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Players On The Move

Landon Smith

Smith is 7th Thunderbird to commit to a Division 1 hockey program for 2010-2011.

The Colorado Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that Landon Smith has committed to play Division 1 college hockey for the University of Denver in the WCHA.  He is scheduled to play for the Pioneers starting in the fall of 2013.  Landon, born in 1993, is a forward that played for the Colorado Thunderbirds U18 team this past season and is from Greenwood Village, CO.

Landon has played in the Colorado Thunderbirds organization for three years playing on the U15 Midget Minor, U16 Midget Minor and U18 Midget Major teams.  Smith has played in three USA National Championships with the Thunderbirds.  Smith was a member and captain of the 2010 Tier 1 U16 National Championship team, that won Colorado’s first Tier 1 hockey championship ever.  “Landon was a great leader for our championship team and is a young man that has not even come close to reaching his potential as a player.  DU is getting a very special young man with a tremendous upside,” states Coach Ricci.  “As a program, the Colorado Thunderbirds strive to prepare and produce young athletes that are ready to take the next step in their career.  Landon is a fine example of the type of player that the Thunderbird program works to develop and move to the next level,” added Coach Ricci.  Smith was drafted in May by Cedar Rapids of the USHL and will be joining them this fall.  We are very excited for Landon.  He is the third member from the U18 team to commit to play for the Pioneers.  Smith is the seventh member of the Colorado Thunderbird AAA hockey program to commit to a Division 1 Hockey program during the 2010-2011 season.

Colorado Thunderbirds congratulate 15 players moving on to play juniors at various levels.

Thunderbird Players Move On to Junior Ranks

2010-08-06


Fifteen Tbirds moving on.......

The Colorado Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that 15 players from our U18, U16 and U15 teams have earned roster spots to compete for various junior or college teams for the 2010-2011 season.  "We could not be more proud of our players.  They have all worked extremely hard to achieve their goal of playing at the next level.   The Thunderbirds truly believe in player development, promotion and advancement.  We look forward to our continued success of providing players the necessary training to compete and advance to the highest levels," said Angelo Ricci, Director of Hockey Operations for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Also, the Thunderbirds would like to congratulate former Tbirds players:   Justin Jones, who played for the Texas Tornados (NAHL) last season, has committed to play for the University of Denver (WCHA).  His brother and former Tbird player Seth Jones will be playing for the National Development Team Program (USA Hockey) in Ann Arbor joining Quentin Shore and Gavin Stoick from the U16 National Champion Thunderbirds.  Congrats goes out to former tbirds CJ Kort and Dallas Tucker.  CJ earned a spot with Janesville (NAHL) and Dallas earned a spot with Wichita Falls (NAHL) for the 2010-2011 season.  

Congratulations to the following Thunderbirds player from our 2009-2010 teams:

U18
Ben Carey, Wenatchee (NAHL)
Daniel Doremus, Fargo (USHL), Committed to University of Denver (WCHA)
Tanner Fahlstedt, Wichita Falls (NAHL)
Chase Komatz, CU-Boulder (ACHA)
Davis Haug, New England Huskies (EJHL)
Kyle Huson, Wenatchee (NAHL)
Travis Kent, Janesville (NAHL) 
Alex Temby, Janesville (NAHL) 
Jake Webber, Wichita Falls (NAHL)
Patrick Yudez, Wichita Falls (NAHL)

U16
Matt Cope, Wenatchee (NAHL)
Josiah Didier, Cedar Rapids (USHL), Committed to University of Denver (WCHA)
Quentin Shore, National Development Team Program (USA Hockey)
Gavin Stoick, National Development Team Program (USA Hockey)

U15
Ben Hull,  Boulder Jr. Bison (WSHL)

LA Selects 16AAA players Nicolas Kerdiles and Nikolas Olsson named to the NTDP U-17 team.

Forwards Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) and Nikolas Olsson (Escondido, Calif.), have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program starting in the 2010-11 season, it was announced today. The players, all born in 1994, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.  “These players provide a great foundation to continue to build on for next season’s U.S. National Under-17 Team,” said Ryan Rezmierski, director of player personnel for the NTDP. “They possess exemplary characteristics, both on and off the ice, that make a national team successful.”


Kerdiles and Olsson both come from the LA Selects Midget Minor team. Kerdiles led the squad with 54 points, including a team-best 29 assists, in 37 games in the Tier I Elite Hockey League. Olsson finished third on the team with 28 points (19-9), despite playing in just 21 games this season.
 

