavyweight match - keep the fight on the ice. And for God's sake, keep the pressure on - don't give them time to set up behind the net...charge, charge, charge! If you need to be carried into the locker room after the game, so be it, but give it all you've got you need to win this game!

Fans - keep the noise level up. Do what you can to rattle Mullins (and Yellow Horn), but be smart. No need to be thrown out. No need to let them blame you for something they throw on the ice. Did I mention keep the noise level up? Who were the CHL's Most Annoying Fans in 2010-11? I gotta tell ya - from what I hear, Wichita's fans are pushing you back out of that category. As always, above all else - Be There...Be Loud...Believe!

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Brahmas featured in today's Star-Telegram

Brahmas and other hockey players have their habits and don't mess with them

Mark Wright has written the following article about the Brahmas' game-day superstitions:

Ryan Hand's game-day ritual often involves an afternoon meal of chicken parmigiana at a favorite Italian restaurant.

The Texas Brahmas defenseman sometimes varies his eating habits. But there's one pre-game routine that never changes for the Ottawa native. Hand always puts on the left side of his uniform first.

"I always put my left side on first whatever it is," Hand said. "My left sock. My left skate before my right skate. My left glove first."

Many athletes have unusual habits they repeat on a daily basis. But if Brahmas players are any indication, hockey players take odd quirks to a whole other level.

"I'd say hockey players are more superstitious," Hand said. "I think everyone's so focused on their game and making an impact.

"If a couple superstitions help them make their best impact for the team, they're going to keep doing those things."

Hand began dressing left-side-first because it worked well the first time he did it: "I did it once and I played a good game. So I tried to keep everything the same. You want to keep things the same the next night and play well again."

He's not the only Brahmas player who follows a certain pattern when suiting up: center Calin Wild re-laces his skates (20 or 22 eyelets per shoe) before every game. Defenseman Erik Spady, like Hand, dresses left side first.

"I think I always did it, and then I just kind of noticed it," Spady said. "It's like a weird habit. And now I've become a little bit conscious of it."

Spady also has a habit of placing the tape higher up on his stick than most players. His preferred tape pattern resembles that of a goalie's stick.

But Spady isn't about to adopt a more traditional taping style. "It started out as kind of a joke," he said. "And now I like it."

Third Line Pride

Brahmas coach Dan Wildfong estimates 80 to 90 percent of hockey players harbor some kind of superstition -- even though many might not fess up to it. The habits players form are just their personalized way of getting into the right mindset to step out on the ice, the coach said.

"What they find successful, they do it -- like taping their sticks a certain way," Wildfong said. "That way there's no questions about how they'll play. It is a superstition, but basically it's their way of being prepared."

Wildfong knows a thing or two about sticking to a routine. During his playing days, Wildfong was a scrappy left winger who always seemed to start out playing on a team's third line. But through hard work he would earn his way up to the top line. No matter which line he was on that day, Wildfong always wrote "Third Line Pride" on the tape on his stick before each game.

"All that meant to me was it kept me grounded," Wildfong said. "If I'm on the first, second or third line, I need to work like I'm a third-liner. Even if you're on the first line, you have to be the hardest working guy on the ice.... So that kind of kept me where I knew hard work was important."

Stopping the five

Superstitions can make the difference in which way a puck bounces. When goalie Mark Guggenberger puts on both leg pads at the same time, he knows no pucks can enter the net through that space between a goaltender's legs known as the five hole.

"Instead of putting on one pad all the way and then the other, I put them on together," Guggenberger said. "That way nothing goes between them out on the ice."

On the other hand, not following the proper pregame ritual can anger the hockey gods: "I had a couple games where I put on one then the other and got scored on five hole," Guggenberger said. "And then I put them on together and I haven't been scored on like that in a while."

After a bad game, Hand said it helps to consider whether he strayed from his normal routine. "I try to think about 'What did I do differently?'" Hand said. "Maybe I left for the rink later than I usually do. Maybe I slept for too long."

Sometimes changing up a pregame routine in some small way can help the team bounce back from a loss, Spady said. For example, Wildfong hands the Brahmas' starting lineup to a player before each game. And the chosen player reads the names to his teammates.

During a winning streak, the coach hands the lineup sheet to the same guy as the previous game. But after a loss, it's time to let somebody else read the names.

"It gets you excited," Spady said. "You always assume it's a good thing when you change it up."

But when a superstition seems to work, you just go with it. No questions asked.

"Say you have a great game: You have two goals, the team plays great," Spady said. "You'll probably try and do everything exactly the same if you have a game the next night -- even down to who you got a ride with to the arena."

Photo Credit: Star-Telegram/Paul Mosely

2012-02-06T17:00:00.001-06:00

Former Brahmas coach selected for 2013 Winter Universiade

Forbes MacPherson named Team Canada Assistant Coach

Former Texas Brahmas assistant coach Forbes MacPherson has been selected as one of the assistant coaches for Team Canada at the 26th Winter World University Games.

Gardiner MacDougall, head coach of the reigning CIS champion UNB Varsity Reds, will serve as Team Canada bench boss and will be assisted by MacPherson and St. Francis Xavier's Brad Peddle.

The trio was selected by a committee chaired by AUS men's hockey convenor John Ryan.

"We are thrilled to have these three AUS head coaches lead the 2013 men's hockey team on behalf of the conference and CIS," said Ryan, the Director of Athletics at Cape Breton University. "Gardiner, Brad and Forbes bring a great deal of passion, experience and knowledge of the game of hockey and they will no doubt represent us very well on the international stage. I am confident these three individuals will work very diligently over the coming months to put the very best team possible to represent CIS in Slovenia."

At the biennial multi-sport event, which will run from January 30th to February 9th, Canada will be represented in men's hockey by a team comprised entirely of players from the AUS conference.

MacPherson, a native of Stratford, P.E.I., has led the University of Prince Edward Island hockey program since 2009 and has played or coached for a number of years at both the university and professional levels.

He skated for the University of New Brunswick from 1991-93 and then with the Panthers from 1994-96, before moving on to professional stops in the CoHL, IHL, ECHL, WPHL and AHL. From 2000-07, he was a player/assistant coach with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (WPHL & CHL), and from 2007-08, was assistant coach and assistant director of hockey operations for the Texas Brahmas.

Canada has tallied an impressive 12 medals in 13 all-time appearances at the Universiade men's hockey tournament, including three gold, three silver and six bronze.

In addition to the title won by the all-AUS team in 2007 in Italy, Canada was crowned in 1991 in Sapporo, Japan, while represented by the senior national squad, and in 1981 in Jaca, Spain, when the University of Alberta Golden Bears wore the Maple Leaf uniform.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-02-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

Killer Bees sting Brahmas with 5-4 shootout win

Chad Woollard scores natural hat trick in Brahmas' OT loss

The Brahmas suffered defeat for the third straight game as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bee stole the win on Saturday night at the State Farm Arena.

The Bees and Brahmas fought back and forth for the upper hand in the high scoring game. The game was sent into overtime and then a shootout after the two teams tried to break the third tie of the night at 4-4. In the end, RGV's Aaron Lee scored the game-winner in the shootout.

With the loss, the Brahmas earned a point in the standings which was enough to give them sole possession of third place in the Berry Conference with a 20-17-8 record (48 points). This puts them a point ahead of the Tulsa Oilers, 11 points behind second-place Allen and 12 points behind first-place Wichita.

The first period saw a great deal of action as the Killer Bees and the Brahmas each registered a pair of goals, three of which in the first five minutes.

The Killer Bees took an early lead thanks to a Zac Pearson goal 1:59 into the opening frame. Pearson took the puck in from the top of the right circle where it was stopped at first by Mark Guggenberger. After a scramble around the net, Pearson managed to tap it in to register the first goal of the night. Phillip Ischi and Jake Hauswirth earned the assists.

The Killer Bees struck again at the 4:24 mark when Nicolas Rioux took a feed from Jason Dixon and fired one past Guggenberger from the point. Jake Hauswirth earned his second assist of the night on the play.

Just 32 seconds later, Chad Woollard scored one for the Brahmas. T.J. Fox had the assist. Then, at the 13:23 mark, Woollard teamed up again with Fox and got another one past Wylie Rogers to tie the game up at 2-2.

The tie held up as the teams went into the locker rooms for the first intermission. Shots were even at eight apiece.

Woollard secured a natural hat trick early in the second period when he scored his third goal of the night at the 3:36 mark, giving Texas a one point advantage.

The advantage didn't last long though - Phillip Ischi tied the game at 3-3 at the 4:43 mark. Mike Wilson drove the puck from the defensive side and fed it to Ischi who found the back of the net from the slot.

Adam Hogg answered back for the Brahmas shortly afterward, which put Texas back in the lead at 4-3 for the remainder of the period.

The Brahmas had a 12-8 shot advantage in the middle frame.

The game slowed in the third period until Kirill Startsev put the puck between the pipes 10:58 into the period and tied the game for the third time at 4-4. Craig Lineker and Mike Wilson assisted the goal.

The Brahmas held the 8-6 shot advantage in the third period but neither goalie could be beat again and the game was sent into overtime tied at 4-4, and then went into a shootout. Chris Moran, T.J. Fox, Adam Hogg, Chad Woollard and Phil Fox shot for the Brahmas but were unable to beat Rogers. Aaron Lee scored the game-winning goal for the Bees.

The Brahmas characteristically went 0 for 5 on the power play. The Bucks went 3 for 4. The Brahmas were assessed 15 minutes on six infractions; the Bucks received 27 minutes on eight infractions.

Mark Guggenberger stopped 22 of 26 shots faced and takes the overtime loss. His record goes to 9-4-3 with a 2.24 GAA (2nd in the league) and a .918 Save Percentage (6th in the league).

The Brahmas were assessed 12 minutes on six infractions and went 0 for 1 on the power play.

Referee: Steve Cruikshank
Linesman 1: Aaron Chockla
Linesman 2: Brad Duncan

1st Star: Phillip Ischi (RGV)
2nd Star: Chad Woollard
3rd Star: Jake Hauswirth (RGV)

You can view the box score here and the GameLive broadcast here.

The Brahmas have returned home and will host the Allen Americans on Friday night with the opening puck drop slated for 7:30 pm CST.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-02-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

Shut out, part 2

Laredo Solves Avramenko again and wins 1-0

61:43. 'Nuff said.

It took the Bucks just 1:43 to score on Avramenko - their first shot in the game. Rusty Masters had the short-handed, unassisted strike following a Hooking call on Matt R. Pierce 23 seconds into the contest. Dan Wildfong pulled Avramenko immediately and sent in Mark Guggenberger, who proceeded to stop the next four shots before the first intermission. Word is that Avramenko received some coaching advice from Fonger - 'nuff said, part 2.

The Brahmas had the narrow 6-5 shot advantage in the first 20 minutes.

Things got Chippy in the middle frame but there was no scoring. New Brahmas forward Tyler Barr dropped the gloves with Justin Styffe and both received the customary Fighting Majors at the 7:03 mark. Erik Spady was called for Cross Checking at the 9:58 mark. Barr and Styffe received matching Roughing calls at the 17:05 mark and Adam Hogg was written up for Interference at the 19:43 mark. Phew!

Guggenberger and Jung remained perfect, stopping 12 and seven shots, repectively during the period.

Let's just say more of the same in the third period, physical play, no scoring, goaltenders perfect. The Bucks took the win, shutting out the Brahmas for the second consecutive night.

Adam Avramenko faced one shot and, well, let's just say he earned the loss. Mark Guggenberger stopped all 24 shots faced in relief. Torrie Jung stopped all 27 shots faced and earned the win.

The Brahmas went 0 for 2 on the power play; the Bucks went 0 for 7. Texas was assessed 21 minutes on nine infractions; Laredo received 11 minutes on four infractions.

Referee: Mark-Andre Lavoie
Linesman 1: James Sanders
Linesman 2: John Grandt

1st Star: Torrie Jung (LAR)
2nd Star: Rusty Masters (LAR)
3rd Star: Adam Rivet (LAR)

You can view the box score here and the GameLive broadcast here.

The Brahmas are in Hidalgo, Texas to play the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees tonight with the opening face off set for 7:30 pm CST.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-02-03T19:00:00.002-06:00

Jaeger finds new success in Germany

Former Brahmas goalie has shutout in first start for Bremerhaven

When Brett Jaeger joined his new team in Bremerhaven, he entered a three-way battle for the number one spot in net - and quickly made a strong first impression. Jaeger's first start for the Penguins was on Sunday against the Hannover Indians and he not only earned a win, but a 3-0 shutout.

Jaeger signed with the Fischtown Pinguins (also known as Bremerhaven REV) who play in Germany's 2nd Bundesliga. Home ice is the Bremerhaven Ice Arena which opened in March of last year and seats 4,250. With a record, the Penguins are in 7th place

Jaeger began the season with Copenhagen Hockey in Denmark's AL-Bank Ligaen where he played 27 games and had a 3.12 GAA and a .908 Save Percentage.

Copenhagen had no chance of making the playoffs and all foreign players were granted releases from the club.

"My team in Denmark wanted to transfer me and the Penguins were interested - that's how it goes sometimes in hockey," Jaeger said. "But it's good for me. For me this is a step up the ladder."

Jaeger with former Swedish goalie and current trainer Gunnar Borg

Veteran backstopper Marko Suvelo and Sebastian Staudt might not have enjoyed hearing another goalie was coming but Jaeger took the situation in stride.

"The situation is what it is," Jaeger said. "I will train hard and be available. I hope I can help the team when I play."

Classic Jaegs. Always the consummate professional.

Here's an interview with Jaeger from last Monday during his first day of practice with his new club (have patience with the translator). Watch the looks on Jaeger's face as he begins to wonder why he's still standing there as the two commentators start a lengthy discussion in German:

The Penguins defeated the Landshut Cannibals today by a score of 6-5 with Jaeger in goal. Two starts, two wins. The penguins play again on Sunday.

Photo Credits: Top/Radio Bremen; Bottom/Nordsee-Zeitung

2012-02-03T16:00:00.001-06:00

Brahmas acquire Tyler Barr

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees forward picked up off waivers

The Texas Brahmas signed former Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees forward Tyler Barr today, according to Pointstreak.com.

Barr, 23, began the season with the New Jersey Outlaws (FHL) where he played 28 games and tallied 12 points (7 G, 5 A) and 161 penalty minutes. He signed with the Killer Bees on January 13th and played eight games before he was waived on February 2nd. With the Killer Bees, Barr had one goal and 13 PIM.

Barr spent the past two seasons with the Pensacola Ice Flyers (SPHL) where he accumulated 22 points (8 G, 14 A) and 289 PIM in 99 regular season games. He added three points (1 G, 2 A) and 2 PIM in three post-season contests last season.

The North Vancouver, BC native played the majority of his Junior hockey career in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Burnaby Express, Langley Chiefs and Merritt Centennials. In 2008-09, he played for the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL).

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-02-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

There are losses and then there are losses...

Brahmas defeated 6-0 in Laredo

March 24, 2006. That's the last time a Brahmas team was shut out 6-0.

The team was on the road at the Chevrolet Center in Youngstown, Ohio for the second game in a three-game series to close out the regular season.

The SteelHounds (who had a 5-2 win the night before after losing ten straight at home) had their way with the Brahmas as five different players (including four players with one goal and two assists each) scored goals on Andrew Martin who had yet to post a win since being claimed off waivers at the end of January.

A sixth goal at the beginning of the third period sealed the shut out for the home team and the fans got a free Big Mac at one of SteelHounds owner Herb Washington's McDonald's franchises.

It wasn't the worst loss for the then Fort Worth Brahmas that season - just 14 days earlier, they were on the receiving end of a 8-0 road loss to the Colorado Eagles.

OK, enough for the trip down memory lane.

What can you say about Wednesday night's game?

The Bucks controlled the first period of play from the drop of the puck. Justin Styffe got the Bucks on the board just 2:04 into the game when he scored a short-handed unassisted goal on Adam Avramenko.

The Bucks were able to kill off two Brahmas power plays, before it was their turn to have the man-advantage due to a Hooking call on Adam Hogg at the 14:58 mark. The Brahmas penalty-killers were successful but the Bucks went back on the power play at the 18:43 mark after an Interference call on Thomas Galiani .

This time David Inman put it past Avramenko with just 13.4 seconds left in the period. Neil Trimm and Matt Boyd assisted on the goal which gave the Bucks a 2-0 lead to end the period.

The Bucks out shot the Brahmas 8-6 in the opening frame.

Laredo continued to dominate the game during the second period of play.

Ryan Sparling scored on another power play at the 3:32 mark. The rebound goal was assisted by David Inman and Adam Rivet.

Rusty Masters scored an even-strength goal at the 6:51 mark, assisted by Ryan Sparling giving Laredo a 4-0 lead.

At the 14:22 mark, it was Neil Trimm’s turn to get on the board with a power play goal, following a Hooking call on Phil Fox. Matt Pierce and A.J. Hau assisted on the goal.

Shortly after the goal, the game took a physical turn as former Buck Ryan Hand dropped the gloves with Justin Styffe. Hand received two minutes for Charging as well as a Fighting major. Styffe received a two minute Fighting (Instigator), a five minute Fighting Major and a 10 minute Fighting (Instigator) Misconduct.

The Bucks out shot the Brahmas 15-13 in the middle frame.

Matt Boyd scored the sixth goal of the night 4:34 into the third period. Neil Trimm earned his third assist of the game and Matt Pierce earned his second assist with the Boyd goal.

The Bucks continued to control the puck throughout the final frame although the Brahmas had a 10-7 shot advantage.

Torrie Jung played flawlessly to earn his second shut-out in less than a week and helped the Bucks earn the 6-0 victory. Adam Avramenko stopped 24 of 30 shots faced and earned the loss in his professional debut. Welcome to the CHL.

The Brahmas characteristically went 0 for 5 on the power play. The Bucks went 3 for 4. The Brahmas were assessed 15 minutes on six infractions; the Bucks received 27 minutes on eight infractions.

Again, what can you say about this game? Best not say anything. Let's just file this one away and forget it ever happened.

Referee: Mark-Andre Lavoie
Linesman 1: James Sanders
Linesman 2: John Grandt

1st Star: Torrie Jung (LAR)
2nd Star: Neil Trimm (LAR)
3rd Star: David Inman (LAR)

You can view the box score here and the GameLive broadcast here.

The Brahmas will remain in Laredo and take on the Bucks again on Friday night with the opening puck drop slated for 7:30 pm CST.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-30T16:15:00.000-06:00

Brahmas sign Adam Avramenko

Former Niagara University goalie to back up Guggenberger

The Texas Brahmas announced today that they have signed former Niagara University Purple Eagles goalie Adam Avramenko. Other goalie-related transactions include Ron Vogel and Steve Silverthorn placed on waivers and and Mark Guggenberger activated from injured reserve.

The moves follow the departure of Silverthorn, who has returned to Germany, where he will play for the Dresden Ice Lions for the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

Avramenko, 25, is a former teammate of current Texas Brahmas Jim Burichin and Chris Moran at Niagara University.

The 6', 2" 210-pound left handed netminder hails from Strathmore, Alberta - just East of Calgary, and began his Junior career with the Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL) in New Brunswick, where he went 28-8-0 during the 2005-06 season. He went 11-3-0-1 during the post-season when the Slammers won the Kent Cup

The following season, Avarenko played for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) and had a 20-21-6 record in 48 games played.

Avarenko played three seasons at Niagara University (2007-10) where he appeared in 32 games with a record of 9-11-6 and two shutouts. He was named to the 2007-08 CHA All-Rookie team. He played his first two seasons as a backup to starter Juliano Pagliero, then was expected to emerge into a starting role during the 2009-10 season, but after a rocky start to the season was relegated to backup duty. He did not return for what would have been his senior season at Niagara.

Instead, last season, Avarenko signed a PTO with the Laredo Bucks and attended their training camp but was released prior to the beginning of the season. He played with the Fayetteville FireAntz (six games) and the Augusta RiverHawks (10 games) in the SPHL as well as the Florida Everblades (three games) in the ECHL.

Avramenko was invited to the Calgary Flames training camp and was (according to the Calgary Sun‘s Randy Sportak) due to join the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) for their training camp on a tryout basis, but got an early summons to Penticton due to an injury to Calgary Flames draftee Laurent Brossoit prior to the Young Stars rookie tournament. He was released by the Flames organization on September 21st.

Avramenko is listed on the Brooklyn Aviators (FHL) roster but has not played a game with the team. According to the Aviators' transactions page, he is listed as "loaned to Texas Brahmas (CHL)."

Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel - AnnArbor.com

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

From Where I Sit - Steve Silverthorn

“What Could Have Been”

I’ve never met Steve Silverthorn. But I know he is a quality athlete, person and family man. As a big fan and huge supporter of his, I will greatly miss seeing him in net for the Texas Brahmas.

Signed over the summer, Steve was brought here to be our #1 goalie and rightfully so based on his hockey pedigree and 220-109-23 record in college and professional play here and abroad. He is a sound goalie with great instincts. I was aware of his history and his 11-11-5 numbers here never changed my mind about his abilities...just about his luck, or lack of it in Texas.

Much of the uneasiness of the Silverthorn doubters lingered from the start of the season. With a new, young team scoring three goals in front of him, Steve was 0-4 before he had coffee and a good breakfast in North Richland Hills. Overall the team scored 65 goals for him in 27 starts. He did his job with a 2.40 GAA.

Check the numbers of the top eight CHL goalies with a 2.10 to 2.70 GAA’s in the league stats. Wait I’ll save you the trouble…their cumulative record this year is 105-43-21.

Steve will turn 30 years old on February 7th. He has a beautiful wife and equally beautiful twin daughters. Maybe he felt he could prolong his career as well as make a better living for his family playing back in Europe. It's possible he had trouble adjusting to the physical play of the Central Hockey League and felt he might be injured.

I don’t know the particulars of his decision. But I’m guessing it was a very difficult one to make. What I do know is whatever the reason, he will return to Europe.

I respect his decision. I enjoyed watching him play and am sad that he is gone and things didn’t work out for him here. It is our opportunity missed. Best wishes to both him and his family in the future.

