Coach Wildfong interviewed on The Hockey Zen

Dan shares some insight on coaching pro hockey and some funny stories about his playing days

Former Bossier-Shreveport Mudbug Chris Nadeau talks hockey with his old teammate Dan Wildfong. Dan shares some insight on coaching pro hockey and some funny stories about his playing days with Chris. Visit their site here

Jaeger released from the Houston Aeros training camp

Brahmas number one goalie will return to NYTEX on October 5th

Brett Jeager has confirmed that he has been released from his tryout with the Houston Aeros and is on his way home to Canada. Jaeger will be making preparations for the long drive from Vancouver to North Richland Hills to report to the Brahmas training camp which begins on October 5th.

I spoke to Brett by telephone this evening. He stated that he had a good camp and was happy to be on the Aeros' radar. He said he was kept on a little bit longer than he expected and that he enjoyed and appreciated the experience.

Jaeger is the fifth and final Brahma player to be released from AHL training camps in the past week. Justin Kinnunen and Derek Merlini were released from the Aeros camp last Thursday. Kyle Deck was released from the San Antonio Rampage camp and Ryan Cruthers was released from the Chicago Wolves camp, also last Thursday.

For those following the Aeros, Anton Khudobin got the start in their 3-2 shootout victory over the San Antonio Rampage on Saturday night. Wade Dubielewicz replaced Khudobin in the second period and stopped all six Rampage shootout attempts to earn his first win as an Aero. Dubielewicz was in goal for tonight's 3-2 shootout victory over the Texas Stars as the Aeros closed out their pre-season. Barry Brust remains on the roster but apparently suffered an injury during the camp.

Jaeger, 26, will enter the 2009-10 seen season as one of the top three goaltenders in the Central Hockey League along with Doug Groenestege of the Missouri Mavericks and Ken Carroll of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. He finished the regular season in the number three spot with a 2.36 GAA and a .924 save percentage. He was fourth in the league in playing time with 2490:56 minutes in 44 games. During the playoffs, where it really counts, Jaeger was number one in all categories. He was the only goalie with 16 starts and therefore the most time played with 956:23 minutes. With his 12 wins, Jaeger had a 2.20 GAA and a .930 GAA.

Training camp for the 2009-10 season begins at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Monday October 5th. Plan to be on hand to welcome Brett back as he leads the Brahmas in their defense of the Ray Miron President's Cup.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Making the Cut's Angelo Serse 2008-2009 Game Footage & Media Coverage

Stony Brook Hockey

Found this on YouTube. Not the greatest production value but worth viewing if you are interested.

Making the Cut 2009 concludes

And the winners are...

Making the Cut 2009 concluded on Sunday evening after a late afternoon scrimmage between teams Black and White at the NYTEX Sports Centre. After three days of camp, countless drills and multiple scrimmages, 34 attendees were reduced to two finalists.

Forwards Angelo Serse, who wore # 4 on the white team and Kevin Huck, who wore # 17 on the black team each earned a CHL training camp contract and will attend the Texas Brahmas training camp which begins on October 5th.

Serse, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, played junior hockey for the Boston Harbor Wolves (EJHL). During his three seasons at Stony Brook University (ECHA) in New York, Serse tallied 120 points (76 G, 44 A) and 164 penalty minutes in 81 games played. This past season with the Seawolves, Serse scored a career high 50 points (31 G, 19 A) including six power play goals and six short-handed goals. He was also selected to the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star Team.

Huck, 25, played high school hockey at Rochester Lourdes and Academy of Holy Angels in Minnesota. At Holy Angels, Huck helped to capture a Minnesota State High School title as a Junior.

Huck Scored 78 points (24 G, 54 A) in 56 games with the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) in 2004-05. He was ranked third in the NAHL in scoring and finished second in assists. He led the Wildcats in scoring and was named the team's Top Offensive Player.

He played for two seasons (2005-06, 2006-07) at the University of Minnesota - Mankato where he tallied 14 points (4 G, 10 A) in 41 games played.

