The Lake Erie Monsters fought valiantly, but came up short in reaching their playoff goal. Boston College sits on top of the college hockey landscape. Canadian junior clubs in the playoffs are battling it out in the second round. More news and notes in this late and sadly brief edition of TWIAP!

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The Frozen Four starts today in Tampa and the second semifinal game features three Avalanche prospects. The playoffs are underway north of the border and a few prospects had a short showing. The Lake Erie Monsters have four games left in the regular season and are in a tough fight to grab one of those coveted playoff spots. It's the Frozen Four edition of TWIAP!

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The Lake Erie Monsters continue to fight for a playoff spot, but their real enemy is games played. The 16-team field for the upcoming college hockey tournament has been set and the Avs are well represented. The Canadian Hockey League has concluded its regular season, but one Avs prospect will be missing out on the postseason fun. It's time for an exciting playoff edition of TWIAP!

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The Lake Erie Monsters earned three very important wins over the weekend. The playoffs are now upon us for college hockey teams. Michael Sgarbossa is on a hot streak and was rewarded with an important Ontario Hockey League honor. Duncan Siemens is set to return to the Saskatoon lineup. Prospect signing season is nearly at hand and there are six Avalanche prospects who are looking for their first professional contracts. Sit back and get ready to enjoy another edition of TWIAP!

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The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced earlier this week its top performers for the month of February. Michael Sgarbossa received one of those honors as he was tabbed as the OHL Player of the Month. In addition to Sgarbossa, Boston Bruins prospect Dougie Hamilton (Niagara) was named OHL Defenseman of the Month. Kingston's Ryan Kujawinski took home rookie of the month honors. Lastly, Phoenix Coyotes prospect Mark Visentin (Niagara) was named as the league's top netminder for the month of February.

From the OntarioHockeyLeague.com

Michael Sgarbossa of the Sudbury Wolves led the OHL with 25 points in 13 February games tying for the league-lead with 13 goals while adding 12 assists. He recorded a point in all 13 games last month including six multi-point games and is currently on a 16-game point streak which is tied for third longest in the OHL this season. He was named the OHL Player of the Week after matching a season-high with four points including his second hat-trick of the season as first star despite a 5-4 overtime loss to the Brampton Battalion on February 19. In total, Sgarbossa was recognized as a star of the game eight times including three first star honours, two seconds, and three third star awards.

Sgarbossa, a 19-year-old from Campbellville, ON, is playing in his fourth OHL season. Now a Colorado Avalanche prospect, Sgarbossa has a career-high 84 points in 57 games with 41 goals and 43 assists which has him currently ranked second in OHL scoring.

After a five point outing against the Kitchener Rangers on Friday, and three points on Saturday against the Peterborough Petes, Sgarbossa is now the leading scorer in the OHL. He is one point ahead of Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa). With 92 points under his belt, Sgarbossa has an outside chance for 50 goals (currently has 44) and 100 points this season. His club has seven games remaining in the regular season.

Much like their parent club, the Lake Erie Monsters are fighting for a playoff spot. The conclusion of the college hockey regular season is quickly approaching. Clubs in the Canadian Hockey League are positioning themselves for the playoffs. The Avalanche added a couple of prospects at the trade deadline to help restock the system. Grab your popcorn and get ready for another fun edition of TWIAP!

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Boston College claims the Beanpot. The Lake Erie Monsters split with the Rochester Americans and regain a defenseman. The Golden Gophers get back on track after a disappointing weekend in Denver. We take another look at the PairWise rankings as the college hockey regular season draws to a close. Sit back, relax and, get ready for another tantalizing edition of TWIAP!

The 60th Annual Beanpot Tournament was decided in dramatic fashion last Monday. Long time rivals Boston College and Boston University took to the TD Garden ice and it was the Eagles who came up victorious. Bill Arnold snapped a wrist shot past Kieran Millan with just under seven seconds remaining in the first overtime. Millan made 44 saves in what will be his final appearance in the Beanpot tournament.

For Boston College, it is the 17th time in which the team has won the tournament, but BU has 29 titles to its name. Paul Carey did not have a point in the game, but the senior forward had five shots for the Eagles. Boston College's fortune continued into the weekend, where they swept Merrimack and claimed the top spot in the Hockey East conference with 31 points. BC has four games remaining and a one point lead over UMass-Lowell and a two point lead on Boston University.

BU ended up splitting a weekend set with the aforementioned UMass-Lowell. The club has slipped to sixth in the PairWise; whereas Boston College currently sits in the top spot.