The Brahmas are blessed to have a very talented rookie tender in Mark Guggenberger who has had early success here and has his whole hockey career in front of him. Mark has been fortunate to be around Steve Silverthorn beginning his play for money life and witness how a professional hockey player conducts himself.

Let’s hope that “Googs” can put what he has learned and his immense talent to good use and lead the Brahmas to the promised land.

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Silverthorn departs the Brahmas

Goalie signs with the Dresden Ice Lions in Germany

The Steve Silverthorn era, which never really came to fruition, is over. The Insider learned on Sunday afternoon that the Brahmas goalie has told the Brahmas coaches and after Saturday night's win against Laredo, his teammates that he had decided to return to Europe.

At least Silver leaves on a somewhat high note. Ranked fourth in the Central Hockey League with a 2.40 GAA and 16th with a .905 Save Percentage, he has won five of his last seven starts and was finally getting some lukewarm support from many of the fans.

As early as Sunday morning, the German media was reporting that Schwenningen ERC was speaking with Silverthorn about a possible return to his old team. Silverthorn played for Schwenningen for two seasons before signing with Texas and has played in Germany for three seasons total.

On Monday morning, it was reported he had instead signed with the Dresden Ice Lions here and here. The Ice Lions had lost their number one goalie to injury for the remainder of the season. Kellen Briggs would need surgery and a replacement was needed immediately.

Click photo to enlarge

Silverthorn had to move quickly to beat the transfer deadline in Germany. So he did.

I found Silverthorn to be a likable person and I knew of his pedigree, and the fact that Fonger had been pursuing him for years. I was as discouraged as anyone that the "promise and the product" that was Silverthorn's game was two different realities. That's not to fully blame Silverthorn - in fairness, there were many reasons for his lack of early success with the purple and black.

None of it really matters now. Silverthorn leaves the Brahmas in the thick of the race for the post-season, with a tenuous hold on the third place slot in the Berry Conference and a goalie short of a duo.

From a character standpoint, regardless of anything else, I can't forgive someone who leaves their team in the lurch at a crucial point in the season.

Mark Guggenberger, a very capable young man now has a tremendous opportunity as well as a tremendous responsibility to help lead the Brahmas to the promised land - a second Ray Miron President's Cup Championship. Of course he'll have some help. The Brahmas have a couple of backstoppers en route or already here, but I'll withhold their names for now out of respect to Fonger.

As for Silverthorn, we can only wish him the best of luck and prosperity in his future. 'Nuff said.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-24T12:10:00.002-06:00

Woollard featured on In The Crease podcast

Greg Rajan interviews the Brahmas sniper on just about everything

Uberblogger Greg Rajan has posted his latest podcast which features the Texas Brahmas' veteran forward Chad Woollard as well as Rio Grande Valley reporter Brian Sandalow. Rajan, who coined the NYTEX Sports Centre nickname "The Shoebox", has produced an outstanding interview and you can listen to it here.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-22T19:00:00.002-06:00

Adam Hogg scored the game-winning goal in tonight's victory

Take that, Thunder!

Brahmas, Silverthorn win 3-2 in Wichita

The Texas Brahmas defeated the Wichita Thunder by a score of 3-2 tonight, on the road at the Intrust Bank Arena. The boys took two out of three games in the three-day weekend series and there's no doubt, they won this one for Ross Rouleau, who was sidelined by a dirty hit by R.G. Flath night.

Eight Brahmas players had points tonight including T.J. Fox, Jacques Perreault and Adam Hogg, who scored the goals. Adam Hogg tallied the game-winner, his third of the season.

The victory moves the Brahmas' record to 19-14-7 (.563) with 45 points and Steve Silverthorn earned his fourth win out of his last five starts as well as the 1st Star for tonight's performance. Silver's record improved to 10-10-5 with a 2.51 GAA (5th in the league) and a .902 Save Percentage (17th in the league).

The Tulsa Oilers lost on the road in Evansville, so the Brahmas, who remain in third place in the Berry Conference, now have a six point advantage over Bruce Ramsay's team as well as Terry Ruskowski's Killer Bees. Arizona and Laredo remain out of the playoff hunt. The boys are sneaking up on the Americans, who are four points ahead and the Thunder, who hold a tenuous five point advantage.

Six of the seven games played between the two teams have been decided by one goal. Wichita leads the season series four games to three. The two teams will not see one another until Tuesday, March 20th when the Thunder return to NYTEX for the final game of the series.

The Brahmas' scratches for the game included Rouleau, Mark Guggenberger, Mark Ehl and Gregg Eskedjian.

The Brahmas had two power play opportunities in the opening minutes of the first period due to the foolish play of Erick Lizon, who was called for Charging at the 2:17 mark and Holding at the 6:37 mark. The Thunder's penalty killers held the boys off once, but T.J. Fox capitalized on the second, catching Adam Russo out of the net which enabled an easy score off of a feed from Erik Spady. Andrew Lackner had the secondary assist.

Just as they did last night, the Brahmas took a 2-0 lead in the first 20, this time at the 15:05 mark on a score by Jacques Perreault, who followed up his own rebound after attempting a wrap-around and managed to beat Russo. Chris Moran and Dan Nicholls were credited with the assists.

Wichita's Matt Summers was called for Holding at the 17:56 mark, but the Brahmas were unable to score on the resulting power play.

The boys had a narrow 13-12 shot advantage in the period and took to the locker room with a 2-0 lead.

There was no scoring in the middle frame. Both teams had a single power play opportunity but neither capitalized. The shots were even at 10-10 and the Thunder went into their locker rooms still down by two.

Kevin McClelland's boys came out fighting in the third period and got on the board at the 2:13 mark when Matt Robinson beat Silverthorn with some help from Matt Summers to make it a 2-1 contest. Jim Burichin was penalized twice (Interference at 2:49 and Holding at 6:40) but the Brahmas PK (9th in the league) held off the Thunder. One-time Brahma Kevin Seibel was also assessed two minutes for Boarding at the 7:04 mark.

Adam Hogg extended the Brahmas lead to 3-1 with 4:52 remaining. Chad Woollard provided the assist.

Dan Nicholls was called for Tripping at the 15:45 mark, which led to a power play strike by
Alex Bourret, fed by Seibel and Brett Hemingway. Bourret's tally was too little, too late for the Thunder, who failed to get anything going in the final minutes and suffered their second loss in as many nights at the hands of the Brahmas.

Steve Silverthorn stopped 33 of 35 shots faced to earn the win.

The Brahmas were assessed 8 minutes on 4 infractions; the Thunder received 10 minutes on 5 infractions. Texas went 1 for 5 on the power play; Wichita went 1 for 4.

Referee: Pierre Lambert
Lines 1: Kyle DeMaggio
Lines 2: Shawn Morgan

1st Star: Steve Silverthorn - 33 saves on 35 shots faced.
2nd Star: Jacques Perreault - 1 goal.
3rd Star: Matt Robinson (WIC) - 1 goal.

You can view the Pointstreak box score here and the Game Live broadcast here.

The Brahmas return home tonight for a well-deserved rest. They will host the Tulsa Oilers (18-15-4) on Friday night and the Laredo Bucks (15-22-0) on Saturday night. The Oilers are 8-11-2 on the road and the Bucks are 6-10-0.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-21T10:00:00.002-06:00

Adam Russo wins the goaltender battle, stopping 27 of 30 shots faced

Brahmas comeback falls short

Wichita wins physical grudge match, 4-3

Another one point loss. A lingering curse for the Brahmas. The Boys have now lost four straight games out of five matches against the Wichita Thunder this season - all by one point (2-1, 4-3, 4-3, 4-3). Their lone win was also by one point (3-2).

Three games remain between the two teams between now and the end of the regular season. Where did Friday night's game go South? Where else - the final frame. Another lingering problem for the purple and black.

Wichita benefited from two power plays in the first period, both of which were Too Many Men Bench Minors. Former Brahmas forward Aaron Davis tallied the first goal of the night at the 13:17 mark. Jarred Mohr put a shot on net and Davis was able to bang home a rebound. Another former Brahma, Kevin Seibel, was credited with the secondary assist.

The Brahmas had the 9-6 shot advantage in the first 20 minutes but went into the locker room down by one.

Brendon Hodge tied the game up at the 9:57 mark of the middle frame when he caught a pass from Adam Hogg on the right circle and put it low on the ice past Thunder goalie Adam Russo. Jacques Perreault was also in on the assist.

Once again, the Brahmas had the shot advantage - this time 9-5 and the game remained tied after 40 minutes.

Phil Fox tallied his 14th goal of the season early in the third period, giving the Brahmas their first lead of the game, but Wichita followed that up with three unanswered scores.

Chris Greene scored just over a minute later to make it 2-2 on a tip-in from the point. R.G.Flath regained the lead for the Thunder at 13:27 after his shot re-directed off the defenders stick and past Brahmas goalie Steve Silverthorn to make it 3-2. At 15:07, Flath scored again in similar fashion, this time on a wrister that went directly over Silverthorn's glove to make it 4-2.

The Brahmas' Andrew Lackner added a goal with 3:30 remaining, but it was not enough and Wichita held on for the 4-3 win.

The Brahmas had the 12-8 shot advantage in the third period and a 30-19 advantage overall. Steve Silverthorn stopped 15 of 19 shots faced and takes the loss. His record goes to 8-10-5 (2.56 GAA/.901 Save Percentage).

The Brahmas were assessed six minutes on three infraction and went 1 for 3 on the power play, as did Wichita.

1st Star: R.G. Flath - 2 goals, including the game-winner.
2nd Star: Andrew Lackner - One goal, one assist.
3rd Star: Brendon Hodge - One goal.

You can view the Pointstreak box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

You can view my photos from the game here.

Despite the loss, the Brahmas remain in third place in the Berry Conference with a 17-14-7 (.539) record (9-3-4 at NYTEX) by the grace of losses by the Tulsa Oilers and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

The Brahmas will host the Thunder again tonight with the opening face off set for 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for my daughter, Corynn, who is celebrating her fourth birthday and will be riding the Zamboni during the first intermission!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-20T05:25:00.002-06:00

Star-Telegram profiles rookie 'tender

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/19/3673604/texas-brahmas-goalie-mark-guggenberger.html#storylink=cpy

Texas Brahmas goalie Mark Guggenberger has the look of a winner

This morning's Fort Worth Star-Telegram has a nice profile of the Brahmas' rookie goalie Mark Guggenberger, written by Mark Wright.

Mark Guggenberger just had the kind of week kids on frozen ponds dream about. The Texas Brahmas rookie, who grew up playing hockey outdoors in Richfield, Minn., turned 23 on Jan. 10. The next night, he played in the Central Hockey League All-Star Game.

All the rookie netminder did with his moment on the big stage was turn in a dream performance - entering in the second period and stopping 35 of 36 shots to earn the victory.

"I've been lucky enough to have good numbers this year, and it helps gives you confidence going against any team in the league," said Guggenberger, who is in his first season of professional hockey after playing one season at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Canada.

The numbers suggest he's been better than lucky. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Guggenberger leads the league in goals-against average (2.28) and is sixth in save percentage (.918). But what stands out most to coach Dan Wildfong is his goalie's 9-4-2 record.

"He's not just doing that -- making saves and stopping shots," Wildfong said. "He's getting the results. He's getting wins."

A quick study

Guggenberger's getting wins while, at the same time, adjusting to being a professional athlete.

On a recent morning Guggenberger could have passed for a college student in an outfit of black canvas shoes, jeans, woven hooded sweatshirt and orange cap. Much like a typical college experience, he has no car and lives with teammates in an apartment complex in Northlake near the Texas Motor Speedway. But in the CHL, there are no classes to attend or tests to cram for.

"I can just wake up and come over here and focus on improving my game and getting in my workouts and not have to study," Guggenberger said.

Guggenberger, though, is proving to be a quick study in the rink.

"He's doing a good job for us as a young guy coming in," Wildfong said. "He's a professional. He's come in and done the work and is taking care of what he needs to do to advance in this game."

UPEI coach Forbes MacPherson, Wildfong's former assistant with the Brahmas, said he isn't surprised by the goalie's success this season.

The level of the play in the CHL is comparable to major college hockey, MacPherson said. But the pro season crams in almost twice as many games. Guggenberger's combination of toughness, endurance and competitiveness provides a distinct advantage, the coach said.

"The obvious first thing about him is his size; he's a big kid who can cover a lot of net," said MacPherson, who recommended the player he calls "Googs" to the Brahmas last summer when Guggenberger decided to turn pro. "The second thing about him is he's a warrior. He prepares to play a hockey game like it's the last game he's ever going to play. He's a gamer and always rises to the occasion."

Guggenberger showed that each-game-is-the-last intensity late in the second period of the CHL All-Star Game. A well-placed backdoor pass set up an Arizona Sundogs player for what appeared to be an easy scoring chance. But Guggenberger sprawled out on the ice to block the shot as the buzzer went off to end the period.

"We had guys on my team patting me on the pads as well as guys from the other team," Guggenberger said. "So it must have been a good save."

About the only thing that seems to be missing from Guggenberger's stellar season so far is a shutout. He's only given up one goal in several starts but has so far has been unable to hold the other team scoreless.

"Goalies don't talk about shutouts," Guggenberger said. "It's a superstition we have. The bottom line is [fellow goalie Steve] Silverthorn and I both go out trying to give the team a chance to win every night."

Growing pains

Guggenberger's play has positioned the Brahmas in the thick of the playoff race. But he'll have to settle for cheering on his teammates for the time being after injuring his wrist against Rio Grande Valley in his first start after the all-star game. He is expected to miss two weeks.

Wildfong said he doesn't think the time off with hurt Guggenberger: "He's gaining confidence as he has success, as all players do. And the guys in front of him are playing well, too."

This isn't the goalie's first painful experience on the ice. Guggenberger lost his first permanent tooth during an after-school pickup game when he was 11 or 12.

"It got knocked out when I was playing outdoor hockey," Guggenberger said. "Somebody's stick came up and ended up knocking it out. My mom wasn't happy about that."

Unlike his mother, the young goalie took the gap in his smile in stride, and he can't seem to hide his wide smile as he muses about what the future might hold. The first goal is to lead the Brahmas deep in the playoffs. And after that?

"I'm only signed here for this season, so after that it's whatever gets me closer to the next level," he said. "Everyone's goal is to play in the NHL."

It would be the kind of career kids on frozen ponds dreams about.

Gaga over Googs - Season highlights for Brahmas rookie goalie

4: Games he was named a 3-star player.

5: Power-play goals allowed in 48 opportunities.

6: One-goal games.

No shutouts, yet.

79:49: Longest shutout streak, over two games.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2012-01-19T10:19:00.003-06:00

From Where I Sit - A Close Look at the Berry Conference

Terry Ruskowski said the other day that the playoff race is fully on in both conferences and that every point was important for the rest of the year. I fully agree. With five teams battling for four postseason spots, let’s take a closer look at the one that matters to us…the Brahmas’ conference.

As I write this, Wichita and Allen are in the top two positions and will make the playoffs. But the Brahmas, Killer Bees and Oilers are fighting tooth and nail for the last two coveted places…and one team will be disappointed.

Ten teams are in playoff contention league-wide...the good teams. There are four bottom dwellers who are still dangerous, but I predict will miss the post-season (Laredo, Arizona, Dayton and Bloomington).

TEXAS BRAHMAS - 17-13-7, 41 points. 29 games left - 23 vs. good teams (14 at home); 6 vs. bottom feeders.

The Brahmas have the most home games left of the three teams (18) and the fewest roadies (11). Our defense and goaltending is the best. Even with Guggs dinged a little, Steve Silverthorn will show all that he is a great professional and step up in the interim. The powerplay and scoring in general has been a problem and the team needs another sniper. Lastly, we have the “Shoebox factor” in our favor. We win 3 of every 4 games in our beloved arena.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY KILLER BEES - 17-14-5, 39 points. 30 games left - 14 vs. good teams (10 away); 16 vs. bottom feeders.

The Killer Bees have by far the easiest schedule left with most of their games against lowly teams (Laredo- 10, Bloomington - 3, Arizona - 2 and Dayton - 1). Most of their games against playoff contenders will be on the road, including two at the convention center in Fort Worth. The Bees have been playing well lately and have good special teams. If they get David Marshall back from the AHL and a couple more players get healthy, they will be trouble.

TULSA OILERS - 17-14-3, 37 points. 32 games left - 27 vs. good teams (14 away); 5 vs. bottom feeders.

The Oilers have the most games and toughest schedule remaining. They play all but five of their remaining 32 games against contenders. Tulsa is a quality team full of productive rookies that score a lot of goals. They just signed ex-Brahma Steve Christie as a backup 'tender to take some of the load off Keserich. Their defense is suspect. Like the Brahmas, the last third of their season is full of home games.

How will this race unfold ?

My guess is that RGV will be in the playoffs, primarily because their unbalanced schedule dropped ten more games with the Bucks in their laps. Roscoe, who missed the post-season last year, is also very motivated not to let that happen again. The Brahmas chances? I think we will have to beat out a good Tulsa team to get in. We have seven toughies left with Allen but our five against RGV (four at home, one away) and five vs. Tulsa (three at home, two away) will be huge.

It will be exciting ! See you all at the games.

CT

2012-01-17T13:52:00.005-06:00

Brahmas, fans to attempt to set three Guinness world records

Team hosts the Wichita Thunder Friday and Saturday

This weekend, the first-place Wichita Thunder will roll into the NYTEX Sports Centre for a two-game series against your Texas Brahmas. All four of this season's games between the two teams thus far have been decided by one goal.

On Friday night, the Brahmas, with help from their fans, will attempt to break three Guinness World Records - the longest air hockey marathon, the most simultaneous fist bumps and the longest conga line on ice.

During the first intermission, fans in attendance will be encouraged to come onto the ice and help break the fist bump and conga line records. The contestants for the air hockey marathon have already been chosen, and the record-setting streak will begin Thursday and conclude at the Brahmas game Friday.

See Yahoo's Puck Daddy blog post here

Unless you have a good excuse, don't miss this weekend's action at NYTEX - the boys need your support. Be there, be loud, believe!

2012-01-17T11:45:00.004-06:00

From Where I Sit...The Playoff Chase

Although we're only a few days past the ASG and in mid-season, the playoff chase is heating up with every game and all the teams and coaches know it and feel it.

The league is more competitive than ever. Every team in the league has at least 12 wins and there are no patsies if you are not ready. Every point is critical and in the end, a bounce here or mistake there may make the difference. There is no dominant team and all have their warts and shortcomings. The clubs that improve the most from here on out will make it.

Why is the post-season extra important this year? Yes, every player and coach wants a shot at a title, but the new CHL playoff format (only 4 of 7 qualifying from each Conference) makes it financially vital for each organization to “make it to the dance.” The prize is postseason revenue. This year, each round will guarantee a club from two to four extra home games, depending your seeding and how you play. Every playoff round is best of seven (the way it should be).

In both conferences it appears the fight for the playoffs will be five for four spots affairs. In the Turner, it appears that Fort Wayne, Quad City, Evansville, Missouri and Rapid City will duke it out with Dayton and Bloomington spectators. In the Berry, it will be a dogfight between Wichita, Allen, Texas, Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley with Arizona and Laredo as also rans.

The tussles could very well go down the the final week of the season. It will be exciting to watch especially if the Brahmas make it for the fifth straight season. I hope we have fingernails left for April hockey in NRH.

What I see now is each coach in the CHL massaging his roster...trying to get players back from IR, looking for that “difference maker”…a needed knuckdragger, a backup goalie, an extra scorer. In a few weeks the February 6 (trade) and February 13 (European signing) deadlines will be upon us. After that you go with what you’ve got and hope it works out.

CT

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

Don't Mess With Texas - Ryan Hand vs. Tyler Barr

Thanks to Brahmas photographer Glen Ellman for the following shots of Ryan Hand's (6'1", 205 pounds) bout against Tyler Barr (6'2", 215 pounds). Glen was shooting from the bench and got these fantastic shots. I shot from upstairs and will add photos to the Insider Flickr page as they are edited.

2012-01-15T22:00:00.005-06:00

The Insider Video Interview - Mark Guggenberger

The Brahmas' rookie goaltender talks about joining the Brahmas, being selected as an All-Star and his success in the net

Mark Guggenberger is having the time of his life and if you don't believe that, take a close look at the rookie goaltender's smile on game day. At 23 (as of January 10th), the Richfield, Minnesota native has a 9-4-2 record, leads all Central Hockey League goaltenders with a 2.28 GAA and is ranked #6 with a .918 Save Percentage.

On December 29th, Guggenberger was selected as a reserve goalie for the 2012 CHL All-Star Game, which was held on January 11th at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Guggenberger blocks a shot by Arizona's Mike Gurtler

Guggenberger entered the game in relief of Fort Wayne Komets goalie Nick Boucher at the 9:34 mark of the second period with the score tied 3-3. Stopping 35 of 36 shots faced, he earned what may have been his most significant win of the season. Sure, a meaningless game as far as the standings go, but for a rookie backstopper, a huge honor and a immeasurable thrill.

I spoke to Guggenberger after tonight's 4-2 win over the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Here is our conversation.

Photo Credits: Top/Robert Keith; Bottom/Les Stukenberg - The Daily Courier

2011-12-02T16:00:00.000-06:00

Brahmas host the Americans this weekend

Two-game series between Metroplex rivals

The Texas Brahmas (7-6-2) and the Allen Americans (9-3-3) will rekindle their rivalry with a two game series at the NYTEX Sports Centre beginning tonight at 7:30pm CST. The two teams have met just once this season - on October 28th, during which the Brahmas were dominated and took a 5-1 loss.

The Americans won 8 of 11 games played during the month of November and are currently ranked second in the league in total points(21). Their key catalyst has been their recently acquired goaltender, Marco Cousineau. After being sent down by the Anaheim Ducks organization, Cousineau has battled his heart out, earning the Goaltender of the Month award and walking away with a solid record of 5-0-1.

The Brahmas will look to snap their three-game losing streak tonight with a solid performance. While playing at NYTEX, the Brahmas are 4-2-2, a respectable home record, but can definitely be improved on tonight.

