Three Ice players participated in tonight's USHL-NHL Prospects Game in Muskegon -- essentially, the replacement for the All-Star Game, the contest shows off the top draft-eligible players from across the league.
The Ice's Robbie Baillargeon shone brightly, scoring the East's first two goals in a 5-3 victory. He also had several more good chances, getting five shots on goal.
Baillargeon's first goal came when he stole a clearing pass and deked goaltender Stephon Williams out of position in the goalmouth before slinging the puck into the open net with 1:46 left in the first. It cut the West lead to 2-1, but Baillargeon quickly tied the game in the second, cashing in on a great goalmouth feed from Muskegon's Jordan Masters at 4:07.
The Ice's Robert Polosello also had an assist on a goal at 10:06 of the second scored by Green Bay's Nicholas Schilkey -- a goal that initially wasn't allowed, but was upon further consultation with the goal judge. Polosello also got five shots off.
Jon Gillies was the winning goaltender. He came in with a 3-2 lead midway through the second, quickly allowed the tying goal on a deflection, and then was a brick wall, stopping 19 consecutive shots to seal the victory.
Former Ice player Cody Bradley, now of the Dubuque Fighting Saints, also played for the East in the game.
USHL boxscore
Showing posts with label Robbie Baillargeon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robbie Baillargeon. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
A smashing debut & 7 straight
New Iceman Kirill Lebedev scored the game's first goal tonight and the Ice won their seventh straight game -- and extended their regulation unbeaten streak to 11 games (9-0-2) in a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Steel on the road tonight.
Lebedev scored the game's first goal, giving the Ice a 1-0 lead after a period. Former Steel defenseman R.J. Boyd and Robbie Baillargeon -- who each assisted on Lebedev's goal -- each had two assists on the night. Robert Polosello also scored twice. The Ice -- who possess two of the league's best special teams units -- also scored power play and shorthanded goals in a complete victory.
With Green Bay losing to the USNDTP U18s tonight, the Ice gained two points on the Gamblers and now trail by seven points. The Ice are 21-7-4 with 46 points and a game in hand on GB. The Ice are also five points ahead of Dubuque, whom they visit Saturday night.
Polosello has caught fire of late, and has tallied a point in six straight games. He scored on a feed from Ryan Obuchowski 1:54 into the second to give the Ice a two-goal cushion. Sean Kuraly added a power play goal four and a half minutes later to give the Ice a 3-0 edge. It was his 19th goal of the year, putting him one behind team leader Daniil Tarasov. Kuraly now has a seven-game point streak going.
Chicago's Bo Pieper and Jacob Slavin scored within the next five minutes to cut the lead to 3-2, but Jon Gillies slammed the door the rest of the night, making 29 saves. He stopped all 10 Chicago shots in the third period, during which Polosello added a shorthanded goal.
Matthias Dahlstrom made 39 saves for Chicago in the loss, as the Ice held a 43-31 shot edge.
Jacob Fallon and Alex Barron were both plus-2 on the night for the Ice.
Tarasov was scoreless, but he got off a whopping 10 shots on goal during the game.
3 stars
1. Robert Polosello (Ice), 2 goals, +1, 2 shots
2. Bo Pieper (Chicago), goal, +1, 2 shots
3. R.J. Boyd (Ice), 2 assists, +1, 1 shot
USHL boxscore
Lebedev scored the game's first goal, giving the Ice a 1-0 lead after a period. Former Steel defenseman R.J. Boyd and Robbie Baillargeon -- who each assisted on Lebedev's goal -- each had two assists on the night. Robert Polosello also scored twice. The Ice -- who possess two of the league's best special teams units -- also scored power play and shorthanded goals in a complete victory.
With Green Bay losing to the USNDTP U18s tonight, the Ice gained two points on the Gamblers and now trail by seven points. The Ice are 21-7-4 with 46 points and a game in hand on GB. The Ice are also five points ahead of Dubuque, whom they visit Saturday night.
Polosello has caught fire of late, and has tallied a point in six straight games. He scored on a feed from Ryan Obuchowski 1:54 into the second to give the Ice a two-goal cushion. Sean Kuraly added a power play goal four and a half minutes later to give the Ice a 3-0 edge. It was his 19th goal of the year, putting him one behind team leader Daniil Tarasov. Kuraly now has a seven-game point streak going.
Chicago's Bo Pieper and Jacob Slavin scored within the next five minutes to cut the lead to 3-2, but Jon Gillies slammed the door the rest of the night, making 29 saves. He stopped all 10 Chicago shots in the third period, during which Polosello added a shorthanded goal.
Matthias Dahlstrom made 39 saves for Chicago in the loss, as the Ice held a 43-31 shot edge.
Jacob Fallon and Alex Barron were both plus-2 on the night for the Ice.
Tarasov was scoreless, but he got off a whopping 10 shots on goal during the game.
3 stars
1. Robert Polosello (Ice), 2 goals, +1, 2 shots
2. Bo Pieper (Chicago), goal, +1, 2 shots
3. R.J. Boyd (Ice), 2 assists, +1, 1 shot
USHL boxscore
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Newsstand: Baillargeon getting league-wide attention
Ice forward Robbie Baillargeon is one of the top draft-eligible prospects in the USHL this season. He discusses his year and prospects ahead of Tuesday's Prospects Game with USHL.com.
Also, Slightly Chilled's Ryan Clark has the Ice atop his weekly USHL Power Rankings.
Also, Slightly Chilled's Ryan Clark has the Ice atop his weekly USHL Power Rankings.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
New CSS rankings out
Ice goaltender Jon Gillies was ranked fourth among North American goaltenders and forward Robbie Baillargeon was ranked 43rd among North American skaters in today's latest incarnation of the NHL's Central Scouting Service rankings.
Gillies has established himself as one of the USHL's top goaltenders. The Northeastern commit leads the USHL in wins and is among the tops in save percentage and goals against average. He is also the Ice's all-time shutout leader.
Baillargeon is in his first year with the ice, and is a strong playmaker who has piled up points playing on several different lines this year.
The two are the only two Ice players ranked out of several USHL players.
The full rankings are here
Gillies has established himself as one of the USHL's top goaltenders. The Northeastern commit leads the USHL in wins and is among the tops in save percentage and goals against average. He is also the Ice's all-time shutout leader.
Baillargeon is in his first year with the ice, and is a strong playmaker who has piled up points playing on several different lines this year.
The two are the only two Ice players ranked out of several USHL players.
The full rankings are here
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Ice Players of the Week & Prospects Game
Three Indiana Ice players were selected Thursday for the 2012 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, which will be played Jan. 24 at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon.
This game is intended to showcase the top players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the USHL. This is the first year of the Top Prospects Game. Thirty-seven of the selected players are 2012 draft-eligibles, four more are 2013 draft-eligibles.
Selected from the Ice are goaltender Jon Gillies, rated by the CSS as the top draft-eligible goaltender in the USHL. With a 16-5-4 record, two shutouts and a 2.32 GAA, Gillies ranks first in the USHL in games played, minutes and wins, and third in goals-against average. He also leads the league with a .926 save percentage.
Also selected are forward Robert Polosello. In 28 games, he has a 6-8-14 line. He is a +4 with five power-play points. Forward Robbie Baillargeon is the third Ice player selected to the team. He has 11 goals, 16 assists and is a +4 on the year. He has 11 points on the power play, including three goals. He is also highly-rated by the CSS.
The Ice also had two players selected to USHL weekly awards.
Forward Sean Kuraly continued his team-best streak by scoring a goal in five consecutive games when he tallied goals in each of the Ice's wins last week. He had three goals, an assist and a +5 rating. He now has a team-high 18 goals on the season. He was the USHL Forward of the Week, while goaltender Jon Gillies was again the Goaltender of the Week. He had three wins, a 1.30 GAA, a shutout and a .949 save percentage in the three games. He shared the honor with Sioux Falls' Adam Wilcox.
Full rosters for the prospects game (from the USHL)
This game is intended to showcase the top players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the USHL. This is the first year of the Top Prospects Game. Thirty-seven of the selected players are 2012 draft-eligibles, four more are 2013 draft-eligibles.
Selected from the Ice are goaltender Jon Gillies, rated by the CSS as the top draft-eligible goaltender in the USHL. With a 16-5-4 record, two shutouts and a 2.32 GAA, Gillies ranks first in the USHL in games played, minutes and wins, and third in goals-against average. He also leads the league with a .926 save percentage.
Also selected are forward Robert Polosello. In 28 games, he has a 6-8-14 line. He is a +4 with five power-play points. Forward Robbie Baillargeon is the third Ice player selected to the team. He has 11 goals, 16 assists and is a +4 on the year. He has 11 points on the power play, including three goals. He is also highly-rated by the CSS.
The Ice also had two players selected to USHL weekly awards.
