Fleck earns second all-star appearance…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Some version of this story will be on NewsOK later tonight.
Fleck earns all-star nod
By Robert Przybylo
Staff Writer
Oklahoma City Blazers defenseman Tyler Fleck remembers his first all-star game in 2004. Regarded as one of the best body checkers and defensemen in the game, Fleck was a little out of place in the timid affair.
But with the 2009 Central Hockey League All-Star game using a different format, Fleck will feel right at home as he was announced as one of the reserves for the game Wednesday.
Fleck joins goaltender Andy Franck and head coach Doug Sauter as the Blazers representatives for the game Jan. 14 when a group of CHL All-Stars will take on the host Colorado Eagles.
“It’s going to be different, and I’m looking forward to it. We’re going in with the mindset of we want to win this game,” Fleck said.
The format dates back to the “Original Six” days of the National Hockey League when the defending Stanley Cup Champions would play a group of all-stars from the other clubs in the league.
Fleck has scored one goal with six assists this season and is third on the team with a plus-eight rating but scoring is not his No. 1 priority. Serving as the team leader and defending the goal always come first.
“I believe he’s the best defenseman in the league,” Sauter said.
Fleck will turn 30 on Jan. 20, but this season he has shown that in a young man’s game, the nine-year veteran still has some good mileage left in him.
“The individual accomplishments are nice to look back on when your career is over. Whether I get picked or not, I still feel I have to prove myself every time I’m out there,” Fleck said. “There are a lot of young and fast guys out there now. It’s definitely an honor.”
Tulsa forward Jeff Christian was among the other reserves selected.
… …
I went 5-for-6 as it goes to the balloting. The only one I voted for who didn’t make it any capacity was Laredo’s Jeff Bes.
My forwards were Christian and Rich Hansen of Rapid City. My defensemen were Sam Ftorek of Amarillo and Russ Moyer of Odessa. And of course, Andy Franck was my goaltender.
Congrats to all who made the team.
2009 CHL All-Star Reserves
Position Player Team/Appearance
Forward Travis Clayton Bossier-Shreveport/7th
Forward Daymen Rycroft Rocky Mountain/2nd
Forward Chris Richards Corpus Christi/6th
Forward Jeff Christian Tulsa/3rd
Forward Dominic Leveille Odessa/3rd
Forward Jason Duda Wichita/4th
Forward Louis Dumont Mississippi/1st
Defenseman Aaron MacInnis New Mexico/1st
Defenseman Russ Moyer Odessa/1st
Defenseman Tyler Fleck Oklahoma City/2nd
Defenseman Nicolas Dumoulin Rio Grande Valley/1st
Goaltender Sebastien Centomo Laredo/3rd
Blazers vs. Colorado – Game Blog
10:10 – Colorado 4, Blazers 3, OT. A stunned crowd here at the Ford Center.
9:30 – We’re in overtime. Colorado scores two goals in the final eight minutes and once again, the Blazers can’t finish the deal. Crowd has had the life sucked right out of it. Very interesting five minutes coming up.
8:40 – Blazers couldn’t keep up that energy forever. And sure enough, Colorado turned the tide in the first 10 minutes of the period and tie it up.
Ironically enough, it was a Colorado PP that got Oklahoma City going as Tyler Fleck came as close to a goal as you can with a thudding shot off the post.
It looked like all the world we would go into the third period tied at 1, but a great individual effort by Ted Vandermeer gives the Blazers a 2-1 lead heading into the final period.
He juked and jived and scored with 1:01 left in the second period.
Is this the most important third period of the season? Tough to say, but it would do a bunch for the confidence of the team if Oklahoma City can hold on to this one.
Tonight has been what Doug Sauter loves to preach — everyone contributing. Oriel McHugh had a great stick deflection as Colorado had a clear shot at the net. Fleck is playing as strong as I’ve seen this season.
Let’s see what period No. 3 has in store.
7:48 – So, when is a 1-0 lead not satisfying? Not too often, but I’m going to venture to say Oklahoma City is hoping it could have found another goal or two in what was one of the most complete periods for the Blazers this season.
