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| | | | Welcome to Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Website | | | | | | | | |
| | | | HEADLINES  | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1998s Advance to Mid Am District Camp | | | | | | by
posted 05/10/2012 Congratulations to the following Ohio AAA Blue Jackets 1998's who advance to the Mid Am District camp to be held June 17-21 in Sylvania:
Michael Carr
Eric Dop
Jonathan Kinkopf
Connor Pooley
Justin Richards
Mason Yenchar
Congrats again!!Back to top 
| | | | | | | 1997 players advance to Mid Am Cap | | | | | | by
posted 05/10/2012 Congratulations to the following Ohio AAA Blue Jackets 1997's who advance to the Mid Am District camp to be held June 17-21 at Kent State:
Bryan Babcock
Josh Basso
Jack Hale
Jake Herrberg
Marshal King
Carson Meyer
Jack Roslovic
Cam Sangster
Nick Schantz
Bailey Seagraves
Kole Sherwood
Trevor St. Jean
Zach Tyson
Cam Walker
Congrats again!!
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| | | | | | | Register for U18 & U16 AAA Blue Jackets Tryouts | | | | | | by
posted 04/24/2012
Ohio AAA Blue Jackets 2012-13
U18 & U16 Tier 1 AAA Hockey Tryouts
DATES / TIMES
|
Team |
Date |
Day |
Rink |
Time On |
Time Off |
|
U18 & U16 Goalies |
5/25/2012 |
Fri |
North 1 |
6:00 PM |
7:30 PM |
|
U18 |
5/26/2012 |
Sat |
North 1 |
11:00 AM |
12:30 PM |
|
U16 |
5/26/2012 |
Sat |
North 1 |
12:40 PM |
2:10 PM |
|
U18 |
5/26/2012 |
Sat |
North 1 |
4:00 PM |
5:30 PM |
|
U16 |
5/26/2012 |
Sat |
North 1 |
5:40 PM |
7:10 PM |
|
U18 |
5/27/2012 |
Sun |
North 1 |
9:40 AM |
11:10 AM |
|
U16 |
5/27/2012 |
Sun |
North 1 |
11:20 AM |
12:50 PM |
A strong turnout is expected for all sessions. U16 & U18 players are encouraged to pre-register .
For U16 & U18 the tryout fee is $125 (non-refundable). All players must complete the online registration for tryouts at www.aaabluejacekts.com. To register, please visit www.aaabluejackets.com and click “Register Online”.
Additional program information is also available at www.aaabluejackets.com. If you have any questions, please contact the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets’ Program Coordinator, Ed Gingher at
** Please note, this U18 and U16 tryout is an initial tryout. Players from each team will be selected from this tryout to participate in a Tier 1 Elite League Exhibition weekend in Ann Arbor, MI June 1-3. Offers for both the U18 and U16 teams will be made after the exhibition weekend. Additional cost of $150 per player for tournament will apply (Lodging & Transportation not included).
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| | | | | | | Gingher back to guide program and U18s | | | | | | by
posted 04/24/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce that Ed Gingher will return to be Head Coach of the U18 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Gingher will enter his 9th season as Program Coordinator and U18 Head Coach of the Tier 1 AAA Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.
Gingher started the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program in 2004 and has seen the program grow from one AAA team to seven (Squirt Major-Midget Major) and become proud members of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League.
In the first 8 seasons, over 55 players have advanced to play Tier 1 or Tier 2 Junior A hockey including three NHL Draft Picks, ten NCAA Division 1 and eleven NCAA Division 3 players.
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets have captured 4 Tier 1 State Championships, 7 Regional Finalist Appearances, 3 Regional Championship, and 3 trips to the USA Hockey Nationals – U16 in 2009 and 1997’s in 2010 & 2012.
Prior to starting the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets,Gingher served as General Manager and Alternate Governor of the Dayton Bombers Professional Hockey Team in the ECHL. When Gingher was named General Manager at the age of 25, he became one of the youngest General Managers in hockey history. Gingher also served the Bombers as a scout, Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager before taking the position of General Manager in 2000.
Gingher played 3 years of Junior Hockey spanning the years 1992-1995 in the USHL, NAHL and EJHL. Gingher captained the 1994 EJHL Championship Hockey Team.
After hanging up his skates, he enrolled at the University of Dayton and earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Management and Marketing in 1999. He, his wife (Betsy), their son (Ryan), and daughter (Allie) reside in Dublin, Ohio.
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| | | | | | | U16s will continue to be guided by Perry Ganchar | | | | | | by
posted 04/24/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce that Perry Ganchar will remain Head Coach of the U16 Midget Minor Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Ganchar will continue to bring his wealth of playing and coaching experience to the AAA Blue Jackets. He enters his 4 rd season with the AAA Blue Jacekts.