Forward Sean Kuraly continued his team-best streak by scoring a goal in five consecutive games when he tallied goals in each of the Ice's wins last week. He had three goals, an assist and a +5 rating. He now has a team-high 18 goals on the season. He was the USHL Forward of the Week, while goaltender Jon Gillies was again the Goaltender of the Week. He had three wins, a 1.30 GAA, a shutout and a .949 save percentage in the three games. He shared the honor with Sioux Falls' Adam Wilcox.
Full rosters for the prospects game (from the USHL)
Forwards Defensemen
Ray Pigozzi
– Chicago Steel Ian Brady – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Kevin Irwin
– Des Moines Buccaneers Jaccob Slavin – Chicago Steel
Zach Saar – Des Moines Buccaneers Mike Matheson – Dubuque Fighting Saints
Cody Bradley
– Dubuque Fighting Saints Brian
Cooper – Fargo
Force
Zemgus Girgensons – Dubuque Fighting Saints Justin Wade – Fargo
Force
Nate Arentz
– Fargo Force Dakota Mermis – Green Bay Gamblers
Austin Farley –
Fargo Force Jordan Schmaltz – Green Bay Gamblers
Alex Kile – Green Bay Gamblers Mike McKee – Lincoln Stars
Nicholas Schilkey – Green Bay Gamblers Mark Yanis – Muskegon Lumberjacks
Robbie Baillargeon – Indiana Ice Cliff Watson – Sioux City
Musketeers
Robert Polesello – Indiana Ice Ian McCoshen – Waterloo
Black Hawks**
Zach Aston-Reese – Lincoln Stars Chris Bradley – Youngstown
Phantoms
Luke Johnson
– Lincoln Stars ** Michael
Downing^ – Dubuque
Fighting Saints**
Kevin Roy – Lincoln Stars
Adam Chlapik
– Muskegon
Lumberjacks
Matthew DeBlouw
– Muskegon
Lumberjacks Goaltenders
Jordan Masters
– Muskegon Lumberjacks Jon
Gillies – Indiana
Ice
Justin Selman
– Sioux Falls Stampede Alex Lyon – Omaha
Lancers
Austyn Young
– Sioux Falls Stampede Stephon Williams – Sioux
Falls Stampede
Taylor Cammarata – Waterloo Black Hawks** Jay Williams – Waterloo
Black Hawks
Vince Hinostroza – Waterloo
Black Hawks
A.J. Michaelson
– Waterloo
Black Hawks
Austin Cangelosi – Youngstown
Phantoms
Richard Zehnal
– Youngstown
Phantoms
**2013 draft-eligible
^will not participate
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sending out 2011 with a "W"
 |
| The Ice and Phantoms play in the second period at Bankers Life Fieldhouse |
At the end of 2011, they've been proving it.
The Ice capped off 2011 with a textbook-perfect 3-0 victory over the Youngstown Phantoms at the newly-named Bankers Life Fieldhouse, extending their year-ending streak to 6-0-2 in the last eight games.
Included in that are two weekend sweeps against the top challengers in the four-way race for the top spot in the USHL's Eastern Conference -- one against Dubuque in early December, and now back-to-back victories over Youngstown, with whom the Ice were tied in the standings going into Friday night's game. The Ice outscored the Phantoms 7-2 in the two games.
Ice goaltender Jon Gillies made 26 saves for his second shutout of the year and his franchise-record fifth of his USHL career. The defense kept the number of tough chances to a minimum, blocking several shots and keeping much of the Phantoms offense on the perimeter. Gillies had to make a point-blank save late in the second -- not long after the Ice defense broke up a 3-on-1 and turned into a Daniil Tarasov breakaway on the other end, one that was also stuffed by Youngstown's Michael O'Connor.
The Ice did have to kill off six Youngstown power plays, including an extended 5-on-3 situation. They were successful in all six.
The offense got going early for the Ice in this one -- just 1:42 in, Sean Kuraly fed John Doherty in front of the net. Doherty made a nice move and slipped the puck past Youngstown goaltender O'Connor to open the scoring. It was Doherty's second goal since coming from Dubuque nine games ago, and his second in as many nights.
Less than four minutes later, penalties to Youngstown's Michael Gunn and Ryan Lowney gave the Ice a prolonged 5-on-3. Robert Polosello's shot from the slot deflected off O'Connor and trickled over the goal line to make it 2-0. It was his sixth goal of the season.
That would be all the offense Ice netminder Gillies and the Ice defense would need.
The Ice carried the play in the first two periods, outshooting Youngstown 28-15. The Phantoms held a significant shot advantage in the third, but had very few strong scoring chances.
Sean Kuraly added an insurance goal at 7:05 of the third by blasting a shot from the right faceoff dot through a small 5-hole opening, converting a feed from Robbie Baillargeon from the high slot to the right circle. R.J. Boyd started the play from the left point.
The goal was Kuraly's team-best 18th goal of the year, and his fifth straight game with a goal -- the longest such streak for an Ice player this season. The San Jose Sharks draft pick has five goals and two assists in the last five contests.
The Ice played the final two periods without top-line center Jacob Fallon, who wasn't seen in uniform on the bench during that time. Youngstown was also a bit shorthanded, as second-leading scorer Austin Cangelosi was scratched from the lineup.
The two teams will see each other again at the Pepsi Coliseum next Saturday night -- a day after the Ice travel to face the Waterloo Black Hawks.
The game was the first of three scheduled at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The annual Pack the House Night will be held Feb. 10. The Jan. 27 game -- previously scheduled to be at the Pepsi Coliseum -- has been moved downtown to accommodate Super Bowl festivities taking place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Indianapolis Star story
IndianaIce.com story
USHL boxscore
3 stars
1. Jon Gillies (Ice), 26 saves, shutout
2. Sean Kuraly (Ice), goal, assist, +2, 2 shots
3. Robbie Baillargeon (Ice), 2 assists, +1, 1 shot
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Ice go OT for win
The Indiana Ice have had a penchant for giving the customers free hockey the last few nights.
For the third time in four games, the Ice went overtime Wednesday night at Muskegon. Sean Kuraly's unassisted goal with 14 seconds left in the extra session gave the Ice a 3-2 victory in the L.C. Walker Arena.
Kuraly's game-winner was his 16th of the year.
The victory -- coupled with Dubuque's loss to Green Bay and Youngstown's shootout loss to Cedar Rapids -- moved the Ice past Dubuque and into a second-place tie in the USHL Eastern Conference with Youngstown with 34 points. Dubuque is in fourth with 33 points.
The Ice and Youngstown won't wait long to settle their second-place deadlock -- they play two games in Indianapolis this weekend -- at Pepsi Coliseum Friday and at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Saturday.
These two teams were meeting for the second straight game, and for the second straight game, Muskegon rallied from a third-period deficit to force overtime.
The Ice's league-best power play got going on its second opportunity in the first period, when Robbie Baillargeon cashed in, assisted by Ryan Obuchowski and Jacob Fallon with 4:21 left in the opening frame. It was Baillargeon's 11th goal of the year and his sixth consecutive game with a point.
Captain Alex Barron scored his third of the season unassisted at 2:59 of the second to give the Ice a 2-0 lead. The Ice dominated the opening two periods -- outshooting Muskegon 25-11 in the first 40 minutes, including 17-7 in the middle period -- but Muskegon's John Keeney was able to keep the puck out of his net the rest of the period after Barron's early goal, including killing off three Ice power plays in the middle of the frame.
Muskegon rallied in the third when Dakota Kletcha scored on the power play at 4:55 of the third. Each team got a power play in the ensuing minutes, but couldn't cash in. Mark Yanis scored at 12:26 of the third to tie it, and then Muskegon got its sixth power play of the night moments thereafter. But Jon Gillies and the Ice defense kept the net clean, allowing the game to go to OT, where Kuraly's heroics gave the Ice another extra-session victory.
The Ice dominated the OT, outshooting Muskegon 7-2 in the session and 46-25 for the game. Keeney made 43 saves, Gillies made 23.
Three stars
1. Sean Kuraly (Ice), GWG, +1, 8 shots
2. John Keeney (Mus), 43 saves, 3 GA
3. Mark Yanis (Mus), GTG in 3rd period
USHL boxscore
For the third time in four games, the Ice went overtime Wednesday night at Muskegon. Sean Kuraly's unassisted goal with 14 seconds left in the extra session gave the Ice a 3-2 victory in the L.C. Walker Arena.
Kuraly's game-winner was his 16th of the year.
The victory -- coupled with Dubuque's loss to Green Bay and Youngstown's shootout loss to Cedar Rapids -- moved the Ice past Dubuque and into a second-place tie in the USHL Eastern Conference with Youngstown with 34 points. Dubuque is in fourth with 33 points.
The Ice and Youngstown won't wait long to settle their second-place deadlock -- they play two games in Indianapolis this weekend -- at Pepsi Coliseum Friday and at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Saturday.
These two teams were meeting for the second straight game, and for the second straight game, Muskegon rallied from a third-period deficit to force overtime.