Bruce Graham leads the Americans with 20 points (9 G, 11 A) this season followed closely by Colton Yellow Horn, who has 19 (7 G, 12 A).

On the Brahmas side of things, forwards Jordan Kary (5 G, 7 A), Chad Woollard (4 G, 8 A) and TJ Fox (4 G, 8 A) co-lead the team with 12 points each.

The Americans are 3-1-1 over their past 5 games played while the Brahmas are 1-2-2. Bruce Graham has registered 9 points (4 G, 5 A) over that span. Allen has allowed the fewest goals (39) in the Central Hockey League while Texas has scored the fewest (39). The Americans are 6-1-3 away from the Allen Event Center so far this year.

The second game of the series will take place at 7:30 pm CST on Saturday night.

Thanks to Brandon Cox for many of the stats/tidbits used in this post.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-12-02T15:15:00.002-06:00

Curran is back!

Fan favorite expected on the ice tonight against Allen

The Texas Brahmas have activated Alex Curran from the Injured Reserve according to Pointstreak. Curran was placed on the 10-day list following the first of a three-game series against the Arizona Sundogs on November 17th.

The hard-working Brahmas instigator has been missed by fans and will be a welcome sight at the NYTEX Sports Centre tonight as the purple and black take on the Allen Americans.

Tonight is also Ladies’ Night at NYTEX – the Brahmas will offer all women attending the game a discount on ticket prices, various prizes and happy hour drink specials throughout the contest.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-24T10:35:00.001-06:00

Former Brahmas forward Jeff Hazelwood sneaks one (three) past Mark Guggenberger

Wait, what just happened?

Sundogs defeat Brahmas in overtime, 4-3

Sudden death overtime. Emphasis on the word sudden. One second you're in it, the next you're scratching you're head, thinking 'wait, what just happened here?' and then a second later, you realize what's happened and that's it. Game over.

The Arizona Sundogs delivered another home loss for the purple and black on Wednesday night with a 4-3 overtime victory, courtesy of former Texas Brahmas forward Jeff Hazelwood. Exactly three minutes into the extra frame, Hazelwood, who had solved Mark Guggenberger twice already, sent in the game winner which also completed his first hat trick as a Sundog.

Guggenberger stopped 25 of 29 shots faced in 63:00 played and took his first professional loss. His record goes to 3-0-1 with a 2.16 GAA (first in the league) and a .926 Save Percentage (fourth in the league).

Special teams play continues to falter - despite two power play goals, the Brahmas power play is second to last at 15.38%, as is the penalty kill at 75.93%.

The Brahmas earned a point for their efforts, but remain in fifth place in the Berry Conference with a 7-5-1 record (.577) and 15 points. Their home record goes to 4-2-1.

Hazelwood struck first blood with a shot from the left circle at the 17:54 mark of the opening frame, putting the Sundogs up 1-0. David Nimmo and B.J. Crum were in on the assists. Arizona had a 12-7 shot advantage in the period and neither team capitalized on their initial power play opportunities. That would change in the second period.

A Holding call on Brahmas defenseman Ryan Hand provided a man-advantage for the Sundogs at the 6:22 mark and it took Tyler Butler all of 37 seconds to strike with a slapshot from the point, assisted by Kyle Hood and Nimmo.

Texas countered with a power play strike of their own, courtesy of a Slashing call on Jean-Philipp Chabot less than 2 1/2 minutes later. Defenseman Andrew Lackner sent in a shot from the blue line, assisted by Kyle Howarth and Adam Hogg at the 10:44 mark to cut the Sundogs' lead in half.

A Too Many Men Bench Minor gave the Brahmas another power play at the 14:30 mark and Chad Woollard beat goalie Levente Szuper with his shot from between the circles, fed by Phil Fox and T.J. Fox at 14:52.

The game remained knotted at 2-2 for the remainder of the period. Ryan Hand and Tyler Matheson dropped gloves following Woollard's score. More of a sweater grab than a fight, Matheson appeared to connect with a couple of rights and took a couple of lefts from Hand, who managed to win the balance war, taking Matheson to the ice as the Sundog groped for an eye gouge. The two were assessed Fighting Majors for their efforts.

The Brahmas had a 13-9 shot advantage in the middle period.

Calin Wild broke the deadlock 2:37 into the third frame, assisted by Jim Burichin and Woollard. Midway through the period, Jeff Hazelwood scored his second of the night, once again on a feed by Nimmo and a secondary assist from Luke Erickson.

Tied at 3-3, the Brahmas had two power play chances later in the period, but failed to convert. Texas had a 12-7 shot advantage in the third and led the shot count in regulation at 32-28, but the game was to be decided in overtime.

The Brahmas sent in the first shot of the extra frame but once again it was Hazelwood who sent in a loose puck from the crease and secured the second win for the Sundogs in as many nights. With their victory, the Sundogs improved to 5-7-3 (.433).

Referee: Brent Coulombe
Linesmen: Bill McGoldrick, John Grandt

Mark Guggenberger stopped 25 of 29 shots faced in 63:00 of play and takes the loss. His record goes to 3-0-1. Arizona's Levente Szuper stopped 30 of 33 shots faced and earned the win. His record goes to 2-4-3.

The Brahmas wen 2 for 7 on the power play; the Sundogs went 1 for 2. Texas was assessed 9 minutes on 3 infractions. Arizona was assessed 19 minutes on 8 infractions.

1st Star: Jeff Hazelwood (ARZ) - 3 Points (3 G, 0 A, +3) - the game-winning goal on 7 shots
2nd Star: Chad Woollard - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, 0) on 10 shots
3rd Star: Calin Wild - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, 0) on 3 shots

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

You can view my images from the game here.

The Brahmas will host the Laredo Bucks at NYTEX on Friday night before traveling to going on the road to play the Bucks at the Laredo Energy Arena on Saturday evening.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-23T15:00:00.001-06:00

Brock Meadows returns

Burichin expected back on the ice tonight as well

Texas Brahmas defensemen Brock Meadows and Jim Burichin are both expected back on the ice tonight against the Arizona Sundogs.

Meadows was activated from the 30-day injured reserve today per Pointstreak. Burichin, who suffered a concussion during November 8th's game against the Missouri Mavericks has been cleared to play as well.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-19T23:45:00.002-06:00

Brahmas defeat Sundogs 3-2

Mark Ehl scores game-winner on power play

The Texas Brahmas held off a late rally by the Arizona Sundogs tonight to win the third game of a three-game series at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. With the victory, the Brahmas' record improves to 7-5-0 (3-3-0 on the road) for 14 points which places them in fifth place in the Berry Conference. The loss drops the Sundogs' record to 3-7-3 (2-5-1 at home).

Steve Silverthorn allowed two goals on 29 shots but saved the win with a stellar performance in net late in the final frame. His record goes to 4-5-0 with a 2.59 GAA (8th in the league) and a .905 Save Percentage (11th in the league).

Mark Ehl tallied his first power play goal of the season, providing the game winner in the third period.

Andrew Lackner opened up the game’s scoring at the 9:50 mark of the first period. After receiving a feed from Cal Wild, Lackner's slap shot from the point beat a screened Levente Szuper to make it a 1-0 contest.

It was the only score of the period in which the Brahmas out shot the Sundogs 13-8.

Phil Fox extended the Brahmas’ lead to 2-0 with a power play goal at the 6:50 mark of the middle frame, beating Szuper with a one-timer from the left circle. Jordan Kary and T.J. Fox were in on the assist.

A Hooking call on Mark Ehl gave the Sundogs their third man-advantage and Jeff Hazelwood capitalized, putting Arizona on the board at the 17:52 mark after his backhand shot from the bottom of the right circle snuck through the five hole of Silverthorn. Kyle Hood was credited with an assist on the play.

The Brahmas dominated the second period, hammering Szuper with 17 shots compared to the Sundogs' three. After 40 minutes, the Brahmas led 2-1.

A Roughing call on Ryan Hand early in the third put the Sundogs back on the power play and once again, they converted. David Nimmo beat Silverthorn 59 seconds into the man-advantage to tie the game at 2-2.

Arizona defenseman Jason Goulet was assessed two minutes for Tripping a few minutes later and Mark Ehl scored the game-winner at the 8:54 mark, assisted by Kyle Howarth and Brendon Hodge.

The battle waged on and Erik Spady was called twice for Slashing and then for Tripping, but the penalty killers were successful in preventing another goal.

After Arizona had pulled Szuper in favor of an extra attacker with 1:17 left in regulation, Silverthorn faced a flurry of shots and a sliding save at the left goal post in the game’s final seconds highlighted a third period in which the Sundogs out shot the Brahmas 18-10 but were unable to force the game into overtime.

Referee: Peter Tarnaris
Linesmen: Kyle DeMaggio, Chris Zorza

Steve Silverthorn stopped 27 of 29 shots faced in 52:00 of play and earned the win. His record goes to 4-5-0. Arizona's Levente Szuper stopped 37 of 40 shots faced in 58:43 of play and takes the loss. His record goes to 1-4-3.

Both teams went 2 for 6 on the power play. Both teams were assessed 14 minutes on seven infractions.

1st Star: Mark Ehl - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, 0) - the game-winning goal on 3 shots
2nd Star: David Nimmo (ARZ) - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, 0) on 3 shots
3rd Star: Phil Fox - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, 0) on 6 shots

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

The Brahmas will return home overnight and get some rest before beginning preparations for Wednesday night's game against the Sundogs at the NYTEX Sports Centre. On Friday, the Brahmas will host the Laredo Bucks before traveling to Laredo to play the Bucks at the Laredo Energy Arena.

Photo Credit: Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier

2011-11-19T12:08:00.007-06:00

Another rough night for Steve Silverthorn

Too little, too late

Sundogs steal a 3-2 win from the Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas lost their second of three games against the Arizona Sundogs last night by a score of 3-2. It was a case of two little, too late as the purple and black's offense didn't come alive until the third period but the Sundogs and Scott Reid were able to defend an early lead and hold on for their first win after five consecutive losses.

Steve Silverthorn had a rough start, allowing three goals on 11 shots though the first 12:53 of play. Mark Guggenberger stepped in for 7:07 and stopped four of four shots faced before Silverthorn returned to the net and was stellar for the remainder of the game, stopping all 13 shots faced for the remainder of the game.

Ryan Hand lost his first fight as a Brahma after taking on Adam Smyth, who had just returned to play for Arizona after serving a three-game suspension.

The Brahmas special teams play continued to slide downward as they failed to convert on three power play opportunities and their penalty killer allowed two goals. Texas is now ranked last in the league on the power play with a 10.26 percentage and 10th in the league on the penalty kill with a 78.26 percentage. Suffice it to say, this continues to need to be addressed.

On the up side, Jacques Perreault tallied his first goal of the season and Cal Wild added his third. Yeah, that's about it on the up side.

It was an ugly start for the Brahmas, who managed just five shots on goal in the first frame. The Sundogs dominated play and tallied their first goal at the 2:59 mark when Jean-Philipp Chabot buried a loose puck at the front of the net to make it a 1-0 game. David Nimmo was credited with the assist.

Luke Erickson made it 2-0 at the 8:25 mark with a power play goal from the left circle, following a Hooking call on Mark Ehl. Tyler Butler and Kyle Hood were in on the assists on Erickson's 200th career point.

An Unsportsmanlike Conduct call on Ross Rouleau at the 12:27 mark led to the the Sundogs' third goal (the eventual game-winner) when Chabot drove in a rebound from the right side of the crease 26 seconds later.

The Brahmas were out shot 15-5 in the opening period and the Sundogs went to the locker room with a comfortable lead.

There was no scoring in the second period as the Brahmas out shot the Sundogs 10-7. Ryan Hand (6', 1", 205 pounds) and Adam Smyth (6' 1", 240 pounds) dropped the gloves at the 8:25 mark and were issued Fighting Majors for the brief skirmish. The Brahmas had two power play opportunities in the period but failed to capitalize.

Sundogs goon Adam Smyth got off at least three good lefts on Ryan Hand as the two southpaws battled during the second period

The Brahmas finally got on the scoreboard were able to put the puck past Reid at the 1:53 mark of the third period as Jacques Perreault tallied his first of the season with a little help from T.J. Fox.

With just under five minutes remaining, Cal Wild brought the Brahmas to within one as he scored his third goal of the season. Chad Woollard was credited with the assist.

The Brahmas out shot the Sundogs 10-6 but Reid and the Sundogs were able to prevent another score and took the win, improving their record to 3-6-3 (2-4-1 at home). With the loss, the Brahmas record goes to 6-5-0 (2-3-0 on the road).

Referee: Peter Tarnaris
Linesmen: Kyle DeMaggio, Colin Besch

Steve Silverthorn stopped 21 of 24 shots faced in 52:00 of play and takes the loss. His record goes to 3-5-0. Mark Guggenberger stopped 4 of 4 shots faced in relief during 7:07 of play. Arizona's Scott Reid stopped 23 of 25 shots faced and earned his second win of the season, moving to 2-3-0.

The Brahmas went 0 for 3 on the power play; the Sundogs went 2 for 5. Texas was assessed 15 minutes on six infractions. Arizona was assessed 11 minutes on four infractions.

1st Star: Jean-Philipp Chabot (ARZ) - 2 Points (2 G, 0 A, +1) including the game-winner on 6 shots
2nd Star: Luke Erickson (ARZ) - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, +1) on 3 shots
3rd Star: Kyle Hood (ARZ) - 1 Point (0 G, 2 A, -1) on 6 shots

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

Game three of the three-game series with the Sundogs at Tim's Toyota Center is tonight with the opening face off at 8:05 CST. You can watch all the action on CHL-TV.

Photo Credits: Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier

2011-11-17T21:30:00.005-06:00

Rough night for Sundogs head coach Marco Pietroniro

Brahmas defeat Sundogs 2-1

Howarth scores first professional goal

The Texas Brahmas won the first of three games against the Arizona Sundogs tonight at Tim's Toyota Center by a score of 2-1. The win is the Brahmas fifth in a row, improving their record to 6-4-0 (2-2-0 on the road). It was the fifth loss in a row for the Sundogs, who go to 2-6-3.

Kyle Howarth tallied his first professional goal and Jordan Kary scored the game-winner during the unusually uneventful contest (considering the Brahmas history in Prescott Valley). Mark Guggenberger stopped 30 of 31 shots faced and earned his third professional win. Guggenberger is now ranked first in the league with a 1.67 GAA and a .944 Save Percentage.

The Brahmas had a short bench with Jim Burichin and Chad Woollard not playing tonight.

Howarth opened up the scoring with a slap shot from the left circle at the 8:32 mark of the opening frame for his first of the season, giving the Brahmas a 1-0 Texas lead. Cal Wild and Brendon Hodge were credited with the assists.

It was the only score of the first 20 minutes. The Brahmas had a 12-7 shot advantage entering the first break. Arizona was called for two Slashing calls but the Brahmas were unable to convert.

Erik Spady was assessed two minutes for Tripping at the 1:31 mark of the second period which led to Arizona's only score nine seconds later. Luke Erickson tapped in a rebound from the front of the crease while Mark Guggenberger struggled to get in position to make the stop. Tyler Butler and Kyle Hood assisted.

The Brahmas were called twice more in the period (Lackner/High Sticking, P. Fox/Hooking) but their penalty killers prevented another score. In fact, Jordan Kary scored the game-winner, short-handed, 53 seconds into the third Arizona power play, assisted by T.J. Fox. The Brahmas had a 11-10 shot advantage and took the 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

There was no further scoring and the third period, which included two power plays for Arizona and one for the Brahmas. The Sundogs out shot the visitors 14-8 in the final frame to even the shots in the game at 31 apiece.

Referee: Peter Tarnaris
Linesmen: Kyle DeMaggio, Chris Zorza

Mark Guggenberger stopped 30 of 31 shots faced and earned his third consecutive win, moving to 3-0-0. Levente Szuper stopped 29 of 31 shots and takes the loss. His record goes to 0-4-1.

The Brahmas went 0 for 3 on the power play; the Sundogs went 1 for 5. Texas was assessed 10 minutes on five infractions. Arizona was assessed six minutes on three infractions.

1st Star: Jordan Kary - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, +1) including the game-winner on 6 shots
2nd Star: Luke Erickson (ARZ) - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, -1) on 6 shots
3rd Star: Kyle Howarth - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, +1) on 1 shot

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

Game two of the three-game series with the Sundogs at Tim's Toyota Center is tomorrow night with the opening face off at 8:05 CST. You can watch all the action on CHL-TV.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-17T16:05:00.001-06:00

Gameday Preview - Texas Brahmas @ Arizona Sundogs

Brahmas look to extend win streak to five games tonight

The Texas Brahmas (5-4-0) will begin a three-in-three series (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) against the Arizona Sundogs (2-5-3) tonight at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The teams will travel back to North Richland Hills, where they will meet for the fourth of seven games this season.

Tonight's game will be the 13th meeting all-time between the two teams with the Brahmas winning nine. Last season the Brahmas went 3-0-0 against the Sundogs.

The Brahmas, currently on a four-game win streak, will look to bump that up to five tonight and move to within four points of the conference leading Wichita Thunder.

Arizona is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and will fight to end both streaks tonight, the first time they have been at home (where they are 1-3-1) since October 29th.

Mark Guggenberger (2-0-0) and Levente Szuper (1-2-3) will defend their respective nets.

A couple of milestones for Sundogs players tonight - Kyle Hood will start his 200th career regular season game; Jesse Perrin will start his 100th.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-13T06:55:00.005-06:00

Ryan Hand smacks Bloomington's Marc Rechlicz around during Saturday night's game

Blaze Extinguished!

Brahmas sweep two-game series with 5-2 win

The Texas Brahmas completed their two-game sweep of the visiting Bloomington Blaze with a commanding 5-2 victory on Saturday night at the NYTEX Sports Centre. With the win, the Brahmas record moves to 5-4-0 (.556) and their home record improves to 4-2-0.

The Brahmas have now won five of their last six games and improve to 5-4-0, while the Blaze fall to 1-4-2.

Steve Silverthorn stopped 29 of 31 shots faced and earned his third consecutive win, pushing his record to 3-4-0 with a 2.56 GAA and a .905 Save Percentage.

Rookie forward Phil Fox earned his first professional hat trick, scoring the third, fourth and fifth Brahmas goals of the evening, including the eventual game winner.

The Brahmas scored first and quickly, just 2:12 into the game, when Brendon Hodge got hold of the puck at the top of the crease following a save by Blaze goalie Marco Emond and tapped it in for his third goal of the season. Cal Wild and Chad Woollard were credited with the assists.

Blaze defenseman Aaron Dawson tallied the first of his two power play goals at the 7:23 mark, following a Tripping call on Alex Curran. Dawson put back a rebound, beating Steve Silverthorn to make it a 1-1 contest.

The Brahmas countered just 57 seconds later, when Chad Woollard took possession of a blocked shot and raced the down ice to beat Emond on the stick side to give the home team a 2-1 lead at the 8:20 mark.

The Brahmas out shot the Blaze 16-6 in the first 20 and headed in to the locker room with the Blaze reduced to a controlled burn.

Phil Fox went to work early in the middle frame and lit the lamp, unassisted at the :44 second mark when the Blaze could not clear their zone and Fox beat Emond to make it 3-1. Blaze coach Paul Gardner pulled Emond and Zane Kalemba was sent in to defend the Blaze net.

A holding call on Adam Hogg helped Bloomington cut the deficit to 3-2 on Dawson’s second power play goal of the night, a put back from the left side at the 2:48 mark.

Ross Rouleau and Blaze forward Marc Rechlicz traded slashing calls at the 11:58 mark and two minutes later, Jason Dale was called for a cross-check on Jordan Kary in front of the Brahmas' crease (a crime in these here parts), illustrating the need for a message to be sent to the Blaze bench.

First things first.

Phil Fox extended the Brahmas' lead back to 4-2 with his second goal of the night, assisted by Hogg and Kary.

Following the score, the Brahmas' Ryan Hand dropped the gloves with Rechlicz, who was quickly wrestled down to the ice after receiving an adequate number of blows to the head by our new southpaw. Let the message be clear - Don't Mess With Texas! The combatants received matching Fighting Majors and were sent to their respective locker rooms for the remainder of the period.

Bloomington had a 15-13 shot advantage in the middle frame but went into the second break with a two-goal deficit.

There was just one score in the final 20 and once again, it was Phil Fox who increased the Brahmas' lead to 5-2 with a rebound goal at the 3:35 mark with a little help from Erik Spady and T. J. Fox.

The Brahmas out shot the Blaze 14-10 in the third period and 43-31 in the game.

Referee: Tudor Floru
Linesmen: Nathaniel Farkas, T.J. Nua

Steve Silverthorn stopped 29 of 31 shots faced and earned the win, moving to 3-4-0; Marco Emond stopped 15 of 18 shots in 20:44 played and takes the loss. His record goes to 0-3-1. Zane Kalemba stopped 23 of 25 in 39:16 played.

The Brahmas went 1 for 4 on the power play; the Blaze went 2 for 5. Texas was assessed 17 minutes on seven infractions. Bloomington was assessed 15 minutes on six infractions.

1st Star: Phil Fox - 3 Points (3 G, 0 A, +2) including the game-winner on 5 shots
2nd Star: Chad Woollard - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, +2) on 3 shots
3rd Star: Calin Wild - 2 Points (0 G, 2 A, +2) on 3 shots

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

You can view my game photos here. As always, it takes time to edit the 900+ shots taken, so please be patient and keep checking back.

The Brahmas will leave for Prescott Valley, Arizona on Tuesday evening to prepare for a three-in-three series against the 2-5-3 Sundogs at Tim's Toyota Center beginning on Thursday night at 8:05 CST. The Sundogs are 1-2-2 at home and 0-1 in OT. You can watch all the action on CHL-TV.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-12T16:45:00.000-06:00

Brahmas sign Ryan Hand

6th year defenseman adds enforcement capabilities

The Texas Brahmas have signed defenseman Ryan Hand to the 2011-12 roster according to Pointstreak. This comes as no surprise to Brahmas fans who have seen Hand at NYTEX over the past week or so. Hand was waived by the Allen Americans on November 4th.