The energy was there in those first 20 minutes. And the scoring chances were a-plenty. Oklahoma City outshot Colorado 15-5 and had a handful of realistic “ooh” moments.
Murfitt said he was pumped, and he showed it in the first period. He was skating like a free man and had a couple nice shots. Cam Doull had a nice takeaway that led to another good scoring opportunity.
And as for that rumor that maybe Groenestege was hurt. Well, he hopped over the bench to come out, so yeah, don’t take too much stock in what I say (as you know already).
I think you could have predicted this first period especially after the third period at Texas on Saturday. The key is to keep that energy for 60 minutes. That’s not going to be easy, especially vs. a great team like Colorado.
Andrew Penner was the No. 1 star in that period. It took a near Herculean effort for the score to only be 1-0, but that’s exactly what the Colorado goaltender did.
Tulsa, in its first game under interim coach Taylor Hall, is down 1-0 early in the second to Bossier-Shreveport.
6:32 – Might we have a late scratch? Doug Groenestege did not react well to a routine shot, dropped his stick and went straight to trainer Wade Sundbye. Andy Franck is now taking all the warmups. Groenestege has returned. Was it an equipment thing or something more? Interesting start to the night.
6:15 – I feel a little more excited tonight. Something about seeing the team the quality of Colorado has to get the juices going, right? Anyway, able to talk with Andy Franck before the game to ask him about being selected to the All-Star team.
Franck has not played his best lately to which he only blames himself. He’s fine, didn’t come back too soon or anything like that.
Maybe this will be a Carlos Marmol case. For those that aren’t diehard Cub fans, Marmol was selected to the All-Star game this last season when it was very iffy if he deserved it. However, he pitched well in the game and then all the sudden was lights out in the second half.
Also had a little chat with Jason Murfitt. He said he is pumped about tonight because even though he has played the last two games, he hasn’t really been himself. The knee is coming along, but he’s ready to go and to start playing like he used to.
Don’t quote me, but I think Jason Seerey might be your scratch tonight. He’s got a neck problem, and no need to rush something like that.
Franck gets All-Star nod…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
When the ballots were due, there was no hotter goaltender than Oklahoma City’s Andy Franck. He was absolutely rolling.
And despite some scuffles here as of late, Franck has been rewarded for his early-season play and will represent the CHL as the starting goaltender for the 2009 All-Star game Jan. 14 when a group of CHL All-Stars take on the host Colorado Eagles.
In 18 games, Franck is 10-4-3 and is second in the league in goals against, trailing only his teammate Doug Groenestege. Franck has given up 36 goals this season and has a save percentage of .918. Franck is now a two-time all-star and received 37 of the 50 goaltender votes, making him the leading vote-getter.
A groin injury has hampered Franck as of late, but he did show glimpses of his early-season form in a SO win at Colorado two weeks ago. Colorado is at the Ford Center tonight in a showdown between the Northern Conference’s two best teams.
Other starters
Forwards: Joel Irving, Arizona (first appearance); Rich Hansen, Rapid City (second appearance); Darryl Smith, Laredo (first appearance).
Defensemen: Sam Ftorek, Amarillo (first appearance); Justin Kinnunen, Texas (second appearance).
All-Star reserves will be announced Wednesday at 2 p.m. where I will let you know who I voted for the team. For the record, I voted for Franck as the goaltender.
Oilers make coaching change…
TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Oilers have announced a coaching change. General manager Taylor Hall is the interim head coach replacing Dan Hodge effective immediately.
Team owner and president Jeff Lund said he and Hall hope to have a permanent replacement named soon, so that Hall can continue to concentrate on his general manager duties.
The Oilers are 8-15-3 for 19 points and in fourth place in the Central Hockey League’s Northeast Division.
Beating Oklahoma City is not enough to save the job, I guess. I look at Tulsa and see a lot of talent and a beast of a goaltender in Kevin St. Pierre. I don’t get why they can’t get it together for an extended period of time.
We’ll see what Hall can do with Jeff Christian, Michel Beausoleil and company.