The Ice's league-best power play got going on its second opportunity in the first period, when Robbie Baillargeon cashed in, assisted by Ryan Obuchowski and Jacob Fallon with 4:21 left in the opening frame. It was Baillargeon's 11th goal of the year and his sixth consecutive game with a point.
Captain Alex Barron scored his third of the season unassisted at 2:59 of the second to give the Ice a 2-0 lead. The Ice dominated the opening two periods -- outshooting Muskegon 25-11 in the first 40 minutes, including 17-7 in the middle period -- but Muskegon's John Keeney was able to keep the puck out of his net the rest of the period after Barron's early goal, including killing off three Ice power plays in the middle of the frame.
Muskegon rallied in the third when Dakota Kletcha scored on the power play at 4:55 of the third. Each team got a power play in the ensuing minutes, but couldn't cash in. Mark Yanis scored at 12:26 of the third to tie it, and then Muskegon got its sixth power play of the night moments thereafter. But Jon Gillies and the Ice defense kept the net clean, allowing the game to go to OT, where Kuraly's heroics gave the Ice another extra-session victory.
The Ice dominated the OT, outshooting Muskegon 7-2 in the session and 46-25 for the game. Keeney made 43 saves, Gillies made 23.
Three stars
1. Sean Kuraly (Ice), GWG, +1, 8 shots
2. John Keeney (Mus), 43 saves, 3 GA
3. Mark Yanis (Mus), GTG in 3rd period
USHL boxscore
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Game 26: Ice at Muskegon
After a 10-day layoff, the Ice are back in action tonight as they travel north to face the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
As we turn to a new year, it's always fun to look back. Not only does an Ice-Lumberjacks matchup conjure up feelings of 1990 -- and the Turner Cup Finals that year -- it also brings into focus two of the USHL's better-run organizations -- the Ice have built a championship-level club under the direction of Paul and Charlie Skjodt, while Muskegon is building under the leadership of Josh Mervis -- who was also the Ice's first USHL GM.
This week is also huge for the Ice, as they'll play three games in four nights against Eastern Conference foes. After leaving Muskegon tonight, they'll return home to face the Youngstown Phantoms in two home games -- Friday at Pepsi Coliseum and Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Ice currently sit in fourth place, but at 32 points, are just one point back of second-place Youngstown and Dubuque.
The Ice's Daniil Tarasov is the USHL's second-leading scorer behind Lincoln's Kevin Roy. Sean Kuraly and Jacob Fallon are both sixth in scoring. At +15, Tarasov is also fourth in plus/minus. The Ice also possess the USHL's top power play, connecting at 31 percent. Tonight's game also features the USHL's two most penalized teams.
Let's look at tonight's game:
Tonight's game
Indiana Ice (14-7-4)
at
Muskegon Lumberjacks (9-12-0)
7:05 p.m., L.C. Walker Arena, Muskegon, Mich.
Broadcast: ushl.fasthockey.com
Season series: Lumberjacks lead 2-0
Dec. 18: Lumberjacks 3, Ice 2, OT (at Muskegon): Sean Kuraly G, A; Robbie Baillargeon G; Jon Gillies 31 saves (Ice); Max Shuart GWG in OT, Mike McNicholas GTG with :21 left in 3rd, Ryan Lomorg 2A, Jon Keeney 44 saves (Mus)
Nov. 12: Lumberjacks 5, Ice 4 (at Pepsi Coliseum): Woody Hudson, Robbie Baillargeon 2G; Christian Hilbrich 2A; Dalton Izyk 25sv on 29 shots (Ice); Nick Seeler, John Padulo G, 2A each; Max Shuart G, A; Paul Berrafato 33 saves (Mus)
Tale of the Tape
Ice (14-7-4, 4th USHL East)
Head coach: Kyle Wallack
GF: 90 (2nd). GA: 72 (8th)
PP: 31.8% (1st). PK: 85.3 % (3rd) PIM: 470 (15th)
OT record: 2-2 SO record: 1-2
Road record: 7-2-3
Leading scorers: Daniil Tarasov (15-19-34), Jacob Fallon (9-18-27), Sean Kuraly (15-12-27), Robbie Baillargeon (10-14-24).
Leading +/-: Daniil Tarasov (+15), Alex Barron (+12), Ryan Obuchowski (+11)
Leading PIM: Woody Hudson (67), Daniil Tarasov (55), R.J. Boyd (47)
Leading goaltender: Jon Gillies (13-5-4, 2.47 GAA, .923sv%, 1 SHO), Dalton Izyk (1-2-0, 3.77 GAA, .878 sv%)
Last 5: 3-0-2. Last 10: 5-3-2
Last 5
12/18: at Muskegon (OTL 2-3)
12/17: at Chicago (W 6-2)
12/16: at Chicago (SOL 2-3)
12/10: vs. Dubuque (W 3-2)
12/9: vs. Dubuque (W 6-1)
Lumberjacks (9-12-0, 7th USHL East)
Head coach: Kevin Patrick
GF: 57 (15th). GA: 77 (9th)
PP: 15.1% (11th). PK: 82.4% (10th). PIM: 541 (16th)
OT record: 1-0 SO record: 0-0
Home record: 6-5-0
Leading scorers: John Padulo (6-9-15), Travis Behlorad (8-5-13), Ryan Lomberg (4-8-12)
Leading +/-: Carter Foguth (+3), Mike McNicholas (+2)
Leading PIM: Mark Yanis (64), Ryan Lomborg (58)
Leading goaltender: Paul Berrafato (5-4-0, 3.12 GAA, .892sv%), John Keeney (4-6-0, 3.42 GAA, .909sv%, 2 SHO)
Last 5: 2-3-0. Last 10: 4-6-0
Ice next 5 games
12/30: vs. Youngstown
As we turn to a new year, it's always fun to look back. Not only does an Ice-Lumberjacks matchup conjure up feelings of 1990 -- and the Turner Cup Finals that year -- it also brings into focus two of the USHL's better-run organizations -- the Ice have built a championship-level club under the direction of Paul and Charlie Skjodt, while Muskegon is building under the leadership of Josh Mervis -- who was also the Ice's first USHL GM.
This week is also huge for the Ice, as they'll play three games in four nights against Eastern Conference foes. After leaving Muskegon tonight, they'll return home to face the Youngstown Phantoms in two home games -- Friday at Pepsi Coliseum and Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Ice currently sit in fourth place, but at 32 points, are just one point back of second-place Youngstown and Dubuque.
The Ice's Daniil Tarasov is the USHL's second-leading scorer behind Lincoln's Kevin Roy. Sean Kuraly and Jacob Fallon are both sixth in scoring. At +15, Tarasov is also fourth in plus/minus. The Ice also possess the USHL's top power play, connecting at 31 percent. Tonight's game also features the USHL's two most penalized teams.
Let's look at tonight's game:
Tonight's game
Indiana Ice (14-7-4)
at
Muskegon Lumberjacks (9-12-0)
7:05 p.m., L.C. Walker Arena, Muskegon, Mich.
Broadcast: ushl.fasthockey.com
Season series: Lumberjacks lead 2-0
Dec. 18: Lumberjacks 3, Ice 2, OT (at Muskegon): Sean Kuraly G, A; Robbie Baillargeon G; Jon Gillies 31 saves (Ice); Max Shuart GWG in OT, Mike McNicholas GTG with :21 left in 3rd, Ryan Lomorg 2A, Jon Keeney 44 saves (Mus)
Nov. 12: Lumberjacks 5, Ice 4 (at Pepsi Coliseum): Woody Hudson, Robbie Baillargeon 2G; Christian Hilbrich 2A; Dalton Izyk 25sv on 29 shots (Ice); Nick Seeler, John Padulo G, 2A each; Max Shuart G, A; Paul Berrafato 33 saves (Mus)
Tale of the Tape
Ice (14-7-4, 4th USHL East)
Head coach: Kyle Wallack
GF: 90 (2nd). GA: 72 (8th)
PP: 31.8% (1st). PK: 85.3 % (3rd) PIM: 470 (15th)
OT record: 2-2 SO record: 1-2
Road record: 7-2-3
Leading scorers: Daniil Tarasov (15-19-34), Jacob Fallon (9-18-27), Sean Kuraly (15-12-27), Robbie Baillargeon (10-14-24).