Referee Scott Plourde finds himself a little too close to the action

Coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel watched Sunday's scrimmage from the suite

All photos from Making the Cut 2009 have been edited and posted here

Photo Credits: Robert Keith

Making the Cut 2009 continues

Second day on the ice for 34 prospects; scrimmage tonight at 6pm

The Texas Brahmas prospect camp continued this morning with an on-ice session that tested the stamina of 34 men as they continued their quest to earn one of two CHL training camp contracts.

Yesterday, the camp began with a nearly two-hour morning session. Instructors on the ice for the camp were Brahmas coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel as well as Brahmas players Jason Deitsch and Ross Rouleau. In the afternoon, the 34 skaters were split into two teams, Team Black and Team White, for a scrimmage that coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel observed to assess the skills of the campers. Fans were in good form with the "Hey Ref, you suck" chant which brought a great smile to the face of Scott Plourde who donned his referee uniform for the scrimmage

After a good night's rest, the camp re-started this morning at 8:30am with Dan Wildfong and directing the drills with the assistance of Ross Rouleau.

Defenseman and former Making the Cut attendee Ross Rouleau assisted on the ice today

This evening, teams Black and White will face off once again for a scrimmage beginning at 6:00pm. As with all on-ice sessions, fans are welcome and encourage to attend. There are some rosters circulating at NYTEX but here is the list of the players:

Team Black

G - Aaron Compton #30

G - Chris Cole # 31

G - Francois Lemay #1

D - Nick Elligsen #13

D - Coleman Kamp #2

D/F - Aaron Davies #24

D/F - Kristjan Jefkins #5

D/F - Jeff Barberis #22

F - Matt Admire #18

F - Nathan Page #9

F - Kevin Huck #17

F - Chris Cameron #20

F - Mark Lebenns #15

F - Zach Norris #26

F - Brandon Alpert #8

F - Luke Vick #7

F - Ryan Freeman #11

F - Brian Barnard

Team White

G - Dakota Azulay #1

G - Jon Smarsh #35

G - Clayton Bailey #30

D - Matt Szypura #13

D - Iain Stewart #5

D - Gabriel Stuckey #22

D - Seth Longbottom #2

D/F - Aaron Naphan #24

F - Everette Lerner #10

F - Dan Capizzuto #9

F - Tyler Chase #18

F - Kory Finn #14

F - Nick Ayers #3

F - Quinell Oucharek #23

F - Angelo Serse #4

F - Louis Stomel #19

F - Adrian Borchgrevink #15

Goalie Francois Lemay defends the net

Forward Angelo Serse celebrates his 24th birthday on the ice

Head Coach Dan Wildfong observes the on-ice drills

I've added 136 photos from this morning's session. All photos from the 2009 Making the Cut prospect camp can be viewed here

Photo Credits: Robert Keith

Four of five Brahmas released from AHL training camps

Jaeger remains with the Aeros

Four members of the 2009-10 Texas Brahmas roster were released from American Hockey League training camp rosters yesterday. Two-time CHL all-star defenseman Justin Kinnunen (listed as a right wing during his participation in the camp) and left wing Derek Merlini were released from the Houston Aeros training camp leaving goalie Brett Jaeger behind as one of four backstoppers competing for a spot on the Aeros regular season roster.

Jaeger is competing with Barry Brust and Anton Khudobin who have played with the Aeros for the past two seasons. Also in camp is Wade Dubielewicz, who played three games in the NHL last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He spent the remainder of the season with Ak Bars Kazan, a KHL team in the Russian Federation. Jaeger's stats are superior to all of these netminders but may be looked down upon due to his CHL experience. Still, Brett should have an equal opportunity to impress and hopefully for him, either earn a spot on the roster or at the very least, a chance at a call up during the regular season.

Forward Ryan Cruthers was released from the Chicago Wolves training camp as well yesterday.

Defenseman Kyle Deck was in San Antonio at the San Antonio Rampage camp but did not play in last night's 2-1 loss to the Texas Stars and was released today.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Making the Cut 2009 opens at NYTEX Sports Centre

34 players register for an opportunity to earn one of two CHL training camp contracts

They came from as far as Canada and as close as McKinney, Texas and they came in great numbers. A record 34 players attended tonight's registration session for the 2009 Making the Cut prospect camp at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong was pleased with the turnout.

