NAHL 2022-2023 Thread

[JMCx4]

So many Leagues, so many playoff series, so little bandwidth left in this old man's brain. If you don't wanna count on me, you can follow along with the NAHL's Playoff Hub page, which includes game highlights & other handy media stuff ... but I scooped 'em on Game 2 results for the Wilderness vs. KR.

NAHL announces schedule for 2023 Robertson Cup Playoffs

APRIL 18, 2023

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule for the 2023 Robertson Cup Playoffs, which begin on Friday, April 21st with the best of 5 Division Semi-Finals series. The four divisional playoff champions will advance to play at the 2023 Robertson Cup Championship in Blaine, Minnesota from May 19-23. The Robertson Cup is awarded to the national playoff champion of the NAHL.

All 2023 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoff games can be viewed live on HockeyTV.

Division Semi-Finals (Best of 5)
The Club seeded first in each division will compete in a best-of-five series with the fourth seeded Club in the same division. The Club seeded second in each division will compete in a best-of-five-series against the Club seeded third in the same division. The Division Semi-Finals may begin no earlier than Thursday, April 20, 2023, and must conclude no later than Monday, May 1, 2023. The Club seeded higher in each division semifinal series has the right to host up to three games and the Club seeded lower in each division semifinal series must be able to host at least two games.


Central Division Semi-Finals (best of 5)

#1 Austin Bruins vs. #4 Minot Minotauros (AUS wins series 3-0)
Game 1: Minot 3 - AUSTIN 4 (1OT)
Game 2: Minot 2 - AUSTIN 4
Game 3: AUSTIN 3 - Minot 0
Game 4: Saturday, April 29 @ Minot, 7:35pm*
Game 5: Monday, May 1 @ Austin, 7:05pm*

#2 Aberdeen Wings vs. #3 St. Cloud Norsemen (STC wins series 3-0)
Game 1: ST. CLOUD 2 - Aberdeen 1
Game 2: ST. CLOUD 2 - Aberdeen 0
Game 3: Aberdeen 0 - ST. CLOUD 3
Game 4: Saturday, April 29 @ St. Cloud, 7:00pm*
Game 5: Monday, May 1 @ Aberdeen, 7:15pm*


East Division Semi-Finals (best of 5)

#1 Maryland Black Bears vs. #4 Northeast Generals (MAR wins series 3-0)
Game 1: Northeast 2 - MARYLAND 8
Game 2: Northeast 2 - MARYLAND 3 (1OT)
Game 3: MARYLAND 3 - Northeast 1
Game 4: Thursday, April 27 @ Northeast, 7:00pm*
Game 5: Saturday, April 29, @ Maryland, 6:30pm*

#2 New Jersey Titans vs. #3 Maine Nordiques (MNE wins series 3-0)
Game 1: MAINE 3 - New Jersey 0
Game 2: MAINE 6 - New Jersey 5 (1OT)
Game 3: New Jersey 1 - MAINE 5
Game 4: Friday, April 28 @ Maine, 7:00pm*
Game 5: Sunday, April 30 @ New Jersey, 7:00pm*


Midwest Division Semi-Finals (best of 5)

#1 Wisconsin Windigo vs. #4 Chippewa Steel (WIS wins series 3-0)
Game 1: Chippewa 1 - WISCONSIN 4
Game 2: Chippewa 1 - WISCONSIN 2 (1OT)
Game 3: WISCONSIN 4 - Chippewa 2
Game 4: Saturday, April 29 @ Chippewa, 7:00pm*
Game 5: Sunday, April 30 @ Wisconsin, 6:00pm*

#2 Minnesota Wilderness vs, #3 Kenai River Brown Bears (MIN wins series 3-0)
Game 1: Kenai River 1 - MINNESOTA 3
Game 2: Kenai River 1 - MINNESOTA 2
Game 3: MINNESOTA 2 - Kenai River 1 (1OT)
Game 3: If series is tied 1-1 or Kenai River is up 2-0, Sunday, April 23 @ Minnesota, 5:15pm
Game 4: Friday, April 28 or Saturday, April 29 @ Kenai River, 7:30pm*
Game 5: Saturday, April 29 or Sunday, April 30 @ Kenai River, 7:30pm*


South Division Semi-Finals (best of 5)

#1 Oklahoma Warriors vs. #4 Amarillo Wranglers (OKW wins series 3-0)
Game 1: Amarillo 2 - OKLAHOMA 5
Game 2: Amarillo 2 - OKLAHOMA 6
Game 3: OKLAHOMA 4 - Amarillo 3 (1OT)
Game 4: Saturday, April 29 @ Amarillo, 7:15pm*
Game 5: Monday, May 1 @ Oklahoma, 7:15pm*