Hand has played for three other CHL teams including the Laredo Bucks and Rapid City Rush (2008-09) and the Wichita Thunder (2010-11). Last season was split between the Thunder and the Huntsville Havoc (SPHL). Hand also spent time with the Reading Royals and Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) during the 2009-10 season.

Hand will fill the enforcement role Brahmas fans have been looking for and is a really nice guy. The 6' 1", 180 pound native of Ottawa, Ontario has historically been used as a situational player but is fully capable of filling a regular position on the blue line as needed.

Hand is expected to be on tonight's roster.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-12T12:00:00.002-06:00

Mark Ehl heads for the ice as Mike Zbriger charges forward during last night's game at NYTEX

Rock'em Sock 'em Hockey

Brahmas defeat Blaze in shoot out

The Texas Brahmas won their third straight game at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Friday night and in the process, dealt the expansion Bloomington Blaze their fifth straight loss. The Brahmas' win percentage is up to .500 with a 4-4-0 record which places them in fifth place in the Berry Conference.

Jordan Kary scored the game-winner in the five-round shoot and Chad Woollard tallied his first goal of the season in what was a hard fought, physical contest.

Despite their hardships this season, the Blaze played with incredible fortitude with a scrappy, yet effective style somewhat reminiscent of the Arizona Sundogs. This will be good preparation for the Brahmas, who embark on a 1,000 mile road trip next week to face the 'Dogs in a three-in-three series which begins on Thursday at Tim's Toyota Center.

Steve Silverthorn earned his second win as a Brahma, stopping 17 of 19 shots faced in 65 minutes of play. Silverthorn's record improves to 2-4-0 with a 2.65 GAA and a .899 save percentage. Special mention to Blaze goalie Marco Emond who faced 42 shots and kept his team in the game, only to fall in the shoot out.

This first period was a bit tedious as the two sides got to know one another. Adam Hogg earned the sole penalty at the :24 mark for hooking, but Bloomington failed to convert on the man advantage. The Brahmas out shot Bloomington 7-5 but neither goalie was solved after 20 minutes.

The Brahmas drew first blood 8:05 into the middle frame when Jordan Kary passed the puck to T.J. Fox after being stymied at the left side of the crease by Blaze defenseman Craig Cescon. Fox worked the rubber to the other side of the crease and sent it in past Emond, who failed to get his catcher up in time. Phil Fox was also credited with an assist.

The Blaze responded 88 seconds later following dual minors (Hogg/Holding, Curran/Charging) called on the Brahmas led to a 5-on-3 power play. Travis Granbois scored the equalizer when he forced the puck through a narrow gap between the right post and Silverthorn's left skate. Aaron Dawson and Mark Znutas were credited with the assists.

The Brahmas had a 13-7 shot advantage in the second period but were unable to beat Emond a second time and the 1-1 score held going into the second break.

The Brahmas took the 2-1 lead just 42 seconds into the third frame when Chad Woollard scored with the Brahamas skating an extra attacker on a delayed Blaze penalty. Ross Rouleau and Calin Wild picked assists on Woollard’s tally.

With time running, down, Bloomington pulled Emond in favor of an extra attacker and was rewarded when defenseman Aaron Dawson hammered home a rebound past Silverthorn with just 20 seconds left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime.

Bloomington’s Brodie Sheahan was called for tripping midway through the overtime period, leaving the Blaze short-handed for the remainder of the period, but Emond once again came up big to send the game to a shootout.

After the Blaze’s Kyle Laughlin missed in the first round of the shootout, T.J. Fox countered for a 1-0 Texas advantage. Jason Dale came right back for Bloomington, scoring to knot the shootout at 1-1.

Sheahan and Matt Whitehead then both misfired, which opened the door for Jordan Kary, who slipped the puck past Emond for the eventual game winner. Jon Booras had the last chance for Bloomington but could not beat Silverthorn who sealed the win for the Brahmas.

Referee: Zak Blazik

Linesmen: James Sanders, T.J. Nua

Steve Silverthorn stopped 17 of 19 shots faced and earned the win, moving to 2-4-0; Marco Emond stopped 40 of 42 and takes the loss. His record goes to 0-2-1.

The Brahmas went 0 for 5 on the power play; the Blaze went 1 for 5. Texas was assessed 12 minutes on six infractions. Bloomington was assessed 11 minutes on five infractions.

1st Star: Jordan Kary - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, 0) including the game-winner on 2 shots

2nd Star: T.J. Fox - 2 Points (1 G, 0 A, +2) on 3 shots

3rd Star: Marco Emond - 40 saves on 42 shots faced

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

You can view my game photos here. As always, it takes time to edit the 900+ shots taken, so be patient and keep checking back.

Game two against the Blaze is tonight at the Shoebox - be there or be square! Remember, the first 500 fans will receive Texas Brahmas rally towels. If that weren't enough, our Mudbug friends will be making the trip to see their Ray Miron President's Cup and the N. Thomas Berry Trophy up close and personal - something most of them didn't get to do after the 'Bugs won the 2011 CHL Championship.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Honor our Veterans

Some came back; some didn't

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs

2011-11-10T18:11:00.004-06:00

Who are the Bloomington Blaze and should we be concerned?

Expansion club is on their first road trip

If anyone should understand a slow start this season, it's the Texas Brahmas and their fans. With a full off-season of recruiting and a strong training camp, the Brahmas showed a tremendous amount of promise in their two pre-season contests against the Allen Americans.

Then came an unexpected start to the regular season - a 1-4-0 record, including two shut outs through the first five games. Certainly not what anyone expected. But the Brahmas followed up a 4-3 win at Laredo with a 5-3 win over the visiting Missouri Mavericks and are poised to break out of the sub-.500 club and show some consistency as we move towards the always difficult December-January stretch.

Now comes the Bloomington Blaze, a team that got a late start and had a mound of internal issues (understatement) to resolve before they even began building their inaugural roster.

Paul Gardner (who replaced Kevin Kaminski in Mississippi last season) was hired as Bloomington's head coach shortly after Jason Christie was hired away to coach the ECHL's Ontario Reign. Gardner had a little over three weeks to put a team together before training camp began. With that in mind, he did a pretty good job.

The question now is, after going 1-3-1 (worst in the league) at home to start the 2011-12 campaign, will the Blaze show improvement during their five-game road trip which begins with a two-game series against the Brahmas on Friday and Saturday nights?

“You hate to use an excuse, but there were so many distractions wondering if there was going to be a team or not,” Gardner told the Bloomington Pantagraph's Mike Egenes. “Things have settled down now, and I think a road trip will help us.”

Defenseman Aaron Dawson, who played his rookie year with the now defunct Bloomington PrairieThunder concurs.

“Being on the road is a good chance to grow together as a team,” Dawson said. “It’s good to get away from any distractions there may be off the ice.”

For Dawson and his fellow blue liners, improvement is imperative if they want to remain with the club. The Blaze are allowing a horrendous 4.8 goals per game - worst in the Central hockey League. Goalies Marco Emond (0-2-0, 3.99 GAA, .865 SV%) and Zane Kalemba (0-1-1, 5.85 GAA, .879 SV%) are among the bottom six of all CHL net minders.

If there's a bright spot for the Blaze, it's on the power play - they are currently ranked sixth in the league at 21.74%. Even so, the Brahmas' penalty killers are ranked third in the league at 84.62% so the advantage may not help them this weekend.

Players to watch include #16 Brodie Sheahan (3 G, 3 A, -5), who also played his rookie season with the PrairieThunder. All three of Sheahan’s goals have come on the power play. #17 Jason Dale led the PrairieThunder with 52 points last season (17 G, 35 A, 0) and has six points this season (1 G, 5 A, -4), including two power play assists and one game-winner. Defenseman Doug Krantz (#44) had two assists in 11 games with the Brahmas during the 2008 playoffs following his graduation from Cornell University. Krantz also has six points (1 G, 5 A, -3) this season, including four power play assists.

Conventional wisdom would say that the Brahmas have the next two games in the bag. But as we all know, conventional wisdom and ice hockey, let alone any sport doesn't always jive. So, will the Blaze get it together and pull out a win (or two) while in Texas? Can the Brahmas keep their win streak alive? To find out for yourself, don your purple and black and come out to the NYTEX Sports Centre this weekend. If you missed Tuesday night's game, you're probably kicking yourself - don't make the same mistake twice.

Remember also that Friday is $1 Hot Dog Night and Saturday is Rally Towel Night at the NYTEX Sports Centre!

Image Credit: Bloomington Blaze Hockey Club

2011-11-09T17:15:00.001-06:00

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to be honored on Saturday

2011 Ray Miron President's Cup on display

The Texas Brahmas will be honoring the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs' 2011 Central Hockey League Championship during this Saturday's game against the Bloomington Blaze.

Despite the intense rivalry between the two teams over the years, there's always been a close bond between the two organizations and their fans.

The N. Thomas Berry Trophy and the Ray Miron President's Cup will both be on display at the NYTEX Sports Centre for photo opportunities. In addition, there will be a special on-ice celebration for all Mudbugs supporters.

Special group rates are available for this exciting evening. Contact the Brahmas' Rebecca Jacobsen at 817-520-3301 or by e-mail: rjacobsen@brahmas.com for more information.

2011-11-09T09:50:00.009-06:00

Rough night for Gerry Festa - Mark Ehl celebrates Jordan Kary's second period power play strike

Brahmas humble the Mavericks in 5-3 win

Guggenberger earns second consecutive win

There was an unbelievable number of empty seats at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Tuesday night and all I can say is whatever you were doing, it wasn't as good as seeing your Texas Brahmas stand and deliver the first regulation loss to the number one team in the Central Hockey League.

It was a great showing for the boys who needed this win in many ways. The passing was sharp, the pressure on the Mavericks was relentless and the teamwork was evident as another 60 minute effort paid off.

Five different Brahmas (Wild, Fox, Hodge, Hogg and Kary) scored on a hapless Gerry Festa, who was sacrificed so that Charlie Effinger could rest up on the bench.

Mark Guggenberger stopped 29 of 32 shots faced and earned his second consecutive win, placing himself third amongst all CHL goalies with a 2.00 GAA and a .931 save percentage.

Prior to the start of the game, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs owner Tommy Scott made a presentation of a 2011 CHL Championship ring to Mavericks defenseman Dave Pszenyczny, who was a member of that final Mudbugs blue line.

I had a couple of minutes to speak with Tommy later on as he watched the game up in Section K. Scott shared some fond memories of the long-standing Brahmas-Mudbugs rivalry and talked about his trip up to Rapid City this weekend to present rings to five former players, now split among the Rush (Michael Couch, Jeff Kyrzakos and Shawn Limpright) and the Fort Wayne Komets (Brett Smith and Jamie Milam), who are in town for a weekend series.

As the game started, the Mavericks looked sharp as the two teams began to get to know one another. They opened up the scoring with their third shot of the contest when Andrew Courtney beat an out of position Guggenberger at the 2:40 mark, assisted by Zach Carriveau and Vern Cooper.

Carriveau was called for High Sticking a little over two minutes later, but the Brahmas were unable to capitalize on the man-advantage. Likewise for the Mavericks, who had an opportunity at the 12:56 mark when Alex Curran got tagged for Hooking.

The real fun began later in the period when the Brahmas tallied a pair of goals just 59 seconds apart and thereafter, never relinquished the lead.

Cal Wild sent in the equalizer at the 17:03 mark after skating in from his position in the left circle and then sent a feed from Andrew Lackner over Festa's left shoulder and into the back of the net. Chad Woollard was also credited on the play.

T.J. Fox was next up at the 18:02 mark. Stationed in front of the crease, Fox sent in a feed from Jordan Kary, who was also working from the left circle and Festa, who tried to roll into position was too late to make the save. Ross Rouleau was credited with the secondary assist.

I don't know if it's just my imagination (or the Nyquil I've been drinking over the past two days to get over a head cold), but Festa looked like he was operating about a half-step too slow all night long.

Shots were even at 10 apiece but it was the Brahmas who took the 2-1 lead into the first break.

The Brahmas were in control for most of the middle frame and Brendon Hodge provided the 3-1 lead when he sent a rebound top shelf at the 9:28 mark, assisted by Jacques Perreault and Chad Woollard.

The Mavericks answered less than three minutes later when rookie forward Kris Hogg stole the puck from a Brahmas’ defender and beat Guggenberger for an unassisted short-handed goal.

The one-goal deficit proved to be the closest the Mavericks’ would get as the Brahmas tallied two power play goals later in the period.

The Mavericks’ number one thug Carlyle Lewis (remember when he just about wet his pants when Roger Maxwell dropped the gloves on him last season? Take a walk down memory lane here) pulled a cowardly stunt, sending Jim Burichin dangerously into the end boards.

Fortunately, Jimbo chased off the birds that were circling his head for about a minute and skated back to the bench unassisted, but with a deep gash above his right eye that required a bunch of stitches and at least a couple of Advil.

Lewis was given a Charging Major and a Charging Game Misconduct for his sins. Personally, I think a suspension is in order here - we'll see if the league steps up on this one.

On a positive note, the Brahmas scored two goals on the resulting power play (can you believe it?) just 50 seconds apart to drop the Texas hammer on the Mavericks' chances on staging a comeback.

Adam Hogg struck first, driving the puck out of the neutral zone and along the left boards with Mike Wakita in close pursuit. Hogg set up his shot as he entered the left circle with Wakita's outstretched blade inching toward his face and J.P. Testwuide coming cross-ice from his right. Unfazed, Hogg made his move, rocketing the puck into the back of the net as Festa, who never had a chance, flopped onto his belly in disbelief. Mark Ehl and Jacques Perreault were credited with the assists, and the Brahmas now had a 4-2 lead.

Next up was the ever-smiling Jordan Kary, who managed to beat Carriveau to a loose puck sitting a few inches from Festa's left skate and just inside the right side of the crease. While Festa, who was moving Sam Peckinpah-style (that's in slow-motion for you youngsters), attempted to swat the puck with his stick (he never had a chance, again) but Kary got there first and nudged the rubber across the goal line to make it a 5-2 contest.

The Brahmas sent one more shot on goal before retiring for the second intermission. Through 40 minutes, the teams were now tied in shots at 18 apiece, but the Brahmas held the three-goal lead.

There were no penalties called in the third period and the Mavericks gave it all they had but were stymied at every turn by the Brahmas. With about three minutes left to play, Festa was finally pulled - in favor of an extra attacker - and the pressure on Guggenberger continued to build until Sebastien Thinel managed to find the back of the net on a set up by Vern Cooper and Ed McGrane.

No matter though as the game was clearly over long before that score, which wasn't even celebrated by the forlorn visitors. With 2:45 left to play, the Mavericks sent in four additional shots to the chants of "warm up the bus" while the Brahmas fought for the chance to send the puck into the big empty. The final buzzer couldn't sound fast enough for Scott Hillman and his boys who were feeling the sting of back-to-back losses.

Missouri outshot the Brahmas 14-11 in the final 20 and 32-29 in the game, but still came up short, losing their first game in regulation play this season. The loss also marked the Mavericks’ first loss against the Brahmas in team history. Missouri was previously 2-0-0 against Texas with both wins at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Referee: Brent Coulombe
Linesmen: Kyle DeMaggio, T.J. Nua

Mark Guggenberger stopped 29 of 32 shots faced and earned the win, moving to 2-0-0; Gerry Festa stopped 24 of 29 and takes the loss. His record goes to 2-1-0.

The Brahmas went 2 for 5 on the power play; the Mavericks went 0 for 2. Texas was assessed four minutes on two infractions. Missouri was assessed 19 minutes on four infractions.

1st Star: Adam Hogg - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, -2) including the game-winner on 4 shots

2nd Star: Jordan Kary - 2 Points (1 G, 1 A, 0) on 4 shots

3rd Star: Brendon Hodge - 1 Point (1 G, 0 A, +1) on 2 shots

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here.

You can view my game photos here. As always, it takes time to edit the 1,200+ shots taken, so be patient and keep checking back.

The Brahmas will host the expansion Bloomington Blaze (1-3-1), who are down, but like a wounded animal, still dangerous. Think backdraft; that fire can go out of control at any time.

Plan on making the trip to NYTEX for two games, Friday and Saturday nights, with both contests starting at 7:30 pm. Don't be a fair weather fan - this is Texas Brahmas Hockey in your Hometown. Be there, be loud, believe!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-11-07T20:30:00.004-06:00

...And then there's the Mavericks

Can the Brahmas defeat the league's top team?

The Texas Brahmas will host the Missouri Mavericks in a rare Tuesday night contest at the NYTEX Sports Centre - the question is, will the boys stand and deliver or will they fall by the wayside?

There's grumbling in the ranks of Brahmas fans - and for good reason:

The Brahmas are off to their worst start of the Wildfong era - currently 2-4-0 on the season (1-2-0 at home and 1-2-0 on the road) and tied for sixth place in the Berry Conference with the Laredo Bucks.
Offensively, the boys are averaging just 1.67 goals per game (last in the league) and are tied with the Fort Wayne Komets for the lowest number of goals scored thus far (10). Just eight players have scored goals (Both T.J. and Phil Fox, Mark Ehl, Jordan Kary, Brendon Hodge, Al Wild, Adam Hogg and Jim Burichin).
The Brahmas have the lowest number of penalty minutes in the league (72).
As usual, the Brahmas are hopeless on the man advantage - after missing on their first 18 power play chances of the season, the Brahmas finally broke through with a second period power play goal by Adam Hogg during Saturday’s 4-3 win at Laredo. They are currently last in the league with a 5.26 power play percentage.
There's no "wow factor". The Brahmas have one star player to speak of in Chad Woollard, but after six games, Woolly has just two assists - hardly exciting.
The Brahmas' ability to fight (and I don't mean dancing or grabbing at sweaters) has shown a lack of proficiency - with the reluctant exception of Erik Spady. Now, I assure you that I wouldn't take on any of them on solid ground, but I like my chances on the ice. I don't know if that statement's sadder for me or for them. I'll still get my butt kicked, but at least when I drop the gloves, I throw punches. Lack of an established enforcer has the fans cringing when the gloves are dropped.

Granted, it's been a weird start this season. Just three home games in October with two of those competing with the Texas Rangers' failed World Series bid. And, it's pretty much a whole new team - we really don't know these guys yet. They seem to have the right work ethic, they play hard for the full 60 minutes, they all have ability - it just hasn't translated to what the fans are used to seeing.

God love them all, but the die hard Brahmas fans are much like Philadelphia Eagles fans - if they aren't seeing wins, they're seeing the Fort Worth Brahmas. You know what I mean.

I'll always be a Brahmas optimist, but in the words of those beloved minstrels from the 1970's...the Brady kids:

When it's time to change, then it's time to change

Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see
When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange
who you are into what you're gonna be

You're welcome to slap me for that reference when you see me.

And then there's the Maverick's - darlings of the Show Me State and the seemingly unstoppable league-leading crew of ugly orange or pastel blue and ugly orange sweater wearing mules:

The Mavericks have a 6-0-1 record and 13 points. The Mavs went 6-0 on their season-opening road trip and then fell in a shootout in their home opener on Saturday night against Wichita (5-1-0).
The Mavs and Brahmas have met just twice previously with Missouri winning both games. Missouri has outscored Texas 8-3 in the two games. This season the two teams will play three times including the first time at Independence Events Center on New Year’s Eve.
The Mavericks are one of two teams in the CHL to not have a loss in regulation.
Mavericks forward Sebastien Thinel leads the CHL in scoring with 14 points on four goals and 10 assists. Thinel has nine points in his last three games where he scored three points in each of those games. He is no stranger to leading the CHL in scoring as he was awarded the Joe Burton Award (scoring champion) last season when he recorded 110 points (35 G, 75 A) in 66 games with Odessa.
Mavericks’ goaltender Charlie (just don't run into me) Effinger was named the CHL Goalie of the Month for October. Effinger went 4-0-0 in October and allowed just six goals. He had a 1.50 goals-against average (GAA) and .961 save percentage in October. Mavericks’ forward Kris Hogg was named the CHL’s Rookie of the Month after he posted five points in five games on two goals and three assists. Hogg also had a +6 rating which was tied for the best rating in the CHL.

Eww.

So the average person will believe that the boys don't have a chance tonight and have already placed a mark in the loss column for the purple and black. Let's just be happy the Blaze are coming in for two games!

Bull.

Now's the time for this group to come around and show what it's made of. And if Fonger hasn't said it (I'm sure he has), I will: there's a one-way bus ticket back to Palookaville sitting on my desk and I swear I'll use it!

OK, last pop reference, I swear. But maybe a visit from Bluto Blutarsky (Animal House) to the locker room pre-game is in order:

Bluto: What the *!%$ happened to the Brahmas I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you're gonna let it be the worst. "Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble." Well just kiss my #!@ from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Effinger, he's a dead man! Thinel, dead! McGrane...

Otter: Dead! Bluto's right. Psychotic... but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part!

OK, maybe not futile and stupid...but a gesture nonetheless. Let's take these donkeys and show them what happens in our house! Let's send 'em to the glue factory! Show me? We'll show you! C'mon everybody, are you with me?!!

Silence. A cricket chirping is all I hear...sigh...

Photo Credits: Top/Robert Keith, Bottom/Universal Pictures

2011-11-06T20:17:00.012-06:00

Hogeboom thrives in Italy

Former Brahma has 20 points in 14 games

Former Texas Brahmas star forward Greg Hogeboom has had an excellent start to the 2011-12 season with Alleghe HC in Italy, leading the team with 20 points (11 G, 9 A), including seven power play goals and three game-winning goals through 14 games.

Hogeboom notched a hat trick in an 8-3 win over Valpellice on October 27th. All three Hogeboom goals were on the power play as Alleghe went 5-for-8 on the man-advantage.

Hogeboom, 28, was the second leading scorer for the Brahmas last season (tied with Chad Woollard with 92 points) and was first in power play goals (15), assists (55) and +/- (tied with Jason Krischuk at +16). He was also one of two players (Krischuk) to play all 66 regular season games.

Hogeboom's 92 points (37 G, 55 A, +16) and 22 penalty minutes constituted his best output in seven pro seasons and placed him sixth among all Central Hockey League players in points (92), fifth in goals (37), sixth in assists (55) and second in power play goals (15).

