Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a story on Justin Braun's play helping San Jose to a 3-2 overtime win against Detroit on Saturday night.
Recently in NHL Players Category
Former UMass hockey standout Casey Wellman, who was traded by the Minnesota Wild last Thursday to the New York Rangers, is featured today by his new team, the Connecticut Whale, on the squad's web site, CTWhale.com
Casey Wellman played several sports growing up in Brentwood, Calif., hardly a hotbed for hockey.
But Wellman got hooked on the game played on ice after his father, Brad, met several New Jersey Devils players who asked him to skate with them in Boston.
"Dad didn't know how to skate, so he was pretty upset about that," Wellman said with a smile.
But Brad, an infielder for 441 games for three major league teams over eight seasons who later managed in the Houston Astros organization, introduced Casey and his brother, Logan, to hockey, and 31/2-year-old Casey fell in love with his new endeavor.
"I have some vague memories (of his dad playing), but I was pretty young," said Wellman, whose uncle, Tom Candiotti, is a former major league pitcher known for his knuckleball. "Having pictures of a father-son game is pretty cool, but I haven't played baseball for a while. It's a great sport, but at the time, it was just a little slow, a little boring, so I stuck with hockey."
Despite his West Coast upbringing, Wellman is now surprisingly playing professionally with the Connecticut Whale, who are about 70 miles from where he competed collegiately on the East Coast. When Wellman was on his way to practice with the Houston Aeros last Thursday, he got "a pretty big surprise," a call that the Minnesota Wild had traded him to the New York Rangers.
"It was definitely pretty crazy, a bit of a shock," said Wellman, 24, acquired for center Erik Christensen, who had a two-week conditioning assignment with the Whale in mid-January, and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2013. "It was tough to say goodbye because I had some good friends (in Houston), but that's the business and that's what can happen and probably won't be the last time."
Wellman quickly returned home, packed and headed for Hershey, Pa., where he met his new teammates. Whale coach Ken Gernander put Wellman on a line with All-Star Jonathan Audy-Marchessault and rugged Andre Deveaux, and the trio helped produce a 4-1 victory over one of the AHL's top teams, including going 5-for-5 on the penalty kill against the league's top power play.
In his home debut Tuesday night, Wellman again helped on the penalty kill, played the power play and assisted on Blake Parlett's winning goal in a 3-1 victory over the Syracuse Crunch as the Whale won their third in a row after an 11-game winless streak (0-6-3-2) in January to reclaim first place in the Northeast Division from the idle Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Over the weekend, several in-depth and behind-the-scenes interviews with Jonathan Quick were produced surrounding the NHL All-Star Weekend. Included are Quick's thoughts on his time at UMass.
Is there anything better than a goalie race in hockey? Greg Wyshynski breaks down Jonathan Quick's win over Jimmy Howard at the 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition.
Rich Hammond of the L.A. Kings has a feature on Jonathan Quick as he prepares to play in his first career All-Star game which is this Sunday. Coverage of the All-Star weekend begins tonight at 5 PM on the NHL Network. Sunday's All-Star Game will be televised at 4 PM on the NBC Sports Network (formerly VS).
Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West looks at Jonathan Quicks season in 2011-12 and his chances at being a finalist for the Vezina Award thanks to his stellar play in goal this season for the L.A. Kings.
With an NHL-leading six shutouts -- as well as five straight starts and 14 overall in which he yielded no more than one goal -- Quick is in the midst of posting the best season by a goaltender in Kings franchise history. His results would suggest serious consideration for the Vezina Trophy.
Jonathan Quick has been named to the NHL All-Star Team becoming the first UMass hockey player to earn the distinction. The game will be played Jan. 29 in Ottawa. Quick is also the first L.A. Kings goalie to be selected in 30 years.
In his blog, Criag Custance of ESPN.com looks at the potential goalies for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. UMass alum and current L.A. King netminder was a member of the 2010 team and is among the top-five players who could currently make the roster.
On Monday, former UMass All-American and current L.A. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was named the NHL's Third-Star Of The Week after winning all three starts last week and is now 5-0-1 over his last six starts.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has an update on three former Minutemen now in the NHL ranks: Jonathan Quick (L.A. Kings), Justin Braun (San Jose Sharks), and Casey Wellman (Minnesota Wild).
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has an update on Justin Braun (San Jose Sharks, NHL), Matt Irwin (Worcester Sharks, AHL) and Casey Wellman (Minnesota Wild, NHL).
