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Next Game Day: Wednesday, February 10 at 5 pm vs Kalamazoo United
Welcome to the OFFICIAL Web Site of the Kalamazoo Eagles!
The purpose of this site is to inform all players, parents, and fans of what's going on with the Kalamazoo Eagles Hockey Team. Please check the Eagles News page for more news!
Saturday, February 6
Eagles Finish 3rd in McMichigan Cup
The game to decide the 3rd and 4th places of the McMichigan Cup found the Eagles facing the Reeths Puffer Rangers at 1:30 at Southside Ice Arena.
The game started slowly for both teams with defense the name of the game. The Eagles seemed in control of the play for most of the first period, outshooting the Rangers 10-2. The Eagles first goal of the game came as Bobby Miller was being mauled by several of the Rangers players at the hash marks. Miller kept his focus and found line mate, Paul Townsend, who sent a shot to the back of the net via the 5 hole of the Rangers goal tender. The second period continued where the first left off with the Eagles controlling play and the Ranger net minder standing on his head to help get his team going. With just over 5 minutes of the period gone, Brian Storch made a pass to Bobby Miller. Miller sent a shot to the back of the net from the hash marks. Just over 2 minutes later, defenseman, AJ Vigen, gathered the puck in the defensive zone and took off toward the Rangers goal. After skating around the defenders, he sent the Eagles on top for good with his first goal of the season. With 5:11 on the clock, the Rangers broke free from all Eagles defenders with a breakway attempt . Joe Ballmer was up to the task and made the stop to give his team some energy to win the game. The game would end wildly after a 5 on 3 penalty kill attempt by the Eagles. The Rangers scored their lone goal of the game just 20 seconds in to the penalty kill, leaving the Eagles to kill a 1:40 penalty at 5 on 4 . The defense did their job to preserve the win and didn't allow any more shots from the Rangers for the remainder of the game. The Eagles outshot the Rangers 31-16. Final score of the game was 3-1 in fovor of the Eagles. The Eagles had 2 stars for this game: AJVigen was second and Bobby Miller was 1st star of the game. While the team was looking forward to returning to the championship game, the tournament was a good showing of defense and teamwork in tough situations. CONGRATULATIONS TEAM! The next game will be on Wednesday, February 10 at 5 pm vs the Kalamazoo United. While the Eagles won the first meeting of these team in league play very early in the season, the United should not be taken as a 'easy win'. This team is coming together and playing tough defense just when it counts. The Eagles need to come to the game with determination, the will to play as a team and the heart of a lion. Come out and cheer on your favorite high school hockey team! This will be the Eagles final regular season game in the SWMHSHL. The league tournament will begin the week of February 17. Details and standings will be posted here as soon as they are avialable from the league officials.
Congratulations Eagles on a great weekend of hockey - see you at the rink!
NOTE to Eagles team parents: the season passes are good for the remaining games during the regular season, but will NOT be able to be used during the tournament. Gate fees will be $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students (age 6 and older). This is due to MHSAA rules for tournaments. Please remember this when arriving for the games during the tournament. Also, each team will be asked to work 2 games during the tournament for the gate and securtiy. Please be prepared to sign up and work when Lisa Miller, team manager, gets the details. An email will be sent to all team members from Lisa Miller as soon as she has the information.
Saturday, February 6
Manistee Gets Even
In the semi finals of the McMichigan Cup, the Manistee Chippewas had one thing in mind...tilt the tice in their favor and win the game to even the season meetings of these two teams. Mission accomplished...
The first period started with both teams playing total defense and the Eagles controlled most of the period by out shooting the Chippewas 7-2, but neither team couldn't find the back of the net. The second period was much of the same for both teams until the Chippewas found the back of the net while on the power play. The Eagles tightened defense gave Tom Grieves, Eagles net minder on this night, some assistance. But to no avail on this night, when the Chippewas found the net with just 1:48 left in the second stanza. Down by two goals, the Eagles came out for the final stanza with energy that resulted in a goal by AJ Hammond. Levi Leversee did some hard work in the defensive zone and hold the blue line and fed the pass to Hammond to score the only tally for the Eagles for this game. Eagles outshot the Chippewas in the contest 21-12, but to no avail...the Chippewas were going on to face the Grandville Bulldogs for the McMichigan Cup Championship on Saturday. The Eagles will face Reeths Puffer at 1:30 pm at Southside for Third Place in the tournament. on Saturday February 6. The Eagles AJ Hammond was the #3 star of this game with the Eagles lone goal. GOOD LUCK EAGLES!
FILL THE STANDS WITH SCREAMING EAGLE FANS!
Saturday, February 6
Final Tournament for Eagles Announced
It is announced that the Eagles will be attending a final tournament this year in Detroit the weekend of February 26-28,2010. Coach Brown and his staff have chosen this tournament, and team manager, Lisa Miller will be sending out details of games, times, teams attending, rink the tournament is being held at and hotel info as soon as it is available. Watch here for the updates as they become available. All team members/parents will receive a detailed email as soon as the team manager has the information available. Friday, February 5
Eagles Start McMichigan Cup on Right Skate
The McMichigan Cup Tournament, hosted by Grandville HS, started for the Eagles with an exciting win against the Forest Hills Central Rangers on Thursday evening.
With the Eagles eager to return to the finals of this tournament for the second time, the team hit the ice at the start of play with energy and determination to play hard, use teamwork and play with heart. With just over three minutes expired in the first period, the Rangers struck first. Determined to score in the first period, the Eagles put up their first tally of the game on a defensive clear beginning with Garrett Hudson in front of Eagles net minder, Joe Ballmer, late in the period. AJ Hammond picked up the pass and skated around the defense and sent it top shelf to even the score at the end of one. It took the Eagles just 32 seconds of the second period to tally what would be the game winning goal. Hammond picked up the puck behind the net and sent a hard pass to the tape of Kyle Pavlack's stick. Pavlack was just below the face off circle and sent it top shelf to put the Eagles up by one for good. With the Eagles up by one goal to begin the thrid stanza, the defense went to work to preserve a win and get to the semi-finals of the tournament. With 2:01 on the clock, the Rangers called time out and with 1:45 on the clock pulled their goal tender in hopes of a quick goal. Unfortunately, they took a bad penalty for hooking in behind the play with just 1:07 left on the clock. Eagles called time out to give our team a rest and to get ready for a wild final of the game. When play resumed, the Rangers were determined to send this game to OT and got their goal tender out with just 43 seconds left in the game. That is when David Watson found the puck on his stick and skated to the net and put it in the net to seal this game with a 3-1 victory for the Eagles. With the Eagles out shooting the Rangers 31-25, Ballmer did his part and stopped all but one of the Rangers attempts on goal. The Eagles netminder, Joe Ballmer was named 2nd star of this game and AJ Hammond was named the #1 star of this game. The action continues on Saturday in the tournament, with the Eagles facing Manistee in the semi-finals game. These two teams have seen each other plenty of times this season, with the Eagles coming out on top each time. Do not overlook the feisty Chippewas....they are a determined team and would like nothing more than beating the Eagles in the final time they face each other this season. Puck drop is 7 pm on Friday, February 5.
See you at the rink!!
Sunday, January 31
Game Time for First McMichigan Cup Tournament Announced
Game times were sent to to the Eagles team today for the McMichigan Cup that begins on February 4, 2010. The first game is on Thursday, February 4 at 8 pm at Southside Arena in Grand Rapids. All remaining games to be played will be determined by the win/loss of the previous games. A complete bracket for the tournament has been uploaded to the handouts section to your left. This is a three game tournament, meaning there will be games on Friday and Saturday. Times and opponents will be announced on the tournament bracket and by the win/loss of the Eagles team. The team calendar of games has been updated to reflect these games and dates. Sunday, January 31
Eagles Prevail in Defensive Contest
In the Eagles second game of the 1st Annual SWMHSHL Showcase Event, the team battled with a feisty Manistee Chippewa team to a final score of 4-1.
