October 6, 2008

Chiefs Looking to weekend to Turn around Slow Start

Three weeks into the CSHL Season and the Motor City Chiefs find themselves winless quite a different start than many hockey insiders thought. However Team General Manager Paul Thomas this week when asked to comment on the teams start was very optimsitic and pointed out a couple of key points that he believes has contributed to the teams start and key points that will lead to the teams success. This years version of the Chiefs is a very young team with the least returning veterans than any team in the CSHL. We have faced some veteran clubs in the first three weeks of the season and if you look at the boxscores those veterans were the major contributors to thier perspective teams victories. Our inexperience has shown itself early however our players and coaching staff are up to the task. Last weekends game we basically controlled the game in every aspect , however our players learned a valuable lesson that in this league a turnover in the defensive zone a bad penalty , taking a shift off can basically cause you two points. These are things at Midget Hockey and High School hockey you can sometimes get away with however at the Junior Level your Margin for Error gets smaller and smaller

When you look at our roster and the background of our players you know its just a matter of time before it all comes together. Our goaltending is more than adequate. We have good team speed and we have personnel all of whom have the ability to generate offense. On the Defensive side of the puck is where we have to play a more mature game .

October 2, 2008

Jr A Club returns Home Saturday

The Motor City Chiefs Junior A Hockey Club return to home grounds this weekend for a two game contest against Grand Rapids in CSHL action. The Chiefs whom have been off to a slow start are looking to the weekend to set the tone and get thier season on track. The A's are coming off a very hard fought contest this past weekend that resulted in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Metro Jets. Game Time Saturday Night is 8:50 PM and 12:50 PM Sunday .

September 17,2008

Chiefs Come up Short in Home Opener

The Motor City Chiefs Jr A club played thier home opener this past Sunday at Canfield Arena. The day which was the entire organizations home opener was a festive enviroment which was highlighted with a CSHL battle between the Flint Generals and the Chiefs. The Chiefs came out flying for the full house as Jake Jossey opened the scoring at 7:40 of the 1st period. Shane Darrow would put the Chiefs up by two on a sweet goal assisted by Jon Omillian and Joe McDonald at 18:47 of the first and it seemed that Coach Kelly Nester's crew had found the zone to get past Flint goaltender Ian Edwards. The second period started with the Chiefs on the Power play however the Chiefs could not score despite pepering the Flint Goaltender, at full strength Flint converted a nuetral zone turnover to put the Generals on the Board at 3:35 Rick Turner got the goal with helpers from Ricky Jones and Nick Karstens. The Chiefs Jake Jossey and Eric Fletcher wasted no time when at 4:07 Jossey converted a Fletcher pass to put the Chiefs up 3-1. Flint would score a shorthanded goal at 6:07 as Rick Turner converted a Chiefs Turnover to put the score at 3-2 . The 3rd period began with the Generals on the Power play as undisciplined play put the Chiefs in the penalty box to end the 2nd period , the Generals wasted no time in converting with the extra man as Flint tied the score at 0:57 of the Third on a goal by Brandon Hofgrere. The 3rd period was entertaining as both clubs exchanged scoring opportunities Chiefs Goaltendter Ish Gregory and Flints Edwards both displayed thier skills to the enjoyment of all in attendance. However undisciplined penalties would once again haunt the Chiefs as Flint was put on the power play with less than two minutes to play in the game. Flint Forward Nicholas Maningham blazed a perfect shot over Gregory's shoulder for the game winner at 18:07 of the 3rd period.

The Chiefs hit the road this weekend to face CSHL Power house the St Louis Jr. Blues on Saturday and Sunday

 

September 8, 2008

Jr A's drop two in Windy City

The Motor City Chiefs Jr A club traveled to Chicago Illinois this past weekend to open up CSHL Season play against the Chicago Force. The Chiefs were confident that they were well prepared for the opening weekend however the Chicago club had different plans as they handed two losses to the Chiefs on Friday and Saturday. In the opening contest on Friday the Chiefs were defeated 4-1 as they just came out flat.Starting Goaltender Ish Gregory was replaced by Eric Trunick as the Force scored 3 goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. John Rubel capatalized on a Derek Kessler pass to put the Chiefs on the score board at 13:37 of the first period however the Chiefs would not find the back of the net again. The Force added an insurance goal at 10:46 of the 2nd period.

On Saturday Night the Chiefs appeared to be ready to right thier wrongs from the previous night as they found the missing offense. After an opening goal by the Force's Marcus Mitchell, Captain John Rubel buried a Shawn Flynn pass to tie the score at the 10:41 mark of the 1st period. Chicago bounced right back at 15:27 to retake the lead however the Chiefs would have no part of it as Shawn Flynn captalized on an Eric Giulanelli and Jordan Carpenter pass to tie the score at 2-2. Chicago before the end of the first period would again score to retake the lead 3-2. This all despite the Chiefs recieving 6 minor penalties in the first. In the second period the Chiefs Jon Omillian tied the score on a helper from Jordan Wasilewski, however the Force again would answer to go up 4-3 on the Chiefs. Shane Darrow tied the score up 4-4 at 11;37 of the second however Chicago again answered with a goal of thier own to go up 5-4. Jon Siterlet blasted a shot past the Chicago goaltender after recieving a pass from Joe Sova and Eric Giulianelli to end the second 5-5 again this despite and endless parade to the penalty box by the Chiefs. The Force got the game winner on a power play goal at the 10:00 minute mark of the 3rd period.

Coached Pleased with 2nd effort.

Coach Kelly Nester was fairly pleased of the play and resilancy of his boys on Saturday Night. "I think despite the penalty festival that went on tonight our boys dug deep down and gutted this one out". "We obviously need to play with a greater emotion and intensity. Our young guys are learning real quick that this is not a league that you can take shifts off". The Chiefs return to Home surrondings this week as the prepare for Opening Day on Sunday August 14th at Canfield arena for a 1:00 PM start against the Flint Generals.

Power Failure

The Chiefs power play units were uneffective on Friday Evening as they went 0-12 which did not bode very well with Coach Kelly Nester. " Too much selfish play" was the response by the coach when asked about the power play situation.

 

September 5, 2008

A lot of time has passed since we have last reported to you, so I guess we have a lot of cathcing up to do. A lot has changed in the Chiefs Nation over the last few weeks The Chiefs had a very succesful exhibition weekend and posted a 2-1-1 record. Head Coach Kelly Nester was very pleased with the overall makeup of his club and feels that his charges are on the right track for a great season in the CSHL.

At Goaltending Ish Gregory seems to be standing out as the guy to start the season at the number 1 spot however both James Mc Curtain and Eric Trunick will be forces as well

At Defence; The Chiefs have assembled a very mobile and a group of physical defenders Led by Veteran Jon Siterlet , Coach Nester has a great group of players whom he can count on in any combination most impressive has been the Leadership by Ian Burnaby and Vince Byrne whom are making the transition from Midget Hockey to Junior Hockey easy for Eric Fletcher, Jason Shatters , Nick Tracy,Joe Sova & Logan DeMarcus. Former Michigan High School Standouts Erich Herzfield and Derek Kessler are proving that they will be forces nightly in every situation

At Forward: The Chiefs are led by Captain and former Flint Powers Standout John Rubel , John suffered an injury in exhibition play and is listed day to day, However the Chiefs demonstrated that they will have no problem in the fire power area as Shawn Flynn, Eric Guinellin and Jordan Carpenter all were multi point gainers during exhibtion play. In addition Coach Nester expects German Import player Christian Sauer, veteran Andrew Tait and Jordan Wasileuski to be offensive forces and the recent addition of Jon Omillian will compliment the rest of the offensive core Mitch Brinker, Jake Jossey, Shane Darrow & Matt Casey all of whom have the ability to turn it up on a dime.

Overall the Speed of the Chiefs was impressive in the first weekend , all of the obvious flaws such as conditioning and special teams was very visible , however we our confident we have used the last few weeks to introduce, implement and brand the Chiefs Hockey System into all of our players stated Assistant coach Mike Tremboli.

The Chiefs will get a chance to demonstrate thier hard work this weekend as they board the bus and head west for a two game road trip to open the CSHL Season against the Chicago Force whom the Chiefs handled in a spirited exhibition affair two weeks a go.

 

 

August 11,2008

Junior A Club names Trimboli to Assistant Coach Position

Chiefs co-owner Gerry Lullove & Junior A Head Coach Kelly Nester announced the addition of Goaltender instructor Mike Trimboli to the assistant coaching position today. Trimboli whom is in his second season with the Chiefs organization will also continue his role as the entire organizations goaltending instructor and consultant. "Mike brings a teaching philosophy and professionalism that makes him a true asset to every player in our organization I am happy to have the opportunity to work side by side with Mike everyday" quoted Coach Nester. Trimboli also owns and operates a successful goaltending school. Trimboli Hockey Schools.

 

August 8, 2008

Kenai River Brown Bears Assign Trio to Motor City Chiefs

The Kenai River Brown Bears announced the assignments of three of their top prospects to the Motor City Chiefs. Kenai River (NAHL) head coach Brent Agrusa announced the assignment of Forward,John Rubel (Flint MI) , Goaltender James Mc Curtain (Alaska) and Defenceman ,Logan DeMarcus (Alaska). All three recently completed camp with the Kenai club in Rochester Minnesota." We feel that right now that all three players are the future of the Kenai River hockey club and that their development will be closely monitored by the staff at Motor City. " Stated Kenai River Head Coach Brent Agrusa

Rubel and McCurtain were both on hand last week for the opening of the Chiefs main training camp. Coach Kelly Nester was pleased with the conditioning and enthusiasm of both players. "John (Rubel) we have been in contact with for sometime as we had to make a trade with Flint to ensure that we had his rights. However with the exception of the Kenai Scouting staff I had no prior knowledge of McCurtain however from initial observations all of the reports were right on". Damarcus is expected to report a week from Monday "he is a solid defenceman with good speed and hands from early indications of the Chiefs personnel Demarcus will fit right into Coach Nesters scheme quipped Agrusa". Both Demarcus and McCurtain are played together on the Alaska AAA Allstars last season.

AUGUST 4, 2008

Training Camp Begins August 4, 2008 The Motor City Chiefs Junior A and Junior Developmental Teams opened up training camp to begin the 2008-2009 season. After a brief registration and orientation prospects for both teams were put through a rigorous off ice session with Chiefs Trainer Joyce Szeghedi. Jr. A Head Coach Kelly Nester along with Jr. Developmental Coach Steve Hill ,Team President Rick Mullen and Goaltender Coach Mike Tremboli then took to the Ice for a two hour combined on ice session designed to prepare the players for what proves to be an interesting three weeks of inter squad play and skills instruction. Over the next few days prospects will be split into groups as final evaluations and team placements will begin. "The combined sessions emphasize to everyone of our players that the Motor City Chiefs will all follow the same development processes which will be adjusted for each level of play Mites thru Midgets" stated Chiefs co-owner Gerry Lullove "there was a definite buzz and excitement through-out our facility". Training Camp continues Monday thru Thursday thru the next three weeks. On Ice sessions begin at 6:00 PM the public is invited to come and get a sneak preview of this years Motor City Chiefs   AUGUST 3, 2008 Chiefs Scouts Have Busy Season No Time for fishing, very little time for golf, a vacation ?  That's the common statement for the scouting and coaching staff of the Motor City Chief's hockey club this season. Since Nationals ended in early April the Motor City Chiefs  scouting staff and coaches have been spotted and seen at every showcase, Open Camp and basically any function that a potential prospect could be. Heck it was even rumored that Motor City Chiefs spotting's were even made at the local Walmart, however that was an unconfirmed sighting. Director of scouting Rick Mullen has had his staff operating in Stealth Mode covering not only the local area but this year the Chiefs have reached out across the United States and even into Europe and Alaska which is quite evident by this year's training camp roster. To make things even more interesting the Chief's added a second Junior team to its roster this combined with new affiliations with the Kenai Valley Brown Bears (NAHL) and the Motor City Machine (NAHL) has increased the Chief's prospect level but also creates a bigger commitment from the Chief's organization as a development tool for Tier II , Tier I and College Hockey. "I believe that these relationships put more pressure on our organization to provide an environment that every one of our players either at Tier III A and Junior Developmental are truly being taught all of the elements of the Junior Hockey game both on ice and off ice" we want our players whether a Chief for a day , a week or a year to leave our program armed with the knowledge of how to play the game, how to train to play the game, how to prepare to become a student athlete and how to be a successful student athlete. These are not new things in our organization we have always been committed to these philosphy’s however now we have "stepped it up a notch" stated scout Dan Vasquez. The Chief's relationships with its affiliate organizations take on many multiple tasks as we send our staff and coaches to our affiliates camps and tryouts not just to scout but we are expected to take active roles whether were asked to consult , coach , get lunch basically anything that is needed while at these camps. Our staff is also being educated on the style of play and the coaching philosophies of that particular organization. We then have to mesh those key elements of each affiliates program into our system to make sure that each teams prospects have an understanding of what an where they are being prepared for. The Chiefs staff will work one on one virtually daily with our affiliate staffs to monitor the development of their prospects which puts the Chief's under the proverbial microscope daily.  Chief's Junior A Head Coach Kelly Nester is the right man to get this job done , Kelly is  no-nonsense coach whom since being named to the top job has spent tireless hours preparing and implementing a training program designed for each player in the entire organization. A true student of the game and a tireless disciple of the whole player skills development Kelly brings a teachers approach to addressing a players individual development.