Colorado Thunderbirds Shore named to the NTDP U17 Team

Colorado Thunderbird U16 forward Quentin Shore has committed to play for the National Development Team Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the  2010-2011 season.  Shore was one of four current U16 (Cleland, Hawkinson and Stoick were the others) Thunderbird players that attended the "40" man camp last week in Ann Arbor.  Quentin will be the third member of the Shore family to play for the NTDP.  He will be following brothers Drew, current member of the Denver Pioneers and Nick Shore, current NTDP player.  Nick will be attending DU for the 2010-2011 season.   In 74 games this season, Shore compiled 41 goals, 54 assists and was a plus 57 on the season.   We want to wish Quentin all the best in Ann Arbor next season.  The Thunderbird program continues to help advance players to the NTDP.  Shore will be the third Thunderbird player to earn a spot on the National team joining Sean Lorenz and Nick Shore.   Seth Swenson was offered a spot last season by decided to play with Portland in the WHL.  Good luck to Quentin! 

Nic Kerdiles Committs to Wisconsin

His story can  be found at:

http://noalibisnoregrets.blogspot.com/2010/02/badgers-go-west-lane-elite-california.html

John Gaudreau '93 of Team Comcast U18 Commits to Northeastern University

 
 
John Gaudreau of Team Comcast Midget Major has committed to Northeastern University, Hockey East NCAA Division I, for 2012.
John first laced up his skates at the age of three. His earliest coach and mentor was his father, Guy Gaudreau, Hockey Director at Hollydell Ice Arena, and a stand-out player at Norwich University (1976-1980) where he is a member of the Norwich Hall of Fame. John began playing ice hockey as an Atom with the Hollydell Hurricanes (NJYHL) and moved to Tier 1 from Squirt through Midget Minor with the Philadelphia Little Flyers (AYHL), and Team Comcast at Midget Major (AYHL and MWEHL). Throughout his young career, John has been an outstanding player with impressive skating and puck handling abilities that have allowed him to play competitively with teammates, and against opponents, many years his senior.
 
Jared Beach, coach of Team Comcast U18 Midget Major Team has been impressed with his player’s development over the 2009-2010 season. “John has an exceptional ability to see the ice,” Coach Beach states, “He is difficult to stop when he gets the puck on his stick and knows how to finish under pressure.” With a team-leading 50 points in 42 games, John, a 93 birth-year player competing against some of the country’s most talented 91’s and 92’s, is among the best forwards in the Midwest Elite Hockey League.
 
John’s mother, Jane, has witnessed his intense love for the game. “John is always happiest when he is on the ice!” she recalls. Throughout his youth, he has chosen to play or practice hockey over birthday parties, homecomings, family reunions, vacations and school events. Currently, John attends and plays varsity soccer and ice hockey for Gloucester Catholic High School, ranked second in the state of New Jersey.  In 2009, NJPower Ranking chose him as player of the year for the Central Red Division and he was also selected to the All State Team.  His younger brother, Matthew, also a talented hockey player, is a forward for the Team Comcast Midget Minor National team and a freshman on the Gloucester Catholic High School Varsity team.
 
Congratulations and good luck to John.

Colorado Thunderbird Players on the move....

The Colorado Thunderbirds U18 team is happy to announce that Daniel Doremus has committed to play college hockey for the University of Denver Pioneers.  DU is currently ranked number one in college the country.  Daniel is a 1991 forward from Aspen, CO.  We are so proud of Daniel and wish him all the best in the future. 
The Thunderbirds continue to provide a vehicle for the elite student-athlete to develop and advance to the next level.

Four Thunderbird U16 Players Selected for USA NTDP Camp

Colorado Thunderbirds announce four players have been selected to attend the USA National Team Development Program Camp

 The Colorado Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that four members of the U16 Midget Minor team have been invited to attend the USA National Team Development Program (NTDP)  “40 man” camp March 26 -30 in Ann Arbor, MI.  The players selected are Quentin Shore, Gavin Stoick, Brad Hawkinson and Matias Cleland.  “The Thunderbirds are proud that our nationally ranked program continues to provide an environment that is advancing players to the NTDP,” said Angelo Ricci, U16 Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.  “It is a credit to our players, the Thunderbird coaching staff and our program.  We wish these four players all the best as they try to earn a spot on the U17 team for the 2010-2011 season,” added Coach Ricci.  Former Colorado Thunderbird players who have played or been selected for the NTDP U17 team in Ann Arbor are Sean Lorenz (TBirds 2004-2006, Notre Dame -- current player, NHL draft pick by Minnesota Wild).  Nick Shore, (Tbirds 2006-2008, NTDP U18 -- current player, Commitment to University of Denver Pioneers) and Seth Swenson (TBirds 2007-2009), who was offered a spot with the NTDP for the 2009-2010 season but signed with Portland of the WHL. 