"It's a little nicer with 34 guys; we can actually run scrimmages instead of just practices so it'll be really good to see what they can do in a game," Wildfong said. "My expectations are pretty high."

Several local prospects including Nathan Page and Francois LeMay were joined by two members of last season's Colorado Outlaws Junior A hockey team who played at NYTEX against the Texas Renegades. Other attendees came from all parts of Canada as well as Chicago, Minneapolis, New York and San Diego.

Coleman Kamp, a defenseman from McKinney, Texas wants one of the training camp contracts and is ready for the challenge.

"I'll be fighting tooth and nail for it. I'm prepared for a long haul, definitely," Camp said. "I've been skating with a couple of the Brahmas for the past couple of weeks. I'm a little nervous but excited."

Ian Stewart, also a defenseman from Vancouver, British Columbia is looking forward to the competition.

"I expect high intensity on the ice; everyone's going to be battling," Stewart said. "They know there's only two spots available at the training camp with the Brahmas so everyone's going to be fighting for it."

With the Ray Miron President's Cup on display before them, the prospects were addressed by Brahmas coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel, owners Frank and Sal Trazzera, General Manager Mike Barack and Equipment Manager Philip Shipp.

After taking care of paperwork and getting an idea of what to expect during the camp, the players went around the table and introduced themselves and stated their positions and their strong points as hockey players. After the session ended, the players had some time to speak with the coaches and to each other before getting their equipment stowed and heading off to their housing for a good night's rest.

Angelo Serse, a standout forward who played with Stony Brook University (ECHA) last season is hoping to be one of the players to make the cut.

"Listening to the coach, it sounds like it's going to be pretty intense...I'm just hoping to get a shot at playing. I would love to play here. They have a great tradition here now for three years; I would love to help to continue that and help to defend that trophy."

Tomorrow's on ice sessions will be from 10 - 11:45am and from 1:45 - 3:15pm and the public is welcome to attend.

Photos from tonight's session can be found in the usual place. I will be shooting at all Saturday and Sunday sessions as well. Can't be there tomorrow (have to work).

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Brahmas send five players to AHL camps

Cruthers, Kinnunen, Merlini, Jaeger and Deck report to three teams

As testament to the quality of players signed by Dan and Ronnie, the Texas Brahmas have sent a team record five players to American Hockey League (AHL) training camps this week.

Newly signed forward Ryan Cruthers reported to the 2008 Calder Cup Champion Chicago Wolves (affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers) camp at the Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center and Ice Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The Wolves will play three preseason games during their seven-day camp against the Rockford IceHogs and the Milwaukee Admirals (two games).

Defensemen Justin Kinnunen and Derek Merlini and goaltender Brett Jaeger are attending the Houston Aeros (affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) camp at the Sugar Land Sports and Ice Center (SLICE) in Sugar Land, Texas. On Saturday, September 26 the Aeros host the San Antonio Rampage in a preseason exhibition at SLICE and then on Monday, September 28 the Aeros will travel to Austin for a pre-season game against the expansion Texas Stars at the new Cedar Park Center.

Defenseman Kyle Deck has reported to the San Antonio Rampage (affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes) camp. The Rampage will play a trio of preseason games starting Thursday, September 24th when they host the Texas Stars at the Northwoods Ice Rink, the team’s official practice facility. The team will travel to Houston on Saturday, September 26th for an exhibition game against the Aeros at Sugarland Ice and Sports Center. On Sunday, September 27th, the Rampage will make their first trip to Austin as the Texas Stars host a game in their new arena, Cedar Park Center.

Last season, three Brahmas played in the AHL (the most of any team in the CHL); including Jason Deitsch (Houston Aeros), Scott Sheppard (Rockford IceHogs) and Kinnunen (San Antonio Rampage).

