Misplaced Pages

#546453

52-644: On October 15, 2019, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced that they had approved the membership application submitted by Robbie Hockey LLC, an entity owned and operated by Mary Anne Choi for a team in Wichita Falls, Texas, and that the team would start play in the 2020–21 season as a member of the South Division. On November 26, 2019, the name Warriors name was selected out of Warriors, Flames, Reign, and Falcons via

104-689: A minor ice hockey team from Detroit . Rafalski played for the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League (USHL). In 47 games during the 1990–91 season he scored 23 points with 12 goals and 11 assists. Rafalski played for four years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and was a proficient player, scoring 45 points in 43 games in his senior year with the Badgers. He won several awards that season — he

156-926: A buyer for the franchise. Aston Rebels relocated and renamed as the Philadelphia Rebels. 2018–19 season: The NAHL added another team to its East Division with an expansion franchise granted to the Maryland Black Bears . The Coulee Region Chill were sold and relocated as the Chippewa Steel in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin , and the Philadelphia Rebels became the Jamestown Rebels in Jamestown, New York . The Topeka RoadRunners were sold and rebranded as

208-631: A bye to the quarter-finals. He finished third in the tournament in scoring (first among defensemen) with four goals and four assists. He was also named as the best defenseman of the tournament, as well as being named to the tournament all-star team. Unfortunately, his defensive mistake led to Canada's tournament-winning goal in overtime of the gold medal game . Rafalski and his wife Felicity have three sons — Danny, born in June 1997; Evan, born in October 2000; and Matthew, born in June 2004. Rafalski has

260-482: A degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Economics. He has stated that he frequently listens to Glenn Beck . Speaking about his retirement, Rafalski said, "This was probably the most challenging season of my career, both physically, mentally and spiritually, but it was also the most rewarding and most blessed...The decision was made between myself and my wife approximately two months ago. We went through

312-661: A game on Nov. 19, 2023. On May 2, 2024, the Janesville Jets announced that Warriors Head Coach Garrett Roth had signed a three-year contract to serve as the Jets' Head Coach and General Manager. This American ice hockey team-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a sports team in Texas is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . North American Hockey League The North American Hockey League (NAHL)

364-716: A name-the-team contest. On April 14, 2020, the Warriors announced their inaugural head coach as Garrett Roth, a former assistant coach with the Bismarck Bobcats and Aberdeen Wings . On April 4, 2022, the Warriors and city of Wichita Falls mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2021–22 season. The Warriors then relocated to the Blazers Ice Centre in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , for the 2022–23 season. Team owner Mary Ann Choi died suddenly during

416-762: A new team in the East Division to be located in Rochester, New York that will be known as the "Rochester Junior Americans" ("Jr. Amerks"), a nod to Rochester's American Hockey League (AHL) team, the Rochester Americans ("Amerks"), a minor league affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres . The team is co-owned by Wegmans CEO Coleen Wegman and Chris O'Donnell. Former Amerks, AHL and NHL players and coaches, including Brian Gionta , Nathan Paetsch , Stephen Gionta , David Leggio , will be affiliated with

468-737: A one-season pandemic-related hiatus. The league added a third team in Alaska called the Anchorage Wolverines . 2022-23 Season: The Minnesota Magicians were purchased and relocated to Eagle River, Wisconsin as the Wisconsin Windigo . The NAHL approved the relocation of the Wichita Falls Warriors to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to become the Oklahoma Warriors . 2023-24 Season: NAHL approved

520-802: A row, although the Devils lost to the Colorado Avalanche in Game Seven , after leading the series and having two chances to defend their title after their Game Five win in Denver . In the 2001–02 season , Rafalski continued his scoring pace, registering 47 points. He was selected to participate in the National Hockey League All-Star Game , but was forced to sit out due to injury. The next season, he once again led all Devils defensemen in scoring, with 40 points. He