The first two periods were total defense by both teams. The Eagles out shot the opponent for these two periods 26-12, with Joe Ballmer shutting the door to any scoring chances the Chippewas had and allowing his team time to find the back of the net. While the Chippewas scored first early in the third stanza, the Eagles were unfazed in their mission to win the game. Just two minutes after their opponents scored, Kyle Pavlack picked up the puck at center ice and made a nice pass to AJ Hammond at the top of the crease for the Eagles first goal of the game. Just over two minutes later, the same line of Hammond, Pavlack and David Watson worked hard down low and this time Pavlack put the puck in the net off a rebound shot. Both Hammond and Watson were credited with the assist for this goal. With just over five minutes left in the contest, Brian Storch had the puck down low and Matt Hicks was in the slot waiting for the pass to his stick to send it to a 3-1 game in favor of the home team. The Chippewas were not going to go away quietly and with 45 seconds on the clock called time out to get organized to pull their goalie to try to get within one goal quickly. The the yellow line - Pavlack, Watson and Hammond - and the defensive pairing of AJ Vigen and Levi Leversee went to work to seal the game. It took just 20 seconds of an empty net for this squad to score for the final time of the game. Pavlack shot the puck and both Hammond and Watson were credited with the goal. The Eagles had a total of 31 shots on net for the game. Ballmer faced 24 shots by the Chippewas, with half of those coming in the final stanza. The 1st Annual SWMHSHL Showcase was a great weekend of High School Hockey for the Eagles with both of their games ending in the win column. This sends the team into the McMichigan Cup Tournament in Grand Rapids next weekend on a good skate. The teams in the tournament are Manistee, South Christian, Forest Hills Central, Reeths Puffer, Jenison, Grandville, Rockford and the Eagles. This tournament has been a tradition of great competition and the Eagles have risen to the occasion each time they have played here. It is a great 'tune up' for the League Tournament coming in Mid-February at home in the Annex. The Eagles first opponent will be Forest Hills Central on Thursday evening at 8 pm at Southside Ice Arena. NOTE for Parents of the Team: this is a tournament and your league season passes will not be honored. Expect a gate fee of $5 for each game attended. Saturday, January 30
Visiting Crown Point No Match for Eagles Tonight
For the first game of the 1st Annual SWMHSHL Showcase Tournament, the Eagles outworked the visiting Crown Point Bulldogs at all ends of the ice for a 10-3 win.
The scoring started just 2 minutes into the game when David Watson sent a pass up ice to Kyle Pavlack during a line change for both teams. Pavlack broke free and scored top shelf. Just over 5 minutes later, the Crown Point Bulldogs tied the game. The second goal of the night came from AJ Hammond, he was free of a defender at the face off dot and he too sent it high to finish the first period with a one shot lead. The second period found the Eagles well in control of the game offensively with four goals in the period. Matt Hicks, Mitch Evarts, David Watson and AJ Hammond all scored in the period. Assists were given to AJ Hammond, Levi Leversee, Brian Storch, Kyle Pavlack(2), Bobby Miller and Kyler Kimble. The Eagles defense played well, allowing only 6 shots in the second on goal tender, Tom Grieves. The final stanza was more scoring for the Eagles, including a hat trick for AJ Hammond. It was Hammond's second game this week with a hat trick. Linemates Matt Hicks, Bobby Miller and Brian Storch were all credited with goals in the final stanza. Assits were credited to Watson, Hicks, B Miller and Levi Leversee. This night the Eagles found several players with multiple point nights. Grieves played well in net facing 23 shots, allowing only 3 to find the back of the net. While the Bulldog defense allowed 40 shots by the Eagles on this night.
The second game for the Eagles in the 1st Annual SWMHSHL Showcase is at 3 pm in the Annex vs Manistee HS. See you at the rink!
Friday, January 29
Eagles Rout Blades in Second Meeting
In SWMHSHL action on Wednesday, the Eagles and Blades met for the final time this season. The Eagles were in control of the game from the drop of the puck and the game concluded with the Eagles on top 7-1.
It took just 2:32 for the Eagles to score their first goal of the game on a tic tac toe play from the yellow line - Kyle Pavlack, AJ Hammond and David Watson. With Pavlack and Watson creating traffic in front of the net and drawing all Blades defenders to them, Hammond took a hard shot from just inside the left face off circle for his first goal of the game. The scoring in the first was complete for the period, when Hammond scored his second of the game on a rebound off a shot by Pavlack, Watson was credited with the second assist on this goal. The second period was a continuation of the first with hard hitting and the ice tilted in favor of the Eagles. While only one goal was scored by the Eagles in this period, it was during 4 on 4 play. Kyle Pavlack netted his first of the game with a hard shot from the hash marks sent up high on the Blades goal tender with 3:48 left in the period. The final stanza of this game was all Eagles - the defense worked to control the puck in the zone, the forwards connected passes and goal tender, Joe Ballmer made the necessary saves to get the win. Scoring was by Bobby Miller, Matt Hicks had 2 goals and AJ Hammond netted his first hat trick of the season. with one more goal in the final stanza. The lone assist recorded in the final period was to Matt Hicks on the Miller goal. Shots were even for both teams with 23 a piece. Ballmer saved 22 of 23 shots for the game. This game sets the team back on the winning track and ready for the 1st Annual SWMHSHL Showcase this weekend. The Eagles will play Crowne Point, Ind on Friday at 9 pm in the Annex and Manistee on Saturday at 3 pm. Both games will be played in the Annex. This is a HUGE event for our league, seven visiting teams are coming for the weekend and games for the league will be from 5 pm on Friday and the last game of the event is on Saturday at 6 pm. Fill the stands with Eagles fans and enjoy some GREAT High School Hockey! See you at the rink!! Sunday, January 24
Overtime Thriller Best Game of Season for Eagles
The Eagles and Mattawan Wildcats met for their final time during the regular season last night and it was definitely one to remember. It was the final of three games played on this night by SWMHSHL teams and the stands were at near capacity. The energy for both sides was great...even BEFORE the teams took the ice!
It took the Eagles just 17 seconds to open the scoring in the game. Levi Leversee made a defensive zone clearing pass out to the red line to AJ Hammond. Hammond out skated both Wildcat defenders and sent it top shelf to send the Eagles bench, coaches and fans into a frenzy! Both teams settled in quickly to play tough defense with hard hitting and taking away the passing lanes. Both goal tenders did their parts and kept their teams in the game. With less than two minutes in the first period, AJ Vigen made a pass to Bobby Miller at the defensive blue line. Miller skated into the zone with linemate, Brian Storch. While creating traffic infront of the Wildcat netminder, Storch found the puck at the top of the crease and sent it to the back of the net to put his team up by two. The Wildcats were not going to go away quietly, and found a way to score one goal with just seconds to go in the period to get their team one shot from a tie game. The second period continued the end to end action and tough defense from both teams. Eagles netminder, Joe Ballmer, found himself keeping busy with 14 of the 33 shots he faced for the game during this period. Mattawan tied the game while on a power play half way through the stanza. Just a few minutes later, Mattawan thought they had the go ahead goal...not to be! Ballmer had the puck in his glove! With less than a minute left in the period, David Watson stole the puck and sent it to Kyle Pavlack up ice. Pavlack broke free and sent it top shelf to give the Eagles a one goal lead at the end of two. The final regulation period kept every fan in attendance on the edge of their seat with more of the intensity and more the action from the first two stanzas. While on the power play, the Wildcats found the back of the net at the 6:20 mark of the period to tie the game and when the horn blew at the end of regualtion...time for sudden death overtime! With all the fans in attendance on their feet to cheer on their team, the teams started the extra stanza with as much energy and heart that they started with when the puck dropped two hours before! It took 5 minutes for the Eagles to find the back of the net on a shot by Matt Hicks. The play started in the Eagles defensive zone when AJ Vigen found the puck in his skates in the high slot. He sent it to the near boards to Bobby Miller who skated up ice with Hicks. Hicks took the shot was from the slot area...GOAL! The Eagles bench erupted into pandemonium on the ice. Eagles win 4-3! This game was the Eagles 8th of 10 league games and this game found the players playing with more intensity and heart than any of the previous seven games combined! The game was played with the intensity of a playoff game and only had 4 penalties between the two teams for the whole game. WAY TO GO EAGLES. The win tonight puts the Eagles on the winning side of the last nine encounters with the Wildcats over the last 4 years. Congratulations to both teams for an exciting game of High School Hockey!! Play resumes this week for the Eagles on Wednesday the 27th at 6 pm vs the Kalamazoo Blades. While the last meeting of these teams was a 3-0 Rival Cup win for the Eagles, never underestimate the action and excitemtent these two teams bring each time they meet! Come out and support the Eagles in the few remaining games they have this season...FILL THE STANDS WITH EAGLES FANS! Tuesday, January 19
Huskies Force Eagles to Hard Fought Win
In the seventh game of the league season, the Eagles played the Portage Northern Huskies in a hard fought battle and came out with a 3-1 win.