#2 Lone Star Brahmas vs. #3 Shreveport Mudbugs (SMB wins series 3-2)
Game 1: Shreveport 1 - LONE STAR 2 (4OT)
Game 2: SHREVEPORT 3 - Lone Star 2 (1OT)
Game 3: LONE STAR 2 - Shreveport 0
Game 4: Lone Star 2 - SHREVEPORT 3 (1OT)
Game 5: SHREVEPORT 1 - Lone Star 0

*if necessary


Playoff Overtime Procedure: During all Robertson Cup playoff games, if the score is tied after three periods of play the following overtime procedure shall take place. Teams shall return to their dressing room and the ice shall be resurfaced. A fifteen-minute intermission shall take place. A twenty-minute, sudden death, overtime period shall be played with five skaters a side. The game shall terminate upon a goal being scored and the Club scoring declared the winner. If no goal is scored, the same procedure as above shall be repeated until a winner has been determined.

Division Finals (Best of 5)
The two Clubs in each division that won a division semifinal series shall compete in a best-of-five series against each other. The division finals may begin no earlier than Thursday, May 4, 2023, and conclude no later than Sunday, May 14, 2023. Clubs shall cooperate to schedule division final series competition. The higher seeded Club will have the right to host up to three games. The lower seeded Club must be able to host a minimum of two games.

NAHL Robertson Cup Championship
The four NAHL divisional playoff champions will advance to the Robertson Cup Championship from May 19-23 in Blaine, MN. Once the four NAHL Divisional Playoff Champions are determined, clubs will be seeded 1-4 based upon their finish in the NAHL regular-season standings. The game schedule will be as follows: The #1 Seed will face the #4 seed in a best of three Semi-Final series. The #2 seed will face the #3 seed in a best of three Semi-Final series. The best of three Semi-Final series will begin on Friday, May 19th. The two series winners will advance onto a winner-take-all championship game on Tuesday, May 23rd to determine the Robertson Cup National Champion.

 

[JMCx4]

The MD Black Bears completed their first round sweep on the NE Generals on Wednesday night, with a 3-1 Game #3 victory at the New England Sports Village. The Bears become the first team to advance to their NAHL Division Finals round.

 

[JMCx4]

The East Division Finalists are set, as the Maine Nordiques swept the NJ Titans in the second Division Semi-finals series.

 

[JMCx4]

Seven of 8 series sweeps in the first round, with the Brahmas & Mudbugs being the odd men still in. Friday night game report links have been added to the 2023 Robertson Cup Playoffs post above.

 

[JMCx4]

The Mudbugs enjoyed their first round playoffs visit to North Richland Hills so much, they decided to return for Game #5 on Monday. Everybody loves The Shoebox.

 

[JMCx4]

The Mudbugs completed the comeback in their South Division semi-finals series with the Brahmas on Monday night. That sets the final divisional pairing to determine the 4 Robertson Cup competitors.

 

[JMCx4]

NAHL announces schedule for 2023 Robertson Cup Division Finals

MAY 3, 2023

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule for the 2023 Robertson Cup Division Finals. The four divisional playoff champions will advance to play at the 2023 Robertson Cup Championship in Blaine, Minnesota from May 19-23. The Robertson Cup is awarded to the national playoff champion of the NAHL.

All 2023 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoff games can be viewed live on HockeyTV

Division Finals (Best of 5)
The two Clubs in each division that won a division semifinal series shall compete in a best-of-five series against each other. The division finals may begin no earlier than Thursday, May 4, 2023, and conclude no later than Sunday, May 14, 2023. Clubs shall cooperate to schedule division final series competition. The higher seeded Club will have the right to host up to three games. The lower seeded Club must be able to host a minimum of two games.

Central Division Finals (best of 5)
#1 Austin Bruins vs. #3 St. Cloud Norsemen (Bruins win series 3-1)

Game 1: ST. CLOUD 4 @ Austin 3 (1OT)
Game 2: St. Cloud 1 @ AUSTIN 6
Game 3: AUSTIN 5 @ St. Cloud 1 ...
Game 4: AUSTIN 2 @ St. Cloud 1 (1OT)
Game 5: Sunday, May 14 @ Austin, 5:05pm*

East Division Finals (best of 5)
#1 Maryland Black Bears vs. #3 Maine Nordiques (Black Bears win series 3-1)

Game 1: Maine 2 @ MARYLAND 4
Game 2: Maine 1 @ MARYLAND 5
Game 3: Maryland 4 @ Maine 5
Game 4: MARYLAND 8 @ Maine 4
Game 5: Sunday, May 14 @ Maryland, 6:00pm*