 


Please click here to view a release in the Denver Post, http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2010/02/26/riccis-t-birds-produce-three-national-prospects/. 



Good luck to all players!
 

Boston Advantage Players on the move...

Boston Advantage
Cam Brown University of Maine 2011
Brian Harris University of Maine 2011
Matt O'Neill Babson College 2010
Tom Callahan Babson College 2010
 

Team Comcast Players on the move....

Division I College Commitments

John Gaudreau (’93) – Northeastern

Eric Neiley (’92) – Dartmouth

Jamie Hill (’92) – New Hampshire

Kyle Smith (’92) – New Hampshire

Nick Luukko (’91) – Vermont

Chris McCarthy (’91) - Vermont

Jake Goldberg (’91) – Brown

Phillip Samuelson (’91) – Boston College

 

Playing currently in the USHL

Jamie Hill

Andrew Lamont

 

USHL Draft Picks

Zane Popilock

Thane Heller

 

Playing currently in the Eastern Junior Hockey League

Kyle Smith

Thane Heller

Nick Cruice

Nick DeChristopher

Zane Popilock

 

Jr Flyers Player, Eric Knodel, selected in the National Hockey League Draft!

 

Eric Knodel drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5th round, 128th overall.
    The Philadelphia Jr. Flyers are proud to announce that Midget Major Player, Eric Knodel, has been selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 5th round of this year's NHL entry draft. Eric played a large part helping the Jr Flyers 18U AAA team win their 17th League Championship and earn another trip to the 2009 USA Hockey National Championships.
    Eric Knodel ­is a 6-6 and 216 pound defenseman. He has earned the rare opportunity to be included among 211 players selected at the 2009 NHL Entry draft that took place in Montreal, Quebec. "It's really great honor to be put on the same platform of some of the best young players in the game," said Knodel. "It's been a dream of mine since I was little to play pro hockey and to have that opportunity is unbelievable." Due to his size and raw ability, Knodel was a ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. "We've seen him play a number of times and there is a lot to like," said E.J. McGuire, head of Central Scouting. "His size grabs a lot of attention and the way he plays keeps that attention. He has the potential to be a good player but he needs time to develop."
    "I was just hoping to get selected," said Knodel. "I've talked to Toronto and some other NHL teams during the season so I thought there was a chance that it could happen." Early in the season during a tournament in Vermont, while playing for the Jr Flyers 18U AAA team, Knodel was notified that some NHL scouts were there to watch him and as the season progressed, more and more scouts, along with Central Scouting, came out to watch him play.
"It was nerve-racking at first to know people are watching," he said. "But I eventually blocked it out and just played. I learned to deal with it."
     Eric will play next season for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Joining him in the USHL are team mates Billy Latta, Sioux City Musketeers, and Andrew LaMont going to the Youngstown Phantoms. Eric Knodel is the 5th Jr Flyers player drafted by a NHL team.
 
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to talk with Eric Knodel, please call Bud Dombroski at 610-436-9670x122 or email Bud at hockey@iceline.info.

Kendall Coyne has Olympic aspirations - USA Today Article

Tier 1 Elite Hockey Member Dallas Stars Player gets drafted in NHL

 
Dallas Stars U18 forward Anthony Hamburg a 1991 birth year was drafted this past weekend in the 2009 NHL entry draft in Montreal by the Minnesota Wild in the 7Th round 193 overall. Anthony was member of the Dallas Stars silver medal team this past year when they lost to Tier 1 Elite Member Detroit Little Caesars in overtime at nationals.
 
