And then there were 15...

New Mexico suspends operations; Oklahoma City ends 17 season run in the CHL

It's a sad day for the Central Hockey League and its fans. Out of nowhere today, the news broke that the Oklahoma City Blazers has ceased operations and will no longer be a part of the CHL. The league also announced formally (although this was no surprise) that the New Mexico Scorpions were suspending operations.

Wow, what happened? At the end of the season, before the rumors about the Rocky Mountain Rage began, it appeared that the CHL would have 18 teams participating in the 2009-10 campaign.

First, we found out that things were not looking good in Broomfield, Colorado. Next came word that John Madden would either find a buyer for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs or suspend operations. Dave Ellett followed suit in Rio Rancho.

At least the Mudbugs were saved at the last moment by a wealthy fan, much like what happened in Corpus Christi last summer. I don't think anyone believed that the Rage or the Scorpions would be in the mix next season but as of today, with the news that the Blazers were pulling out, the league is now down three teams for 2009-10 and will scramble to put together a new divisional alignment and a new schedule.

The news about the Oklahoma City Blazers is not altogether surprising. Everyone knew that they were probably moving to the American Hockey League at some point, taking the place of the dormant franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers. What bites is the way they did it. Certainly this wasn't a last minute thing as league commissioner Duane Lewis indicated.

“We feel hurt by this late notice and surprising announcement,” said Lewis. "This decision did not happen overnight, and to continue to work on the schedule and wait until July to inform us is disappointing."

I spoke to Blazers defenseman Justin Sawyer tonight. He said that he received a phone call from assistant coach Chris Dashney today and was informed that the team had ceased operations.

"I was pretty shocked. Even with all the rumors going on, I definitely figured the Blazers would be on the ice next year."

But Sawyer doesn't have to worry about a job as he had already made a move for himself for next season.

"I wasn't able to sign a contract with the Blazers due to the negotiations on the lease," Sawyer said. "I decided to sign with Bloomington in the IHL...Their reputation was good from what I heard from (former Blazer) Marty Standish and after meeting with the coach Jarrod Skalde, it seemed to be a great fit."

I also spoke to Dan Wildfong tonight and he was just as blown away by the news as anyone.

"It's definitely sad anytime you lose any team," Wildfong said. "...Oke City is always looked up to, so it's a sad day."

On the up side, there are a lot of quality players available now, which will be helpful to the expansion Missouri Mavericks and Allen Americans. But Dan Wildfong isn't going to miss out on the opportunity to recruit some of the free agents who are now available.

"I would be happy to get a lot of their players because they play hard and they're a good young team."

Here's the story I wrote for ProhockeyNews.com (click here)

Image Credit: Central Hockey League

The Insider Interview - Anders Strome

The prodigal Texas Brahma speaks about his season in Europe, his return to North Richland Hills and his new role as a player assistant

I spoke to Anders Strome by phone early last week about his return to the Texas Brahmas. The interview was held until the anouncement of his signing was made by the team today, as is customary for The Insider.

Strome played for the Odense Bulldogs in the top Danish ice hockey league last season. He tallied 40 points (25 G, 15 A) and 101 penalty minutes in 36 games played during their regular season. The Bulldogs lost in the semi-finals of the AL-Bank Ligaen Playoffs.

As you probably know, Strome was granted some time off after last season began in order to return to Canada to get married. Strome told me that he and wife Meagan are expecting a child. They have decided not to learn the sex of the baby ahead of time.

Here is our conversation.

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you describe how the season works out in Denmark?

A: Well, we had a 36 game schedule there. We had two cups; the first is the Pokal Cup and that’s the cup that we won, that was played off as sort of a side tournament. It meant something to them; it was a big deal over there, but to us North American guys, we were more concerned with the year-end trophy, sort of like what we have back here. So that was a separate cup. You play a best of seven playoff, just like we would back here. We lost in the semi-finals.

Q: The Pokal Cup that you won; what’s the significance of that cup?