After sweeping the Bemidji State Beavers, Minnesota currently has a two point lead over Minnesota-Duluth, and four point lead over Denver in the WCHA standings. The team is currently tied for eighth in the PairWise. Minnesota's 3-0 win on Friday to Bemidji State gave Kent Patterson his sixth shutout of the season. His 21 wins lead the nation.

Luke Moffatt hasn't recorded a point in the last two weeks, but his Michigan Wolverines are currently tied for second in the PairWise rankings. Gus Young and the Yale Bulldogs continue to find themselves in an uphill battle when it comes to national tournament hopes. The team is unranked and is a game under 0.500.

The Monsters have kept themselves in playoff contention with a 7-2-0-1 record in their last 10 games. Lake Erie has split their last four games, with home wins against Texas and Rochester and losses in Rochester and on Monday afternoon in Toronto.

Lake Erie continues to rely upon the stellar play of Gerald Coleman as Trevor Cann and Cedrick Desjardins recover from injury. However, when Jean-Sebastien Giguere was injured last week in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, Desjardins was surprisingly recalled. Desjardins, who was close to returning to the Monsters lineup, has not seen any game action in two months.

The recall of Desjardins wasn't the only change for Lake Erie, forward Mark Olver was also recalled. Olver had put up two goals and seven assists in 15 games with the Monsters. The Monsters did receive defenseman Tyson Barrie back. Barrie played in four games with the Avalanche, not recording a point and having a minus two rating.

With a makeshift lineup and 22 games remaining in the season, the Monsters currently trail eighth place San Antonio by three points in the Western Conference. Lake Erie has games against Hershey, Grand Rapids, and Rochester this week.

Next week, things will change up a little. There will still be recaps of the Monsters, college hockey, and a CHL update. However, with the end of February upon us, I'll take a look at some prospects who will be looking for their first professional contracts this spring and summer. Until next time!

The Lake Erie Monsters are coming off a successful road trip. The Minnesota Gophers came up empty handed in Denver. Two rivals will face-off in the Beanpot final. Duncan Siemens prognosis is a bit cloudy. More news and notes in this shiny new edition of TWIAP!

After starting their post All-Star break with a win and shoot-out loss, the Monsters finished their four game road trip with wins in Rockford and Peoria. Gerald Coleman is proving to be a life saver for the Monsters as he is stringing together some solid performances. Against the IceHogs last Wednesday, he had 40 saves in a 4-3 win. Mark Olver, Justin Mercier, Evan Brophey, and Brad Malone scored in the game.

On Friday in Peoria, Coleman came up with 32 saves in a 3-2 win over former Avs farmhand TJ Hensick and the Rivermen. Danny Richmond, Patrick Rissmiller and Dean Strong had the goals for the Monsters. For Strong, it was his first goal with the Monsters since joining the club in December. He is with the team on a professional tryout (PTO).

On Sunday at home against the Syracuse Crunch, the Monsters were a little sluggish. Thanks to another sparkling effort by Gerald Coleman (with the club on a PTO), Lake Erie squeaked out a 2-1 win. Coleman came up huge with 39 saves and first star of the game honors. Ryan Stoa and Patrick Rissmiller scored for the Monsters.

With Tyson Barrie in Denver with the Avalanche, Evan Brophey currently leads the Monsters in scoring with 13 goals and 15 assists in 46 games. Lake Erie has won five of their last six games and is two games above 0.500. The club is currently in 10th place and three points out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Monsters have games against Texas, and a home-and-home with Rochester this weekend.

The Minnesota Gophers paid a visit to Denver this past weekend to face a Pioneers team that was coming off a loss and tie to their instate rival Colorado College. The Gophers ranked 2nd in the nation heading into the series haven't had much success against the Pioneers of late. DU has won 11 of the last 14 contests between the two clubs. Things did not improve on Friday.

The Pioneers skated to a 5-3 victory in the opening match. It was a game in which Kent Patterson was lackluster; he had 29 saves. Nate Condon did score an unassisted goal in the first period, but otherwise was fairly quiet in the series. However, the game will be more remembered for a late hit by Kyle Rau on Denver forward Jason Zucker in the second period. Zucker left the game and did not play on Saturday night. Rau, who did score in Friday's game, sat out of Saturday's contest due to a one-game suspension.

The Gophers lost a heart-breaker in overtime to Denver on Saturday 4-3. It was the first time Minnesota was swept this season and the first Saturday game this season that they have lost. Kent Patterson had 37 saves, and some good ones, in the game. However, the story of the game was Denver native, and Los Angeles Kings draft pick, Nick Shore. Shore tied the game late in regulation on the power play (on a feed from his older brother Drew) and scored the game winner 17 seconds into the overtime session.