Alleghe HC is currently ranked fourth in the Lega Italiana Hockey su Ghiaccio (the top tier of professional ice hockey in Italy) with 24 points.

Hogeboom plays alongside forward Vince Rocco, a teammate of Brahmas defenseman Jim Burichin at Niagra University.

Image Credit: Enrico Bardin

2011-11-04T20:20:00.010-05:00

McLeod injured in game against Copenhagen

Former Brahmas defenseman underwent surgery today

Former Brahmas defenseman Kevin Mcleod underwent surgery today to repair what has been described as severe damage to his teeth and jaw, sustained during Yesterday's AL Bank Cup match between EfB Hockey and Hockey Copenhagen.

Midway through a hard fought match, McLeod was reportedly hit in the face by a fast traveling puck. He suffered a broken jaw and lost three teeth, with several others pushed in or otherwise damaged. Bleeding heavily, McLeod was assisted off the ice and had to leave the game.

"I know they say that the damage comes and goes for all teams, but this was really ugly," EfB's head coach Tomas Jonsson said.

The accident occurred 34 minutes into the contest and the remainder of the middle period had to be interrupted because of the time needed to clean up blood on the ice. As a result, the third period was extended for six minutes.

McLeod was taken to Hvidovre Hospital, where he received about 40 stitches and was then transferred to University Hospital where specialists could assess the damage to his jaw. McLeod underwent surgery this afternoon.

"It was a sad and ugly incident," EfB Ice Hockey sports chief, Peter Gommesen said. "He is probably going to be out until the New Year."

McLeod's former teammate and former Brahmas goalie Brett Jaeger was in net for Copenhagen and earned the win in the 3-2 victory, which keeps his team's playoff hopes alive.

"We must thank Brett Jaeger for the victory," Copenhagen head coach Morten Hagen said. "He made some incredible saves under intense pressure from Esbjerg."

McLeod, 27, spent the 2010-11 campaign with Hvidovre Ligahockey (Denmark), scoring 23 points (7 G, 16 A) and 123 penalty minutes. He added two assists in four playoff games.

He began the 2011-12 season on a six-game tryout with the Vienna Capitals, member of the Erste Bank Hockey League in Austria. He signed a contract with Esbjerg on September 26th and has tallied four assists and 12 penalty minutes thus far.

Photo Credit: EfB Hockey

2011-10-27T23:05:00.001-05:00

Cal Wild returns...

Rookie forward Matt Wallace placed on waivers

The Texas Brahmas have placed rookie forward Matt Wallace on waivers today according to Pointstreak. Wallace, who played the past four seasons at Hobart College (ECAC-W) saw limited shifts and made one shot during last Saturday night's home and season opener against the Tulsa Oilers.

Wallace (left) during last Saturday's game against the Oilers

The move opened a roster spot for the returning Calin Wild, who showed real promise last season but was unable to come to terms with the club during the summer. Wild's agent announced that he had signed with the Brahmas via Twitter today. Pointstreak has also verified this.

Wild, 24, tallied 21 points (10 G, 11 A, -10) and 24 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games played during his rookie season. He added two points (2 G, 2 A, -2) in four post-season contests. He was signed by the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL) on August 10th but did not appear in a game this season with Gwinnett.

Wild is primed and ready for a breakout season and fans will be happy to see him back in purple and black!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-23T10:00:00.003-05:00

Kyle Howarth watches as the final minute plays out on the ice at NYTEX

A taste of their own medicine

Brahmas shut out 3-0 in season opener

Coming off the high of last Saturday's 5-0 win over the Allen Americans, the stage was set for another high energy, high-spirited effort by the boys in purple and black. There wasn't a person in the house that wasn't amped up for the season opener and ready to see a big win.

Unfortunately, that win placed two points in the column marked Tulsa Oilers and the Texas Brahmas received nothing but a wake up call and a whisper in their ears: "All glory is fleeting, All glory is fleeting".

Still, a good effort was put forth although a little bit of the fire displayed during the pre-season was missing. In the end, the team that worked harder won. Sometimes it's as simple as that. The two teams were very well matched and Tulsa was hot, coming off their 4-1 season-opening win over the Allen Americans on Friday night. Hats off to Ian Keserich who has allowed just one goal in 120 minutes of play.

If anything positive can come out of the loss, it will be a show of character - how these men will learn from what they experienced on the ice and how they can rebound from adversity and make the necessary adjustments to move forward with their chins held high. After all, it could be worse (finger pointed at the Allen Americans).

One request to Fonger and Ronnie: can we have at the very least, one entire practice a week devoted to special teams, specifically the power play? I hate to go through another season of watching nothing come out of 5-on-3 advantages. It's past time to make an effort to improve on this part of the game.

ad·van·tage (ad-van-tij) noun

1. any state, circumstance, opportunity, or means specially favorable to success, interest, or any desired end.

(Thanks to Dictionary.Com for the definition)

I hate to single any one out one way or another, but I have to give a verbal high five to Al Curran, who in my opinion has been showing a lot of moxie on the ice. I want to also give special thanks to Mark Guggenberger, who wore his catcher last night and used it to shield yours truly from wayward pucks, allowing me to leave the rink with an intact noggin.

What to say about the game? Well, a scoreless first period with power plays that came up short
for both sides. Tulsa out shot the homies 11-9 but had yet to solve Silverthorn, who made some sharp saves.

The middle frame saw the Brahmas take the SOG lead 12-7, but it was the Oilers who drew first blood when Gary Steffes found the back of the net at the 5:00 mark, assisted by rookie defenseman Jeff Terminesi and Michel Beausoleil. Two more power plays for each side; nothing gained. It's safe to say that the Brahmas appeared disorganized during the period and their defense of the net faltered.

In the final frame, the Brahmas led the shot assault again, this time 13-10 but Keserich was true to form and halted any scoring opportunities. A hooking call on Brahmas Captain Adam Hogg at the 12:50 mark led to the Oilers second strike 36 seconds later, this time by rookie forward Ryan Kramer. Dylan Clark and Mike Ullrich were credited with the assists.

Down by two, Ron Vogel pulled Silverthorn in favor of an extra attacker but the gamble backfired when Patrik Levesque drove the puck down ice, adding the final insult to injury tally at the 19:25 mark. Gary Steffes and Ryan Kramer were credited with setting up the score.

Steve Silverthorn stopped 25 of 27 shots faced in 58:20 of play and takes the loss. Ian Keserich stopped all 34 shots faced and earned the win.

The Brahmas were assessed eight minutes on four infractions; the Oilers received six minutes on three infractions. Texas went 0 for 3 on the power play; Tulsa went 1 for 4.

Referee: Zak Blazic
Linesmen: Bill McGoldrick, John Grandt

1st Star: Keserich, Ian (Tulsa) - 34 saves on 34 shots faced
2nd Star: Silverthorn, Steve (Texas) - 25 saves on 27 shots faced
3rd Star: Steffes, Gary (Tulsa) - Two points on five shots (1 G, 1 A, +2)

You can view Pointstreak's box score here and their Game Live broadcast here

Photos from the game can be viewed here and here. As always, it takes time to edit the 800+ shots taken, so be patient and keep checking back.

The Brahmas will be off today but practice resumes on Monday in preparation for next weekend's three-in-three, which includes hosting the Allen Americans on Friday night, a road trip to play Tulsa at the BOK Center on Saturday night, followed by a trip home to host Tulsa on Sunday afternoon.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-22T16:35:00.008-05:00

Wildfong to begin four-game suspension

Ron Vogel will fill in as Brahmas' bench boss

The Texas Brahmas will be without head coach Dan Wildfong tonight, as well as the next three games due to a league suspension that carried over from last season. Assistant coach Ron Vogel will serve as the head coach on the bench in Fonger’s absence.

Wildfong's suspension was levied as a result of his making contact with two on-ice officials while arguing a decision unfavorable to the Brahmas (understatement) during the March 26th game at Rio Grande Valley.

For those who don't remember the circumstances of the suspension, here's Greg Rajan's excellent recap:

The Brahmas led 4-0 after the first period, but stopped skating and didn't get a great performance from goalie Steve Christie, and Rio took a 5-4 lead with six minutes left. Then things got strange in the final minute.

With 42.2 seconds left, the clock froze, albeit briefly for a few seconds. Then with 3.8 seconds left, Chad Woollard got the puck above the left circle and unleashed a rocket of a slap shot that beat goalie Jerad Kaufmann high to the glove side.

Then things got strange.

The Bees lobbied that time should have already expired, and referee Jon McIsaac consulted with linesmen Bill McGoldrick and Jon Shaw and then ruled no goal. Dan Wildfong was incensed, jumped off the Texas bench and made contact with McIsaac and one of the linesman.

I talked to ex-IceRays goalie and Brahmas assistant coach Ron Vogel and some of the other Corpus exes-turned-Brahmas after the game and they said they were told that McIsaac consulted the head off-ice official keeping time with a stopwatch in the catwalk and the referee was told that eight seconds should've come off the clock when it froze.

Regardless of the reason for Wildfong's actions, the CHL stood by their argument that contact should have never been made with the officials. Following an appeal by the Brahmas organization, the league reduced the initial seven game suspension to the first playoff game and the first four games for the 2011-12 season.

And here we are.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-17T20:00:00.007-05:00

Mike Towns putting the pressure on during Saturday night's game at NYTEX

And then there were 21...

Brahmas release Walker, Towns

The Texas Brahmas released two more players from their training camp roster today, leaving just two more cuts to make before the 2011-12 roster is announced. Placed on waivers were center Nolan Waker and forward Mike Towns.

Waker, 26, played the last five seasons for the University of Manitoba (CWUAA). During his collegiate career, Waker tallied 42 points (21 G, 21 A) and 60 penalty minutes in 134 games played. Prior to joining the Bisons, he spent one season (2005-06) with the Brampton Battalion (OHL) and two seasons each with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) and Kelowna Rockets (WHL).

Towns, 25, played four seasons (2003-07) with the Penticton Vees (BCHL) where he registered 52 points (21 G, 31 A) and 517 PIM in 190 games played.

One goaltender and one other player will be released by weeks end. I expect the other to be a forward as history has shown the Brahmas can use the seventh defenseman.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-15T22:55:00.002-05:00

Ross Rouleau high fives Jordan Kary following Saturday night's win at MYTEX

Welcome to Brahma Land!

Americans dominated in 5-0 shut out

The Texas Brahmas introduced the newest Allen Americans to a taste of NYTEX Sports Centre hospitality tonight by handing them their a**es along with a "to go" box from Zuroma for the bus ride home.

One hates to get over excited about a pre-season win, but what the young bulls showed the fans tonight was nothing short of magnificence. If there was a down side to the evening, it was the fact that the fans were denied any chicken for the five goals scored - and believe me, no one minded.

Despite the shoot out loss on Friday night, the Brahmas showed excellent form and the home crowd (who chose to sacrifice watching the Texas Rangers win the American League pennant) got a taste of the excitement that's sure to come next Saturday night when the regular season opens at home against the Tulsa Oilers.

Highlights? How about a shut out for goalie Steve Silverthorn in his first game as a Texas Brahma? How about three goals scored in a span of just 71 seconds? How about two special teams goals including Ross Rouleau's unassisted, short-handed, empty netter while on a 6-on-3 penalty kill? How about another full 60-minute effort by a team built from scratch and molded over the course of five days in the shoe box? Magnificent!

Let's not forget how proud Dan and Ronnie are of these young men who have already proven to themselves and to each other that they have what it takes. Now it's time to make the final, difficult cuts and then to present the final product to the rest of the Central Hockey League. By the way, four have to go (Forward Stuart Stefan was placed on waivers today) - likely a goalie, a defenseman and two forwards; however I'd keep a seventh blue liner. History has shown we need the extra man.

The crowd in attendance tonight was far smaller than the announced 2,084 - understandable due to the Rangers game. There was a good number of Allen fans in the house as well as the small Mudbugs contingent, who made the long drive this weekend for their CHL hockey fix. As is the case at NYTEX, the smaller crowd didn't reduce the impact of the noise level - the cheers and jeers, led by the venerable 303 Rowdies turned the heads of several of the young players, who were getting their first taste of the NYTEX experience.

The Americans came out firing blanks again but out-shooting the Brahmas 7-2 in the first 10 minutes of play. Mark Ehl drew the first penalty of the night with a Hooking call 28 seconds into the contest and once again the Brahmas penalty killers shut down the Allen advantage. Mark Towns and Allen defenseman Ryan Hand drew matching Fighting Majors at the 7:44 mark although you could hardly call the display a "fight". Seriously guys, if you're going to drop the gloves, at least make a fist.

Brendon Hodge struck first blood at the 11:16 mark, sending the puck into and off the left shoulder of Brian Mahoney-Wilson (who looked like he was stuck in glue) to give the Brahmas a 1-0 lead. Kyle Howarth and Alex Curran were in on the assists.

33 seconds later, Greg Eskedjian made it 2-0 with a little help from Hodge and Andrew Lackner. Tyler Ludwig drew an interference call at the 12:18 mark, which led to a third goal nine seconds later, courtesy of Erik Spady, assisted by Phil Fox and Brock Meadows.

The Brahmas had a 13-10 shot advantage in the first 20 minutes and went into the locker room with a comfortable lead.

The middle frame was highlighted by Jordan Kary's goal (his second in as many nights) at the 8:34 mark. Phil Fox and Adam Hogg were credited with the assists. Allen had an 8-4 shot advantage and a 18-17 advantage after 40 minutes but could not solve Silverthorn.

The Brahmas out shot the Americans 8-4 in the final period which included six infractions called by referee Brent Coulombe; the last four against the Brahmas. The big fun began at the 17:30 mark when Silverthorn was called for Tripping (unfortunately, my photos appear to uphold the call) and then the Brahmas were assessed a Delay of Game penalty while arguing the initial call.

Allen pulled Mahoney-Wilson to provide a 6-on-3 advantage but were stymied by Ross Rouleau, who sent the puck across the length of the ice and into the Allen net for the "eff you" goal at the 18:25 mark, much to the delight of the crowd, needless to say. 'Nuff said.

Steve Silverthorn stopped all 22 shots faced for his first win as a Brahma. Brian Mahoney-Wilson stopped 20 of 24 shots faced in 59:05 minutes of play and takes the loss.

Allen was assessed 15 minutes on six infractions; Texas received 19 minutes on eight infractions. Allen went 0 for 7 on the power play; Texas went 1 for 5.

Referee: Brent Coulombe
Linesmen: Cory Piche, T.J. Nua

1st Star: Silverthorn, Steve (Texas) -22 saves on 22 shots faced in 60 minutes of play
2nd Star: Rouleau, Ross (Texas) - One goal on one shot
3rd Star: Meadows, Brock (Texas) - One assist, one shot, four PIM

You can view the box score here and the Game Live broadcast here

You can view my photos from the game here (It usually takes at least a couple of days to get all the shots edited and uploaded, so keep checking back!)

The Brahmas will get some rest tomorrow before beginning preparation for nest Saturday's home opener against the Tulsa Oilers. Plan on being there and as always, remember the Brahmas have One Goal in Mind, so Be there, Be loud, Believe!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

Defenseman Andrew Lackner prepares to slow down an Americans' assault

Despite shootout loss, Brahmas look impressive

Game two of pre-season series tonight at NYTEX

Suffice it to say, you can't expect too much out of a pre-season contest. It's an opportunity for training camp rosters of each team to take what they've learned during their respective week-long camps and put that knowledge, as well as their skills to the test. An opportunity to show their coaches, their fans, themselves and especially their teammates what they can do on the ice.

Last night at the Allen Events Center, the young guns of the Texas Brahmas did just that - they showed everyone that this young team has come together very quickly and under the guidance of coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel, they should remain a strong contender in the Berry Conference.

It's always interesting to watch the progression of these young men from the first through the last day of training camp. Noticeable this year was the comparably relaxed demeanor of Dan Wildfong. Also noticeable was the work ethic and the obvious drive displayed by each of the players. Something Ronnie Vogel said to me really stood out in my mind - each one of these players has something to prove; to themselves as well as their teammates.

It's obvious that the work the coaches have put in and the efforts at team-building has helped these 24 men to bond quickly and the final 19 to make the 2011-12 roster will likely be the 19 we see for the majority of the season. Which is not to say if something gets broke, it won't be fixed.

Two young goaltenders, vying for the number two spot in support of Steve Silverthorn, were magnificent in their pre-season debut, granted the fact that they faced a number of soft shots. Also, unlike the Americans' Rejean Beauchemin, they faced the majority of the Americans' roster.

Mark Guggenberger stopped all 15 shots faced in 30:54 minutes in net. Kraymer Barnstable stopped 17 of 18 shots faced in 34:06 minutes and was excellent through a 12-round shootout, which was finally settled Allen's big man, Bruce Graham. If their performance throughout the training camp and in last night's contest (as well as any time they may see tonight), the final decision on the number two slot will be extremely difficult.

The boys came out strong in the first frame, with a lot of hard hitting and discipline. Matt Wallace made the first shot on goal 3:52 into play. Allen defenseman Tyler Ludwig drew the first penalty of the evening - a slashing call - and broke in the Americans' penalty box for the new season. The Brahmas failed to capitalize on the man advantage and although the Americans had a 9-5 shot advantage after the first twenty minutes, the Brahmas appeared to be in control.

Alex Curran sends Colton Yellow Horn airborne as Kyle Howarth pursues the puck

The Brahmas Mark Ehl drew their first penalty just 12 seconds into the middle period, an interference call. Once again, Allen out shot the boys; this time 13-2 as the homers started to pull together and match the Brahmas' physical play.

The Brahmas opened the scoring at 2:02 of the third period when Jordan Kary beat
Beauchemin with a one-timer on a pass from Phil Fox, who was stationed behind the Allen net. It remained a 1-0 contest until Mike Kompon scored on a pass from Colton Yellow Horn to tie it up at the 12:47 mark. Defenseman Dylan King was credited with a secondary assist.

The Americans blew several opportunities to take the lead later in the period. Brian McMillin nearly deflected one past Barnstable and Mike Kompon, again from Colton Yellow Horn, was set up with a chance, but failed to hit the back of the net before the horn sounded to end regulation play. The Brahmas had a 10-8 shot advantage in the final frame, but the Americans had the 30-17 advantage through 60 minutes.

Did I fail to mention the Allen Americans Ice Girls?

Easily the biggest smiles on these guys' faces all week

Nothing was solved in overtime as both net minders stood strong. The Americans' Mike Compon and the Brahmas' Kyle Howarth each struck in the shootout but it wasn't until the 12th round that Bruce Graham ended it, giving the Americans and Beauchemin the win.

Both teams were assessed six minutes on three infractions and neither was successful on the power play.

Referee: Brent Coulombe
Linesmen: T.J. Nua, Cory Piche

1st Star: Beauchemin, Rejean (Allen) -18 saves on 19 shots faced in 65 minutes of play
2nd Star: Kompon, Mike (Allen) - One goal on seven shots
3rd Star: Kary, Jordan (Texas) - One goal on one shot

You can view the box score here and the Game Live broadcast here

Game 2 of the pre-season series against the Americans will take place tonight at the NYTEX Sports Centre with the opening face off set for 7:30 pm. Due to the 6:30 pm start of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at the Ballpark in Arlington, attendance may be sparse. The game will be broadcast at Zuroma and updates will be announced throughout tonight's contest.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Texas Brahmas Training Camp - Day Four

Initial cuts announced - 24 remain on roster

The Texas Brahmas ended day four of their training camp today and announced the first three players to be placed on waivers. Forwards Neil Ruffini, Alex Molnar and Tanner Tomlinson were informed on Wednesday afternoon that they had been cut from the roster.

Ruffini, 23, played the past four seasons with the University of Alabama - Huntsville. During his collegiate career with the Chargers, he tallied 37 points (18 G, 19 A) and 120 penalty minutes.

Molnar, 25, played the last four seasons at Salem State College (MASCAC) in Massachusetts. The 5' 6", 175-pound native of Nitra, Slovakia had a total of 37 points (16 G, 21 A) and 62 PIM during his career with the Vikings.

Tomlinson, 21, spent the last four seasons playing in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). The 5' 10", 185-pound native of Sarnia, Ontario played the last two seasons with the Sarnia Legionnaires for whom he tallied 58 points (26 G, 32 A).

24 players remain on the roster, which needs to be cut down to 19 players next week.

The battle for the number two goaltending slot continues between Mark Guggenberger and "Making the Cut" finalist Kraymer Barnstable. I spoke with Brahmas Assistant Coach Ron Vogel this afternoon and he said the two have both done very well and the final decision will be difficult.

The team will have an on-ice session tomorrow morning at 9:45 am and will travel to Allen later in the afternoon to prepare for the first pre-season match against the Americans at 7:05 pm.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-11T15:00:00.001-05:00

Texas Brahmas Training Camp - Day Two

Hard work, team-building highlight busy day

Day two of the Texas Brahmas' training camp got underway early this morning and included two exhaustive morning sessions at 8:30 am and 10:00 am. The afternoon was set aside for team-building activities.

No cuts have been made yet and the Brahmas' coaches remain enthusiastic about the players' skill level and the outstanding work ethic being displayed by the attendees. Obviously, there's a lot to learn over the course of a week's time including new systems for a group of men who have never played together before. Establishing lines will be an ongoing activity over the next few days and will be tested during this weekend's pre-season contests.

Still a long way to go - 27 players need to be cut down to 19. We're likely to see the first of those to go after tomorrow's on-ice activities.

Photos from today's late morning session can be viewed here.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

Texas Brahmas Training Camp - Day One

Brahmas release 27-man roster

The Texas Brahmas opened their week long training camp this morning in preparation for the upcoming 2011-12 season. So what can be said after one day? Not much, obviously after just two sessions. It is interesting to note how odd it is having so few recognizable faces on the ice.

This will truly be a Brahmas team built from scratch and it will be a real challenge for Fonger and Ronnie to work with so many rookie players, as well as so many who have never donned the purple and back.