The past two seasons Ganchar has been Head Coach of the U16 Midget Minors. His first season in the program he coached the 1995 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Bantam Major team. Prior to joining the AAA Blue Jackets program, Ganchar coached 7 seasons for the Cleveland Barons at various age groups. In 2008-09 he led the Barons Bantam Major team in winning the Mid American District Championship and earned a trip to the National Tournament.
Ganchar was a successful Junior and Pro Head Coach before turning his attention to AAA hockey. He spent two seasons as Head Coach of the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) and led the Chiefs to the Division Finals and Semi Finals in those two seasons. Prior to coaching in Spokane, he was the Head Coach of the Cleveland Lumberjacks (IHL) from 1997-2000 and was an assistant coach for the Lumberjacks from 1995-1997.
His playing resume is quite extensive as well amassing over 800 professional games in the IHL, AHL and 49 games in the NHL for St. Louis, Montreal and Pittsburgh. Ganchar has two children and lives in Dublin.
U16 AAA Blue Jackets tryouts are scheduled for May 25-27 in Columbus and June 1-3 in Ann Arbor. Click on the Tryout link for all the information.
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| | | | | | | Dan St. Jean named Head Coach of 1999 Bantam Minors | | | | | | by
posted 03/23/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are pleased to announce the hiring of Dan St. Jean as the 1999 Bantam Minor Head Coach for the 2012-13 Season.
This will be Dan’s 1st season coaching with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. His prior coaching experience ranges from the minor pro level to D1 college hockey as well as the youth levels.
“Danny will bring a wealth of experience to our staff and players. I am very excited to bring him into the program. He is a teacher at heart and fits the mold of a passionate hockey mind we want teaching and coaching our players. He is a great addition to our staff. I know he is excited too” Ed Gingher added.
The native of Montreal, Canada played his youth and junior hockey there prior to embarking on his professional playing career which lasted six years in Europe and the United States.
St. Jean started his off-ice hockey career as a scout and assistant coach for the Saginaw Generals and Cincinnati Cyclones at the professional level of the old IHL. He continued his coaching experience at the University of Findlay where he served as an assistant coach. From 1998-2002, he was an assistant coach for the Bowling Green State University Falcons (CCHA).
He was hired in 2006-2007 as Findlay High School Head Coach where he coached for 5 seasons where he compiled a 91-54-7 overall. His first team went 24-7-0. His 2009-10 team upset No.1 ranked Toledo St. Francis to reach the Norwest District championship game.
In addition to coaching at higher levels, St-Jean was involved and coached in the Findlay Amateur Hockey Association for 17 years.
St-Jean and his Wife Michelle reside in Findlay where he is the head golf professional at Red Hawk Run Golf Club. Dan and Michelle have 4 children. Brandon 23, Stephanie 19, Kyle 17 and Trevor 14.
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| | | | | | | Luke Pavlas hired as Head Coach of 1998 Bantam Major | | | | | | by
posted 03/15/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are thrilled to announce the hiring of Luke Pavlas to be Head Coach of the 1998 Bantam Majors for the 2012-13 season. This will be Luke’s 1st season with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Pavlas has coached locally with CCYHA for the past six seasons at the Bantam level.
“Luke has been a coach we have wanted in the program for quite of few years. We are very excited the timing finally worked for both sides. He fits the mold of coaches we want in the program. He will bring passion and enthusiasm to the rink and will instill that in his teams. He has done a great job with CCYHA and again, we are thrilled to have him teaching and coaching our players,” commented Ed Gingher, Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Program Coordinator.
Pavlas had a very nice playing career prior to getting into coaching. After winning the USA Hockey Midget AAA National Championship in 1995-96, Luke went on to play Junior hockey in the BCHL and the USHL. From Junior he made the jump to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes (CCHA) and was a 4 year letter award winner from 1999-2003.
Away from the rink, Pavlas has owned his own remodeling business for the past 7 years. He lives in Westerville with his wife, Valerie, and their newborn son, Mathis.
1998 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets tryouts are scheduled for April 14 & 15. Click on the Tryout link for all the information. To sign up for tryouts, please click on "Register Online".
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| | | | | | | Dale Jordan to lead the 2002 Squirt Majors | | | | | | by
posted 03/13/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are pleased to announce that Dale Jordan has been named Head Coach of the 2002 Squirt Major team for the 2012-13 season. Dale is entering his 6th year of coaching as well as being the Assistant Program Coordinator with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.
