Nathan Lawson To Get Start In The Show

photo credit: Michael Dineen/UAA Athletics

Former UAA Seawolves goalie Nathan Lawson will get his first NHL game between the pipes tonight when he starts for the New York Islanders against the Phoenix Coyotes at Nassau Coleiseum (3PM Alaska Standard Time).

The Alumni Update: Playoff version

It's playoff time around the world of the hockey and so on the heels of my favorite Mike Peluso moment let's take a look at whats happening with the Seawolf alums out there (and 2 current Seawolves playing for their National Teams). Unfortunately, with Calgary and Glencross out, for now no former Seawolves are in the Stanley Cup playoffs (with an injury or two Jay Beagle could be playing for the Caps but beyond that I don't see anybody else that could get a call up).

In the AHL the Calder Cup playoffs are underway with a couple of Seawolf vs Seawolf match ups. Jay Beagle and the Hershey Bears have a 3 games to 1 lead over Nathan Lawson and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Beagle has played in all 4 games but has 0 points and 0 PIMs, Lawson made the start in Game 2, making 30 saves to keep the game 2-2 but went off injured before the game winning goal. Kevin Clark's Mantoba Moose are down 2 games to 0 to Chad Anderson's Hamilton Bulldogs, Kevin has yet to play a game in the playoffs while Chad has 1 assist and 2 PIMs in his two games played. Luke Beaverson and the Rochester Americans are tied at a game each with the Abbotsford Heat. Luke has yet to make a playoff appearance.

In the ECHL, Trevor Hunt and the Stockon Thunder are the only team left with a former Seawolf in the ECHL playoffs, with the Aces (Lee Green, Justin Johnson, Merit Waldrop, Nils Backstrom, and Jon Olthuis) , Victoria (Walsky, 1G - 4A), and South Carolina (Carbury 0G - 0A) all out (Bryce Christiansen was released by Stockton on 4/12). Trevor is currently listed as inactive.

Finally, at the IIHF World Championships, Division I Group B Luka Vidmar and Slovenia are 2 - 0, beating Poland 3 - 2 and Croatia 10 - 1. Luka has played in both games with no points, 2 PIMs, and 6 SOG. Next game for Slovenia is Tuesday against Great Britain. Meanwhile today, Mitch Brujistan and The Netherlands play their first game in Group A against Japan at 8:30pm Central European Time (or 10:30am Alaska), the IIHF has live stats on their website.

And finally, it yet another blow to Forrest Karr and TAFKAF's never ending quest to be the Alaska Nanooks, Luka Vidmar is listed on the Slovenian roster as from the... University of Alaska.

Edit: I added the Luka picture below since folks were having difficulties accessing it at the IIHF site.  Man ... someone crushed him.  From the damage, I'd say he got hit head high from his left side which would account for the ding on his cheek and black eye; while his right shoulder must have been driven into the boards.  With it slinged I'd assume at minimum some sort of shoulder separation which is common in that sort of hit.

D

The Former Seawolves Update

Hey everybody it's James back again, this time with a real post. As the playoffs get set to begin in the numerous professional leagues around North America, let's take a look at where the Seawolf alumni are playing at (if I am missing anybody let me know):

Starting off in "The Show", the National Hockey League (NHL):

• Curtis Glencross - Calgary Flames. 67GP - 15G - 18A - 33P - +11 - 58PIM

Curtis pretty much begins and ends our look at the NHL. Jay Beagle played 6 games (1G - 1A - 2p) for the Washington Capitals but is currently in Hershey, their AHL affiliate.
On to the "A", the American Hockey League (AHL):