Leading +/-: Daniil Tarasov (+15), Alex Barron (+12), Ryan Obuchowski (+11)
Leading PIM: Woody Hudson (67), Daniil Tarasov (55), R.J. Boyd (47)
Leading goaltender: Jon Gillies (13-5-4, 2.47 GAA, .923sv%, 1 SHO), Dalton Izyk (1-2-0, 3.77 GAA, .878 sv%)
Last 5: 3-0-2. Last 10: 5-3-2
Last 5
12/18: at Muskegon (OTL 2-3)
12/17: at Chicago (W 6-2)
12/16: at Chicago (SOL 2-3)
12/10: vs. Dubuque (W 3-2)
12/9: vs. Dubuque (W 6-1)
Lumberjacks (9-12-0, 7th USHL East)
Head coach: Kevin Patrick
GF: 57 (15th). GA: 77 (9th)
PP: 15.1% (11th). PK: 82.4% (10th). PIM: 541 (16th)
OT record: 1-0 SO record: 0-0
Home record: 6-5-0
Leading scorers: John Padulo (6-9-15), Travis Behlorad (8-5-13), Ryan Lomberg (4-8-12)
Leading +/-: Carter Foguth (+3), Mike McNicholas (+2)
Leading PIM: Mark Yanis (64), Ryan Lomborg (58)
Leading goaltender: Paul Berrafato (5-4-0, 3.12 GAA, .892sv%), John Keeney (4-6-0, 3.42 GAA, .909sv%, 2 SHO)
Last 5: 2-3-0. Last 10: 4-6-0
Ice next 5 games
12/30: vs. Youngstown
12/31: vs. Youngstown
Monday, December 19, 2011
Ice fall to Lumberjacks in OT
The Muskegon Lumberjacks rallied and swiped a point from the Ice on Sunday night, beating the Ice 3-2.
With goaltender John Keeney pulled for an extra attacker, Muskegon's Mike McNicholas scored to tie the game with 21 seconds left in regulation. Then, just 16 seconds into OT, Joseph Cox fed Max Shuart for the game-winner.
The Ice finished a tough three-game road weekend with a 1-0-2 record and four points. They are now 3-0-2 in their last five games and remain in fourth place in the USHL's Eastern Conference, but just one point back of second in an extremely competitive Eastern race.
The Ice's league-best power play cashed in twice on six opportunities to give the Ice a 2-1 lead that looked like it was going to stand up until the closing seconds. The Ice controlled much of the play, launching 46 shots at Keeney and outshooting the Jacks 46-34.
Sean Kuraly had a goal, an assist and got 10 shots on goal -- which is a team high for the season -- to lead the Ice. The Ice trailed 1-0 after Muskegon scored midway through the first, and that lead held up until the final minute of the second, when the Ice went on their fourth power play of the night. Ryan Obuchowski started a play that got the puck to Kuraly, and then to Robbie Baillargeon for a goal with 49 seconds left in the middle period.
The goal was Baillargeon's 10th of the year, making him the third Ice player to hit the double-digit mark. It was also his fifth straight game with at least one point, his second-longest such streak of the year.
The game remained tied at 1-1, with each team getting a shortened power play at the start of the third. The Ice got an opportunity to take the lead when Muskegon's Ryan Lomborg was sent off for hooking with 6:09 left. Kuraly took advantage, scoring an unassisted goal with 4:30 to go to give the Ice a lead that they'd take until the final minute.
Gillies made 31 saves for the Ice in the loss. The Ice were 2-for-6 on the power play, and a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
The Ice are now off for a week and a half for a Christmas break. They'll be back in action Dec. 28, back in the L.C. Walker Arena against Muskegon. They return home for a New Year's twinbill with Youngstown, facing the Phantoms at the Pepsi Coliseum on Dec. 30 and at Conseco Fieldhouse on Dec. 31.
3 stars
1. Max Shuart (MUS), GWG, 4 shots, +2
2. John Keeney (MUS), 44 saves, 2 GA, win
3. Ryan Lomborg (MUS), 2 assists, +2, 4 shots
USHL boxscore
With goaltender John Keeney pulled for an extra attacker, Muskegon's Mike McNicholas scored to tie the game with 21 seconds left in regulation. Then, just 16 seconds into OT, Joseph Cox fed Max Shuart for the game-winner.
The Ice finished a tough three-game road weekend with a 1-0-2 record and four points. They are now 3-0-2 in their last five games and remain in fourth place in the USHL's Eastern Conference, but just one point back of second in an extremely competitive Eastern race.
The Ice's league-best power play cashed in twice on six opportunities to give the Ice a 2-1 lead that looked like it was going to stand up until the closing seconds. The Ice controlled much of the play, launching 46 shots at Keeney and outshooting the Jacks 46-34.
Sean Kuraly had a goal, an assist and got 10 shots on goal -- which is a team high for the season -- to lead the Ice. The Ice trailed 1-0 after Muskegon scored midway through the first, and that lead held up until the final minute of the second, when the Ice went on their fourth power play of the night. Ryan Obuchowski started a play that got the puck to Kuraly, and then to Robbie Baillargeon for a goal with 49 seconds left in the middle period.
The goal was Baillargeon's 10th of the year, making him the third Ice player to hit the double-digit mark. It was also his fifth straight game with at least one point, his second-longest such streak of the year.
The game remained tied at 1-1, with each team getting a shortened power play at the start of the third. The Ice got an opportunity to take the lead when Muskegon's Ryan Lomborg was sent off for hooking with 6:09 left. Kuraly took advantage, scoring an unassisted goal with 4:30 to go to give the Ice a lead that they'd take until the final minute.
Gillies made 31 saves for the Ice in the loss. The Ice were 2-for-6 on the power play, and a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
The Ice are now off for a week and a half for a Christmas break. They'll be back in action Dec. 28, back in the L.C. Walker Arena against Muskegon. They return home for a New Year's twinbill with Youngstown, facing the Phantoms at the Pepsi Coliseum on Dec. 30 and at Conseco Fieldhouse on Dec. 31.
3 stars
1. Max Shuart (MUS), GWG, 4 shots, +2
2. John Keeney (MUS), 44 saves, 2 GA, win
3. Ryan Lomborg (MUS), 2 assists, +2, 4 shots
USHL boxscore
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kuraly's hat trick leads Ice to weekend sweep
The Ice finished up their seven-game homestand in a big way, sweeping two games from the defending Clark Cup champion Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Sean Kuraly scored a hat trick Saturday night to lead the Ice to a 3-2 victory over the Saints -- one that was piggybacked onto a 6-1 win on Friday night over the same team.
The Ice (13-7-2) remain in fourth place with 28 points, but are just one point back of second, as Dubuque and Youngstown are both tied with 29 points. The Ice have a game in hand on Youngstown. Green Bay has a double-digit lead on the division. But the Ice made a big statement this weekend in a matchup of two teams vying to become the Gamblers' biggest challenger.
Kuraly staked the Ice to a 3-0 lead. His first goal, on an assist from linemate Daniil Tarasov (and defenseman R.J. Boyd, who had a big weekend), came just 3:37 into the game, and came shortly after the Ice killed off an opening-minute penalty.
The Ice's vaunted power play got fired up again tonight, scoring twice in five chances, including both second-period opportunities. The first came at 7:28 of the period on assists from linemates Jacob Fallon and Robbie Baillargeon. The second came at 15:02 and, as it turned out, became the game-winner. Baillargeon and Tarasov assisted, giving each a two-point night.
Kuraly now has 13 goals -- tying him with Tarasov for the team lead and putting him in a sixth-place tie for the USHL lead. Tarasov's two assists give him 30 points for the year, second in the USHL in points (to Omaha's Jimmy Murray, who has 33) and third in assists with 17 (to Murray, with 22; and to linemate Jacob Fallon, who has 18).
With a 3-0 lead, things looked comfortable, as Jon Gillies had a shutout going until the game's final five minutes. But the Fighting Saints struck quickly, twice, as the Ice committed back-to-back-to-back penalties, giving Dubuque an extended 5-on-3. Mike Matheson made it a 3-1 game with 4:04 left. Dubuque still had more than 50 seconds of 5-on-3 left as a third penalty took effect, but the Ice killed that off. But before the final minor could expire, Ryan Siiro scored with 2:26 to go to cut the lead to 3-2.
But the Ice were able to kill off the final 146 seconds -- including the final 90 seconds with the Dubuque goalie pulled -- to end the game. Gillies made 15 saves in the third period as the Saints outshot the Ice 17-4.
The Ice won despite being outshot 43-20. Jon Gillies made 41 saves in the game to earn yet another victory. With 12 wins, Gillies leads the league in goaltending victories.
The Ice now head on the road next weekend for three games -- two in Chicago against the Steel, and then a Sunday trip to Muskegon.
3 stars
1. Sean Kuraly (Ice), 3 goals, 4 shots, +1, GWG, 2 PPG
2. Jon Gillies (Ice), 41 saves, win
3. Daniil Tarasov (Ice), 2 assists, +1, 2 shots
Sean Kuraly scored a hat trick Saturday night to lead the Ice to a 3-2 victory over the Saints -- one that was piggybacked onto a 6-1 win on Friday night over the same team.
The Ice (13-7-2) remain in fourth place with 28 points, but are just one point back of second, as Dubuque and Youngstown are both tied with 29 points. The Ice have a game in hand on Youngstown. Green Bay has a double-digit lead on the division. But the Ice made a big statement this weekend in a matchup of two teams vying to become the Gamblers' biggest challenger.
Kuraly staked the Ice to a 3-0 lead. His first goal, on an assist from linemate Daniil Tarasov (and defenseman R.J. Boyd, who had a big weekend), came just 3:37 into the game, and came shortly after the Ice killed off an opening-minute penalty.