Braun played a season-high 21 minutes in a 3-2 win over Edmonton, while Irwin was reassigned to Worcester. After being called up from Houston, Wellman has been sidelined with the an injury for the Wild.
Be sure to check out the Boston Bruins hosting the L.A. Kings tonight at 7 PM as Jonathan Quick makes a return trip to New England. You can watch the game on NESN or listen on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub.
REPUBLICAN: Ex-UMass goalie Jonathan Quick to get new coach - Former Springfield Indian John Stevens
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the coaching change with the L.A. Kings who have named John Stevens as the interim head coach.
Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune has a feature on Casey Wellman that was picked up nationally. The story centers on the development of Wellman who is a rare Californian playing in the top professional ranks between the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the AHL's Houston Aeros - whom he helped nearly win the Calder Cup last season.
The San Jose Sharks of the NHL called up Matt Irwin on Sunday from the AHL Worcester Sharks. That gives the Sharks a pair of UMass blueliners as Irwin will join former teammate Justin Braun.
Braun has played in 14 games this season with a 1 goal, 2 assists and a +5 rating.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette ran a piece on former UMass All-American hockey goalie Jonathan Quick and his current hot streak with the L.A. Kings. Quick is arguably one of the most talked about NHL players currently as he has a string of three straight shutouts and recently won his 100th career game for the Kings.
Former hockey All-American Justin Braun was called up from the Worcester Sharks to the NHL's San Jose Sharks on Saturday helping the club defeat the Boston Bruins 4-2.
Former UMass All-American Jonathan Quick made headlines over the weekend as he reached his 100th career win in the midst of a three-game shutout streak for the L.A. Kings. Quick earned win No. 100 in a 2-0 win over Phoenix. After a 1-0 win over Dallas on Saturday night, he became the first ever Kings goalie to post three straight shutouts and is now 5-0-1 on the season.
NBC Sports has a look the the L.A.. Kings goaltending situation, led by former UMass All-American Jonathan Quick, as the NHL Preseason has begun.
Former UMass standout Paul Dainton was sharp last night in a split-squad preseason game between his Columbus Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets. Dainton saved 17-of-18 shots in 40 minutes of action as the Jackets won 5-1.
Jonathan Quick will sport some new artwork on his goalie mask as he continues to man the pipes for the L.A. Kings. Check out his new mask here.
The Colorado Avalanche and Greg Mauldin agreed to terms last week renewing the forward with a one year deal. Mauldin played in 29 games with Colorado last season where he had 5 goals, including 2 shorthanded and 1 game-winner, and 5 assists.
Speculation abounded last week about the possibility of UMass rising sophomore Michael Pereira being selected in the NHL Draft last Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately, that didn't come to pass despite Pereira being one of the top rated college draft-eligible players and having been ranked by the Central Scouting Services agency over the last two years.
Daily Hampshire Gazette: Minuteman Michael Pereira may get selected in NHL draft
Of the 92 draft picks by the L.A. Kings over the last decade, UMass' Jonathan Quick is listed among several of the top draftees.
"Jonathan Quick (third round, 2005): Quick was USA's third goalie at last year's Olympics, and he has done well as the Kings' starting goaltender. He has back-to-back 30-win seasons, and this year he went 35-22-3 with six shutouts to go with a 2.24 GAA and .918 save percentage. He was ninth in wins, sixth in GAA and sixth in shutouts."
The NHL Draft begins tonight and will finish up on Saturday. Mike Pereira has continued to gain attention as one of the top NCAA Players likely to be taken. Last week he was listed as one of the top-10 NCAA Players eligible for the Draft. Today he is listed as one of the top New England talents - a region that has seen several notable players taken in the first round.
"I think (NHL teams) would be smart to take him. He's a very noticeable offensive player whose skating is obviously better than a lot of the players on the ice. He has very good balance agility and a real good stick." -- Central Scouting's New England Regional Scout Gary Eggleston
Mike Yeo is expected to be named the new head coach of the Minnesota Wild at a news conference today at 11 AM. Yeo has been the coach of the AHL Houston Aeros which made it to the Calder Cup Finals before falling to the Binghamton Senators.
This could bode well for Casey Wellman as he spent most of the past season in Houston with Yeo.
Fox Sports North and the Minneapolis Star Tribune both have stories today.