• Jay Beagle - Hershey Bears (Washington). 63GP - 14G - 18A - 32P - +7 - 25PIM
• Kevin Clark - Manitoba Moose (Vancouver). 4GP - 2G - 0A - 2P - +2 - 4PIM
• Paul Crowder - Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers). 74GP - 12G - 11A - 23P - -11 - 20PIM
• Lee Baldwin - Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers). 2GP - 0G - 0A - 0P - +1 - 2PIM
• Josh Lunden - San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix). 3GP - 0G - 1A - 1P - 0 - OPIM
• Chad Anderson - Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal). 50GP - 0G - 4A - 4P - -4 - 26PIM
• Luke Beaverson - Rochester Americans (Florida). 27GP - 0G - 2A - 2P - +2 - 22PIM
• Nathan Lawson - Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders). 33GP - 15W - 14L - 3SOL - 1SOW - 82GA - 2.53GAA - 990SVS - .924SV%
• Charlie Kronschnabel - Syracuse Crunch (Anaheim). (total between Hershey and Syracuse) 23GP - 2G - 1A - 3P - -9 - 5PIM

Notes: Mat Robinson was at Binghampton but was recently sent down to Elmira of the ECHL. Charlie K is indeed playing at Syracuse but the team website doesn't show him, however he is there.

Speaking of that, here's the league a lot of us know, the ECHL:

• Spencer Carbury - South Carolina Stingrays (Washington - Hershey). 53GP - 10G - 18A - 28P - 128PIM
• Lee Green - Alaska Aces (St. Louis - Peoria). 45 GP - 0G - 2A - 2P - +4 - 57PIM
• Justin "JJ" Johnson - Alaska Aces (St. Louis - Peoria). 53GP - 3G - 4A - 7P - -2 - 244PIM
• Merit Waldrop - Alaska Aces (St. Louis - Peoria). 20GP - 2G - 7A - 9P - -4 - 18PIM
• Nils Backstrom - Alaska Aces (St. Louis - Peoria). 3GP - 0G - 0A - 0P - -2 - 0PIM
• Jon Olthuis - Alaska Aces (St. Louis - Peoria). Emergency Backup - No stats
• Trevor Hunt - Stockton Thunder (Edmonton - Springfield). 7GP - 0G - 2A - 2P - +1 - 15PIM
• Eric Walsky - Victoria Salmon Kings (Vancouver - Manitoba). 8GP - 1G - 1A - 2P - -6 - 6PIM
• Mat Robinson - Elmira Jackals (Ottawa - Binghampton). 60GP - 6G - 25A - 31P - +9 - 30PIM

Next up is the old U-Haul league or United Hockey League, now the International Hockey League (IHL):

• Shane Lovdahl - Quad City Mallards (Philadelphia - Adirondack). 66GP - 2G - 18A - 20P - -15 - 42PIM

Onto the Central Hockey League (CHL):

• John DeCaro - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. 39GP - 24W - 14L - 1OTL - 2SOW - 105GA - 2.73GAA - 1085SVS - .912SV%
• Matt Hanson - Arizona Sundogs. 52GP - 3G - 7A - 10P - -11 - 60PIM

Next up is the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL):

• Corey Hessler - Fayetteville FireAntz. 7GP - 0G - 0A - 0P - +5 - 8PIM

Over to Europe now, First up is the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL):

• Duvie Westcott - Dynamo Minsk. 55GP - 3G - 19A - 22P - 146PIM

Final stop is Holland's Eredivsie:

• Peter Cartwright - Groninger Grizzles. No stats found
• Blair Tassone - Groninger Grizzles. No Stats found

Couple of notes: Jim Dahl was with the Aces but is not listed as active. Kevin Reiter was in England but is not active currently.

Alright that is everybody that is active that I've found. I know some might not like the fact I've included Westcott and Walsky but, despite what you think of them, they are former Seawolves. I left out Dustin Molle I know, I have my reasons. If I really did miss anybody comment and let me know, I'll double check it.

Glencross All-Time NHL Seawolves Goal Scorer

Tonight Curtis Glencross became the all-time leading Seawolves goal scorer in the NHL.  With 3 goals in the last 2 games Curtis surpassed Mike Peluso's 38 career goals and now has 39 in 183 total games.  Big Mike still holds the all-time point total with 90 points in 458 games but with 85 to this point, Curtis isn't far behind.

It's unlikely that he will ever approach Big Mike's penalty minute total of 1951.  Currently, Curtis sits at a measely 138.  Congratulations to Curtis on this relatively minor milestone.  It probably will go unnoticed by both he and Big Mike but I noticed and think it's worth a post.