“I am extremely pleased to have Dale coaching the 2002’s this coming season. This is the first year for these players in our program and I cannot think of a better person to introduce them into the AAA Blue Jackets. Dale has tremendous passion for the game and will do a great job of teaching and developing this 2002 team both on and off the ice.” commented Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator.
Prior to joining the AAA Program, Dale served as a coach for St. Charles High School Varsity team for 5 years. He was the Assistant Coach for 4 years and the Head Coach for 1 year before accepting his positions with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Coach Jordan has been involved in coaching youth hockey for 10 years at various levels. In addition to coaching, Dale runs private lessons, hockey clinics and has been a Head Instructor at the Blue Jackets Hockey School.
Dale played both Junior A and Junior B hockey before getting involved in coaching. He played for the Columbus Junior B Crush for almost 3 seasons.
Dale resides in Dublin, OH with his wife Renee and their daughter Zoey, and his 2 stepchildren Mark and Ellie.
2002 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets tryouts are scheduled for April 13 & 14. Click on the Tryout link for all the information.
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| | | | | | | Ehrie to remain with 2001s | | | | | | by
posted 03/13/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are pleased to announce Todd Ehrie as the 2001 Pee Wee Minor Head Coach. Todd is entering his 18th season of coaching and his 5th with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.
Todd has spent last season as Head Coach of the 2001’s as well. Prior to leading the 2001’s he was as Asst. Coach within the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program for 3 seasons with both the 1997’s and 1999’s. With the 97’s, he helped lead the 97’s to a semi-final appearance in the Quebec Pee Wee Tournament and a Tier 1 U12 District Championship in 2010. The 1997’s became the first Columbus Pee Wee Major team to make an appearance in the Tier 1 USA Hockey National Championships.
Program Coordinator, Ed Gingher, added, “Todd has a tremendous passion for the game of hockey and is very determined to help develop players so they can compete at the highest levels. He did a great job with this group last season and it only made sense for him to continue with the 2001’s. He enjoys teaching and motivating players to achieve their highest potential as players and as young men.”
Prior to joining the coaching staff with the AAA Blue Jackets, Todd coached travel hockey in Columbus at various age levels for 13 years. During his coaching career he has coached numerous teams to claim both league and tournament titles including 4 State Championship Finalist appearances in which his teams captured 2 State of Ohio Championships. He also serves as instructor in for various camps and clinics.
Todd grew up in Central Ohio playing travel hockey. He then moved on to play junior hockey in Cleveland and Michigan before attending college at Ohio State University.
Todd co-owns and operates two companies in Columbus and resides in Lewis Center with his wife Terri and two boys Trevin and Coen.
2001 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets tryouts are scheduled for April 13 & 14. Click on the Tryout link for all the information.
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| | | | | | | Darcy Cahill back at Pee Wee Major to guide 2000 AAA Blue Jacket | | | | | | by
posted 03/13/2012 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are pleased to announce that Darcy Cahill will return for his 6th season of coaching in the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program. Darcy will be the Head Coach of the 2000 Pee Wee Major team.
Cahill is no stranger to Columbus hockey. He has been involved with CCYHA and teaching private lessons for a number of seasons. Prior to settling in Columbus, the former draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks enjoyed a 12 year career playing professional hockey in the United States and in Europe.
“Darcy does a great job of developing players with his attention to skill development. He connects with the players and they respect his knowledge and experience. He is very excited to lead this team to the Quebec tournament and build on the fantastic reputation Columbus has at the tournament. As we all know memories will be made for a life time there.” added Ed Gingher, Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Program Coordinator
2000 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets tryouts are scheduled for April 14 & 15. Click on the Tryout link for all the information.
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| | | | | | | 1997's advance to USA Hockey Nationals | | | | | | by
posted 03/12/2012 The 97s won the MidAm District Championship this past weekend in Pittsburgh, beating the Indy Jr. Ice, Pittsburgh Hornets, and Cleveland Barons.
With the wins, they move on to the National Championships, to be held in Buffalo, NY March 28-April . This will be their second consecutive trip to Nationals. You can follow their progress on twitter
.
Congrats to Coach Dan Cousineau and all the players and parents!!
Good Luck in BuffaloBack to top
| | | | by
posted 02/15/2012
Quebec Update #3
The Jackets played their second tournament game at 10 am at the Arpridome against a very hungry team. Drummondville, a team from an hour north of Quebec City, came out determined and never looked back. The Jackets lost big, placing them out of tournament competition. Though out of the tournament, the Jackets' spirits are high, as they will take on Montmorency Armada, another local team, at 12:30 pm on Wednesday at the Galeries de la Capitale.
Quebec Update #4
Before the game today at the Galerie de la Capitale, the Jackets were excited and ready to play hockey. The first period consisted of some back and forth surges by both teams, but Caitlin Walker, goalie, stood on her head and made some key saves for the team to end the first period 0-0.