According to Rich Hammond of the L.A. Kings Insider, Jonathan Quick has now joined Twitter. Quick can be found @JonathanQuick32.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a nice piece on the alumni turnout at the UMass Hockey Pond Club Golf Tournament this past Monday. He focuses on Greg Mauldin and Justin Braun looking at their NHL experiences this past season.
The Bleacher Report looks ahead to next year's NHL season to figure out the top 10 teams who are in a position to compete for the Stanley Cup.
No. 10 on that list is Jonathan Quick and the L.A. Kings.
As a relatively young team, the Kings can only improve upon last season's performance, which saw them put up a good fight against San Jose in the quarterfinals, despite having to deal with injury problems. Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson and Dustin Brown are all entering their prime, so if goaltender Jonathan Quick can play with more consistency, Los Angeles will be a dangerous team next year.
The NHL signing deadline is approaching and The Hockey Writers has a piece covering the free agent status of the Colorado Avalanche including UMass' Greg Mauldin. Mauldin is an unrestricted free agent this year after producing the best AHL/NHL season of his pro career.
According to author Mike Verminski, "There is, of course, no way of knowing who the organization plans on re-signing by July 1st, but Tomas Fleischmann, Greg Mauldin, David Van Der Gulik, David Liffiton, and Bacashihua are guys that should be signed to new contracts before the July first deadline."
The Binghamton Senators scored two unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Houston Aeros 3-2 to win the American Hockey League's Calder Cup championship four games to two.
Former UMass hockey standout Casey Wellman did not register a point in this game, but scored six goals and added five assists in 21 post-season games for the Aeros. In the regular season with Houston, Wellman was 14-21-35 in 42 games.
CONTINUE READING DICK BAKER'S STORY IN THE SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN:
The Binghamton Senators won both Games 4 and 5 of the AHL Calder Cup Finals over the weekend to take a 3-2 lead in the series over Casey Wellman's Houston Aeros. The Series will move back to Houston for Game 6 (Tuesday night) and Game 7 (Thursday night).
WBNG-TV: B-Sens Salute Arena Fans
SB Nation Houston: Aeros Title Hopes On The Brink After 4-2 Loss To Senators
Ottawa Citizen: B-Sens a win away from claiming AHL title
Houston Chronicle: Senators take Game 5 to put Aeros in 3-2 series hole
Press & Sun Bulletin: B-Sens blank Aeros, even series
Casey Wellman and the AHL Houston Aeros won 2-1 at Binghamton last night taking a 2-1 lead in the AHL Calder Cup Finals. Games 4 and 5 are set for Friday and Saturday at Binghamton.
Casey Wellman and the Houston Aeros won Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals 3-1 on Friday only to fall in Game 2 to the Binghamton Senators 2-1 in overtime on Saturday. Game 3 is Wednesday at the Groome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.
Wellman scored Houston's only goal on Saturday night.
• Aeros ride third-period surge to win
• O'Brien scores in OT as Baby Senators beat Aeros 2-1, tie Calder Cup 1-1
• Senators steal home ice with Game 2 win
• Calder Cup Notebook: NHL experience bolsters finalists
Wellman scored Houston's only goal on Saturday night.
• Aeros ride third-period surge to win
• O'Brien scores in OT as Baby Senators beat Aeros 2-1, tie Calder Cup 1-1
• Senators steal home ice with Game 2 win
• Calder Cup Notebook: NHL experience bolsters finalists
Casey Wellman and the Houston Aeros will host the Binghamton Senators tonight for Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals with the opening faceoff set for 7:35 PM.
The Vancouver Canucks needed two overtimes, but Kevin Bieksa scored 10:18 into the second overtime to send the club to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994 eliminating the San Jose Sharks, 3-2, from the NHL playoffs.
UMass alum and former All-American Justin Braun did not see action during the playoffs, but was on the active roster for the duration.
Casey Wellman scored a pair of goals and Jon DiSalvatore scored with 1:13 left in regulation as the Houston Aeros got past the Hamilton Bulldogs in Game 7 of the AHL Western Conference Finals last night.
The Aeros will face the Binghamton Senators hosting Games 1 and 2 of the Calder Cup Finals on Friday at Saturday nights.
