It's Wednesday

It's Wednesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is December 15th, the 349th day of 2010. There are 16 days left in the year.

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Hartnell's power play goal ends Penguins' win streak.

Leafs get payback with win at Edmonton.

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Today is Bill of Rights Day.

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Fargo's Demers commits to Air Force.

Phantoms week #11.

Indiana Ice weekly.

Black Hawks weekly.

Phil Axtell faces another comeback.

HockeyIntelliGym helps Lumberjacks.

Lumberjacks score high marks with preschoolers.

Walsh part of hockey's royal family.

Stampede update.

"We are Family" has nice ring to it for Ice players.

Musketeers forward Gordon commits to RIT.

Jacks home after five-game road trip.

First Force Captain enjoying success at Western Michigan.

Black Hawks set date for make up game with Des Moines.

Plenty going on this weekend for Jacks at home.

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Today's Birthdays: Actor Tim Conway (The Carol Burnett Show) is 77; actor Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Nash Bridges, Tin Cup) is 61; actress Helen Slater (The Legend of Billie Jean, City Slickers) is 47; actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Thank You For Smoking) is 31.

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Cornell University Remains No. 1  in USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Cornell University remains No. 1 in this week's USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll. The idle Big Red, who boast a 13-1-0 record, accumulated 182 points and 11 first-place votes to earn the top spot for the fourth time this season.

The University of Wisconsin remains at No. 2 with 175 points and eight first-place votes after twice defeating St. Cloud State University, while Boston University (141) advances one place to No. 3 its highest ranking in school history, following wins over No. 10 Northeastern University and Harvard University last week. The University of Minnesota Duluth (120) advances two spots to No. 4 after splitting a weekend series with then-No. 9 University of North Dakota, while Mercyhurst College (119) rounds out the top five following a weekend split with St. Lawrence University.

The USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll will take a two-week hiatus and will return on Jan. 4.

NOTES: The Western Collegiate Hockey Association and Hockey East both boast four ranked programs, while ECAC Hockey and College Hockey America each have one team ranked ... A total of 13 teams received votes.

ABOUT THE POLL: The 14th annual USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women’s College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the four NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey Magazine, the most widely distributed hockey magazine in the world.

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine
Women's College Hockey Poll - #12
(first-place votes in parentheses)

Rank School Last Week's Ranking 2010-11 Record Weeks in Top 10
1 Cornell University, 182 (11) 1 13-1-0 12
2 University of Wisconsin, 175 (8) 2 16-2-0 12
3 Boston University, 141 4 14-2-3 12
4 University of Minnesota Duluth, 120 6 12-5-1 12
5 Mercyhurst College, 119 3 13-3-0 12
6 Boston College, 116 5 11-2-4 12
7 University of Minnesota, 72 7 13-6-0 11
8 University of North Dakota, 50 9 9-7-2 12
9 Providence College, 45 8 13-5-1 3
10 Northeastern University, 11 10 10-4-4 3

Others receiving votes: The Ohio State University, 8; Quinnipiac University, 4; Bemidji State University, 2.

USA Hockey Extends Ogrean's Contract Through 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, will remain in that capacity at least through 2014, it was announced today by Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey.

"We're extremely pleased that Dave has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him guiding our organization for the foreseeable future," said DeGregorio. "USA Hockey is fortunate to have someone with his experience, leadership and vision."

Since returning to USA Hockey for his second stint as executive director in August of 2005, Ogrean has helped the organization reach new heights, including an unprecedented partnership with the National Hockey League. Under his leadership, USA Hockey created a new department for membership development that has helped in the resurgence of growth in youth hockey in the U.S.; introduced the revolutionary American Development Model, which provides associations nationwide a blueprint for optimal athlete development for the first time ever; began an annual three-day nationwide celebration called Hockey Weekend Across America to bring additional exposure to the sport; focused efforts on raising the profile of the USA Hockey Foundation; and helped ensure the sustainability of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame by negotiating a deal that resulted in USA Hockey becoming the legal entity governing the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Listed among the top 50 in The Hockey News People of Power and Influence, Ogrean served as USA Hockey's executive director from 1993-99 and started his professional career with the organization as its director of public relations from 1978-80.