"This is a great thing for these guy’s careers as they have all proven their skill and talent. We hope they make the Brahmas proud as they workout in the camps," said Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong.

Image Credit: Chicago Wolves

Former Brahmas enforcer moves on

Red Wings get bigger, tougher thanks to Nathan Saunders

Article by Dave Kearsey, The Western Star 09/18/09

Andy Brake believes it will be tougher for opposing teams to play against the Deer Lake Red Wings with Nathan Saunders lurking in the weeds.

The six-foot-three, 220-pound defenseman from Marshfield, P.E.I., a tough stay-at-home defenseman with an impressive resume of pro experience, will suit up for the Red Wings in the West Coast Senior Hockey League this season.

“Quality defenseman are like hen’s teeth, very hard to get and certainly Nathan Saunders brings us another great defenseman who will certainly be in our top four,” Red Wings GM Brake told The Western Star this week after getting a deal done with the 24-year-old.

“He’s not only a good defenseman, he’s a very tough gentleman who a lot of forwards aren’t going to want to go in the corner with so he certainly is more than a one-dimension player. He brings lots of size, an intimidating player.

“We’ve been after him for a couple of years and we finally scored him this year so it’s certainly going to be interesting and entertaining to see him perform.”

Saunders, who amassed 784 minutes in penalties in four years (2001-2005) with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, was drafted 119th overall (4th round) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The Boston Bruins acquired him in a trade with Anaheim in 2007.

Last season, the right-handed shooter accumulated 159 penalty minutes in 36 games with the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League.

Saunders said the timing was right for him to check out the Newfoundland senior hockey scene and experience the province for the first time.

“I just decided to move home and try to be close to the family and my girlfriend, and I always heard a lot of good things about Newfoundland because I have a lot of good friends over there, so I thought it would be a good time to go check it out and see what it’s like for sure,” Saunders said.

He knows what the Red Wings will expect when he puts on the jersey.

“I am just hoping to go in and play hard,” he said. “Usually what I bring to the table is play well defensively and try to shut down the other team’s top line, but if I can chip in offensively or if I have to stand up for teammates then I have no problem doing either of that.”

How does he approach the game?“I like to be physical, just play hard-nosed and be kind of an asshole,” he said.Even though his style of play meant surgery on his hand and shoulder in the past couple of years, Saunders won’t shy away from anyone interested in a dance partner either.

“I used to do that quite a bit ... the last couple of years I had surgery on my hand and my shoulder so I am trying to pace myself in that aspect of my game this year to see if I can avoid surgery, but I definitely don’t mind especially if there is a time and need for it like if somebody gets a cheap shot or somebody takes a liberty with my goalie then it’s definitely something that needs to be taken care of, yes.” he said.

Playing in front of the boisterous Deer Lake fans who love their Red Wings is something Saunders can’t wait to do.

“I played down in Georgia and Texas the last few years so I am used to people not really knowing the rules and not really being true hockey fans, so it will be kind of nice to come over and play in front of some people who actually know what’s going on,” he said.

While he will travel back and forth to his home for the first couple of months because of work commitments, Saunders isn’t ruling out taking up residence in Deer Lake if he can secure work while playing for the team. In any event, he will be ready to roll as soon as the Red Wings take to the ice at the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex.

“I’m definitely excited and I want to get it going right away. I have been thinking about it here for the last little while and now that I have made the decision to come over I want to get over and start playing as soon as I can so I am just looking forward to it and a little anxious for it to start.”

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Brahmas announce Cruthers signing

Former Mississippi Sea Wolves sniper joins 2009-10 roster

At long last, the Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of forward Ryan Cruthers to the 2009-10 roster. This was a huge signing for Dan Wildfong and one that he was particular happy about.

"Ryan is a kid who will bring a lot of offensive power. He has a proven that he is definitely a scorer in other leagues, so we expect to see the same here," Wildfong said.

Cruthers, 25, is entering his second year pro after a standout season with the Mississippi Sea Wolves (ECHL) in which he led the team in scoring with 66 points (29 G, 37 A, -2) and 72 penalty Minutes in 65 games played. He was called up to the American Hockey League on three different occasions for a total of nine games with the Lake Erie Monsters and the Albany River Rats.