Anyhow ... here's the highlights from tonights game.  Curtis' first goal to tie the record is a sweet low first-timer on the power play and his 2nd is an empty netter.  And not that Glencross ever would be but ... don't get cocky kid; Big Mike's name is on The Cup (see above).

________________________

In other Alumni news, the current Seawolves beat the old Seawolves tonight at the Wells Fargo Sportscenter 7 - 3.  Kevin Clark had a hat trick for the youngsters and Tyler Currier nabbed 2 goals playing with the old guys.

It was a pretty enjoyable game to watch but I have to say, the players on both teams really looked like they had a great time.  There were many wide toothy grins and lots of friendly cajoling following the game.  The highlight of the game (aside from 2 of Clarkies really really sweet goals) was a clean breakaway for Jeremy Smith from his own blueline.  Dusan Sidor stepped out and challenged him by cutting down the angle and unfortunately for Jeremy he ripped the puck wide.  The attempt though elicited a real nice board pounding from his alumni teammates.

A huge thanks should be given to the alums for their efforts.  There were clearly some wore out legs in the 3rd period but the pace of the game and the effort they gave should go a bit towards getting the rink rust off the Seawolves before heading to DU next weekend.  Congrats all around to the UAA folks that put this nice event together.

And if you're really desparate for a laugh, between the 1st and 2nd periods tonight Kurt Haider forced me to do a quick interview for broadcast next weekend between periods of the DU series.  I asked Kurt to send me a copy of the audio file and I'll post it here following it's airing.  Hey, it's my radio debut! 

Alumni Game Roster

UAA's excellent young SID, Dallas Baldwin updated me yesterday with the specific rosters for Saturday's Alumni Game.  So, I thought I'd share it here and give a little preview of the old guys ...

#6 - Jeremy Smith

Last UAA Season - 08-09

Played 17 games in his career at UAA.  My favorite 17 game player ever.  Jeremy was intensity personified.  It'll be fun to see scoot around out there on Saturday.

#9 - Chris Pont

Last UAA Season - 99-00

Scored 22 goals over 4 seasons playing center.  I remember Chris as one of the series of quality forwards the Seawolves have pulled from BC.  He was 3rd in goals on the 2000 team.

#11 - Steve Ludwig

Last UAA Season - 00-01

Played in 80 games at UAA.  Didn't tally a goal here during that career.  Steve was a classic 4 year role player for Dean Talafous.

#12 - Rob Conn

Last UAA Season - 90-91

Rob was a beast in front of the net during his UAA career.  He went on to skate in 30 NHL games and if I'm remembering things correctly was the 1st UAA alum to skate in "The Show".  I remember watching his 1st game with Chicago.  He jumped the boards for his 1st shift and went straight to the front of the opponents net screening the goaltender, a teammate fired the puck and scored using that screen.  He didn't get any point credit for the goal, but he contributed to one on his very 1st shift.  He played 28 games with the Sabres in 95-96 and notched 2 goals.

#13 - Daron Underwood

Last UAA Season - 05-06

Daron had an impressive rookie season on defense at UAA.  He hit everything that moved.  I remember him being a walk-on and I think he was so excited to be playing that he made the best of it.  I used to call him THUnderwood on USCHO.

#14 - Merit Waldrop

Last UAA Season - 07-08

Merit is the all-time best 23 career-goal scorer to play at UAA.  He could puck handle in a phone booth.  Nobody tracks such things but I'd put money on Merit holding the record for doinking it off posts and crossbars in UAA history.

#16 - Todd Bethard

Last UAA Season - 96-97

In 4 years on the blueline Todd put up a real nice 22 goals.  10 of those came during a super-soph year.  Todd was a classic puck moving blueliner.  Smooth skater, always had his head up and was dependable in his own end.

#18 - Matt Jolly

Last UAA Season - 05-06

Matt got in 8 games in his single season at UAA.  I remember lots of Jolly brothers from my days hanging around youth and high school hockey rinks watching my nephew.