The Blue Jackets came out in the second period with a lot more energy and determination to score. After a slew of opportunities that were turned aside by the Montmorency Armada goaltender, Alex Barber opened up the scoring with a strong wrap-around, quick off the boards, assisted by Trevor Marcinick and James Frantz. It did not take the Jackets long to build off of this momentum! 2 minutes and 22 seconds later, Patrick Chaykowski cycled the puck deep to an open Brandon Arens, who aggressively attacked the net, drawing every Armada player toward him. Nick Kuraly drove to the net hard, and Arens made a great feed to Kuraly who made no mistake: 2-0 Jackets! And that's the way the 2nd period would end.
The Blue Jackets started the 3rd period on the power play and had some good opportunities. Just as the power play expired, Ryan Sellars went to the net and dug out a gritty goal to bring the score to 3-0, assisted by Jared Piroska. Less than two minutes later, Io Adeniye fed the puck to a breaking Marcinick who dropped the puck to Barber. A quick one-touch back to Marcinick who, with a quick release, wasted no time bringing the score to 4-0.
The Blue Jackets got their first win in Quebec, and it was all smiles as the Galerie erupted in applause!
The Blue Jackets take on Team Austria on Thursday at Val Belair at 3:50 pm, looking for their next win!
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| | | | by
posted 01/09/2012 The 97 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are headed to the International Silver Stick Finals in Port Huron, MI this weekend, where they will take on a high powered schedule primarily composed of top-20 teams from the US and Canada.
The 97s, with a record of 28-11-5, find themselves in first place of the Tier One Elite Hockey League and started the 2012 portion of their season grabbing the championship banner at Nashville's Music City Winter Classic.
In addition to several Show Case wins, the team finished 2nd in the 41st Waterloo Gold Puck Tournament and will participate in the USA Hockey District Tournament at the conclusion of the season. You can follow the 97s on Twitter @3ABluejackets97.Back to top
| | | | | | | Sean Kuraly has been named to the 2011 U.S. Junior Select Team | | | | | | by
posted 10/21/2011 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey today announced the 22-player roster for the 2011 U.S. Junior Select Team that will compete at the World Junior A Challenge from Nov. 7-13 in Langley, B.C. Team USA is the three-time defending champion (2008, 2009, 2010) at the tournament.
Twenty of the players on the U.S. roster currently compete in the United States Hockey League, the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league.
Highlighting the U.S. squad are five players who were selected in the 2011 National Hockey League Entry draft, including Mario Lucia (Chanhassen, Minn./Penticton Vees), who was chosen in the second round (60th overall) by the Minnesota Wild; Andy Welinski (Duluth, Minn./Green Bay Gamblers), who was a third-round (83rd overall) choice of the Anaheim Ducks; fifth-round selections Tony Cameranesi (Maple Grove, Minn./Waterloo Black Hawks/Toronto Maple Leafs, 130th overall) and Sean Kuraly (Dublin, Ohio/Indiana Ice/San Jose Sharks, 133rd overall); and seventh-round selection Alex Broadhurst (New Lenox, Ill./Green Bay Gamblers/Chicago Blackhawks, 199th overall).
Two players on the U.S. Junior Select Team roster helped Team USA capture its third consecutive World Junior A Challenge title last year, including Brian Cooper (Anchorage, Alaska/Fargo Force) and Jordan Schmaltz (Verona, Wis./Sioux City Musketeers).
Sharing the goaltending duties for Team USA will be Ryan McKay (Palatine, Ill./Green Bay Gamblers) and Matt Morris (Ridgewood, N.J./Dubuque Fighting Saints).
The U.S. Junior Select Team will begin tournament play against Sweden on Nov. 7 at 10:30 p.m. EST. A full schedule is below.
Team USA 2010 World Junior A Challenge Schedule
Nov. 7-13 • Langley, B.C. •Langley Events Centre
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time (Local/EST)
|
|
Mon., Nov. 7 |
Sweden |
7:30 p.m./10:30 p.m. |
|
Wed., Nov. 9 |
Canada West |
7:30 p.m./10:30 p.m. |
|
Thu., Nov. 10 |
Quarterfinal Game |
4 p.m./7 p.m. |
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Quarterfinal Game |
7:30 p.m./10:30 p.m. |
|
Fri., Nov. 11 |
Semifinal Game |
4 p.m./7 p.m. |
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Semifinal Game |
7:30 p.m./10:30 p.m. |
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Sat., Nov. 12 |
Fifth-Place Game |
12 p.m./3 p.m. |
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Third-Place Game |
7:30 p.m./10:30 p.m. |
|
Sun., Nov. 13 |
First-Place Game |
5 p.m./8 p.m. |
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| | | | | | | Adler & Donskov to Assist USA Women's National Team | | | | | | by
posted 08/05/2011 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce Strength & Conditioning Coach, Anthony Donskov, and U18 Assistant Coach, Jon Adler, will be on staff for the USA Women’s National Team as they play in the IIHF 12 Nations Tournament in Finland August 23rd– 31st.