Cruthers played Tier III Junior A hockey with the New York Apple Core. During his time with the team, he tallied 103 points (43 G, 60 A) and 101 penalty minutes in 75 games and won an EJHL Championship in 2003. In July, 2008, he was inducted into the New York Apple Core Hall of Fame. This was the first class inducted and included 25 past Apple Core players, coaches and owners. He also won a New York State Championship with St. Mary's High School.

The 6-foot, 180-pound native of Farmingdale, New York was initially recruited by Air Force's assistant head coach Derek Schooley who saw him play numerous times during his days with the Apple Core. But Cruthers decided that West Point was the place for him and he entered the academy to play hockey for Army.

During his first season with the Black Knights (2003-04), he tied for the lead in scoring with 18 points (5 G, 13 A) and won the Heinmiller Award for the most outstanding freshman. Cruthers was second in scoring with 16 points (6 G, 10 A) during the 2004-05 season but lead the team in assists. After playing two seasons for Army, Cruthers felt it was time for a change and decided to transfer.

Cruthers got in touch with Derek Schooley, who was now the head coach at Robert Morris University and after a visit to the campus, he committed to play at RMU. Due to NCAA regulations, Cruthers had to sit out the 2005-06 season after he transferred.

During the following season, he led the team in scoring with 37 points (17 G, 20 A), nine coming on the power play. During his senior year in 2007-08, he led the CHA in scoring with 49 points (tied for eighth-best in the nation) on 22 goals and 27 assists. Cruthers was named the 2008 CHA Player of the Year and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, which is awarded annually to college hockey's most outstanding player. He was also voted team MVP by his teammates.

After graduating with a degree in sports management, Cruthers signed with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) and played in four regular season games, getting two assists. He scored 5 points (1 G, 4 A) in 15 post-season games with Utah, who made it to the National Conference finals before being swept by the Las Vegas Wranglers.

Cruthers is lucky number thirteen in announced player signings for the Brahmas as he joins Brett Jaeger, Kyle Deck, Justin Kinnunen, Derek Merlini, Craig Minard, Kevin McLeod, Casey Russell, Jason Deitsh, Jamie Carroll, Jordan Cameron, A.J. Gale and Anders Strome.

Photo Credits: Robert Morris University, Mississippi Sea Wolves

Former Brahma defenseman becomes a different kind of enforcer

Chris Mann joins Canadian police force

He traded in a life on the ice for a chance to enforce the peace and now former Texas Brahmas defenseman Chris Mann has gotten his dream job - he's been hired by the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and he's currently attending the Ontario Police College.

Mann, 30, an aggressive, stay-at-home defenseman with excellent mobility, had an opportunity to re-join the Brahmas in February before the playoff run that ultimately led to the President's Cup. But rather than return to the ice, Mann decided he wanted to remain available for interviews as he pursued his chosen career in law enforcement.

He earned a degree in criminal justice at Elmira College in upstate New York where he played NCAA hockey from 2001-2005. After graduating, he played for the Elmira Jackals (UHL) for two seasons before signing with the Brahmas.

Mann played in all but four games for the Brahmas during their inaugural season in 2007-08. He served a four-game league suspension for breaking the jaw of Oklahoma City Blazer Graham Dearle. Mann was retaliating after goaltender David Cacciola was slashed. He tallied four assists and 168 penalty minutes during the regular season and served another 18 penalty minutes during nine post-season contests.

Mann re-signed with the Brahmas in late August of 2008 but decided to retire before training camp began.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Andy Moog named Dallas Stars assistant coach

Longtime member of Texas Brahmas ownership group entering eighth year with the Stars

From the Stars press release (09/12) - Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today the National Hockey League club has named Andy Moog as assistant coach.

Moog, 49, has served in a variety of duties over the years, including goaltending consultant and coach. Moog was Dallas' player development coach for two seasons (2006-2008), following four campaigns as an assistant coach for Dallas. He has previously worked with Stars Head Coach Marc Crawford in Vancouver as a goaltending coach from 1999-2002.