Congratulations Anthony
Round Pick Overall USHL Team Player POS Prev. Team
1 2 2 Tri-City Storm Thomas Nykopp F Blue Jackets(T1Maj)
1 3 3 Indiana Ice Tyler Pham C Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
2 7 22 Youngstown Phantoms Samuel Anas C DC Capitals(NAPH18)
2 9 24 Fargo Force Alexander Iafallo F Regals(T1Maj)
2 10 25 Sioux Falls Stampede Ed McGovern D Coyotes(T1Maj)
2 12 27 Indiana Ice Matt Seidel F Belle Tire(T1Min)
2 14 29 Green Bay Gamblers Gustav Olofsson D Thunderbirds(T1Min)
2 15 30 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Austin Ortega F Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
3 1 31 Chicago Steel Daniel Kucerovy F Hornets(T1Min)
3 2 32 Tri-City Storm Dylan Maller D DC Capitals(NAPH18)
3 3 33 Dubuque Fighting Saints Kyle McKenzie D Stars(T1Maj)
3 9 39 Waterloo Black Hawks Michael Huntebrinker F Blues(T1Maj)
3 12 42 Indiana Ice Drew Newmeyer D Coyotes(T1Min)
4 3 48 Chicago Steel Ryan Fraser-Lee D Belle Tire(T1Maj)
5 8 68 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Landon Smith F Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
5 14 74 Green Bay Gamblers Dima Sinitsyn F Stars(T1Min)
6 2 77 Tri-City Storm Joona Kunnas D Jr. Kings(T1Maj)
6 3 78 Youngstown Phantoms Eric Sweetman D DC Capitals(NAPH18)
6 8 83 Lincoln Stars Logan Smith F Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
6 9 84 Fargo Force Zach Pochiro F Jr. Kings(T1Min)
6 11 86 Omaha Lancers Matthew Gaudreau F Comcast(T1Maj)
7 4 94 Des Moines Buccaneers Tanner Karty C Stars(T1Maj)
7 5 95 Waterloo Black Hawks Josh Nenadal F Barons(T1Maj)
7 9 99 Fargo Force David Gust F Fury(T1Maj)
8 10 115 Sioux Falls Stampede Ian Mansfield F Thunderbirds(T1Min)
9 3 123 Youngstown Phantoms Jake Moore G Regals(T1Maj)
9 13 133 Dubuque Fighting Saints Trace Redmond F Stars(T1Maj)
11 13 163 Dubuque Fighting Saints Frank Oplinger G Russell Stover(T1Min)
13 1 181 Chicago Steel Jeff Kubiak F Fury(T1Maj)
13 2 182 Tri-City Storm Chase Berger C Blues(T1Maj)
13 3 183 Youngstown Phantoms Ryan Badger C Comcast(T1Maj)
13 6 186 Muskegon Lumberjacks Vito Aluia F Belle Tire(T1Min)
13 15 195 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Alejandro Ochoa F Rampage(T1Min)
14 7 202 Sioux City Musketeers Ansel Duesenberg F Blue Jackets(T1Maj)
14 8 203 Lincoln Stars Liam Stewart C Jr. Kings(T1Min)
14 13 208 Dubuque Fighting Saints Jerad Tafoya F Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
14 14 209 Green Bay Gamblers Josh Racek F Rampage(T1Maj)
14 15 210 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Blake Butzow D Victory Honda(T1Maj)
15 2 212 Tri-City Storm Cutler Martin D Victory Honda(T1Maj)
15 3 213 Youngstown Phantoms Shane Shiring F Hornets(T1Maj)
15 5 215 Waterloo Black Hawks Max Miller C Coyotes(T1Min)
15 15 225 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Ryan McMurphy F Stars(T1Min)
16 5 230 Waterloo Black Hawks Kyle Chatham D Blues(T1Maj)
16 7 232 Sioux City Musketeers Joseph Shecter D Victory Honda(T1Maj)
17 8 248 Lincoln Stars Trevor Cope C Victory Honda(T1Maj)
17 10 250 Sioux Falls Stampede Chris Tracy F Comcast(T1Maj)
17 12 252 Indiana Ice Cody Gylling C Coyotes(T1Min)
17 13 253 Dubuque Fighting Saints Ryan Francis F Coyotes(T1Maj)
17 15 255 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Dylan Abood D Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
18 3 258 Youngstown Phantoms Matthew Rudin C Barons(T1Maj)
18 6 261 Muskegon Lumberjacks Noah Batis C Regals(T1Min)
18 10 265 Sioux Falls Stampede Conner Burton C Blue Jackets(T1Maj)
18 11 266 Omaha Lancers Trevor Gorsuch G Blues(T1Maj)
19 1 271 Chicago Steel Christian Neumann D Fury(T1Maj)
19 4 274 Des Moines Buccaneers Jared Fiegl F Rampage(T1Min)
19 5 275 Waterloo Black Hawks Max Veatch F Thunderbirds(T1Maj)
19 6 276 Muskegon Lumberjacks Omar Mullan F Belle Tire(T1Maj)