T-BIRDS 3 STARS

#1 JOE WHEELER

#2 RHETT BRUCKNER

#3 NIKOLAS SOTIRIOU

Friday, January 31, 2020

JOE WHEELER’S DRAMATIC SHOOTOUT LASER BLASTS LIFTS THE WSHL LAS VEGAS THUNDERBIRDS TO A 3-2 WIN AT THE SOBE ICE ARENA

By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – Game tied 2-2 in regulation and when Joe Wheeler of the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds went to center ice to fire off an OT/Shootout attempt he knew exactly where to align his battle sights and wire it in.

“During warmups our goalie coach Patrick Spaulding noticed their goalie had a wide stance. That’s all I needed to know,” Joe Wheeler said.

So Wheeler lasered a low liner towards the center of the net. The puck blue-streaked into the goalie cage and his teammates rushed onto the ice as the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds beat a very skilled Ontario Avalanche team by 3-2 before a festive, excited crowd at the SoBe Ice Arena.

And while of Wheeler’s dramatics were going down the T-Birds Rhett Bruckner – an awesome goalie for years at all levels of the game in Las Vegas – shut down all of the Ontario shootout attempts.

It was a magical night at the SoBe as the game was very intense between two really good skilled teams with great rink rock music – nice and loud – and a crowd which was really into the game.

Nikolas Sotiriou of the Thunderbirds earlier fire-blasted a goal in regulation.

He made a rush down the right side of the ice and just ahead of him linemate Anthony Rodriguez gave him a drop pass and Sotiriou unleashed a shot which took a wicked supersonic ride into the Ontario net.

The T-Birds are such a well-coached team with Dave Hyrsky and assistant Matt Johnson. The team plays hard and effectively. There are a lot of hometown stars including the great Joe Terrana and of course Bruckner in the net.

And Mikhail Gerasin, who scored the T-Birds first goal on a powerplay, is a very special and unique ultra-skilled goal scorer. 

All of this is amazing since the T-Birds are a first-year team in a league which includes powers like the El Paso Rhinos and Ogden Mustangs.

Las Vegas and Ontario go at it again on Super Bowl Eve – Saturday night. Faceoff 5:05 pm.

From the Blue Line – The referee on Friday eve was Cody Fulweiler who years ago was a top goalie who played on the Rob Pallin-coached AA Las Vegas Mustangs 18u in 2001-02. That was the first Las Vegas AA team to advance and play in the U.S. Nationals….Before the game started there was a touching 24-second Moment of Silence for superstar legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all who perished with them last week. 

When enforcement was needed in this game T-Birds #4 Gleb Shlyaiger was there to settle things down – his way….T-Birds got a great effort from a number of players including #17 Michael Baron who is really a hard worker on the ice….After the game a lot of folks were asking about legend Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin. His photo is up on the wall just outside the rink doors, by Subway. He’s fine coaching at HC TWK Innsbruck we told those who asked…

The overhead electric scoreboard at the Sobe Ice Arena was initially at the Sante Fe Stations Ice Arena on North Rancho Drive – just down the street. In 2004 when the Santa Fe Stations shut down their ice arena the Scoreboard and a Zamboni and rinkboards were moved over to the SoBe Ice Arena….and if you looked around the arena carefully the framed #96 UNLV Rebels Jersey on the South Wall is retired. It was worn by the great Anthony Greener who always played on the #1 top line he skated for the Rebels. Anthony is now the head coach of the UNLV Rebels….That was famous Las Vegas hockey dad Joe Battaglia keeping the stats for the game last night….

Las Vegas scoring

LV – Mikhail Gerasin from Nikolas Sotiriou

LV – Niklolas Sotiriou from Anthony Rodriguez

LV – Joe Wheeler – OT/Shootout goal

LV goalie – Rhett Bruckner

 

Friday, January 31, 2020

Buffalo – Michael Yochum of Las Vegas scored and dealt two assists to help the ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins beat Mercyhurst 5-2 on Friday night at the Hyde Park Arena.

Michael, in his freshman season has 13 goals, 5 assists for 18 points. Canisius raised its season record to 13-7-1.

