A Look Ahead at the Upcoming Week in Springfield Jr. Blues Hockey -TC

(Monday, December 17th through Sunday, December 23rd)

Springfield Jr. Blues (11-17-2, 24 Points) ----- 7th Place in the North Division
Janesville Jets (12-14-5, 29 Points) ----- 6th Place in the North Division

Monday, December 17th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Tuesday, December 18th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Wednesday, December 19th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Thursday, December 20th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Friday, December 21st
-Jr. Blues @ Janesville Jets (7:05 pm inside the Janesville Ice Arena)

Saturday, December 22nd
-Jr. Blues @ Janesville Jets (7:05 pm inside the Janesville Ice Arena)

Sunday, December 23rd
-No Game (off day) No practice and No game

Jr. Blues drop heated battle against Kalamazoo on Saturday 3-2

The Springfield Jr. Blues battled hard and fought all the way until the final horn sounded on Saturday night, but lost to the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 3 to 2 inside the Nelson Center in a North American Hockey League regular season divisional matchup.

After falling behind after the first 20 minutes following Kalamazoo goals from both Davis Dekorte and Taylor Burden, the Jr. Blues continued the trend as they evened it up after two periods following two goals of their own. Mike Fazio netted his eighth goal of the season on an assist from Brett Skibba -- then Skibba padded his team lead in goals with number 15, as he added the game-tying goal. Mike Fazio and Terry Leabo assisted Fazio on the goal, which was also the games only power-play goal as well.

The contest had a total of just seven power-plays. Kalamazoo capitalized without the help though as they went 0 for 2 for the game; while the Jr. Blues got the goal from Skibba to tie it at two and finished the game 1 for 5.

With the Nelson Center amped up and energized to start the third period tied at two apiece, the 850 faithful Springfield fans certainly made their voices heard; it was probably the loudest that I have heard the Nellie get this season aside from the end of the dramatic win against Topeka last Saturday night that ended with an all-out, every player brawl. Just 2:08 into the start of the third and final period though, Kalamazoo's Patrick Spellacy scored on a nice pass from Luc Boby in what turned out to be game-winning goal.

The goalies for both teams played excellent games. In all reality, neither deserved to be charged with a loss either. Matt Leon saved 25 of 28 Wings' shot attempts, while Marcus Due-Boje converted saves on 27 of the Jr. Blues' 29 shot attempts. Leon fell to 7-9-2 for the season and has now lost a season-high six straight games. On the other side, Due-Boje made his eighth start of the season; and he made it count. He improved his record to 5-3-0 and has allowed just 23 goals on 263 shot attempts (.913 save percentage); and he is now 2-0 against Springfield this season as he defeated them on November 25th when he allowed one goal on 35 shots as they won 2-1 at home.

The Jr. Blues out shot Kalamazoo 29 to 28 for the contest as the K-Wings had just one of the three periods with more shots on goal. Springfield, who was led in shot attempts by Brett Skibba with 5, won the battle 12 to 7 in the second and 11 to 9 in the third; they were out shot 12 to 6 in the opening period of the game.

Following the lost, the Jr. Blues fell to 11-17-2 (24 points) overall on the season, and are now leading Michigan by just three points as they try to get out of the eighth spot in the North division. Also, the team is now under the .500 mark at home inside the Nellie as they are 8-9-1 overall. Springfield will hit the road though next week as they will take on Janesville at 7 pm on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Official Scoring Summary --- From the official website of the NAHL
First-(KAL) Davis Dekorte (Luc Boby, Patrick Spellacy) 15:41; (KAL) Taylor Burden (Cole Pierce, Matt Wurst) 19:30
Second-(SPR) Mike Fazio (Brett Skibba) 9:49; (SPR) Brett Skibba (PP) (Mike Fazio, Terry Leabo) 19:43
Third-(KAL) Patrick Spellacy (Luc Boby) 2:08

Three Stars of the Game --- From the official website of the NAHL
1. Patrick Spellacy (Kalamazoo)
2. Luc Boby (Kalamazoo)
3. Brett Skibba (Springfield

Click here to view the official boxscore from the Nelson Center (NAHL's official website).

Jr. Blues look to find their winning ways again later tonight (AM Rant)

(PHOTO CREDITS TO: Jeff Coons) Check Him Out.

