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Jr Generals January 14/15 recap

Well the boys in blue were back in NA3HL action this past weekend with an eagerly anticipated matchup with the always dangerous Cleveland Lumberjacks. The Jr Generals worked extremely hard to prepare. In what Coach Worlton described as an intense week of work. Saturday night 1-14-12 The Lumberjacks got on the board first with a marker from Fred West at the 17:48 mark of the 1st period. The Generals responded 17 seconds later with a fantastic goal from Richard Jansson with timely assists from Andrew Lay & Cody Damon at the 17:30 mark. That ended the scoring for the first frame but not the hard physical play from both squads. In the 2nd period a huge goal was scored from Cody Damon with assist from Richard Jansson & Nick Goettel at the 16:09 mark of the second while the scoring stopped the nonstop efforts from both squads was maintained. The Generals closed out all the scoring in the 3rd first with Derek Compeau scoring from the high slot area with assists from Richard Jansson & Andrew Lay only 35 seconds into the final frame. Closing out the contests scoring was Warren Carter with a great pass and set up from Eddie Osowski & Josh Kestner at 5:17. Richard Jansson was deemed the 1st star by the media in attendance. But not for the efforts of the current NA3HL goalie of the month Ben Myers stopping 33 of 34 shots directed at him the game could have definitely been different. But with his ever present steadiness the boys in blue prevailed setting up the next day’s equally huge matchup.

Sunday 1-15-12 with a good night’s sleep and most definitely Coach Worltons clear message in the pregame meeting minutes the boys in blue were again steely eyed on the task at hand. In 1 of the most intensely played 1st periods of the year. The Generals came out as did Cleveland banging bodies. With almost the whole period gone the Generals finally got on board with some fine power play work from Kenny Miloser & Hayden Hansen with Josh Kestner benefitting from the stellar pair of the Dmen, a fine tip in goal Generals up 1-0 at 3:57 was a great starting point to be sure. Ending the period with a lead and after the end of period breather Coach Worlton with a power play at hand gave a clear message score now. Well folks in a great 3 way pass play Hayden Hanson scored what many said was a spectacular goal on the power play at 0:51 with great precision passing from Kenny Miloser & Josh Kestner it was indeed a pleasure to watch. The 3rd period was just as intense as the 1st two but with the game on the line Cleveland struck 1st on the power play with a goal from Steve Lecey with assists from Cameron Dimmit & Shane Reese at 7:32. With the clock winding down and the Generals defensive system working to a t the Generals finished the scoring for this weekend tilts with an Empty net goal scored by Warren Carter at 19:50 with assists from Colten Thiel & Nick Goettel closed out the contest. Special mention should go out to our #1 goalie Ben Myers he was again outstanding stopping 29 of 30 shots thrown at him. He was named the 1st star by the media and well deserved with the weekends work done and the Generals content with the results the Generals get right back at it with a duo of games against the visiting Queen City Steam.

Come Watch NA3HL action it’s worth the drive.

Doug

First half season recap

1st Half Reflections from the Flint Jr Generals

Well folks to say the boys in blue are on a roll. Well that’s an understatement to be sure. With the 1st half break upon us. With the boys nursing a variety of little hurts and bruises and with a tough road laden schedule already in the books. Coach Worltons troops are getting recharged for what our organization believes is a playoff run to be sure.
The break comes at a great time due to holidays, fatigue and the fantastic efforts of our boys and well-earned at that. Highlights from the 1st half are the Darien Showcase with a 4-0 record against all the west divisions best. A break ending 9-0 run to the credit of the kids and staff. The solid workmanlike efforts of our coaches led by Coach Worlton's guidance, demands and work habits. Coach Guzak's efforts and thoughts. Finally our secret weapon in Coach Cronk's stabilizing influence and efforts.

With our ownership solidly supporting these young men and in no part the way they get treated and cared for it makes for a really fun atmosphere. The office staff led by Wes Bond is 2nd to none. Our volunteer crew of Jim Goettel, Dave Odom, Bob Dmytro and especially Mike Crowder (every home game) is greatly appreciated. With Tami Bailey ably manning the game day Point streak stats. Our off ice crew is also making a difference with their hard work.
Our longtime owner and mentor to most of us Gale Cronk is a really proud man this year with the product being put on ice and off ice the boys in blue are making a difference. As is his son our co-owner/gm. Kelly Cronk.

With a heavily home laden 2nd half schedule opening with our only 3 in 3 weekend starting off with the Michigan Mountain Cats on the road Friday night then the next night Saturday night the always tough Metro Jets on the road and finally closing our weekend set on Sunday with a home tilt with the Michigan Mountain Cats the anticipation is building around these parts for sure. This tough weekend is a prelude to 7 straight games within the confines of home.

The NA3HL as a league not only has come a long way in a short time but it is very evident so have the Flint Jr Generals. The anticipation around here is great. We are sure the boys efforts and work ethic they will exceed in our drive to the Hurster Cup. Come see an exciting, competitive and fast paced brand of hockey in Flint at Flint Iceland Arena's it most definitely is worth the time.

In closing from the Owners, Coaches and Staff we wish every member of the NA3HL community to have a safe and prosperous Christmas and a Happy New Year. The next year appears bright here in Flint and we hope to be a difference maker in that regard. More to follow in our drive in the 2nd half with the boys in blue.