Weather check – It will be snowing on Saturday and Sunday in Buffalo

http://wshlstats.com/live_scoreboard.php

Humboldt, Saskatchewan – Las Vegas defenseman Steven Avalone, playing for the first time in two months as a result of an injury, returned to action and fired off a big OT game-winning pass to linemate Brett Neumeier who scored to help the SJHL Kindersley Klippers beat the hometown Humboldt Broncos by 3-2 here at the Elgar Peterson Ice Arena. The crowd was a big one in this building – 761. The arena here is named after Elgar Peterson, 82, who passed last year. He was a volunteer who helped players of all ages for many years at the ice center.

Glen Falls NY – Michael McNicholas of Las Vegas dealt two assists and was rewarded with a #3 Star of the Game award for the ECHL Maine Mariners in a 3-0 road win over the Adirondack Thunder before 1705 at the Cool Insuring Arena. Michael this season has 5 goals, 21 assists for 26 points. Outside the arena during the game the temp was an icy-cold 12 degrees.

2019-2020 ACHA Men’s Division 1 Ranking #13
Rank	School Name	M1 Record	Previous
1	Adrian	20-0-0	1
2	Liberty	21-4-0	2
3	Lindenwood	16-6-0	3
4	Minot State	13-4-3	4
5	Michigan-Dearborn	17-6-2	5
6	Ohio	16-7-3	7
7	Stony Brook	15-7-0	6
8	Indiana Tech	18-6-1	8
9	Davenport	15-6-0	10
10	Arizona	19-3-3	9
11	Jamestown	18-5-0	13
12	Drexel	19-2-5	14
13	Oklahoma	17-4-0	16
14	Pittsburgh	19-2-0	15
15	Central Oklahoma	20-9-2	17
16	Calvin	12-2-2	11
17	Illinois	13-8-3	12
18	Nevada-Las Vegas	15-11-1	21
19	Arizona State	16-7-1	18
20	Aquinas	14-10-2	19
21	Oakland	15-5-2	22
22	Delaware	17-10-0	23
23	New York	7-7-2	20
24	Iowa State	17-9-2	25
25	McKendree	10-2-0	NR

 

Here is how our hockey experts see the Super Bowl Game on Sunday, Feb 2

Want to vote? Send to leesamuels07@aol.com

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

Las Vegas premier defenseman Richie Crossley – Gold Medal 2015

This is a tough one because we’re not a fan of either team – however, we are going to say the 49ers will win – final score will be 35-33.

 

Las Vegas Hockey Dad Steve Allen – Gold Medal 2017

I like San Francisco 30-27. It’s Jimmy G’s time to shine

 

Michael Cichy, dynamic goal scorer for Las Vegas Jesters

We are going with the 49ers – final score will be 24-17

 

Bethany Drysdale, award winning writer on Vegas Hockey

KC Chiefs will win it 27-21 – because I like rooting for the underdogs. I always hope a team which has never won the Super Bowl before gets a win for their city

 

Anthony Greener, Head Coach, UNLV Rebels – Gold Medal 2019

I like the Chiefs for the reason of the KC offense being so good with so many weapons. Chiefs win 27-23.

 

Matt Johnson, youth hockey coach with the Vegas Jr Golden Knights and an assistant coach with the WSHL Las Vegas Thunderbirds

San Francisco wins this one 24-17

 

Aaron Kinslow – years ago he and Eddie Samuels were coaches of the WSHL Park City Moose in Utah

San Francisco wins 28-24 because of their talent and depth

 

Jennifer Lener, hockey mom of the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u – Her son William Jacob is a top player on the team

We are rooting for the Chiefs, solely for Mahomes. I am a Giants fan at heart, sadly (ha ha). Mahomes is a great role model for today’s youth.

The final score will be KC 21, Niners 17

 

Hockey dad John McNicholas whose son Michael is a big goal scorer for the ECHL Maine Mariners

49ers will win 28-24. This is the first time my two favorite teams play for the championship. This goes back to 1969 when I was old enough to notice.

 

Will ‘Money’ Munson, former teammate of Eddie Samuels with NAHL Billings Jr Bills. They called Will ‘Money’ because he scored the most-needed goals.

Chiefs will win 34-27 because Chiefs have one of the best QBs and because we do not like the 49ers at all. Me, we are still playing adult league ice hockey on a team called SNAFU at the Riverside rink in Southern California.

 

Adam Naglich, one of the greatest Las Vegas goal scorers in ice hockey and roller hockey.  While growing up his roller nickname was Stick.