Coach Donskov will serve as Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach with Coach Adler serving as Video Coordinator for the team.
Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator, added “I am so very happy and proud for Anthony and Jon. It is a great opportunity for them to coach with Team USA. Their involvement with Team USA will help them improve as coaches while continuing to build upon the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets presence and credibility.”
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| | | | | | | Murphy Signs with Phoenix Coyotes | | | | | | by
posted 08/05/2011 Congratulations to Connor Murphy on signing his NHL Entry Level Contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Murphy was the Coyotes’ first round selection, 20thoverall in NHL Draft in June.
Connor becomes the first Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Alum to sign an NHL Contract. The 6’3, 190lb defenseman also recently signed with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the upcoming 2011-12 season.
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are very proud of Connor.
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| | | | | | | Kuraly seleted by San Jose in NHL Draft | | | | | | by
posted 06/25/2011
Another big day for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. The San Jose Sharks selected Sean Kuraly in the 5th round of the NHL Entry Draft. He went 133rd overall.
"It is great to see local players get recognized at the level. Sean is a great kid and it will be fun to watch both he and Connor advance in their hockey careers. I could not be happier for Sean and his family. It is another huge moment for our program as well," said Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator and U18 Head Coach.
Kuraly becomes the 3rd Ohio AAA Blue Jackets player to be drafted. Ironically enough, all 3 are or will be playing at Miami University.
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| | | | | | | Murphy selected 20th overall to Phoenix Coyotes in NHL Draft | | | | | | by
posted 06/25/2011 A HUGE Congratulations goes out to Connor Murphy on being selected in the 1 stround of the NHL Draft. He was selected 20 thoverall to the Phoenix Coyotes.
“I am so happy and proud of Connor. It was a huge moment for him and his family and it was a huge moment for our program as well. He is a great kid and has been through so much the past two seasons. It is so nice to see him rewarded for all his hard work and perseverance” added Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator and U18 Head Coach
Murphy became the first Ohio AAA Blue Jackets player to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft.
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| | | | | | | | by
posted 06/09/2011
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program is currently looking for billet families for the coming season. The billeting concept is considered by many as a hockey tradition. It involves host families opening their homes and families to out of area players, and provides an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing hockey careers. These talented players, who show potential to play at an elite level, seek the opportunity to play for an organization that can help them achieve their goals.
What is expected of the host family? The player needs a room of his own, or can share with a team member if a family is hosting more than one player. He needs a bed, dresser, closet space and a desk or table and chair (similar to what is provided in a college dorm room). While the players are expected to provide such items as bed and bath linens, personal care items, electronics, each housing situation has its own unique set of circumstances. The family also provides enough food for three meals a day. When the players travel, they will take care of their own food expenses.
What is expected of the players? They must obey all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members. They will need to take care of their own belongings but are also expected to pitch in to share duties as a member of the household. Players will be monitored by the coaching staff and host families will have open dialogues with the coaches to address any concerns.
How long is the host family’s commitment? This varies depending on the player. Some are with the family during the hockey season only. Others need to complete the school year. Players travel an average of two times per month. All go home over holiday breaks. Families receive a monthly billeting payment from each player. Some families opt to house more than one player as they are able to carpool to practice, travel together and are company for each other. These players, at this level of hockey, are disciplined and hardworking individuals. They would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue their development, albeit sometimes at a great distance from their homes. All that’s needed from you is a willingness to help a player pursue his dream. Thank you for your consideration in sharing your home and family.
Want to discuss the possibility of serving as a host family? Please call Ed Gingher @ 614-553-7013 or at
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| | | | by
posted 05/18/2011 The USHL Entry Draft on Monday was a very good day for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Three U18 players were selected in the draft. Marking the most AAA Blue Jackets players selected in a single USHL draft.
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Thomas Nykopp – 1stRound, 2ndoverall to Tri-City Storm
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Ansel Duesenberg – 14thRound, 202ndoverall to Sioux City Musketeers
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Conner Burton – 18thRound, 235thoverall to Sioux Falls Stampede
Nykopp’s selection at 2ndoverall is the highest AAA Blue Jackets player selected in any junior draft.
Congratulations to all three players!