The Ice's vaunted power play got fired up again tonight, scoring twice in five chances, including both second-period opportunities. The first came at 7:28 of the period on assists from linemates Jacob Fallon and Robbie Baillargeon. The second came at 15:02 and, as it turned out, became the game-winner. Baillargeon and Tarasov assisted, giving each a two-point night.
Kuraly now has 13 goals -- tying him with Tarasov for the team lead and putting him in a sixth-place tie for the USHL lead. Tarasov's two assists give him 30 points for the year, second in the USHL in points (to Omaha's Jimmy Murray, who has 33) and third in assists with 17 (to Murray, with 22; and to linemate Jacob Fallon, who has 18).
With a 3-0 lead, things looked comfortable, as Jon Gillies had a shutout going until the game's final five minutes. But the Fighting Saints struck quickly, twice, as the Ice committed back-to-back-to-back penalties, giving Dubuque an extended 5-on-3. Mike Matheson made it a 3-1 game with 4:04 left. Dubuque still had more than 50 seconds of 5-on-3 left as a third penalty took effect, but the Ice killed that off. But before the final minor could expire, Ryan Siiro scored with 2:26 to go to cut the lead to 3-2.
But the Ice were able to kill off the final 146 seconds -- including the final 90 seconds with the Dubuque goalie pulled -- to end the game. Gillies made 15 saves in the third period as the Saints outshot the Ice 17-4.
The Ice now head on the road next weekend for three games -- two in Chicago against the Steel, and then a Sunday trip to Muskegon.
3 stars
1. Sean Kuraly (Ice), 3 goals, 4 shots, +1, GWG, 2 PPG
2. Jon Gillies (Ice), 41 saves, win
3. Daniil Tarasov (Ice), 2 assists, +1, 2 shots
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Today in history: November 26
November 26 in Indianapolis hockey history
1958: The reigning Turner Cup champion Chiefs have a big night. Billy Short has four assists, Pierre Brillant a
goal and three assists and Alex Viskelis two goals and three assists in a 9-4
win over the Troy Bruins.
Birthdays
Justin Cardwell: Ice winger in 1998-99, their final IHL season. He scored two goals in four games for the Ice, and played in the minors -- primarily at the "AA" level -- through 2004. A native of St. Paul, Minn., he is 38.
David Johnstone: Ice forward from 2009-11, where he had 26 goals and 54 assists in 105 games. He also had three goals in the 2011 playoffs. He tallied a 20-goal season -- one of several Ice to do so -- in 2010-11. He is currently a freshman at Michigan Tech. A native of Grand Ledge, Mich., he is 20.
Robbie Baillargeon: Current Ice forward in his first season with the team. He currently ranks third in scoring on the Ice roster, and is considered one of the top American prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Brewster, Mass., he is 18.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ice make Thanksgiving a happy one in OT
The Indiana Ice will have a very happy Thanksgiving after a huge overtime victory in Green Bay tonight.
Defenseman Ryan Obuchowski -- who has a knack for scoring goals at big times in games -- buried a shot at 2:16 of overtime to give the Ice a 4-3 road victory against the USHL-leading Gamblers.
Obuchowski scored twice, also tallying the Ice's first goal, and the Ice rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to win. Tonight's game almost mirrored the Nov. 11 game between the two teams at the Pepsi Coliseum. Tonight, the Ice came back from a two-goal third-period deficit to win in OT. Tonight, the Ice were dominated for much of the first period and fell behind 2-0, but scored a late goal to make it close.
The goals for Obuchowski were his second and third of the season. He now has eight career USHL goals. He also scored a PPG with nine seconds left in the first to cut a Green Bay lead to 2-1 and give the Ice a big boost going into the first intermission.
Green Bay's Brandon Kirk and Sam Herr scored in the first period -- leading scorer Nolan LaPorte assisted on both -- to make it a 2-0 game before Sheldon Dries was sent off with 42 seconds left in the period, putting the Ice's league-best power play on the ice against the Gamblers' league-best PK.
So far, the Gamblers are 0% against the Ice on the PK -- the Ice were 2-for-2 tonight, they also scored on their only PP in the teams' first meeting. Green Bay's PP was 0-for-6.
Green Bay outshot the Ice 13-4 in the second, but Dries' goal with 4:40 left was the only tally, making it a 3-1 game going into the third.
There, newcomer Ryan Cole assisted on Robbie Baillargeon's PPG just 1:23 into the period -- and with just one second left on Andy Welinski's penalty -- to make it a 3-2 game. The goal extended Baillargeon's scoring streak to seven games. He has six goals and three assists in that span, and is now 7-7-14 for the season in 14 games.
Jacob Fallon then tied the game on assists from defensemen Alexander Kuqali and R.J. Boyd with 7:56 left, and Jon Gillies held the fort down from there. The Ice had to kill off late penalties to Emil Romig and Christian Hilbrich in the final four minutes -- one of which carried over into OT -- before winning it.
Gillies made 36 saves -- all in regulation -- as the Ice were outshot 36-28. The Ice had the only three shots of overtime. Ryan McKay made 24 saves in the loss.
The Ice are now 9-4-2. They and Youngstown -- which also won tonight -- vaulted Cedar Rapids and are now in a third-place tie in the USHL East with 20 points. Dubuque (23 points) and Green Bay (25 points) are in the top two spots, as GB grabbed a point tonight.
The Ice play their next seven games at home. The next three are against Western foes -- Sioux Falls on Friday, Fargo on Saturday and Sioux City on Dec. 2. Then, Green Bay comes back for games Dec. 3 and 4 -- the Sunday game will drop the puck at 3:05 p.m.
Three stars
1. Ryan Obuchowski (Ice), 2 goals, GWG, +1, 6 shots
2. Jacob Fallon (Ice), 1 goal, GTG, +1, 2 shots
3. Brandon Kirk (GB), goal, assist, +3, 2 shots
USHL boxscore
Defenseman Ryan Obuchowski -- who has a knack for scoring goals at big times in games -- buried a shot at 2:16 of overtime to give the Ice a 4-3 road victory against the USHL-leading Gamblers.
Obuchowski scored twice, also tallying the Ice's first goal, and the Ice rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to win. Tonight's game almost mirrored the Nov. 11 game between the two teams at the Pepsi Coliseum. Tonight, the Ice came back from a two-goal third-period deficit to win in OT. Tonight, the Ice were dominated for much of the first period and fell behind 2-0, but scored a late goal to make it close.
The goals for Obuchowski were his second and third of the season. He now has eight career USHL goals. He also scored a PPG with nine seconds left in the first to cut a Green Bay lead to 2-1 and give the Ice a big boost going into the first intermission.
Green Bay's Brandon Kirk and Sam Herr scored in the first period -- leading scorer Nolan LaPorte assisted on both -- to make it a 2-0 game before Sheldon Dries was sent off with 42 seconds left in the period, putting the Ice's league-best power play on the ice against the Gamblers' league-best PK.
So far, the Gamblers are 0% against the Ice on the PK -- the Ice were 2-for-2 tonight, they also scored on their only PP in the teams' first meeting. Green Bay's PP was 0-for-6.
Green Bay outshot the Ice 13-4 in the second, but Dries' goal with 4:40 left was the only tally, making it a 3-1 game going into the third.
There, newcomer Ryan Cole assisted on Robbie Baillargeon's PPG just 1:23 into the period -- and with just one second left on Andy Welinski's penalty -- to make it a 3-2 game. The goal extended Baillargeon's scoring streak to seven games. He has six goals and three assists in that span, and is now 7-7-14 for the season in 14 games.
Jacob Fallon then tied the game on assists from defensemen Alexander Kuqali and R.J. Boyd with 7:56 left, and Jon Gillies held the fort down from there. The Ice had to kill off late penalties to Emil Romig and Christian Hilbrich in the final four minutes -- one of which carried over into OT -- before winning it.
Gillies made 36 saves -- all in regulation -- as the Ice were outshot 36-28. The Ice had the only three shots of overtime. Ryan McKay made 24 saves in the loss.
The Ice are now 9-4-2. They and Youngstown -- which also won tonight -- vaulted Cedar Rapids and are now in a third-place tie in the USHL East with 20 points. Dubuque (23 points) and Green Bay (25 points) are in the top two spots, as GB grabbed a point tonight.
The Ice play their next seven games at home. The next three are against Western foes -- Sioux Falls on Friday, Fargo on Saturday and Sioux City on Dec. 2. Then, Green Bay comes back for games Dec. 3 and 4 -- the Sunday game will drop the puck at 3:05 p.m.
Three stars
1. Ryan Obuchowski (Ice), 2 goals, GWG, +1, 6 shots
2. Jacob Fallon (Ice), 1 goal, GTG, +1, 2 shots
3. Brandon Kirk (GB), goal, assist, +3, 2 shots
USHL boxscore
Game 15: Ice at Green Bay
The Ice begin a busy 6-games-in-12-days stretch against some of the USHL's top teams tonight with a Thanksgiving Eve trip to face league leader Green Bay. The Ice and Gamblers -- as well as Cedar Rapids -- have been the cream of the crop in the USHL's Eastern Conference for the last several years. Tonight features a game where the Ice are trying to catch up to the division leaders. Green Bay has pulled away a bit from a tight pack in the East, with 24 points. The Ice are in a tie for fourth with 18 points with a game in hand.