“Let’s go with KC 35, SF 24. I think KC will be too much for SF D to handle.”

 

Las Vegas hockey coach Rob Pallin, Head Coach TWK Innsbruck in Austria.

“KC wins 24-10. The reason is obvious – they have the best quarterback and he is a real winner.”

 

Rob Proffitt, GM, NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Gold Medal 2019 

KC wins 31-27. Mahomes – first step to the Hall of Fame

 

Pokey Reddick, legendary hockey coach in Las Vegas

Chiefs win 41-24. Mahones takes them all the way! 

 

Nick Robone, assistant coach UNLV Rebels and previously a star roller hockey player and head coach

49ers win 37-31. I think their defense will be the determining factor in slowing down the Chiefs offense just enough to win.

 

Jimmy Samuels, who played youth hockey for years here in Las Vegas and is a dear friend of the great Vito Carlo. 

 

I’m going with the Chiefs 28-21. KC Coach Andy Reid wants it bad.

 

Robbie Silvernail, tremendous goal scorer in youth hockey and with the UNLV Rebels

49ers will win – and I would take the ‘Under’ in this game

 

Adam Tamura, one of the Las Vegas’ greatest roller players and roller coaches

KC wins, final score of 34-27. Mahomes will be MVP. Andy Reid gets his first Super Bowl victory.

 

Hockey mom Nancy Whissel whose son Harris plays for the AA Vegas Jr Golden Knights 16u

49ers all the way – they will win 27-13

 

Hockey dad Greg Yochum whose son Michael plays for the ACHA D1 Canisius Golden Griffins

“Chiefs 28-23. Mahomes is healthy and Andy Reid has two weeks to figure our Sherman and Bosa.”

 

Legendary hockey dad Scott Zucker – Gold Medal 2016

“49ers will win 39-28. Chiefs will score but 49ers have a better defense. The Chiefs will not be able to stop the Niners.”

===

Vegas Hockey Who wins poll 

KC Chiefs 11 votes

SF 49ers 10 votes

===

if you want to participate send to leesamuels07@aol.com

 

Dorian Laganiere-Labranche sets up in a recent UNLV game at City National Arena

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

FOR THE LOVE OF HOCKEY BY BETHANY DRYSDALE

Interviewed by Kat Craner and Christina Oka

Recently my friends Kat Craner and Christina Oka had the chance to sit down with UNLV goaltender Dorian Laganiere-Labranche. Since I am no longer living in Las Vegas, these wonderful ladies have conducted player interviews on my behalf. This past weekend, UNLV won their 4^th game in a row, with 2 more victories over Utah. Although Dorian did not start in goal this past weekend, he has played the most games in goal this season for the Rebels. In 15 starts, he has a 2.77 goals against average and a 89.5 SVS%.

Born in Granby, Quebec, Canada, Dorian is listed at 5’11” and 181 pounds. We asked the 21 year old netminder what brought him to Las Vegas, he said, “Last summer, I had an opportunity to meet up with Angelos Tsalafos. I was with my friend from Boston, who visiting me in Montreal.  At that time, I didn’t know what I was going to do or where to play next. There were other options on the table, but nothing really interesting. We talked to the UNLV coaches and, right away, we got response that they were interested in me coming to UNLV.” It happened quickly for Dorian as the UNLV coaching staff were impressed with his videos and game footage.

Dorian has been playing goaltender since he was 7 years old. He admired Montreal Canadian goaltender Jose Theodore, who won the Venzia and Hart trophies during his career. His favorite hockey memory was last year with the OCN Blizzard, in the MJHL. He said that even though they weren’t the best team in the league, they bonded and were a close knit team. He loved being on the ice with his teammates and being scouted by other teams. His best advice for kids starting off in hockey is to watch and study players. Keep practicing and believe you can achieve your goals. Sometimes a young player will have to travel to get the best coaches and face better competition, but it is worth it to achieve the next level of success.

Like all student athletes, hockey is only part of a player’s day. When he is off the ice, Dorian is a Biology major. When ask what his plans are after college, Dorian hopes to attend medical school in Canada or a career in pharmacy. We asked him if he has had a chance to explore Las Vegas as a tourist yet. “A little bit, little bit. School has me very busy and keeping up my GPA. I had a little time during the break to go out to see Hoover Dam. I like the nice views, like the lights at night. It’s different than Montreal. Here it’s touristic lights, they want to get you to see the Strip. Compared to Montreal, it’s just street lights and building lights, nothing really attracting, just lights.”