“Andy Moog is someone we wanted to become more involved as an assistant coach on our staff,” said Nieuwendyk. “He brings a lot of experience and creativity to our team of coaches and already has a solid working relationship with most of our players.”

Boasting 18 years and 713 games in the NHL with Edmonton, Boston, Dallas and Montreal, Moog retired in 1998, posting a 372-209-88 career mark with a 3.13 GAA.

A three-time Stanley Cup winner with Edmonton (1984, 1985, 1987), he appeared in 175 games with the Stars from 1993-97, collecting a 75-64-26 mark with a 2.74 GAA. Appearing in the Cup Finals six times, Moog was a member of three Presidents' Trophy clubs (1986, 1987, 1990) and shared the Jennings Trophy with Reggie Lemelin in Boston in 1990.

Moog and will begin his new role with the Dallas Stars immediately.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Brahmas pre-season games announced

Allen Americans make first visit to NYTEX on October 10th

Can you believe it? We're only 30 days away from the first Texas Brahmas game of the 2009-10 season! The Brahmas announced today that they will host the Allen Americans at the NYTEX Sports Centre for a pre-season preview of a nine game series between the two cross-town rivals this year.

The first of two pre-season matches will take place on Thursday, October 8th at the Allen Event Center beginning at 7:05 pm. The game will take place on the Allen Community Ice Rink, while the main ice is getting final touches in preparation for the home opener November 7th. This game will be closed to the public but open to all media members.

The second game will take place at NYTEX on Saturday, October 10th, also at 7:05pm

After the pre-season contests, the Brahmas will host the Americans at NYTEX for their first regular season meeting on October 31st. Other dates between the two teams at NYTEX will be December 9th, January 8th, February 13th and March 10th. The Brahmas will travel to the Allen Events Center on November 11th, November 28th, December 26th and February 15th.

"We have worked hard this off season in order to give the best on-ice product to our fans. But now it's time to get back to work and try to continue our success at NYTEX," Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong said.

Wildfong is looking forward to the new rivalry with the Americans.

"They’re a class act and I’ll think they’ll have a lot of success in this league, hopefully not against us (smiling). It’s going to be a great rivalry…they’re putting a great team together. It’s going to be just like Shreveport and we were but its going to be closer and it’s going to be more accessible to fans. 45 minutes away, it’s going to be a lot of fun both ways."

All tickets for the preseason game at NYTEX will be $10.

Image Credit: Allen Americans

Good deal on Fort Worth Brahmas sweaters on eBay

OK, I haven't made a habit of pointing out interesting deals on Brahmas stuff on eBay, but maybe I will in the future. OT Sports just put up two auctions for new Fort Worth Brahmas sweaters. The starting bid with no reserve is $29.99 for each lot. This is probably old stock from a warehouse. It looks like they are selling a lot of stuff from years past.

According to the description, these sweaters feature full sublimation so the colors will never fade, crack or peel. They are constructed from heavyweight Aero Knit material with the embroidered twill logo on chest and the custom knit trim lace-up-neck.

Lot one is for a size 50 (medium) and a size 52 (large) white sweater . See it here

Lot two is also for an adult medium and a XXXL goalie size purple sweater. See it here

Both lots are listed for two sweaters but the description makes it sound like each is for three sweaters. You might want to check with the seller first. Anyway, check it out!

Photo Credits: OT Sports

2009 Brahmas Golf Classic October 3rd

Sign up and golf with a champion

There's still plenty of time to sign up for the 2009 Brahmas Golf Classic which will be held on Saturday, October 3rd at the Resort at Eagle Mountain - but why wait? What better way to close out the summer and spend some time with your favorite players two days before training camp begins?

Sponsorships are available, including the hole sponsorship which is only $125. Or go large and sign up for a Purple Sponsorship at $1000, which includes green fees, carts and lunch for two teams in the tournament (two foursomes or two threesomes and two Brahmas players), two hole sponsor signs and eight tickets to a Brahmas home game. There's also a Black Sponsorship at $750 which includes green fees, carts and lunch for one team in the tournament (one foursome or one threesome and a Brahmas player), one hole sponsor sign and four tickets to a Brahmas home game.