One weekend after the Jr. Blues huge victory over the Topeka Roadrunners in the final minute of regulation that was fueled by a huge goal from Mike Fazio with 29 seconds remaining, the Jr. Blues proved tonight that good things could possibly be on the way.

Despite the final score ending in a final of 5 to 3 in favor of the visiting Jr. K-Wings from Kalamazoo, the Jr. Blues out hustled and out played their opponents, as well as played with more heart. Springfield outshot Kalamazoo by 17 more shots as they put up 46 compared to the K-Wings only having 29.

The home team had many more chances to score on the visiting goalie, Alex Okicki, but they just couldn't cash in. Their were numerous times that some passes on the five scoreless power-play opportunities that just didn't have enough power on them -- or being it went the opposite way with their being too much power under them. The chances were certainly their, and although when it's coming down to the difference of making the playoffs or not making them, moral victories certainly don't mean a single thing -- but the sign that they got at it like they did is a very good thing to see for such a young squad.

The Jr. Blues fell to the .500 mark at home inside the Nelson Center in the state-capital of Illinois (Springfield) for the first time in two months, as they are now 8-8-1 through 17 games in the first season under new head coach Tony Zawaoswki and assistant coach Mike Janda.

The obvious plan that the new management has is obviously to get better through building up the youth foundation of the team. Coach Zasowski and Janda both won championships while coaching inside the state of California, and right now the team is slowly starting to show impressively large strides of improvement. They certainly know what they are doing and are confident in the plan -- so the Springfield faithful should be confident with it as well, but also be rather patient.

I felt as if the team may be turning the corner following last Saturday night's dramatic win, and this performance despite recieving a lost haven't changed my mind. The team played a good game and has nothing to be ashamed of or putting their heads down about as they are still in the rather learning stages as a team. It isn't easy to adjust as a returning player from the past season to a whole new system and a lot of new comers -- but everybody has handled the situation well. A team that is willing to learn it themselves and play with determination and is fully focused is a hard team to beat, and that is what this team is.

Is this team really beginning to turn the corner? That question has an answer to it that only time will be able to tell us. Tonight's game could be another big step though as the team will hit the road starting next weekend for four games. They travel to Janesville next weekend for two games, then travel to Topeka the following weekend for two on Friday and Saturday night.

Jr. Blues miss plenty of opportunities; Kalamazoo wins 5 to 3 on Friday

On a night where head coach Tony Zawoswki seen his team out shoot the opposing team 46 to 29, Cole Pierce and his Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings defeated the Springfield Jr. Blues 5-3 inside the Nelson Center in Springfield for a North American Hockey League regular season contest.

Pierce finished the night as the number one star of the game with his performance, in which he finished with two points from both scoring a goal -- as well as chipping in an assist as well. He scored the games first goal just 5:38 into the game, as it was listed as an unassisted score.

The K-Wings entered the first intermission with an impressive 2-1 lead after being outshot by the Jr. Blues by seven shots (16-9). Theo Tydingco scored to tie the game up at one each -- and then Kyle Gattelaro scored on a sick pass from Trevor Boyd with less than five minutes remaining, giving the visitors the lead.

Once the second period began though, Kalamazoo came out and got two quick goals to put the score at 4 to 1. Brennan Sanford and Danny Hamburg both scored within the first 5 1/2 minutes and took all of the air out of the 520 faithful fans inside the Nellie. Once it hit 4 to 1, Springfield continued to play a hard fought game, but the K-Wings survived a lot of scoring opportunities and had complete control the rest of the way through.

The third period started with Kalamazoo leading 4-2, and having a lot of momentum. Through the first 16 minutes of the period, both teams were physical and kept each other shut out from impressive performances from both Matt Leon of the Jr. Blues and Alex Okicki of the K-Wings inbetween the pipes. The period ended with a shot total of 14-10 in favor of Springfield -- and one goal from each team scored in the final 3 1/2 minutes, as both Robbie Payne of Kalamazoo and Alex Baskakov of the Jr. Blues each netted one between the pipes.

Springfield and Kalamazoo both had six power-play opportunties tonight as the Jr. Blues finished 1 for 6 with the advantage as Mike Fazio scored one on assists from Ryan Atkinson and Brett Skibba assisted him -- and the K-Wings finished scoreless with a stat line of 0-6.

