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FRONTENACS FINISH 3RD IN THE NATION 2008-2009

The Illinois Frontenacs arrived in Marlbourgh, MA with high expectations and plenty to prove.  Never before in the history of USA Junior Hockey have two teams from a brand new league finished so stronger.  With the Chicago Huskies taking home the National Championship, the Frontenacs walk away knowing that they won 5 of 11 games against the 2008-2009 National Champions. 

The first game against the Metro Fighting Moose saw the Frontenacs jump out to an early 4-0 lead in the first period.  However they were not able to solve the Moose's goaltenders from the beginning of the second period till the end of the game finishing with a 4-1 win.

Next up was the Hampton Road Whalers. Despite out shooting the opponent by 20 plus shots the game ended with a 1-1 tie. 

National Runner-up the Atlanta Knights were the next challenge.  The Knights jumped out to a early 3-0 lead after the first period, but the Frontenacs battled back with two goals only to drop the contest 3-2. Yet, a trip to the semi finals was eminent, once again the Chicago Huskies stood the way.

In a match up similar to the previous 10 and worthy of a championship game, the two teams played through to overtime with the Huskies netting the winner and advancing the finals. 

NACS WIN LAKES CUP, HEADED TO JUNIOR NATIONALS IN MARLBOROUGH, MA MARCH 27-31

Goals sometimes seem unattainable.  You hear the term wishful thinking.  People say you're a dreamer.  Then! You attain your goal, your wish comes true, and the dream is a reality. 

Our team traveled to Danville, Illinois for the first Great Lakes Junior Hockey Leagues inaugural Lakes Cup Playoff.  Completing what has been a long and hard season, our men arrived ready to play. 

On Thursday March 12 vs. the Michigan Mountain Cats, we fell behind 3-1 before scoring 6 unanswered goals in the second and third periods.  Marking yet another come from behind victory.  Up next the Chicago Huskies, hopes were high.

However things would not go our way on Friday night.  Chicago came out firing.  Moving the puck up the ice with speed and precision. In net Corey Rickermann stood tall and stopped 42 of 48 shots, playing with poise and focus he offered us chance to stay in the game.  Yet, Chicago plugged away and won the game 6-2.  Things were now sticky. 

On Saturday Chicago played the Mountain Cats and all we needed was a victory.  Sitting in the stands we watched Chicago pull out to a 6-2 lead early in the second period.  Now that a Chicago win would allow us to advance as long as we did not loss to Motor City by more then 2 goals, we were excited about playing Chicago again for the Championship.  At this time things fell apart.  The Mountain Cats lead by GLJHL leading scorer Daniel Pierce climbed back winning the game 9-8 with only minutes left in the third. 

No more free ride!

Faced with a must win situation we came out strong and took an early 4-1 lead after the first period, and never looked back.  Winning the game 7-3 we were assured of a bid to Nationals.  

After the game our staff was faced with the Question "How do you motivate a team for the championship game when both teams are already going to Nationals."  Answer, you don't have to.  Leaving the locker room it was obvious the men would be ready for tomorrow's game.

Sunday afternoon's game began much differently then our previous meeting.  Miguel Franco scored at the 3:40 mark of the first period, while we took 12 shots in the first.  Tied up at intermission we came out in the second more fired up then any game of the season.  Putting 23 shots on Chicago's goalie McSweeney in the second, but trailing at the end of the period 3-2.  Chicago scored early in the third to take a 4-2 lead.  We would spend the most of the third period playing catch up.  Sean Begley scored  9:30 into the third to bring us to with 1 goal.  Then almost as if scripted R.C. Martin would tie the game up with 37 seconds left in the third.  

One more intermission. One more new game against our biggest rival.  

We will win this game!  Does a coach need to hear anything more? 

46 seconds into overtime R.J. Phelps would score the winning goal and begin the celebration as we took home the Lakes Cup and the # 1 seed for the GLJHL at the Junior C National Championship in Marlborough, MA.  

Congratulation men!  You set your goal, made your wish, and achieved your dream.  Just 5 more games to go.  See ya in Boston!