Midwest Division Finals (best of 5)
#1 Wisconsin Windigo vs. #2 Minnesota Wilderness (Wilderness win series 3-1)

Game 1: MINNESOTA 1 @ Wisconsin 0
Game 2: Minnesota @ WISCONSIN 3 (1OT)
Game 3: Wisconsin 1 @ MINNESOTA 5
Game 4: Wisconsin 3 @ MINNESOTA 5
Game 5: Sunday, May 14 @ Wisconsin, 6:00pm*

South Division Finals (best of 5)
#1 Oklahoma Warriors vs. #3 Shreveport Mudbugs (Warriors sweep series 3-0)

Game 1: Shreveport 1 @ OKLAHOMA 4
Game 2: Shreveport 1 @ OKLAHOMA 5
Game 3: OKLAHOMA 2 @ Shreveport 1 (2OT)
Game 4: Saturday, May 13 @ Shreveport, 7:11pm*
Game 5: Sunday, May 14 @ Oklahoma, 7:15pm*

*if necessary ...

 

[JMCx4]

NAHL Division Finals series all started on Friday night. Too much trouble to post Game #1 recaps (maybe I'll get more enthusiastic about that as the series roll on), but the final scores are listed within the Game Summary links in this post above.

 

[JMCx4]

In Saturday night action, Maryland in the East & Oklahoma in the South each took a 2-0 Division Finals lead. The Central & Midwest Division matchups are tied @ 1 victory each. Play resumes in all four divisions on Friday 5/12, at each of the lower seed's arenas.

 

[JMCx4]

We interrupt our regularly scheduled NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs news for this important announcement ...

NAHL announces schedule for 2023 Prospects Challenge

MAY 12, 2023

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule for the 2023 NAHL Prospects Challenge, which will take place from May 19-21, 2023. The games will be held at Fogerty Arena and the NSC Super Rink, in Blaine, Minnesota, and the TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.

18U Schedule

16U Schedule

Now in its third season, the NAHL Prospects Challenge is an extension of the NAPHL Fall League, in which 18U and 16U teams, will be put together and represented by NAHL Member teams. The NAHL Prospects Challenge was strategically designed to take place in conjunction with the Robertson Cup and allows for more NAHL teams to participate, scout, recruit, educate potential players and attract prospects from a greater geographical area.

The event is designed to maximize exposure for the players and bring together teams for likeminded and enhanced competition. Each NAHL member club is eligible to enter one 18U team and one 16U team in the event.

“Over the years, the NAHL has created more opportunities for players to play, develop, and be exposed to upward movement. The Prospects Challenge is another great example of fulfilling that mission. It is another one of our great events designed to maximize exposure,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld.

Teams will play a three-game round robin with top teams advancing and remaining teams playing a consolation game on Sunday. Games will be played with three, 20-minute run time periods.

 

[JMCx4]

And now back to our show, already in progress ...

From: Under The Radar - NW Louisiana Blog

Mudbugs On Edge of Elimination

By Shawn C. White
MAY 9, 2023

After the drama-filled series in the South Division semifinals with Lone Star Brahmas where every episode (game) had an emotional twist and turn, the Shreveport Mudbugs fell flat in the first two games of the South Division finals in games one and two in Oklahoma City against the Oklahoma Warriors. Granted, though, the Oklahoma Warriors ended the regular season with the best record overall in the NAHL. The Warriors also had easily taken care of the Amarillo Wranglers and had taken a few extra days more rest than Shreveport, Not an excuse though. If hockey only had two periods, Shreveport would have been fine. They matched Oklahoma 2-2. Unfortunately, hockey games have three periods and that is where the difference came. Oklahoma outscored Shreveport 7-0 in the final period. Was it fatigue from the Lone Star series? Was it just outplayed by the Warriors? Who knows? ...

Read more at: Mudbugs On Edge of Elimination - Under The Radar - NW Louisiana

 

[JMCx4]

From: The Daily Mining Gazette > Local Sports

Windigo split at home against Wilderness

Daver Karnosky
Sports Editor

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. — The Wisconsin Windigo, who finished as the top team in the North American Hockey League’s Midwest Division, opened up their second round of the Robertson Cup Playoffs with a split against the Minnesota Wilderness this past weekend at the Eagle River Sports Arena in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The Wilderness took the series opener, 1-0, and the Windigo took the second game in overtime, 3-2.

Alternate captain Victor Widlund ensured that the series shifted to Cloquet, Minnesota, even when he scored just 1:12 into the first overtime. The goal, his team-leading third of the playoffs, came on a rebound off a shot from Sam Greobner. ...