Houston Chronicle: It's heaven in Game 7
Aeros.com: Complete Game 7 Recap
ABC13.com Postgame Interview:
Casey Wellman and the Houston Aeros will look to get past the Hamilton Bulldogs tonight at 7 PM (CST) for a spot in the AHL Calder Cup Championship. Houston won the first three games of the series, while Hamilton has won the last three. Fans can watch the game on www.ahllive.com.
Former UMass All-American Jonathan Quick has made the quite the ascension in the NHL over the last two seasons as the starting goalie for the L.A. Kings. With Jonathan Bernier as a solid No. 2 goalie, Quick has been the rumor of several trade scenarios this off-season with the price tag being high draft picks or quality caliber forwards.
The Denver Post looks at the needs of the Colorado Avalanche, where Greg Mauldin played for part of this past season, and think that Quick could be a good fit for them.
Casey Wellman's Houston Aeros fell 5-4 in double-overtime last night in the AHL Western Conference Finals as the Hamilton Bulldogs found the game-winning goal 9:11 into the second OT. That sets up Game 7 of the series on Tuesday night at Houston's Toyota Center. The winner gets a berth in the Calder Cup Championship Series.
Wellman was held scoreless last night despite taking three shots.
Justin Braun's San Jose Sharks lost 4-2 last night falling behind 3-1 in the Western Conference Final series against Vancouver. The Sharks will need to win on the road to stay alive on Tuesday night at 6 PM.
Casey Wellman will also be in action tonight with the Houston Aeros as they take on the Hamilton Bulldogs in Game Four of the AHL Western Conference Finals. Houston leads the series 3-1.
In 15 playoff games this year, Wellman has 3 goals & 5 assists. He played in 42 regular-season games with 14 goals and 21 assists.
The San Jose Sharks will host the Vancouver Canucks tonight at 6 PM (PST) in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Former UMass All-American Justin Braun remains with the club as an active defenseman on the playoff roster.
Vancouver leads the series 2-0 with both previous games being at home.
Former UMass Hockey standout Casey Wellman was recalled to the Minnesota Wild from the Houston Aeros (AHL) on Thursday. Wellman made the most of his opportunity, and scored the eventual game-winning goal on Thursday night in the second period against the New York Rangers.
So far this season, Wellman has a goal and an assist in 14 games played.
So far this season, Wellman has a goal and an assist in 14 games played.
The San Jose Sharks have recalled former UMass defenseman Justin Braun to the NHL. Braun was previously with San Jose earlier in the season, tallying one goal and eight assists in 15 games played. He scored his first NHL goal on December 2 against Ottawa. To read the complete release from San Jose, click here.
This week San Jose will take on Detroit tonight, Pittsburgh tomorrow and Calgary on Friday.
This week San Jose will take on Detroit tonight, Pittsburgh tomorrow and Calgary on Friday.
Justin Braun was sent down to the AHL Worcester Sharks on Wednesday prior to the San Jose Shark game against Minnesota Wednesday night. In 14 games with San Jose, he posted one goal and eight assists, which is third on the Sharks amongst defensemen. With Worcester this season, he has also totaled a goal and eight assists in 17 games played.
Justin Braun, Greg Mauldin and Jon Quick each appeared in games for their respective NHL teams on Saturday. Braun, playing with the San Jose Sharks, logged over 17 minutes of ice time and assisted on the overtime goal which gave the Sharks a 2-1 win over defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago. Braun now has a goal and six assists in nine games this season.
Mauldin appeared in his 15th game with Colorado last night, and had two shots on goal to help the Avalanche to a 3-2 overtime win in Washington. Mauldin had 17 shifts for 12 minutes of ice time during even strength and shorthanded situations. Mauldin has four goals and four assists, along with a plus-7 rating this season.
Quick was between the pipes for Los Angeles last night, which suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to Minnesota. Quick face 21 shots during the game, making 18 saves. Quick is 14-5-1 this season with a 1.92 goals against average and .927 save percentage.
Mauldin appeared in his 15th game with Colorado last night, and had two shots on goal to help the Avalanche to a 3-2 overtime win in Washington. Mauldin had 17 shifts for 12 minutes of ice time during even strength and shorthanded situations. Mauldin has four goals and four assists, along with a plus-7 rating this season.
Quick was between the pipes for Los Angeles last night, which suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to Minnesota. Quick face 21 shots during the game, making 18 saves. Quick is 14-5-1 this season with a 1.92 goals against average and .927 save percentage.
