Pittsburgh Hornets Blogspot - Time to Go a Fishin !

Summer time, when the living is easy, the fish are jumping, the cotton grows high, and its time for the Pittsburgh Hornets Blogspot to take a break from the action and get away for its annual summer sabbatical ! Please take a moment to reset your browser links to the Pittsburgh Hornets Amateur Hockey Association Website by clicking this link or clicking the pictures on this posting.

With these links, you will be taken to the Pittsburgh Hornets Amateur Hockey Association website where you can follow the up-to-date action on the players, the alumni successes and the stars of tomorrow of the Pittsburgh Hornets, one of the best Tier 1 AAA Amateur Hockey Programs in North America.

Enjoy the summer and best wishes to everyone in the world of hockey from your friends at the Pittsburgh Hornets !!!

Rob Madore Does It Again, Stopping 57 of 60 shots against Waterloo !

Wow, maybe Rob Madore really is the man of steel.! In another "super" effort, Rob stopped 57 of 60 shots, in a tough 4-1 loss to Waterloo yesterday. Though the Chicago Steel were outshot 61-16, and many of the shots were "faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive" Rob was virtually invincible again, particularly when noting that 2 of the goals scored were on the Waterloo powerplay.

Seriously, all hyperbole and "superman" rhetoric aside, Rob is the consumate team player and we know he is more concerned about the team loss than any individual statistics, but this remarkable streak of outstanding goaltending play does deserve notice and congratulations.

Congratulations again to Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Alumni Goaltender Rob Madore on his sterling performance in goal and good luck to the D-1 Vermont Catamounts, you really have gotten yourselves one of the best junior goalies in North America for your up and coming program !

For more information on the Pittsburgh Hornets AAA Amateur Hockey Program, click on the Pic below:

For more information on the USHL Chicago Steel, click on the Pic below.

For more information on the Vermont Catamounts D-1 Hockey Program, click on the Pic below.

Team Pittsburgh wins Chicago Showcase with a 5-4 Shootout Win over Wisconsin

Congratulations go out to Team Pittsburgh for their exciting 5-4 Shootout win over Wisconsin to capture the 2007 Chicago Invitational Showcase. Team Pittsburgh is a collection of the top high school hockey players in Western Pennsylvania that compete each year in this prestigious national hockey tournament.

This Tournament features teams representing the best hockey players from various STATES around the country, like Team Minnesota, Team Michigan, etc. Over 20+ years ago, when the tournament went to a "state team" format, Team Pittsburgh was grandfathered into the tournament and really is one of only 2 or 3 teams that are comprised from a much more limited selection area than most of the teams they are competing against.

Which is why it is so remarkable that this local band of competitors was able to capture this title over some of the best state selected all star teams in the country.!

Throughout the years, Team Pittsburgh has been peppered with many players from the Pittsburgh Hornets As the premier Tier 1 AAA hockey association in Western Pennsylvania, the Hornets support all of our regional hockey endeavors and thus our congratulations go out to all of the players on this years team and to head coach Jim Mcvay and his coaching staff, and General Manager Gina Colligan and General Manager "Emeritus" Dave Klasnick (former President of the Pittsburgh Hornets) for all their hard work as well in helping this championship dream become a reality.

Reprinted below is an article from Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette containing some more details of this great accomplishment. Way to go Team Pittsburgh, Way to go !!!

Hockey: Team Pittsburgh finally earns title after 23 years
All-star hockey squad ends drought in Chicago
Tuesday, April 24, 2007By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Only weeks after the Penguins' excellent regular season, Western Pennsylvania hockey got another shot in the arm at another level this past weekend when a group of high school players won a national all-star tournament.

Team Pittsburgh won the Chicago Showcase in Bensenville, Ill. The 24-team event included squads from Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, New England and Wisconsin. Team Pittsburgh won the championship Sunday with a 5-4 shootout victory against Team Wisconsin.

Team Pittsburgh included 20 players from 14 different schools. The players were picked after a four-day tryout in March.