CHL Power Poll for 12-29
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Been out of commission for a while. It was my birthday, and then I got sick (though the two are not related). But feeling better today, so let’s hit another edition of the Power Poll.
The Blazers are coming off a 1-2-0 week that saw a disappointing home loss to Tulsa, followed by a solid road win at Mississippi and then a gut-wrenching loss to Texas.
The last two Saturdays are not days Oklahoma City fans want to re-live. So where does that leave the Blazers? On with the show…
1. Colorado (1) (22-5-1): Almost feels unfair how much talent this team has. Maybe it really should be a group of CHL All-Stars vs. Colorado in the All-Star game. Showdown at Oklahoma City coming up.
2. Odessa (2) (21-8-2): Jackalopes had a chance to have the most points but lost to New Mexico on Sunday. Other than that, Paul Gillis has done a great job with the team as Dominic Leveille and Sebastien Thinel lead the league in points.
3. Blazers (3) (19-6-3): Goaltender Andy Franck is going through a rough patch right now. It might be time to see Doug Groenestege get the bulk of the starts. The two are still the best one-two combo in the league.
4. Laredo (3) (18-8-3): A disappointing 0-2-2 week has Texas on Laredo’s heels. It’s not Jeff Bes or Darryl Smith’s fault. The two have combined for 82 points and a plus-35 this season.
5. Texas (5) (17-9-3): Boneman’s darlings are now two points out of first place. Let’s see how they build off incredible comeback win vs. Blazers. Have showdown with Laredo on Saturday.
6. Mississippi (7) (17-11-0): Now is the time for Mississippi to make a move. It plays Oklahoma City and Bossier-Shreveport in its next four games. Could make an interesting division that much more fun.
7. Bossier-Shreveport (6) (16-9-2): Statement week coming up for MudBugs with games against Mississippi and Odessa. Look at their transactions. How will they respond to all the guys being activated from IR and all the guys being suspended? We’ll see.
8. Rocky Mountain (NR) (13-13-2): Aaron Davis has changed the outlook of this team around dramatically. Remember when they were the doormats of the league at 1-7-1? Not anymore, Rage will play a factor from now on.
9. Rio Grande Valley (8) (13-12-2): The Bees are hanging around, but I don’t know what to make of a team that beats Laredo and Texas in the same week it loses to Wichita. The beauty of parity, I guess.
10. Arizona (NR) (13-17-1): Have a real shot at making some noise this week, closing out the weekend with games against Bossier-Shreveport and at Oklahoma City. Only 5-8-0 at home.
Best of the rest: 11. Corpus Christi; 12. New Mexico; 13. Rapid City; 14. Wichita; 15. Tulsa; 16. Amarillo.
Tuesday, look for a feature on Team Borsheim. I was able to speak with Les Borsheim and Tyler Fleck about the Web site and how everything is going.
Update at night with POW/GOW. POW is New Mexico’s Chris Robertson while GOW is Marco Emond of Arizona.
More with Dunklin…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Some stories write themselves. And sometimes the biggest job is to just not mess it up. I felt that way going into the Kevin Dunklin story this week. I mean, a monkey could have gotten this one right.
There was just so much to it, so much goodness. I noticed it during training camp. I didn’t understand what was going on with this guy having all the players sign things.
The new guys and myself quickly realized the genuineness to it all.
Not all the stuff could fit, so here are some of the leftover goodies.
Dunklin is thinking about writing a book about everything. Of course, that will be somewhere down the road as Dunklin is content with his role with the Blazers.
Two years ago, Dunklin was in a bad car accident that injured his back pretty bad. It happened during the summer, so by the time hockey season was getting ready to go, he was back out there.
Dunklin met Jessica Bohrofen through Dunklin’s mother at a church group meeting. Dunklin had been to a couple of Blazers games before then but with the Bohrofen’s seats, all the sudden the Blazers became a way of life for Dunklin.
Quick rundown of the list he has had members of the organization sign: tickets, pucks, newspaper articles, the game notes, pictures, jerseys, sticks, masks, programs, bobbleheads, helmets and trading cards.