"It's an honor to lead one of the very best amateur sports organizations in America," said Ogrean. "We have a terrific group of volunteer leaders across the country to work with and also a very talented national office staff. It is with much anticipation that I look forward to each and every day at USA Hockey and I thank the organization for its confidence in me."

Record Number of USA Hockey Officials Selected for Major International Competitions
Twenty-Eight Officials to Work 2011 Events

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A record 28 USA Hockey officials have been assigned to officiate International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship events in 2011, as well as the 2011 Winter World University Games. The officiating assignments span across 15 tournaments taking place from December 2010 through May 2011, beginning with the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo and Niagara, N.Y.

Veteran officials David Brown (Wall Township, N.J.) and Tom Sterns (Prior Lake, Minn.) both received their fifth assignments. Brown will be a linesman at his second IIHF World Junior Championship, while Sterns will serve as a referee at his third IIHF World Men's Championship. Officials who earned their fourth assignments include Paul Carnathan (Decatur, Ga./IIHF World Men's Championship); Keith Kaval (Erie, Pa./IIHF World Junior Championship); Johnathan Morrison (Mason City, Iowa/IIHF World Junior Championship); and Travis Smith (Phoenix, Ariz./IIHF World U18 Championship).

The officials represent 17 states, with five hailing from Minnesota, three from Georgia and two each from Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The other states represented include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina and Rhode Island.

For a complete list of the USA Hockey officials and their assignments, click here.

Boyle Named Strength & Conditioning Coach for U.S. Women's National Program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Michael Boyle, one of the nation's foremost experts in strength and conditioning, has been named the strength & conditioning coach for the U.S. Women's National Program, as announced by USA Hockey.

Boyle, who has worked with countless youth, college and professional athletes throughout his nearly 30-year career, will work with all members of the U.S. Women's National Program on a year-round basis. He previously served as the strength & conditioning coach for the 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team that won the first-ever Olympic gold medal awarded in the sport.

Boyle is the founder of Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning, which offers comprehensive performance enhancement training, reconditioning and personal training. With two facilities in eastern Massachusetts, Men's Health recently named MBSC as America's top gym.

In addition, Boyle is in his 25th year as a strength and conditioning coach at Boston University. There, his primary responsibility is designing and supervising the strength power development programs for the Terrier men's ice hockey team that has won two national titles since his arrival (1995, 2009).

Boyle is an international lecturer and author of two books and multiple DVDs on strength and conditioning, weight loss and reconditioning. He is National Athletic Trainers' Association certified and holds both a bachelor's (1981) and master's degree (1982) from Springfield College.

Starting with the 2010 USA Hockey Women's Winter Training Camp, which runs from Dec. 26-31 in Blaine, Minn., Boyle will travel to selected camps and tournaments to support the U.S. Women's National Program.

NOTES: Teena Murray, director of Olympic sports performance at the University of Louisville, previously held the position of strength & conditioning coach for the U.S. Women's National Program from 2006-10.

2011 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships
Sell Out with Record Number of Teams Registered
Adult Hockey Event Set for Feb. 11-13, 2011 in Eagle River, Wis.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The sixth annual Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships, set to take place Feb. 11-13, 2011, on Dollar Lake, in Eagle River, Wis., have sold out with a record 250 teams registered, it was announced today by USA Hockey.

"This unique adult hockey event has grown exponentially since its inception in 2006, when 42 teams participated," said Ashley Bevan, senior director of adult hockey at USA Hockey. "The continued growth and success of this pond hockey championship tournament would not be possible without the support of Labatt Blue, the countless volunteers of Eagle River and all the teams that travel from across the country."

The 250 teams will feature nearly 1750 adult hockey players competing in 15 divisions, including three women's divisions. The teams hail from the District of Columbia and 22 states, including Arizona, California, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina, with the majority coming from Illinois (79 teams) and Wisconsin (64). During the three-day event, approximately 480 pond hockey games will be played on 24 outdoor rinks created on Dollar Lake. To view a photo of the rinks, click here.

NOTE: For more information on the 2011 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships, as well as past results and coverage, click here.

ADM Regional Manager Guy Gosselin Named to University of Minnesota Duluth's Men's Hockey All-DECC Team
Former UMD Defenseman Received Honor Dec. 4

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Guy Gosselin, a regional manager for USA Hockey's American Development Model, was recently named to the University of Minnesota Duluth's All-DECC Team, which was voted on solely by Bulldog hockey alumni. The team was recognized during the first intermission of Minnesota Duluth's final game ever at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on Dec. 4 against the University of Denver.