Here are the 27 players invited to attend:

Forwards (14): Alex Curran, Mark Ehl, Phil Fox, T.J. Fox, Brendon Hodge, Adam Hogg, Kyle Howarth, Jordan Kary, Neil Ruffini, Stuart Stefan, Mike Towns, Nolan Waker, Matt Wallace and Chad Woollard

Defensemen (7): Jim Burichin, Gregg Eskedjian, Andrew Lackner, Brock Meadows, Jaques Perreault, Ross Rouleau, Erik Spady

Goalies (2): Steve Silverthorn and Mark Guggenberger

Making the Cut Prospects: Kraymer Barnstable (G), Thomas Galiani (F), Alexander Molnar (F) and Tanner Tomlinson (F)

Photos from today's afternoon scrimmage have been edited and are available for viewing here and here.

The schedule for the week will change depending on the day. Contact the Brahmas before coming out. All on-ice sessions are open to the public, so come on out if you have the time.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-10-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

Texas Brahmas training camp opens tomorrow

New faces, new philosophy for 2011-12 season

On Monday morning, the NYTEX Sports Centre comes back to professional hockey life as the Texas Brahmas open their 2011-12 training camp. A couple of noticeable changes this year, the number of attendees is expected to be limited - there are but a few spots up for contention. Also, you're going to see a lot of new faces - young faces, as the Brahmas have brought in about about a dozen rookie players to complement the new roster.

Another thing you will notice - those who earn a spot on the final roster are likely to be around most of the season. No more revolving door like we've seen the past couple of seasons. The commitment this season is to work with and develop the players that have been brought in - which doesn't mean that replacements won't be made where necessary or holes won't be filled - but we won't see guys here for a few games and then gone.

As far as the enforcers go, you won't see guys like Saunders, Sgroi or Maxwell this season. The boys coming in are big and able to take care of themselves, as well as their teammates. We're likely to see less side show fights, which I know many like to see but many more agree is unnecessary for the ultimate success of the team. There's one goal in mind this season and the Brahmas are going to be playing it smart all year.

The Brahmas had the least number of announced off-season signings this year (except for the expansion Bloomington Blaze) in the CHL. The training camp roster will be about soon enough so I'll refrain from publishing a list of players here and now. Suffice it to say, Dan and Ronnie have done a great job once again - This is a very talented group of young men and they are sure to please the fans.

Obviously, the number one spot at goaltender goes to Steve Silverthorn, not only a very talented and disciplined 'minder but also an extremely nice fellow. You'll see a lot of the qualities Brett Jaeger possessed and more in Silverthorn, a player that Fonger has been after for years. His possible number two, a sizable young man whose name I'll be surprised fits on his sweater.

On defense, the Brahmas have brought back the very capable and popular duo of Ross Rouleau and Jim Burichin. Brock Meadows, who joined Burichin at the Oklahoma City Barons training camp is also on board. Add in Andrew Lackner, formerly with the Mississippi RiverKings and a small group of talented rookies and the Brahmas blue line looks to be in good shape.

At forward, the Bulls are led by the venerable Chad Woollard who is joined by the returning Alex Curran. Added in the off-season are former Rapid City Rush center Brendon Hodge, T.J. Fox and rookies Mike Towns and Phil Fox. A former Odessa Jackalopes center and several others will be competing for the remaining spots on the final roster.

If you have the time, stop by the NYTEX Sports Center this week. All on-ice sessions are open to the public. Training camp will culminate with two pre-season bouts against the Allen Americans. The first game will take place Friday starting at 7:05 pm at the Allen Events center. The second will be at NYTEX on Saturday night with the opening face-off at 7:30 pm.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

McLeod remains in Denmark for 2011-12 season

Former Brahmas defenseman signs with Esbjerg

Former Texas Brahmas defenseman Kevin McLeod has signed a contract for the 2011-12 season with Esbjerg, in the top Danish ice hockey league AL-Bank Ligaen, the team announced today. McLeod joins Esbjerg after completing a six-game tryout agreement with the Vienna Capitals (Austria).

“We will not risk ending up in the same situation as last year when we at one time had only four backs (defensemen),” Esbjerg head coach Tomas Jonsson said. “Kevin McLeod, with his qualities will be a clear gain, both offensively and defensively. He has good size, he's a good skater and he is strong.”

A native of Calgary, Alberta, McLeod appeared in 35 games last season with Hvidovre, where he tallied 23 points (7 G, 16 A) and 131 penalty minutes. He added two assists in four playoff games. McLeod was reportedly instrumental in attracting former Brahmas goalie Brett Jaeger to Hvidovre for this season. Now, McLeod will play against Jaeger for the first time in his career.

Prior to crossing the pond, McLeod spent three seasons with the Brahmas, appearing in 168 regular-season games, amassing 114 points (46 G, 68 A). In 2008-09, McLeod enjoyed his finest professional season as he tied for first in the CHL among defenseman in goals scored with 20. His offensively productive year ranked him fourth on the Brahmas roster in the goals, assists and points categories with 50 points (20 G, 30 A) and 89 PIM.

In 2009-10, McLeod was called up to the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons where he played five games.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-25T23:15:00.003-05:00

Four players "Make the Cut"

Goalie, three forwards earn training camp contracts

After a hard weekend of drills and scrimmages, four players earned CHL training camp contracts after participating in the 2011 Texas Brahmas "Making the Cut" Prospect Camp. It was the largest and one of the most competitive camps to date and coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel were very pleased with the effort put forth by the attendees.

Here's a breakdown of the four who were selected to attend the Brahmas' training camp, which opens on October 10th:

Kraymer Barnstable - Goaltender

Barnstable, 21, was selected by Vancouver in the ninth round of the 2005 WHL bantam draft and played 14 games with the Giants in the 2007-08 campaign, posting a 6-4 record with a 2.45 GAA and an .886 Save Percentage.

The Kelowna, British Columbia native started the 2008-09 season in Vancouver before being re-assigned to the Nipawin Hawks (SJHL). He joined the Everett Silvertips for a short stint, then finished the season back in the SJHL, this time with the Notre Dame Hounds. Barnstable remained on the Silvertips’ protected list until the WHL bantam draft when he was dropped to make room for the team’s newest prospects.

In 2009-10, he played with the Red Deer Rebels (WHL) for 27 games before being placed on waivers as the team began reducing the number of 20-year-olds on their roster due to league rules. His record was 11-5-1 with a 3.32 GAA and a .888 Save Percentage. Barnstable spent last season with the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) where he had a 15-14-2 record, a 2.89 GAA and a .890 Save Percentage.

Tanner Tomlinson - Forward

Tomlinson, 21, spent the last four seasons playing in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). The 5' 10", 185-pound native of Sarnia, Ontario played the last two seasons with the Sarnia Legionnaires. His best numbers came in 2009-10, when he was named the team's Most Improved Player. Tomlinson tallied 33 points (14 G, 19 A) and 154 penalty minutes with 11 points coming on the power play (5 G, 6 A). He also had one game-winning goal. In five playoff games, he added another four points (1 G, 3 A) and 30 PIM.

He tallied 25 points (12 G, 13 A) in 42 games played last season, including seven points on the power play (5 G, 2 A), a short-handed goal and a game-winning goal. Tomlinson uses boxing to stay in shape during the off-season and trains in his hometown at the River City Boxing Club.

Alexander Molnar - Forward

Molnar, 25, played the last four seasons at Salem State College (MASCAC) in Massachusetts. The 5' 6", 175-pound native of Nitra, Slovakia had a total of 37 points (16 G, 21 A) and 62 PIM during his career with the Vikings.

Molnar majored in Business Administration and speaks five languages. He's a spirited player who made a good impression on the coaches. Molnar inadvertently too a stick to the face in the final minutes of today's scrimmage.

Here are a couple of videos posted on YouTube (Molnar wore the number four sweater):

Thomas Galiani - Forward

Galiani, 24, played the past three seasons at SUNY - Brockport (SUNYAC) where he tallied 39 points (18 G, 21 A) and 44 penalty minutes in 75 games played. The 5' 7", 160-pound native of Lindenhurst, New York played 25 games at the University of Southern Maine (ECAC-E) during the 2003-07 season, where he was named Most Improved Player after registering 12 points (6 G, 6 A) and 20 PIM.

Galiani was with the Oswego Admirals (OPJHL) in 2005-06, where he tallied 13 points (3 G, 10 A) and 29 PIM in 49 games played.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-24T20:00:00.002-05:00

Texas Brahmas player profile - Brock Meadows

Former Robert Morris University defenseman brings size, shot-blocking skills

The Brahmas' newest defenseman is Brock Meadows, a rookie out of Robert Morris University, where he studied accounting. Meadows, 25, will attend the Oklahoma City Barons training camp along with Jim Burichin, Phil Fox and Matt Wallace, beginning on Monday.

A physical defenseman, Meadows blocked 19 shots in just 24 games this past season and put together his best offensive numbers at RMU with seven points (1 G, 6 A). Meadows served as an assistant captain with the Colonials during his senior season and became the first Robert Morris player to score a goal in an Atlantic Hockey game (the university joined the Atlantic Hockey Association for the 2010-11 season).

Meadows spent his freshmen year at Wayne State University where he registered 11 points (4 G, 7 A) and 10 PIM in 30 games played. He led all WSU freshmen with four goals and tied for the rookie lead in points (11). It was the Warriors final season, as the University discontinued the men's program due to economic conditions.

The 6' 1", 200-pound native of White Rock, British Columbia ended his collegiate career with 24 points (6 G, 18 A) and 84 PIM.

Prior to committing to Wayne State, Meadows played three seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). He began his junior career with the Surrey Eagles, recording 12 points (2 G, 10 A) and 73 PIM in 60 games played during the 2004-05 season. Meadows spent the following season with the Langley Hornets, where he was tied for third in total points with 41 points (9 G, 32 A) and 77 PIM in 60 games played.

Meadows split the 2006-07 season between the Westside Warriors and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, tallying a combined 46 points (11 G, 35 A) and 108 PIM in 55 games played.

On March 12th, Meadows signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement contract with the Reading Royals (ECHL), where he played one game. He also played one game with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL).

Photo Credit: Robert Morris University Athletics

2011-09-23T17:15:00.004-05:00

Silent Auction to benefit the Vellinga family

Bid on Mike's championship jersey, skates and For the Love of Andrea Jersey

In conjunction with this Sunday's Bocce Tournament and Fundraiser to benefit the Vellinga family, there will be a special e-mail auction for three one-of-a-kind items.

As you know former Brahmas defenseman Mike Vellinga's wife Andrea was critically injured during the Indiana State Fair stage collapse on August 13th. Andrea is recovering, but the family has a lot of expenses and can use your help.

Up for auction are Mike Vellinga's game-worn championship jersey as well as the skates he wore. In addition, a unique For the Love of Andrea jersey (design by Jay Fletcher) will be available.

The auction will begin on Sunday, September 25th at 4:00 p.m. and will end on Sunday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. CST. To place a bid, you can e-Mail your name, the item you are bidding on and the amount you would like to bid to: SSL.MemorialFund@gmail.com.

The organizers will be as prompt as possible in returning emails notifying of current high bid amounts.

Photo Credit: Tonya Minard

2011-09-23T16:20:00.004-05:00

Five Texas Brahmas to attend American Hockey League camps

Players to depart for Oklahoma City, San Antonio

The Texas Brahmas announced that five players from their 2011-12 roster will be attending American Hockey League training camps, scheduled to begin on Monday, September 26th.

Left Wing Jordan Kary will attend the San Antonio Rampage camp. Defensemen Jim Burichin, Brock Meadows and forwards Phil Fox and Matt Wallace will attend the Oklahoma City Barons' camp.

“This is a great opportunity for these guys, and well deserved," Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong said. "With their hard work and determination, they will be able to see hockey at the next level and know what it takes to get there.”

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Making the Cut 2011 underway

Over 40 prospects check in for three-day camp

Well over 40 prospective players arrived at NYTEX Sports Center on Thursday evening to attend the 2011 Texas Brahmas "Making the Cut" prospect camp. The group was addressed by Brahmas Head Coach and General Manager Dan Wildfong, Assistant Coach Ron Vogel, President Mike Barack, Equipment Manager Phil Shipp and owner Frank Trazzera at the mandatory meeting held in NYTEX food court.

This will be the largest prospect camp to date and the group has a very good mix of experience. All listened intently as Wildfong provided an overview of the camp and the rules, while Barack and Trazzera gave a brief history of the Brahmas organization and the traditions of NYTEX Sports.

Two official 2011 CHL training camp contracts will be issued to the two players who exhibit the most talent by Texas Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong. Notifications will be made following the final skate on Sunday afternoon.

Of course, all on-ice sessions are open to the public, so stop by if you have some time.

Making the Cut Schedule

Day One - Friday, September 23:

6:45 - 7:45 a.m. (Goalie Session)
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Day Two - Saturday, September 24:

7:00 - 8:15 a.m.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Day Three - Sunday, September 25:

7:00 - 8:15 a.m.
11:15-12:45 p.m.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-11T02:45:00.006-05:00

9/11 marks somber date for Texas Brahmas majority owner

Cantor Fitzgerald Vice-Chairman lost over 650 employees, friends in WTC attack

(Originally published in Pro Hockey News)

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 began as a typical day for then Fort Worth Brahmas General Manager Mike Barack. Having just returned from New York the day before after attending the wedding of his former assistant GM, Barack was at his office downtown, preparing for the minor professional hockey team’s fifth season when word reached him about the tragedy unfolding in Lower Manhattan.

Barack received a call from his wife, Michelle, informing him of the planes hitting the twin towers of the World Trade Center and that it was apparently an act of terrorism.

“Obviously, the first thing I remember thinking was ‘Oh, I hope Stuart’s not there,” Barack said, referring to his lifelong friend Stuart Fraser, who was also the majority owner of the Brahmas. “I tried to call him for almost two hours at every number possible. A lot of the phone lines were out, so you couldn’t get through. I called his home and his cell and kept dialing and finally, and this is after everybody knew what had happened, I was able to get a hold of him and basically, he said ‘I’m OK; I’m not there and I’ll call you back’.”

Typically, Fraser spent Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the corporate headquarters of Cantor Fitzgerald, the company founded 56 years earlier by his uncle, Bernie Cantor. A global financial services firm specializing in bond trading, Cantor Fitzgerald occupied the 101st through 105th floors of the north tower of the World Trade Center.

As luck, or fate would have it, a business meeting set for later in the day kept Fraser home on September 11th. Instead, Fraser went in to the office a day earlier. As he later recounted to the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Jim Reeves, he walked around the entire office – visiting all five floors.

"I just wanted to talk to people, to see everyone," Fraser said. “I just enjoyed touching base with everybody…It was a good day. Everyone was working hard."

Little did he know, it would be the last time he would see any of them ever again.

The following morning at 8:46 a.m. EST, American Airlines Flight 11, traveling at roughly 466 miles per hour flew into the north tower of the World Trade Center, between the 93rd and 99th floor. The aircraft entered the tower mostly intact, plowing into the building core and severing all three stairwells as it exploded in flames. People below the severed stairwells almost immediately started to evacuate—no one above the impact zone was able to do so.

Eating breakfast with his wife and three children, Fraser’s world was turned upside down when a special report interrupted the Tuesday morning newscast. Prompted by his wife, Elise, Fraser looked up to see images of smoke billowing out of the World Trade Center and learned that an aircraft had just crashed into the north tower, somewhere just beneath Cantor Fitzgerald's offices.

At 8:55 a.m., just nine minutes after the Flight 11 struck One World Trade Center, Fraser’s cell phone beeped. It never rang, but the beep indicated he had a voice mail message. As he played back the message, Fraser listened in horror as his secretary, 32-year-old Lourdes Diaz, advised that something had hit the building, that smoke was everywhere and there was no way out. She asked him to please send help.

"I didn't know what to do,” Fraser recalled. “I was calling every number I knew at the offices and no one was answering.”

Helplessly watching the news footage, Fraser witnessed the drama unfolding as a second plane, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower just after 9 a.m. and then the collapse of that building less than an hour later. At 10:28 a.m., the north tower collapsed – exactly one hour, 41 minutes and 45 seconds after the impact of Flight 11.

"I knew when the first building fell, it was just a matter of time before ours would go, too," Fraser said. "I just hoped our people were getting out. It never occurred to me that the stairwells were compromised by the [first] plane. Then No. 1 came down and my life changed forever. I knew then that we'd lost considerable people.”

658 was the final toll (all of Cantor Fitzgerald’s employees in the offices at the time of the attacks), or about two-thirds of its workforce, which was more than any other of the World Trade Center tenants. In fact, nearly one in four deaths at the World Trade Center, including airline passengers and people on the ground, were Cantor Fitzgerald employees.

Meanwhile, Stuart Fraser, CEO and Chairman Howard Lutnick and Cantor Fitzgerald’s remaining employees had a company to keep alive. Cantor Fitzgerald was able to bring its trading markets back online within a week and in time, successfully rebuilt its infrastructure. The firm relocated its headquarters at 499 Park Avenue, about 4 ½ miles north of ground zero and now employs more than twice as many people than it did in 2001.

In addition, just over a week after the attacks on the World Trade Center, Lutnick made a pledge to distribute 25 percent of the firm's profits for the next five years to benefit of the families of its former Cantor Fitzgerald, eSpeed and TradeSpark employees. By 2006, the company completed its promise, having paid out a total of $180 million.

Fraser, who has served as the director of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund over the past decade, also leads the annual memorial service for families and friends of the 658 employees lost on 9/11.

Seven weeks after the events unfolded on September 11th, Fort Worth Brahmas players wore patriotic-themed jerseys and a moment of silence was observed for those who perished in the attacks at their home opener against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, a contest the Brahmas won 5-3.

Now 10 years later, Mike Barack is the first to point out that through all the turmoil, all the loss, and throughout the re-building process that Cantor Fitzgerald went through after 9/11, Stuart Fraser kept the Fort Worth Brahmas, now the Texas Brahmas alive.

“When you consider that he’s the vice-chairman of the company that lost the most employees in the World Trade Center and all the things that happened after 9/11 and he still maintained the franchise, it’s amazing,” Barack said. “I think people don’t recognize it (his contribution to the Brahmas franchise) because he’s not here a lot. But the appreciation should be there, because he’s kept it going year-in and year-out. Win or lose, he has been there.”

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-09-03T14:24:00.004-05:00

For the Love of Andrea...Bocce Benefit at NYTEX

Donations needed for fundraiser/tournament on Sunday 9/25

Brahmas fans - The Sophia Susan Laurila Memorial Fund is sponsoring a Bocce Tournament and Fundraiser to raise money for the Vellinga Family. The tournament will be held at NYTEX on Sunday, September 24th at 1:00 pm.

Obviously, players/teams are needed (I'm sure your level of experience is irrelevant), so be sure to sign up for the event. You can go to my post on the Texas Brahmas Forum here to discuss and form teams. Need more information on Bocce? Click here and here. Entry fees will be donated to the Vellinga's.

In addition, money will be raised via donations, silent auctions and raffles of Craig Minard, Tim Laurila and Darryl McArthur jerseys (former teammates of Mike Vellinga). Also available will be Mike’s skates from his championship game with the Brahmas, as well as a hockey jersey that has been made with Jay Fletcher’s permission with his signature “For the Love of Andrea” design on the front and “Vellinga #24″ on the back.

In addition to these and hockey related items, the organizers have had a multitude of other donations that will be raffled off at the tournament as well.

I'm sure that Elli and Tanya can use some help and definitely can use some additional items to be auctioned or raffled. Be sure and contact them if you can provide any help or items, or if you have any questions.

What: Bocce Tournament and Fundraiser
When: Sunday, September 25, 2011 *1:00 Start time; check-in begins at noon
Where: NYTEX Sports Centre, 8851 Icehouse Drive, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180
Website: Click here

Contact Info: Elli Laurila @ 612-418-4690 or Tonya Minard @ 318-780-5006

2011-08-23T16:30:00.004-05:00

...In with the new

Brahmas sign forward T.J. Fox to 2011-12 roster

The Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of fifth-year pro forward T.J. Fox to the 2011-12 roster. Fox, 27, played for the Hannover Indians in the German Oberliga last season where he registered 31 points (14 G, 17 A) and 69 penalty minutes in 47 regular season games.

“T.J. will bring great offensive depth for us and will undoubtedly be a great addition on the roster,” Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong said.

The 6', 1" 196-pound native of Oswego, New York began his junior hockey career with the Syracuse Junior Crunch (OPJHL). In 94 games over two seasons (1999-01), Fox tallied 54 points (30 G, 24 A) and 55 PIM.

Fox spent the next three seasons in the USHL, playing in 2002-03 with the Green Bay Gamblers and in 2003-05 with the Chicago Steel. During these three seasons, Fox accumulated 83 points (35 G, 48 A) and 176 PIM in 148 regular season games. He added six points (3 G, 3 A) and 12 PIM in 12 post-season contests. He was named to the 2005 USHL All-Star Game.

In 2005, Fox committed to Union College (ECAC), where he played with the Dutchmen for the next two seasons. In 66 games, he totaled 57 points (21 G, 36 A) and 88 PIM. He was named team MVP after he contributed 37 points (13 G, 34 A), which tied a school record, during the 2006-07 campaign. In March of 2007, signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks (NHL) organization.

Fox was assigned to the Worcester Sharks (AHL) and in 150 regular season games over the next two seasons, he tallied 42 points (19 G, 23 A) and 48 PIM. He added three goals and four penalty minutes in nine contests during the 2009 Calder Cup playoffs.

The following season, with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Fox put up his best numbers to date - 60 points (26 G, 34 A) and 42 PIM in 64 contests. He was also called up to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for four games.

Here's a video of an awesome game-winning goal by Fox from his days at Union College (start at the :55 second mark if you don't want to watch the lead-in)

Here's a video of a 2009 fight between Fox and the Norfolk Admiral's Blair Jones. (Gotta love the announcer's enthusiasm on this one!)

Photo Credit: Mark Mauno

2011-08-23T15:35:00.002-05:00

Out with the old...

Brahmas trade Deitsch to Allen for "future considerations"

Well, this one's been in the making for some time now. It's an unfortunate situation and from a PR standpoint, it looks terrible having your team captain go to the team with which you have the biggest rivalry with. Suffice it to say, what's done is done.