A: It’s just a tradition. Kind of like, in soccer they do things like that. Soccer’s huge over there, so a lot of the hockey is modeled after their soccer or football as they call it. So it’s just for pride amongst the cities competing in the league.

Q: How were the fans over there?

A: The fans were good (laughing). They get very much soccer, or football influenced. They constantly chant and sing; they have drums at the games so it’s quite loud. Not necessarily huge crowds but you definitely knew they were there.

Q: The home arena that you played at, was it similar in size to NYTEX?

A: Yeah, a similar size. It might have held a few more. But yeah, it had a similar feel and the rinks vary in size quite a bit over there. We had the bigger ice; all the rinks were Olympic sized sheets so it was a little different in that regard.

Q: You got married at the beginning of the season and brought your bride back with you. How was it, being newlyweds in Denmark?

A: It was good. It was sort of a whirlwind. We got married in August, it was August 6th and I had already been over there for a couple of weeks. I flew back for the wedding and then we went back there after that. We had a chance to do a little traveling while we were there because we had breaks. Over in Europe we had these national team breaks so sometimes we’d have 8-10 days without playing a game so it was different. Often we’d get two or there days off so we could do some traveling. My wife and I went to Italy one time and we went to Germany a couple of times; we drove down there. So it was a good experience.

Q: You had a couple of Canadians playing out there with you, Tyler Redenbach and Brad Rooney as well as a couple of American guys – John Laliberte and Peter Metcalf. Outside of the Danish players, did you spend a lot of time with those guys?

A: Yeah, definitely. We all had a lot in common and for a lot of us, it was our first time over in Europe. It was great to have those guys as well as the wives and girlfriends that were all in the same boat. Then again, the Danish people were very friendly and they speak a lot of English there which was really helpful. The language barrier wasn’t a huge issue because of that. I’ve heard it’s a lot worse in other countries.

Q: I know that you had originally talked to Dan about maybe getting back here in time to qualify to play in the playoffs after your season there was finished…

A: It was always a possibility. Dan and I kept in contact but just the way it worked out with our playoffs, the timing didn’t work out for that. We knew as long as we made it to a certain point it would no longer be an option. We won our first round of the playoffs and we went to the semi-finals. At that point, it was too late.

Q: Did you get a chance to see any of the Brahmas games during the playoffs and the finals on the Internet?

A: I watched a little bit of a couple of the games on the CHL-TV, which was nice to have. A couple were from the NYTEX Centre so it was nice that they had that up and running…so I watched the games; I definitely followed and it was great to see the guys. I was really pulling for them in the Finals against Colorado because I still had a bit of a sour taste in my mouth from losing to those guys the year before in the semi-finals.

Q: Did you think it was pretty cool that they ended up facing the Eagles in the Finals and then beat them considering the experience of the previous season?

A: For sure, yeah. It was awesome to see. They had a great run. They’re obviously a great bunch of guys. There were a lot of guys that I played with and some new faces of course, but it sounds like they had quite the team and I was just happy to see them make the run.

Q: It appears that a lot of the same guys will be back again for the coming season and a number of the guys that you played with in 2007-08 will be back. You’ll be back as a player/assistant. What’s your excitement level in regards to being back in North Richland Hills and back to playing with the Brahmas?

A: Oh, it’s great. I’m really excited. I’m happy that Dan brought me on board. We’re working on putting together another great team. Like you mentioned, a lot of the core guys are going to be back and always it’s tough to keep everybody, every year, especially coming off a championship year but we’re going to do our best to get as many guys back as possible and then fit in the missing pieces and we’re in the process of doing that now.

Photo Credit: Odense Bulldogs

Texas Brahmas announce return of Anders Strome

Dynamic forward adds another offensive punch to 2009-10 roster

#10 is back! The Texas Brahmas have announced that Anders Strome has been re-signed as a player/assistant for the upcoming season. At 6', 3" and 210 pounds, the 27-year-old forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba is a tremendous addition to what promises to be the team that repeats in 2009-10.

Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong commented on the addition of Strome to the team.