The DECC has served as the home of the Bulldogs since the 1966-67 season and will give way to the new $70-million AMSOIL Arena later this month.

Gosselin suited up with the Bulldogs from 1982-87, helping lead them to back-to-back Western Collegiate Hockey Association championships and Frozen Four appearances (1984, 1985). As captain his senior season, he garnered All-WCHA Second Team and team most valuable player honors. Gosselin skated for Team USA in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Winter Games, and in three International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships (1986, 1990, 1991). To view Gosselin's complete bio, click here.

NOTES: The All-DECC team features Mark Pavelich and John Harrington, both members of the gold medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, 1972 Olympic silver medalist Keith “Huffer” Christiansen and 2002 Olympic silver medalist and 1996 World Cup of Hockey champion Brett Hull. The team also includes forwards Matt Christensen, Dan Lempe, Derek Plante, Walt Ledingham, Junior Lessard, Chris Marinucci, Shjon Podein and Bill Watson; defensemen Curt Giles, Brett Hauer, Jim Johnson, Tom Kurvers and Norm Maciver; and goaltenders Bob Mason, Glenn “Chico” Resch and Alex Stalock. For more information on the All-DECC team, click here.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL

USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM), in partnership with the NHL, provides age-appropriate guidelines and curriculum to hockey associations across America to help more kids play, love and excel in hockey. To learn more, visit ADMkids.com.

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Say cheese!





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A jilted Chicago bride is suing her ex-beau who dumped her days before the wedding. She wants over $95,000 in damages, much of it to cover the cost of the stuff she paid for.

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Since our last report, the Tampa Bay Juniors teams have been on the road for an extended period of time. The SEJHL team started off with a three-game set in mid November against the Hampton Roads Junior Whalers. On November 19th, Cody Post, Wes Moon and Angelo Arcadapane helped forge a 3-3 tie, but the Whalers would scored 3 more for a 6-3 win. Jordan Kruger made 47 saves for the Juniors. On November 20th, Tampa Bay led 3-2 after two, thanks to goals by Brendan McGowan, Zach White and Dan Rainwater. Cody Post and McGowan again in the third forced overtime, but the Whalers would score in the extra session to win 6-5. Brad Martin made 40 saves for the Juniors. On November 21st, Tampa Bay would get 2 goals from Nick Howell, 1 from Milan Lee and 34 saves from Jordan Krueger to beat the Whalers 3-1.

The SEJHL Juniors would then travel to Palm Beach for a pair of games against the Palm Beach Hawks. On Deecmber 4th, Michael Pignataro scored twice and Cody Post once, but Palm Beach would take the game by a 9-3 score. Jordan Krueger made 34 saves for Tampa Bay. On December 5th, 3 goals from Brendam McGowan, 1 from Michael Pignataro and 26 saves from Dominic Calandra weren't quite enough, as Palm Beach was able to win the game by a 6-4 count. The SEJHL Juniors now have a record of 6-14-0-0 for 12 points, scoring 60 goals and allowing 108. Tampa Bay currently sits in 4th in the SEJHL.

The Tampa Bay Juniors MJHL team has been busy as well. On November 20th, Dustin Disbro scored twice, Ryan Nelson once and Evan Weiss made 31 saves, but it wasn't quite enough, as the Hampton Roads Junior Whalers held on for a 4-3 win. On December 5th, Tampa Bay rebounded for a 5-2 win. Paul Lochner, Patrick Rodgers and Dustin Disbro scored for a 3-0 1st period lead. Richard Hill and Andrew Silvers added goals, and Braxton Schulz made 27 saves, as Tampa Bay went on to win the game, 5-2.

On December 3rd, 4th and 5th, the MJHL Juniors were on the road again for the Palm Beach Showcase. The Juniors would beat the Florida Eels in the first game, 4-1. Dustin Disbro scored twice, Alex McCoy and Paul Lochner once each, and Evan Weiss made 20 saves. In the second game, Braxton Schulz stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced, but Hampton Roads' only goal stood up for a 1-0 win for the Whalers. In the final game, the Juniors dropped a 5-3 game to the Florida Junior Blades. Patrick Rodgers scored twice, Chase Anderson once, and Evan Weiss made 37 saves.