#20 - Mike Scott

Last UAA Season - 01-02

38 goals in 4 seasons at UAA surprised me.  I would have thought it was higher.  Mike was a similar player to Rob Conn.  Always managed to get himself in front of the net and was effective there.  Mike played 32 games with Providence in the AHL and had an extensive ECHL career including becoming a fan favorite with the Aces for whom he scored 93 goals in 4 seasons.  He was my daughter's favorite player all four years he was at UAA.  She was 10 when he left.

#21 - Brian Kraft

Last UAA Season - 91-92

Krafty went to NMU for his first year of college hockey and was a teammate of Dave Shyiak.  And gee ... he didn't quite see eye-to-eye with Coach Rick Comely (stunning eh?), so he transferred to UAA.  In his 1st year at UAA he only scored 20 goals (27 in his 2 year career ...).  Put that in your pipe and smoke it Mr. Comely.  Brian was a NEVERSAYDIE hockey player.  All-around good guy, coached my nephew one year ... in Bantams I think.  I remember his career here ended mid-season because of some overage year he played in juniors.

#22 - Jim Dahl

Last UAA Season - 04-05

Jim was a 4 year role playing forward at UAA.  He was always banging someone in the corners.  He netted 6 goals in the 100 games he played.  Another example of one of the many UAA players to make Anchorage his home following his career here.

#23 - Mark Filipenko

Last UAA Season - 99-00

Mark was an undersized puck moving defenseman during the Talafous era, which of course means he was never really given the chance to move the puck.  He always had a quality hip-check waiting for an opponent who thought he'd go wide and had a real heavy shot from the point.  Which of course means that he'd get benched if he used it too much.  In 101 career games he notched 4 goals.

#24 - Gregg Zaprozan

Last UAA Season - 01-02

Gregg was one of our speedsters.  One of the few players we've had from Ontario over the years.  He notched 26 goals in 4 years blowing around WCHA opponents with his speed playing mostly on a line with Mike Scott and fellow waterbug Steve Cygan.  Those guys always seemed to be a threat to score.

Non-Alumni

#8 - Scott Warner

Scott doesn't actually get to play for the Seawolves until the beginning of next season following his transfer.  This will be a nice chance to see him move around in something other than practice.  He should see LOTS of ice time with all the old guys.

#10 - Brian Bethard

Colorado College Alum.  Brother of Todd Bethard.  His last season with CC was 92-93.  Played Junior hockey with UAA alums Kevin Brown, Trent Pankewicz and Jim Tobin as well as brother Brian.  One notable player from that Powell River junior roster was Brad Bombardir.

#15 - Chris Newans

Chris never played college hockey.  But he has to have one of the all-time most interesting hockey careers playing for (by my count) 21 different teams from 1991 - 2009, including a season in the Quebec Fighting League.  He played in the ECHL, SuHL, SHL, WCHL, IHL, UHL and QSMHL as well as a season of Roller Hockey in Anaheim.

#19 - Ken Selby

If Brush doesn't put Ken on his #1 line for this game then my head will explode.  That's all I'm going to say.  Dare I predict a hat-trick this Saturday for Ken.  Sure ... get a hatty Ken.

#26 - Tyler Currier

At least with Selbs, Warner and Tyler in the Alumni lineup there will be some energy counteracting all those creaky old bones.

#30 - Jon Olthuis

Bet he'd like nothing better than to stone every attempt from his teammates.  How sweet would it be for him to shut them out?  Oh wait a minute ... that wouldn't be sweet at all.  OMG ... I'm seriously conflicted now.

Coaches:

Brush Christiansen - Regg Simon

So ... I must ask this even though they probably don't want me to.  But where is Derek Donald?  Was he perhaps the "last cut" or what?  And Regg?  Um ... come on.  You're only 33...  Chris Newans is 40 ... Robbie Conn is 41 ... Brian Kraft is almost 43?  Maybe Regg didn't want to give Kevin Clark a chance to check him?  Tch Tch Tch ... Regg has got some 'splaining to do if you ask me.

In any case, this looks to be a fun event.  I'll be dragging my 48 year old butt down there to see the kids put up some ugly number on the old guys.  Referees for the game are Dennis Sorenson and Merit Waldrop Sr.