Okicki finished the night with a victory as he made 43 saves for the K-Wings. Ryan Kellenberger made the start for Springfield on Friday night, but was replaced by Matt Leon who recieved the loss but made 14 saves. Okicki improved his record to 11-6-1 and extended his winning streak to six games now. Leon fell below .500 for the first time this season desite having a pretty good game. His record is now 7-8-2 and hes lost five straight decisions between the pipes.

There were eight players tossed and ejected from this game on Friday, for misconduct penalties, with both teams getting four players each. The Jr. Blues' Brett Skibba, Jeff MacFarland, Parker Johnson, and Alex Jaeckle all were tossed; while the K-Wings seen Sam Johnson, Taylor Burden, Christian George, and Danny Hamburg all get tossed.

The Jr. Blues and K-Wings will both be back inside the Nelson Center on Saturday night as Springfield will look to salvage this weekends series with a 1-1 series split. The puck will be dropping at 7 pm with the doors opening up at 6 pm.

Official Scoring Summary (from the NAHL's website)
First-(KAL) Cole Pierce (unassisted) 5:38; (SPR) Theo Tydingco (Brett Skibba) 13:25; (KAL) Kyle Gattelaro (Trevor Boyd) 15:31;
Second-(KAL) Brennan Sanford (Brendan Vetter, Cole Pierce) 3:53; (KAL) Danny Hamburg (Kyle Gattelaro, Taylor Burden) 5:17; (SPR) Mike Fazio (PP) (Ryan Atkinson, Brett Skibba) 7:26
Third-(KAL) Robbie Payne (Trevor Boyd, Mark Esshaki) 16:34; (SPR) Alex Baskakov (Nate Chasteen, Mitch Rogge) 19:56

Three Stars of the Game (from the official boxscore from the NAHL official website)
1. Cole Pierce --- (Kalamazoo)
2. Kyle Gattelaro --- (Kalamazoo)
3. Danny Hamburg --- (Kalamazoo)

Click the link to view the official boxscore/game stats for this game from the official website of the North American Hockey League (NAHL.com).

Jr. Blues host Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings for two games (Weekend Preview)

Springfield Jr. Blues -- (11-15-2, 24 Points) -- Seventh Place in North division

Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings -- (17-10-1, 35 Points) -- Third Place in North division

Two Games -- Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th

Both games inside the Nelson Center; puck will drop at 7:05 pm Central Time

Season Series---8 Head-to-Head Matchups in 2012-2013
(Kalamazoo leads season series 2 games to 0 games after two games)
-Game 1: Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 2, Jr. Blues 1 (November 24th) Inside West-Borgess
-Game 2: Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 2, Jr. Blues 1 (November 25th) Inside West Borgess
-Game 3: Kalamazoo at Springfield (December 14th) Nelson Center in Springfield
-Game 4: Kalamazoo at Springfield (December 15th) Nelson Center in Springfield
-Game 5: Springfield at Kalmazoo (February 9th) West Borgess in Michigan
-Game 6: Springfield at Kalmazoo (February 10th) West Borgess in Michigan
-Game 7: Kalamazoo at Springfield (March 29th) Nelson Center in Springfield
-Game 8: Kalamazoo at Springfield (March 30th) Nelson Center in Springfield

Last Weekends Results (Jr. Blues and Jr. K-Wings)
-The Jr. Blues split at home with the Topeka Roadrunners one game-to-one game.
-The Jr. K-Wings split at home with the Soo Eagles one game-to-one game.

The Big Story Inside the Nelson Center this Weekend
Their are a lot of folks interested in what happens inside the Nelson Center this weekend from around the North American Hockey League following the dramatic victory against Topeka last Saturday night that started up some fireworks. How will the Springfield Jr. Blues respond following the end of the five game losing skid? The direction of this teams season will be on display when these two division-foes have the puck dropped at 7:05 on Friday night.

Team Scopes

Springfield Jr. Blues-The Jr. Blues enter this weekends series against Kalamazoo with some much-needed motivation and confidence. After getting blown off the ice on Friday night, the team responded by Mike Fazio scoring with 29 seconds left to break a 2-2 tie. After the game ended, an all-out brawl broke out between all of the players on both teams. Before capturing the victory though, the Jr. Blues had lost five straight games, which was Saturday's dramatic finish away from being swept in three straight weekend series. They are 8-7-1 through sixteen games at home inside the Nellie this season. The team is led by the scoring combination of Brett Skibba (14) and Nate Chasteen (8), who have combined for a total of 22 goals. A key to winning this weekend will hinge on the performances of both goalies. Matt Leon seems to be regaining his confidence back, and Ryan Kellenberger was an honorable mention for 'Star of the Week'. Head Coach Tony Zasowski has the team hopefully reaching their peak as they seem pumped up and ready to go after the conclusion of the Topeka series. The special teams will play a huge factor this weekend as well as the team is 14th (15.2%) in the NAHL on the advantage; and 17th (82.2%) in the NAHL on the penalty kill.

Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings-Kalamazoo enters the Nelson Center this weekend as the third place team in the North division, good enough to be 11 points and four spots ahead of the home team. The Jr. K-Wings are 6-6-1 through 13 games on the road this season, and are at the .500 mark as of right now. Head Coach Marc Fakler has done a fine job coaching this season, and has the Jr. K-Wings tenth (17.3%) in the league on the powerplay -- and twelveth (83.6%)  in the league on the penalty kill. Kalamazoo is lead by Robbie Payne and Josh Dangel, who are threats to score anytime they get the puck. Payne leads the team with 27 points and 14 goals -- and Dangel has 21 points total and leads the team with 16 assists. Defenseman Sam Johnson and forward Christian George combined for +14 on the ice together, as Johnson is +8 for the season, himself. Alex Okicki is the teams number one goalie, and through 17 starts, he is 10-6-1 between the pipes. Marcus Due-Boje is the number two option, and he is 4-3-0 through seven starts. Kalamazoo split last weekend against the Soo Eagles at home in Michigan as they won their last game 5 to 2 on Saturday night.

A look ahead at the upcoming week in Springfield Jr. Blues hockey

(Monday, December 10th, through Sunday, December 16th)

Springfield Jr. Blues -- (11-15-2, 24 Pts) -- 7th in North Division
Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings -- (17-10-1, 35 pts) -- 3rd in North Division

Monday, December 10th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Tuesday, December 11th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Wednesday, December 12th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Thursday, December 13th
-No Game (off day) -- Practice at Nelson Center from 3pm to 5pm

Friday, December 14th
-Jr. Blues vs. Kalamazoo Junior K-Wings (7:05 pm inside the Nelson Center)

Saturday, December 15th
-Jr. Blues vs. Kalamazoo Junior K-Wings (7:05 pm inside the Nelson Center)

Sunday, December 16th
-No Game (off day) No practice and No game

Jr. Blues dramatic win Saturday night may be what was needed

(**Photo Credits go to Jeff Coons**)

The dramatic finish to the Jr.Blues victory on Saturday night over the Topeka Roadrunners inside the Nelson Center may be exactly what first-year head coach Tony Zasowski and his young-and-hungry squad needed as the second-half of the schedule for this season is approaching us.

Mike Fazio netted home a goal at the 19:31 mark of the third and final period when the game was tied up at two goals each. The Springfield crowd of 635 inside the Nellie lit up and were in a loud and crazy uproar as Fazio's sixth goal of the season ended the teams five game losing streak and evened the season-series against division rival Topeka at three games each, instead of the Roadrunners leading it with four wins.

The game-ending fight that abrubted as the time had expired on the Jr. Blues' 3-2 win also may have lit some fire under this team. They brought it on the ice for the entire 60 minute game -- then came back as the clock had ran out and put in some overtime. Every player got in on defending one another, just as an organization and family of atheltes and teammates should do when in that situation.

The fight that occured was one of the biggest, craziest, and most bizarre endings to a hockey game at any and at all of the levels that I have seen. According to the North American Hockey League statisticals on the leagues official website, 33 penalties were attributed in the fight, amounting out to 255 minutes inside the penalty box. The Jr. Blues were handed out 10 penalties for 75 minutes -- Topeka recieved 23 penalties for 180 minutes.

The Jr. Blues entered the game on Saturday with five consecutive losses; and were on the verge of being swept for their third straight weekend in a row. Before the two games this past weekend against Topeka, Springfield played on the road for four straight games against both Kalamazoo and the Soo Eagles.

During the losing streak of five games, the team was outscored by a total of 11 goals as the opponents scored 18 goals compared to the Jr. Blues' seven. Both of the goalies -- Matt Leon and Ryan Kellenberger --played bad at all, but just seven goals scored through five full games isn't going to lead you to many wins.

The goal-scoring combo of Brett Skibba and Nate Chasteen certainly needs to wake up. The two have combined for 22 goals this season as Skibba has scored 14 goals and Chasteen has scored eight. Atkinson has scored seven goals, and Fazio's scored his sixth of the year on Saturday.