The Juniors would travel cross-state this past weekend, for a pair of games with the Space Coast Hurricanes. On December 11th, Ryan Nelson and David Cross scored goals, but a 3 goal third sent the Hurricanes on to a 6-2 win. Braxton Schulz made 37 saves for Tampa Bay. On December 12th, Chase Anderson, Brian O'Connor and Paul Lochner scored goals while Evan Weiss made 37 saves, but 2 Space Coast goals in the second period proved to be the difference, as the Hurricanes beat the Juniors 5-3. Tampa Bay is now 4th in the MJHL's Southern Division with a record of 10-13-0-1 for 21 points, scoring 82 goals and allowing 98.

The MJHL Juniors are in action at home this coming Saturday and Sunday, December 18th and 19th, against the Space Coast Hurricanes. Saturday's game starts at 8:00pm EST, and Sunday's game starts at 12:15pm EST. Both games can be seen live on fasthockey.com.

The SEJHL Juniors are off until January 8th and 9th when they travel to Palm Beach for two more games against the second place Hawks.

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Are you jazzed about 3D TVs? What about Internet connected TVs? Not really, apparently. On Tuesday, Best Buy's CEO said that sales of 3D TVs had fallen behind industry expectations.

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Barker pulls double duty for Argos.

Coaching re-shuffle continues in Edmonton.

Winnipeg stadium scores TD with city.

Visit the league's official website, cfl.ca.

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After testing it out in Baltimore and D.C. McDonald's is rolling out oatmeal this week. A cup will set you back $1.99.

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Here's the Week 15 NFL Schedule:

Thursday December 16 8:20p.m. San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers

Sunday December 19 1:00p.m. Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams

Sunday December 19 1:00 pm Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday December 19 1:00 p.m. Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

Sunday December 19 4:05 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday December 19 4:15 p.m. New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday December 19 4:15 p.m. Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Sunday December 19 8:20 p.m. Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots

Monday December 20 8:30 p.m. Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

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A new survey shows Americans now spend as many hours online as they do watching television.

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Today in Elvis History:

1962 - Elvis Presley's single "Return To Sender" hit #1 in the U.K.

1965 - The Elvis Presley movie "Harum Scarum" opened in the U.S.

1970 - "Elvis - That's The Way It Is" was released in the U.K.

1994 - "Elvis - The Tribute" aired on ABC-TV.

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In Wichita, Kansas, a chiropractor's office was run into twice by old people in cars. No major injuries.

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Today in Beatles History:

1969 - John Lennon gave his last live performance in England. It was a UNICEF benefit in London.

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Next month Marvel Comics will kill a member of the Fantastic Four. (It turns out that he's highly allergic to fruitcake and eggnog.)

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Today in Sports History:

1917 - The NHL's first exhibition game was played four days before the start of the regular season. The Montreal Canadiens and the Montreal Wanderers played a benefit game for victims of the Halifax Explosion, which had occurred 10 days earlier.

1925 - The third Madison Square Garden was opened with a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Americans.

1966 - The New Orleans Saints became the 16th NFL franchise.

1974 - The Miami Dolphins won at the Orange Bowl for the 31st consecutive time.

1982 - Paul "Bear" Bryant announced his retirement as head football coach at the University of Alabama.

1992 - Arthur Ashe was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

1996 - Troy Aikman surpassed Roger Staubach's Dallas Cowboy record of 22,700 passing yards.

1996 - John Elway (Denver Broncos) won his 126th game to set an NFL record.

1997 - The San Francisco 49ers retired Joe Montana's number 16 during halftime of a game against the Denver Broncos.

2002 - Edgardo Alfonzo and the San Francisco Giants agreed on a four year contract worth $26 million.

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American Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull and 11 other tribe members were killed in Grand River, South Dakota, during an incident with Indian police working for the U.S. government on this date in 1890.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Atlanta Thrashers 7:30pm EST

Thursday --

Nothin' Doin'

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres 7:30pm EST

MJHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Space Coast Hurricanes 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

MJHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Space Coast Hurricanes 12:15pm EST

NFL Football -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions 1:00pm EST

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That's all for today. See you tomorrow.