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| | | | | | | Thomas Nykopp selected #2 overall in USHL Entry Draft | | | | | | by
posted 05/16/2011 U18 Forward, Thomas Nykopp, was selected #2 overall in the USHL Entry Draft by the Tri-City Storm.
The 6'3, 200lb forward led the U18 team in goals and points this past season. He racked up
49 goals, 48 assists for 97 points in just 61 games this past season for the U18 AAA Blue Jackets.
Nykopp was the first player selected coming out of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League and by doing so became the highest ever AAA Blue Jackets Draft pick in the USHL.
Congrats to Thomas!!
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| | | | | | | Cassels Selected 1st Round in OHL Draft | | | | | | by
posted 05/07/2011
U16 Forward, Cole Cassels, selected 16th overall in the 1st Round of the OHL Priority Selection Draft to the Oshawa Generals.
http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/
It has been a big few weeks for Cassels. First, he was selected by Muskegon in the USHL Futures Draft and now becomes the first Ohio AAA Blue Jackets player to be selected in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League Draft.
Cole was the first American player taken in the Draft
Congratulations, again, go out to Cole Cassels.
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| | | | | | | Connor Murphy scores OT Winner as Team USA Wins Gold | | | | | | by
posted 04/25/2011
U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team Wins the Gold Medal at the IIHF World Men's U18 Championship with 4-3 Overtime Win Over Sweden
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Team USA Captures Third Straight Gold Medal
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CRIMMITSCHAU, Germany – The U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team topped Sweden in overtime, 4-3, here tonight to win the gold medal at the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's U18 Championship. Connor Murphy (Dublin, Ohio) had two goals, including the game-winner at 6:06 of the overtime period, and added an assist, as Team USA captured its third straight gold medal in the tournament.
The U.S. overcame a two-goal third-period deficit to send the game into overtime and eventually emerge with its sixth gold medal in tournament history (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011).
"We knew how talented Sweden was from past tournaments," said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team. "This year, our players fought hard to come from behind and earn this gold medal."
Sweden jumped out to a quick lead with a goal at 3:24 of the first period. A late power play tally by Team USA's Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.) tied the game, 1-1, however. Connor Murphy (Dublin, Ohio) and Trouba passed the puck inside the offensive zone before Trouba launched a shot through traffic for the marker.
Sweden took a 3-1 lead on tallies at 12:51 and 17:50 of the second period, but the U.S. responded in the third. Less than two minutes into the frame, Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, Calif.) flipped the puck to Murphy at the top of the right faceoff circle, where he snapped a quick shot for the score. Then, with 1:29 left in regulation, Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge, Mich.) wired a shot past Sweden goalie Niklas Lundstrom to send the game into overtime tied, 3-3.
Just as a Sweden penalty expired six minutes into the extra frame, Robbie Russo (Westmont, Ill.) skated the puck into the offensive zone before locating Murphy at the left point. Murphy's first wrist shot attempt was blocked, but his rebound slap shot found the net for the game-winning tally.
John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa.) made 28 saves in the win for the U.S., while Lundstrom stopped 37 shots in the loss for Sweden.
NOTES: Connor Murphy was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... John Gibson received the directorate award as the tournament's best goaltender ... Gibson, J.T. Miller (East Palestine, Ohio) and Robbie Russo were named Team USA's best three players ... Ron Rolston has guided the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team to three gold medals at the IIHF World Men's U18 Championship, the only head coach in U.S. history to do so ... The U.S. has captured a record eight consecutive medals at the IIHF World Men's U18 Championship, including three gold medals in a row (2009-2011), back-to-back gold medals in 2005-06, two silver medals (2004, 2007) and one bronze (2008). Team USA also captured the gold medal in 2002 ... Team USA's nine overall medals are most ever at the IIHF World Men's U18 Championship ... All 22 players on the 2011 U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team come from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. ... Click here for the full U.S. roster ... A full recap of Team USA at the 2011 IIHF World Men's U18 Championship, including game recaps, photos and videos, can be found on USAHockey.com and Facebook ... All 22 members of the 2011 U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team train with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program released on October 1, 2010, that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.
GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
|
USA |
1 - |
0 - |
2 - |
1 - |
4 |
|
SWE |
1 - |
2 - |
0 - |
0 - |
3 |
First Period - Scoring: 1, SWE, Forsberg (unassisted), 3:24; 2, USA, Trouba (Murphy, Boyd), 19:52, (pp). Penalties: SWE, Blomkvist (holding), 8:44; SWE, Karlsson (tripping), 18:05.
Second Period - Scoring: 3, SWE, Blomkvist (Bjorklund), 12:21; 4, SWE, Bjorklund (Karlsson, Johansson), 17:50. Penalties: USA, Russo (interference), 15:29.