A couple of the guys have their own pens. Former Blazer Marty Standish color of choice was silver while Tyler Fleck signs all things with a red marker.
I took a trip to the Dunklin household last weekend. Being in that sports room was quite the treat. And he has plastic sleeves for all clippings that preserve their quality.
All ‘n all, it was a great time, and I hope you enjoyed the story.
Tulsa 3, Blazers 2 – Game Blog
10:45 – Well, some technical difficulties at the Ford Center didn’t allow me to do what I normally do. Blazers scored two in the third but lost 3-2 to Tulsa in the Christmas showdown.
Tulsa against Oklahoma City: 3-1-1. Against the rest of the CHL: 5-12-2. What gives?
Blazers are 2-3-0 against Tulsa and 16-2-3 against the rest of the league. Again, what gives?
Oklahoma City head coach Doug Sauter was quick to give credit to Tulsa goaltender Kevin St. Pierre. He has stopped 80 shots in the last two combined meetings between the teams.
And more importantly, he has played lights out in the third period of each game. Thursday, the Blazers outshot Tulsa 19-2 in the third but managed to only be down 2-1 on the scoreboard. That’s a pretty nifty little stat.
Oklahoma City seemed to, not necessarily going through the motions, but not picking it up a notch after a back and forth first period. Tulsa normally attacks with Christian and Beausoleil, but tonight was about Jake Riddle and Mike Mullen.
Tulsa seems pumped to play Oklahoma City while the Blazers aren’t bringing that early intensity. It’s baffling right now.
The crowd was the largest of the season, but any casual fans who showed up tonight might be wondering what the fuss is all about for this year’s Oklahoma City team.
Tulsa has two home games this weekend while Oklahoma City is at Mississippi (and was leaving when I left) Friday and at Texas on Saturday before another huge home game Tuesday vs. Colorado.
Doug Groenestege will get the start in net Friday. Jason Murfitt will travel with the team but it is unknown whether or not he will play.
As for me, expect some leftover goodies about Kevin Dunklin on Friday. And then you won’t hear from me until Sunday as Saturday I turn the big 25 and won’t be anywhere near a computer as I have friends coming into town to celebrate.
7:45 – At the end of the first period, there is no score. Good energy, fabulous crowd. While the rest of the CHL seems to have a handle on Tulsa, Oklahoma City is having its troubles figuring out a winning equation.
It could be that they’re rivals, but there might be something more to it. Both teams had solid scoring chances in the first 20 minutes.
Tulsa had a 5-on-3 for 1:32, but Oklahoma City managed to kill it off. The Blazers came out strong and Bill Vandermeer had a takeaway and nice SOG in the waning minutes.
Tulsa’s Jeff Christian and Michel Beausoleil are continuing their solid play while Chad Hinz had a solid period for Oklahoma City.
Tulsa attempted 10 shots in the first while the Blazers had nine. Strong competitive period by both teams. Not much difference, wonder how one team is 18-4-3 (Blazers) and the other is 7-13-3 (Tulsa).
I’m gonna guess this is the best attendance of the year. I may be wrong. Also had Jason Murfitt up visiting us. He’s out with a right knee injury, he was in good spirits.
6:35 – And we are just about ready. It’s an odd scene tonight with the wiring and rigging in place for the Rockettes performances at the Ford Center this weekend. I can’t see the clock, both game and actual clock. Yea, feel sorry for me. We got the Christmas music going. I’m a fan of most songs, but don’t get me started on some of them. So far the selection hasn’t been too bad. But we still got some time.
LIVE at the Ford Center…
George Bailey: Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan! Hey, Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter!
So if the Blazers are George Bailey, that would make the Tulsa Oilers Mr. Potter, right? It’s a Wonderful Life never gets old, sorry.
Merry Christmas, hockey fans. Hope you enjoyed the story on a Blazers fan in every sense of the word, Kevin Dunklin in today’s paper. He never asked for the story. I just kinda watched the way he interacted with the guys and knew there was something special there.
On the ice, it’s the fifth meeting of the season between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Blazers won the first two, the Oilers have returned the favor the last two times.