Jr. Generals Shine at Darien NA3HL Showcase

The past week the Jr Generals made their way to the Windy City suburb of Darien for the important League Wide NA3HL Showcase. Leaving early Saturday morning on the bus the boys in blue made the 5 hour trip with anticipation. Getting there early was Coach Worlton and Coach Cronk's way of getting the message of its importance to the troops. Saturday although long was productive and fun. The troops meet as a team on Saturday to discuss the upcoming weeks events starting with the always tough Peoria Mustangs with a sense of detail. In recapping the weeklong event it was very apparent to all our rolling staff and players numbering 30 that these kids were focused and ready. Here as follows is the recap:

12-4-11 Peoria-

The Mustangs jumped out to a lead late in the 1st period on a power play goal (it would prove to be the only chink in Ben Myers armor that day as he stopped all other 17 shots along the way). The Jr Generals countered with a great pass from linemate Eddie Osowski (Montclair, New Jersey) and an even better effort by Josh Kestner (Huntsville, Alabama) in deking the Mustangs goalie to even the contest. Then the Jr Generals got a fantastic goal Casey Barile (Ballwin, Missouri) finishing a great passplay from Luke Mc Diarmid (Alden, Michigan) to take the lead for good. More scoring from the potent Kestner, Osowski & Warren Carter (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) line finished the contest in style with Kestner garnering his 2nd and 3rd goals to complete the hat trick. The Generals defense on this day was led by Kenny Miloser (Brighton, Michigan) who chipped in with an assist. With the first game 4-1 win under their belts overall the kids made the 1st day memorable. Coach Worlton was pleased but focused on the next game with the hometown Chicago Hitmen.

12-5-11 Chicago-

In a very highly contested, typical of most NA3HL games. The Jr Generals worked their way to a 6-4 win against the hometown squad. Players of note in this contest were Cody Damon (Grand Blanc, Michigan) with 1 goal and 1 assist (including the game winner), Richard Janssen’s (Gothenburg, Sweden) chipping in with a goal and an assist. Kenny Miloser contributed 2 assists also to the cause. Coach Worlton's troops were now highly anticipating Tuesday’s early AM game against the Granite City Lumberjacks. Coach Worlton was again focused and ready with a very keen eye on the opponent we were about to play.

12-6-11 Granite City-

In a highly anticipated game the result didn't disappoint the huge crowd in attendance. The Granite City bunch proved to be a handful but the Jr Generals played equally well. In a see saw contest with great play from both squads the Jr Generals prevailed in a 5 player shootout 3-2. Players of note were Ben Myers rock solid in goal again for the 3rd straight day (Ben stopped 35 of 37 regulation shots and then stealing the show in blanking the Granite City team, stopping them on all 5 shooters in the shootout), Luke Mc Diarmid was again large in getting the Generals offense started scoring the 1st goal with Derek Compeau (Owosso, Michigan) getting the other marker in regulation. The Jr Generals defense was huge lead by Jake Taylor (Atlanta, Indiana), Nick Goettel (Davison, Michigan) and Hayden Hanson (Chagrin falls, Ohio) leading the charge. With the veteran Cody Damon getting the game winner in the shootout it made for an enjoyable day to be sure. A number of NAHL scouts and colleges stated that they had just viewed the game of the tournament making not only our GM/Coach Kelly Cronk proud but the coaching staff lead by Coach Worlton also beaming with pride.

On a side note the Lumberjacks had a player go down to a very serious injury. #15 Ezra Mc Phail was taken away via ambulance with what appeared to be a serious injury of an undisclosed extent. The Jr Generals management, staff, players and coaches are saying their prayers for this young man’s complete recovery.

12-7-11 Minnesota Flying Aces-

In what proved to be another battle the Jr Generals prevailed 4-3 over the Aces. The game had an immense amount riding on it as we took the ice. Players of note in the finally were Andrew Lay (Swartz Creek, Michigan) potting a goal (shorthanded at that) along with an assist, Josh Kestner having a goal and an assist, Richard Janssen’s having 2 assists, Billy Kocher (Waterford, Michigan) chipping in with a goal. Dominic Orlando (Midland, Michigan) stopping 28 of 31 shots on goals in his 1st showcase start. Coach Worlton and his troops walked of satisfied on the day and week.

The Jr Generals coaches and management had to be proud in this event by the demeanor, class and actions of all the players. This lunch pail bunch of kids not only got the job done but did it right. The team’s leaders led by Captains Andrew Lay, and Warren Carter. Assistant Captains Jake Taylor, Nick Goettel were examples of great leaders and teammates. Along with the players leadership. The coaching staff lead by Coach Worlton's readiness, preparedness and demands along with Coach Cronk's help and guidance made for a memorable 4 days in this inaugural event in the NA3HL. With a happy bus ride back to Flint in store it was to say the very least a great and memorable week.

Notes-

With the NA3HL showcase under our belts the Generals get right back to action against their North division opponent Michigan Mountain Cats. With a Saturday night 6:45 tilt in Farmington Hills and then right back to the friendly confines of home Sunday at Flint Iceland @ 2:20 it concludes another important week in the NA3HL.

Many Scouts and General Managers along with colleges viewed this past week’s showcase with tenders in hand on the NAHL front along with college scholarship possibilities. In the next upcoming weeks more information will be brought out as a great number of the Generals were noticed and will be notified.

Great Week to the Boys in Blue. Let’s keep it going.

HELP FIGHT HUNGER

The Flint Jr. General supported the Salvation Army Fight Hunger campagin on November 12th and 13th during two home games against the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. The Jr. Generals lost both games but won the hearts of many with several cans of food donated by the fans who attened the games.