The Gamblers are getting things done on both ends -- leading the USHL both in scoring and goals allowed. Recently, they added one of the league's top defensemen in Jordan Schmaltz, who will team up with Andy Welinski to form a very strong blueline tandem.
The Ice, of course, feature one of the USHL's most potent lines in Daniil Tarasov-Sean Kuraly-Jacob Fallon. Tarasov, with 20 points, is the league's second-leading scorer. Robbie Baillargeon is in the midst of a six-game point streak. It initially appeared the streak had been snapped last Saturday, but he was given an assist in the final revision of the boxscore. The Ice will be playing without forward Woody Hudson in all three games this week, as he was suspended following a team-record 37 PIMs -- including three majors and two game misconducts -- in the 4-2 loss to Waterloo on Saturday night.
Tonight will also see the likely debut of Ryan Cole, a forward whom the Ice acquired from Lincoln earlier this week.
This will be the second meeting between the teams. The Gamblers rallied from a two-goal deficit in a well-played first game at the Pepsi Coliseum, beating the Ice 5-4 in OT on Nov. 11. Green Bay hasn't lost since that night, and has won five straight.
The game also pits two teams with outstanding special teams -- including the league's top power play (Ice) against Green Bay's league-leading PK unit. GB's PP and the Ice's PK both rank 4th in the USHL. In the first meeting, the Ice scored on their only PP opportunity and killed off all three Gamblers chances.
Adam Wilcox, who was Green Bay's goaltender in that game, was traded to Tri-City on Monday.
After tonight, the Ice return home for seven straight games, starting Friday with a visit from Sioux City, then Saturday against Fargo. Next weekend, the Ice will host Sioux Falls on Dec. 2, then Green Bay on Dec. 3 and 4.
Tonight's game
Indiana Ice (8-4-2)
at
Green Bay Gamblers (12-3-0)
8:05 p.m., Resch Center, Green Bay, Wis.
Broadcast: ushl.fasthockey.com
Season series: Green Bay leads 1-0
Nov. 11: Green Bay 5, Ice 4, OT (at Pepsi Coliseum): Robert Polosello G/2A; Jacob Fallon & Daniil Tarasov G/A each; Jon Gillies 27sv (Ice); Nicholas Shilkey 2G, Sheldon Dries G/2A, Markus Lauridsen G/A, GWG; Adam Wilcox 32sv, win (GB).
Tale of the Tape
Ice (8-4-2, t4th USHL East)
Head coach: Kyle Wallack
GF: 53 (3rd). GA: 41 (t5th)
PP: 32.1% (1st). PK: 87.0 % (4th) PIM: 321 (15th)
OT record: 1-1 SO record: 1-1
Road record: 5-2-1
Leading scorers: Daniil Tarasov (9-11-20), Jacob Fallon (7-8-15), Robbie Baillargeon (6-7-13, 6-game scoring streak), Sean Kuraly (4-8-12).
Leading +/-: Alex Barron (+8), Daniil Tarasov (+7)
Leading PIM: Woody Hudson (51, will not dress), Daniil Tarasov (43), R.J. Boyd (43)
Leading goaltender: Jon Gillies (7-3-2, 2.44 GAA, .913sv%, 1 SHO), Dalton Izyk (1-1-0, 3.76 GAA, .881 sv%)
Last 5: 1-2-2. Last 10: 4-4-2
Last 5
11/19: at Waterloo (L 2-4)
11/18: at Cedar Rapids (SOW 3-2)
11/12: vs. Muskegon (L 4-5)
11/11: vs. Green Bay (OTL 4-5)
11/5: at Youngstown (SOL 3-4)
Gamblers (12-3-0, 1st USHL East)
Head coach: Derek Lalonde
GF: 59 (1st). GA: 33 (1st)
PP: 22.4% (4th). PK: 91.1% (1st). PIM: 225 (5th)
OT record: 1-0 SO record: 0-0
Home record: 3-2-0
Leading scorers: Nolan LaPorte (9-7-16), Kyle Novak (6-10-16), Alex Broadhurst (8-4-12), Markus
Lauridsen (2-10-12).
Leading +/-: Markus Lauridsen (+15), Nolan LaPorte (+10)
Leading PIM: Sheldon Drees (26), Dakota Mermis (26).
Leading goaltender: Ryan McKay (5-1-0, 1.67 GAA, .934sv%), Michael Rotolo (0-0-0, 4.41 GAA, .909sv%)
Last 5: 5-0-0. Last 10: 8-0-2
Ice next 5 games
11/25: vs. Sioux City
11/26: vs. Fargo
12/2: vs. Sioux Falls
12/3: vs. Green Bay
12/4: vs. Green Bay
The Gamblers are getting things done on both ends -- leading the USHL both in scoring and goals allowed. Recently, they added one of the league's top defensemen in Jordan Schmaltz, who will team up with Andy Welinski to form a very strong blueline tandem.
The Ice, of course, feature one of the USHL's most potent lines in Daniil Tarasov-Sean Kuraly-Jacob Fallon. Tarasov, with 20 points, is the league's second-leading scorer. Robbie Baillargeon is in the midst of a six-game point streak. It initially appeared the streak had been snapped last Saturday, but he was given an assist in the final revision of the boxscore. The Ice will be playing without forward Woody Hudson in all three games this week, as he was suspended following a team-record 37 PIMs -- including three majors and two game misconducts -- in the 4-2 loss to Waterloo on Saturday night.
Tonight will also see the likely debut of Ryan Cole, a forward whom the Ice acquired from Lincoln earlier this week.
This will be the second meeting between the teams. The Gamblers rallied from a two-goal deficit in a well-played first game at the Pepsi Coliseum, beating the Ice 5-4 in OT on Nov. 11. Green Bay hasn't lost since that night, and has won five straight.
The game also pits two teams with outstanding special teams -- including the league's top power play (Ice) against Green Bay's league-leading PK unit. GB's PP and the Ice's PK both rank 4th in the USHL. In the first meeting, the Ice scored on their only PP opportunity and killed off all three Gamblers chances.
Adam Wilcox, who was Green Bay's goaltender in that game, was traded to Tri-City on Monday.
After tonight, the Ice return home for seven straight games, starting Friday with a visit from Sioux City, then Saturday against Fargo. Next weekend, the Ice will host Sioux Falls on Dec. 2, then Green Bay on Dec. 3 and 4.
Tonight's game
Indiana Ice (8-4-2)
at
Green Bay Gamblers (12-3-0)
8:05 p.m., Resch Center, Green Bay, Wis.
Broadcast: ushl.fasthockey.com
Season series: Green Bay leads 1-0
Nov. 11: Green Bay 5, Ice 4, OT (at Pepsi Coliseum): Robert Polosello G/2A; Jacob Fallon & Daniil Tarasov G/A each; Jon Gillies 27sv (Ice); Nicholas Shilkey 2G, Sheldon Dries G/2A, Markus Lauridsen G/A, GWG; Adam Wilcox 32sv, win (GB).
Tale of the Tape
Ice (8-4-2, t4th USHL East)
Head coach: Kyle Wallack
GF: 53 (3rd). GA: 41 (t5th)
PP: 32.1% (1st). PK: 87.0 % (4th) PIM: 321 (15th)
OT record: 1-1 SO record: 1-1
Road record: 5-2-1
Leading scorers: Daniil Tarasov (9-11-20), Jacob Fallon (7-8-15), Robbie Baillargeon (6-7-13, 6-game scoring streak), Sean Kuraly (4-8-12).
Leading +/-: Alex Barron (+8), Daniil Tarasov (+7)
Leading PIM: Woody Hudson (51, will not dress), Daniil Tarasov (43), R.J. Boyd (43)
Leading goaltender: Jon Gillies (7-3-2, 2.44 GAA, .913sv%, 1 SHO), Dalton Izyk (1-1-0, 3.76 GAA, .881 sv%)
Last 5: 1-2-2. Last 10: 4-4-2
Last 5
11/19: at Waterloo (L 2-4)
11/18: at Cedar Rapids (SOW 3-2)
11/12: vs. Muskegon (L 4-5)
11/11: vs. Green Bay (OTL 4-5)
11/5: at Youngstown (SOL 3-4)
Gamblers (12-3-0, 1st USHL East)
Head coach: Derek Lalonde
GF: 59 (1st). GA: 33 (1st)
PP: 22.4% (4th). PK: 91.1% (1st). PIM: 225 (5th)
OT record: 1-0 SO record: 0-0
Home record: 3-2-0
Leading scorers: Nolan LaPorte (9-7-16), Kyle Novak (6-10-16), Alex Broadhurst (8-4-12), Markus
Lauridsen (2-10-12).
