NCAA seeding shows how far Hockey East has come

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

Exactly 12 years ago today, the University of Maine beat Boston College in the Hockey East Finals by a 2-1 count. The game-winning goal was scored by future Flyer Niko Dimitrakos, with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation.

It set up a unique set of circumstances for the NCAA selection committee. At the time there were only 12 slots available, six each in the East and West regions. Conference playoff title winners then, as now, were given automatic bids.

Maine, the playoff winner, finished fourth in the regular-season standings. New Hampshire, which lost in the semis, finished second. BC, which made the finals, was third and Boston University, another semifinal loser, won the regular-season crown.

Hockey East was not yet a full-on power conference like the CCHA or WCHA, whose top team -- North Dakota -- was the #1 school in the country and won it all three years prior. BU had won the title in '95 against Maine then lost to UND in '97, while BC lost to Michigan in '98 and Maine topped UNH in the '99 championship.

But history still belonged to the behemoths like North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Denver, Michigan State et al. Even the ECAC was given stature based on its Ivy League pedigree. For roughly 13 hours, the fate of an entire region hung in the balance before that year's selection show got underway the next afternoon.

On that Sunday, a door was opened, as the committee voted to include all four Hockey East schools within the tournament -- a first for a league which only came into existence 16 years before.

The Eagles went the furthest, losing in the title game to North Dakota. Shawn Walsh's Black Bears made it to the national semis before being shut out by the Sioux. The Terriers sent Rick DiPietro on his way to the NHL with a multiple-overtime loss in a regional final against St. Lawrence. Poor Wildcats, they were dispatched in an opening-game upset by Niagara.

From there, the story of Hockey East has largely been written.

BC has won three national championships and appeared in two more title games; BU finally won again in 2009; UNH finished second to Minnesota in 2003, and Maine was a bridesmaid in '02 against Minnesota and '04 against Denver.

Flash forward to 2012.

Boston College is the hottest team in the nation, having won 15 games in a row through its 4-1 decision over Maine on Saturday night. It finished as the #1 team in D-I hockey and was rewarded accordingly with the top seed in the Northeast Region in Worcester, opening up NCAA play on Saturday afternoon.

Maine (#11 in the country) drew a 3-seed in the Northeast, while BU (#5) earned a 3-seed in the West. Surprising UMass-Lowell (#10 overall) enters the Frozen Four as a 3-seed in the East. This grouping makes it possible for one conference in the northernmost quadrant of the US to have an impact on the final four, much like the Big East did in the 1985 men's basketball tournament.

Check out the full bracket here, and for the full work-up, check out this page.

There are no more perennially weak clubs in Hockey East, the way there once was a decade ago when only nine member schools participated and the likes of UMass-Amherst and Merrimack were traditional doormats. That will make the selection of schools from there even more difficult year to year with the specter of quick turnarounds, despite the fact that there are 16 teams in the tournament now and five conferences with automatic bids.

A one-third ratio in 2000 was phenomenal. A one-quarter ratio this year just shows how consistently good Hockey East schools have performed in this period, and how much respect the conference has retained over the years.

With the inclusion of Vermont, every team in the conference has tasted some form of prolonged postseason play, be it in-conference or on the national stage. The impending inclusion of Notre Dame in 2013 will add another layer of luster to a grouping among the giants.

With the college landscape about to be radically altered after next season, Hockey East appears to be the only conference that will be strengthened rather than blown up, weakened, or treading water.

To think it could have been much, much different if not for the wisdom of the men behind the curtain.

Union drop home opener to Colorado

By John McMullen

CHESTER, Pa (The Phanatic Magazine) - It has become a tired refrain in the short history of the Philadelphia Union.

The Union dominated the Colorado Rapids in the first half on Sunday, generating a host of scoring opportunities, chances they failed to convert.

The Rapids weathered that storm behind netminder Matt Pickens and struck in the second half, despite playing a man down for 36 minutes, to take a 2-1 win at PPL Park in Philadelphia's home opener.

The Union piled up a a ridiculous amount of scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes, out shooting Colorado 9-2, but with their lone proven finisher in Vancouver the scoreboard read 0-0.

Realizing it was playing with house money and lucky to be within earshot of Philly, Colorado came out of the locker room relaxed and ready to pounce, something they did in the 56th minute when Luis Zapata lofted a crossing pass just over Zac MacMath's outstretched hands before Jaime Castrillon knocked it home.

Despite losing Jeff Larentowicz to a second yellow card in the 58th minute, the Rapids took a 2-0 edge in the 62nd  when Tony Cascio took advantage of a bad Chris Albright flub, beating MacMath on the short side.

The man advantage finally came into play for the Union in the 67th minute when Roger Torres, who came on for Albright as a substitution four minutes earlier, put a beautiful crossing pass on Lionard Pajoy's head and the Columbian striker put it past Pickens.

Colorado stiffened from there although Philadelphia did manage to misfire on one last opportunity. Pajoy found the ball on his feet just outside the area in the 89th minute but drove it over the crossbar as the Rapids improved to 2-0-0 on the young season.

The revamped Union, meanwhile, fell to 0-2-0 and will be searching for answers in the coming weeks.

Pickens faced 20 shots and made fours saved to just nine and two for MacMath.


FINISHING FLOPS

Pickens was a man under siege in the first half. Sheanon Williams started things in the first minute by sending Danny Mwanga into the area with a nice over the top pass but the third-year striker was taken down and no whistle sounded.