Most people around the North American Hockey League aren't really considering it a very big win at the moment, which is quite understandable. For now, it is what it is -- which in reality is just the teams eleventh of the season through 28 so far. If you saw the game in person though, I believe you would have a completely different opinion.

The Jr. Blues have the opportunity to make this game a huge stepping stone. What I saw in this team following Saturday nights game was a team that had been woken up from a huge sleep walking session. One thing can't be denied, this team has some major talent. The youth I feel has been in their learning stage, but they are growing in front of our eyes. If they can play the way that they did at the end of the game Saturday, and continue to back up one another such as they did as the clocked ticked to 0:00 and after.

For all we know, it could turn out to be "just another game", but then again, the Roadrunners also may have awoke a sleeping giant.

Mike Fazio lifts Jr. Blues past Topeka in a wild thriller on Saturday

(Photo Credits go to Samie Nichols)

Less than 24 hours later following the teams five-goal loss on Friday night, Mike Fazio and his Springfield Jr. Blues responded in a big way as they defeated the Topeka Roadrunners 3 to 2 on Saturday night inside the Nelson Center in a North American Hockey League regular season contest.

With the scored tied up at two goals each with just 29 seconds remaining in regulation, Fazio lit up the lamp with the game-winning goal on a nice duo of passes coming from both Brett Skibba and Ryan Atkinson. The goal was Fazio's third game-winner on the season so far, and was his sixth of the season. It caused an eruption of happiness all around inside the Nellie -- but it lit a fire under the Roadrunners.

As the time expired and the horn sounded off on the Jr. Blues victory, things got nasty and vicious as an all-out brawl broke out. according to the statical summary on the NAHL's official website, the fight proved to be a combined 33 penalties related to fighting. The Jr. Blues recieved ten penalties for 75-minutes, while the Roadrunners conducted 23 penalties for 180 minutes. It was certainly one of the craziest endings that the North American Hockey League has seen in some time.

Springfield out-shot Topeka 22 to 21 for the game, and luckily enough that one goal proved to be the difference in the entire contest. The two teams combined to go 0 for 5 on the man-advantage on the night as the Roadrunners went 0-for-4 as a team -- making the Jr. Blues 0-for-1.

Topeka got off to the first lead of the game as Tyler Andrew scored on an assist from Sean Gaffney that proved as the only goal of the opening period. Springfield got to work though and scored two goals in the second period and took a 2-1 lead heading into the second intermission. Terry Leabo and Atkinson scored in a span of three minutes for the lead.

(Photo Credits go to Samie Nichols)

As it was scoreless in the third period through the first 14:59 though, Mick Bruce scored on an assist from Kyle Sharkley to tie the game up. This is what set up one of the most exciting finishes inside the Nellie in a long, long while. For a crowd compiled of 635 people, that place was rocking.

Ryan Kellenberger got the start in the net for Springfield and proved to be a game changer in this performance. As he picked up his first win in his last four starts, he saved 19 of 21 and picked up his fourth win in between the pipes for the season.

Mackenzie Sawyer got the loss for Topeka in the end as his record fell to 6-4-3. Sawyer saved 19 of 22 Jr. Blues shots and has now lost two of his last three starts.

The Jr. Blues picked up their 23rd and 24th points with this huge win and are now 11-15-2 through 28 games in 2012 and will be back at home inside the Nellie on both Friday and Saturday nights as they will be playing host to the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings. Both games will have the puck dropping at 7:05 pm.

Official Game Scoring Summary
First-(TOP) Tyler Andrew (Sean Gaffney) 11:20
Second-(SPR) Terry Leabo (Mike Severson, Dallas Crum) 8:58; (SPR) Ryan Atkinson (Extra Attacker) (Brett Skibba, Jon Carkeek) 11:48
Third-(TOP) Mick Bruce (Kyle Sharkley) 14:59; (SPR) Mike Fazio (Brett Skibba, Ryan Atkinson) 19:31

Three Stars of the Game (Official from Stadium Box-Score)
1. Ryan Kellenberger (Springfield)
2. Mike Fazio (Springfield)
3. Brett Skibba (Springfield)

To view all of the photos of this insane Jr. Blues victory, click on the link. All photo credits go out to my photographer, Samie Nichols.