It was a tough result for Minnesota as they drop to a tie for 12th place in the PairWise rankings. The Gophers will lick their wounds and play host to Bemidji State this weekend.

The 60th Annual Beanpot Tournament started last Monday and both Boston University and Boston College won their semifinal games. BU beat Harvard 3-1. Kieran Millan had 29 saves for the Terriers. BC turned in a dominating performance over Northeastern. They throttled the Huskies 7-1. Paul Carey had two goals in the game; bringing his season total to nine.

So, who will win the Beanpot final tonight? You can watch it live on NESN. Coverage starts at 5:30 PM MST.

The news came out last week that Duncan Siemens is out of the Saskatoon lineup with a concussion. As you recall, Siemens was injured more than a week ago in a 7-2 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers. He is expected to miss a minimum of three weeks.

Next week, a recap of the Monsters home-and-home with the Rochester Americans. We'll see how the Minnesota Gophers rebound against Bemidji State. Just who came out on top in the Beanpot? More news, notes, and a check-in on the PairWise rankings in next week's edition of TWIAP.

The Monsters started a four game road trip this past week in the state of Texas. A couple of prospect defensemen swapped places. The Avalanche waved good-bye to their 2006 draft class. Boston University and Boston College get ready for the Beanpot. Duncan Siemens is involved in a scary incident. More news and notes in this edition of TWIAP.

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The Lake Erie Monsters seem to have Hamilton's number; at least for this week. Tyson Barrie is heading to Atlantic City, but it's not that kind of trip. Boston University had its hands full this past weekend with Maine. Minnesota made sure that Kent Patterson didn't have to break a sweat against St. Cloud State. More college hockey news and a check-in on the standings in the Canadian Hockey League in this edition of TWIAP!

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The Lake Erie Monsters find themselves at the bottom of their division in the American Hockey League. The latest PairWise rankings in college hockey finds Boston University sitting pretty. A recent draftee finds the back of the net for the first time this season. More news and notes in this week's edition of TWIAP!

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Happy New Year to everyone and I hope you had a safe and happy holiday season. The World Junior Championship crowns a new champion and an Avs prospect put on a solid performance. As players return from holiday breaks in the Canadian Hockey League, clubs position themselves for a run to the playoffs and consider the future of their organizations. The Lake Erie Monsters find themselves in a downward spiral.

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Greetings MHH readers! In this week's edition, a review of the latest happenings with the Lake Erie Monsters. While the Avs will not have any representation for Canada or the US in the upcoming World Junior Championships, there is a certain goalie you should keep your eye on. Also, Plymouth soars, while Saskatoon sinks and the Boston University hockey team is dealt a double dose of bad news. All this and more in this pre-Christmas edition of TWIAP!

The Monsters have seen more defections than additions in the last few weeks with the likes of Stefan Elliott, Brad Malone, David Van der Gulik and Evan Brophey being recalled to the big club. Thus is life for a minor league affiliate. The Monsters are coming off a stretch in which they lost two tough games in Abbotsford, fended off Hamilton and split with rival Grand Rapids.

Despite missing some time recently due to injury, Cedrick Desjardins has been spectacular for the Monsters. He has been credited for seven of the Monsters 13 wins, while posting a goals against average of 1.49 and save percentage of 0.952. The team currently sits in third place of the North Division with 28 points, six behind division leading Toronto.

While Joey Hishon and Mark Olver continue to miss time with concussion like symptoms, forward Patrick Rissmiller has recently returned from injury and has contributed a goal in his first two games with the club. With fellow draftee Stefan Elliott up with the Avalanche, Tyson Barrie has turned up his production in recent games. The defenseman now has 17 points in 29 contests. The Monsters will face Rochester on Wednesday before their holiday break.

The shock and disappointment of Duncan Siemens and Calvin Pickard not being named to the Team Canada selection camp for the World Junior Championships has worn off a bit. Yet, there is a certain prospect Avs fans should keep an eye on and that is 2010 draft pick Sami Aittokallio. Aittokallio is expected to start in net for Finland. They'll get a tough challenge right out of the gate; facing Canada on Boxing Day.

Entering the holiday break, the Plymouth Whalers find themselves winners of seven of their last 10 games. They currently lead the West Division by four points over Sarnia. Garrett Meurs has 15 goals on the season, including five tallies in six games during the month of December. With 31 points in 33 games, he is well on his way to surpassing his 41 points from the previous season.

Things are not going as well for Duncan Siemens and the Saskatoon Blades. The club finds themselves mired in a slump, in which the team has lost eight of their last 10 games. Saskatoon has dropped to third place in the East Division. Siemens is finding it difficult in helping to replace the offensive production lost by the departure of Stefan Elliott. He has only two assists in seven games thus far during the month of December.