"This is a big re-signing for us as an organization as we look to repeat for another title," Wildfong said. "Anders played a pivotal role for us when he played here in 2007-08, and we look forward to seeing him step up once again in a Brahmas jersey."

Last season, Strome played for the Odense Bulldogs in the top Danish ice hockey league. He tallied 40 points (25 G, 15 A) and 101 penalty minutes in 36 games played during their regular season. The Bulldogs lost in the semi-finals of the AL-Bank Ligaen Playoffs.

Anders Strome by all measures had a fantastic season with the Texas Brahmas during the 2007-08 campaign. The popular forward brought a strong offensive game to the ice, registering 60 points (34 G, 26 A, +2) and 88 penalty minutes in 64 games played. Strome played all 14 playoff games tallying 14 points (9 G, 5 A) with 10 penalty minutes.

Strome played three seasons with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell before turning professional. He scored 35 points (20 G, 15 A) in 91 games played with the River Hawks.

Strome spent much of his CHL career with the Lubbock Cotton Kings. During the 2004-05 season, he led the team in scoring with 57 points (35 G, 22 A) in 60 games played.Due to his offensive flair, Strome participated in the 2004-05 CHL All Star game and led the Cotton Kings to the postseason. At season's end, the Cotton Kings named Strome their “Offensive Player of the Year”.

During the 2005-06 season, Strome played in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with three teams (Long Beach Ice Dogs, Florida Everblades and South Carolina Stingrays). In 54 games, he recorded 35 points (14 G, 21 A) and 26 penalty minutes.

In 188 games in the CHL over four seasons, Strome posted 227 points (126 G, 101 A) and 261 penalty minutes.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

The Insider Interview - AJ Gale

The Brahmas' newest recruit talks about signing with the team, how he stays in shape and his thoughts on playing hockey

How are you staying in shape this Summer? AJ Gale is splitting firewood 10 hours a day. Yeah, with an axe. I found this out and more when I spoke to AJ last evening by phone. Here is our conversation.

Q: How were you recruited by the Brahmas?

A: I think it had a little to do with St. Norbert. Coach Coghlin spoke highly of me to coach Wildfong there. Also, Marc Belanger who's from my hometown also played there and Jason Deitsch who is a very good player, played at St. Norbert as well. I've heard nothing but great things about the organization and everything about the location, so I was really enticed by that.

Q: You played previously with Bill Vandemeer and some others who are now in the CHL. Have you talked to any of them about the league and what to expect?

A: I talked to another buddy, Brennen Francon, who played with Oklahoma and he said the league was great and he really enjoyed it.

Q: So what's your excitement level in regards to going pro and coming down to Texas to make a contribution current league champions?

A: Oh, I’m very, very excited about it. I’m looking forward to jumping to the next level. I’ll have a good hard-working summer and come into camp in great shape. I’m also looking to, hopefully continue my education along the way with online classes and stuff like that. I’ll do whatever it takes; I have about a year and a half left of schooling.

Q: When you’re not playing, what are you doing to keep in shape?

A: I split firewood for a job in the summer so that keeps me in pretty good shape. I do that about 10 hours a day. I usually go for a run a couple of times a week. I hit the gym and lift some weights a few times a week as well and then try to get on the ice as much as I can with high quality players from the area. I just try and keep in shape that way and keep my game sharp.

Q: Where do you think you have room for improvement and what do you think your strong points are?

A: I definitely think my skating can improve. I don’t think I’m a bad skater but I think that my biggest strength would probably be my shot and maybe my quickness around the net; getting the puck up in a hurry or just trying to make the odd pass here and there to set up a guy as well as my one-timer.

Q: The CHL is a very physical league. Have you had a good amount of experience with physical play and do you feel physically that you’ll be prepared for it?

A: Yeah, I feel that I’m physically capable to take a hit here and there. I’m definitely not going to shy away from it if it means getting the puck out to make a play. If I take a hit, that’s what I’m willing to do. I think that’s what it takes to be a champion – you have to do all the little things, so if it involves blocking a shot or taking a hit or delivering a hit, I think that’s a part of my game where I also strive in order to give the team some momentum.