In the 16th, Gabriel Gomez unleashed a dangerous bending free kick into the area, but Pickens was there to secure it on the goal line.

Seven minutes later Mwanga had another opportunity, lining up a shot from within the area but it was deflected out before it ever got to Pickens.

Shortly after that Gomez had another go from distance off the free kick with some serious spin but Pickens deflected it away.

The chances kept fast and furious from there. Williams chipped a beautiful touch pass to Mwanga in the area during the 30th minute but the Oregon State product couldn't get enough it and Pickens stood tall again.

By the 33rd minute Michael Farfan worked a beautiful give-and-go with Pajoy, but the Columbian's shot from 20 yards out went wide of the far post.

In the 36th Mwanga found a streaking Pajoy in space, who in turn sent it out to the right flat for a one-timer that Williams couldn't keep down.

During the 44th Farfan got a nifty little layoff from Mwanga and fired just wide of the far post.

Finally in the 45th minute Gomez sent in yet another dangerous free kick, but Mwanga just missed a header at the far post.


UNION Dues:

*Attendance was 19,074, a sellout.

*The other Union substitutions were Christian Hernandez for Keon Daniel in the 71st minute and Josue Martinez for Brian Carroll in the 79th.

*Veteran D Danny Califf was benched and replaced in the starting lineup by Philly native Albright, who made the key mistake when he fell down and let Cascio free for the eventual game-winner. In Califf's absence, fellow defender Carlos Valdes wore the captain's armband.

*Freddy Adu was given the start last week in Portland at midfield and played 74 minutes before exiting. He and fellow midfielder Amomi Okugo, however, are done for a few weeks. Both were called up by the USMNT U-23 for the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

*Daniel, who played for the Union until August of last season when he was forced to remain in his native Trinidad & Tobago with a visa issues, returned in the season opener last week and played 11 minutes off the bench. Today, he started and went 71.

"I'm getting more comfortable," Daniel said. "Last year was a learning experience in the league. This year I'm hoping for big things and I'm hoping to carry this team as far as possible."

Scout's Honor:

*Hoping for more offense Nowak started with a 4-4-3 with the offensively-gifted Williams moving forward and playing more midfield. Albright, Valdes and Porfirio Lopez remained back playing a diamond-like defense with a stopper (Valdes) and a sweeper (Albright or Lopez).

*Veteran leadership figured to be a problem in Chester this season and that's certainly played out in the first two matches. The Union have moved on from the franchise's only two All-Stars, netminder Fayrd Mondragon and striker Sebastien Le Toux. Meanwhile, they benched Califf on Sunday.

Mondragon, of course, settled down the Philadelphia backline last season with his presence and calming demeanor after it had a disastrous inaugural season in front of the overmatched Chris Seitz. Let's just say second-year 'keeper MacMath looks a lot more like Seitz than Mondragon early on and is playing with little confidence.

Le Toux, meanwhile, had been a part of 56 percent of Philadelphia's scoring plays in the franchise's first two seasons and it's hard to believe that the Frenchman wouldn't have put home a chance or two this afternoon.

Califf, on the other hand, certainly lacks mobility and has for two full seasons here but he would have never made the mistake Albright did.

*There was some good. Mwanga continues to show the straight-line speed that can really be a difference maker in MLS and should start producing with a more consistent role. Gomez, meanwhile, looks like an upgrade on free kicks.


Scoring Summary:

COL: Jaime Castrillion ‘56
COL: Tony Cascio ‘62
PHL: Lionard Pajoy (Roger Torres) ‘67

Misconduct Summary:

PHL: Gomez Yellow ‘31
COL: Larentowicz Yellow ‘44
PHL: M Farfan Yellow ‘52
COL: Larentowicz Red ‘58
COL: Jaime Castrillon Yellow ‘74
PHL: Torres Yellow ‘91

Philadelphia Union: MacMath, Albright (Torres ’63), Williams, Valdes, Lopez, Carroll (Martinez ’79), M. Farfan, Daniel (Hernandez ’72), Gomez, Mwanga, Pajoy

Reserves Not Used: Harrison, Pfeffer, Hoffman, Califf

SHOTS: 20, SOG: 5, CORNERS: 3; FOULS: 15; OFFSIDES: 3

Colorado Rapids: Pickens, Kimura, Wynne, Moor, Zapata, Mastroeni (LaBauex ’76), Larentowicz, Castrillon, Mullan, Cummings (Amarikwa ’83), Cascio (Thomson ’68)

Reserves Not Used: Akpan, Palguta, Ceus, Marshall

SHOTS: 6 SOG: 4, CORNERS: 2; FOULS: 18; OFFSIDES: 0

Eagles lock-up Mathis for 5 years

The Eagles have agreed to terms with G Evan Mathis on a five-year contract.

An eight-year pro, Mathis started 15 games at left guard for the Eagles in 2011 after signing with the team in training camp. He was part of an offensive line that paved the way for Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy’s breakout season, when he led the NFL and shattered Steve Van Buren’s 66-year-old team record with 17 rushing and 20 total touchdowns. Philadelphia’s offense also set new franchise records in first downs (356) and total net yards (6,386) last season.

The former Alabama offensive lineman has played in 73 games with 37 starts in stints with Philadelphia (2011), Cincinnati (2008-10), Miami (2008) and Carolina (2005-07). In 2010, Mathis was part of a Bengals unit that did not allow a sack over the last three games of the season. The Homewood, AL, was a first team All-SEC honoree after notching a streak of 47 straight starts while with the Crimson Tide.