SUCCESSFUL REGULAR SEASON OVER - NOW THE REAL TEST STARTS

At end of August 2008 the team had been picked and practices had started.   Players and coaches were unsure what the season would hold.  Questions loomed.  How good would the league be?  Could the team compete?  Would anyone have a chance to advance?  Goals were set.  First Goal, Finish as one of the top two teams in the league.  Check!  Second, Make playoffs.  Check!  Third, Advance to the USA Hockey Junior C National Championship.  Pending!

The Illinois Frontenacs started out the season strong winning five of their first seven games.  Players started to fall into place as either leaders, scorers, playmakers, offensive or defensive defensemen, and character players.  Area players Evan Leutchmann (26 G 24 A 50 PTS) and R.C. Martin (19 G 31 A 50 PTS) tied for the team lead in scoring with 50 points apiece.  Leucthmann is still deciding where he will play next season but he has received a lot of attention from Niagra University.  Martin will be attending college next season in Mississippi where he will be pursuing a degree in Golf Course Management.  David O'Connell finished the season with 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points.  O'Connell who won a National Championship with the St. Louis Junior Blues in 2006-2007 will be expected to provide leadership throughout the playoff run. 

Former Frontenac Johnny Sellman was traded to the Chicago Force in Mid-January and has skated on the first line for the past month.  Sellman has received several inquiries from NCAA Division III programs for next season.  Matt Benton was added from the Danville Inferno to help offensively and he has put up 8 points in 9 games since being acquired.

While some players stand out because of points, others contribute in other ways that are equally or more important.  Goaltenders Elliot Schmidt and Corey Rickermann have anchored the team the entire season and are 3^rd and 5^th respectively. Both goaltenders have been consistent and stolen games throughout the season.  In one game Rickermann stopped 13 of 15 shooters in a 6-5 shootout win against the Motor City Chiefs.

The Mexican connection of Carlos Galvan and Miquel Franco, both from the Wichita, KS area, has been a consistent threat in all three zones.  Defensemen turned forward in the last month, Andrew Clifton, has been placed on a line with Martin and Sean Begley to create a formidable unit in the offensive zone.  Belleville resident Ronnie Crockett has skated on all three of the top lines this season and continues to provide offensive flare, while being a strong penalty killer. 

Defensively the unit has been led as of late by Assistant Captain Danny Greene, whose play has allowed Clifton and Franco to be transitioned to forward.  Trea Higgins and T.J Lachenicht have both added a physical presence while showing their puck moving skills.  Late addition Tom Copper has rounded out the top 6 defensemen that include Arty Berreman and John Davis.  All three have provided consistent defensive play this season while providing some timely offensive contributions.

SELLMAN MAKES IMPACT IN CSHL AFTER TRADE
On January 3, 2009 Johnny Sellman had two goals against the first place Chicago Huskies in a 5-3 win.  It marked Sellman's 42^nd point in his 27^th game to lead the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League and the Frontenacs in scoring.  Attending the game that evening was Mark Hammersmith, Head Coach and General Manager of the Central States Hockey League's Junior A Chicago Force.

"I was approached by Hammersmith in between the second and third period regarding Sellman and his desire to move up to Junior A.  It was interesting because Sellman was not even having that good of a game up to that point, however he took over in the third and controlled the game" said Coach Kory Haywood.  "Johnny had more then enough talent to play at the Junior A level years ago, but like many of our area players he just did not have the avenue to by seen be those programs."

The Force were looking for a player that could skate on their third line and help them in a push for the final playoff spot.  Instead they found a player that moved up to the first line and consistently contributes offensively.  Sitting in 8^th place the Force are poised to make a playoff run.  If the season ended today the Force would face the St. Louis Junior Blues, bringing Sellman home to play against the team that did not select him a few years ago.  

"We started this program with the intentions of helping players advance.  We have several players that have offers from colleges both NCAA Division III and Division I and II club programs.  The Frontenacs are devoted to helping players achieve their goals" stated Assistant Coach Bobby Wondolowski. 

Your 2010-2011 St. Louis Frotenacs Junior Hockey Club

Your 2010-2011 St. Louis Frotenacs Junior Hockey Club

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