I never touched one of the original issues that contributed to the trade and won't go into it here, but as Greg Rajan said today:

This trade culminates a messy divorce between Deitsch and the Brahmas. Expect him to be jeered lustily when Allen plays at the Shoebox this year. If Deitsch learned anything this summer, it'd be this: Be careful what you and/or your significant other post about your employer on a social networking site, and also be careful when you accept friends on said sites (or at least learn how to use the privacy settings).

Despite the overall situation that led to the trade,which has more to do than an errant Facebook post, there's no forgetting the contributions Jason Deitsch made to the purple and black, which includes 164 points (54 G, 110 A, +25) and 222 penalty minutes in 149 regular season games. This also includes 58 points (19 G, 39 A) on the power play and 13 game winning goals. Deitsch added 37 points (17 G, 20 A, +10) and 61 PIM in 28 post-season contests and of course, contributed to the Brahmas' 2009 Ray Miron President's Cup win.

"I enjoyed my time with the Brahmas and definitely enjoyed winning a championship there." Deitsch said in the Americans' press release. "I'm looking forward to turning that page in my life and hockey career. I'm excited about playing for the Allen Americans and will do all I can to help bring a CHL cup to Allen."

OK, well good luck with that. As he is now a member of the Americans, I can hardly say good luck (I mean that in the nicest of ways). I have known Jason for a few years now and he's a good fellow and a talented hockey player, so I guess I can say I wish him all the best in his future pursuits, both on and off the ice. 'Nuff said.

Keeping Deitsch on the protected list prevented him from going off on his own and the trade will give the Brahmas a player at a later date - who and when? We'll just have to wait and see. From what I understand, there was an idea that Deitsch would be going to the Americans and at the very least, we'll get something in return.

From a player standpoint, having Deitsch on the Americans' squad will be detrimental to the Brahmas as the intense rivalry between the two clubs moves forward. Deitsch remains an effective top line forward and there's no doubt Brahmas fans will be concerned when he heads for the goal.

From an intelligence standpoint, Deitsch will be able to provide the enemy a lot of insight on his former team - something Fonger will no doubt keep in mind. At the same time, there's a lot known about Deitsch that can and will be used against him. All I can say is enjoy your visits to "The Shoebox" Jason!

The move now opens up the debate on who will wear the "C" on their sweater this season. Personally, I can see it going to Chad Woollard - and I've already taken some jabs from a few people on that choice, but I'll stick with it. Woolly's experience and leadership on the ice as well as the work he's done with some of the younger players make him a righteous candidate in my book.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-22T22:15:00.003-05:00

Matheson signs with the Steelheads

Rookie defenseman played nine games with the Brahmas

The Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) have announced that Derek Matheson has been signed for the 2011-12 season. Matheson, 24, joined the Texas Brahmas on March 16th and played a limited role in seven regular season and two post-season contests, contributing two assists and 12 penalty minutes.

Prior to joining the Brahmas, Matheson played collegiate hockey at Morrisville State (SUNYAC) where he was the top-scoring defenseman last season with 13 points (6 G, 7 A).

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-18T16:00:00.004-05:00

Evansville confirms Sgroi signing

Veteran left wing labeled the "new sheriff" (did they have an old one?)

The Evansville IceMen have announced the signing of former Brahmas enforcer Mike Sgroi, confirming the big man's own announcement via Facebook. Never at a loss for the dramatic in their press releases, the IceMen played up the addition this way:

Having attained a long-running reputation as one of the most feared, revered, intimidating physical specimens in minor pro hockey lore and annals, Sgroi brings his unique blend of talents to Southwest Indiana to inject another important dimension into the IceMen team’s on-ice persona.

“Mike will certainly add a strong physical presence in our lineup for the upcoming season," Evansville head coach Rich Kromm said. "He is especially strong in the corners, goes to the net hard and always plays hard. There should be more room on the ice when he is on the ice. Also, we can’t lose sight of the fact that he brings a real wealth of experience to our club and that he has the ability to be a versatile player for our team.”

And we'll just leave it at that.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-15T22:00:00.006-05:00

Andrea and Mike Vellinga at ZuRoma shortly after the Brahmas won the President's Cup

Andrea Vellinga - A time for prayers and a time to give...

Please take a moment to help some members of the Brahmas family

Early on in my endeavor to chronicle the championship season of 2008-09 (which was the original purpose of this blog), Mary Bradford from the Texas Brahmas Fan Club let me know that Mike Vellinga's wife was looking for someone who was taking photos at the games. Turns out, Mike was planning on retiring at the end of the season.

I met Andrea at the game later that particular evening and she told me that she wanted to get some photos of Mike taken during the course of the season to commemorate his final year in professional hockey. It would work out well, as I was planning on photographing most of the games anyway and I told her it wouldn't be a problem to get a dozen shots of Mike per game and maybe put together a photo book at the end of the season.

Andrea had gone back to work in Indiana with daughter Lydia while Mike remained in Texas with the Brahmas. Each time she came out to visit, she made a point of stopping by and saying hello. She was truly one of the nicest people you ever wanted to meet and I was very happy to have the opportunity to help out with this project.

After the Brahmas won the 2009 Ray Miron President's Cup championship on May 6th, it was time to get to work on organizing the several thousand photos shot during the season and as one of many side projects, put together the photo book which was titled Mike Vellinga - A Championship Season 2008-09.

Mike and I had a running inside joke about an interview we never did and throughout the season, we would joke about it. To my knowledge, he didn't know about the project and he gave me a call after he received the book to express his thanks. We talked about a lot of things and before we hung up, we joked that we would talk soon and get that interview done...

Now, I'd heard about the tragedy at the Indiana State Fair and although we hear about tragedies of all sorts every day, this one struck a chord, probably because I have many ties to the Hoosier State. On Sunday, my wife came out to the back yard where I was doing some work and told me my cell phone kept going off and that she read a text from my friend Gina, telling me that Andrea had been critically injured.

Here is a detailed news article from The Herald Bulletin of Anderson, Indiana

Here is a blog post by a friend of Andrea's worth reading

Suffice it to say, Andrea's a strong woman and everyone is praying hard for her, for Mike and Lydia, as well as the other victims of the stage collapse at the fairgrounds. Brahmas fans, they can use your prayers...please keep them in your thoughts.

In addition, there are bound to be some long term financial needs for the Vellinga family. I'd like you to consider giving anything you can, whenever you can, to assist. You can go to the Catalyst Church website here, find the Catalyst Online tab and select Vellinga Support. I've checked with Andrea's brother and this is a Vellinga family-approved fund.

I am planning an online auction of some Brahmas memorabilia, photographs, as well as some other CHL items from my personal collection to raise some money. I'll advise when and where you can go to bid.

Photo Credits: Robert Keith

2011-08-15T18:30:00.004-05:00

Texas Brahmas 2011-12 schedule released

Season opens at home against Tulsa on October 22nd

The Texas Brahmas' 2011-12 schedule was released this afternoon reflecting a 66-game season opening at home on Saturday, October 22nd and closing at home on Sunday, March 25th. This is the first time the Brahmas will open and close a season at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

The schedule includes 28 home weekend dates (11 Friday, 11 Saturday and 6 Sunday games). The Brahmas will also include several new promotions for the upcoming campaign, including a “Pink in the Rink” game and backpack night. A promotional schedule will be released in the near future.

The Brahmas will make their first visits to the Dayton Gems, Evansville IceMen and Fort Wayne Komets for the first time and will host the Bloomington Blaze, Dayton Gems and Evansville IceMen at NYTEX for the first time. The Brahmas' schedule has them playing all CHL teams except for the Quad City Mallards.

The longest home stretch is six games, between February 25th and March 10th (Tulsa, Tulsa, Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande Valley, Missouri, Laredo). If you consider the Allen Events Center close enough to home, then you can call the longest home stretch 10 games, between February 25th and March 18th.

The longest road trip is also six games and follows the Christmas break, from December 30th to January 14th (Wichita, Missouri, Arizona, Arizona, Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande Valley).

As far as long-distance travel, the Brahmas will make the journey to Arizona twice - a three-game stint on November 17, 18, 19th and two games on January 6-7th during the aforementioned road trip. The boys will also travel to Fort Wayne, Dayton and Evansville on December 21, 22, 23rd, during the same trip.

Longest Distance to a Road Game (one-way): 1,031 miles (Prescott Valley, Arizona)

Shortest Distance to a Road Game (one-way): 50 miles (Allen, TX)

The team's lightest month is October, with just four games - three at home and one on the road. The toughest month is December, with 16 games scheduled - six at home and 10 on the road. Here's the per month breakdown:

October: 4 Games: 3 Home/1 Road; November: 11 Games: 5 Home/6 Road; December: 16 Games: 6 Home/10 Road; January: 11 Games: 5 Home/6 Road; February: 13 Games: 7 Home/6 Road; March: 11 Games: 7 Home/4 Road.

The Brahmas will play three games in three nights nine times this season.

The Brahmas will meet the Allen Americans 11 times with five games at NYTEX and six at the Allen Events Center. Two of the mid-season dates will encompass the continuing "North Texas Vintage Game Series". The Vintage Game Series reflects the historical past rivalries between teams in Tarrant and Dallas counties. The majority of the games between the cross-town rivals will be at the beginning and end of the season (Home: 10/28, 12/2, 12/3, 2/10, 3/18; Road: 12/16, 2/14, 2/21, 3/16, 3/17, 3/24).

The Brahmas will also play the Laredo Bucks 11 times and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 10 times. 30 games in total will be played between the four remaining Texas CHL teams.

Here is the per team break down:

Allen Americans - 11 Games (5 Home/6 Road)
Arizona Sundogs - 6 Games (1 Home/5 Road)
Bloomington Blaze - 2 Games (2 Home)
Dayton Gems - 2 Games (1 Home/1 Road)
Evansville IceMen - 2 Games (1 Home/1 Road)
Fort Wayne Komets - 1 Game (1 Road)
Laredo Bucks - 11 Games (5 Home/6 Road)
Missouri Mavericks - 3 Games (2 Home/1 Road)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees - 10 Games (5 Home/5 Road)
Tulsa Oilers - 9 Games (5 Home/4 Road)
Rapid City Rush - 1 Game (1 Home)
Wichita Thunder - 8 Games (5 Home/3 Road)

Here is the link to the Brahmas' schedule courtesy of Pointstreak.com

By the way, the playoff format this season is as follows:

- A total of eight of 14 teams will qualify for the post-season, consisting of four clubs from both the Berry and Turner Conferences. Both conference winners will be seeded 1st in their conference heading into the playoffs based on point totals. The next three highest teams in each conference’s regular season standings (based on point totals) will be seeded 2nd, 3rd and 4th in each conference and will also qualify for post-season play.

The playoffs will consist of three rounds:

Conference Semifinals – Best-of-7
Conference Finals – Best-of-7
CHL Championship Finals – Best-of-7

- The #1 seed will play the # 4 seed and the #2 seed will play the #3 seed in each conference with the winners advancing to the conference finals to battle for the respective Turner Trophy and N. Thomas Berry Trophy. The respective trophy winners will battle in the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals. Home ice advantage in the conference finals will be determined based on conference seeding.

- Home ice advantage in the Championship Finals will be awarded to the club with the higher regular season point total, regardless of any earlier playoff seeding.

Should two or more teams be tied in points for any seeding issue throughout the playoffs, the following tiebreakers will be used:

-Most Wins (not including shootout wins)
-Head-to-Head Record
-Goals For/Against Differential

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

Sgroi giving a complimentary NYTEX Whoopin' on the Mudbugs' James DeLory

Mike Sgroi says he's signed with the IceMen

Former Brahmas enforcer will police the new Evansville Arena

His new team hasn't announced it, but according to a Facebook post by our favorite Mixed Martial Artist, Mike Sgroi has signed with the Evansville IceMen.

Sgroi, who turned 33 on Sunday, signed with the Brahmas on January 6th and tallied four points (1 G, 3 A, -3) and 94 penalty minutes in 26 regular season games. He added an assist in three post-season contests. He played nine games with the Colorado Eagles prior to joining the purple and black. Following the Brahmas' elimination in the post-season, he was called up to the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers for two games.

Sgroi was an easy fan favorite and took on the opposition's tough guys in regular bouts, often set up during pre-game warm-ups. He was an effective and necessary deterrent, part of the NYTEX triumvirate of toughness that included Roger Maxwell and Nathan Saunders.

Brahmas coach Dan Wildfong has decided to go in a different direction this season and Sgroi, entering his 12th pro season, had no trouble hawking his veritable talents. Evansville fans will be in for a treat.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-12T18:35:00.001-05:00

Maxwell returns to Quebec

The "Silver Hammer" will play for Saint-Georges once again

Saw this on the Saint-Georges (LNAH) website today (thanks to Eliteprospects.com):

"Roger Maxwell will be back with the troupe Beauce. During his last visit with the team, Maxwell was one of the best strong men in the league and he may find this title quite quickly. Roger is also very effective in front of opposing goalies to veil the sight of them. It will help to bring order to the ice."

Maxwell played 11 games with the Brahmas before his season came to an end due to injury. There were differing opinions on his role with the team, but as I said on the Brahmas forum, Roger showed up in training camp in the place of someone else and filled a role that needed to be filled. Even as a situation player, he had more heart and motivation than many of the kids who passed through last season - especially those who gave up on themselves and their teammates or those who weren't honest about the true nature of their physical condition.

He contributed one goal on just four shots and 27 penalty minutes during his time in purple and black. The crowd went wild when he was on the ice and he was the only enforcer who dropped another with a solid punch all season.

Roger knew it was a privilege to be on the ice and he did what Fonger asked him to do. All he wanted in return was respect. He very quickly had my respect, as evidenced by this article I wrote for Pro Hockey News back in October.

I spoke with Roger late in the season and he said he wanted to be back at training camp in September and was hoping to get another shot. I for one, would have liked to have seen him in a Brahmas sweater once again - even after 15 pro seasons, here's a man whose motivation will likely outlast his physical ability. I say more power to you, Roger!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-10T14:05:00.000-05:00

Wild signs with Gwinnett Gladiators

Former Brahmas forward to play in ECHL in 2011-12

The Gwinnett Gladiators announced today that they have agreed to terms with former Brahmas forward Calin Wild for the 2011-12 season.

During his rookie season in purple and black, Wild posted 21 points (10 G, 11 A, -10) and 24 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games played. He added two points (1 G, 1 A) and four PIM in four post-season contests.

Prior to joining the Brahmas, Wild played four seasons at the University of Manitoba (2006-10) where he registered 44 points (25 G, 19 A) in 111 games.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

Woollard is back!

CHL's leading goal-scorer re-signs for 2011-12 campaign

The Texas Brahmas have announced the re-signing of veteran sniper Chad Woollard for the 2011-12 campaign.

Last season, the prodigal Woollard, 31, tallied 92 points (46 G, 46 A, +2) and 89 penalty minutes, including nine power play goals, 15 power play assists and eight game-winning goals in 65 games played. He led all players in the league with his 46 goals and was fifth in scoring with his 92 points. He was also the league's top 3 Star Leader with 83 Star points.

Woollard was named the first star of ‘Oakley’s Three Stars’ for the month of February, during which he put up 26 points (13 G, 13 A). From February 1st thru March 11th, Woollard had an impressive 17-game point streak in which he scored 35 points (18 G, 17 A).

“Bringing Woolley back was key in our efforts to have a strong offensive team, Head Coach Dan Wildfong said. "It is a certain level of comfort we receive with Chad on the ice; he is a special player who can get things done.”

Woollard's leadership skills were recently lauded by defenseman Ross Rouleau in an interview for the Texas Brahmas Examiner. Asked if he could sign one player from last year's team, without hesitation Rouleau chose Woollard.

"Not only because he scored 46 goals, but he’s been around the league and he’s a smart player," Rouleau said. "He lets you know when you’re doing wrong and helps you out with what you need and he’s a good leader."

Last season, Woollard marked two career milestones, scoring his 700th career point and playing in his 700th career game. In addition, he scored his 10th CHL (fifth as a Brahma) on the road against the Odessa Jackalopes (November 23rd), in an 8-6 victory.

The 6' 3", 210 pound native of Durham, Ontario spent his Junior career in the Ontario Hockey League, playing with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Owen Sound Platers and the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. His Junior totals were 101 points (48 G, 53 A) and 255 PIM in 153 regular season games and 15 points (3 G, 12 A) in 26 post-season contests.

Woollard began his professional career in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 1999-00 skating for the Jackson Bandits and Greensboro Generals. In 32 games, he had 14 points (6 G, 8 A) and 25 PIM.

The following season, he joined the Fort Worth Brahmas, where he would spend the next five seasons, accumulating 264 points (132 G, 132 A) and 686 PIM in 290 games. During the 2001-02 season he was called up to the Utah Grizzlies, the Dallas Stars' American Hockey League affiliate at the time, for two games after attending their training camp. Woollard was also called up by the AHL's St. John’s Maple Leafs for four games during the 2003-04 season.

Woollard led the Brahmas in points in 2002-03 and 2004-05 but unfortunately played under four different head coaches during some of the Brahmas' toughest times. He only saw post-season play following the 2001-02 season and tallied three points (2 G, 1 A) and 4 PIM in four games.

Seeking a change, Woollard signed with the Quad City Mallards (UHL) in 2005-06 and played there for two seasons. In 145 regular season games, he registered 158 points (79 G, 79 A) and 231 PIM. During the 2006-07 season, he was called up the the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) for two games. The Mallards made the playoffs both seasons, but lost in the first round each time. Woollard would contribute 18 points (11 G, 7 A) and 30 PIM in 12 post-season contests.

In 2007-08, Woollard returned to the CHL, signing with the Mississippi RiverKings. On the team's top line, he tallied 68 points (37 G, 31 A) and 84 PIM. He added two goals in the first round of the 2008 playoffs, in which the RiverKings were knocked out by the Texas Brahmas.

The following season, Woollard signed with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (IHL) where he registered 57 points (33 G, 24 A) and 69 PIM in 50 games during the regular season and six points (2 G, 4 A) and 8 PIM in 10 playoff games.

Woollard was a member of the Corpus Christi IceRays' final roster in 2009-10 where he tallied 64 points (40 G, 24 A, +10) and 72 PIM in 57 games played. He added three points (1 G, 2 A) in two post-season contests against the Brahmas. He also reached 30 goals in 40 games, the second-fastest pace in franchise history.

Maybe the most spectacular goal of his season (and the most painful) came on December 18th at home against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Just 8:34 into the contest, teammate Jason Tessier sent in a slap shot that unfortunately hit Woollard right in the mouth. But the puck deflected past an out-of-position Andy Franck and into the net for the score. Woollard was credited with the goal and Tessier with the assist. Woollard returned later in the game wearing a full shield and with three teeth lost, managed to score another goal in the final minute of the middle frame. Talk about moxie!

Woollard holds franchise records in: regular season games played (355), points (356), goals (178), shots (1,287), game-winning goals (23) and power play goals (50). The 2011-12 campaign will mark his 13th pro season and his seventh with the Brahmas.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-05T13:25:00.003-05:00

Brahmas confirm Towns signing

Rookie forward shows great potential

The Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of former Adrian College standout Mike Towns.

Head coach Dan Wildfong commented on the addition of the rookie forward to the team's 2011-12 roster.

“Based on Mike’s reputation, he has the grit that we need to make it difficult for opponents to get an edge," Wildfong said. "He is a tough kid to play against, and his style of play will fit nicely in our system.”

Towns is the fifth player announcement by the Brahmas, joining defensemen Jim Burichin and Ross Rouleau, forward Alex Curran and goaltender Steve Silverthorn.

Photo Credit:

2011-08-05T10:55:00.001-05:00

Brendan Hodge reportedly signs on for 2011-12 season

Veteran center is consistent special teams contributor

Jim Holland of the The Rapid City Journal has reported that Brendan Hodge has signed with the Texas Brahmas. Rapid City Rush Media Relations Director/Broadcaster Daniel Nieves states the same on Twitter. The Brahmas organization has neither confirmed or announced this signing.

According to Holland's article, which was posted to the Internet on Thursday night and published in Friday's paper edition, "Hodge became a free agent and confirmed Wednesday his signing with the Texas Brahmas."

Also in the article, which can be read here, Rush head coach Joe Ferras commented on Hodge's departure after two seasons with the team.

“Brendon played very well for us and we know he’ll be successful in Texas,” Ferras said. “It’s always tough to see (players) go, but this is a business and he knows we have decided to go in a different direction with our veterans. It’s well-known that we want our players to have opportunities, whether it’s in Europe or in other leagues, where they can make more money or have a chance to further their careers. Like Brendon, it’s tough to see him go but we wish him the best.”

Hodge, 32, is entering his ninth pro season. The 6', 2" 200-pound native of Lynnfield, Massachusetts is the youngest hockey-playing son of former Boston Bruins great Ken Hodge Sr. and the younger brother of Ken Hodge, Jr. and Dan Hodge, who played and coached in the CHL.

Brendon wears the number eight - a tribute to his father, who wore the same number.

Hodge played junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) for two seasons (1997-99) and tallied 90 points (35 G, 55 A) and 147 penalty minutes in 105 regular season games and nine points (6 G, 3 A) and eight PIM in 19 post-season contests.

Hodge committed to the State University of New York - Plattsburgh (NCAA Division III) where he played for the next four seasons (1999-03). During his collegiate career with the Cardinals, he registered 162 points (67 G, 95 A) and 130 PIM.

He went pro in 2003, signing with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), where he spent the next three seasons, contributing 158 points (58 G, 100 A) and 145 PIM in 208 regular season contests. Hodge played with former Brahmas Mike Sgroi (2004-05) and Jordan Cameron (2005-06) during his time with the Nailers.

In 2006-07, Hodge signed with the Stockton Thunder (ECHL) where he scored 29 points (9 G, 20 A) and 26 PIM in 37 regular season games. In Stockton, Hodge was a teammate of former Brahmas defenseman Eric Main (2007-08).