Third Period - Scoring: 5, USA, Murphy (Grimaldi, Miller), 1:20; 6, USA, Boucher (unassisted), 18:31. Penalties: USA, Biggs (tripping), 4:07; SWE, Bengtsson (tripping), 6:00; SWE, Nilsson (interference), 12:07; USA, Biggs (tripping), 13:55.
Overtime Period - Scoring: 7, USA, Murphy (Russo), 6:06. Penalties: SWE, Klefbom (holding), 4:04.
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Shots by Period
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1
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2
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3
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OT
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Total
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USA |
12 |
8 |
13 |
8 |
41 |
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SWE |
11 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
31 |
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Goaltenders (SH/SV) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
OT |
Total |
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USA, Gibson, 66:06 |
11-10 |
10-8 |
9-9 |
1-1 |
31-28 |
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SWE, Lundstrom, 66:06 |
12-11 |
8-8 |
13-11 |
8-7 |
41-37 |
Power Play: USA 1-5; SWE 0-3
Penalties: USA 3-6; SWE 5-10
Team USA 2011 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship Schedule
April 14-24 • Crimmitschau, Germany
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Date |
Opponent |
Results
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Sat., April 9 |
Canada (exhibition)* |
L, 1-2 |
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Mon., April 11 |
Finland (exhibition)* |
W, 4-2 |
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Thu., April 14 |
Switzerland |
W, 2-1 |
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Fri., April 15 |
Slovakia |
W, 8-1 |
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Sun., April 17 |
Russia |
W, 4-3 |
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Tue., April 19 |
Germany |
W, 7-3 |
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Sat., April 23 |
Canada (Semifinal Round) |
W, 5-4 (OT) |
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Sun., April 24 |
Sweden (Gold-Medal Game) |
W, 4-3 (OT) |
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| | | | | | | AAA Blue Jackets Join Tier 1 Elite Hockey League at All Levels | | | | | | by
posted 04/19/2011
Ohio AAA Blue Jackets approved as Full Members of Tier 1 Elite Hockey League
2001 Squirt Major Team added for next season
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce full membership in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League for all AAA Blue Jackets teams. The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League voted unanimously to approve the AAA Blue Jackets addition to the league this past weekend at league meetings held in Chicago.
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets U18 and U16 teams have played in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League the past two seasons and will now have all teams playing in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League beginning in the 2011-12 season.
Due to joining the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, a 2001 Squirt Major Ohio AAA Blue Jackets team has been added to the original 6 teams in the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program. More details on the Squirt team will be announced soon including tryout times and coaches named.
Currently, the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League consists of 19 teams at U18 and U16 levels from Boston to Los Angeles. At the Bantam Major – Squirt Major levels, the AAA Blue Jackets will join Belle Tire, Chicago Fury, Cleveland Barons, Pittsburgh Hornets and Victory Honda. Additional expansion is still being considered at all levels.
“This is absolutely huge for our program. We always strive to play the best so we can be considered among the best. Now being a part of the best Tier 1 AAA league in the country from Squirt Major – Midget Major will give our players the best chances to develop at the highest levels. We are also honored to be joining such great organizations and very thankful to the Tier 1 Board of Governors for a unanimous vote. It is a new beginning for the AAA Blue Jackets and youth hockey in Columbus”, added Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator and Midget Major Head Coach.
Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Tryouts are:
May 7 & 8 - 2000, 1999 and 1998’s
May 17 & 18 – 2001’s
May 20-22 - 1997’s, U16 and U18’s
All tryouts are at Chiller North. Please visit www.aaabluejackets.comfor more details.
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| | | | | | | Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings includes Former Players | | | | | | by Ohio AAA Blue Jackets posted 04/19/2011 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are pleased to announce that former Ohio AAA Blue Jackets players Connor Murphy and Sean Kuraly were rated on the Final NHL Central Scouting rankings for the upcoming NHL Draft in June.
Connor Murphy, who has missed most of the season due to injury, was ranked #25 overall while Sean Kuraly was ranked #50 overall. These rankings are the top 210 players from North America and Canada.
Both players have also been invited to the NHL Combine to be held in Toronto. The NHL invites the top 80 prospects to Toronto for strength testing, psychological testing and interviews in front of all 30 NHL teams.
Murphy and Kuraly become the first AAA Blue Jackets players to ever be invited to the NHL Combine.
Connor Murphy is currently playing with the USNTDP at the U18 World Championships in Germany and Sean Kuraly is entering the second round of the USHL Playoffs with the Indiana Ice.
Congratulations to both players and their families.