A quick update on several other former UMass hockey players who are now in the professional ranks:
Jonathan Quick - L.A. Kings - 6 W, 1 L, 1.96 GAA, .928 Sv%, 429 min.
Justin Braun - Worcester Sharks - 6 GP, 1G, 5A, 4 PIM
James Marcou - Worcester Sharks - 6 GP, 3G, 2A, -3, 0 PIM
Matt Irwin - Worcester Sharks - 4 GP, 2A, -2, 0 PIM
Cory Quirk - Worcester Sharks - 6 GP, 1G, -1, 0 PIM
Mike Kostka - Rochester Americans - 9 GP, 1G, 4A, +3, 4 PIM
- Alex Berry - Norfolk Admirals - 5 GP, 2A, +3, 9 PIM
The Daily Collegian ran its 2010 preview for the UMass Hockey Team on Wednesday. Check out the articles featured in today's paper:
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, he has several posts on recent UMass skaters with updates on their pro careers. He also previews what will be a hot topic this weekend as the Pereira brothers face-off in Saturday's game at Boston University.
Wellman Surprisingly Sent Down By Wild
Just Like At UMass, Marcou Comes Up Big For AHL Sharks
Former MVP Kostka Still Good On The Power Play
Brotherly Unlove Takes Place Saturday Night At BU
Former UMass Hockey forward Casey Wellman and the Minnesota Wild are getting ready to kick off the 2010-11 NHL season with two games in Helsinki, Finland beginning tomorrow. The "View From The Lighthouse" Blog on the Wild website hints that Wellman will get the start on a wing for the season opener against Carolina after his strong finish to preseason play.
As the Mass Attack approaches its opening weekend in Minnesota on Friday, Dick Baker has turned up the heat in the latest installments of his MassLive.com Hockey Blog:
Former UMass goaltender Jon Quick solid in preseason
UMass hockey and Minnesota playing for only second time
Can UMass finish ahead of Northeastern? It may depend on the Huskies new big bad defense
Redshirt freshman Anthony Raiola is best advance scout for UMass hockey against Minnesota
UMass hockey loses freshman Troy Power for Minnesota series
First UMass hockey opponent breezes in exhibition
Former UMass hockey scoring star Casey Wellman picks up assist in Minnesota Wild exhibition win
UMass not only team to lose to New Brunswick
Trenton of ECHL is another spot for UMass hockey graduates
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun scores for Worcester
Former UMass goaltender Jon Quick solid in preseason
UMass hockey and Minnesota playing for only second time
Can UMass finish ahead of Northeastern? It may depend on the Huskies new big bad defense
Redshirt freshman Anthony Raiola is best advance scout for UMass hockey against Minnesota
UMass hockey loses freshman Troy Power for Minnesota series
First UMass hockey opponent breezes in exhibition
Former UMass hockey scoring star Casey Wellman picks up assist in Minnesota Wild exhibition win
UMass not only team to lose to New Brunswick
Trenton of ECHL is another spot for UMass hockey graduates
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun scores for Worcester
Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a story on former UMass Hockey player Casey Wellman, and how the Minnesota Wild are trying to mold him into a top NHL player.
"It's up to me to work hard and earn a spot," Wellman said. "Whatever they think is the right plan for me, whatever they decide, I'll be ready for and work hard for."
"It's up to me to work hard and earn a spot," Wellman said. "Whatever they think is the right plan for me, whatever they decide, I'll be ready for and work hard for."
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican added three new entries into his UMass Hockey Blog as the Mass Attack inches closer to its exhibition game with New Brunswick on October 2. The first post discusses the Minutemen's pre-season scrimmage, which was held Thursday afternoon in anticipation of the conditioning sessions slated for early next week.
Baker also wrote of how Western Massachusetts products T.J. Syner and Kevin Czepiel and how they will help the team in every facet of the game, while Casey Wellman survived the week round of roster cuts from the Minnesota Wild as they trimmed their roster down to 43.
Baker also wrote of how Western Massachusetts products T.J. Syner and Kevin Czepiel and how they will help the team in every facet of the game, while Casey Wellman survived the week round of roster cuts from the Minnesota Wild as they trimmed their roster down to 43.
The Minneapolis
Star-Tribune has a look at Casey Wellman and his off-season regimen
after joining the Minnesota Wild from UMass late in the season.
Jon
Quick is a new spokesperson for Vaughan. He was featured in an advertisement in the Hockey News.