Leading +/-: Markus Lauridsen (+15), Nolan LaPorte (+10)
Leading PIM: Sheldon Drees (26), Dakota Mermis (26).
Leading goaltender: Ryan McKay (5-1-0, 1.67 GAA, .934sv%), Michael Rotolo (0-0-0, 4.41 GAA, .909sv%)
Last 5: 5-0-0. Last 10: 8-0-2
Ice next 5 games
11/25: vs. Sioux City
11/26: vs. Fargo
12/2: vs. Sioux Falls
12/3: vs. Green Bay
12/4: vs. Green Bay
Thursday, November 17, 2011
3 with Ice ties on CSS watch list
Three players with Ice ties are on the NHL Central Scouting Service preliminary watch list, which was released Thursday.
The watch list rates the top 25 players and top goaltenders in each major North American junior league, as well as top players from overseas nations. College players are given "A" "B" or "C" rankings.
Most notably, Ice goaltender Jon Gillies is listed as the top draft-eligible goaltender in the USHL. Gillies is 6-2-2 on the year with a 2.27 GAA -- currently placing him fifth in the league in GAA. He was the Americans' netminder at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial U18 tournament this year. At 6-foot-5, Gillies' size is very attractive to scouts, but he has also been a strong netminder for the Ice since he arrived last season and gradually took on a greater and greater role.
First-year Ice forward Robbie Baillargeon was ranked 11th among North American skaters. He has six goals and five assists in 11 games, including a four-game scoring streak in which he has tallied six points. The Massachusetts native played for Cushing Academy last year and has committed to Boston University.
In addition, Ice alum Jarrod Rabey -- now a defenseman for St. Cloud State -- was ranked a "C" prospect and was one of three WCHA players ranked by the CSS. As a freshman, Rabey has two goals and three assists in 10 games.
The full CSS watch list
The watch list rates the top 25 players and top goaltenders in each major North American junior league, as well as top players from overseas nations. College players are given "A" "B" or "C" rankings.
Most notably, Ice goaltender Jon Gillies is listed as the top draft-eligible goaltender in the USHL. Gillies is 6-2-2 on the year with a 2.27 GAA -- currently placing him fifth in the league in GAA. He was the Americans' netminder at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial U18 tournament this year. At 6-foot-5, Gillies' size is very attractive to scouts, but he has also been a strong netminder for the Ice since he arrived last season and gradually took on a greater and greater role.
First-year Ice forward Robbie Baillargeon was ranked 11th among North American skaters. He has six goals and five assists in 11 games, including a four-game scoring streak in which he has tallied six points. The Massachusetts native played for Cushing Academy last year and has committed to Boston University.
In addition, Ice alum Jarrod Rabey -- now a defenseman for St. Cloud State -- was ranked a "C" prospect and was one of three WCHA players ranked by the CSS. As a freshman, Rabey has two goals and three assists in 10 games.
The full CSS watch list
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ice rally against Muskegon, but fall 5-4
Friday night, the Ice saw the opponent rally from a two-goal deficit and steal a couple of points from the Pepsi Coliseum. Saturday night, the shoe was on the Ice's foot, as they rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third to tie the game. But just like Friday, the result wasn't a happy one, as Muskegon's Joseph Cox scored a tiekbreaking goal just 64 seconds after the Ice evened the score and the Lumberjacks skated away from Indianapolis with a 5-4 victory.
Robbie Baillargeon and Woody Hudson each scored twice for the Ice in the loss.
Muskegon won two one-goal games on the road on the weekend to put itself in the thick of a wild USHL East race. The Ice dropped two games at home -- both by 5-4 scores -- and had just one point to show for their weekend efforts.
The game was a penalty-filled one, as the Ice committed 54 penalty minutes and gave Muskegon 11 power plays. Muskegon -- the USHL's most-penalized team -- was whistled for 21 penalty minutes and gave the Ice four power plays -- killing them all. Muskegon's two power play goals were the first two scored by a visiting team on Coliseum ice this season.
The Ice are now 7-3-2 on the year. They are 1-2-2 in their last five games after a hot start.
Trailing 3-1, the Ice rallied in the third to tie the game. Moments after Alex Smith stepped out of the box, Hudson scored his fourth goal of the year to cut the Jacks' lead to one at 5:09 of the period, but the Lumberjacks answered three minutes later to push the lead back to 4-2.
Right off the draw after that goal, things quickly didn't look good for the Ice's chances to rally when a melee broke out at the 8:08 mark that saw four players being given delay of game penalties, but the Ice's Drew Smolczynski was also issued a five-minute major -- and later, a game misconduct -- putting the Ice shorthanded for an extended period of time. Robbie Baillargeon scored his second goal of the game just 13 seconds after the penalties were issued.
Hudson -- moving up to the top line while leading scorer Daniil Tarasov served a misconduct penalty for the final 9:50 -- scored the game-tying goal on a feed from Robert Polosello with 5:08 left in the game, and it appaered the Ice had rallied.
But with 4:04 left -- and just five seconds after matching minors were handed out to both teams -- Cox scored on an assist from Jordan Masters.
Muskegon's top line was rolling in the first two periods. Max Shuart scored on the power play just 2:09 into the game on John Padulo's assist. After the Ice's Baillargeon tied the game in the final minute of the first -- continuing his hot streak with five points in the last four games -- Padulo fed Nick Seeler for a power play goal and then scored one himself off Shuart's assist just 48 seconds apart to give the Jacks a 3-1 lead going into the third.
The game began to get chippy in the second, as Hudson fought Muskegon's Carter Foguth right off the second-period draw, and the Ice then gave Muskegon four power plays in the period.
Jon Gillies played just 11:34, but took the loss in net as he was in goal for the game-winner. Dalton Izyk started the game for the Ice and made 25 saves, but was pulled at the 48:08 mark shortly after Muskegon took a 4-2 lead. Gillies stopped five of the six shots he saw.
Veteran Paul Berrafato stopped 29 of 33 Ice shots to get the victory in net.
In addition to Hudson and Baillargeon scoring twice, Christian Hilbrich assisted on both Baillargeon goals.
3 stars
1. Nick Seeler, MUS (goal, 2 assists, +3)
2. Woody Hudson, Ice (2 goals, +2, 4 shots)
3. Robbie Baillargeon, Ice (2 goals, +1, 3 shots)
Next up for the Ice is a two-game trip to Cedar Rapids and Waterloo next weekend and another trip to Green Bay the night before Thanksgiving. They return home Thanksgiving weekend to face Sioux City (Nov. 25) and Fargo (Nov. 26), beginning a run of seven consecutive home games for the Ice.
Robbie Baillargeon and Woody Hudson each scored twice for the Ice in the loss.
Muskegon won two one-goal games on the road on the weekend to put itself in the thick of a wild USHL East race. The Ice dropped two games at home -- both by 5-4 scores -- and had just one point to show for their weekend efforts.
The game was a penalty-filled one, as the Ice committed 54 penalty minutes and gave Muskegon 11 power plays. Muskegon -- the USHL's most-penalized team -- was whistled for 21 penalty minutes and gave the Ice four power plays -- killing them all. Muskegon's two power play goals were the first two scored by a visiting team on Coliseum ice this season.
The Ice are now 7-3-2 on the year. They are 1-2-2 in their last five games after a hot start.
Trailing 3-1, the Ice rallied in the third to tie the game. Moments after Alex Smith stepped out of the box, Hudson scored his fourth goal of the year to cut the Jacks' lead to one at 5:09 of the period, but the Lumberjacks answered three minutes later to push the lead back to 4-2.
Right off the draw after that goal, things quickly didn't look good for the Ice's chances to rally when a melee broke out at the 8:08 mark that saw four players being given delay of game penalties, but the Ice's Drew Smolczynski was also issued a five-minute major -- and later, a game misconduct -- putting the Ice shorthanded for an extended period of time. Robbie Baillargeon scored his second goal of the game just 13 seconds after the penalties were issued.
Hudson -- moving up to the top line while leading scorer Daniil Tarasov served a misconduct penalty for the final 9:50 -- scored the game-tying goal on a feed from Robert Polosello with 5:08 left in the game, and it appaered the Ice had rallied.
But with 4:04 left -- and just five seconds after matching minors were handed out to both teams -- Cox scored on an assist from Jordan Masters.
Muskegon's top line was rolling in the first two periods. Max Shuart scored on the power play just 2:09 into the game on John Padulo's assist. After the Ice's Baillargeon tied the game in the final minute of the first -- continuing his hot streak with five points in the last four games -- Padulo fed Nick Seeler for a power play goal and then scored one himself off Shuart's assist just 48 seconds apart to give the Jacks a 3-1 lead going into the third.
The game began to get chippy in the second, as Hudson fought Muskegon's Carter Foguth right off the second-period draw, and the Ice then gave Muskegon four power plays in the period.