Roadrunners defeat Jr. Blues 7-2 on Friday, losing streak now at five

(Photo Credits go to Samie Nichols)

The Springfield Jr. Blues returned home on Friday night following twenty straight days of no hockey inside the Nelson Center -- and to say the very least, the return home didn't go anywhere close to expected. It was nothing short of scary before turning into a disappointment.

The team witnessed first year teammate Devin Mitchell having to be rushed to the hospital during the game, and then they proceeded to be defeated by a score of 7 to 2 in the first game of the two-game weekend series inside the Nellie to the Topeka Roadrunners in a North American Hockey League regular season contest.

At the 13:33 mark of the second period, Mitchell took a puck to the face off a stick of a Topeka player, and was immediately rushed to the hospital. There was a delay in the game as ice had to be cleaned up before the game could resume as a puddle of blood leaked onto the ice following the incident. Reports were surfaced that he lost some teeth, as well as the result of the possibility of a broken jaw.

It was an extra-especially scary moment for everybody that was in the attendance to see the incident live, and is one of the scariest things to happen in the sport of hockey -- and in any sports for that matter.

Topeka certainly took advantage of the heavy hearts of his teammates on this very night though. The Roadrunners got the scoring clinic started just three minutes into the contest, and they never trailed from that moment on. Tyler Poulsen scored the first goal at the 3:22 mark, and then just under five minutes later, Jerad Tafoya netted one of his own to make it 2-0. Parker Johnson scored an unassisted powerplay goal for Springfield with just under four minutes remaining, but Luke Veich scored with just 25 seconds left in the period, giving Topeka a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes.

The Jr. Blues scored the only goal of the second period, as Ryan Atkinson netted one between the pipes on a nice assist from Simon Koscielski against the Roadrunners' goalie Spencer Viele and put Springfield as close as they would get in the contest.

Topeka scored four goals in the third and final period in the route, as Viele shut the Jr. Blues out for the final 37 minutes of the game. Kyle Sharkley scored the Roadrunners only powerplay goal to start it up. Jake Kamarass and Codey Hansen both scored as well, and Jerad Tafoya finished it off as he finished the game with two goals at the finish.

(Photo Credits go to Samie Nichols)

The Jr. Blues were outshot 37-36 for the game, as this was one of the rare games that starting goalie Matt Leon has struggled in this season. He allowed seven goals on 37 Topeka shots and seen his overall record fall to 7-7-2 for the season. Viele finished the night off proving once again why many consider him the best goalie in the entire league. He saved 34 of 36 Springfield shots and improved his record to 13-2-1 on the season and has his best goals against average (.939) and saves percentage (.939) in his NAHL career.

The Jr. Blues dropped their fifth straight game in a row with this loss, and fell to 10-15-2 overall for the season. Topeka stayed in first place as well as both Texas and Amarillo won tonight too. The Roadrunners are 19-5-4 for the season and currently own the best record in the entire North American Hockey League.

The Roadrunners took the season series lead 3-2 with the win tonight, but if the other two weekend series' have shown us anything when these two teams meet up on the ice, the team that wins the first game of the series proceeds to lose the finale. The two teams will be back at it again on Saturday night as the puck will drop at 7:05 inside the Nelson Center.

Official Scoring Summary
First-(TOP) Tyler Poulsen (Mick Bruce, Drew Karioflies) 3:22; (TOP) Jerad Tafoya (Peter Halash, Kyle Sharkley) 8:20; (SPR) Parker Johnson (PP) (unassisted) 16:16; (TOP) Luke Veitch (Sean Gaffney) 19:35
Second-(SPR) Ryan Atkinson (Simon Koscielski) 3:04
Third-(TOP) Kyle Sharkley (PP) (unassisted) 7:47; (TOP) Jake Kamrass (Codey Hansen) 8:53; (TOP) Jerad Tafoya (Dan Dupell, Peter Halash) 12:24; (TOP) Codey Hansen (Drew Karioflies) 13:38

Three Stars of the Game (Official from the Stadium)
1. Jerad Tafoya --- Topeka Roadrunners
2. Codey Hansen --- Topeka Roadrunners
3. Luke Veitch --- Topeka Roadrunners

To view all of the photos taken during this game, please click on the link. All of the photo credits go to my photographer, Samie Nichols.

BREAKING NEWS: Jr. Blues' Devin Mitchell rushed to hospital in 2nd

As I write this post I would like to send out my prayers and condolances to the close friends and family; and especially to the man himself, Devin Mitchell--who is a member of our Springfield Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League.