After an exciting win for the Huskies on January 13 vs the Portage Central Mustangs, the Huskies were working on winning another against one of the top teams in the SWMHSHL. The first period of the contest was exciting for the many fans in attendance at the game. Tom Grieves was in net for his first league start of the season and stood tall to give his team the edge to get their scoring game going. With the game at 0-0 after the first stanza, Grieves was faced with a breakaway in the first minute of the second period. His great poke check save got his team fired up and into what was going to be a tough battle for the entire game. The Eagles found themselves in penalty trouble in the second stanza, forcing a kill of two 5 on 3's in that period. The team worked hard and only allowed 4 shots during those penalty kills and Grieves was up to the task. With the score still a tie at zero apiece, the Eagles finally found the back of the net on a power play just over four minutes into the final period. Kyle Pavlack passed the puck back to his point man AJ Vigen. Vigen didn't have a shot, but made a great pass to Levi Leversee who sent a hard shot to the back of the net to start the scoring for the team for the night. This was Leversee's first goal of the season. Just over a minute later, the Huskies tied the game on a power play as well. Just over two minutes later, Rob Draves gathered the puck from behind the Huskie goal tender and stuffed it in to send the game in favor of the Eagles and to get the game winner for the night. Just 35 seconds later, Bobby Miller won a face off and took a hard shot to finish the scoring for the night at 3-1 in favor of the Eagles. Grieves faced 19 shots and the Eagles had 38 shots on the Huskies goal tender. The next game for the team will be a HUGE one against Mattawan....the REMATCH! Mattawan won the first meeting of these teams earlier in January with a 2-1 score. Look for the Eagles to be ready to play and balance the scales in the win column against the Wildcats. Game time is 8 pm in the Annex!
FILL THE STANDS WITH SCREAMING EAGLE FANS!
Monday, January 11
Skills Competition and Parent Night a League Success
Tonight the SWMHSHL celebrated the players, their parents and the senior class throughout the league. The parents of players were introduced from each team and the seniors had a chance to 'show their skills'. This night is one of camaraderie and fun for players from every team!
The Eagles representatives on the ice were:
A special thank you to all the parents of this team - your support and cooperation throughout the season is greatly appreciated! This organization is well respected throughout this league because of the hardwork and willing volunteers from the parents of these players! See you next year for this special event!
Monday, January 11
Rival Cup Comes HOME
On Saturday, January 9, the Eagles battled the Blades for the 5th Annual Rival Cup. The Eagles won the first year of this event and the Blades have had the Cup since that year...until NOW! Friday, January 8
Goal Starved Eagles Loss a Tough One
On Wednesday evening the Eagles played the Portage Central Mustangs for the second time this season. The Eagles found themselves on the losing end of a tightly played defensive battle.
FILL THE STANDS WITH SCREAMING EAGLES FANS!
Wednesday, January 6
Calling All Eagles Alumni for Saturday, January 9
This Saturday, January 9 after the Rival Cup game, the Eagles and Blades are hosting the 2nd annual Alumni game. If you are an alumni of this club and are interested in playing and have not signed up or been contacted to play and are interested, click the 'web idiot' to your left and sign up! The game will take place right after the Rival Cup game in the Annex, expected time to begin is around 7:45 pm.
There is a minimal cost to play, $5, this is to help defer the cost of ice rental to the current teams of the Eagles and Blades. We look forward to this being an annual event that brings out the best in both of these clubs in the SWMHSHL. SEE YOU AT THE RINK! Monday, January 4
Eagles Lose Heartbreaker to Mattawan
It was the first meeting between the Eagles and Mattawan Wildcats since last February for the league championship last Saturday evening when SWMHSHL regular season play opened for the 2010 year. The game was every bit it should be and gave EVERY spectator in the filled stands a game to remember. The final score of the OT game was 2-1, with the Eagles on the losing end.
With the puck drop at 8:00 pm on Saturday, January 2 in the Annex with just about standing room only for both teams, the energy was there for both teams to get their game going early. Plenty of action from end to end, and both team goal tenders doing an outstanding job of making some pretty awesome saves to keep their team in the game was the tone set early by both teams. The first tally of the game was notched by Mattawan half way through the second period. This did not deter the Eagles and after the break between the second and beginning of the third, it was evident in the play of the Eagles team. They came back to the ice and were determined to not let this game slip away. The only goal for the Eagles in this contest, came at the 9:58 mark of the third period on a breakaway goal by Zach Corliss (unassisted). The Eagles continued to press hard, play tough defense and Joe Ballmer came up with a couple of highlight reel saves to force an overtime. Both teams were willing and eager to end this game in their favor when the puck dropped on the sudden death period. It took just 1:14 for the Mattawan team to capitalize on a miscue in front of the net and end the game in favor of the Wildcats. Eagles outshot the Wildcats 22-20 for the game. The next game will be on Wednesday, January 6 at 8:00 pm in the Annex,; when the Eagles face the Portage Central Mustangs for the second time this season. The Eagles look to work hard and protect the house in order to get back into contention for the league championship. Both teams will be ready to put it all on the line and use every inch of ice to secure the win! Fill the stands with SCREAMING EAGLE FANS!! See you at the rink.... Sunday, December 27
Calling All Eagles Alumni - Upcoming game!
The Eagles current team would like to invite all alumni of the Eagles organization to play in the first Eagles Alumni vs current Eagles. The game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 29 at 5 :00 pm at the Wings Complex. Please reply to our web idiot by clicking to your left. We need to get a better count on numbers of players to get this event organized. A small donation of $5 is asked for to play, to defer costs of the ice for the current budget.
All Touranment Team for Petoskey Announced
A special congratulations to AJ Hammond and Matt Hicks being named to the 8th Annual Petoskey Northmen Invitational All Tournament Team. Matt Hicks 3 goals and AJ Hammond had a goal for the two games played for the tournament. Each played very well in support of their team and represent the Eagles hardwork for the weekend.
The other members of the team were from Petoskey Northmen - #19 Billy Maguire, Captila Patriots - #3 David Peck, #14 Shane Green and #30 Kyle Peterson. Wednesday, December 23
Capital Patriots hand Eagles Second Loss of Season
The Championship game of the 8th Annual Petoskey Northmen Inviational didn't go the way the Eagles team had it on their Christmas wish list. A flat first period gave the Lansing Capital Patriots the chance to take home the hardware.
A slow start for the Eagles for the afternoon face off had the Eagles down by 2 goals at the end of the first period. The Patriots buzzed the net early and often leaving the Eagles were unable to clear for net minder, Joe Ballmer to make the saves. The second stanza started with a renewed sense of urgency for the team. They came out with good passes, hard hitting and a will to put the puck in the back of the net. The Eagles first goal came while on the power play. AJ Vigen took a shot from the point that rebounded to the stick of Rob Draves in the face off circle. He sent a pass to AJ Hammond in the high slot to get the Eagles on the board and in the game. The final stanza was intense from the drop of the puck. With a few line changes, the Eagles found a way to control the play for most of the period. With time winding down and the Eagle down 3-1, Garrett Hudson found Matt Hicks in the high slot and he sent it top shelf to get the game to within one goal. At the 1:45 mark, Coach Brown called a time out to get his troops some rest and set up for Ballmer to get out of the net. Just 20 seconds later with Ballmer on the bench, the Eagles went to work for the remainder of the time on the clock. Good work down low, nice passes and team work were not enough in the third period to overcome for the championship. Ballmer faced 22 shots, stopping 19 of them. The Eagles had 18 shots for the game. The Eagles will take a break for the Christmas holiday and will return to league action play on January 2, 2010. They face crosstown rival the Mattawan Wildcats at 8:00 pm in the Annex. This game will be pivitol in the Eagles quest to finish at the top of the SWMHSHL. The last time these two teams met it was in the Championship game of the SWMHSHL Tournament last February. The game came just 2 days after the 5 OT thriller against Portage Central and the Eagles didn't have a lot of 'jump'. The Wildcats won the game 4-1. Look for this game to be intense and the Eagles looking to get back on the winning track in both league and non-league action.
Fill the stands with screaming Eagle fans!!
Monday, December 21
Petoskey a Pesky Foe
The first game of the Petoskey HS Christmas tournament found the Eagles playing the host on Friday, December 18 at Griffin Arena in Petoskey.
When the puck dropped at 7:30 pm both teams came out quick with intentions of getting the ice tilted in their favor. While the Petoskey Northmen scored early in the period, but that didn't dampen the Eagles intentions. The Eagles scored their first goal at just over the half way mark of the period. Brian Storch found line mate, Matt Hicks, in position to get the Eagles on the board. Just over 4 minutes later, Matt Hicks scored his second of the night while on the power play. Bobby Miller was credited with the assist. That rounded out the scoring for the game - beofre the end of the first period! The final two stanzas were defensive battles for both teams and found Tom Grieves doing a great job of preserving the win for his team. Petoskey was not going to go away easy though. After pulling their goal tender late in the game - the Eagles stood tough and used last year's team motto - 'Protect the House' - and gave the team the win they needed to get to the Championship game on Saturday. Tom Grieves faced 21 shots on net for the game. The Eagles look to get back to the Championship circle on Saturday vs the Lansing Capital Patriots at 3:30 pm at Griffin Arena. Monday, December 21
Board Position Nomination
With the recent decision by Jon Mutual to resign from the Eagles board for personal reasons, an opening for the position of member at large is open. At the last meeting of the board on December 16, Phil Hoard has stepped forward to fill that position. The current board members will meet in January 2010 to do final voting for Mr. Hoard's acceptance of that position.
It is with pleasure this board thanks Mr. Mutual for his years of service to this organization. He served as both member at large and then as Board President. His dedication to this volunteer position is aprreciated by both current and former members of this team and its board. All Eagles board meetings are posted on this site on the calendar. Questions regading the meetings or any other Eagles activity can be referred to the current board president, Mike Corliss. Parents of current players are always welcome. Thursday, December 17
Eagles vs Portage Central...the Rematch
The Eagles faced crosstown rivals on Wednesday evening in front of a packed house in the Annex. The last time these teams met, it took a 5OT game to determine a winner...EAGLES!
The energy on the ice was evident when the puck dropped. Both teams came out with speed, team work and looking to get that all important first goal and momentum early in game. The Portage Central Mustangs were able to get their first goal of the game at the 3:21 mark, while on a 5 on 3 power play. This did not deter the Eagles from hard hitting and big saves from goal tender, Joe Ballmer. But when the Mustangs got their second goal with just seconds left in the first, the team needed the time to get their teamwork back in the game. The second stanza was end to end action by both teams and the Eagles found new energy and the will to get the puck up the ice and shots on the Mustang goal tender. With just 4:19 left on the clock and some great puck movement down low, Zach Corliss found the back of the net. The assist was credited to Bobby Miller. The third period was exciting for ALL the fans in the stands...Eagles and Mustang fans alike. Play was end to end and as time wound down, the Mustangs had a parade of penalties. Unfortunately, the Eagles couldn't connect and suffered their first loss of the season. The effort for this game was evident in every player on the ice. Joe Ballmer faced 22 shots, allowing just 2 goals. The Eagles had 16 shots and only came up with one goal. This game was a painful loss for the team and its coaches, being their first of the seaon and against a very tough PC Mustang squad. However, it does set up for a GREAT rematch come January 6 at 8 pm in the Annex. The way these two team battled for the win, the second meeting could be a VERY interesting event. Mark your calendars! The team travels to Petoskey on Friday and Saturday, December 18 & 19, for the Petoskey HS Christmas Tournament. The teams involved are Petoskey HS (host), MERC, Northview and the Eagles. The team and its coaches look to shake off the loss this week and get back to the CHAMPIONSHIP game on Saturday. Game time Friday is 7:30 pm at Griffin Arena. Saturday's contest is dependent on the win/loss of the Friday game: Loss - play at 1:00 pm. WIN - game time is 3:30 pm All games are at the Griffin Arena. Monday, December 14
Eagles Continue Winning Ways Early This Season
Last Saturday, the Eagles traveled to Jackson for an early evening game that found the Eagles defending every inch of ice for another win early in the 2009-10 season.
Coming off a league win against the feisty Kalamazoo United, the Eagles worked hard against a tough Jackson team. Tom Grieves played well in his second start this season, with the team doing their best to work hard at both ends of the ice for another win. Jackson came out and played tough defense forcing the Eagles to work hard and stay out of the sin bin. It took a little over five minutes for the 'yellow' line (Hammond, C Miller, and Watson) to get their first goal of the game. AJ Hammond made a race to the puck to get it in the corner, passed it back to David Watson. Watson found Carson Miller camped out in his 'office' at the top of the crease to make it a 1-0 Eagles lead. Just 1:07 later, while on the power play, Brian Storch found line mate Matt Hicks open. He passed it back to Rob Draves. Draves' quick release made it 2-0 to end the first period. The second stanza was all Eagles teamwork and defense. The only goal of the period came from Bobby Miller's wrap around stuff in the net. Kyle Pavlack was credited with the assist on this power play goal. The final stanza of the game found Jackson playing frustrated and taking unnecessary penalties allowing the Eagles to work the puck and control the game. The only goal of the third was scored by Hammond during a power play. He picked up the puck behind the net, swung around and roofed it to end the game in favor of the Eagles 4-2. The Eagles again managed a barraged of shots on the Jackson goal tender at 42. Grieves saw 16 shots for the game, stopping 14 of those. This game was about teamwork, communications to get the puck moving up ice and playing defense to support Grieves in net. The Eagles return to league play on Wednesday, December 16 at 8:00 pm vs the Portage Central Mustangs. The last time these two teams met was February 19, 2009 at the league tournament semi-finals. These two teams played for 8 - yes, eight periods, three regular time periods and 5 OT sudden death periods - before the Eagles came out the winner! Lots of history between these two teams and it will be a fun game to watch for all those in attendance! Come out and support the Eagles players and coaches!
FILL THE STANDS WITH SCREAMING EAGLE FANS!!
SEE YOU AT THE RINK!! Thursday, December 10
Snow Storm Does Not Deter Eagles Mission: Win!
The Eagles played the Kalamazoo United last night, despite the Winter Blizzard Warning issued for most of Southwest Michigan. This game was the only game played in the SWMHSHL on Wednesday, as it was the first game of the evening. The remaining two games on the schedule were cancelled due to poor conditions and the teams coming were traveling from Grand Rapids. The games have been re-scheduled and game times are available on the SWMHSHL website.
The Eagles started the game with some great passing and teamwork. Joe Ballmer was in net and made a great toe kick save at the 8:31 mark of the first period to get his team fired up and thinking of scoring. Late in the period, with traffic in front of the United goal tender, Rob Draves saw defenseman, Ben Lamons, with a clear shot fron the blue line. The quick pass and shot from the center of the United defensive blue line sent the Eagles on top to end the period. This is Lamons' first high school goal. The second stanza found the Eagles battling a hungry team to score. After a game tying goal by the United, the Eagles found a way to captilize and send this game in favor of their team for good in this game. At the 10:13 mark of the period, David Watson broke the puck loose at center ice and found AJ Hammond. He dangled two United defenders to go alone on the goalie. SCORE! With just 25 seconds left in the period, AJ Hammond found Bobby Miller loose at the United blue line and Miller found the back of the net to make it a 3-1 Eagles game. The final stanza was all Eagles. Matt Hicks scored with a great shot at the hash marks, while Mitch Evarts scored on a screened goalie from the blue line. The final tally of the night went to Bobby Miller with a coast to coast goal after a great defensive save of a 2 on 1 by Joe Ballmer and his defensive team. The Eagles had 37 shots for the game, scoring 6 times. Ballmer only faced 18 shots, allowing 2 goals. The team gears up for an out of town game on Saturday, December 12 in Jackson. The Jackson team is the same team that almost beat cross town rivals, Portage Central, last season. Final score of that game was 3-2, with the Mustangs scoring the third goal very late in the final period. The next league play will be on December 16 vs Portage Central. Every game for the Eagles in league play is one more closer to making it to the top of the SWMHSHL. The Portage Central game will be the teams first 'tough test'. With weather conditions as they were, this team, coaches and board would like to thank all of its loyal fans and families for making the trip to Wings Stadium to support their efforts.
FILL THE STANDS WITH EAGLES FANS!
Thursday, December 10
Rival Cup Game Soon
The 5th Annual Rival Cup Game between the Eagles and Blades is coming soon! Mark your calendar for January 9, 2010 at 6 pm in the Annex. The Cup has been with the Blades for the last 3 years, the Eagles won it the first year of its existence.
There is a flier with information available by clicking 'handout's to your left. These were also sent out to each player and parent on the team to post in their school. It is also being posted around the rink and will soon appear on the SWMHSHL website. Post it everywhere that you can and fill the stands with screaming Eagles fans! Friday, December 4
Eagles open SWMHSHL with a Win
The Eagles opened the SWMHSHL play with a win against the Portage Northern Huskies on Wednesday. The score was 8-0, a mercy rule win with 6:32 left on the clock in the third period.
The games started a bit slow for both teams, with plenty of action at both ends of the ice. The Eagles scored first at the 6:46 mark on a shot from Matt Hicks at the point. Bobby Miller got the assist. The second period started with the Eagles on a mission to tilt the ice in their favor by scoring at just over the one minute mark. With plenty of traffic in front of the Huskies goal tender, Carson Miller was camped out at the top of the crease and sent the puck to the back of then net to make it 2-0. The flood gates were opened for the Eagles and they took advantage at every turn to put the puck in the net. The third goal of the game was a nice set up from a pass at the goal line from AJ Vigen to Rob Draves at the defensive blue line. He sent the puck to AJ Hammond at the red line who broke free for a breakaway to send it top shelf and send this game out of reach for the Huskies. Two more goals were scored in the second by Bobby Miller (short handed) and another for AJ Hammond. The assists for those goals were credited to AJ Hammond and David Watson. The Eagles scored three more goals in the third by Paul Townsend, David Watson (power play) and AJ Hammond (unassisted) netted his third for a hat trick for the game. Assists for these goals were credited to Ian Malcom and Carson Miller. The Eagles out shot the Huskies 29 -11. Joe Ballmer was credited with a shut out for the game. Total teamwork is evident here, with several players having a multiple point night. The Eagles will look to continue their winning ways in league play next Wednesday, December 9 at 5 pm vs the Kalamazoo United. While the United are a young team, this team plays hard under first year head coach, Matt Kakabeeke, and looks to get their first league win. The Eagles will have to continue the total team effort, tough defense and shooting the puck at every chance. Come out and support this team and its coaches - fill the stands with screaming Eagles fans! See you at the rink! Tuesday, December 1
Ticket and Security 2009
Each season the teams of the SWMHSHL are responsible for working the ticket and security gates. at games throughout the season. Our team has several dates and parents have volunteered their time to serve. The complete schedule is listed to your left in the 'Handouts' tab. If there is an empty slot and you have NOT volunteered to support this team and its coaches, please contact our team manager, Lisa Miller, as soon as possible. We post this information here AFTER it has been emailed to all parents/players.
Sunday, November 29
Eagles are Thanksgiving Tournament Champions
The Eagles faced the Bay Area Thunder at 4 pm in the Lowell/Caledonia Thanksgiving Tournament Championship Saturday at 4 pm at the Kentwood Ice Arena. This game was an exciting game for the many fans in the stands!
The Bay Area Thunder opened the scoring in the first period with two power play goals. Tom Grieves stood tall in net to allow his team mates to find their skates at the first intermission. Both teams came out for the second stanza with tough defense and team work. The Eagles made this a one shot game while on a power play at just over half way through the period. Mitch Evarts was on the point and sent a cross ice pass to his defensive partner, AJ Vigen. Vigen took a hard shot from the point that found Carson Miller at the corner of the net with his stick on the ice. Miller sent it to the back of the net to get his team into the game. This started the ice to tilt in favor the Eagles hunting for their first team tournament championship of the new season. The third period was more defense and plenty of shots by the Eagles on the Thunder goaltender. With the clock reading 14:10, Grieves makes a stellar toe kick save on a break away by the Thunder. Mitch Evarts is there to collect the rebound and head back up the ice with the puck. With lots of traffic in front of the net, Zach Corliss finds Brian Storch open at the top of the crease to get this to a tie game. With 1:15 left on the clock, Coach Brown calls time out to get the team ready for a wild finish. The Eagles go back out with the face off in the Thunder zone, and Brian Storch finds AJ Hammond lose and his quick release sends the Eagles on top for the game. The Thunder are not willing to go away quietly and call a time out with 45 seconds on the clock and get ready to pull their goaltender. The Eagles go into total team defense mode by blocking shots, breaking up passes and keep the Thunder out of the Eagles zone. After blocking a shot, Brian Storch gets up, takes the puck and sends it to the empty net - EAGLES WIN THE TOURNAMENT! Final score: Eagles 4-Thunder 2. Congratulations to the team and coaches on a well played tournament! Tom Grieves played a stellar game and only allowed 2 goals on 19 shots. The Eagles had plenty of opportunities to break this game open with 39 shots on net for the game. This was a total team effort from goaltending, defense and offensive work to win a Thanksgiving tournament for the Eagles for the first time in over 5 years. The team will open SWMHSHL play next week against the Portage Northern Huskies on Wednesday, December 2 at 8 pm in the Annex. Come out and support the team and its coaches by filling the stands with screaming Eagles fans!
See you at the rink!
Sunday, November 29
Team Christmas Party is in One Week
The team will celebrate the Christmas season with a pizza party and player gift exchange after practice on December 4 at S2 Arena in their restaurant. Details of this event will be sent to players and their families from our team manager, Lisa Miller. ONLY players will be exchanging gifts, they drew names in the locker room at the tournament. Please remember to have fun, keeping the cost of the gift under $20 and in good taste (remember these gifts will be opened in the presence of parents!). Friday, November 27
'Too Much Turkey' Hex is OVER
For the last 5 seasons, the Eagles have attended a Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament with the same result - a loss in the first game. Well not today! The team came out with intensity and a will to do different today!
The Forest Hills Northeastern team controlled most of the first period play, but the Eagles were not to be deterred. With half of the period gone, goal tender Joe Ballmer made a couple of great saves to allow the team to get the offense going. With 6:54 on the clock, a scramble in front of the FHNE goaltender found Carson Miller netting the first goal of the game. The assist went to David Watson. the intensity was rising and FHNE scored at the 2:34 mark of the period, making it a 1-1 game. Once again the forward line of Carson Miller, AJ Hammond and David Watson went to work and came up with a wrap around goal by Carson Miller, his second of the game. Hammond received the assist. The second period, was a tough period for both teams. FHNE found itself in the sin bin, more than they would like, yet the Eagles were unable to convert on any of the man advantages they were given. With FHNE finally on a power play of their own with the period winding down, they found a way to get the puck past Joe Ballmer with just seconds left on the clock to end the second period in a 2-2 tie. With the game tied at two a piece and both teams looking for the win, defense and smart plays were the name of the game. With 4 minutes left on the clock and the Eagles on a penalty kill, David Watson collected the puck and sent it up to center ice where AJ Hammond broke lose for a breakway to untie the game. It was Watson's second assist of the game. Just over two minutes later, the Eagles found themselves on another penalty kill but luckily in the offensive zone. David Watson shoots the puck at the net, hoping for a rebound. AJ Hammond was there at the top of the crease and sends it to the back of the net to make it a 4-2 game with just 1:44 left on the clock. Watson was credited with his third assist of the game. Just 27 seconds later, FHNE scored a power play goal to make it 4-3. The Eagles had a total of 24 shots on net tongiht. Joe Ballmer faced 31 shots, allowing only 3 goals for the game. The Eagles played aggressive and played together to make this game end in favor of the Eagles...on to the Championship! Final score was 4-3. Face off for the CHAMPIONSHIP is at 4 pm at the Kentwood Ice Arena vs the Bay Area Thunder. FILL THE STANDS WITH EAGLES FANS!!
Sunday, November 22
Eagles Start Season with WIN against West Ottawa
The Eagles started the new season on Friday, November 20 at S2 Arena here in Kalamazoo with a win against visiting West Ottawa. The team came out ready to play and dominated at both ends of the ice with a mercy rule win early in the third period, 8-0.
The scoring was opened in the first period by Carson Miller on a short handed goal , off a pass from David Watson. Just 3 minutes later defenseman, Mitch Evarts, picked off a pass at center ice, skated in and scored to make it 2-0. The second period opened with a goal from Matt Hicks just 42 seconds in, his second of the night, on a pass from Bobby Miller. The final stanza closed out the evening with 5 goals from 4 different players - Zack Corliss, Mitch Evarts, AJ Hammond and Matt Hicks scored his 3rd goal of the night- a hat trick for him for the game. Assists in the third period were from AJ Hammond, Matt Hicks, Garrett Hudson, Levi Leversee, Brian Storch, and David Watson. Joe Ballmer was in net and only saw 8 shots for the entire game. The team scored at even strength (4), short handed (2) and on the power play (2). This night was the first test of this team for the season, and they played with intensity and drive that will be needed throughout the season. The team will travel to Grand Rapids on 'Black Friday' (November 27, 2009) for the Lowell Thanksgiving Tournament being held at Kentwood Ice Arena. They play Forest Hills NE for the first game. The other teams for the tournament are Lowell/Caledonia vs Bay Area Thunder (they play prior to our game, 1 pm). The Eagles second game will be on Saturday, November 28. Game time will be determined by the win or loss of Friday's game. Loss will be 2 pm and Win will be at 4 pm. All games will be at Kentwood Ice Arena. This team hopes to break the 'too much turkey' history for the Eagles at Thanksgiving Tournament - with a tough team defense, effort and TEAMWORK will be the elements needed to make it to the championship on Saturday!
Fill the stands with Eagles fans!! See you at the rink!
Friday, November 20
Eagles Captains are Chosen
This year the Eagles will be lead by Paul Townsend, senior at Plainwell and 3rd year on team and Joe Ballmer, senior at Gull Lake and 3rd year on team. The assistant captains are Kyle Pavlack (senior at Plainwell, 3rd year on team) and AJ Vigen (senior at KChristian, 4th year on team). Saturday, November 14
Preseason Play Complete - Let the Regular Season Begin
With the preseason games completed today, LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
At the South Christian High School Scrimmage Day, the Eagles began the year in good fashion by playing as a team and supporting the goaltenders with good defense and not allowing a single goal during their scrimmages. Team offense scored eight goals today. Note: Stats will NOT be shown in the standings for the scrimmage day.; this will include both team win/loss record and individual stats. As the season opens next week at S2 Arena in Kalamazoo; the coaches and players will work to start the season off on the right skate against West Ottawa. The game is on Friday, November 20 at 7 pm. Each player was given 20+ tickets to share with other students at their school. Fill the stands with Eagles fans!! If you are new to the team and need a log in to see the team stats, follow the prompts given when trying to view the stats. Our 'web idiot' will send you a password to view all activity on our site. Please give your name and players name when requesting access. Saturday, November 7
Special Thanks you to Falcon Organizers
The Eagles Board would like to thank Al Storch and Doug Hicks for keeping our Fall Falcons Program on track for 3 years. This is an important fall program for our team and the effort by these volunteers is one of the ingredients of success for our team during the regular season.
Both of these volunteers have seniors on the team this year. If this fall program is to continue it will need a volunteer willing to organize and coordinate efforts through the Coaching staff to run this fall program. Under MHSAA rules, Coaches cannot have contact with players in groups for any type of practice or workouts for any sport season prior to tryouts. The Eagles have been very fortunate to have willing volunteers to work this program to the benefit of our team. If you have a younger player on the team and are interested, please talk to one of these men, AL or Doug, or any Eagles board member for more information. Friday, November 6
Upcoming Events for 2009-10 Eagles
The 2009-10 Eagles have a few upcoming events in the next week.
1. Team Building Event on Saturday November 7. All team members and coaches will be at Holiday Inn on 11th Street for a day of team building activities, food and WMU hockey game in the evening. It is a fun day with lots of items to get ready for the upcoming season. WMU is honoring the military and asking everyone that attends to bring something for care packages being sent to military serving overseas. Each player is being asked to bring one item off the list in the packet at parent night to this event.
Wednesday, November 4
Congratulations to the 2009-10 Eagles Team Members
Congratulations to the 2009-10 Eagles Team Members!! Our coaches, board and parents are very excited about the new season that begins today!
GO EAGLES!!
Thursday, October 29
Eagles Team Manadatory Meeting for Parents and Players
The Eagles team will be having their annual mandatory player and parent/guardian meeting on Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 pm at Wings Stadium in the Hospitality Room. This meeting will take place 15 minutes after the end of on ice practice for players. Monday, October 26
League Announces Mandatory Meeting for All Players and Parents/Guardians
The Annual SWMHSHL kick off meeting is scheduled on November 11th at 7:00 at Loy Norrix High School. Players are expected to go directly from the planned practice to this event. One parent/guardian is expected to attend, as code of conduct forms for both player and parent are expected to be signed on this night.
There will be a few guest speakers and much information for the upcoming season in the SWMHSHL. Mark your calendar today! Sunday, October 25
One week to go! Tryouts Begin on November 2
With just one week to go, many preparations are going on 'behind the scenes' to get the Eagles ready to play the 2009-10 season.
Tryouts begin November 2 at 6:30 pm at the Cube. Players should arrive early enough to check in with our team manager and Coach Brown and his staff. ALL paperwork MUST be there to get on the ice. The form you need is at your left in the 'handouts'. You can send all information early to our team manager, Lisa Miller. Remember the following items are REQUIRED to take the ice: Completed registration form with payment (checks should be payable to Kalamazoo Eagles), USA hockey confirmation number, recent school progress report, copy of birth certificate (returning players do not need this, we already have a copy of yours), and a numbered color jersey. Please allow plenty of time to get there and checked in - dont' be late! This website will be 'under construction' for the next several weeks as our new season gets under way. As schedules for practice, games and team rosters are complete - they will be posted. Mark us as one of your favorites and check regularly! We look forward to an exciting year of high school hockey and wish all players that are coming to tryouts the best! GO EAGLES! Tuesday, October 13
Tryouts coming in 3 weeks!
Are you ready for tryouts?? If you are in one of the Eagles eligible school districts and in grades 9th-12th grade this year - get your registration form by clicking on the 'handouts' to your left. The form can be sent to our team manager, Lisa Miller, any time before the first day of tryouts, as well as brought to the first night of tryouts.
The first day of tryouts is November 2, with ice time at 6:30-7:45 pm at Wings Stadium. Players should plan to go to the Cube area at the bottom of the stairs and expect to turn in forms there to our team manager. SEE YOU AT THE RINK!! GO EAGLES!! Tuesday, October 13
SWMHSHL website
The Kalamazoo Eagles are members of the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League, (SWMHSHL) along with Mattawan, Portage Central & Northern, Kalamazoo United (Kalamazoo Central, Loy Norrix and Hackett Catholic),and the other club team in the league, the Kalamazoo Blades. There is a website that contains lots of current information for the league and our competitors. Click on 'links' to your left to check it out and save it as one of your favorites.
Sunday, October 4
Full Season Schedules to be released here soon
The 2009-10 season schedule, including practices and dryland epectations, will be released here soon. Final schedules are being coordinated within the SWMHSHL. The Eagles game schedule has been posted, with the practice schedule to follow.
Tryouts begin the week of November 2, 2009. The tryout registration flier can be found by clicking 'handouts' to your left. ALL players MUST be USA Hockey registered to play for the Eagles and a confirmation copy of the registration MUST accompany the tryout form (go to www.usahockey.com to do this). Forms are accepted early by our team manager, Lisa Miller. Her mailing address is included on the form. Payment should be made payable to the Kalamazoo Eagles. ALL Players are also required to bring a school progress report to the first tryout practice (new this year). NOTE: ALL parents/guardians of players that make the 2009-10 Eagles team are expected to participate in some kind of volunteer activity to suport these athletes and coaches. Our team will be scheduled to work the gate/security for at least 6 home games during the season, not during our game time. Please be prepared to sign up and represent our team and coaches well. The success of this team is directly related to all parents/guardians being involved in a positive and constructive manner. A special required parent/guardina meeting for all 2009-10 will be scheduled shortly after the team has been announced and the date will be posted here, as well as team parents/guardians will also be notified by email. Monday, September 28
Tryouts in 4 Weeks
If you have not downloaded your tryout flier and sent it to our team manager - NOW IS THE TIME! Tryouts begin in just 4 short weeks - November 2, 2009. The form can be downloaded by clicking on 'handouts' to your left.
Sunday, September 20
Eagles September Board Meeting Cancelled
Due to many conflicts in scheduling, the Eagles Board meeting for September 21 at 5:30 pm is cancelled. The rest of the meetings scheduled for the 2009-10 season can be found on the calendar. Parents of the team and coaches are always welcome. Dates and times vary to accomodate the team schedule. Reminder: this board and team is a success because of willing volunteer parents/guardians doing many different things behind the scenes. The coaching staff and players are best supported by positive and willing volunteers. The Eagles organization is respected around Southwest Michigan because of the many willing volunteers - past and present. Tuesday, September 15
Falcons Program Returns
The Falcons program, run by volunteers Al Storch and Doug Hicks, will return this fall! It will be run on Thursdays at S2 Arena (formerly known as Twin Star Ice Arena) beginning October 1. Times are 4-5pm. There will be a short time of warm ups, drills and conditioning, followed by a controlled scrimmage time. Doug Hicks and Al Storch will be on ice for supervision. This workout session is open to any player in either of the club team areas - Eagles or Blades.
This is a GREAT way to be on the ice and get ready for the fall tryouts (which begin on November 2, see handouts to the left)!
The cost is just $50 per pre-registered player. All fees will be collected at the first session. If there is available space, $70 can be paid at the door without pre-registering. Checks can be made payable to Al Storch or cash will be accepted. Contact Al Storch to register at astorch@trigohospitality.com. NOTE: the cost is a flat rate, no per session rates are available. Space is limited, contact Al today to participate. The Eagles board thanks Al Storch and Doug Hicks for organizing this event. Coaches for the Eagles CANNOT be coaching players now until the tryouts, as per MHSAA rules. Sunday, September 13
Two Eagles Attend Motor City Cup
The Eagles were represented at the Motor City Cup September 11-13, 2009 by two 2008-09 players: Joe Ballmer (MDHL White) - goal tender and AJ Vigen (Team West Michigan) - defense. There were 42 teams in the Midget Major AAA division. This is a USHL scouting tournament held in Detroit, MI each fall. Congratulations to both players for representing their families, our organization and their home school with pride.
Tuesday, August 25
Six Eagles Invited to Team West Michigan Tryouts
This past weekend, six Eagles players were invited to the Team West Michigan Tryouts in Grand Rapids. The tryouts were for experienced players and required an invitation to attend. This team had over 120 players trying for just 22 roster positions. Players were from over 22 different high schools located in Southwest Michigan (mostly Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo area). This should be seen as a tribute to the growth of high school hockey in our area. Monday, August 3
Summer Hockey Finishes Strong
Congratulations to all the players this summer for a fun and exciting summer hockey season. The Eagles won every game but one this summer! A special thank you to all the parent volunteers who stepped up to fill in doing scorekeeping, time clock running and penalty box helper during the summer season. Parent volunteers are the heart of our organization and we are grateful for the many willing parents/guardians.
The 2009-10 season will be here before we know it. Scheduling is almost complete and workout times and events are being planned for the fall season. Our team manager, Lisa Miller, sent an email out to all summer players about the West Michigan Development League that is run in October. If you have not sent in your form, do so as soon as possible, spots are filling quickly. It is a fun and very competitive way for the players to be on the ice with other high school players from the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids area. Contact Lisa Miller (ckmmiller@sbcglobal.net), if you want more information on this. Remember: Playing summer hockey does NOT guarantee any player a place on the regualr season team for 2009-10. Tryout dates are to be announced soon. Eligible players are in 9th-12th grade for 2009-10 at any of the Eagles district schools: Allegan, Bangor, Bloomingdale, Decatur, Delton-Kellogg, Gobles, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo Christian, Lawton, Lawrence, Martin, Otsego, Parchment, Paw Paw, and Plainwell. Homeschooled students in Portage and all listed school districts are also welcome. As soon as it is available - tryout registration forms will be posted here and sent to all players (and their parents) that participated in the summer SWMHSHL play. Tuesday, July 21
Summer Hockey Almost over - Regular Season Prep at Full Speed
With summer hockey winding down, the final touches are being placed on the 2009-10 regular season schedule. The full season schedule will be announced within the next 4 weeks. THANKS to Lisa Miller, our team manager, and Coach Brown for the extra time and effort it takes to put the schedule together. The SWMHSHL also has a website that will have the complete and up to date schedule posted there as well. Please note that it will NOT contain any non-leauge games or tournaments that the Eagles are participating in. The site address is www.swmhshl.org. A special thanks to all volunteers this summer! It is so good to have such willing parents to do behind the scenes work to support this team and its coaches! REMEMBER: Tryouts for the regular season will be the week of November 2, 2009. All info will be posted here as soon as it is available. All summer participants will be emailed a copy of the registration form and the requirements as soon as they become available. Each school in our district is also sent a copy of the registration forms to post at the school. Participation in summer hockey does not guarantee any player a position on the regular season team. Tuesday, July 7
2009-10 Board Meetings Scheduled
The Eagles Board members have set the meetings for the 2009-10 season. They are: August 17, September 17, October 19 at McGinnis Landing (Corner of Drake and West Main) at 5:30 pm; November 20 at 5:30 pm at S2 Arena (formerly known as Twin Star); December 16 and January 6,2010 at 6:30 pm Wings Stadium, and finally February 10 after the 5pm Eagles game at Wings; the March and April meetings will be scheduled at a later date (depending on team schedule). These meetings are open to parents/guardians of current team members for the season in which they are meeting. Meeting times and places can change as needed, with every effort of communication to let parents of the current team know when a change is made. Tuesday, June 23
First Summer Games Go Well, Eagles Win Both Games
The summer league started last week, with both teams winning their first games. GREAT JOB!
Due to unforseen problems at the league level; some game times had to be changed and Saturday, July 11 games had to be recheduled to July 18. Team manager, Lisa Miller, will update all team members via an email. The handout for the league schedule on this site has been changed to the most recent update from SWMHSHL commissioner, Frank Noonan. The schedule can also be found on the league website - www.swmhshl.org. Special note: no stats or team rosters are listed for summer hockey play. The team make up changes and stats are not even kept at the league level. These items are reserved for the regular season play. Thursday, May 28
Summer Hockey Begins in Just 3 weeks
Summer hockey for the SWMHSHL teams, including the Eagles, begins in just 3 weeks. If you haven't registered, time is running out to be part of the team. The Eagles will have 2 teams again this year, and space is VERY limited for remaining spots for players. You must be in the Eagles district and a 9-12th grade student for the 2009-10 school year in one of our district schools. Click on the handouts to your left to get more information from our team manager, Lisa Miller. Games will begin the week of June 18. The complete SWMHSHL summer schedule will be posted soon at www.swmhshl.org. The Eagles team schedule will be mailed directly to all players/parents that have paid the $180 league fee to be rostered for the summer. NOTE: Participation in summer hockey, does not guarantee a position on the 2009-10 regualr season team. Tryouts will be held in late October for the regular season. Watch here for details as they become available. Monday, May 11
Final Days of Summer Hockey Registration are HERE!
If you have NOT sent in your registration for summer hockey - NOW IS THE TIME!! The Eagles will be having 2 teams again this summer and there are limited spots available to complete the summer teams. Not sure if you are eligible?? Players must be in one of our school districts and in 9-12th grade for the 2009-10 school year. Our schools are: Allegan, Bangor, Bloomingdale, Decatur, Delton-Kellogg, Gobles, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo Christian, Lawrence, Lawton, Martin, Otsego, Parchment, Paw Paw, and Plainwell. Students that are home-schooled in these districts are also welcome. Click on the handouts icon to your left to get all the information you need to get registered today! NOTE: Playing on the summer team does not imply you will be part of the regular season team for 2009-10. Tryouts for that will be held in late October 2009. Watch this site for updates regarding tryout dates and times this fall. Monday, April 20
New to High School Hockey? Here is how it works!
Is your player entering high school in the fall? Or did your player play in another team for the last season and is looking to play high school hockey this year? Here is how high school hockey basically works:
How much does high school hockey cost? For the last few years, the cost is in the area of $1600-1800 per player. There are several areas of fund raising that can significantly lower this cost to families. Most specifically the league yearbook. This is similar to the KOHA yearbook program and is a significant source of funds to many parents on our team and in the league. Monday, April 20
Coach Brown Returns for Third Season
Coach Darrick Brown has agreed to return as the Eagles Head Coach for the 2009-10 season. He is looking forward to the returning players and building the Eagles hockey program for the future.
Monday, March 16
Summer Hockey Coming Soon
With the 2008-09 season 'in the books', plans are being made for the summer HS hockey teams.
Who is eligible to play HS hockey for the Eagles? Well we have 15 schools that our team is made up from: Allegan, Bangor, Bloomingdale, Decatur, Delton-Kellogg, Gobles, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo Christian, Lawton, Lawrence, Martin, Otsego, Parchment, Paw Paw. and Plainwell, Home schooled students in the Portage Area and all of the above listed areas are also eligible. The player must be a 9th-12th grade student for the 2009-10 school year. The Eagles are part of the Southwestern Michigan High School Hockey League (SWMHSHL) and plans are in the beginning stages for the summer hockey program. As soon as information is complete, we will have it available here on our site. Never played HS hockey and eligible for the 2009-10 season? Just click on the 'web idiot' icon toyourleft and our website manager will put you on our summer mailing list. PLEASE NOTE: playing for our team during summer does NOT guarantee a place on our regular season roster. Tryouts for that will be in the fall of 2009. We look forward to meeting many new faces and having a great time this summer! Friday, February 27
Grand Haven Out Works Eagles
With the 2008-09 season winding down, the Eagles were hoping to travel to the Edge in Holland to come home with a win.
The game started pretty even, both teams hustling to pucks, skating through center ice and the Eagles were following the team theme - "Protect the House". With just over half of the period gone, the Grand Haven Bucaneers struck first during 4 on 4 play. Tom Grieves, in net for the first time in many games, did very well to give his team a chance to kick start their goal scoring. The start of the second was the undoing of the Eagles. The Bucaneers scored twice during the period, with one of those being a power play goal. The Eagles did manage to get one goal - Garrett Hudson sent a shot from the point to get his first goal as an Eagle. It was scored as unassisted. Ending the second stanza with the Eagles down 3-1. The third period was not much better for the team. Allow too many shots on Grieves and taking unnecessary penalites was the undoing in this game. The highlight of the final stanza was Levi Leversee getting a goal while down low, his first power play goal. The assists were credited to Kyle Pavlack and Zach Corliss. The Bucaneers closed out the game with 3 more goals in the third. The final score was 6-2 in favor of the home team. Grieves faced 29 shots, while the Eagles managed 15 shots for the game. The Eagles will attend their final tournament of the season March 6-8 in Grand Rapids. They are part of the Spring Showdown hosted by Big Bear Tournaments. Schedules have not been given, however, should arrive before the first of the week and will be posted here as soon as they are available. Team members will receive an email as well. Let's hope some well deserved time off this weekend and a couple of practices next week will be what the team needs - as many as 6 players are still battling flu-like symptoms. This team has worked hard to have a great record this seasaon: 15-10 overall.
Five Eagles Earn League Honors
After the disappointment of losing the championship, the league handed out the hardware to players in the league. Five Eagles players earned recognition by the league and Coach Brown was selected to share the 'Coach of the Year' honor!
Joe Ballmer was given the Goalie of the Year award for the second year in a row. Kyle Pavlack was honored with 2nd Team All Star. AJ Hammond, Brian Storch and AJ Vigen were all honored with Honorable Mention All Stars. The final award to be handed out was to Head Coach Darrick Brown and Portage Central Coach Jim Murray as the Coaches of the Year! Our team is very proud of Coach Brown and his staff, Kyle Doorlag, Matt Jones and Kyle Weitekamp. Congratulations to each of them on their recognition by the league. We would also like to honor our seniors on this team - Captain-Zack Mutual, Asst Captain-Tyler Tankersley and Tom Muma! It has been a privelege to have you as part of the Eagles program! Our team is planning on a season ending party soon! As soon as plans are complete each team member will be notified by email of all details! Stay tuned....
Sunday, February 22
Eagles Exhaustion and Illness a Factor in Championship Game
It was on everyone's mind...could the Eagles come back and win after the emotional win just 2 days earlier!? With several players battling flu like symptoms, it would be a mountain that this team would have to climb.
Within a few minutes of the puck drop at 7 pm in the Annex, it was clear that Joe Ballmer was going to have to be stellar in net again to help his team get going. Mattawan was skating hard and beating the Eagles to many of the puck battles in the corners and around the net. With over half of the first period gone, Mattawan found the chink in Ballmer's armor and found the back of the net. The Eagles held on but couldn't muster much of a fight for the Mattawan Wildcats that seemed to have the goal of winning the Tournament! The Wildcats scored 3 more goals before the end of the game. The lone goal of the night for the Eagles was scored by David Watson at the 10:14 mark of the thrid period, it was a power play goal. AJ Hammond got the assist. Ballmer did his best, by stopping 47 of the 51 shots he faced. The Eagles only managed 18 shots for three periods. It was clear that this team was not at its best - exhaustion and flu-like symptoms were a factor on this night. This team - its players and coaches - should be congratulated on a GREAT season! To be a contender on any given night in league play and to make it to this championship game is something to be proud of! With many players expected to return next year and only losing three players as seniors - this team has something to look forward to!! The parents and fans of these players and coaches are very proud of the effort, teamwork, and grace when losing that they have shown throughout the season! THANKS for a GREAT year!! The Eagles do have 1 more game next week, February 25 in Holland and a tournament March 6-8 in Grand Rapids before taking some time off to prepare for the 2009-2010 season! We would like to thank our fans, family and the students at the schools who have come to the games this year and supported these athletes and coaches! Friday, February 20
Eagles Defeat Goliath to Advance to League Championship
The Eagles defeated Portage Central in a game that will go into the record books! It took 5 overtime periods, but the Eagles never gave up and won 2-1. A full article with game highlights will be posted tomorrow!! CONGRATULATIONS EAGLES!! League Championship is Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm vs Mattawan in the Annex at Wings Stadium.
5OT Win Stuns League Champs
After the marathon 3 1/2 hour game Thursday evening, all Coach Brown could say was "Amazing". This game was a test of wills and goal tending.
EAGLES WIN!!! CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE WE COME!!
While this game was not a MHSAA record, it was for the SWMHSHL game. Joe Ballmer faced 63 shots only allowing 1 goal for the game! The Eagles had 26 shots, with 2 goals. It was excitement for everyone that stayed until almost midnight to see the Eagles gain their first victory over league champion, Portage Central. It has been many years since the Eagles have had the privilege to play in the championship game and it will be played against cross town rival, Mattawan. These two teams have only met once this year, with the Eagles earning the win 2-1. Game time is 7 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2009 in the Annex. Wednesday, February 18
Eagles Begin Prep Work for 2009-10 Season
The Eagles volunteeer board is starting its work for the next season, first by electing new members and second, getting ready to do an early summer golf fund raising outing.
First, the Eagles current parents have elected the following individuals to serve as their volunteer board members for the 2009-10 season: Mike Corliss-President, Lori Vigen-Asst. Board Chairperson, Lisa Miller-team manager, Ron Pavlack-Athletic Director, Beth Grieves-Secretary, Dave Ballmer-treasurer, and Jon Mutual-member at large. We would like to thank the 2008-09 board for their service this year. While Lori Vigen and Jon Mutual will remain on the board in new positions, we thank Doug Tankersley for his service this year as our Athletic director. Without volunteers - the Eagles team could not support it's coaching staff and players. Second, the work begins on next season! Ron Pavlack is working to put together a team fund raiser - a golf outing! It is set as June 20 at the Prairies (on West Main St). With a lot of work to be done, only a few details are known at this time: Shot gun start for the four person team is at approximately 2 pm. Cost: $60-$70 per player. This includes gifts, cart and golf. If you would like to help organize this or have a donation that can be used for this event, please contact Ron Pavlack. Get involved early - this will be a fun event and will be publicized on local radio stations as soon as details are set. Stay tuned here for details as they are available. Tuesday, February 17
Eagles Start League Tournament with a Win
The SWMHSHL tournament started last night with the Eagles (4th place) facing the Kalamazoo United (5th place) in the Annex for the first game of the SWMHSHL tournament. Monday, February 16
League Tournament Begins Today
The league tournament begins today! The Eagles finished in 4th place and will face Kalamazoo United at 6 pm in the Annex. Team members were emailed the complete tournament bracket. Should the Eagles win tonight -next game is Thursday, February 18 at 8 pm vs Portage Central. Should the Eagles lose tonight, they will face a visitor from another league on Wednesday - either at 6 or 8 pm. The finals for the league championship and all consolation games are being played on Saturday, February21. The first consolation game starts at 3 pm, semi finals consolation at 5 pm and the championship at 7 pm. League awards will be handed out immediately after the finals. ALL players are expected to attend and be in game attire (shirt, tie, dress pants and team warm up jacket).
This has been a great season for the Eagles and let's fill those stands this week and cheer our players and coaches to that championship game! After the McMichigan Cup - this team proved they can be there and play well! See you at the rink.... Sunday, February 8
Championship Game a Thriller
The Eagles made it to the finals of the McMichigan Cup and put on a defensive battle that was exciting to watch for all the fans in attendance. Their opponent was the Rockford High School Rams.
The puck dropped at 3:30 and each team played a defensive battle to set the tone of the game and try to find a way to get the puck to the net. The first goal of the game was from Mitch Evarts from the point. He took the shot from the point and for once the Eagles got the lucky bounce off the goal tender and this game was 1-0 in favor of the Eagles. Just two minutes later the Rams tied the game while on the power play. The second period was total defense and goal tending. Each team managed low shot counts, Eagles 3 and Rams 6. However, the Eagles were the one to step up and break the tie. AJ Hammond found the puck just inside the defensive blue line and dangled his way through the defense to score in close. Less than a minute later, the Rams broke free on a breakway that found the puck in Joe Ballmer's glove! Eagles still on top after two periods. With the score in favor of the Eagles, the Rams pressed hard and often. Defense and goal tending were doing a great job. With just 2:26 left in the game, the Rams tied the game. The heartbreaker came just 13 seconds later - 3-2 Rams. Eagles Coach Brown called time out with 1:45 left on the clock. Getting the team a rest and giving instructions to get Ballmer to the net for the extra attacker. Once the puck was deep in the zone, the Eagles swarmed the Ram net, but to no avail. A loose puck was sent to the empty net, sealing the championship victory for the Rams. The Eagles only had 8 shots for the third period, finishing the game with 20 shots on net. Ballmer faced 14 of his 29 shots for the game during the third period, allowing only 3 goals for the game. This game also saw the Eagles playing tough defense while staying out of the penalty box, only 2 penalties were assessed to the team for the whole game, a total of 4 minutes. While this loss was a painful one, this team should be proud of its accomplishments this weekend. Coming away as 2nd place, playing total team defense and the preparation for the league tournament. - should be seen as 'Mission Accomplished'. Team motto ('Protect the house') was evident in each game, team work and communication was clearly the goal of each well played game. Coming away from the tournament would have been nice; Eagles pride and class were evident in each game. These tournament games should be well remembered as preparation for the upcoming league tournament to begin on February 16, back at the Annex at Wings Stadium. Game times and opponents of the Eagles will be announced by the league after the final league scheduled game (February 11). Check here for more information - it will be posted as soon as the team gets it.
McMichigan Cup All Tournament Team Awards
AJ Hammond was named to the All Tournament Team and Joe Ballmer was named as one of two tournament MVP's. Congratulations to both!! Sunday, February 8
Semi Finals Game Finished in OT
The semi-finals for the McMichigan Cup tournament found the Eagles needing the extra stanza to come up with the win to advance to the finals on Saturday. The win was 3-2 over the Jenison Wildcats. Friday, February 6
MCMichigan Cup Start a Good One for Eagles
This year the Eagles started the McMichigan Cup with a win against visiting Manistee in a 5-3 contest. Wednesday, February 4
Portage Central Outworks Eagles in Final League Game of Season
The final regular season game was all Portage Central Mustangs, with a final score of 4-1. The Mustangs came out with intensity and speed that the Eagles seemed to match up and work against during the first period. However, the second stanza was the Eagles undoing for this game. They found themselves on the penalty kill twice, which allowed the potent offense of the Mustangs to take a 2-0 lead. This game just was all Mustangs from that point on. The hard work and tenacity of assistant captain, Tyler Tankersley, broke the shut out for the Mustangs. With just seconds left in the game, Tankersley found himself in the high slot with a great shot at their goalie. The assists were credited to AJ Hammond and David Watson. This was credited as a short handed goal, as the Eagles were on a 5 on 3 power play. |
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