The Windigo had to play Game Two without its scoring leader from the regular season, (Lake Superior State commit) Luke Levandowski, who was out with illness, however they still found a way to get on the board first when Max Martin found the net just 36 seconds into the contest. He tipped a shot from (Alaska-Anchorage commit) Ben Anderson past Wilderness goaltender Isak Posch. Martin also picked up the second assist on Widlund’s game-winner. ...

Read more at: Windigo split at home against Wilderness | Daily Mining Gazette

 

[JMCx4]

From: The Rochester (MN) Post Bulletin > Sports

Bruins' Brassard brothers bring energy on, off the ice as Austin pushes for an NAHL championship

The Austin Bruins are two wins away from reaching the NAHL championship tournament. The team's fourth line -- center Jackson Luther and brothers Isaak and Matys Brassard -- have played a key role in that success.

By Jason Feldman
Today at 9:00 AM (May 12, 2023)

AUSTIN, Minn. — Steve Howard needs just one word to describe Isaak and Matys Brassard: Energy.

“They bring that energy that you want,” Howard, the sixth-year head coach of the Austin Bruins, said. “They’re always like that, on and off the ice, constantly going a million miles a minute.”

The Brassards, identical twins from Montreal, are also two of the more charismatic characters to ever wear a Bruins uniform. But the 5-foot-11, 180-pound 20-year-old forwards are as serious on the ice as they are gregarious off of it.

They’ve also found a home throughout the North American Hockey League postseason, playing on either side of Bruins center Jackson Luther. That trio is listed as the team’s fourth line, but its actual role has been much larger than what its position on a line chart might indicate.

Howard has put that line on the ice to start every home game the team has played in the postseason. ...

Read more as: Bruins' Brassard brothers bring energy on, off the ice as Austin pushes for an NAHL championship | Post Bulletin

 

[JMCx4]

From: Yahoo!News / Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal.

Junior hockey: Maine Nordiques stumble as Maryland Black Bears take 2-0 series lead

Nathan Fournier, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine
Sat, May 6, 2023 at 10:59 PM CDT·2 min read

May 6—The third-seeded Maine Nordiques are facing playoff elimination.

The top-seeded Maryland Black Bears defeated the Nordiques 5-1 on Saturday night at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Maryland, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NAHL East Division Final.

"Last night is in the past — the difference today is one team showed up and the other didn't," Maine Nordiques coach Matt Pinchevsky said.

The Black Bears opened the series with a 4-2 win Friday night.

Maryland will have a chance to close out the series on The Colisee ice Friday night. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. ...

Read more at: Junior hockey: Maine Nordiques stumble as Maryland Black Bears take 2-0 series lead | Y!N / LSJ

 

[JMCx4]

In 5/12 playoff action, the Oklahoma Warriors eliminated the Shreveport Mudbugs by a Game #3 2-1 double OT score, grabbing the first slot in the 2023 Robertson Cup Championship tournament. The remaining 3 Division Finals series continue on Saturday, each a 2-1 series; the Div Finals post has been updated with scores linked to League game summaries.

 

[JMCx4]

The 2023 Robertson Cup Championships field is set: Oklahoma Warriors, Maryland Black Bears, Minnesota Wilderness & Austin Bruins are headed to Blaine, MN.

For the bracket watchers ...

And for the social media denizens among us ...

 

[JMCx4]

From: The North American Hockey League

NAHL announces schedule for 2023 Robertson Cup Championship

MAY 15, 2023

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule and teams for the 2023 Robertson Cup National Championship, which will be played at Fogerty Ice Arena in Blaine, Minnesota, from May 19-23. The Robertson Cup is awarded to the national playoff champion of the NAHL.

The four divisional playoff champions who have qualified for the 2023 Robertson Cup Championship are: #1 Oklahoma Warriors (South Division), #2 Maryland Black Bears (East Division), #3 Austin Bruins (Central Division), and the #4 Minnesota Wilderness (Midwest Division). Clubs were then seeded 1-4 for the event based upon their finish in the NAHL regular-season standings.

The #1 Seed will face the #4 seed in a best of three series. The #2 seed will face the #3 seed in a best of three series. The two series winners will advance to a one-game Championship Game to determine the Robertson Cup Champion.

Tickets and Scout passes are now on sale for the event. For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, including schedule, scout information, ticket information, hotels, rental cars and other event information, visit http://nahl.com/robertson-cup/
All 2023 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoff games can be viewed live and in HD on HockeyTV.