Bryzgalov sets scoreless string, Flyers hold on against Isles

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

Perhaps it was fitting that the moment passed away from home ice, far from the distractions of the invading hordes of local media, looking to steal a piece of his soul for the boost in mouse clicks and circulation.

So when it passed, there was no stoppage, no serious acknowledgement from the crowd, no ovations that needed to be cut short. Just the feeling of a job well done and more hockey to be played.

And so it was for Ilya Bryzgalov, who set a new franchise record for longest scoreless string and ended up making 29 stops, but the Philadelphia Flyers had to hold on late to record a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum.

Bryzgalov's run reached an incredible 249 minutes, 43 seconds -- eclipsing John Vanbiesbrouck's previous best of 227:40 from October 17-26, 1999 -- until Michael Grabner's goal with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

In typical fashion, the 31-year-old let it be known the praise should be spread around: "(The) record is not for me. It's a team accomplishment. Congratulations to all the players who played."

John Tavares tallied 35 seconds after Grabner, but the Islanders couldn't get any closer, dropping their fifth straight and eighth in 10. Evgeni Nabokov allowed three goals on 22 shots in defeat.

Zac Rinaldo, Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell lit the lamp early on for the Flyers, who have won seven of their last eight and kept up the chase for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Orange and Black remained two points back of Pittsburgh, which celebrated the return of Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang by winning its 10th straight, 5-2, at Madison Square Garden.

Grabner's left-wing blast early in the third caused Bryzgalov to calmly flash his glove to make the stop, but the Austrian winger redirected a Dylan Reese drive home from the left side to get the hosts on the scoreboard.

Tavares then trimmed the margin to 3-2 with a shot from the slot off a Mark Streit dish and suddenly the visitors had to scramble to keep composure. It was still not enough to rattle the first-year Philly netminder, who had another quick rejoinder to another obvious question.

"Do you think they were never going to score a goal against me again? You're mistaken."

Nabokov was pulled for an extra skater with 1:21 remaining, but didn't have a quality scoring chance thereafter.

"We gave them two gifts," said Islanders head coach Jack Capuano. "I thought we could have gotten some momentum back late in the second period with back-to-back power plays, but we failed to execute."

Another rare quirk regarding special teams also occurred in Uniondale, as the Flyers did not enjoy a single power-play chance for the second time in a week. The last time even a single such game appeared on the ledger was four years ago. Still, the club which has drawn the most advantages in the NHL didn't need it tonight.

Rinaldo managed to sneak one by Nabokov from the left wing near the boards and goal line at 8:41 of the first period.

It was 2-0 for the visitors at 13:26 when Jaromir Jagr fought off a checker behind the net and fed into the right circle for Giroux's successful wrister.

Bryzgalov stared down Grabner from in front less than a minute into the second for his toughest save of the contest to that point.

Hartnell made it a three-goal bulge at 7:02 of the second period, breaking free down the right wing and ripping a wrister over Nabokov's glove on the short side.

Bryzgalov officially made Flyers history at the 11:28 mark of the second, and the only acknowledgement came from the local broadcast crew during the next stoppage in play.

"He comes to work every day, always very focused," Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette said. "He's really the one who kept us in games early in the season. Now you're seeing what Bryz can do when we play well in front of him. Quietly, he has shut the door."

Notes: Bryzgalov also bested his personal streak of 249:15, first set with Anaheim during the 2006 playoffs...Nikolai Khabibulin is the only other Russian-born goalie to toss three straight shutouts, with Phoenix in 1997...Rinaldo's only other NHL score came back on November 3 at home against New Jersey...Giroux set a new career high for goals in one season with his 26th...Kimmo Timonen recorded his 200th point as a Flyer with the primary assist on Hartnell's goal...Philadelphia won four of six in the season series, including all three on Long Island...With his late goal, Tavares became the first Islander to score at least 70 points in one season since Alexei Yashin (75) in 2001-02.

Sixers get Sam Young

The Sixers have acquired Grizzlies swingman Sam Young for the rights to 2005 second round pick Ricky Sanchez.

The 6-foot-6 Young was a starter last year for a Memphis team that upset the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, and averaged 7.0 ppg on 47 percent shooting. He fell out of a deep rotation this season since Rudy Gay is now healthy and the Grizz still have O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen.

Memphis also moved below the NBA’s luxury-tax threshold by shipping Young’s $948,000 salary to the Sixers and Sanchez is not expected to play for the Grizzlies.

 “Sam earned his keep around here and is clearly an NBA player," Memphis GM Chris Wallace told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "He was a guy who was a big part of us being able to be successful when Rudy Gay went down last year. But teams evolve.”

Young  was originally the 36th overall pick by Memphis in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft.  In 179 games with 49 starts for the Grizzlies, Young has averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game while shooting 45.5% from the floor, 24.3% from 3-point range and 77.6% from the line.

Last season, Young appeared in 78 games with 46 starts for Memphis, averaging 7.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting and had more steals (68) than turnovers (61).  The Grizzlies finished the season 29-15 after he was named a full-time starter and were 30-16 overall with him in the starting lineup.  Over the final 36 games, Young averaged 10.6 points in 48.8 percent shooting.

The Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in team history last season, with Young appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts.  He averaged 7.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game and had a playoff career-high 18 points in Game 5 of Memphis’ first round series vs. San Antonio.

This season Young is averaging 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 21 games and gives Philadelphia more size and defense on the wing now that Evan Turner is entrenched in the starting lineup.