And TC, there was no indication at all that Graham Dearle is coming back to the Blazers. He was in town for the holidays and was very polite and seemed at peace. Could it have been a ruse? No, I’m not one to start rumors.
We’re about 90 minutes away from the puck dropping.
Christmas Eve thoughts…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Or as I like to call today, Wednesday. I won’t say I’m not totally into the holiday spirit, but when you’re not seeing any family at all during this week, it’s tough to be totally cheery.
The Blazers were back at it Wednesday at the Ford Center. They went for about an hour, nothing too strenuous.
Some players have their family coming in, so it wasn’t your usual environment. And Graham Dearle was back in town.
Looking ahead to the Christmas showdown with Tulsa, it’s going to be Andy Franck between the pipes. He’ll start Thursday with Doug Groenestege starting Friday and Franck getting the call again Saturday.
Defenseman Tyler Harder should be able to play. He was skating today and showed no ill effects from his leg injury.
Same can’t be said for Jason Murfitt. He was on the bike, trying to work out that right knee. Trainer Wade Sundbye said it’s nothing serious, but head coach Doug Sauter believes Murfitt won’t be ready to go. In football terms, he’s listed as doubtful.
When it comes to Christmas games, Sauter said it’s a great time of the year so that does make it special. And for some of the guys (myself included this year), you get to do what you love.
If you’re family can’t make it in, then why not play some hockey? I understand that sentiment. Of course for me, it’s writing about the game, but you get the picture.
I have a special piece planned for tomorrow’s paper. I don’t know if he has let the cat out of the bag yet, but I think it’s the perfect story for Christmas. Hope you enjoy it.
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and I will see you tomorrow night for Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
CHL Power Poll for 12-22
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Several big time showdowns in the CHL last week. Not sure if we really learned anything when all was said and done. Slowly but surely, starting to see the elite teams put a little distance between them and the rest of the field. This is one busy week where most teams playing at least three, if not four times. So maybe next week we’ll see some shakin’ and a movin’. On with the show…
1. Colorado (2) (20-4-1): While Odessa only trails Colorado by one point, Odessa has played two more games than the Eagles. Colorado returns to the top.
2. Odessa (1) (19-6-2): A loss to Corpus Christi knocks them down a peg, but Jackalopes have no reason to fear with four games this week (three on the road), a trip back to No. 1 is not out of the question.
3. (tie) Blazers (4) (18-4-3): Big win at Colorado coupled with a split against Rocky Mountain. Still some questions about the focus as the consistency has not been there. Christmas date with Tulsa could be turning point.
3. (tie) Laredo (3) (18-6-1): Bucks didn’t do anything bad, but they have played the most home games (16) of anybody. Four games on the road this week strong test.
5. Texas (5) (15-8-3): No. 5 and No. 6 meet Tuesday, so they could easily be reversed. Texas took a couple from Arizona last week to stand pat.
6. Bossier-Shreveport (6) (15-7-2): MudBugs and Brahmas play Tuesday as Bossier has quietly remained in striking distance of Oklahoma City for first place.
7. Mississippi (7) (15-10-0): As of right now, there is no doubt about these seven top teams, big dropoff after. RiverKings are one of only two teams (Amarillo) to not have an OT loss.
8. Rio Grande Valley (8) (11-11-2): RGV has taken a step back recently. Can’t put Corpus Christi ahead yet because RGV has defeated CC three times. Texas football fans would appreciate that logic vs. Oklahoma.
9. Corpus Christi (9) (10-11-3): After rough start, Ice Rays are back in the mix. Once again, all of the Southeast Division is in the top 10.
10. Rapid City (NR) (8-10-7): Take a blind stab from this point on. The Rush are coming off a win vs. Wichita and have five home games in a row to try to improve on that mark.
Best of the rest: 11. Rocky Mountain; 12. Tulsa; 13. Arizona; 14. New Mexico; 15. Amarillo; 16. Wichita.
Edit at night with POW and GOW. Player of the week is Neil Smith from Amarillo and Goaltender is Tim Boron from Wichita.