2023 NAHL Robertson Cup Schedule (all times central)

Thursday, May 18 - Team Practices and Media Day: 11:00am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm, and 2:45pm ... CHECK ...

Friday, May 19, Game 1:
#4 Minnesota 2 vs. #1 OKLAHOMA 4 ...
#3 AUSTIN 4 vs. #2 Maryland 0 ...

Saturday, May 20, Game 2:
#1 OKLAHOMA 3 vs. #4 Minnesota 1
#2 MARYLAND 2 vs. #3 Austin 1

Sunday, May 21, Game 3: #4 Minnesota vs. #1 Oklahoma, 3:00pm
#3 AUSTIN 4 vs. #2 Maryland 2 ...

Monday, May 22: Off Day

Tuesday, May 23: Robertson Cup National Championship Game, 7:00pm ... Austin Bruins 3 vs. Oklahoma Warriors 4

Overtime Procedure: During all Robertson Cup Championship games, if the score is tied after three periods of play the following overtime procedure shall take place. Teams shall return to their dressing room and the ice shall be resurfaced. A fifteen-minute intermission shall take place. A twenty-minute, sudden death, overtime period shall be played with five skaters a side. The game shall terminate upon a goal being scored and the Club scoring declared the winner. If no goal is scored, the same procedure as above shall be repeated until a winner has been determined. ...

Read more at:

NAHL announces schedule for 2023 Robertson Cup Championship

Robertson Cup field includes Oklahoma Warriors, Maryland Black Bears, Austin Bruins, and Minnesota Wilderness.

www.nahl.com

 

[JMCx4]

Post Bulletin: Bruins are back in the Robertson Cup: All You Need To Know about the NAHL national championship tournament

Grand Forks Herald: Former Grand Forks Central teammates reach Robertson Cup Finals

WDIO: No. 4 Minnesota Wilderness talks facing No. 1 Oklahoma in NAHL semifinals

 

[JMCx4]

Friday night highlights from the opening games at the 2023 Robertson Cup tourney ...

 

[JMCx4]

The OK Warriors are OK with the extra day off, after eliminating the MN Wilderness on Saturday night in Blaine. Oklahoma now await the winner of the other semifinals Game 3 on Sunday night, either Maryland or Austin who are tied 1-1 in their series.

Ed. Note: One of the best features of the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship playoffs is that you seldom see the same teams make it to the final rounds year after year. Fresh talent & fresh fan bases make for a good time with competitive hockey.

 

[JMCx4]

The Robertson Cup Championship Final is set for Tuesday, Austin Bruins v Oklahoma Warriors.

 

[JMCx4]

Video highlights from each Game 2 of the 2023 Robertson Cup semifinals, and a Game 3 bonus reel ........

 

[JMCx4]

This connection should give the Fogerty Arena attendance count a boost for tonight's Championship game ...

Robertson Cup Championship features plenty of local players

MAY 23, 2023

When the Austin Bruins (Austin, MN) and Oklahoma Warriors (Oklahoma City, OK) take to the ice on the night of Tuesday, May 23rd to battle for the North American Hockey League’s Robertson Cup National Championship at Fogerty Arena in Blaine, MN, there will be a significant local flavor competing for the title.

There will be a total of 14 players in the title game who grew up in or right next to the state of Minnesota.

Austin Bruins
Ethan Lindahl, Forward (Andover High/Andover, MN)
Damon Furuseth, Forward (Gentry Academy/Fargo, ND)
Josh Giuliani, Forward (Maple Grove High/Plymouth, MN)
Dylan Cook, Forward (Princeton High/Princeton, MN)
Nate Looft, Defenseman (Mankato West High/Mankato, MN)
Jack Malinski, Defenseman (Lakeville South High/Lakeville, MN)
Trent Wiemken, Goalie (Fargo Davies High/Fargo, ND)

Oklahoma Warriors
Max Dronen, Forward (Moorhead High/Moorhead, MN)
Kaden Nelson, Forward (Grand Rapids High/Duluth, MN)
Joey Delgreco, Forward (Grand Rapids High/Grand Rapids, MN)
William Lawson-Body, Forward (Grand Forks Central High/Grand Forks, ND)
Hunter Jones, Forward (Andover High/Andover, MN)
Garrett Horsager, Defenseman (Rosemount High/Rosemount, MN)
Owen Baumgartner, Defenseman (Shattuck-St. Mary’s/Owatonna, MN)

 

[JMCx4]

The 2023 Robertson Cup.Champions are ........... the Oklahoma Warriors!

Physical game, lots of speed, sometimes spectacular goaltending, too many late penalties, but it was all fun to watch.

 

[JMCx4]

Highlights of Tuesday night's barn burner ...