A four person team can sign up for $500 and that includes green fees, a cart and lunch (you can add a Brahmas player to your threesome). Individuals can sign up for $125 which includes green fees, a cart and lunch.

There will be door prizes, silent auction items and prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams. There will also be a chance to win $5,000 if you can hit a hole in one at one of the holes.

So think about it, but don't wait too long. This is something you won't want to miss. You can sign up at www.brahmasevents.com

If you have any questions, call Tom Hart at 402-598-3713 or e-mail him at thart@brahmas.com

Image Credit: Texas Brahmas

Not a Brahma after all - McKinven heads for Europe

Former Amarillo defenseman acquired in trade opts to play in Serbia

Jamie McKinven, who was acquired by the Brahmas in a transaction that completed the Alex Greig and Ryan Waldner trades from October and November, has decided to play in Serbia this season.

Last season with the Gorillas, McKinven tallied 16 points (6 G, 10 A, -28) and 44 penalty minutes in 54 games played. His six goals ranked second on the Gorillas roster among all defenseman. He began the season with the Augusta Lynx (ECHL), where he played in 2007-08.

McKinven (lower left, kneeling) with the 2006-07 Hokej Klub Partizan championship team

A native of Kingston, Ontario, McKinven previously played for Hokej Klub Partizan (Ice Hockey club Partizan) during the 2006-07 season where he put up 13 points (8 G, 5 A, +11) and 48 penalty minutes in 13 games. The club was founded in 1948. and in its history it has won 13 national championships. In the last four years Partizan won four consecutive titles in the Sebian Hockey League (2006-2009). McKinven is returning to the team for the 2009-10 season, which begins later this month in Belgrade.

Photo Credits: (Top) Matt Strasen/Amarillo Globe-News (Bottom) Dejan Balan

Its official (finally)…

Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel re-sign with the Brahmas

Ok, so barring the announcement that Dan Wildfong was moving into a coaching position with, let’s say the Dallas Stars or the Houston Aeros, we all knew Fonger would be back and not without his right-hand man (or in Dan’s case, left-hand man), Ron Vogel.

The only thing surprising about the news that Dan and Ronnie had re-signed was the amount of time it took to announce it. And of course there are reasons for that and those reasons are frankly nobody’s business except for the coaches and the top dogs in the Brahmas organization. That said, the fans can relax and be comfortable in knowing the most dynamic duo in CHL coaching is back and ready to defend the Ray Miron President’s Cup.

Wildfong is the longest-tenured head coach of the Brahmas, having coached 128 regular season games. His all-time regular season record is 82-38-8 and is 21-8 in the postseason. Last season, Fonger became the all-time winningest coach in the Brahmas’ 11 year history, surpassing Terry Menard's 62 wins on January 16 with a 5-0 victory over the Arizona Sundogs at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

"Having Dan and Ron solidifies our on ice product," said Brahmas General Manager Mike Barack. "We look forward to having championship coaches return to defend their title."

In just 44 days, Dan and Ronnie will be taking that on ice product back to the Budweiser Events Center to sock it to the Colorado Eagles once again at the season opener. Advantage: Brahmas. Sure, both teams will be a little rusty during the first games of the season but, no offense to coach McClelland or any of the Eagles players but Dan brings a better overall product to the ice.

Not to mention Brett Jaeger. The CHL’s best goaltender will be in top form (as usual) in Loveland. For Andrew Penner, who allowed 18, count ‘em, 18 goals in the final three games and 27 goals all told in the Finals, there is an enormous monkey that he needs to get off of his back. The Brahmas have the opportunity to destroy his morale in just the first two games of the 2009-10 season.

"We are thrilled to have Dan and Ron remain as integral leaders with our family," said NYTEX President Frank Trazzera. "They truly exemplify the spirit, heart and soul of both NYTEX Sports and the Texas Brahmas."

Amen to that, Frank.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith