The RiverKings are ranked eighth in the latest Yellowbook CHL Coaches Poll, released late Wednesday afternoon from the league offices.
The RiverKings remain in the top ten, but fell one spot from seventh in the last poll, released in mid-November.
Mississippi garnered 48 points in the balloting, based on a 10-9-8-7-6, etc. point scale. The RiverKings have a 9-9-2 record entering this weekend's schedule of play.
For the third straight poll, the Odessa Jackalopes received the top spot with 13 first place votes and 139 points. Allen received the other two first place ballots and totaled 121 points for second place.
Northern Conference co-leader Colorado finished third in the balloting with 111 points. The other Northern Conference co-leader, Tulsa, was ranked fourth and Rapid City, currently fourth in the Northern Conference standings, finished in fifth place.
The remaining teams in the top ten in order, were Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Mississippi, Texas, and Bossier-Shreveport. The entire poll may be viewed on line at the Central Hockey League web site.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Player-Waiter Dinner A Savory Success
Tuesday night (December 1st) RiverKings With A Cause joined the RiverKings in hosting a Player-Waiter Dinner at Dale's Restaurant in Southaven. It turned out to be a great success for RKWAC, as noted in a story on the RiverKings' web site.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Chaumont's Triple Named Performance of the Week
The Central Hockey League has announced that Mississippi RiverKings’ forward Bobby Chaumont had the league’s “Performance of the Week” during the week ending November 22nd, 2009.
Chaumont had a three-goal “natural” hat-trick in the RiverKings’ 6-1 victory over the Missouri Mavericks on Saturday, November 21st in Southaven.
A “natural” hat-trick is when the player scores three consecutive goals.
More on Chaumont's performance can be found on the CHL league web site.
Monday, November 30, 2009
RiverKings Weekly Release - 11/30/09
THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE
Colorado at Mississippi, Friday, December 4th (7:05 PM)
Missouri at Mississippi, Sunday, December 6th (3:05 PM)
LAST GAME
Rapid City 4, RiverKings 1 (Saturday, November 28th)
Rapid City parlayed a three-goal first period into its fourth straight victory in a Saturday afternoon game in South Dakota. The win also swept the weekend series with the RiverKings in Mississippi’s final game of the regular season in the Black Hills. Ryan Held scored the RiverKings’ only goal of the game at 7:52 of the second period. Ray Jean took the loss in goal for the RiverKings, despite making 21 saves.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2-Adam Smyth: Played in CHL career game number 100 at Allen on Wednesday.
3-David Simoes: Ranks third in the CHL for defenseman majors (6). Took a league-high five minor penalties in the RiverKings’ 2-1 shootout victory against Texas on November 3rd.
3-Kevin Cooper: Played in CHL career game number 100 Friday against Rapid City.
18-Ryan Held: Leads CHL in goals scored (14) and leads the RiverKings in points (21). Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in power play goals (4). Also leads the team in shorthanded goals scored (2). Is tied for tenth in the CHL for power play goals scored and is tied for second in shorthanded goals scored. Ranks fourth in the CHL for shots on goal (74).
21-Bobby Chaumont: Is tied for first in game-winning goals (4).
25-Matt Pierce: Has best plus-minus statistic on the roster at plus-six.
27-Steve Makway: Played in CHL career game number 200 Friday at Rapid City. Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in assists (12). Is tied with Derek Landmesser for fifth in the CHL for defenseman points with 14.
30-Ray Jean: Is tied for first in the CHL for games played (15). Is second in minutes played (869) and is fourth in saves (383). Is tied for second in the CHL for shootout wins (2).
37-Ryan Campbell: Plays in career professional game number 300 Friday against Colorado. Tied with Steve Makway for team lead in assists (12). Tied with Ryan Held for team lead in power play goals (4).
44-Cam Severson: Ranks fourth in the CHL for minor penalties (17).
55-Derek Landmesser: Is tied with Steve Makway for fifth in the CHL for defenseman points with 14.
87-Darrell Stoddard: Leads RiverKings and is fifth in the CHL for penalty minutes (68).
RIVERKINGS TEAM NOTES
Mississippi has not lost had a regulation time loss in the team’s last three home games, dating back to November 13th.
Friday night’s 4-3 overtime loss at Rapid City marked the second loss by the RiverKings in overtime.
Mississippi is 2-0 in shootouts.
In CHL Northern Conference games, the RiverKings have a record of 5-8-2. By contrast, the RiverKings are 4-1-0 in games against the Southern Conference.
The RiverKings average 21.65 penalty minutes per game, including one ten-minute misconduct and four game misconduct penalties.
Mississippi took a league high six major penalties in its 6-1 win over Missouri on November 21st.
RiverKings’ 22 shots on goal in the third period of a 4-3 loss to Wichita on October 25th is the most number of shots taken in the final period of a CHL game this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Entering the week, the RiverKings average 14.5% on the power play and 85.2% on the penalty kill. Mississippi has scored five shorthanded goals and has allowed one. Saturday, the RiverKings failed to score in three power play chances. It marked the first time since November 20th that Mississippi had failed to score with the man advantage. The Rush also failed to score in three power play chances on Saturday. Mississippi has not allowed a power play goal in three of the team’s last four appearances, going 1-for-21) in those three games.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
Friday, December 11th at Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start), Saturday, December 12th vs. Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start)
These are games five and six of the regular season series. The RiverKings have a 1-2-1 record against the Mudbugs this year. Ryan Campbell leads the RiverKings in points against Bossier-Shreveport with four assists. Mississippi’s only win of the season series was a 4-1 decision on November 13th in Southaven. Mississippi next plays at Bossier-Shreveport on December 26th and hosts the Mudbugs next on February 9th at 7:05 PM.
IT’S TOUGH IN THEM THAR’ HILLS
Last weekend’s results in Rapid City dropped the RiverKings record against the Rush in the Black Hills to 1-2-1 this season. Mississippi’s only win in Rapid City was on November 7th in a 3-1 victory. The RiverKings won the season series last year, which saw two games in South Dakota and one in Southaven. The RiverKings won 3-1 in Rapid City and 4-0 in Southaven. The Rush took a 3-2 decision in the second of the three games played between the teams last year.
RIVERKINGS POST FIRST WIN AT ALLEN
In the first meeting between the Americans and RiverKings Wednesday night, Mississippi rallied to prevail in Allen, Texas 3-1. Trailing 1-0 after two periods, the RiverKings rallied for its first come-from-behind victory this season. Derek Landmesser’s power play goal started the surge, followed by Louis Dumont’s game-winning goal and Cam Severson power play goal with just over a minute remaining. Ian Keserich was the winning goaltender with a 39-save effort. Six more games await between the two teams, starting in Mississippi on January 9th.
GOT SOME BULLETS BACK
Mississippi out shot an opponent for the first time in four games Saturday afternoon in Rapid City, edging the Rush on the shot clock by a 30-25 margin. The last time Mississippi had the advantage in shooting offense came last Saturday, November 21st, when the RiverKings had a 28-26 edge in the 6-1 victory at home against Missouri.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
Ryan Campbell has been among the hot players for the RiverKings in the past couple of weeks. Campbell leads the RiverKings in scoring during the team’s last five games with two goals and six points. Campbell’s goal scoring includes a power play goal, a shorthanded goal, and the first goal of a game, coming in Friday’s overtime loss at Rapid City. Bobby Chaumont is the RiverKings’ leading goal scorer in the past five games with a total of three, while Matt Pierce has factored in four assists during the team’s last quintet of contests. At the goal crease, Ian Keserich played in three of the team’s five games and has a 2-0-1 record, a 1.99 goals-against-average, and a save percentage of .938.
NOVEMBER’S GONE
The combination of Ryan Campbell and Ryan Held has led Mississippi’s offense during the month of November, which ended with the RiverKings fashioning a record of 5-5-2 for the month. Campbell was the leading scorer for the month with two goals and nine assists. Held was the team’s leading scorer with eight goals and a total of ten points. Matt Pierce had the best plus-minus during the month at plus-seven and Adam Smyth had the most penalty minutes with 50. Held and Cam Severson each had two power play goals and two of Held’s goals were unassisted tallies. Between the pipes, Ray Jean was 3-5-1 for the month and Ian Keserich was 2-0-1 in November games. Keserich had the better goals-against-average at 1.99 and the better save percentage at .939.
CHANGING ‘EM UP
The RiverKings March 11th game against the Mudbugs at Bossier-Shreveport has been moved to March 16th, also at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, LA, and also starting at 7:05 PM.
PLAYER APPEARANCES
You can meet the RiverKings in person in the next couple weeks. There will be a “Meet and Greet” party on December 8th at Windy City Grille in Hernando. RiverKings players will be on hand from 5:30 to 7:30 PM to meet fans and sign autographs. The entire team will also come out for an appearance on Wednesday, December 16th at WiseGuys Pizza, on Highway 51 in Horn Lake, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This will be another opportunity for RiverKings fans to meet players and sign autographs.
BROADCAST COVERAGE
RiverKings hockey will be heard in the Mid-South this weekend with play-by-play coverage on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM, and weekly reports on Sports 56 and 730 Fox Sports. The Voice of the RiverKings, Bob Bakken, brings the play-by-play coverage of both weekend games, Friday against Colorado and Sunday against Missouri, on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM. Pre-game coverage Friday night will be at 6:50 PM and Sunday’s pre-game report starts at 2:50 PM. The RiverKings’ weekly coaches show airs on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM, live from O’Charley’s Restaurant in Southaven, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Monday nights when the team is not on the road. Bob also hosts a weekly report on 730 Fox Sports, from their Beale Street studios, each Wednesday night following the Chris Vernon Show at 6:00 PM.RiverKings hockey game coverage is also available through CHL-TV. For more information, click the link on the RiverKings’ website and follow the instructions.
Colorado at Mississippi, Friday, December 4th (7:05 PM)
Missouri at Mississippi, Sunday, December 6th (3:05 PM)
LAST GAME
Rapid City 4, RiverKings 1 (Saturday, November 28th)
Rapid City parlayed a three-goal first period into its fourth straight victory in a Saturday afternoon game in South Dakota. The win also swept the weekend series with the RiverKings in Mississippi’s final game of the regular season in the Black Hills. Ryan Held scored the RiverKings’ only goal of the game at 7:52 of the second period. Ray Jean took the loss in goal for the RiverKings, despite making 21 saves.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2-Adam Smyth: Played in CHL career game number 100 at Allen on Wednesday.
3-David Simoes: Ranks third in the CHL for defenseman majors (6). Took a league-high five minor penalties in the RiverKings’ 2-1 shootout victory against Texas on November 3rd.
3-Kevin Cooper: Played in CHL career game number 100 Friday against Rapid City.
18-Ryan Held: Leads CHL in goals scored (14) and leads the RiverKings in points (21). Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in power play goals (4). Also leads the team in shorthanded goals scored (2). Is tied for tenth in the CHL for power play goals scored and is tied for second in shorthanded goals scored. Ranks fourth in the CHL for shots on goal (74).
21-Bobby Chaumont: Is tied for first in game-winning goals (4).
25-Matt Pierce: Has best plus-minus statistic on the roster at plus-six.
27-Steve Makway: Played in CHL career game number 200 Friday at Rapid City. Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in assists (12). Is tied with Derek Landmesser for fifth in the CHL for defenseman points with 14.
30-Ray Jean: Is tied for first in the CHL for games played (15). Is second in minutes played (869) and is fourth in saves (383). Is tied for second in the CHL for shootout wins (2).
37-Ryan Campbell: Plays in career professional game number 300 Friday against Colorado. Tied with Steve Makway for team lead in assists (12). Tied with Ryan Held for team lead in power play goals (4).
44-Cam Severson: Ranks fourth in the CHL for minor penalties (17).
55-Derek Landmesser: Is tied with Steve Makway for fifth in the CHL for defenseman points with 14.
87-Darrell Stoddard: Leads RiverKings and is fifth in the CHL for penalty minutes (68).
RIVERKINGS TEAM NOTES
Mississippi has not lost had a regulation time loss in the team’s last three home games, dating back to November 13th.
Friday night’s 4-3 overtime loss at Rapid City marked the second loss by the RiverKings in overtime.
Mississippi is 2-0 in shootouts.
In CHL Northern Conference games, the RiverKings have a record of 5-8-2. By contrast, the RiverKings are 4-1-0 in games against the Southern Conference.
The RiverKings average 21.65 penalty minutes per game, including one ten-minute misconduct and four game misconduct penalties.
Mississippi took a league high six major penalties in its 6-1 win over Missouri on November 21st.
RiverKings’ 22 shots on goal in the third period of a 4-3 loss to Wichita on October 25th is the most number of shots taken in the final period of a CHL game this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Entering the week, the RiverKings average 14.5% on the power play and 85.2% on the penalty kill. Mississippi has scored five shorthanded goals and has allowed one. Saturday, the RiverKings failed to score in three power play chances. It marked the first time since November 20th that Mississippi had failed to score with the man advantage. The Rush also failed to score in three power play chances on Saturday. Mississippi has not allowed a power play goal in three of the team’s last four appearances, going 1-for-21) in those three games.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
Friday, December 11th at Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start), Saturday, December 12th vs. Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start)
These are games five and six of the regular season series. The RiverKings have a 1-2-1 record against the Mudbugs this year. Ryan Campbell leads the RiverKings in points against Bossier-Shreveport with four assists. Mississippi’s only win of the season series was a 4-1 decision on November 13th in Southaven. Mississippi next plays at Bossier-Shreveport on December 26th and hosts the Mudbugs next on February 9th at 7:05 PM.
IT’S TOUGH IN THEM THAR’ HILLS
Last weekend’s results in Rapid City dropped the RiverKings record against the Rush in the Black Hills to 1-2-1 this season. Mississippi’s only win in Rapid City was on November 7th in a 3-1 victory. The RiverKings won the season series last year, which saw two games in South Dakota and one in Southaven. The RiverKings won 3-1 in Rapid City and 4-0 in Southaven. The Rush took a 3-2 decision in the second of the three games played between the teams last year.
RIVERKINGS POST FIRST WIN AT ALLEN
In the first meeting between the Americans and RiverKings Wednesday night, Mississippi rallied to prevail in Allen, Texas 3-1. Trailing 1-0 after two periods, the RiverKings rallied for its first come-from-behind victory this season. Derek Landmesser’s power play goal started the surge, followed by Louis Dumont’s game-winning goal and Cam Severson power play goal with just over a minute remaining. Ian Keserich was the winning goaltender with a 39-save effort. Six more games await between the two teams, starting in Mississippi on January 9th.
GOT SOME BULLETS BACK
Mississippi out shot an opponent for the first time in four games Saturday afternoon in Rapid City, edging the Rush on the shot clock by a 30-25 margin. The last time Mississippi had the advantage in shooting offense came last Saturday, November 21st, when the RiverKings had a 28-26 edge in the 6-1 victory at home against Missouri.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
Ryan Campbell has been among the hot players for the RiverKings in the past couple of weeks. Campbell leads the RiverKings in scoring during the team’s last five games with two goals and six points. Campbell’s goal scoring includes a power play goal, a shorthanded goal, and the first goal of a game, coming in Friday’s overtime loss at Rapid City. Bobby Chaumont is the RiverKings’ leading goal scorer in the past five games with a total of three, while Matt Pierce has factored in four assists during the team’s last quintet of contests. At the goal crease, Ian Keserich played in three of the team’s five games and has a 2-0-1 record, a 1.99 goals-against-average, and a save percentage of .938.
NOVEMBER’S GONE
The combination of Ryan Campbell and Ryan Held has led Mississippi’s offense during the month of November, which ended with the RiverKings fashioning a record of 5-5-2 for the month. Campbell was the leading scorer for the month with two goals and nine assists. Held was the team’s leading scorer with eight goals and a total of ten points. Matt Pierce had the best plus-minus during the month at plus-seven and Adam Smyth had the most penalty minutes with 50. Held and Cam Severson each had two power play goals and two of Held’s goals were unassisted tallies. Between the pipes, Ray Jean was 3-5-1 for the month and Ian Keserich was 2-0-1 in November games. Keserich had the better goals-against-average at 1.99 and the better save percentage at .939.
CHANGING ‘EM UP
The RiverKings March 11th game against the Mudbugs at Bossier-Shreveport has been moved to March 16th, also at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, LA, and also starting at 7:05 PM.
PLAYER APPEARANCES
You can meet the RiverKings in person in the next couple weeks. There will be a “Meet and Greet” party on December 8th at Windy City Grille in Hernando. RiverKings players will be on hand from 5:30 to 7:30 PM to meet fans and sign autographs. The entire team will also come out for an appearance on Wednesday, December 16th at WiseGuys Pizza, on Highway 51 in Horn Lake, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This will be another opportunity for RiverKings fans to meet players and sign autographs.
BROADCAST COVERAGE
RiverKings hockey will be heard in the Mid-South this weekend with play-by-play coverage on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM, and weekly reports on Sports 56 and 730 Fox Sports. The Voice of the RiverKings, Bob Bakken, brings the play-by-play coverage of both weekend games, Friday against Colorado and Sunday against Missouri, on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM. Pre-game coverage Friday night will be at 6:50 PM and Sunday’s pre-game report starts at 2:50 PM. The RiverKings’ weekly coaches show airs on Sports 56, WHBQ-AM, live from O’Charley’s Restaurant in Southaven, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Monday nights when the team is not on the road. Bob also hosts a weekly report on 730 Fox Sports, from their Beale Street studios, each Wednesday night following the Chris Vernon Show at 6:00 PM.RiverKings hockey game coverage is also available through CHL-TV. For more information, click the link on the RiverKings’ website and follow the instructions.
Rapid City Rushes By RiverKings for Sweep
A three-goal first period was the difference maker for the Rapid City Rush, as they went on to sweep the Mississippi RiverKings 4-1 on Saturday afternoon, November 28 in the South Dakota Black Hills.
The three-goal first period included goals from Les Reaney, Scott Wray, and Brendan Cook.
Ryan Held got the RiverKings on the board at the 7:52 mark of the second period with an unassisted shorthand goal. The goal was his league-leading 14th goal of the year and second shorthanded effort of the year.
But, Rapid City answered when Rich Hansen scored on a wrist shot at 10:12 of the middle frame for a 4-1 Rush advantage after two periods of play and that would be the final score of the game.
Mississippi carried the offensive play on the shot chart, out shooting the Rush by a 30-25 margin. Ray Jean took the loss for the RiverKings with a 21-save performance, while Miguel Beaudry stopped 29 of 30 RiverKings’ shots on goal.
Neither team scored on the power play and each team had three power play chances in the game.
With the loss, the RiverKings fell to fourth place in the CHL Northern Conference with a 9-9-2 record. Rapid City jumped over the RiverKings into third place in the Northern Conference with a 10-6-1 mark.
The RiverKings return home to meet the Colorado Eagles next Friday night, starting at 7:05 PM. It’s “Teddy Bear Toss” night with fans encouraged to bring bears to the rink that night. All teddy bears tossed on the ice after the RiverKings score their first goal will go to the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” program.
The Samaritans and Entergy’s “Power to Care” program will also be featured.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
11/28/09 RiverKings-Rush Pre-Game Notes
TONIGHT’S GAME
Mississippi RiverKings at Rapid City Rush – 3:05 PM (Central time)
Mississippi is 9-8-2 for 20 points and third place in the Northern Conference standings going into today's game. Rapid City stands 9-6-1 for 19 points and fourth place in the CHL Northern Conference ledger.
Mississippi is sixth overall in the CHL standings, while Rapid City is tied for seventh.
Mississippi is 4-4-1 in road games this year; Rapid City is 6-3-0 in home contests. One of the losses at home came at the hands of the RiverKings on November 7, as Mississippi defeated the Rush by a 3-1 score.
In the win, the RiverKings broke up a 1-1 third period tie with goals from Bobby Chaumont and Louis Dumont. Ray Jean won his sixth game of the year with a 32-save performance.
RUSH HOLD OFF RIVERKINGS IN OVERTIME
In the first game of the weekend series, Rapid City held off the RiverKings 4-3 in overtime on the Rush’s home ice last night. Matt Summers scored two goals to lead the RiverKings’ offense. Matt Pierce added a pair of assists and Ryan Campbell scored the first goal of the game for Mississippi. Ian Keserich was the overtime losing goaltender, but stopped 27 of 31 shots on goal, as his record became 2-0-1. The RiverKings were outshot by the Rush 31-26. Mississippi was held to 26 shots on the goal, the lowest number of shots since a 2-1 shootout home victory over Texas on November 3rd.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2-Adam Smyth: 20 penalty minutes in his last three games.
3-David Simoes: Ranks third among CHL defensemen for defenseman major penalties with six. Had five minors in one game on November 3rd against Texas.
7-Dane Marshall: One assist in his last five appearances.
16-Louis Dumont: Has two goals and four points in his last five games.
8-Nathan Schwartzbauer: Earned first RiverKings assist last night against Rapid City.
14-Kevin Jarman: Four points in his last four games (1 goal, 3 assists)
18-Ryan Held: Leads RiverKings in goals (13) and points (20). Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in power play goals scored with four. Tied for first in the CHL in goals scored. Leads the CHL in shots on goal taken at 72. Has six goals scored in the last ten games. Has scored seven goals and has 11 points in nine road games this season.
19-Matt Summers: Scored his first goals of the season with a pair against the Rush last night. Summers’ last two goal performance in the regular season came against Rocky Mountain on February 15th in a 5-1 RiverKings’ victory.
21-Bobby Chaumont: Leads RiverKings in game-winning goals scored with four, putting him in a tie for first in the CHL rankings. Ranks fourth in the CHL for shots taken with 67.
23-Kevin Cooper: Played in his 100th career CHL professional game last night against Rapid City.
24-Andrew Lackner: Has two assists in his last five games.
25-Matt Pierce: Earned two assists in last night’s game against the Rush. The last time Pierce earned two assists in a contest came December 23rd, 2008 when he aided three RiverKings’ goals in a 8-3 win over Wichita. Leads RiverKings in plus-minus statistics at plus-six. Has three assists in games against Rapid City.
27-Steve Makway: Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in assists with 12. Tied for third in the CHL for defenseman points with 14. Played in his 200th career CHL game against Rapid City last night.
30-Ray Jean: Leads RiverKings in goaltender victories with seven, minutes played (810), games played (14), and saves (362). Ranks second in the CHL for games played, minutes played, tied for second in victories, and is third in the CHL for saves. Ranks third in the CHL for shootout wins with two. Has a 1-1-0 record against Rapid City.
35-Ian Keserich: Has not lost in regulation yet this season as a RiverKings goaltender (2-0-1). Last night’s result was Keserich’s first defeat of any type this year.
37-Ryan Campbell: Tied with Steve Makway for team lead in assists with 12. Tied with Ryan Held for team lead in power play goals scored with four. Leads RiverKings in scoring over the last ten games with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). Is two games short of 300 career professional games.
44-Cam Severson: Ranks second in the CHL for minor penalties with 17. Has three assists in three games against Rapid City.
55-Derek Landmesser: Is tied for third in the CHL for defenseman points with 14 and is third among blue-liners for shots on goal by a defenseman with 52.
75-Travis Wight: Earned an assist in his last appearance, coming against Missouri on last Saturday.
87-Darrell Stoddard: Leads RiverKings in penalty minutes with 68. Ranks fourth in the CHL for penalty minutes. Stoddard ranks first in the CHL for major penalties with eight. Stoddard had a streak of games that had 35 penalty minutes in eight games between October 24th and November 10th.
RIVERKINGS TEAM NOTES
The RiverKings have not lost a game in regulation time in the last four games.
Mississippi is tied for the lead in the CHL for game misconduct penalties with four.
The RiverKings is fifth in the CHL for average goals allowed at 3.11 goals per games.
Mississippi is fifth in average number of shots taken (32.89) and also fifth in the average shots allowed (30.42).
Mississippi is 3-0-1 on the road when tied after one period and 2-0-1 on the road when leading after two periods.
The RiverKings had six majors in one game on November 21st against Missouri.
Mississippi took 22 shots on goal in the third period of their October 25th game against Wichita.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Last night against the Rush, Mississippi was 1-for-8 on the power play. It marked the third straight game the RiverKings had scored a power play goal (4-for-18). The eight power play chances were the most since the RiverKings had eight opportunities against Bossier-Shreveport on Thursday, November 19th.
For the year, the RiverKings are ranked ninth in the CHL on the power play at 14.88% (18-of-121). The 121 chances are second-most in the CHL.
On the penalty kill, the RiverKings were 1-for-5 against Rapid City last evening. It marked the first time an opponent had scored a power play goal against Mississippi in the last three games (1-for-18). The most power play goals scored against the RiverKings in a game this year is three, which came three times this season.
For the year, the RiverKings are ranked sixth in the CHL on the penalty kill at 84.82% (17-of-112). The 112 times shorthanded is second-best in the CHL.
Mississippi has scored four shorthanded goals and has allowed one shorthand goal this year.
KAMINSKI NOT COACHING THIS WEEKEND
RiverKings coach Kevin Kaminski is not behind the bench for today’s game against Rapid City, as he is attending the funeral for his mother who passed away at the age of 64 last Saturday afternoon in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. Her funeral was held this morning in Churchbridge. Coach Kaminski will return to Mississippi by Wednesday of the coming week to prepare the team for next weekend’s contests against Colorado Friday, December 4 and Missouri Sunday, December 6. RiverKings goaltender Kevin Beech, currently on the injured reserve list but with the team this week, will serve as bench “coach” this weekend in Rapid City.
LAST NIGHT IN THE BLACK HILLS
Today’s game is the final regular season meeting of the season between the Rush and RiverKings in Rapid City. The season series will switch to Mississippi for the final three meetings, starting December 18 at 7:05 PM. The Rush will also be the opposition for the RiverKings later in January, when they meet in this year’s annual “Face Off Field Trip” contest at 10:05 AM January 26 and again the evening of January 28 at 7:05 PM.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
Friday, December 11th at Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start), Saturday, December 12th vs. Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start)
These are games five and six of the regular season series. The RiverKings have a 1-2-1 record against the Mudbugs this year. Ryan Campbell leads the RiverKings in points against Bossier-Shreveport with four assists. Mississippi’s only win of the season series was a 4-1 decision on November 13th in Southaven. Mississippi next plays at Bossier-Shreveport on December 26th and hosts the Mudbugs next on February 9th at 7:05 PM.
CHAUMONT EARNS RIVERKINGS SECOND HAT-TRICK
Bobby Chaumont fashioned the RiverKings’ second hat-trick of the season in last Saturday’s victory over Missouri. He joins Ryan Held, also scored three times against Wichita in the RiverKings’ second game of the season, a 5-3 victory over the Thunder in Kansas on October 17th.
The “hat” from Chaumont was his first CHL hat-trick in his career.
Last season, the RiverKings had one hat-trick the entire year; Darrell Stoddard’s four-goal effort came in the final period of a 9-2 home victory against Wichita on February 3rd.
CHAUMONT HAT-TRICK NOMINATED FOR CHL PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Bobby Chaumont’s three-goal hat-trick last Saturday night at home against Missouri has been nominated for the weekly Central Hockey League “Performance of the Week.” Chaumont’s effort is one of five performances fans can vote for on the league web site, www.centralhockeyleague.com. Voting will continue through Monday, November 30th, with the weekly selection to be announced on Tuesday, December first.
RIVERKINGS STREAKS
Assists
Kevin Jarman: 3 assists last three games
Points
Ryan Campbell: 6 points last four games
Kevin Jarman: 4 points last four games
Cam Severson: 2 points last two games
Penalty Minutes
Cam Severson: 10 PIMS last four games
RAPID CITY STAT LEADERS
Points: Les Reaney, Colt King (18)
Goals: King (12)
Assists: Rich Hansen (13)
Plus-Minus: Reaney (+6)
Penalty Minutes; King (58)
Power Play Goals: King (5)
Shorthanded Goals: Brendan Cook (1)
Shots: Cook (63)
Game Winning Goals: King (3)
Goaltender Games Played: Danny Battochio (10)
Wins: Battochio (5)
Goals-Against-Average: Battochio (2.67)
Saves: Battochio (265)
Save Percentage: Battochio (.917)
Mississippi RiverKings at Rapid City Rush – 3:05 PM (Central time)
Mississippi is 9-8-2 for 20 points and third place in the Northern Conference standings going into today's game. Rapid City stands 9-6-1 for 19 points and fourth place in the CHL Northern Conference ledger.
Mississippi is sixth overall in the CHL standings, while Rapid City is tied for seventh.
Mississippi is 4-4-1 in road games this year; Rapid City is 6-3-0 in home contests. One of the losses at home came at the hands of the RiverKings on November 7, as Mississippi defeated the Rush by a 3-1 score.
In the win, the RiverKings broke up a 1-1 third period tie with goals from Bobby Chaumont and Louis Dumont. Ray Jean won his sixth game of the year with a 32-save performance.
RUSH HOLD OFF RIVERKINGS IN OVERTIME
In the first game of the weekend series, Rapid City held off the RiverKings 4-3 in overtime on the Rush’s home ice last night. Matt Summers scored two goals to lead the RiverKings’ offense. Matt Pierce added a pair of assists and Ryan Campbell scored the first goal of the game for Mississippi. Ian Keserich was the overtime losing goaltender, but stopped 27 of 31 shots on goal, as his record became 2-0-1. The RiverKings were outshot by the Rush 31-26. Mississippi was held to 26 shots on the goal, the lowest number of shots since a 2-1 shootout home victory over Texas on November 3rd.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2-Adam Smyth: 20 penalty minutes in his last three games.
3-David Simoes: Ranks third among CHL defensemen for defenseman major penalties with six. Had five minors in one game on November 3rd against Texas.
7-Dane Marshall: One assist in his last five appearances.
16-Louis Dumont: Has two goals and four points in his last five games.
8-Nathan Schwartzbauer: Earned first RiverKings assist last night against Rapid City.
14-Kevin Jarman: Four points in his last four games (1 goal, 3 assists)
18-Ryan Held: Leads RiverKings in goals (13) and points (20). Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in power play goals scored with four. Tied for first in the CHL in goals scored. Leads the CHL in shots on goal taken at 72. Has six goals scored in the last ten games. Has scored seven goals and has 11 points in nine road games this season.
19-Matt Summers: Scored his first goals of the season with a pair against the Rush last night. Summers’ last two goal performance in the regular season came against Rocky Mountain on February 15th in a 5-1 RiverKings’ victory.
21-Bobby Chaumont: Leads RiverKings in game-winning goals scored with four, putting him in a tie for first in the CHL rankings. Ranks fourth in the CHL for shots taken with 67.
23-Kevin Cooper: Played in his 100th career CHL professional game last night against Rapid City.
24-Andrew Lackner: Has two assists in his last five games.
25-Matt Pierce: Earned two assists in last night’s game against the Rush. The last time Pierce earned two assists in a contest came December 23rd, 2008 when he aided three RiverKings’ goals in a 8-3 win over Wichita. Leads RiverKings in plus-minus statistics at plus-six. Has three assists in games against Rapid City.
27-Steve Makway: Tied with Ryan Campbell for team lead in assists with 12. Tied for third in the CHL for defenseman points with 14. Played in his 200th career CHL game against Rapid City last night.
30-Ray Jean: Leads RiverKings in goaltender victories with seven, minutes played (810), games played (14), and saves (362). Ranks second in the CHL for games played, minutes played, tied for second in victories, and is third in the CHL for saves. Ranks third in the CHL for shootout wins with two. Has a 1-1-0 record against Rapid City.
35-Ian Keserich: Has not lost in regulation yet this season as a RiverKings goaltender (2-0-1). Last night’s result was Keserich’s first defeat of any type this year.
37-Ryan Campbell: Tied with Steve Makway for team lead in assists with 12. Tied with Ryan Held for team lead in power play goals scored with four. Leads RiverKings in scoring over the last ten games with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). Is two games short of 300 career professional games.
44-Cam Severson: Ranks second in the CHL for minor penalties with 17. Has three assists in three games against Rapid City.
55-Derek Landmesser: Is tied for third in the CHL for defenseman points with 14 and is third among blue-liners for shots on goal by a defenseman with 52.
75-Travis Wight: Earned an assist in his last appearance, coming against Missouri on last Saturday.
87-Darrell Stoddard: Leads RiverKings in penalty minutes with 68. Ranks fourth in the CHL for penalty minutes. Stoddard ranks first in the CHL for major penalties with eight. Stoddard had a streak of games that had 35 penalty minutes in eight games between October 24th and November 10th.
RIVERKINGS TEAM NOTES
The RiverKings have not lost a game in regulation time in the last four games.
Mississippi is tied for the lead in the CHL for game misconduct penalties with four.
The RiverKings is fifth in the CHL for average goals allowed at 3.11 goals per games.
Mississippi is fifth in average number of shots taken (32.89) and also fifth in the average shots allowed (30.42).
Mississippi is 3-0-1 on the road when tied after one period and 2-0-1 on the road when leading after two periods.
The RiverKings had six majors in one game on November 21st against Missouri.
Mississippi took 22 shots on goal in the third period of their October 25th game against Wichita.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Last night against the Rush, Mississippi was 1-for-8 on the power play. It marked the third straight game the RiverKings had scored a power play goal (4-for-18). The eight power play chances were the most since the RiverKings had eight opportunities against Bossier-Shreveport on Thursday, November 19th.
For the year, the RiverKings are ranked ninth in the CHL on the power play at 14.88% (18-of-121). The 121 chances are second-most in the CHL.
On the penalty kill, the RiverKings were 1-for-5 against Rapid City last evening. It marked the first time an opponent had scored a power play goal against Mississippi in the last three games (1-for-18). The most power play goals scored against the RiverKings in a game this year is three, which came three times this season.
For the year, the RiverKings are ranked sixth in the CHL on the penalty kill at 84.82% (17-of-112). The 112 times shorthanded is second-best in the CHL.
Mississippi has scored four shorthanded goals and has allowed one shorthand goal this year.
KAMINSKI NOT COACHING THIS WEEKEND
RiverKings coach Kevin Kaminski is not behind the bench for today’s game against Rapid City, as he is attending the funeral for his mother who passed away at the age of 64 last Saturday afternoon in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. Her funeral was held this morning in Churchbridge. Coach Kaminski will return to Mississippi by Wednesday of the coming week to prepare the team for next weekend’s contests against Colorado Friday, December 4 and Missouri Sunday, December 6. RiverKings goaltender Kevin Beech, currently on the injured reserve list but with the team this week, will serve as bench “coach” this weekend in Rapid City.
LAST NIGHT IN THE BLACK HILLS
Today’s game is the final regular season meeting of the season between the Rush and RiverKings in Rapid City. The season series will switch to Mississippi for the final three meetings, starting December 18 at 7:05 PM. The Rush will also be the opposition for the RiverKings later in January, when they meet in this year’s annual “Face Off Field Trip” contest at 10:05 AM January 26 and again the evening of January 28 at 7:05 PM.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
Friday, December 11th at Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start), Saturday, December 12th vs. Bossier-Shreveport (7:05 PM Start)
These are games five and six of the regular season series. The RiverKings have a 1-2-1 record against the Mudbugs this year. Ryan Campbell leads the RiverKings in points against Bossier-Shreveport with four assists. Mississippi’s only win of the season series was a 4-1 decision on November 13th in Southaven. Mississippi next plays at Bossier-Shreveport on December 26th and hosts the Mudbugs next on February 9th at 7:05 PM.
CHAUMONT EARNS RIVERKINGS SECOND HAT-TRICK
Bobby Chaumont fashioned the RiverKings’ second hat-trick of the season in last Saturday’s victory over Missouri. He joins Ryan Held, also scored three times against Wichita in the RiverKings’ second game of the season, a 5-3 victory over the Thunder in Kansas on October 17th.
The “hat” from Chaumont was his first CHL hat-trick in his career.
Last season, the RiverKings had one hat-trick the entire year; Darrell Stoddard’s four-goal effort came in the final period of a 9-2 home victory against Wichita on February 3rd.
CHAUMONT HAT-TRICK NOMINATED FOR CHL PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Bobby Chaumont’s three-goal hat-trick last Saturday night at home against Missouri has been nominated for the weekly Central Hockey League “Performance of the Week.” Chaumont’s effort is one of five performances fans can vote for on the league web site, www.centralhockeyleague.com. Voting will continue through Monday, November 30th, with the weekly selection to be announced on Tuesday, December first.
RIVERKINGS STREAKS
Assists
Kevin Jarman: 3 assists last three games
Points
Ryan Campbell: 6 points last four games
Kevin Jarman: 4 points last four games
Cam Severson: 2 points last two games
Penalty Minutes
Cam Severson: 10 PIMS last four games
RAPID CITY STAT LEADERS
Points: Les Reaney, Colt King (18)
Goals: King (12)
Assists: Rich Hansen (13)
Plus-Minus: Reaney (+6)
Penalty Minutes; King (58)
Power Play Goals: King (5)
Shorthanded Goals: Brendan Cook (1)
Shots: Cook (63)
Game Winning Goals: King (3)
Goaltender Games Played: Danny Battochio (10)
Wins: Battochio (5)
Goals-Against-Average: Battochio (2.67)
Saves: Battochio (265)
Save Percentage: Battochio (.917)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Rush Prevail Over RiverKings in Overtime
Mississippi's Matt Summers scored a pair of goals, but Rapid City's Luke Fritshaw also scored twice, including the game winner in overtime, as Rapid City held off the RiverKings 4-3 on Friday, November 27 in Rapid City.
Despite the loss, the RiverKings remained in third place in the Central Hockey League's Northern Conference, but by only a point over fourth place Rapid City.
Mississippi's Ryan Campbell opened the scoring in the second period with a power play goal at 2:35. The goal was Campbell's sixth of the season.
Scott Wray tied the game later in the second period, but Summers scored the first of his two goals at 11:20 of the middle session to give the RiverKings a 2-1 lead going into the third period.
Rapid City rebounded with Derek LeBlanc's power play goal at 3:07 to tie the game at 2-2, followed by Fritshaw's first goal of the evening at 9:55 for a 3-2 Rapid City lead.
However, Summers again tied the game and sent it into overtime with his second goal of the night and of the season at 13:19 of the final period.
But, off the faceoff, Rapid City attacked the net strong and the RiverKings couldn't clear the zone until Derek LeBlanc fed Fritshaw, who drilled a shot from the slot past Mississippi goalie Ian Keserich for the game-winning goal at 39 seconds.
Keserich suffered the loss for the first time in three starts for the RiverKings, stopping 27 of 31 shots. His record fell to 2-0-1.
Danny Battochio was the winning goalie for Rapid City, making 23 of 26 shots and saw his record rise to 5-3-1.
Rapid City outshot the RiverKings 31-26 for the game.
Mississippi scored once on the power play in eight tries, but couldn't score in five chances in the final period, including two 5-on-3 opportunities,
Rapid City was 1-for-5 with the extra man.
With the loss, the RiverKings fell to 9-8-2 and saw a two-game winning streak stopped.
Rapid City won for the third straight time and is now 9-6-1 for the season.
Despite the loss, the RiverKings remained in third place in the Central Hockey League's Northern Conference, but by only a point over fourth place Rapid City.
Mississippi's Ryan Campbell opened the scoring in the second period with a power play goal at 2:35. The goal was Campbell's sixth of the season.
Scott Wray tied the game later in the second period, but Summers scored the first of his two goals at 11:20 of the middle session to give the RiverKings a 2-1 lead going into the third period.
Rapid City rebounded with Derek LeBlanc's power play goal at 3:07 to tie the game at 2-2, followed by Fritshaw's first goal of the evening at 9:55 for a 3-2 Rapid City lead.
However, Summers again tied the game and sent it into overtime with his second goal of the night and of the season at 13:19 of the final period.
But, off the faceoff, Rapid City attacked the net strong and the RiverKings couldn't clear the zone until Derek LeBlanc fed Fritshaw, who drilled a shot from the slot past Mississippi goalie Ian Keserich for the game-winning goal at 39 seconds.
Keserich suffered the loss for the first time in three starts for the RiverKings, stopping 27 of 31 shots. His record fell to 2-0-1.
Danny Battochio was the winning goalie for Rapid City, making 23 of 26 shots and saw his record rise to 5-3-1.
Rapid City outshot the RiverKings 31-26 for the game.
Mississippi scored once on the power play in eight tries, but couldn't score in five chances in the final period, including two 5-on-3 opportunities,
Rapid City was 1-for-5 with the extra man.
With the loss, the RiverKings fell to 9-8-2 and saw a two-game winning streak stopped.
Rapid City won for the third straight time and is now 9-6-1 for the season.
RiverKings-Rapid City Pre-Game Notes
TONIGHT’S GAME
Mississippi RiverKings at Rapid City Rush – 8:05 PM (Central time)
Mississippi is 9-8-1 for 19 points and a tie for third place in the Northern Conference standings going into tonight’s game. Rapid City stands 8-6-1 for 17 points and fourth place in the CHL Northern Conference ledger.
Mississippi is 4-4-0 in road games this year; Rapid City is 5-3-0 in home contests. One of the losses at home came at the hands of the RiverKings on November 7, as Mississippi defeated the Rush by a 3-1 score.
In the win, the RiverKings broke up a 1-1 third period tie with goals from Bobby Chaumont and Louis Dumont. Ray Jean won his sixth game of the year with a 32-save performance.
WEDNESDAY WIN IN TEXAS
Mississippi is unbeaten for the season in the Lone Star State after Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Allen. The RiverKings also won the home season opener of the defending CHL champs Texas Brahmas on October 24 with a 5-3 conquest.
On Wednesday, Allen put up 40 shots on goal, a season high for shots against by the RiverKings. It was the first time this season Mississippi played a game on Wednesday night.
Derek Landmesser, Louis Dumont, and Cam Severson scored goals in a three-goal rally in the third period, marking the first time this season the RiverKings had come back from trailing after two periods to win a game in the third (1-7-0).
Dumont had his third multi-point performance of the season with the game-winning goal and an assist. He was also tagged with a season-high six penalty minutes.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2 – Adam Smyth: Ranks eighth in the CHL for penalty minutes with 58.
3 – David Simoes: Tied for sixth in the CHL for penalty minutes by a blue-liner with 48.
16 – Louis Dumont: Earned his third multi-point performance of the season against Allen Wednesday night with the game winning goal and an assist.
18 – Ryan Held: CHL goal-scoring leader with 13 goals in 18 games and leads CHL in shots on goal at 69.
21 – Bobby Chaumont: Tied for first in the CHL for game-winning goals with four. Chaumont is third in the CHL for shots on goal with 65.
30 – Ray Jean: Tied for first in the CHL for games played (14), is second in minutes played (823), tied for second in the league for victories (7), and is second in saves with 362. Jean has won two games in shootouts this year.
35 – Ian Keserich: Won his second straight start in goal for the RiverKings Wednesday night, stopping 39 of 40 shots in a 3-1 win against the Americans in Allen. Keserich’s 39 saves are a season high.
37 – Ryan Campbell: Earned an assist against Allen Wednesday night, giving him 12 for the season and 17 points overall.
44 – Cam Severson: Scored a power play goal at the end of Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Allen. Ranks in a tie for second in the CHL for minor penalties with 16.
55 – Derek Landmesser: Among defenseman, is tied with Steve Makway for third in points with 14. Landmesser, who scored the RiverKings’ first goal in a three-goal outburst in the final period, is tied for fourth in the CHL in goals scored by a defenseman with three and is tied for fourth in assists by a blue-liner with 11.
87 – Darrell Stoddard: Second in the CHL for penalty minutes with 68. Stoddard is in a tie for first in the league for major penalties with eight.
ALSO OF NOTE…..
Andrew Lackner: Played in career professional game #200 against Allen Wednesday night and career CHL contest #130.
Adam Smyth played in CHL career game #100 Wednesday night against Allen.
Steve Makway will take part in career CHL contest #200 tonight against Rapid City.
Goaltender Ian Keserich’s first minute of play in his next game will be career pro minute #3500.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Mississippi scored twice on the power play Wednesday at Allen in six tries. It was the second straight game the RiverKings had scored a power play goal (3-for-10).
For the season, the RiverKings are ninth in the CHL on the power play at 15.04% (17-113).
On the penalty kill, the RiverKings were 0-7 against the Americans, marking the second straight game they have kept their opponents off the scoreboard with the man advantage (0-13).
For the season, Mississippi is ranked fifth in the CHL on the penalty kill at 85.05% (16-107).
The RiverKings have scored four shorthanded goals and have allowed just one.
A WINNING STREAK
Mississippi enters tonight’s game against Rapid City on a two-game winning streak, equaling the RiverKings’ longest winning streak of the season. The last time Mississippi had a two-game win skein came in the two-game series against the Texas Brahmas on October 23 and 24. Mississippi defeated Texas 3-2 in a shootout on October 23 and won at Texas on October 24 by a score of 5-3.
TRANSACTIONS
The RiverKings made two additions to its roster before Wednesday night’s game at Allen, signing defenseman Nathan Schwartzbauer off waivers from Missouri and trading future considerations to Texas for forward Kevin Cooper.
Schwartzbauer played for RiverKings’ Coach Kevin Kaminski in Youngstown two years ago, but played in only five games with the Mavericks before being released.
Cooper also played briefly with Texas this year, but tackled the RiverKings for two seasons before that as a member of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
Three players on the active roster but not making the road trip to Allen and Rapid City this week are Stephen Margeson, Travis Wight, and Darrell Stoddard.
KAMINSKI NOT COACHING THIS WEEKEND
RiverKings coach Kevin Kaminski is not behind the bench for both games against Rapid City this weekend, as he is attending the funeral for his mother, Virginia Kaminski, who passed away at the age of 64 last Saturday afternoon in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. Coach Kaminski will return to Mississippi by Wednesday of the coming week to prepare the team for next weekend’s contests against Colorado Friday, December 4 and Missouri Sunday, December 6.
It’s expected goaltender Kevin Beech, currently on the injured reserve list but with the team this week, will serve as bench “coach” this weekend in Rapid City.
UP NEXT FOR THE RIVERKINGS
The RiverKings will finish the Rapid City portion of the season series against the Rush Saturday afternoon at 3:05 PM at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena. Three more games await the teams in Mississippi, beginning on December 18 at 7:05 PM. The Rush will also be the opposition for the RiverKings later in January, when they meet in this year’s annual “Face Off Field Trip” contest at 10:05 AM January 26 and again the evening of January 28 at 7:05 PM.
Mississippi will play two games at home next weekend, hosting the Colorado Eagles on Friday, December 4 at 7:05 PM and the Missouri Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, December 6, at 3:05 PM.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
CHAUMONT EARNS RIVERKINGS SECOND HAT-TRICK
Bobby Chaumont fashioned the RiverKings’ second hat-trick of the season in last Saturday’s victory over Missouri. He joins Ryan Held, also scored three times against Wichita in the RiverKings’ second game of the season, a 5-3 victory over the Thunder in Kansas on October 17th. The “hat” from Chaumont was his first CHL hat-trick in his career. Last season, the RiverKings had one hat-trick the entire year; Darrell Stoddard’s four-goal effort came in the final period of a 9-2 home victory against Wichita on February 3rd.
CHAUMONT HAT-TRICK NOMINATED FOR CHL PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Bobby Chaumont’s three-goal hat-trick last Saturday night at home against Missouri has been nominated for the weekly Central Hockey League “Performance of the Week.” Chaumont’s effort is one of five performances fans can vote for on the league web site, www.centralhockeyleague.com. Voting will continue through Monday, November 30th, with the weekly selection to be announced on Tuesday, December first.
Mississippi RiverKings at Rapid City Rush – 8:05 PM (Central time)
Mississippi is 9-8-1 for 19 points and a tie for third place in the Northern Conference standings going into tonight’s game. Rapid City stands 8-6-1 for 17 points and fourth place in the CHL Northern Conference ledger.
Mississippi is 4-4-0 in road games this year; Rapid City is 5-3-0 in home contests. One of the losses at home came at the hands of the RiverKings on November 7, as Mississippi defeated the Rush by a 3-1 score.
In the win, the RiverKings broke up a 1-1 third period tie with goals from Bobby Chaumont and Louis Dumont. Ray Jean won his sixth game of the year with a 32-save performance.
WEDNESDAY WIN IN TEXAS
Mississippi is unbeaten for the season in the Lone Star State after Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Allen. The RiverKings also won the home season opener of the defending CHL champs Texas Brahmas on October 24 with a 5-3 conquest.
On Wednesday, Allen put up 40 shots on goal, a season high for shots against by the RiverKings. It was the first time this season Mississippi played a game on Wednesday night.
Derek Landmesser, Louis Dumont, and Cam Severson scored goals in a three-goal rally in the third period, marking the first time this season the RiverKings had come back from trailing after two periods to win a game in the third (1-7-0).
Dumont had his third multi-point performance of the season with the game-winning goal and an assist. He was also tagged with a season-high six penalty minutes.
RIVERKINGS PLAYER NOTES
2 – Adam Smyth: Ranks eighth in the CHL for penalty minutes with 58.
3 – David Simoes: Tied for sixth in the CHL for penalty minutes by a blue-liner with 48.
16 – Louis Dumont: Earned his third multi-point performance of the season against Allen Wednesday night with the game winning goal and an assist.
18 – Ryan Held: CHL goal-scoring leader with 13 goals in 18 games and leads CHL in shots on goal at 69.
21 – Bobby Chaumont: Tied for first in the CHL for game-winning goals with four. Chaumont is third in the CHL for shots on goal with 65.
30 – Ray Jean: Tied for first in the CHL for games played (14), is second in minutes played (823), tied for second in the league for victories (7), and is second in saves with 362. Jean has won two games in shootouts this year.
35 – Ian Keserich: Won his second straight start in goal for the RiverKings Wednesday night, stopping 39 of 40 shots in a 3-1 win against the Americans in Allen. Keserich’s 39 saves are a season high.
37 – Ryan Campbell: Earned an assist against Allen Wednesday night, giving him 12 for the season and 17 points overall.
44 – Cam Severson: Scored a power play goal at the end of Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Allen. Ranks in a tie for second in the CHL for minor penalties with 16.
55 – Derek Landmesser: Among defenseman, is tied with Steve Makway for third in points with 14. Landmesser, who scored the RiverKings’ first goal in a three-goal outburst in the final period, is tied for fourth in the CHL in goals scored by a defenseman with three and is tied for fourth in assists by a blue-liner with 11.
87 – Darrell Stoddard: Second in the CHL for penalty minutes with 68. Stoddard is in a tie for first in the league for major penalties with eight.
ALSO OF NOTE…..
Andrew Lackner: Played in career professional game #200 against Allen Wednesday night and career CHL contest #130.
Adam Smyth played in CHL career game #100 Wednesday night against Allen.
Steve Makway will take part in career CHL contest #200 tonight against Rapid City.
Goaltender Ian Keserich’s first minute of play in his next game will be career pro minute #3500.
SPECIAL TEAMS UPDATE
Mississippi scored twice on the power play Wednesday at Allen in six tries. It was the second straight game the RiverKings had scored a power play goal (3-for-10).
For the season, the RiverKings are ninth in the CHL on the power play at 15.04% (17-113).
On the penalty kill, the RiverKings were 0-7 against the Americans, marking the second straight game they have kept their opponents off the scoreboard with the man advantage (0-13).
For the season, Mississippi is ranked fifth in the CHL on the penalty kill at 85.05% (16-107).
The RiverKings have scored four shorthanded goals and have allowed just one.
A WINNING STREAK
Mississippi enters tonight’s game against Rapid City on a two-game winning streak, equaling the RiverKings’ longest winning streak of the season. The last time Mississippi had a two-game win skein came in the two-game series against the Texas Brahmas on October 23 and 24. Mississippi defeated Texas 3-2 in a shootout on October 23 and won at Texas on October 24 by a score of 5-3.
TRANSACTIONS
The RiverKings made two additions to its roster before Wednesday night’s game at Allen, signing defenseman Nathan Schwartzbauer off waivers from Missouri and trading future considerations to Texas for forward Kevin Cooper.
Schwartzbauer played for RiverKings’ Coach Kevin Kaminski in Youngstown two years ago, but played in only five games with the Mavericks before being released.
Cooper also played briefly with Texas this year, but tackled the RiverKings for two seasons before that as a member of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
Three players on the active roster but not making the road trip to Allen and Rapid City this week are Stephen Margeson, Travis Wight, and Darrell Stoddard.
KAMINSKI NOT COACHING THIS WEEKEND
RiverKings coach Kevin Kaminski is not behind the bench for both games against Rapid City this weekend, as he is attending the funeral for his mother, Virginia Kaminski, who passed away at the age of 64 last Saturday afternoon in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. Coach Kaminski will return to Mississippi by Wednesday of the coming week to prepare the team for next weekend’s contests against Colorado Friday, December 4 and Missouri Sunday, December 6.
It’s expected goaltender Kevin Beech, currently on the injured reserve list but with the team this week, will serve as bench “coach” this weekend in Rapid City.
UP NEXT FOR THE RIVERKINGS
The RiverKings will finish the Rapid City portion of the season series against the Rush Saturday afternoon at 3:05 PM at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena. Three more games await the teams in Mississippi, beginning on December 18 at 7:05 PM. The Rush will also be the opposition for the RiverKings later in January, when they meet in this year’s annual “Face Off Field Trip” contest at 10:05 AM January 26 and again the evening of January 28 at 7:05 PM.
Mississippi will play two games at home next weekend, hosting the Colorado Eagles on Friday, December 4 at 7:05 PM and the Missouri Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, December 6, at 3:05 PM.
RIVERKINGS UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 4th vs. Colorado Eagles (7:05 PM Start)
First meeting of the regular season between the RiverKings and Eagles, coached by former Mississippi head coach Kevin McClelland. This will be the only meeting of the regular season for the two teams in Mississippi. The series will continue with a two-game set in Colorado on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, both at 8:05 PM Central time. Mississippi won the regular season series with the Eagles 4-1-0 last year, but Colorado won the Northern Conference finals best-of-seven playoff series four games to two.
Sunday, December 6th vs. Missouri Mavericks (3:05 PM Start)
Second meeting of the regular season series between the Mavericks and RiverKings, now led by the RiverKings 1-0-0, after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory in Mississippi. The Mavericks will come two more times to Southaven before Mississippi makes its first appearance in Independence in a two-game set on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The two visits to Southaven will come for the Mavericks on Tuesday, December 29th and Friday, January 1st.
CHAUMONT EARNS RIVERKINGS SECOND HAT-TRICK
Bobby Chaumont fashioned the RiverKings’ second hat-trick of the season in last Saturday’s victory over Missouri. He joins Ryan Held, also scored three times against Wichita in the RiverKings’ second game of the season, a 5-3 victory over the Thunder in Kansas on October 17th. The “hat” from Chaumont was his first CHL hat-trick in his career. Last season, the RiverKings had one hat-trick the entire year; Darrell Stoddard’s four-goal effort came in the final period of a 9-2 home victory against Wichita on February 3rd.
CHAUMONT HAT-TRICK NOMINATED FOR CHL PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Bobby Chaumont’s three-goal hat-trick last Saturday night at home against Missouri has been nominated for the weekly Central Hockey League “Performance of the Week.” Chaumont’s effort is one of five performances fans can vote for on the league web site, www.centralhockeyleague.com. Voting will continue through Monday, November 30th, with the weekly selection to be announced on Tuesday, December first.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Kaminski's Mother Passes Away
The Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League are saddened to announce the passing of Victoria Kaminski, the mother of Head Hockey Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Kaminski. Mrs. Kaminski passed away last Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2009 in the family home town of Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was age 64.
Coach Kaminski has made the trip with the team to Allen, Texas, and will be on the bench for Wednesday night’s contest against the Americans. Kaminski will depart following the game for his home in Churchbridge for the celebration of his mother’s life later in the week.
The RiverKings will continue to Rapid City and play the two games Friday night and Saturday afternoon against the Rush without their coach on the bench.
Kaminski plans to return to Southaven by mid-week next week.
The RiverKings coach this week reflected on his mother’s life, noting she and her husband were involved in several activities in support of the community and minor hockey in the Churchbridge vicinity. “They helped me run my golf tournament for 13 years for minor hockey, ball, swimming pool, elementary and high school, and so on,” Kaminski said. “All of the money went back to the community to help build, buy and repair everything. They just helped out in every way possible.”
Kaminski added, “She was a sports mom. She drove her three kids to every sports event possible and we played every sport possible. She did everything for sports. I don’t think her and dad have missed one game on the CHL computer. They loved to watch sports.”
A prayer service has been scheduled for Friday, November 27th at 7:00 PM and the funeral mass will be said on Saturday, November 28th at 11:00 AM.
Friends and fans who would want to send expressions of condolences to the Kaminski should direct them the following address:
The Kaminski Family
Box 144
128 Sunset Drive
Churchbridge, SK
S0A 0M0
Canada.
The Mississippi RiverKings organization wishes to express our sympathies to the Kaminski family at this time.
Coach Kaminski has made the trip with the team to Allen, Texas, and will be on the bench for Wednesday night’s contest against the Americans. Kaminski will depart following the game for his home in Churchbridge for the celebration of his mother’s life later in the week.
The RiverKings will continue to Rapid City and play the two games Friday night and Saturday afternoon against the Rush without their coach on the bench.
Kaminski plans to return to Southaven by mid-week next week.
The RiverKings coach this week reflected on his mother’s life, noting she and her husband were involved in several activities in support of the community and minor hockey in the Churchbridge vicinity. “They helped me run my golf tournament for 13 years for minor hockey, ball, swimming pool, elementary and high school, and so on,” Kaminski said. “All of the money went back to the community to help build, buy and repair everything. They just helped out in every way possible.”
Kaminski added, “She was a sports mom. She drove her three kids to every sports event possible and we played every sport possible. She did everything for sports. I don’t think her and dad have missed one game on the CHL computer. They loved to watch sports.”
A prayer service has been scheduled for Friday, November 27th at 7:00 PM and the funeral mass will be said on Saturday, November 28th at 11:00 AM.
Friends and fans who would want to send expressions of condolences to the Kaminski should direct them the following address:
The Kaminski Family
Box 144
128 Sunset Drive
Churchbridge, SK
S0A 0M0
Canada.
The Mississippi RiverKings organization wishes to express our sympathies to the Kaminski family at this time.
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