This was the 23rd Chicago Showcase and Pittsburgh had sent a team every year under general manager Dave Klasnick, but this was the first time Team Pittsburgh came home with a championship. Klasnick was still involved with the team this year, but gave up the GM title to Gina Colligan.

Jim McVay, Bethel Park's highly successful coach, was Team Pittsburgh's coach, and Dave Fryer of Canon-McMillan was the assistant.
"This is just a huge thing for the Pittsburgh area," McVay said. "We had been knocking on the door and to finally come through is really amazing."

McVay compared Team Pittsburgh to the Pennsylvania team that plays in the Big 33 all-star football game every summer.

"Winning this [Chicago Showcase] would be like the Pennsylvania Big 33 team beating a bunch of other Big 33 teams around the country," McVay said. "That's how big this was."

Team Pittsburgh started the tournament Wednesday with a 4-1 loss to Team Michigan. But Team Pittsburgh then won five games in a row to take home the title, including four one-goal games.

"The funny thing is, we watched some other teams with kids who are getting Division I college offers," McVay said. "We had 20 kids, and hopefully one will go Division I at some point, but we just had 20 very good players."

North Allegheny's Max Richards and Rob Behling each played goalie for three games. Four Bethel Park players made the team. Some of the top players were West Allegheny's Ryan Kumpfmiller, Pine-Richland's Phil Trombetta, Bethel Park's David Spadacene and Kenny Lehmann, and Freeport's Zach Hepler.

The team's leading scorer was Central Catholic's Chris Urso, who had four goals and four assists. Kumpfmiller, Spadacene and Trombetta had five points each in the tournament.

"Some of these kids will hopefully move on to Juniors," McVay said. "But no matter what they do in the future, or what level they make, this was always be something great for them to remember."

Other players were Tyler Urda, Serra; Nick Jones, Seneca Valley; Mike Roman, Mt. Lebanon; Kevin Bishop, Montour; Tim McDonough, Franklin Regional; Logan Bannon, Bethel Park; Bryan Brown, Bethel Park; Morgan Nickerson, Meadville; Luke Killmeyer, Meadville; Jonathan Lohman, Upper St. Clair; Matt Jarrett, Seneca Valley; and Nick Vukemaravich, Greensburg Central Catholic.

Pittsburgh Hornets Goaltender Rob Madore goes D-1 with Vermont

GREAT NEWS AS ROB MADORE

COMMITS TO THE

VERMONT CATAMOUNTS

Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey alumni goaltender Rob Madore has committed to play D-1 Hockey for the Vermont Catamounts, one of the top up and coming programs in the country which currently competes in Hockey East. The University of Vermont men’s hockey team completed its second season in Hockey East at 18-16-5 and 12-10-5 in league play to finish in sixth-place in the conference.

Nine of UVM’s 18 wins came against teams that qualified for the 2007 NCAA Tournament. With the 18 victories the Catamounts have now won 57 games in the last three seasons to establish one of the best three-year stretches in school history. Under Head Coach Kevin Sneddon the Catamounts are sure to continue improving and with the addition of Rob should be a real NCAA D-1 force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

Congratulations Rob on this tremendous accomplishment. You are a great kid and the Pittsburgh Hornets wish you much success at the collegiate hockey level !

Amazing !! Rob Madore stops 74 of 77 shots in last win for Chicago Steel of USHL

If Superman was known as the “Man of Steel”, then for the Chicago Steel of the USHL Pittsburgh Hornet Hockey alumni goaltender Rob Madore surely could claim prize to the same title as Rob was named USHL Goaltender of the Week after Madore setting the league-high record for saves in a game, making 74 saves in one game, a 4-3 shootout win over Cedar Rapids (with many of the saves being of the spectacular kind).

It is doubtful that Superman could have played any better than Rob against Cedar Rapids, as stopping 74 of 77 shots during a game in the best junior hockey league in the world is just simply an amazing feat, particularly when many of the saves were of a spectacular kind, and resulted in a .961 save percentage.