The 6-3, 202 pounder from Lenexa, Kansas was rushed to the hospital during tonight's contest after he was struck in the face with a puck at the 13:33 mark of the second period. The 17 year-old reportedly lost five teeth and their was a delay in the game as blood had to be scraped off of the ice for a number of minutes.

A few reports have surfaced to me that he possibly had broken his jaw in two different spots, but none of this has been confirmed to me for sure--at least at this moment and time.

There was no call made following the incident as it occured on a play off of a Topeka Roadrunners' players stick, but it certainly did take all of the air out of the home crowd inside the Nellie. Topeka lead the contest 3-2 at the time of the incident.

No other information has been sent to me yet but I will certainly send all of the details out as they are informed to me. Mitchell tallied one shot in tonight's contest during the teams' 7-to-2 lost, making it their fifth consecutive game resulting without a victory.

This is Mitchell's first season playing in the North American Hockey League as he started out the year in Austin before being sent here to Springfield. He has contributed for three points in thirteen games with the Jr. Blues this season as he has scored two goals on 15 shots and has one assist. He also has scored a game-winning goal this season as he did it against this same Topeka contest on October 19th as the team won 2-0 inside the Kansas Expo.

Please just take a moment out of your time and give a prayer for the kid, as this was a very scary incident. I will send out more information as it comes along, for breaking news immediately as I hear it, follow me on twitter at @tcobb1990. The Jr. Blues family, as well as the entire North American Hockey League, is praying for you Devin. Here is to a quick and successful recovery!

WAKE UP SPRINGFIELD, the Jr. Blues are back at home! (JR.BLUES.com)

The Springfield Jr. Blues return home this weekend after spending the last two weekends on the road. The Jr. Blues were 0-4 in those games, losing 3 of the games 2-1. Defense and goaltending have been strong for the Jr. Blues as they continue to look for ways to find offense.

The Jr. Blues take on the Topeka RoadRunners for the second straight weekend series at the Nelson Center. Topeka comes into Springfield in first place in the South Division, winners of 4 of their last 6 games. The 'Runners and the Jr. Blues have squared off 4 times already this season, with both teams winning 2 games. 2 weekends ago, the Jr. Blues defeated Topeka in a shootout Friday night, only to fall the next night.

Brett Skibba continues to lead the Jr. Blues offense, scoring 2 more goals last weekend in the Soo. Oliver Takacsi-Nagy has 2 goals in the last 4 games as well to help the offense.

Games this weekend are Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 PM. This weekend is the last weekend to bring in canned food items to receive $1 off an adult ticket, up to $3 per ticket. It is also Guns N' Hoses appreciation Friday night only, fans who attended the Guns N' Hoses game last weekend will receive $5 off a Jr. Blues adult ticket with their ticket stub from last weekends game!

WHO IS READY FOR HOCKEY NIGHT BACK AT THE NELLIE?!?!?!

Click Here for the official article from the Jr. Blues official website. (All credits to them).

Jr. Blues host Roadrunners for two games (Weekend Preview)

Springfield Jr. Blues (10-14-2, 22 points) vs. Topeka Roadrunners (18-5-4, 40 points)

Two Games -- Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th

Both games inside the Nelson Center; puck will drop at 7:05 pm Central Time

Season Series----8 Head-to-Head Matchups in 2012-2013
(Series tied 2-2 through 4-of-8 total meetings for the season)
Game 1-Jr. Blues 2, Roadrunners 0 (October 19th) Kansas Expo in Kansas
Game 2-Roadrunners 1, Jr. Blues 0 (October 20th) Kansas Expo in Kansas
Game 3-Jr. Blues 3, Roadrunners 2 (November 16th) Nelson Center in Springfield
Game 4-Roadrunners 5, Jr. Blues 2 (November 17th) Nelson Center in Springfield
Game 5-Roadrunners vs. Jr. Blues (December 7th) Nelson Center (7:05 pm)
Game 6-Roadrunners vs. Jr. Blues (December 8th) Nelson Center (7:05 pm)
Game 7-Jr. Blues vs. Roadrunners (December 28th) Kansas Expo (7:05 pm)
Game 8-Jr. Blues vs. Roadrunners (December 29th) Kansas Expo (7:05 pm)

Last Weekends Results (Jr. Blues and Roadrunners)
-The Jr. Blues were swept in two games by Soo on the road. (5-2 Friday, 2-1 Saturday)
-The Roadrunners split two games 1-1 with Wichita Falls at home. (4-3 L Fri., 5-3 W Sat.)