Q: What do you have to say to the fans of the Brahmas?

A: I’m looking forward to getting to that nice weather, meet some people and get out into the community to do some work out in the community as well as on the ice. Just get to know the fans on a first name basis and hopefully build some good friendships along the way.

Photo Credit: Jamie Penner Photography

Brandon Benedict signs with the Belfast Giants

Hard working forward will play in Northern Ireland in 2009-10

The Coors Belfast Giants have announced the signing of former Texas Brahmas forward Brandon Benedict for the 2009-10 season. Benedict will join his former Totempo HVIK and Texas Wildcatter teammate Tim Cook in Belfast where the two will compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League and play in the 7,100 seat Odyssey Arena.

Benedict, 27, signed with the Brahmas on February 7th and scored 16 points (5 G, 11 A, +5) in 16 games played. He put up 18 points (7 G, 11 A, +11) in the playoffs, where he had a role in all 16 games leading up the President’s Cup victory.

Last season, the Giants were the EIHL Challenge Cup Champions and the EIHL Knock Out Cup Champions. Head coach Steve Thornton commented on the signing of Benedict.

“Benny is a legit first liner who has some big skates to fill in that of the departing Denny (leading scorer Paul Deniset). He plays with grit, skates very well and is very creative. He was a high end offensive player in Denmark putting up a point a game…he scored 77 points in 64 games in the ECHL and was a star over there. He won a championship last season in Texas and is hungry for more. He will be an impact player for us and will play big minutes in all situations. I may have spoken to ten different people in North America and Europe looking for references on Benny and they all came back glowing in regards to him as a player and a person.”

Benedict, speaking from his home in Nova Scotia, Canada spoke about the signing.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity of playing for the Giants,” Benedict said. “I heard great things about the organization and am just looking forward to the start of the season. I know the Giants had a ton of success last year and we will be looking to build on that this year.”

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Gale (#27) attempts a shot on UW-Superior goaltender Chad Beiswenger

Brahmas add rookie forward to roster

The Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of A. J. Gale to the 2009-10 roster.

The 5’ 11”, 185 pound rookie forward from Lantzville, British Columbia played for the St. Norbert College Green Knights last season. He led the team in scoring with 30 points (19 G, 11 A) in 19 games played. On March 20th, Gale was named an NCAA Division III All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. The Green Knights made it to the NCHA Semifinals before falling to the UW-Superior Yellowjackets.

CHL Playoff MVP Jason Deitsch and former Texas Brahma Marc Belanger are also St. Norbert alumni.

Photo Credit: Jamie Penner

Gale, 22, played four seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL). He joined the team late in the 2003-2004 campaign and helped Nanaimo win its first BCHL title in 26 seasons. During his time there, he tallied 151 points (77 G, 74 A) and 170 penalty minutes in 162 games played.

His teammates in Nanaimo included the Oklahoma City Blazers' Bill Vandermeer and Texas Brahma Jared Seminoff.

Gale played 18 games for St. Cloud State (NCAA) during the 2006-07 season but saw limited ice time in his freshman season, tallying just two points (1 G, 1 A). After two games with the Huskies in 2007-08, he made the decision to return to the Clippers who had won the 2007 BCHL Championship.

Gale had his best statistical season in 2007-08, notching 53 points (27 G, 26 A) and 46 penalty minutes in just 38 games played. The Clippers were the Coastal Conference regular season champions and were also the BCHL regular season winners with the best record at 88 points. The Clippers advanced to the Fred Page Cup Finals, only to lose to the Penticton Vees, 4-0. Gale was the leading scorer during the playoffs, tallying 26 points (8 G, 18 A) and 13 penalty minutes in 14 games played.

Gale has been called a smart and crafty player, who makes good touch passes and possesses good speed and mobility. He also has been credited with a strong work ethic.

"We are very excited to add a player like Gale for next season,” said coach Dan Wildfong. He has received a lot of attention around the league, so we are glad to announce he will be a member of the Brahmas program."

More to come...