Perhaps no team had a more devastating week than the Boston University Terriers. BU most recently played on December 10th against Maine, in which they came away with a 5-1 victory. And that's where the good news ended, just a few days later, it was reported that Corey Trivino was booted from the team after being arrested (for allegedly assaulting a female student). At the time of his departure, Trivino was the leading scorer for the Terriers with 17 points in 15 games. The senior's draft rights belong to the New York Islanders.

The bad news didn't end with Trivino. Just a few days later, it was revealed that forward Charlie Coyle left the school to sign with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Coyle, whose rights belong to the Minnesota Wild, will join a club that has the second best record in the QMJHL. All this means is that there is increased pressure on goaltender Kieran Millan to help overcome the losses of two of the club's top five scorers.

That's all for this week. Most prospects are off this week due to holiday breaks. However, there will still be some prospects news fit to print. A recap of the Monsters lone game in Rochester. How will Sami Aittokallio fare against the Canadians in the opening game of the World Junior Championships? Find out next week! Happy Holidays!

And we are back...my apologies for the brief hiatus. Sometimes real life gets into the way. Now on to the prospects news! The Monsters make do without their starting goaltender. Calvin Pickard and Duncan Siemens received some bad news. A recent draft pick is having a solid season in the Ontario Hockey League. Bitter rivals faced off in Boston. Kent Patterson keeps on rolling.

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The Lake Erie Monsters were not very welcoming to the San Antonio Rampage this past week. Stephen Silas represented the Ontario Hockey League in the Subway Super Series. The Gophers faced a tough challenge in Madison and came up with a split. More news and notes in this week's edition of TWIAP.

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On time and for your reading pleasure; this week's edition of TWIAP! It was an ugly week for the Lake Erie Monsters...to say the least. Kent Patterson continues an impressive start for the Minnesota Gophers. All Calvin Pickard needs is a little bit of defense. Jonos Holos getting ice time and enjoying life in Sweden.

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Now that you have filled yourselves with yummy Halloween candy, it's time for another edition of TWIAP! It was a good, bad and ugly week for the Lake Erie Monsters. Duncan Siemens and Calvin Pickard will represent the Western Hockey League in the upcoming Subway Super Series. Minnesota makes a trip to Alaska and comes away with a sweep.

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The Lake Erie Monsters have had a rough start to say the least, but back-to-back wins have given the team renewed confidence. Boston College is the number one ranked team in Men's Division I college hockey, but the Golden Gophers are also off to a hot start. A little Monsters and college hockey in this week's short, sweet, and late night edition of TWIAP.

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Injuries and inconsistency have led to an 0-5 start for the Lake Erie Monsters. Boston College and Boston University played host to the Denver Pioneers this past weekend. Calvin Pickard and the Seattle Thunderbirds are on a winning streak. Jonas Holos waves goodbye to North America.

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And so it begins! The puck has dropped across the National Hockey League this past week for the regular season. The same occurred in the American Hockey League and for many NCAA clubs. For the Lake Erie Monsters, it has been a tough start offensively and injuries have not helped. Minnesota and Boston College start off hot, but it has been an inauspicious start for the three Avs prospects playing overseas.

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Greetings Avalanche fans! This is the first of a weekly series that will cover the news and events of Colorado Avalanche prospects throughout the season. Wont you join me on my journey into the depths of the Colorado Avalanche organization?

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A new champion has been crowned in college hockey and the reining champs now reside in Duluth, MN, home to the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. An Avs prospect didn't taste final victory this season and while there are not any stars among this bunch, there are a couple players who could prove to be solid contributors down the road.

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I posted this on my blog yesterday, but felt more folks should be aware. Monsters HC David Quinn has interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at Providence College according to The Providence Journal.

I've seen rumors on the USCHO forums, and elsewhere, that Quinn has been offered the job; $2.5 million over five years. 

Personally, I think he'll take the job, but I wouldn't expect any kind of announcement until after the Monsters playoff run.

Four teams in Men's Division I college hockey aim for the ultimate prize this weekend as a new champion will be crowned. Defending champion Boston College was dethroned by upstart Colorado College, before succumbing to Michigan. Joining Michigan in St. Paul, MN this year is fellow Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) rival Notre Dame and two Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) teams in North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth.

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The Hamilton Bulldogs beat the Abbotsford Heat 2-1 in regulation tonight. As a result, the Lake Erie Monsters have clinched their first even playoff birth. Congrats to David Quinn and the boys!

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He's tough, feisty and is the first player from New Brunswick to suit up for the University of North Dakota. Here's a closer look at one of Colorado's 2007 draft picks...Brad Malone.

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