Finally, we asked the young Canadian what he thinks of the ever growing hockey community in Las Vegas. “I think it’s really impressive because it’s the only professional major league Vegas sports and it’s impressive. It’s going to help UNLV to keep growing the game as well. Hopefully they stay the favorite team, even though the Raiders are coming.  I think the Raiders would have to win a big championship or something big to change everyone, like the Knights did the first year, where everybody is just really into it.”

When asked to compare growing up in Canada, where hockey is the most watched sport, how does Las Vegas compare to the hockey culture in Montreal, Dorian said, “Montreal fans think they know everything, they think they’re better than the GMs, better than everyone, they want to run the team instead of the GMs. Compared to Vegas, it’s more of, like, fans. They are real fans. It’s not like GMs in the stands, trying to scout, taking a certain stand. If you’re playing well, they’re going to tell everybody you are the best in the world, like Carey Price. Everyone [there] says he’s the best in the world. And when he’s in a slump, everyone wants to trade him. So that’s the worst. When you play good, it’s probably the best place to play in the world. The people, they probably go the craziest in the league, but when you play bad, it’s not fun.

[Fandom in Vegas] is just going to get better. The knowledge is going to come. It’s started. They’re making a big effort to come to games, to try to learn it.”

One of the best ways to understand the hockey community in Las Vegas is to come out on a Friday or Saturday night to City National and watch the UNLV Rebels take the ice. The price is right for a family fun night out and the players like Dorian really appreciate the packed stands cheering them on. If you are someone interested in the Golden Knights, this ticket is right for all fans. Hockey has been here in Vegas for decades; it is just more noticed more these days.

Special to Vegas Hockey

Anaheim – Big goal scorers Tristan Toth and Jordan Hinkes each had 3 goals and were the top goal scorers for the Daryl Wademan coached Vegas Jr Golden Knights High School team in the Ducks Hockey League this past weekend. Overall Vegas Jr Golden Knights went 1-1-1. These were very hard, physical high school games all weekend long for the Vegas Jr Golden Knights at Anaheim Ice. 

Here are the scores:

Santa Margarita H.S. 5, Vegas Jr Golden Knights HS 3

VGK Goals in order

Tristan Toth from Colton Boyd

Caden Thorne from Noah Smejkal, Zoe Zamora

Koen Dudschus from Colton Boyd

VGK Goalie

Heath Goldsmith

—

Vegas Jr Golden Knights HS 6, Inland Empire Wolverines Varsity 3

VGK Goals

Ean Vitz from Jordan Hinkes

Jordan Hinkes from Michael Bourgault, Ean Vitz

Jordan Hinkes from Ean Vitz, Zoe Zamora

Tristan Toth from Tyler Owens

Noah Smejkal from Colton Boyd

Colton Boyd – short-handed empty net goal

VGK Goalie

Mitch McCombs

---

Villa Park HS Spartans 3, Vegas Jr Golden Knights HS 2 OT/Shootout

VGK Goals

Jordan Hinkes from Ean Vitz

Tristan Toth from Colton Boyd

VGK Goalie

Heath Goldsmith

To update or revise send to leesamuels07@aol.com

 

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Tulsa – Cory Ward of Las Vegas has scored in back to back games for the ECHL Tulsa Oilers. On Sunday Cory got his 7th goal of the season in Tulsa’s 6-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads here at the BOK Center. The crowd was 4201. This season Cory has 7 goals, 7 assists, 14 points and is +4 on the ice. The ECHL Tulsa Oilers are an affiliate of the NHL St. Louis Blues and the AHL San Antonio Rampage. Back in 2009-10 Cory was a big goal scorer for the AAA Nevada Storm 16u which practiced and played home games at the Las Vegas Ice Center on Flamingo Avenue.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

SPHL

Derek Sutliffe of Las Vegas and Evansville Thunderbolts vs Beau McCue, who played some youth hockey in Las Vegas, and the Fayetteville Marksmen at the Crown Colisieum in Fayetteville, NC.

//Final Score – Fayettville wins 2-1 in OT.  Derek Sutliffe assisted on Evansville’s only goal in regulation play, then fired in an OT/Shootout goal – but Fayetteville scored two OT/Shootout goals to win the game.