Congratulations Rob for helping the Pittsburgh Hornets build upon its tradition of being known as the “goaltending factory” and developer of top caliber goalies to the junior, college and even pro leagues. Additionally, many congrats and kudos must go out to the coaching Rob is receiving with the Chicago Steel that has been so critical in his development and helping him reach these amazing feats of performance. They are one top notch, well run organization that any potential amateur hockey player should have at the top of their preferred list.

Rob is simply just one great kid with a ton of natural athletic talent (including a superb initial stance, cat-like quickness, fantastic lateral movement, lighting quick glove hand, excellent butterfly and blocking techniques down low and strong angle play). Couple this with his mental toughness, maturity and leadership ability and you have a triple threat goaltender and student athlete that would make any NCAA Division 1 college team proud. Way to go Rob, we are all so very proud of you !!

Pittsburgh Hornets Alumni Update - Nate Guenin has successful Pro Year !

American-bred Guenin making waves in Philadelphia
04/09/2007 10:26 AM
by Brian Smith AHL On The Beat Archive

While growing up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Aliquippa, Nate Guenin was of course a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.But as is the case in all sports towns, there are residents that are also quietly rooting for the enemy, so as not to be publicly scorned. Guenin was one of those people.“I was always a closet Flyers fan,” he said.

“I had a hat and a T-shirt I’d wear every once in a while. I just always liked the mystique about the Flyers and their brand of hockey.”Today, Guenin is working on becoming a part of that mystique. He’s in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, working on making the transition from a Division-I NCAA defenseman to patrolling the blue line in the NHL.He’s already seen time with the Flyers, having been called up for a total of nine games this season.

Those watching have been impressed, and are of the opinion that Guenin could be a full-time NHL player before too long.“I think Nate’s done very well for himself this year,” said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. “What we liked about him was his physicality and his competiveness and his ability to defend. I think he’s done a good job certainly with the Phantoms, and even in the few games he was up with the Flyers, he handled himself well. His skating’s really improved, his puck skills have improved and I think he’s developed into a good young prospect for us.”

While many Flyers and NHL players in general reach the professional ranks via the Canadian junior leagues, Guenin is a 100-percent American-bred player. He played his youth hockey with the Pittsburgh Hornets, where he spent about four years playing with R.J. Umberger. He then went to Wisconsin to play for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League.He was drafted by the New York Rangers in 2002, but instead chose to attend Ohio State University.

He played four years there in an athletic environment that is among the tops in the country.“It was unbelievable,” Guenin said. “I don’t know if there’s another school that treats their athletes as well as Ohio State does. Just the facilities from the football stadium to the Schottenstein Center, the weight rooms, it’s unbelievable. Just first class. And you’re still getting a very good education.

Hockey-wise we had three very good years.”When Guenin wrapped up his career there last spring, his initial contact was with the Rangers. But things didn’t work out there, so he landed in Philadelphia.“I couldn’t have been happier when my agent told me Philadelphia wanted to sign me,” Guenin said. “It was a place I always thought I wanted to play.”It was less than a month from the time Guenin signed to the time he reported for rookie camp.

Things went well for him there and in the preseason. But after a pair of scratches early in the season, Guenin wasn’t sure where things were going for him.“I played the first game and sat out the next two up in Manitoba, and I was thinking it might be a long year. But I kept working hard and eventually got a solid spot in the lineup. There was an adjustment period with the speed. Everything happens faster. When you get the puck you have to move it, where in college you might have a little more time.

As the season’s gone on I’ve gotten more comfortable.”Guenin got so comfortable that on Jan. 16, as the Phantoms were getting ready to leave for Binghamton, he got word that he wouldn’t be making the trip.“We had a nutrition meeting and then I was going to run back to my apartment and pack, and head back for the trip,” Guenin said. “Don Luce pulled me aside and said I was staying back to play against the Islanders in a couple days. I thought he was joking. But he said ‘Yeah, you’re gonna play.’”Luce, the Flyers' director of player development, and the rest of the Flyers front office had liked what they’d seen out of the young defenseman.“Nate’s a very competitive player,” Luce said. “He’s a solid defenseman and likes to play physical. I think he’s improved his game at reading the rush and not over-committing to get the big hit.

I think he did that before a little too much, and when he didn’t get the big hit, he’d get beat. I think his defensive play has really picked up. He’s a really good skater and he can chip in on the occasional offensive play.”Guenin’s NHL debut was understandably exciting, but he was able to take things more or less in stride.“You get nervous during the day, but once I got to the rink I was fine,” he said. “We’ve been playing hockey our whole lives, and once you get on the ice, it’s where you feel the most comfortable.

In warm-ups you look around at first, but you don’t have time to be in awe up there. If you’re in awe you’re going to be back down a lot faster than you went up.”Guenin registered two assists in his nine NHL games, averaging about six minutes of ice time per game. But he left with a new perspective on his goals.“You always hear what the NHL’s like and you have to do this and that,” Guenin said. “But to get there and experience it first hand, now I know what to expect and what I need to work on in the off-season to come back and crack it next year.”

He also received a vote of confidence from head coach John Stevens, who has been in Guenin’s shoes before.“When I got sent back down, he pulled me aside and said he’s been there and walked in our footsteps,” Guenin said. “He said the American League’s a great league, just go there and work hard, be sound defensively, and good things will happen.”So, Guenin is now doing that, working hard with the Phantoms in hopes of finding himself a permanent spot in the Flyers locker room.

His dimensions of 6-foot-2, 210 pounds give him a solid foundation towards becoming a sizeable defenseman who can compete in the new NHL.“His size is probably going to be the ideal size to go along with mobility,” Luce said. “You have to be able to skate with the players and also be strong enough to hit them. Nate has both of those things.”

Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Association Announce 2007-2008 Tryout Dates

TRYOUTS FOR 2007-08 SEASON
NEW TRYOUT SCHEDULE FOR 2007-2008

"PATHWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES"

The Pittsburgh Hornets are pleased to announce tryout dates for our 2007-08 Teams (all USA Hockey Tier I):

Midget Major (18U)
Midget Minor (16U)
Bantam Major (1993 birth year)
Bantam Minor (1994 birth year)
Peewee Major (1995 birth year)
Peewee Minor (1996 birth year)
Squirt Major (1997/98 birth years)

Midget Major (18U)
April 23, 2007 (Mon.)
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Major (18U)
April 25, 2007 (Wed.)
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Major (18U)
April 29, 2007 (Sun.)
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Major (18U)
May 1, 2007 (Tues.)
9:00 PM 10:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Major (18U)
May 3, 2007 (Thur.)
6:00 PM 7:30 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Major (18U)
May 3, 2007 (Thur.)
7:45 PM 9:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center


Midget Minor (16U)
May 8 2007 (Tues.)
7:30 PM 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Minor (16U)
May 9 2007 (Wed.)
7:30 PM 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Minor (16U)
May 15 2007 (Tues.)
7:30 PM 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Midget Minor (16U)
May 16 2007 (Wed.)
7:30 PM 9:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Major (93s)
April 5, 2007 (Thurs.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Major (93s)
April 11, 2007 (Wed.)
9:00 PM 10:30 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Major (93s)
April 12, 2007 (Thurs.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Minor (94s)
April 24, 2007 (Tues.)
7:30 PM - 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Minor (94s)
April 26, 2007 (Thurs.)
7:30 PM - 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Bantam Minor (94s)
April 30, 2007 (Mon.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Major (95s)
April 4, 2007 (Wed.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Major (95s)
April 5, 2007 (Thurs.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Major (95s)
April 10, 2007 (Tues.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Minor (96s)
April 23, 2007 (Mon.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Minor (96s)
April 25, 2007 (Wed.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Peewee Minor (96s)
May 1, 2007 (Thurs.)
7:30 PM 8:50 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Squirt Major (97/98's)
April 26, 2007 (Thurs.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Squirt Major (97/98's)
April 30, 2007 (Mon.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

Squirt Major (97/98's)
May 2, 2007 (Wed.)
6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
RMU Island Sports Center

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK THIS LINK

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