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| | | | | | | Clark Cristofoli officially signs to play for OSU next season | | | | | | by
posted 11/19/2010
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Ohio State Hockey Has 11 Commit for 2011-12 Campaign
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Following the conclusion of the November signing period, 11 outstanding hockey players have committed to join the Ohio State men’s hockey program, first-year head coach Mark Osiecki announced Friday. The class, which will begin playing for the Buckeyes in Fall 2011, includes two goalies – Brady Hjelle (Cedar Rapids/USHL) and Matt Skoff (Sioux City/USHL), defensemen Clark Cristofoli (Sioux Falls/USHL), Justin DaSilva (Powell River/BCHL), Ben Gallacher (Camrose/AJHL), Sam Jardine (Camrose/AJHL) and Alex McLean (Omaha/USHL) and forwards Ryan Dzingel (Lincoln/USHL), Max McCormick (Sioux City/USHL), Tanner Fritz (Grand Prairie/AJHL) and Chad Niddery (Powell River/BCHL).
“The common trait among these players is they eat, breathe and live hockey,” Osiecki said. “They all bring phenomenal character and are outstanding students. They will be the foundation of what we are working to accomplish with the Ohio State hockey program.”
In all, the class is comprised of six players from the United States Hockey League, three from the Alberta Junior Hockey League and two from the British Columbia Hockey League. The group is a mix of older (1990, ‘91 birthdates) players to younger, draft-eligible student-athletes (1992,’93 birthdates). Dzingel and McCormick just won gold medals for the U.S. Junior Select Team at the World Junior A Challenge earlier this month, while Gallacher and Jardine competed for Canada West in the tournament. Fritz competed with Canada West in the prestigious tourney in both 2008 and ’09 and was selected in 2010 but opted to take care of his schooling. Hjelle skated for Team USA at the 2007 event.
Clark Cristofoli
Defense, 5-9, 175, 9/10/92
Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)/Lewis Center, Ohio
Will come into Ohio State as a true freshman after two years in the USHL, graduating high school this year … has strong skating ability … very high compete level … skated in 46 games for Sioux Falls last year, with nine points (2g, 7a) and a +4 mark … has played in eight games to open 2010-11, recording two assists … first player to commit to Ohio State after playing for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets team … draft eligible.
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| | | | | | | NHL Central Scouting Ranks Top USHL Players | | | | | | by
posted 11/19/2010 Two former Ohio AAA Blue Jackets' Sean Kuraly and Connor Murphy included in NHL Central Scouting Rankings. Kuraly comes in @ 8 and Connor Murphy is included but had limited viewings due to injury.
http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3571Back to top
| | | | | | | DiGiando Commits to Colorado College | | | | | | by
posted 10/20/2010 Congratulations to Jordy DiGiando, currently of the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, on committing to play for Colorado College of the WCHA next season.
DiGiando becomes the 9th Ohio AAA Blue Jackets player to commit to play Division 1 college hockey.
"We are very proud of Jordy. He had many schools to pick from. Colorado College is a great school and they play in one of the best leagues (WCHA) in the country. I am so happy for him and his family that he was able to find a great fit both on the ice and off," added Ed Gingher, AAA Blue Jackets Program Coordinator. Back to top
| | | | | | | Connor Murphy featured on NHL.com | | | | | | | | | | | | | Two Alumni named to Team USA U18 Roster for Junior World Cup | | | | | | by
posted 07/13/2010 Congratulations to Sean Kuraly (F) and Connor Murphy (D) for being named to the Team USA roster for the 2010 Under-18 Junior World Cup, also known as the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, in early August in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
"What an honor for both players and our program. Hopefully they can bring home the gold medal! It is wonderful to see local players getting recognized on a national and international stage. We are very proud of both players, said Ed Gingher, Program Coordinator and U18 Head Coach. Back to top
| | | | | | | Sean Kuraly commits to play at Miami University | | | | | | by
posted 05/26/2010 The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce that Sean Kuraly (1/20/93) has verbally committed to play for the Miami Redhawks (CCHA).
Sean becomes the eighth AAA Blue Jackets player to commit to play Division 1 College hockey. He led the U18 team in scoring this past season with 78 points (31g-47a) in only 48 games. Sean also enjoyed two call ups this past season appearing in 5 games with Indiana Ice (USHL) picking up 3 points. He also played in 4 games with Team USA (USNTDP Under 17’s) scoring 3 points at the Vlad Dzurilla tournament in Slovakia.
“Sean is a tremendous player and it is very exciting to see him accept a scholarship to play at Miami University, a place where his dad (Rick) also played. Sean is the hardest practicing player I have ever coached and his success is a testament to his hard work. We are very proud of him,” said U18 Head Coach, Ed Gingher.
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