Feature Story

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2008-09 All-MJHL Team announced

By Brian McDonough

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League announced the 20-man All-MJHL Team for the 2008-09 season, as selected by MJHL coaches and general managers.

In addition, Minnesota Owls forward Seth Ronsberg was named the Player of the Year. The 17-year-old from Lake Elmo, Minn., who started the season with the Minnesota Wildcats led the league in scoring with 45 goals and 52 assists (97 points) in 52 games.

“Seth was a dominant offensive force all season and he’s very deserving of this recognition,” said Owls head coach Chad Kuznia. “As talented of a player as he is, he’s an even better teammate. There’s no question he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Forwards
Adam Wiesner, Ice Hawks
Alex Naujokas, Lumberjacks
Brad Lukasz, Crusaders
Garret Windle, Northern Lights
Jake Calleja, Mustangs
Jakub Simicek, Owls
Justin Brausen, Owls
Justin Neis, Crusaders
Korby Anderson, Ice Hawks
Seth Ronsberg, Owls
Tony Schultz, Flying Aces
Tyler Wahl, Lumberjacks

Defense
Bryce Stevens, Ice Hawks
Erik Ordahl, Northern Lights
Garrett Anderson, Crusaders
Nik Haley, Owls
Robby Dahl, Ice Hawks
Steve Mlodozyniec, Lumberjacks

Goaltenders
Alex Bjerk, Ice Hawks
Justin Lochner, Lumberjacks

Player of the Year
Seth Ronsberg, Owls

Honorable Mention
Forwards

Bobby Thompson, Lumberjacks
Brandon Boyd, Lakers
Danny Grady, Ice Hawks
Joshua Pettit, Owls
Luke Davis, Flying Aces
Nate Percy, Northern Lights

Defense
Matt Kaufman, Lakers
Lane Mahoney, Northern Lights
Mike Stimart, Owls

Goaltender
Aaron Corey, Owls

Player of the Year
Justin Lochner, Lumberjacks

Former Laker makes NHL debut

Former St. Paul Lakers forward Joel Rechlicz made his NHL debut on March 5 for the New York Islanders, recording an assist in a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers. Rechlicz, a 21-year-old from Brookfield, Wis., played for the Lakers during the 2004-05 season before junior hockey stints in the USHL, NAHL and QMJHL. He was signed as a free agent by the Islanders in 2006, and played professionally in the AHL, ECHL, IHL and UHL before skating in his first NHL game.

Lochner named Goalie of the Month

Granite City Lumberjacks goaltender Justin Lochner was named The Goalie Club Goaltender of the Month for February. In 11 appearances during the month, Lochner, from Sauk Rapids, Minn., forged an 8-3 record, including three shutouts, to complement a 1.92 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. The 20-year-old finished the regular season with a 28-5 record to go along with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage for the regular-season champion Lumberjacks.

“Justin has done a great job and is a big reason why we’re having the year we are,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brent Boerger. “He’s still trying to decide between the four schools that have shown interest in him, and I think he’ll have similar success at whatever school he decides to go to.”

Four teams advance to semifinals

The Granite City Lumberjacks, Minnesota Ice Hawks, Minnesota Owls and Wisconsin Mustangs advanced to the best-of-three semifinal round of the MJHL playoffs after winning their opening-round series last weekend.

It took all three games for No. 4-seed Wisconsin to dispose of Twin Cities, culminating in a 3-1 triumph in Game 3. Loren Egan tallied the game-winning goal. Netminder Jon McLean made 19 saves.

The No. 2-seed Ice Hawks skated to a sweep over Hudson, starting with a 6-0 win. Alex Bjerk made all 26 saves in the win, and Shawn Wick had a goal and two assists. The next night, the Ice Hawks doubled up the Crusaders, 4-2. Four different players scored for Minnesota, with Ricky Litchfield connecting for the game-winning goal and an assist.

The No. 3 seed Owls advanced to the semifinals after their sweep of the Minnesota Flying Aces, beginning with a 12-1 win. In Game 2, Joey Benik and Orrico each connected for a pair of goals in a 9-3 win.

The Lumberjacks also advanced after their two-game sweep over the St. Paul Lakers, starting with a 5-1 victory in Game 1. Nate Williams struck for two goals in the victory, including the game-winner. The next day, Tyler Wahl put home two goals as the Lumberjacks disposed of the Lakers, 7-4. Josh Smith made 27 saves in goal for Granite City.

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