Team Scopes

Springfield Jr. Blues-The Jr. Blues enter the weekend series against the visiting Roadrunners from Topeka on a bit of a slide. Since winning six straight games just a little over a month ago, the team has lost four consecutive games and five of their last six games overall. They were swept by Kalamazoo two weeks ago and followed it up by getting swept again last week against Soo as they lost 5-2 in the opener on Friday, then 2-1 in the finale on Saturday. The team will be looking for a spark this weekend and while Topeka has one of the best records in the North American Hockey League, Springfield has managed to split with them through the first four head-to-head meetings--including a 1-1 split at home inside the Nelson Center.

Topeka Roadrunners-The Roadrunners enter the Nelson Center this weekend as the current leader of the South division by the slimmest of margins as both Texas and Amarillo are tied for second with 39 points each. They split their series against Wichita Falls last weekend at home inside the Kansas Expo as they lost in overtime 4-3 in overtime on Friday and then responded on Saturday with a 5-3 win to salvage a split. Topeka has won 3 of their last five games and in their only trip to Springfield this season, they managed to split the two games as both teams won one game each. The Roadrunners have one of the best goalies between the pipes in Spencer Viele, who has an overall record of 12-2-1 on the season and is 2-0-1 against the Jr. Blues this season.

Big Second Period fuels Soo past Jr. Blues 5-2 on Friday night

Following a good start from Brett Skibba and his Springfield Jr. Blues, Jared WanWormer and the Soo Sault Marie Eagles took advantage following a huge second period as they defeated the Jr. Blues 5-to-2 in a North American Hockey League regular season contest inside Pullar Stadium on Friday night.

Despite Springfield outshooting Soo 13-to-5 in the first 20-minutes of hockey, neither team scored as the second period started with a 0-0 tie game -- that didn't last for very long though.

27 seconds following the second-period's opening faceoff, Robin Hoglund scored the games first goal on a shot assisted by both Eric Rivard and VanWormer. Skibba got into the act a little later as Mike Fazio and Nate Chasteen assisted his goal at the 12:12 mark of the period to even the game up at one a piece.

Less than one minute later though, at the 13:11 mark, VanWormer scored a goal of his own, giving the Eagles a 2-1 advantage and him his second point of the game. Rivard scored a powerplay goal two minutes later as well -- and Alexander Taulien scored a dagger two minutes following his. Soo held a nice advantage of 4-1 heading into the final period.

The third period was a change of pace following the five goal second period that featured four coming on the Jr. Blues starting goalie Matt Leon--who has now lost three straight starts after he seen his six game winning streak come to an end on November 16th against Topeka. Leon saved 37 of 42 Soo shots and seen his record fall to 7-6-2 overall for the year.

At the 17:01 mark of the final period, Oliver Takacsi-Nagy scored for the visitors as he made it 4-2 with just under three minutes remaining. 51 seconds later the Eagles netted their fifth and final goal as Kyle Loridon got in on the action and broke the game open, giving the Eagles the 5-2 final score for the victory.

Tyler Marble saved 35 of 37 Jr. Blues shots, ending his two game losing streak between the pipes and improving his record on the season to 10-3-2 overall.

The same two teams will be back at it again on Saturday night as the Jr. Blues will look to split the weekend series of two games before heading back home next weekend to host the Topeka Roadrunners inside the Nellie on both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:05 pm.

Official Scoring Summary
First Period-No Scoring in Period
Second Period-(SOO) Robin Hoglund (Eric Rivard, Jared VanWormer) 0:27; (SPR) Brett Skibba (Nate Chasteen, Mike Fazio) 12:12; (SOO) Jared VanWormer (Robin Hoglund, Michael Lant) 13:11; (SOO) Eric Rivard (PP) (Robin Hoglund, Kyle Loridon) 15:20; (SOO) Alexander Taulien (Tyler Marble) 17:35;
Third Period-(SPR) Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (unnassisted) 17:01; (SOO) Kyle Loridon (unassisted) 17:52

Three Stars of the Game (official from the stadium)
1. Jared VanWormer (Soo)
2. Robin Hoglund (Soo)
3. Brett Skibba (Springfield)