"We feel Sam's overall skill set can be a valuable asset to our team and he adds to our depth at two positions,” Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said.

Young spent all four seasons at Pittsburgh and finished fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list.  He was one of three seniors who comprised the all-time winningest class in Pitt history.  As a senior, Young was an All-Big East First Team and AP All-American Third Team selection while also making the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team.oung is averaging 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 21 games and gives Philadelphia more size and defense on the wing now that Evan Turner is entrenched in the starting lineup.

Eagles sign Jackson to 5-year deal

The Eagles today announced they have agreed to terms with WR DeSean Jackson on a five-year contract that runs through the 2016 season. Jackson had been designated as the team’s franchise player earlier this month.

“We are thrilled to be able to keep one of the NFL’s top playmakers in Philadelphia,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “DeSean is a game breaker, he has the speed and ability to score from anywhere on the field, and he has proven himself to be a big threat for our offense. Signing our own players was a big priority for us this offseason and DeSean was certainly high on our list. We are very excited about his future as an Eagle.”

One of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, Jackson has racked up 229 receptions for 4,085 yards and 21 touchdowns during his four-year career in Philadelphia. He has also contributed three rushing scores and a team record four punt return touchdowns as an Eagle, while earning a Pro Bowl berth following the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In fact, he became the first player in league history to garner a Pro Bowl selection at two different positions in the same season (2009 – wide receiver, punt returner).

The team’s 2nd round draft pick in 2008, Jackson is averaging 45.4 yards per score on 30 career touchdowns (including playoffs). 22 of those scores have covered 30-plus yards and 15 have covered 50-plus yards. Since entering the league, he ranks second in the NFL with 17.8 yards per catch among all players with 200+ receptions.

Jackson is one of five players in NFL history to post 900-or-more yards in each of his four campaigns and has the most receiving yards ever by any Eagle after his first four seasons in Philadelphia. He has eclipsed 150 receiving yards four times, trailing only Tommy McDonald (5) for the team record. Since Jackson joined the Eagles in 2008, the offense has set the franchise’s top three scoring outputs (439 points in 2010; 429 in 2009; 416 in 2008) and the top two yardage outputs (6,386 in 2011 and 6,230 in 2010).

Wayns to test NBA waters

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova junior guard Maalik Wayns will enter his name into the pool of candidates for the 2012 National Basketball Association draft, it was announced today.

Wayns has not retained the services of an agent, keeping open the option of returning for his final season of eligibility in 2012-13. The deadline for early entrant candidates to remove their names from draft consideration is April 10.

“I want to test the waters at this point to see where I stand,” said Wayns, who paced the Wildcats in scoring in 2011-12 with a 17.6 ppg average.

Wayns came to Villanova from Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic High School and in three seasons has scored 1,191 points in 95 games. His 39-point game at Cincinnati on Jan. 14 was the highest single game point total recorded this season by a BIG EAST player and the 6-2 guard was named second team All-BIG EAST in voting by the conference’s coaches.

“I think this is a smart decision for Maalik at this stage of his career,” stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. “I look forward to working with him as we go through this process.”

Frank Leonard joins Temple football staff

PHILADELPHIA – Frank Leonard, who has 27 years of coaching experience on the collegiate and NFL levels, has been named the tight ends coach at Temple University, head football coach Steve Addazio announced on Wednesday.

“We’re very excited to have Frank and his family join the Temple football family,” Addazio said. “Frank and I have known each other for 30 years.  We were college teammates and started our coaching careers together at Western Connecticut under Paul Pasqualoni.  Frank is a tremendous fundamental teacher and has great energy and passion for the game.  His wealth of experience from the NFL and the collegiate level will be a valuable asset for our players, coaching staff, and university.”

A 24-year college coaching veteran, Leonard spent the last three seasons as the tight ends coach for the St. Louis Rams (2009-11). Leonard’s group played a key role in the Rams’ offensive success in 2010.  Daniel Fells finished fourth on the team in receptions as he set a new career-high with 41 catches. Billy Bajema also set a career best as he hauled in 14 passes while continuing to play a key role in the running game.  In addition, Michael Hoomanawanui caught 13 passes, including three touchdowns, in eight games and showed a promising future.

“Certainly, I’m very pleased to be here,” Leonard said. “Coach Addazio and I played together in the 1970s at Central Connecticut, we coaches together in the 1980s at Western Connecticut, and we’ve been very close friends for the last 30 years. It’s a tremendous honor for me to be here coaching and help Temple in the transition to the BIG EAST and BCS football.”

Prior to making his NFL coaching debut for coach Steve Spagnuolo, Leonard served as tight ends coach at Kansas State University in 2007-08. He also spent three seasons (2004-06) as a special assignment scout for the New England Patriots.

Leonard joined the Patriots staff after 10 years at the University of Richmond, where he coached the offensive line (1994, 1997-2003), running backs (1995-96) and served as the school’s recruiting coordinator (2003).

In 1998, the Spiders posted a 9-3 record and earned their first Atlantic 10 title, a berth in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, and a No. 5 final national ranking. The Spiders earned a second Atlantic 10 title and a No. 6 national ranking in 2000 after posting a 10-3 record, rushing for a school-record 3,669 yards and reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA I-AA playoffs.

Leonard coached at the University of Connecticut (1990-93), Western Connecticut (1982-84, 1987-90), and Central Connecticut State (1985-86).

Dreamscapes, or Briere finally frees himself from drought

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

Danny Briere put an end to his epic 23-game goal drought last night with an empty netter in the Flyers' 3-0 win over the Devils.

For a player who is expected to produce, it was one of the most curious dry spells in team history, approaching the madness that was a 28-game streak suffered by Josef Beranek from December of 1993 to March of 1994.

Sure, Kent Manderville had his own epic failure -- a 122-game drought to be exact from October of 1999 through February of 2001 -- but he was a fourth-liner whose main job was to provide defensive coverage and not all of those empty scoresheets came with Philadelphia.

I can't help but wonder what he was thinking the whole time, or what his gray matter worked up when he went to sleep at night as the games piled on each other, side by each, with nothing but hollow numbers to show for it.

We do know what he said he felt in the postgame: “Relief, probably. I think that was a perfect example of some who’s not playing with a lot of confidence on the first shot. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I would have faked a shot and gone around the defensemen, but I was so nervous, I tried to rush it, just like I’ve been the last few games. Hopefully now I can relax a little bit and start scoring more goals. It was frustrating lately, especially when the chances were there."

French Canadians are traditionally marked by their Catholicism and the attendant superstitions and rituals which define the faith and the culture.

One glaring example, demonstrated by Ken Dryden in his seminal work "The Game," was the tendency for players from Quebec in that generation to curse using terms associated with the Church: the tabernacle and the chalice were two of the most popular epithets.

But within the fabric of the province are the separate set of beliefs which exist outside religion, like old wives tales that are not endemic to just one ethnic group.

One of those is the power of dreams to influence reality: if one wishes and dreams for happiness, then it follows that misfortune awaits in the waking world. Same goes for the reverse.

So I hope that towards the end of this unfortunate run, which began on January 8 in Ottawa, Briere tapped into his roots and started working up horrible, horrible nightmares where he failed to score for the rest of the season.

If he did manage to effectively control his dreams, let's hope at some point recently there was one about his contract being voided and being sent to the minors permanently. Or that there was a Hellfire and damnation speech from head coach Peter Laviolette, who instead turned in one of the most assuring talks with his veteran winger, and to whom Briere paid tribute:

“Yes, you know what, I’ll be honest with you guys. Peter had a pretty good talk yesterday. Gave me a lot of confidence with the talk that we had. I have to give him a lot of credit for the way he made me feel coming into tonight’s game. It was a good feeling. (He was) (j)ust trying to tell me to stay with it. Good things were gonna happen if you worked the right way and keep creating chances, at some point, it’s gonna work out.”

It didn't come without some hand-wringing, as a Jakub Voracek almost didn't decide to be a good teammate and try to hit the empty net himself as the clock ticked down inside five minutes left in regulation. Briere admitted he owed Voracek a dinner for that fateful pass.

Given this new wrinkle, would it kill Briere to start dreaming of a last-place finish in the Atlantic, or first-round sweep at the hands of the Devils followed by a severe roster gutting?

Eagles trade Justice, re-sign Dixon

The Eagles have traded reserve OT Winston Justice and a 6th round draft choice (17th pick) to the Indianapolis Colts for a 6th round draft choice (2nd pick).

The team also announced that they have signed DT Antonio Dixon to a one-year contract. Dixon had been a restricted free agent.

Originally an undrafted free agent signing of the Washington Redskins following the 2009 draft, Dixon (6-3, 322) was claimed off waivers by the Eagles prior to the 2009 season opener. The powerful, run-stuffing defensive tackle has played in 35 games (10 starts), compiling 62 tackles, three sacks and one blocked field goal in his three-year career.

A second round draft choice of the Eagles out of USC in 2006, Justice played in 47 games (31 starts) in six seasons with the club, including 29 starts at right tackle from 2009-10.

Eagles sign DE Cole to extension

The Eagles have agreed to terms with DE Trent Cole on a four-year contract extension through the year 2017.

“We are excited to be able to sign Trent to a new contract,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “Trent plays the game with a level of tenacity that’s hard to replicate. He’s one of the premier defensive ends in the league. We have always said that when you watch the tape of him, it’s hard to tell the difference between his first play and his last play. He has an unbelievable motor that does not stop. And as good as he is rushing the passer, he is equally as good against the run. His energy is contagious on the field.”

Cole is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most feared pass rushing threats in the entire NFL. With 68 sacks during his seven-year career in Philadelphia, Cole ranks third on the team’s all-time list behind Reggie White (124) and Clyde Simmons (76). Since 2006, only two players have taken down quarterbacks more than Cole – DeMarcus Ware and Jared Allen.

In 2011, Cole posted his fourth double-digit sack campaign and his third in a row with 11 takedowns and trails only White (8) for the most such seasons in the Eagles record book. He teamed with Jason Babin (18 sacks) for 29 sacks, the 2nd best single-single total by a duo in team history behind Simmons (19) and White (14) in 1992.

A fifth round draft choice out of Cincinnati in 2005, the 29-year-old Cole is also a success story off the field as well. He owns and operates Cole Outdoor Productions, a hunting video production company that is geared to enthusiasts of the sport.

9 Soul games to air on Comcast

PHILADELPHIA  – The Philadelphia Soul have announces a local television coverage partnership for the 2012 season.  Nine regular season games will be broadcast live, exclusively on the Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet.

“We are thrilled to have Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network as our local TV broadcast partner this season,” said Soul Vice President/COO John Adams.  “We have a tremendous team this year with one goal – to bring another Championship back to Philadelphia.  This partnership is a significant improvement from our 2011 coverage and allows our fans to follow us closely during this exciting season”

Along with the nine games on the Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet, two games will also be featured on the NFL Network to a national audience as the AFL’s Game of the Week.  These games will air live on March 23, when the Soul visit the Pittsburgh Power and April 20, when the Soul take on the Tampa Bay Storm at home.  All of the Soul’s games will also be streamed live via the Soul’s Ustream site – www.ustream.tv/PhiladelphiaSoul.

All games will be produced by Lou Tilly Media Enterprises, with play-by-play duties held by 11-time Emmy Award winner, Lou Tilly and Philadelphia Soul General Manager, Tom Goodhines providing color commentary.

“We are pleased to bring Soul fans, live game coverage all season long,” said Bob Selah, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia programming manager.

Former Penn coach Dick Harter dies

Dick Harter, a former Penn and NBA coach, died of cancer Monday. He was 81.

Harter was the first head coach of the expansion Hornets in 1988, leading the then-Charlotte-based team to a 28-94 record in his 1 1/2 seasons at the helm. He was also a well-traveled NBA assistant, serving under Chuck Daly with the Pistons, Pat Riley with the Knicks and P.J. Carlesimo with the Trail Blazers. He made two stops with the Pacers, serving on coach Jack Ramsay's staff from 1986-88 and later assisting Larry Bird from 1997-00.

Prior to his tenure in the NBA, Harter was the head coach at Rider University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oregon, compiling a 295-196 collegiate record with two Ivy League championships and two NCAA appearances at Penn, his alma mater.

The Pottstown, Pennsylvania, native is a member of the Big Five Hall of Fame in Philadelphia and the University of Oregon Hall of Fame.

Eagles sign Herremans to extension

The Eagles have just announced that they extended right tackle Todd Herremans' contract for three more years through 2016.

The versatile Herremans will get just over $21 million, with just over $11 million guaranteed for the additional three years.


“We are excited to be able to sign Todd to a new contract,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “Todd’s intelligence, toughness, durability, and leadership are second to none. Very few players in the NFL can play at an extremely high level at both the guard and tackle positions and Todd has done that for us. He has been a big part of the success of our offense over the last several years.”

The 29-year-old Herremans started all 16 games at tackle for the Eagles in 2011 after primarily playing guard during his first six campaigns in Philadelphia. The Ravenna, MI, native started 15 games at right tackle and one at left tackle a year ago. A fourth round draft choice in 2005 out of Division II Saginaw Valley State, Herremans is currently the second longest-tenured member of the Philadelphia offense, having played in 95 regular season games (92 starts). A two-time USA Today All-Joe Team selection in 2008 and 2011, Herremans has actually scored two touchdowns in his career, the first from Donovan McNabb at Seattle in 2008 and the other from Michael Vick at Dallas in 2010.  

Herremans was part of an Eagles offense that set a franchise record this past season with 6,386 total yards, one year after helping set a team record with 439 total points in 2010. The 2011 offensive line paved the way for LeSean McCoy’s career year in which he scored a team-record 20 total touchdowns and 17 rushing scores. The unit also allowed only 32 sacks in 2011, which tied for the fourth-lowest total in the NFC and was the team’s fewest allowed since 2008.

Temple's Rhule takes job with NYG

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (3/13/12) – Temple offensive coordinator Matt Rhule, who also served as the Owls' tight ends coach, and recruiting coordinator, has resigned to accept the assistant offensive line coach’s position with the 2012 Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

“Matt has been tremendously loyal to this university and has a truly great football mind,” Temple head coach Steve Addazio said. “This is a great opportunity for him and his career. We are very grateful for his contributions to Temple, and we certainly understand that when our great coaches have opportunities, it’s a compliment to our program. We wish Matt nothing but the best. He will always have a special place here at Temple.”

Rhule joins former Owl wide receivers coach (2007-09) Kevin M. Gilbride, who coaches the Giants’ wide receivers.

Rhule, who played four seasons at Penn State and has 14 seasons of collegiate coaching experience, was recently promoted by Addazio to co-offensive coordinator while still coaching the TU tight ends.

His role changed several times during his tenure at Temple. In the spring of 2008, Rhule was promoted to offensive coordinator. He also coached the TU quarterbacks.  He coached the defensive line in 2006 and served as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. For three consecutive years, Temple’s recruiting class was ranked No. 1 in the MAC [2006, 2007, 2008].

In 2011, Rhule served as the assistant offensive coordinator and tight ends coach as well as the recruiting coordinator. The Owls’ 2012 recruiting class was ranked No. 1 in the MAC for the fourth time during his tenure.
             
Last fall Rhule mentored two-time first-team All-MAC selection TE?Evan Rodriguez. For the second time in Rhule’s tenure, the Owls set the Temple single-season rushing yardage record and rushing touchdowns records behind the explosive efforts of All-MAC?junior running backs Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown.
             
In 2010, Rhule guided the offense to the largest margin of victory in a MAC?game.  Helping the team to an 8-4 regular-season record, the Owls recorded back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1978-79, including their first win over a BCS?team. The Owls recorded the largest margin of victory (42 points) in a MAC?game against Buffalo. A school record six offensive players earned All-MAC?honors, including repeat first-team honorees OL Colin Madison, OL Darius Morris, and RB Bernard Pierce as well as first-time honoree TE Evan Rodriguez.
             
In 2009, Rhule’s offense helped TU win a single-season record nine consecutive games en route to a 9-4 overall record and first-place tie in the MAC?East. Under Rhule’s guidance, the Owls set the Temple single-season rushing yardage record. A school record five offensive players were named All-MAC, including three on the first team.?All-American Bernard Pierce rushed his way into the Temple record book, re-writing all records for a rookie en route to 2009?MAC?Freshman of the Year honors.              
             
In 2008, Rhule took the reigns as offensive coordinator, helping the Owls to their most wins in nearly two decades. The Owls out-scored their opponents for the season for the first time since 1990.?Rhule coached All-MAC honorees C?Alex Derenthal and school record holder WR?Bruce Francis, while QB?Adam DiMichele set the school record for passing touchdowns with six in the 55-52 win over Eastern Michigan. WR?Bruce Francis set the school records for career receiving TDs (23) and consecutive games with a reception (38).
   
Rhule arrived in Owl Country after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at Western Carolina, including three as assistant head coach.
             
From 2002 to 2005, Rhule was an assistant at Western Carolina under head coach Kent Briggs, serving as assistant head coach during his last three seasons. In 2005, he was offensive line coach and run game coordinator after directing the linebackers his first three years. Rhule was special teams coordinator during his tenure in Cullowhee (N.C.). In 2005, the Catamounts led Division I-AA in kickoff returns, averaging 27.44 yards per return. Sophomore Mike Malone earned first team All-Southern Conference honors with a 31.29 yards per kickoff return average, ranking second nationally. Two offensive linemen and the team’s punter captured second team all-league accolades.
                             
Rhule began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Penn State in the spring of 1998 before working at Albright College in Reading, Pa. for the 1998 season. At Albright, he coached the linebackers in a 4-3 scheme and recruited western and central Pennsylvania.
             
Rhule, born January 31, 1975, played four seasons at linebacker with the Nittany Lions under Joe Paterno. A three-time Penn State Scholar-Athlete, he earned Academic All-Big 10 honors in 1997.
             
A State College, Pa. native,  Rhule received his undergraduate degree in political science before earning his master’s degree in educational psychology from Buffalo in 2003.

Union dominated in opener

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Philadelphia Union struck first to open the 2012 season, but were ultimately undone on the road by the Portland Timbers, falling 3-1 on a rainy evening at JELD-WED Field.

The first half passed with little incident as both teams tried to integrate new faces. Newcomer Kris Boyd and rookie Andrew Jean-Baptiste made debuts for the home side, while Union manager Peter Nowak handed debuts to four players, Gabriel Gomez, defender Porfirio Lopez, and attackers Lionard Pajoy and Josue Martinez.

Unsurprisingly, both sides struggled to find a rhythm thanks to the slick surface and opening-day nerves.

The Union opened the scoring in the 51st minute on a scorching free kick from Gomez, which took a deflection off the head of Jean-Baptiste before sailing past Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins into the back of the net.

Philadelphia's lead was short-lived, however, as Jean-Baptiste equalized for Portland when 20-year-old goalkeeper Zac MacMath fumbled the ball into the net. Jean-Baptiste out-jumped the Philly defense on a free kick from Jack Jewsbury, re-directing his header on goal. At first it appeared MacMath had the save, but the wet ball squirted through his hands.

The Timbers took their first lead in the 66th-minute when newcomer Kris Boyd flicked on a Khalif Alhassan cross with his head, just inside the far post to give Portland a 2-1 advantage.

In the 76th minute, Alhassan sealed the result with his first MLS goal, a chip to the far post that first appeared to be a cross. After collecting the ball on the right flank, Alhassan rounded Lopez and looped the ball into the side netting to give Portland a two-goal cushion.

Philadelphia were unable to cut the deficit in half despite bringing on Danny Mwanga, Jack McInerney and Keon Daniel, succumbing to Portland's second-half pressure.

The Union return home to host the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m. ET  without Freddy Adu and Amobi Okugo, who will join the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team for the final camp before CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying.

The Union duo flew to Nashville following the game and will miss up to three matches (March 18 vs. Colorado; March 24 at Chicago and March 31 vs. Vancouver).

Scoring Summary:

PHI – Gabriel Gomez (unassisted) 51'
POR- Andrew Baptiste (Jack Jewsbury) ‘54
POR- Kris Boyd (Kalif Alhassan) ‘66
POR- Alhassan (Jewsbury) ‘76

Philadelphia Union – Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Porfirio Lopez, Gabriel Gomez, Freddy Adu (Jack McInerney 74), Michael Farfan (Keon Daniel ’79), Brian Carroll, Josue Martinez (Danny Mwanga 60), Lionard Pajoy.

Substitutes Not Used: Gabriel Farfan, Cristhian Hernandez, Amobi Okugo, Chase Harrison.

TOTAL SHOTS: 5; FOULS: 14 OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 1 SAVES: 4

Portland Timbers – Troy Perkins, Andrew Baptiste, Rodney Wallace, Lovel Palmer, Eric Brunner, Kalif Alhassan, Jack Jewsbury, Eric Alexander (Darlington Nagbe ’66), Diego Chara, Jorge Perlaza, Kris Boyd (James Marcelin ’80).

Substitutes Not Used: Mike Chabala, Bright Dike, Jake Gleeson, Freddie Braun, Ryan Kowaluk.

TOTAL SHOTS: 17; FOULS: 8; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 1



Misconduct Summary:
None

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Bryzgalov earns NHL's First Star of the Week

After pulling himself back from the brink of irrelevancy, Ilya Bryzgalov turned in his best period as a Philadelphia Flyer last week, and the effort earned him the NHL's First Star on Monday.

"For Bryz to have our back like that, he is playing his best hockey this year and we are trying to help him. He is making all the big saves for us and he has got his confidence back," said teammate Claude Giroux, who provided the shootout winner against Toronto. "It's a lot of fun to see him dominate games like that."

The 31-year-old went 4-0-0 with a 0.49 goals-against average and three shutouts to take top honors.

He blanked Washington and the Maple Leafs by 1-0 scores and Florida by a 5-0 count, and has stopped 138 of the last 140 shots he's faced.

Bryzgalov made 11 consecutive starts through Saturday's shootout victory in Toronto, going 7-2-1 in that span.

Saint Joseph’s earns NIT bid

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph’s men's basketball has earned a bid to the National Invitation Tournament and will host Northern Iowa onWednesday, March 14, at Hagan Arena at 7:15 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

It will be the Hawks’ first postseason appearance since 2008 and the 10th in head coach Phil Martelli’s 17 seasons.

The Hawks are 20-13 on the year and reached the quarterfinals of the 2012 Atlantic 10 Tournament, falling to eventual league champion St. Bonaventure.

Northern Iowa went 19-13 on the season and 9-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Panthers lost to Illinois State in the MVC Tournament quarterfinals.

This will be the 15^th NIT appearance for Saint Joseph’s, which owns an overall record of 16-14 in the postseason tournament. The Hawks’ last NIT berth came in 2006, while the 2005 team reached the NIT championship game.

Tickets can be purchased thru SJUHawks.com or by calling 610-660-1712.   

Soul set roster for season opener

PHILADELPHIA (March 11, 2012) – The Philadelphia Soul have announced their final team roster for the 2012 season.  The 35-man roster was trimmed down to 24 (21 active and three inactive) after a two week training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia.

The Soul will begin their quest for the ArenaBowl XXV Championship on Friday, March 18 at the New Orleans VooDoo, where kickoff is at 4 p.m. on the Comcast SportsNet.

PHILADELPHIA SOUL 2012 REGULAR SEASON ROSTER

NO.	POS	PLAYER	HGT	WGT	DOB	COLLEGE
0	WR/KR	Alfonso Hoggard	5'3	140	4/17/1989	Clarion
1	WR	Larry Brackins	6'4	221	11/5/1982	Pearl River C.C.
2	WR	Donovan Morgan	6'3	225	7/29/1982	Pearl River C.C.
3	WR/KR	Jeff Hughley	5'8	180	3/3/1985	Averett
4	FB	Derrick Ross	6'0	240	12/29/1984	Tarleton
5	QB	Dan Raudabaugh	6'3	230	3/30/1987	Miami (OH)
6	LB	Brandon Perkins	6'0	240	3/1/1984	Kansas
7	DB	Rayshaun Kizer	5'10	190	2/3/1985	Walsh
8	DL	Dustin Barno	6'3	275	4/15/1980	East Stroudsburg
9	DB	Kent Richardson	6'0	197	4/21/1987	West Virginia
11	WR	Tiger Jones	5'11	195	5/21/1982	Louisville
12	DL	Bryan Robinson	6'3	285	1/25/1986	Wesley
13	QB	Adam DiMichele	6'1	202	7/26/1985	Temple
15	K	Phil Marfuggi	6'0	200	1/15/1986	Clemson
18	LB	Joe Goosby	6'1	235	9/6/1986	Tulane
20	DB	Tanner Varner	6'0	210	7/13/1984	Northern Iowa
21	LB	Dusty Bear	6'2	250	11/22/1985	Western Kentucky
23	DB	Michaeux Robinson	5'9	185	4/3/1983	Otterbein
52	OL	Kevin Leary	6'3	300	6/23/1986	West Chester
55	C	Brennen Carvalho	6'1	310	12/8/1986	Portland State
72	OL	Zipp Duncan	6'5	315	7/15/1987	Kentucky
78	OL	Christian Johnson	6'4	330	10/17/1986	Kentucky
92	OL/DL	Darrell Campbell	6'4	300	7/6/1981	Notre Dame
99	FB/LB	Melik Brown	6'2	275	9/14/1984	North Carolina
		INJURED RESERVE
63	OL	Devin Clark	6'4	325	5/22/1986	New Mexico
27	LB	Jerome Hayes	6'2	255	12/12/1986	Penn State
22	DB	Keon Perry	5'9	180	7/25/1986	Tarleton

The Philadelphia Soul have been re-built for a championship run in 2012.  Starting with the coaching staff, head coach Doug Plank; assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Clint Dolezel; assistant coach Leroy Thompson; and assistant coach Darrin Kenney, the Soul now have a coaching staff that has over 47 years of AFL experience, 10 ArenaBowl appearances and five ArenaBowl titles to its credit.

“The pieces are in place for us to make a championship run,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “We have a group of men that we are excited about and will represent the city and the organization with pride.  Now, it’s about team chemistry and working together for the common goal – an ArenaBowl XXV title.”

The Soul roster has four First Team All-Arena players (Tiger Jones, Derrick Ross, Rayshaun Kizer and Michaeux Robinson), three Second Team All-Arena players (Donovan Morgan, Dusty Bear and Devin Clark), one All-Ironman performer (Jeff Hughley) and three former 2010 First Team All-Arena player (Kizer, Morgan and Tanner Varner) for 2012.