572-1057: A team in Greeley, Colorado called the Colorado Grit . The Grit will play in the Greely Ice Haus . 2024-25 Season: NAHL has approved a 7th team in the Central Division, located in Watertown, South Dakota , going by the name of the Watertown Shamrocks . The Shamrocks will be the 33rd team in the NAHL. They will play their home games at the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena . The Shamrocks will be owned by Codington County Hockey Club LLC , including Mark Gullbrandson, Donald Sisson, KC Finnegan, and Vince Foley at... NAHL Approved an expansion team in

SECTION 10

#1732790365547

624-580: Is one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States and is in its 50th season of operation in 2024–25. It is the only Tier II junior league sanctioned by USA Hockey , and acts as an alternative for those who would not or did not make the roster of a team in the Major Junior Canadian Hockey League (CHL) nor Tier I United States Hockey League (USHL). The NAHL is one of the oldest junior hockey leagues in

676-651: The Brookings Blizzard . Traverse City North Stars franchise purchased by the Soo Eagles and joined the league from Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League . The Dawson Creek Rage, New Mexico Mustangs, and St. Louis Bandits takes leaves of absence. The Chicago Hitmen fold. 2013–14 season: The dormant New Mexico Mustangs relocated to Richfield, Minnesota, and became Minnesota Magicians . The Texas Tornado relocated back to North Richland Hills, Texas, and became Lone Star Brahmas . The Minnesota Wilderness joined

728-788: The Keystone Ice Miners , remaining in the North Division, and the Wenatchee Wild moved from the Midwest Division to the South Division. 2015–16 season: On May 1, 2015, the NAHL announced that the dormant Dawson Creek Rage franchise was purchased by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights organization to be an expansion team for the 2015–16 season. The Keystone Ice Miners ceased operations. The Michigan Warriors ceased operations due to

780-697: The Kultainen kypärä , awarded to the top SM-liiga player of the season, as voted by fellow players. Notably, he also became the first non-Finnish player to win the award. Rafalski was named by Sporting News in 1999 as the best hockey player in the world not playing in the NHL. On May 7, 1999, Rafalski was signed by the New Jersey Devils as a free agent at the age of 25 to start the 1999–2000 season . Immediately after arriving in New Jersey, Rafalski

832-726: The Pekka Rautakallio trophy as best Liiga Defenseman in 1997, and 1999, the Finnish SM-liiga championship with HIFK in 1998 , and the Kultainen kypärä ("the Golden Helmet") in 1999. After entering the NHL in 1999 as a free agent with the Devils, Rafalski played in five Stanley Cup Finals during the 2000s , his first three with the Devils and his last two with the Red Wings. Of the five Finals he played in, he won three Stanley Cups , his first two with

884-842: The Topeka Pilots . 2019–20 season: The NAHL approved of two expansion teams: the Maine Nordiques in Lewiston, Maine , and the New Mexico Ice Wolves in Albuquerque, New Mexico . The Brookings Blizzard relocated and became the St. Cloud Blizzard . 2020–21 season: The NAHL added the Wichita Falls Warriors as an expansion team while the Topeka Pilots were relocated as the Kansas City Scouts and

936-572: The Wenatchee Wild . The Fargo-Moorhead Jets were approved for dormancy. 2009–10 season: The Janesville Jets were awarded an expansion franchise. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms and the USNTDP left the league for the USHL. The Texas Tornado returned to the league after taking a year off while their home arena was undergoing renovations. The Motor City franchise's new ownership changed

988-572: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights sold their franchise to the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks . The St. Cloud Blizzard rebranded as the St. Cloud Norsemen . The Corpus Christi IceRays , Jamestown Rebels , Kansas City Scouts, and Springfield Jr. Blues went dormant for the season due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic . The Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Kenai River Brown Bears both temporarily relocated to Minnesota and closer to

1040-517: The 2000s decade, with 142. On January 3, 2014, the Florida Everblades of the ECHL signed Rafalski to a contract, his first return to professional hockey since his initial retirement. He expressed a desire to return to the NHL, but was released 18 days after he signed, once again citing back issues. Rafalski represented Team USA at the 2002 Winter Olympics , winning a silver medal as

1092-607: The 2012–13 season and returned to the NOJHL for the season 2015–16 season. The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees were relocated to Aston, Pennsylvania and became the Aston Rebels . A new East Division was formed composed of Aston, Johnstown, New Jersey, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Wenatchee Wild organization left the NAHL and joined the Canadian Junior A British Columbia Hockey League . 2016–17 season: The league announced

SECTION 20

#1732790365547

1144-774: The 2023–24 season Brian Rafalski Brian Christopher Rafalski (born September 28, 1973) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman . He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings , in the SM-liiga for HPK and HIFK , in the Elitserien for Brynäs IF , and in the ECHL for the Florida Everblades . After going undrafted, Rafalski spent four seasons in Europe - winning

1196-609: The Central Division, located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, with the name of the Minnesota Mallards. They will be the 34th team in the NAHL. They will play home games at Forest Lake Sports Center. (Midwest and Central) Top 4 teams qualify, and in the 1st round(Division Semi-Finals), the 1st seed (seeding based on placement in division) plays the 4th seed and the 2nd seed plays the 3rd seed in a 2H-2A-1H best of 5 Series. The winners of those two series will play each other in

1248-400: The Devils in 2000 and 2003 , and his last with the Red Wings in 2008 . Rafalski also played for the United States national team in three Olympic ice hockey tournaments ( 2002 , 2006 , and 2010 ), winning silver in 2002 and 2010 after losing to Canada in the gold medal games in both years. As a youth, Rafalski played in the 1987 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with

1300-778: The Division Finals with the same 2H-2A-1H Best of 5 format. The winner of the Division Finals will be crowned the Division Champions and will represent the Division in the Final Four, hosted at the Fogerty Ice Arena in Blaine, Minnesota . (South and East) The top 6 teams qualify, with the 1st seed and 2nd seed (seeding based on placement in division) getting byes. Seeds 3, 4, 5, and 6 will all play in

1352-661: The Fogarty Arena and will compete for the Robertson Cup Champion. Under USA Hockey Tier II sanctioning, NAHL teams do not charge players to play and also provide players with uniforms, team clothing and select equipment such as sticks, gloves and helmets. Players without local family live with billet families in their area and pay a monthly stipend that covers food and other costs. Unlike the Tier I United States Hockey League , there are no roster restrictions in

1404-676: The Motor City Machine. However, the Express' home city of Owatonna was granted another NAHL team for 2008–09, named the Owatonna Express. The Express were joined by another new Minnesota NAHL franchise, the Albert Lea Thunder. The Texas Tornado franchise went on a one-year hiatus as they awaited renovations on their arena. Wenatchee, Washington , was awarded an expansion franchise for the 2008–09 season as

1456-409: The NAHL on overage players, which allows for the older players to gain extra NCAA exposure as well as teams to retain a veteran core. Teams are still bound to USA Hockey rules regarding import players, and presently each team is allowed to have four non-American players on their roster. Import players may also apply for an exemption from being counted as an import, but only if they have played hockey in

1508-402: The NHL, walking away from the final year of his contract, citing knee and back injuries. Because Rafalski retired on an under-35 contract without being bought out, the move removed his cap hit for the 2011–12 season. In the 11 NHL seasons that Rafalski played, his team qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs every year. Consequently, Rafalski led all NHL players in playoff games played during

1560-427: The North Division and played at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The Marquette Rangers moved to Flint, Michigan, and changed their name to Michigan Warriors. Port Huron joined the North Division and played at McMorran Place in Port Huron, Michigan. The North Iowa Outlaws relocated to become the Coulee Region Chill in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The Aberdeen Wings joined the Central Division and played at

1612-447: The Odde Ice Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Austin Bruins joined the Central Division and played at the Riverside Arena in Austin, Minnesota. The Dawson Creek Rage joined the West Division and played at EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The Albert Lea Thunder relocate to become the Amarillo Bulls at joined the South Division out of the Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas. The New Mexico Mustangs joined

Oklahoma Warriors - Misplaced Pages Continue

1664-596: The South Division and played at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The Alaska Avalanche relocate to Palmer, Alaska, but keep the same name. 2011–12 season: The Owatonna Express relocate to Odessa, Texas, and become Odessa Jackalopes . The Motor City Metal Jackets relocate to Jamestown, New York, and become Jamestown Ironmen . The Minot Minotauros and Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings granted expansion. 2012–13 season: The Alaska Avalanche relocated to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and became Johnstown Tomahawks . Alexandria Blizzard relocated to Brookings, South Dakota, and became

1716-431: The U.S. lost to Canada in the finals. Rafalski continued to represent the U.S. in international play, playing in both the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2006 Winter Olympics . Rafalski also played in the 2010 Winter Olympics , serving as alternate captain. He scored two goals and assisted on another in Team USA's 5–3 win over Canada in group-stage play, which ensured the United States would win their group and earn

1768-481: The United States and is headquartered in Addison, Texas . The teams span the United States from Maine in the East to Alaska in the Northwest and to Texas in the South. The teams play a 59-game regular season, usually starting on the 2nd weekend in September and ending near mid-April (2020-21 season is exception, the season started in late 2020-early 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic ). The Champions of each division(not regular season) will play in Blaine, MN at

1820-579: The United States for four years prior. From its beginning in 1975, the NAHL was primarily a 6–12-team league based in the Midwest, known as the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League and changed the name to the North American Hockey League in 1984. The league's all-time leading scorer is Ryan Fultz who tallied 246 points in four seasons. Other notable alumni from the NAHL include Pat LaFontaine , Mike Modano , Doug Weight , Pat Peake , Brian Rolston , Brian Holzinger , Brian Rafalski , Todd Marchant , John Scott , Connor Hellebuyck , and George Parros . In 2003,

1872-496: The Western Conference Semi-Finals. It was the first time Rafalski missed the first three games of a series. The Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in a row, and met the Penguins again in a rematch of the previous years Stanley Cup Final, this time with the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup in Game Seven, after leading the series and having two chances to defend their title after their Game 5 win in Detroit . On May 25, 2011, Rafalski announced his retirement from

1924-406: The arrival of the major junior Flint Firebirds . The Soo Eagles announced they were returning to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League citing the lack of other local teams as they were the last remaining team in Michigan. The New Jersey Junior Titans organization bought the franchise from the Eagles and relocated to Middleton, New Jersey. The Eagles originally sought membership with the NAHL for

1976-445: The cause by scoring the first Red Wings goal on the power play in the first period of Game Six to help Detroit win the series. On January 1, 2009, Rafalski scored the game-winning goal for the Red Wings in the 2009 Winter Classic , the first NHL game played outdoors in Red Wings history. The Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks , 6–4. On May 5, 2009, Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock announced that Rafalski would miss Game 3 of

2028-463: The continued expansion of the East Division by adding the Northeast Generals of Attleboro, Massachusetts . The Generals organization also has a Tier III team in the North American 3 Hockey League (previously in the North American 3 Eastern Hockey League prior to the 2016 league merger). On April 8, 2016, the Shreveport Mudbugs were announced as an expansion team. 2017–18 season: The Wichita Falls Wildcats ceased operations after failing to find

2080-405: The defending champion Dallas Stars , helping defeat them in six games. Along with Calder Memorial Trophy -winning teammate Scott Gomez , he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team . Rafalski improved his production in his sophomore season, scoring 52 points. His 18 points during the 2001 playoffs set a team record for defensemen, and the Devils made the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in

2132-455: The end of the NAHL season. The trophy is awarded annually to the USA Hockey Tier II junior national playoff champion. The Cup is the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States and is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Chuck Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pool Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976 to 1983. As of

Oklahoma Warriors - Misplaced Pages Continue

2184-549: The league from the Superior International Junior Hockey League by purchasing dormant St. Louis Bandits franchise. The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees purchased the Wenatchee Wild franchise. The Fresno Monsters were relocated to become the second incarnation of the Wenatchee Wild and the Monsters returned to only fielding a team in the Western States Hockey League . The Jamestown Ironmen and Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings ceased operations. 2014–15 season: The Port Huron Fighting Falcons were relocated to Connellsville, Pennsylvania , to become

2236-465: The league merged with the now defunct America West Hockey League to form a 19-team league. The 2024–25 season has 35 teams playing in four divisions: Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a franchise relocation. See respective team articles from more information. 2006–07 season: Bozeman Icedogs , Billings Bulls , and Helena Bighorns left the league for the Northern Pacific Hockey League . Cleveland Jr. Barons were granted inactive status for

2288-453: The new team. The team will play at the Rochester Ice Center in the metropolitan suburb of Fairport, New York. The NAHL added another team to the East Division later in 2022-23 season, as the New Hampshire Mountain Kings were approved for their membership, making it the first time an NAHL team was located in New Hampshire . The team will be based out of the renovated Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hooksett, New Hampshire . The NAHL also introduced

2340-465: The other teams in their division until mid-April 2021 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions to Alaska. 2021–22 season: The Amarillo Bulls were relocated to Mason City, Iowa , as the North Iowa Bulls . The Kansas City Scouts were originally granted another season of dormancy, but were instead sold and relocated to Amarillo as the Amarillo Wranglers to begin play for the 2021–22 season. Corpus Christi, Jamestown, and Springfield returned after

2392-406: The play-in, which happens around early-to-mid April. The 3 seed will host the 6 seed for all 3 games*, as the 4th seed will also host the 5th seed for all 3 games*. The winner with the lowest seed will play the 1st seed, and the winner with the highest seed will play the 2nd seed. From there, the format is the same as the Midwest and Central. The Robertson Cup Championship is a playoff series held at

2444-484: The season. Wasilla Spirit changed names to Alaska Avalanche. Minnesota Blizzard became the Alexandria Blizzard. Texarkana Bandits moved to Chesterfield, Missouri , and became the St. Louis Bandits . Marquette Rangers were added to the league. 2007–08 season: Santa Fe Roadrunners moved to Topeka, Kansas , as the Topeka Roadrunners . The Kenai River Brown Bears started play in the league. 2008–09 season: The Southern Minnesota Express moved to Detroit and became

2496-410: The team's nickname from Machine to Metal Jackets. 2010–11 season: The NAHL Board of Governors accepted membership of several new teams in the league. The Fresno Monsters were awarded an expansion franchise. after having a team in the Tier III Junior A Western States Hockey League . The Corpus Christi IceRays were awarded a franchise formerly known as the Alpena IceDiggers. The Chicago Hitmen joined

2548-401: Was a vital part of a Devils defense that helped the team win the Stanley Cup in Game Seven of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in June 2003. On July 1, 2007, the Detroit Red Wings signed Rafalski to a $ 30 million, five-year contract as an unrestricted free agent. Rafalski had grown up in nearby Dearborn , Michigan , and had been a Red Wings fan growing up. He

2600-556: Was named to the WCHA First All-Star Team, the NCAA West All-Star Team and the WCHA Defenseman of the Year. With no immediate NHL prospects, however, Rafalski travelled overseas, spending the 1995–96 season with Brynäs IF of the Swedish Elitserien . After scoring only nine points in 22 games in Sweden, he then moved to Finland to play a season for HPK of the SM-liiga , scoring 35 points. He then moved to HIFK in 1997, where he spent two successful years. In his final year in Finland, he scored 19 goals and 53 points in 53 games, and won

2652-428: Was partnered on defense with Devils captain Scott Stevens . The two remained as mainstay defensive partners for five years, until Stevens' retirement in 2004. Rafalski finished his rookie season with 32 points and led all rookie defensemen in plus-minus with a +21 rating, second among Devils defensemen and tied for first amongst all rookie players. Rafalski helped the Devils advance to the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals against

SECTION 50

#1732790365547

2704-410: Was teamed with another legendary defenseman, Nicklas Lidström . Rafalski set a career high in goals (11) after scoring against the St. Louis Blues on March 5, 2008. He went on to score 13 goals for the season, amassing that amount in 73 games. On June 4, 2008, Rafalski helped lead the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup in six games over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. He helped

#546453