Jon Gillies played just 11:34, but took the loss in net as he was in goal for the game-winner. Dalton Izyk started the game for the Ice and made 25 saves, but was pulled at the 48:08 mark shortly after Muskegon took a 4-2 lead. Gillies stopped five of the six shots he saw.
Veteran Paul Berrafato stopped 29 of 33 Ice shots to get the victory in net.
In addition to Hudson and Baillargeon scoring twice, Christian Hilbrich assisted on both Baillargeon goals.
3 stars
1. Nick Seeler, MUS (goal, 2 assists, +3)
2. Woody Hudson, Ice (2 goals, +2, 4 shots)
3. Robbie Baillargeon, Ice (2 goals, +1, 3 shots)
Next up for the Ice is a two-game trip to Cedar Rapids and Waterloo next weekend and another trip to Green Bay the night before Thanksgiving. They return home Thanksgiving weekend to face Sioux City (Nov. 25) and Fargo (Nov. 26), beginning a run of seven consecutive home games for the Ice.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Gamblers rally to beat Ice in OT 5-4
After playing a tremendous first period and opening up two separate
two-goal leads, the Indiana Ice saw Green Bay rally to steal a 5-4
overtime game Friday night at the Pepsi Coliseum.
Green Bay defenseman Markus Lauridsen sniped a shot from the high slot past Ice netminder Jon Gillies at 3:48 of overtime to allow the Gamblers to escape with the victory in a game it appeared the Ice might run away with early.
The Ice led 3-1 after nine minutes and then led 4-2 after two periods, but the Gamblers rallied in the third. Nicholas Schilkey scored his second goal of the game by going top shelf from the slot with 13:29 left. Then, with 6:15 to go, Kyle Novak fed Sheldon Dries on a breakaway -- the only one of the night for either team -- to tie the game. Green Bay came in waves, outshooting the Ice 11-6 in the third period.
Things started out well for the Ice. Schilkey scored just 2:13 in, but the Ice answered in a big way, with the big line of Jacob Fallon-Daniil Tarasov-Robert Polosello cashing in twice. Fallon banked a shot from the red line off to the left side of the net off Green Bay netminder Adam Wilcox and into the net at the 4:24 mark to tie it. It was Fallon's seventh goal of the year.
Just 17 seconds later, the Ice took the lead when Emil Romig cashed in a feed from linemate Woody Hudson. And 4:07 after that, Fallon fed a perfect goalmouth feed across to Tarasov, who buried his eighth goal of the season. After 8:46, the Ice led 3-1 and were flying. They had more opportunities -- cranking 19 shots on goal in the first period -- but Green Bay managed to weather them and chop the lead when Jordan Gross scored on a shot from the point in the final 90 seconds of the period.
After a breakneck first period, the game tightened up in the second, with the Ice cashing in on their only power play of the night when Ryan Obuchowski's blast from the point hit traffic in the slot and was perfectly redirected by Polosello into the net for Polosello's fifth tally of the season.
The game was one that was befitting of a matchup between two of the league's top teams -- high-energy hockey, some tremendous individual play and moves, and a bevvy of beautiful goals. Fallon continued to impress with his high-energy play at the center position. His line generated 13 of the Ice's 36 shots in the game, three goals and a boatload of scoring chances.
Tarasov, who came into the night tied for the USHL scoring lead, added a goal and an assist to run his season totals to 8-11-19. Fallon also had a goal and an assist and now has seven of each. Polosello had a goal and two assists, and now has a 5-4-9 line for the season. Center Robbie Baillargeon -- playing the point on the power play unit -- extended his scoring streak to three games with an assist.
Gillies stopped 27 of 32 Green Bay shots in his second OT loss of the season. His personal record is now 6-1-2. Wilcox made 32 saves on 36 shots, and is now 5-2-0. Both teams were playing without a handful of players representing their country in the World Junior A Challenge. The Ice's Sean Kuraly and Green Bay's Jordan Schmaltz, Andy Welinski, Alex Broadhurst, Sam Herr and goaltender Ryan McKay were all representing the United States in Canada.
The game jumbled the crowded top of the USHL's Eastern Conference standings. With two points, Green Bay vaults Dubuque for first place with a 9-3-0 record and 18 points -- one better than the defending Clark Cup champion Fighting Saints. The Ice (7-2-2) move into a third-place tie with Cedar Rapids, with both teams sporting 16 points.
Three stars
1. Nicholas Schilkey (GB). 2 goals, +1
2. Markus Lauridsen (GB). game-winning goal, +4
3. Robert Polosello (Ice). 1 goal, 2 assists, 6 shots, +1
USHL boxscore
Ice next 6 games
Sa 11/12 vs. Muskegon, 7 p.m.
F 11/18 at Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m.
Sa 11/19 at Waterloo, 8 p.m.
W 11/23 at Green Bay, 8 p.m.
F 11/25 vs. Sioux City, 7 p.m.
Sa 11/26 vs. Fargo, 7 p.m.
Green Bay defenseman Markus Lauridsen sniped a shot from the high slot past Ice netminder Jon Gillies at 3:48 of overtime to allow the Gamblers to escape with the victory in a game it appeared the Ice might run away with early.
The Ice led 3-1 after nine minutes and then led 4-2 after two periods, but the Gamblers rallied in the third. Nicholas Schilkey scored his second goal of the game by going top shelf from the slot with 13:29 left. Then, with 6:15 to go, Kyle Novak fed Sheldon Dries on a breakaway -- the only one of the night for either team -- to tie the game. Green Bay came in waves, outshooting the Ice 11-6 in the third period.
Things started out well for the Ice. Schilkey scored just 2:13 in, but the Ice answered in a big way, with the big line of Jacob Fallon-Daniil Tarasov-Robert Polosello cashing in twice. Fallon banked a shot from the red line off to the left side of the net off Green Bay netminder Adam Wilcox and into the net at the 4:24 mark to tie it. It was Fallon's seventh goal of the year.
Just 17 seconds later, the Ice took the lead when Emil Romig cashed in a feed from linemate Woody Hudson. And 4:07 after that, Fallon fed a perfect goalmouth feed across to Tarasov, who buried his eighth goal of the season. After 8:46, the Ice led 3-1 and were flying. They had more opportunities -- cranking 19 shots on goal in the first period -- but Green Bay managed to weather them and chop the lead when Jordan Gross scored on a shot from the point in the final 90 seconds of the period.
After a breakneck first period, the game tightened up in the second, with the Ice cashing in on their only power play of the night when Ryan Obuchowski's blast from the point hit traffic in the slot and was perfectly redirected by Polosello into the net for Polosello's fifth tally of the season.
The game was one that was befitting of a matchup between two of the league's top teams -- high-energy hockey, some tremendous individual play and moves, and a bevvy of beautiful goals. Fallon continued to impress with his high-energy play at the center position. His line generated 13 of the Ice's 36 shots in the game, three goals and a boatload of scoring chances.
Tarasov, who came into the night tied for the USHL scoring lead, added a goal and an assist to run his season totals to 8-11-19. Fallon also had a goal and an assist and now has seven of each. Polosello had a goal and two assists, and now has a 5-4-9 line for the season. Center Robbie Baillargeon -- playing the point on the power play unit -- extended his scoring streak to three games with an assist.
Gillies stopped 27 of 32 Green Bay shots in his second OT loss of the season. His personal record is now 6-1-2. Wilcox made 32 saves on 36 shots, and is now 5-2-0. Both teams were playing without a handful of players representing their country in the World Junior A Challenge. The Ice's Sean Kuraly and Green Bay's Jordan Schmaltz, Andy Welinski, Alex Broadhurst, Sam Herr and goaltender Ryan McKay were all representing the United States in Canada.
The game jumbled the crowded top of the USHL's Eastern Conference standings. With two points, Green Bay vaults Dubuque for first place with a 9-3-0 record and 18 points -- one better than the defending Clark Cup champion Fighting Saints. The Ice (7-2-2) move into a third-place tie with Cedar Rapids, with both teams sporting 16 points.
Three stars
1. Nicholas Schilkey (GB). 2 goals, +1
2. Markus Lauridsen (GB). game-winning goal, +4
3. Robert Polosello (Ice). 1 goal, 2 assists, 6 shots, +1
USHL boxscore
Ice next 6 games
Sa 11/12 vs. Muskegon, 7 p.m.
F 11/18 at Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m.
Sa 11/19 at Waterloo, 8 p.m.
W 11/23 at Green Bay, 8 p.m.
F 11/25 vs. Sioux City, 7 p.m.
Sa 11/26 vs. Fargo, 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Some "other" blog posts
The United States of Hockey has a list of prospects in the USHL to follow.
Among them: Robbie Baillargeon of the Ice (listed as an "A" list prospect on the CSS watch list) and Jon Gillies.
Read the entry here.
Also, Slightly Chilled has previewed all of the USHL teams. Here is the Ice preview.
Among them: Robbie Baillargeon of the Ice (listed as an "A" list prospect on the CSS watch list) and Jon Gillies.
Read the entry here.
Also, Slightly Chilled has previewed all of the USHL teams. Here is the Ice preview.
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