Hodge signed with the Tulsa Oilers the following season, where his older brother Dan had just taken a position as assistant coach after ending a 10-year pro career with the team. After 16 games, Dan Hodge took over as head coach when the Oilers fired Butch Kaebel and was himself fired after 26 games the following season. In 97 games with the Oilers, Hodge tallied 89 points (37 G, 52) and 58 PIM. He played just 35 games in 2007-08 due to injury or his numbers would have no doubt been better.

In 2009-10, Hodge joined the Rapid City Rush and contributed 57 points (23 G, 34 A) and 22 PIM in 61 games during the regular season. In the post-season, he added 12 points (3 G, 9 A) and 2 PIM in 17 games as the Rush defeated the Allen Americans for the Ray Miron President's Cup Championship.

Last season, Hodge contributed 35 points (8 G, 27 A) and 22 PIM in 63 regular season contests and three points (2 G, 1 A) in 11 post-season games.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-08-04T11:00:00.001-05:00

Former Adrian College standout to join Brahmas?

Winger Mike Towns comes from a tradition of excellence

The Daily Telegram, a newspaper located in Adrian, Michigan reported yesterday that former Adrian College standout Mike Towns will join the Texas Brahmas for the upcoming season. Towns' signing has neither been confirmed or announced by the Brahmas organization.

Towns, who turned 25 yesterday, served as the Bulldogs' captain the past two seasons and compiled 60 points (24 G, 36 A) in 103 career games during his collegiate career. The 6' 4", 220-pound native of Surrey, British Columbia helped Adrian’s penalty kill consistently rank among the best in NCAA Division III.

The Bulldogs' seniors ended a remarkable run with a 4–3 loss in the D-III championship game to St. Norbert College (Alma mater of former Brahmas captain Jason Deitsch). Under then new head coach Ron Fogarty, the group of 17 young men who came together as freshmen for the 2007-08 season established a tradition of excellence built upon a simple motto: "We will win!"

And win they did. The Bulldogs went on to become Adrian's first team to win four consecutive Harris Cup titles and four straight MCHA regular season titles, as well as the fastest team to record 100 victories in the NCAA.

Towns spoke to Issac Berky of U.S. College Hockey Online about the team's success following the completion of the season.

“I hope to have left behind a great program and tradition that will continue to make Adrian College one of the most-recognized programs in D-III hockey,” Towns said. “The tradition that we built is a winning program from scratch, and that’s not easy to do.”

Here's a fun video made after the Bulldogs defeated Marian University 5-0 to win their fourth straight MCHA Tournament title.

Here's another video, titled Adrian College Hockey - The Brotherhood produced and posted on YouTube in April.

Prior to committing to Adrian College, Towns played junior hockey for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. With the Vees, Towns contributed to the Interior Division Championship teams in 2006 and 2007. During his four seasons there (2003-07), Towns registered 52 points (21 G, 31 A) and 517 PIM. He served as alternate captain in 2006 and 2007 was named the team's most improved player in 2007.

Read the original article from The Daily Telegram here

Photo Credit: The Daily Telegram

2011-07-27T18:55:00.003-05:00

Texas Brahmas Hockey - One Goal in Mind!

"Unofficial" slogan for the 2011-12 season is official

I coined an unofficial slogan for the Brahmas last season - "It's not just hockey. It's Brahmas hockey. Be there...be loud...believe!" It poked some fun at the official "Just Hockey." slogan, of which I wasn't a huge fan.

After a long deliberation (about two minutes), I've coined the "unofficial" slogan for the 2011-12 Texas Brahmas - "One Goal in Mind! Texas Brahmas Hockey - Be there...be loud...believe..."

To me, the coming Brahmas roster (which will be much younger and much different than previous years) should have just one goal in mind - a championship.

I still really like the "Be there...be loud...believe...", so I added it in. I think this should be the mantra for any Texas Brahmas fan - be there (you shouldn't be anywhere else), be loud (who was recognized as the rowdiest fans in the league last season?), believe (you've got to believe, you've just got to).

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-07-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

Ross Rouleau moves the puck against the Odessa Jackalopes on April 2nd at NYTEX

Ross Rouleau signs for fourth season in purple and black

Hard working defenseman joins Burichin as blue line anchor

"I'm just hoping to make the team...I've been skating for a couple of hours every morning and then working out and riding the bike...if you don't give 110%, you're not making it." - Ross Rouleau, prior to September 2008's Making the Cut prospect camp

When I first met Ross Rouleau in September of 2008, he had just arrived at the NYTEX Sports Centre after driving over 1,300 miles from his home in Hancock, Michigan (the northernmost city in Michigan).

At 20, Rouleau had been skating since he could walk. He played high school hockey for the Hancock Bulldogs. In their 2002-03 season, Hancock had a 22-3-0 record, marking the most victories in school history. They also had 14 consecutive wins, another school record, and took their fourth consecutive Lake Superior Hockey Conference Title. They were also the #1 Ranked D3 Team in the state of Michigan.

Rouleau spent two seasons with the Lions

Rouleau played for the Marquette Rangers (NAHL) before attending Finlandia University (NCAA Division III). Over the course of two seasons (2006-08), he registered 34 points (7 G, 27 A) and 54 penalty minutes in 40 games played.

Ross' older brother Pete, who had signed with the Brahmas that August, encouraged Ross to try out for the Brahmas at the "Making the Cut" prospect camp. The 6', 180 pound defenseman came to NYTEX two weeks early, skating and working out daily to be ready physically.

Rouleau brought a level of skill, maturity and a work ethic that impressed coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel. When he learned he had made the cut, Rouleau said he couldn't believe it.

"I was pumped...but it only gets harder from here," he said.

After earning a spot in the Brahmas training camp, Rouleau continued working hard and made his way onto the final roster, only to be placed on waivers after just two games.

Later in the season, the Brahmas were making a run towards their first Central Hockey League championship, but their blue line was depleted. Mike Vellinga was ailing, but continued to play. Eric Lundberg was out with what would later be assessed a season-ending injury. Justin Kinnunen had been called up to the American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage. Matt Hanson had recently been traded to Arizona.

Rouleau put everything he had into the renewed opportunity and played the final 15 games of the season. He picked up two assists during another 15 games in the 2009 playoffs and on May 6th, he joined his older brother in celebration of the team's Ray Miron President's Cup championship win over the Colorado Eagles.

Pete and brother Ross celebrate with the President's Cup

Rouleau returned for the 2009-10 campaign, having bulked up during the off-season. He showed much improvement over his rookie year and tallied 18 points (4 G, 14 A, -4) and 72 PIM in 60 regular season games played and earned a call-up to the AHL's Houston Aeros. His first professional goal was scored against the Colorado Eagles at NYTEX on January 10, 2010. He added four assists in eight games played in the post-season.

In early August of 2010, Rouleau signed with the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, giving him the opportunity to play closer to home.

“Ross plays a hard-nosed style of defense,” K-Wings head coach Nick Bootland said. “He’s not a big guy, but he’s certainly willing to get his nose dirty. He’s an up-and-coming young defenseman who possesses a heavy shot.”

Unfortunately, their weren't enough spots available on the final roster and the K-Wings' loss was the Brahmas gain. Last season, Rouleau scored 14 points (2 G, 12 A) and was assessed 54 PIM in 59 regular season games played. Again, his improvement on the ice was evident as noted by Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.

“Ross has grown so much as a player in the past three seasons, and we expect big things from him this season. He knows the system and has experienced what it takes to bring home the Cup,” Wildfong said.

Rouleau joins Jim Burichin as the first members of the Brahmas' defensive core for the 2011-12 season. Not a bad pair to anchor the blue line. I doubt anyone would disagree.

Photo Credits: Top, bottom: Robert Keith; middle: Finlandia University

2011-07-22T11:30:00.002-05:00

Brahmas announce pre-season dates, special offer for season ticket holders

Purple and black to meet Allen Americans October 14-15th

The Texas Brahmas, in conjunction with the Allen Americans have announced a new season ticket holder special for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign. The teams will play two pre-season contests with the Americans hosting the first game at the Allen Events Center on Friday, October 14th and the Brahmas hosting the second game at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Saturday, October 15th.

All season ticket holders for both the Texas Brahmas and the Allen Americans will receive tickets to both games.

The pre-season match-up against their Metroplex rival will be a preview of the season series, including the third annual “Vintage Game Series” that will take place mid-season. The Vintage Game Series reflects the historical rivalries between teams in Tarrant and Dallas counties. Last season, the Brahmas wore special sweaters honoring the Fort Worth Fire and the Americans wore sweaters honoring the Dallas Freeze. The sweaters were auctioned to fans at the conclusion of the series.

Brahmas General Manager Mike Barack is excited to offer fans this new pre-season incentive.

“This is the first time in franchise history we have offered a free away game ticket to our customers. The deal is just another way for us to thank our loyal season ticket holders and express our gratitude,” Barack said.

Allen Americans President Matt Canavan expressed similar sentiments.

"This is a way for us to say thank you to all Americans season ticket holders for all the support they give our organization." Canavan said. "What a great way to kick off the rivalry in 2011-12, with back to back games against Texas in the pre-season."

To obtain the free tickets, Brahmas fans are encouraged to purchase their season ticket packages by September 15th. For those who do not hold season tickets, individual game tickets to the pre-season game at NYTEX will be available for purchase in the near future for $10.

Tickets for the October 15th game at NYTEX will be available for Americans fans to pickup at the Allen Event Center beginning the week of October 10th. Those who don't pickup tickets that week, may do so at the will call box office on the night of the game.

Image Credits: Top: Robert Keith, Middle: Allen Americans

2011-07-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Brahmas land Silverthorn...finally!

Former Colgate University net minder set to don the purple and black

The Texas Brahmas confirmed yesterday that Steve Silverthorn has signed on for the 2011-12 campaign.

Silverthorn, 30, is an alumni of Dan Wildfong's alma mater, Colgate University. In four seasons with the Raiders, Silverthorn had a record of 55-30-9 in 100 games played.

Silverthorn went pro in 2005-06 and signed with the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL), where he spent the next three seasons. In 121 games, Silverthorn amassed a 68-37-14 record, including 10 shutouts. Silverthorn contributed to the Steelheads' Kelly Cup Championship in 2007 with 16 wins and 1,388 minutes played, earning him the Kelly Cup Playoffs MVP.

Silverthorn was called up to the Iowa Stars (AHL) for 13 games between 2006-08. He had an overall record of 4-6-0 with the Stars. In his first AHL game, he stopped all 32 shots for a shutout, only to be followed by a second shutout the following night. The back-to-back shutouts were the Stars’ first in franchise history. Silverthorn also holds the Stars' record for longest shutout sequence at 128:25 minutes.

In 2008, Silverthorn was being pursued for the Brahmas' net but opted instead to sign in Germany with Bad Toelz EC in the Bavarian Landesliga. He had 33 wins in 45 games, including four shutouts.

Silverthorn spent the next two seasons with Schwenningen ERC, playing in the 2.Bundesliga, which is the second highest German league. There, he posted an outstanding 60-24-0 record with 10 shutouts.

Head coach Dan Wildfong is looking forward to having the veteran net minder on his roster this season.

“With this signing, the Brahmas will have stability and strength between the pipes. Steve is a proven successful goalie, and we believe he has what it takes to put the Brahmas back on top in the CHL,” Wildfong said.

2011-07-11T12:42:00.006-05:00

A word about signings for the upcoming season

Fans can expect little information at this time of the year...as usual

The current chatter on the message boards is the same as usual this time of year...when will we get more info on player signings? Well Brahmas fans, don't expect to much in the coming weeks. Unlike some of the other teams out there who like to show their hand early, Dan Wildfong has never been one to do so - and don't expect that to change.

A couple of things to consider: at this time of the summer, most players are weighing their options. Do I want to play hockey again this season? Do I want to play in the CHL? Do I want to play in the ECHL? Do I have a chance of making an AHL roster? Do I want to go to Europe?

Also, teams may not want to announce a new player until all the paperwork has been signed and it's a done deal. Even then, things can go wrong. For instance, I was talking with Dan at the Dallas Stars prospect camp last week and he told me about a defenseman the Brahmas were pretty excited about and had signed - only to have the guy opt out for Europe, where the money was much better. Would have made no sense to have announced his signing, would it?

You also have to take in consideration what's going on in the league. Will this team fold; will that team move to the ECHL or SPHL; will a new franchise be available...all these came to fruition this off-season.

As of this writing, the Tulsa Oilers, Wichita Thunder, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and the new Bloomington franchise haven't announced any signings for the 2011-12 campaign.

The Rapid City Rush and the Quad City Mallards have matched the Brahmas with two players announced. Laredo, Allen, Wichita and Arizona four; the Komets and the Gems five each and seven each for Evansville and Missouri.

As I said before, Fonger doesn't like to show his hand too early, giving other teams an idea of who they'll be playing against.

For those who have forgotten the past and are condemned to repeat it (in regards to wanting more info on who the bulls have signed as of now), here's a little history lesson:

In July of 2007, five players were announced, including rookies Mark Carragher, Tristan Fairbarn and Greg McConnell (07/09/07), Craig Minard (07/10/07) and Grant Jacobsen (07/23/07). This brought the total number of players signed for the 2007-08 season to eight, including net minders Greg Hewitt (06/04/07), David Cacciola (06/05/07), center Jason Cerone (via trade with RGV for future considerations 06/22/07) and defenseman Eric Main (06/28/07). Three more players were announced in August, including defensemen Tim Laurila (08/08/07), Mike Vellinga (08/22/07) and forward Anders Strome (08/30/07).

In July of 2008, just three players were announced, including forwards Andrew Leach (07/17/07), Mark Carragher and Greg McConnell. This brought the total number of players for the 2008-09 season to six, including forward Lance Galbraith (06/05/08), defenseman Mike Vellinga (06/18/08) and net minder Brett Jaeger 06/25/08). Three more players were announced in August, including forwards Pete Rouleau (08/08/08), Tyler Skworchisnki (08/29/08) and defenseman Chris Mann (08/25/08).

In July of 2009, four players were announced, including Brett Jaeger (07/06/09), forwards Jamie Carroll (07/13/09) and Jordan Cameron (07/23/09) and defenseman Kyle Deck (07/30/09). This brought the total number of players for the 2009-10 season to nine, including forwards Jason Deitsch (05/27/09), A.J. Gale (06/16/09), Anders Strome 06/25/09) and defensemen Casey Russell (06/02/09) and Craig Minard (06/10/09). Three more players were announced in August, including defensemen Kevin McLeod, Derek Merlini and Justin Kinnunen.

In July of 2010, four players were announced, including forwards Ryan McLeod (07/09/10), Nick Toneys, Jeff Hazelwood (07/16/10) and Matt Pierce (07/29/10). This brought the total number of players for the 2010-11 season to seven, including forward Jason Deitsch (05/21/10) and defensemen Jim Burichin (06/11/10) and Nathan Saunders (06/29/10). Five more players were announced in August, including defenseman Kevin Kraus (08/03/10), net minders Scott Campbell and Wayne Savage (08/06/10) and forward A.J. Gale (08/26/10).

On average, the Brahmas announce four players signed during the month of July. On average, by the end of July, the Brahmas have 7.5 players signed (and announced). On average, by the end of August, the Brahmas have 11 players signed (and announced). So far, we have defenseman Jim Burichin and forward Alex Curran on the roster - a couple of solid players with good character.

Here's a good article written by David Thomas of the Star-Telegram about the work Dan and Ronnie are doing to build the training camp roster during the summertime. I'm sure you've all read it before, but it's a good one to read again.

In the meantime, it's the summertime - there should be other things on your minds besides hockey. Let Dan and Ronnie do their jobs and we'll see who shows up at training camp and who makes the final cut.

2011-07-04T18:49:00.002-05:00

Hogeboom heading across the pond for 2011-12 season

Former Brahmas center signs with HC Alleghe in Italy

Greg Hogeboom has signed with HC Alleghe in Alleghe, Italy for the 2011-12 season according to a press release by the team issued today.

The team plays in Serie A, a 10-team league that is the top tier of professional ice hockey in Italy.

HC Alleghe plays at the Stadio Alvise De Toni, a 2500-seat venue situated near the shore of Lago de Alleghe. The facility first opened in 1970.

Alleghe, a ski/snowboard resort town with a population of about 1,350 inhabitants, is set in the province of Belluno in Veneto (Northern Italy), the most visited region of Italy. Do a Google image search on Alleghe, Italy - the place is really beautiful.

The league's playing format is set up in three parts:

First part: "Regular season" - Every team plays four matches against each other.
Second Part: After the regular season the teams will be divided into 2 groups to determine access to play off and play out (round robin).
Third part: "Play Off" - Quarterfinals: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5. Quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be played at the best of 7. "Play Out" - 9 vs 10.

Other players signed to the team for the coming season thus far include goalie Adam Dennis (played in the AHL for his first three pro seasons (2006-08) and has played in Europe since), defenseman Michael Schutte (played his first five pro (2002-07) seasons in the AHL and has played in Europe since except for 18 games with the Odessa Jackalopes last season) and center Kenny Corupe (entering his 12th pro season with four seasons split between the ECHL and AHL and two seasons with the Odessa Jackalopes (2001-02 and 2010-11).

Hogeboom, 28, was the second leading scorer for the Brahmas last season (tied with Chad Woollard with 92 points) and was first in power play goals (15), assists (55) and +/- (tied with Jason Krischuk at +16). He was also one of two players (Krischuk) to play all 66 regular season games.

Hogeboom's 92 points (37 G, 55 A, +16) and 22 penalty minutes constituted his best output in seven pro seasons and placed him sixth among all Central Hockey League players in points (92), fifth in goals (37), sixth in assists (55) and second in power play goals (15).

During the post-season, Hogeboom added three points (1 G, 2 A, -3) and four PIM in four games played.

This is a huge loss for the Brahmas, but a nice move for Hogeboom and his wife, who will get to live in a beautiful community over the next season. The money's not bad either!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-07-01T09:30:00.003-05:00

Alex Curran back after a solid rookie season

Steady forward adds defensive component

The Texas Brahmas have announced the re-signing of forward Alex Curran for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign.

In his rookie year, the 6' 2", 191-pound native of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick registered 23 points (10 G, 13 A) and 54 penalty minutes in 62 games.

Prior to signing with the Brahmas, Curran played four seasons with Saint Lawrence University (ECAC). As a member of the Saints, Curran recorded 62 points (19 G, 43 A) and 92 PIM in 153 games played.

Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong is optimistic about the return of Curran for the upcoming season.

“Alex is the type of player who continued to improve throughout the season, and with a year of experience under his belt and a sound defensive mind, I believe he has the potential for a breakthrough season,” Wildfong said.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-06-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

2011 Texas Brahmas "Making the Cut" dates set

At least two training camp contracts to be awarded

The Texas Brahmas have set the dates for the 5th annual Making the Cut prospect camp - September 23-25th at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Last year, 31 athletes attended three days of camp with countless drills and multiple scrimmages as well as several off-ice activities. They were reduced to three finalists who were offered training camp contracts.

This year, prospects will attend an informational meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening, September 22nd at the NYTEX Sports Centre where coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel will lay out rules and expectations. Also expected to be on hand will be General Manager Mike Barack, Equipment Manager Phil Shipp and Athletic Trainer Tom Hart.

The camp will begin Friday morning and break Sunday afternoon when two athletes will be offered official 2011 Texas Brahmas training camp contracts. The Brahmas and all CHL teams are able to officially open training camp Monday, October 3rd.

Three years ago, defenseman Ross Rouleau was on the receiving end of the "Making the Cut" speeches, and after a strong outing, an invitation to the Brahmas official training camp followed. Rouleau became a member of the 2009 Ray Miron President’s Cup Championship team and remains a member of the blue line to this day.

Applicants must be 18 years old or older to attend the camp. Athletes must also make their own travel and lodging accommodations. The price for the prospect camp is $200.

The application form and more information can be found here.

Space is limited, register today!

Questions regarding the camp or the Texas Brahmas can be directed to Dan Wildfong at (817) 336-4423 or dwildfong@brahmas.com.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-06-18T23:27:00.002-05:00

Dylan Stanley signs with EC Bad Nauheim

Former Brahmas forward will play in German Premier League in 2011-12

EC Bad Nauheim of the German Oberliga (Premiere League) has announced that former Texas Brahmas forward Dylan Stanley has signed with the team for the 2011-12 season.

Stanley, 27, began last season with the Colorado Eagles where he tallied 22 points (8 G, 14 A, -6) and 14 penalty minutes in 38 games played. Stanley signed with the Brahmas on March 1st, three days after being waived by the Eagles. In 15 games with the Brahmas, Stanley registered 15 points (6 G, 9 A, +1) and 4 PIM. He added three points (2 G, 1 A) in four post-season contests.

Outside of a 10-games stint with the Greenville Grrrowl (ECHL), Stanley played the two previous season in the German Oberliga with the Rosenheim Star Bulls. His best pro season came in 2008-09, when he tallied 118 points (45 G, 73 A) and 46 PIM in 61 games played.

Prior to going pro, Stanley played three seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Stanley currently lives in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta where he and his fiancee recently purchased a home.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

2011-06-15T20:00:00.001-05:00

McLeod signs in Austria

Former Brahmas defenseman to join Vienna Capitals in 2011-12

The Vienna Capitals have announced the signing of former Texas Brahmas defenseman Kevin McLeod to a tryout agreement. The Capitals are a member of the Erste Bank Hockey League and play their home games at the 4,500 seat Albert Schultz Eishalle.

McLeod spent the 2010-11 campaign with Hvidovre Ligahockey (Denmark), scoring 23 points (7 G, 16 A) and 123 penalty minutes. He added two assists in four playoff games.

Prior to traveling overseas, McLeod spent three seasons with the Brahmas, registering 114 points (46 G, 68 A) and 201 PIM in 168 regular season contests and 20 points (5 G, 15 A) and 40 PM in 31 post-season games.

In 2008-09, McLeod enjoyed his finest professional season as he tied for first in the Central Hockey League among defensemen (Sam Ftorek, Amarillo) in goals scored with 20. His 50 points (20 G, 30 A) ranked him fourth on the Brahmas roster in the goals, assists and points categories.

In 2009-10, McLeod also played five contests with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith